ESSA Bancorp, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2012 March (Form 10-Q)

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x	Quarterly Report Pursuant To Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

¨	Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File No. 001-33384

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Pennsylvania		20-8023072
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

200 Palmer Street, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania		18360
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

(570) 421-0531

(Registrant’s telephone number)

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such requirements for the past 90 days. YES x NO ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES x NO ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer” and “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES ¨ NO x

As of May 8, 2012 there were 12,109,622 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

FORM 10-Q

Table of Contents


		Page
Part I. Financial Information

Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited)		1

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		23

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		32

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		32

Part II. Other Information

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		33

Item 1A.	Risk Factors		33

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		33

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities		33

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		33

Item 5.	Other Information		33

Item 6.	Exhibits		34

Signature Page			35

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(UNAUDITED)


	March 31, 2012			September 30, 2011
	(dollars in thousands)
Cash and due from banks	$	6,432		$	9,801
Interest-bearing deposits with other institutions		16,633			31,893

Total cash and cash equivalents		23,065			41,694
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value		277,576			245,393
Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $8,098 and $8,170)		741,617			738,619
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost		15,236			16,882
Premises and equipment, net		11,384			11,494
Bank-owned life insurance		23,650			23,256
Foreclosed real estate		1,914			2,356
Intangible assets, net		1,663			1,825
Goodwill		40			40
Other assets		18,059			15,921

TOTAL ASSETS	$	1,114,204		$	1,097,480


LIABILITIES
Deposits	$	675,870		$	637,924
Short-term borrowings		10,000			4,000
Other borrowings		252,910			284,410
Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance		5,209			1,381
Other liabilities		8,185			8,086

TOTAL LIABILITIES		952,174			935,801


STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred Stock ($.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued)		—			—
Common stock ($.01 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized, 16,980,900 issued; 12,109,622 outstanding at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011)		170			170
Additional paid in capital		167,831			166,758
Unallocated common stock held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)		(11,212	)		(11,438	)
Retained earnings		67,664			67,215
Treasury stock, at cost; 4,871,278 shares at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011		(61,612	)		(61,612	)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income		(811	)		586

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		162,030			161,679

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	1,114,204		$	1,097,480

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)


	For the Three Months Ended March 31,					For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011			2012		2011
	(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
INTEREST INCOME
Loans receivable, including fees	$	9,145	$	9,795		$	18,486	$	19,639
Investment securities:
Taxable		1,628		2,016			3,266		3,938
Exempt from federal income tax		55		75			103		153
Other investment income		6		1			8		1

Total interest income		10,834		11,887			21,863		23,731


INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits		1,836		1,795			3,747		3,491
Short-term borrowings		6		23			11		45
Other borrowings		2,221		2,727			4,626		5,723

Total interest expense		4,063		4,545			8,384		9,259


NET INTEREST INCOME		6,771		7,342			13,479		14,472
Provision for loan losses		650		650			1,150		1,130


NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES		6,121		6,692			12,329		13,342


NONINTEREST INCOME
Service fees on deposit accounts		661		729			1,388		1,491
Services charges and fees on loans		200		145			384		355
Trust and investment fees		207		195			422		406
Gain on sale of investments, net		147		115			147		115
Gain on sale of loans, net		8		—			8		3
Earnings on Bank-owned life insurance		196		131			394		268
Insurance commissions		195		—			386		—
Other		9		8			18		20

Total noninterest income		1,623		1,323			3,147		2,658


NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Compensation and employee benefits		3,980		3,933			7,916		7,813
Occupancy and equipment		776		796			1,532		1,573
Professional fees		403		420			744		849
Data processing		507		481			989		930
Advertising		67		183			153		369
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) premiums		167		222			329		406
(Gain)/Loss on foreclosed real estate		40		(94	)		107		12
Merger related costs		227		—			376		—
Amortization of intangible assets		81		—			162		—
Other		626		514			1,228		1,141

Total noninterest expense		6,874		6,455			13,536		13,093

Income before income taxes		870		1,560			1,940		2,907
Income taxes		211		345			395		680


NET INCOME	$	659	$	1,215		$	1,545	$	2,227


Earnings per share
Basic	$	0.06	$	0.10		$	0.14	$	0.19
Diluted	$	0.06	$	0.10		$	0.14	$	0.19
Dividends per share	$	0.05	$	0.05		$	0.10	$	0.10

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)


	Common Stock
	Number of Shares		Amount		Additional Paid In Capital		Unallocated Common Stock Held by the ESOP			Retained Earnings			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance, September 30, 2011		12,109,622	$	170	$	166,758	$	(11,438	)	$	67,215		$	(61,612	)	$	586		$	161,679

Net income											1,545									1,545
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of income tax benefit of $801																	(1,554	)		(1,554	)
Change in unrecognized pension cost, net of income taxes of $81																	157			157
Cash dividends declared ($.10 per share)											(1,096	)								(1,096	)
Stock based compensation						1,065														1,065
Allocation of ESOP stock						8		226												234

Balance, March 31, 2012		12,109,622	$	170	$	167,831	$	(11,212	)	$	67,664		$	(61,612	)	$	(811	)	$	162,030

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)


	For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
	(dollars in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	1,545		$	2,227
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses		1,150			1,130
Provision for depreciation and amortization.		483			572
Amortization of discounts and premiums, net		812			668
Net gain on sale of investment securities		(147	)		(115	)
Gain on sale of loans, net		(8	)		(3	)
Origination of mortgage loans sold		(1,247	)		(97	)
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans originated for sale		1,255			100
Compensation expense on ESOP		234			291
Stock based compensation		1,065			1,094
Decrease in accrued interest receivable		277			194
Increase in accrued interest payable		(79	)		(164	)
Earnings on bank-owned life insurance		(394	)		(268	)
Deferred federal income taxes		392			(628	)
Decrease in prepaid FDIC premiums		298			372
Loss on foreclosed real estate, net		107			224
Amortization of intangible assets		162			—
Other, net		629			(434	)

Net cash provided by operating activities		6,534			5,163


INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment securities available for sale:
Proceeds from sale of investment securities		8,072			6,209
Proceeds from principal repayments and maturities		39,421			53,701
Purchases		(82,676	)		(64,739	)
Investment securities held to maturity:
Proceeds from sale of investment securities		—			643
Proceeds from principal repayments and maturities		—			2,174
Increase in loans receivable, net		(4,712	)		(15,895	)
Redemption of FHLB stock		1,646			2,021
Purchase of bank owned life insurance		—			(2,000	)
Investment in limited partnership		(2,619	)		—
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed real estate		879			192
Capital improvements to foreclosed real estate		—			(20	)
Purchase of premises, equipment, and software		(352	)		(271	)

Net cash used for investing activities		(40,431	)		(17,985	)


FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase in deposits, net		37,946			91,803
Net increase/(decrease) in short-term borrowings		6,000			(14,719	)
Proceeds from other borrowings		1,250			8,300
Repayment of other borrowings		(32,750	)		(57,000	)
Increase in advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance		3,828			2,951
Purchase of treasury shares.		—			(8,004	)
Dividends on common stock		(1,096	)		(1,190	)

Net cash provided by financing activities		15,178			22,141

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(18,629	)		9,319
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD		41,694			10,890

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	23,065		$	20,209


SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES
Cash Paid:
Interest	$	8,463		$	9,423
Income taxes		200			1,775
Noncash items:
Transfers from loans to foreclosed real estate		513			1,508
Treasury stock payable	$	—		$	472

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

1.	Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

The unaudited, consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), and its wholly owned subsidiary, ESSA Bank & Trust (the “Bank”), and the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, ESSACOR Inc, Pocono Investment Company and ESSA Advisory Services, LLC. The primary purpose of the Company is to act as a holding company for the Bank. The Company is subject to regulation and supervision as a savings and loan holding company by the Federal Reserve Board. The Bank is a Pennsylvania chartered savings association located in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. The Bank’s primary business consists of the taking of deposits and granting of loans to customers generally in Monroe, Northampton and Lehigh counties, Pennsylvania. The Bank is subject to regulation and supervision by the Pennsylvania Banking Department and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The investment in subsidiary on the parent company’s financial statements is carried at the parent company’s equity in the underlying net assets.

ESSACOR, Inc. is a Pennsylvania corporation that is currently inactive. Pocono Investment Company is a Delaware corporation formed as an investment company subsidiary to hold and manage certain investments, including certain intellectual property. ESSA Advisory Services, LLC is a Pennsylvania limited liability company owned 100 percent by ESSA Bank & Trust. ESSA Advisory Services, LLC is a full-service insurance benefits consulting company offering group services such as health insurance, life insurance, short term and long term disability, dental, vision and 401(k) retirement planning as well as individual health products. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods and are of a normal and recurring nature. Operating results for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2012.

2.	Earnings per Share

The following table sets forth the composition of the weighted-average common shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computation for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.


	Three months ended						Six Months Ended
	March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011			March 31, 2012			March 31, 2011
Weighted-average common shares outstanding		16,980,900			16,980,900			16,980,900			16,980,900
Average treasury stock shares		(4,871,278	)		(3,870,623	)		(4,871,278	)		(3,763,624	)
Average unearned ESOP shares		(1,114,661	)		(1,159,939	)		(1,120,351	)		(1,165,659	)
Average unearned non-vested shares		(154,357	)		(274,148	)		(160,244	)		(278,867	)

Weighted average common shares and common stock equivalents used to calculate basic earnings per share		10,840,604			11,676,190			10,829,027			11,772,750

Additional common stock equivalents (non-vested stock) used to calculate diluted earnings per share		—			—			—			—
Additional common stock equivalents (stock options) used to calculate diluted earnings per share		—			9,690			—			6,273

Weighted average common shares and common stock equivalents used to calculate diluted earnings per share		10,840,604			11,685,880			10,829,027			11,779,023

At March 31, 2012 and 2011 there were options to purchase 1,458,379 and 317,910 shares, respectively, of common stock outstanding at a price of $12.35 per share that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS

because to do so would have been anti-dilutive. At March 31, 2012 and 2011 there were 134,322 and 253,960 shares, respectively, of nonvested stock outstanding at a price of $12.35 per share that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because to do so would have been anti-dilutive.

3.	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The accounting principles followed by the Company and its subsidiaries and the methods of applying these principles conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and to general practice within the banking industry. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the Consolidated Balance Sheet date and related revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

4.	Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31						Six Months Ended March 31
	2012			2011			2012			2011

Net income	$	659		$	1,215		$	1,545		$	2,227


Unrealized loss on securities available for sale		(336	)		(385	)		(2,207	)		(4,638	)
Realized gains included in net income		(147	)		(115	)		(147	)		(115	)
Change in unrecognized pension cost		118			103			237			206


Other comprehensive loss before tax benefit		(365	)		(397	)		(2,117	)		(4,547	)
Income tax benefit related to comprehensive loss		(125	)		(135	)		(720	)		(1,546	)


Other comprehensive loss		(240	)		(262	)		(1,397	)		(3,001	)

Comprehensive income (loss)	$	419		$	953		$	148		$	(774	)

5.	Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2011-03, Transfers and Services (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements. The main objective in developing this Update is to improve the accounting for repurchase agreements (repos) and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity. The amendments in this Update remove from the assessment of effective control (1) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, and (2) the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The amendments in this Update apply to all entities, both public and nonpublic. The amendments affect all entities that enter into agreements to transfer financial assets that both entitle and obligate the transferor to repurchase or redeem the financial assets before their maturity. The guidance in this Update is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. Early adoption is not permitted. This ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. The amendments in this Update result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. Consequently, the amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The amendments in this Update are to be applied prospectively. For public entities, the amendments are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. For nonpublic entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early application by public entities is not permitted. The Company has presented the necessary disclosures in Note 12, herein.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The amendments in this Update improve the comparability, clarity, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. To increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income and to facilitate convergence of U.S. GAAP and IFRS, the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity was eliminated. The amendments require that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In the two-statement approach, the first statement should present total net income and its components followed consecutively by a second statement that should present total other comprehensive income, the components of other comprehensive income, and the total of comprehensive income. All entities that report items of comprehensive income, in any period presented, will be affected by the changes in this Update. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. For nonpublic entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2012, and interim and annual periods thereafter. The amendments in this Update should be applied retrospectively, and early adoption is permitted. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other Topics (Topic 350), Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The objective of this update is to simplify how entities, both public and nonpublic, test goodwill for impairment. The amendments in the Update permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. Under the amendments in this Update, an entity is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. The amendments in this Update apply to all entities, both public and nonpublic, that have goodwill reported in their financial statements and are effective for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed as of a date before September 15, 2011, if an entity’s financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued or, for nonpublic entities, have not yet been made available for issuance. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-09, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80): Disclosures about an Employer’s Participation in a Multiemployer Plan. The amendments in this Update will require additional disclosures about an employer’s participation in a multiemployer pension plan to enable users of financial statements to assess the potential cash flow implications relating to an employer’s participation in multiemployer pension plans. The disclosures also will indicate the financial health of all of the significant plans in which the employer participates and assist a financial statement user to access additional information that is available outside the financial statements. For public entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for annual periods for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. For nonpublic entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods of fiscal years ending after December 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The amendments should be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Derecognition of in Substance Real Estate-a Scope Clarification. The amendments in this Update affect entities that cease to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary that is in substance real estate as a result of default on the subsidiary’s nonrecourse debt. Under the amendments in this Update, when a parent (reporting entity) ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary that is in substance real estate as a result of default on the subsidiary’s nonrecourse debt, the reporting entity should apply the guidance in Subtopic 360-20 to determine whether it should derecognize the in substance real estate. Generally, a reporting entity would not satisfy the requirements to derecognize the in substance real estate before the legal transfer of the real estate to the lender and the extinguishment of the related nonrecourse indebtedness. That is, even if the reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest under Subtopic 810-10, the reporting entity would continue to include the real estate, debt, and the results of the subsidiary’s operations in its consolidated financial statements until legal title to the real

estate is transferred to legally satisfy the debt. The amendments in this Update should be applied on a prospective basis to deconsolidation events occurring after the effective date. Prior periods should not be adjusted even if the reporting entity has continuing involvement with previously derecognized in substance real estate entities. For public entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after June 15, 2012. For nonpublic entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2013, and interim and annual periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The amendments in this Update affect all entities that have financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either (1) offset in accordance with either Section 210-20-45 or Section 815-10-45 or (2) subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The requirements amend the disclosure requirements on offsetting in Section 210-20-50. This information will enable users of an entity’s financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity’s financial position, including the effect or potential effect of rights of setoff associated with certain financial instruments and derivative instruments in the scope of this Update. An entity is required to apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. An entity should provide the disclosures required by those amendments retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. In order to defer only those changes in Update 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments, the paragraphs in this Update supersede certain pending paragraphs in Update 2011-05. Entities should continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect before Update 2011-05. All other requirements in Update 2011-05 are not affected by this Update, including the requirement to report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. Public entities should apply these requirements for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Nonpublic entities should begin applying these requirements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2012, and interim and annual periods thereafter. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

6.	Investment Securities

The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities available for sale are summarized as follows (in thousands):


	March 31, 2012
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Available for Sale
Fannie Mae	$	121,399	$	3,236	$	(23	)	$	124,612
Freddie Mac		49,515		1,631		(65	)		51,081
Governmental National Mortgage Association		33,922		781		(36	)		34,667

Total mortgage-backed securities		204,836		5,648		(124	)		210,360
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		18,634		655		(43	)		19,246
U.S. government agency securities		39,210		214		(73	)		39,351
Corporate obligations		8,653		76		(134	)		8,595

Total debt securities		271,333		6,593		(374	)		277,552
Equity securities - financial services		12		12		—			24

Total	$	271,345	$	6,605	$	(374	)	$	277,576


	September 30, 2011
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
Available for Sale
Fannie Mae	$	118,945	$	4,618	$	(11	)	$	123,552
Freddie Mac		47,449		2,207		—			49,656
Governmental National Mortgage Association		30,247		802		(48	)		31,001

Total mortgage-backed securities		196,641		7,627		(59	)		204,209
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		13,760		789		(50	)		14,499
U.S. government agency securities		21,797		289		(3	)		22,083
Corporate obligations		4,598		26		(40	)		4,584

Total debt securities		236,796		8,731		(152	)		245,375
Equity securities - financial services		11		7		—			18

Total	$	236,807	$	8,738	$	(152	)	$	245,393

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities at March 31, 2012, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties (in thousands):


	Available For Sale
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	2,588	$	2,607
Due after one year through five years		23,440		23,546
Due after five years through ten years		61,507		62,608
Due after ten years		183,798		188,791

Total	$	271,333	$	277,552

For the three and six months ended March 31, 2012, the Company realized gross gains of $147,000 and proceeds from the sale of investment securities of $8.1 million. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2011, the Company realized gross gains of $148,000 and gross losses of $33,000 and proceeds from the sale of investment securities of $6.9 million.

7.	Unrealized Losses on Securities

The following table shows the Company’s gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands):


	March 31, 2012
			Less than Twelve Months					Twelve Months or Greater					Total
	Number of Securities		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses

Fannie Mae		4	$	6,648	$	(23	)	$	—	$	—		$	6,648	$	(23	)
Freddie Mac		4		7,548		(65	)		—		—			7,548		(65	)
Governmental National Mortgage Association		4		4,710		(24	)		1,884		(12	)		6,594		(36	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		5		2,962		(43	)		—		—			2,962		(43	)
U.S. government agency securities		8		14,598		(73	)		—		—			14,598		(73	)
Corporate obligations		8		3,931		(134	)		—		—			3,931		(134	)

Total		33	$	40,397	$	(362	)	$	1,884	$	(12	)	$	42,281	$	(374	)


	September 30, 2011
			Less than Twelve Months					Twelve Months or Greater					Total
	Number of Securities		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses

Fannie Mae		3	$	5,156	$	(11	)	$	—	$	—		$	5,156	$	(11	)
Governmental National Mortgage Association		4		2,723		(11	)		4,440		(37	)		7,163		(48	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		2		1,403		(50	)		—		—			1,403		(50	)
U.S. government agency securities		2		3,045		(3	)		—		—			3,045		(3	)
Corporate obligations		3		1,460		(40	)		—		—			1,460		(40	)

Total		14	$	13,787	$	(115	)	$	4,440	$	(37	)	$	18,227	$	(152	)

The Company’s investment securities portfolio contains unrealized losses on securities, including mortgage-related instruments issued or backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, or generally viewed as having the implied guarantee of the U.S. government, debt obligations of a U.S. state or political subdivision and corporate debt obligations.

The Company reviews its position quarterly and has asserted that at March 31, 2012, the declines outlined in the above table represent temporary declines and the Company would not be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery in market value.

The Company has concluded that any impairment of its investment securities portfolio is not other than temporary but is the result of interest rate changes that are not expected to result in the non-collection of principal and interest during the period.

8.	Loans Receivable, Net and Allowance for Loan Losses

Loans receivable consist of the following (in thousands):


	March 31, 2012		September 30, 2011
Real Estate Loans:
Residential	$	590,299	$	583,599
Construction		1,904		691
Commercial		79,424		79,362
Commercial		8,580		14,766
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		29,175		25,869
Home equity loans and lines of credit		38,261		40,484
Other		2,072		2,018

		749,715		746,789
Less allowance for loan losses		8,098		8,170

Net loans	$	741,617	$	738,619


	Real Estate Loans						Commercial Loans		Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions		Home Equity and Lines of Credit		Other Loans		Total
	Residential		Construction		Commercial		Commercial Loans		Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions		Home Equity and Lines of Credit		Other Loans		Total
			(dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2012
Total Loans	$	590,299	$	1,904	$	79,424	$	8,580	$	29,175	$	38,261	$	2,072	$	749,715

Individually evaluated for impairment		5,902		—		12,296		355		—		208		—		18,761
Collectively evaluated for impairment		584,397		1,904		67,128		8,225		29,175		38,053		2,072		730,954


	Real Estate Loans						Commercial Loans		Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions		Home Equity and Lines of Credit		Other Loans		Total
	Residential		Construction		Commercial		Commercial Loans		Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions		Home Equity and Lines of Credit		Other Loans		Total
			(dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2011
Total Loans	$	583,599	$	691	$	79,362	$	14,766	$	25,869	$	40,484	$	2,018	$	746,789

Individually evaluated for impairment		5,441		—		11,916		490		—		314		58		18,219
Collectively evaluated for impairment		578,158		691		67,446		14,276		25,869		40,170		1,960		728,570

We maintain a loan review system, that allows for a periodic review of our loan portfolio and the early identification of potential impaired loans. Such system takes into consideration, among other things, delinquency status, size of loans, type and market value of collateral and financial condition of the borrowers. Specific loan loss allowances are established for identified losses based on a review of such information. A loan evaluated for impairment is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. All loans identified as impaired are evaluated independently. We do not aggregate such loans for evaluation purposes. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and construction loans by the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential mortgage loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are part of a larger relationship that is impaired, or are classified as a troubled debt restructuring.

A loan is considered to be a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) loan when the Company grants a concession to the borrower because of the borrower’s financial condition that it would not otherwise consider. Such concessions include the reduction of interest rates, forgiveness of principal or interest, or other modifications of interest rates that are less than the current market rate for new obligations with similar risk. TDR loans that are in compliance with their modified terms and that yield a market rate may be removed from the TDR status after a period of performance.

The following table includes the recorded investment and unpaid principal balances for impaired loans with the associated allowance amount, if applicable. Also presented are the average recorded investments in the impaired loans and the related amount of interest recognized during the time within the period that the impaired loans were impaired.


	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Associated Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
March 31, 2012
With no specific allowance recorded:
Real Estate Loans
Residential	$	1,974	$	1,975	$	—	$	4,131	$	—
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Commercial		10,076		10,039		—		10,486		—
Commercial		181		181		—		202		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		—		—		—		—
Home equity loans and lines of credit		195		195		—		261		—
Other		—		—		—		41		—

Total		12,426		12,390		—		15,121		—

With an allowance recorded:
Real Estate Loans
Residential		3,928		3,937		380		1,344		—
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Commercial		2,220		2,216		713		2,147		—
Commercial		174		173		98		135		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		—		—		—		—
Home equity loans and lines of credit		13		13		6		14		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—

Total		6,335		6,339		1,197		3,640		—

Total:
Real Estate Loans
Residential		5,902		5,912		380		5,475		—
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Commercial		12,296		12,255		713		12,633		—
Commercial		355		354		98		337		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		—		—		—		—
Home equity loans and lines of credit		208		208		6		275		—
Other		—		—		—		41		—

Total Impaired Loans	$	18,761	$	18,729	$	1,197	$	18,761	$	—


	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Associated Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
September 30, 2011
With no specific allowance recorded:
Real Estate Loans
Residential	$	2,623	$	2,621	$	—	$	3,397	$	—
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Commercial		9,557		9,501		—		3,375		41
Commercial		225		220		—		123		5
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		—		—		—		—
Home equity loans and lines of credit		126		126		—		95		—
Other		58		58		—		58		—

Total		12,589		12,526		—		7,048		46

With an allowance recorded:
Real Estate Loans
Residential		2,818		2,811		475		2,257		—
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Commercial		2,359		2,297		466		1,279		60
Commercial		265		263		101		36		3
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		—		—		—		—
Home equity loans and lines of credit		188		188		118		98		—
Other		—		—		—		—		—

Total		5,630		5,559		1,160		3,670		63

Total:
Real Estate Loans
Residential		5,441		5,432		475		5,654		—
Construction		—		—		—		—		—
Commercial		11,916		11,798		466		4,654		101
Commercial		490		483		101		159		8
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		—		—		—		—
Home equity loans and lines of credit		314		314		118		193		—
Other		58		58		—		58		—

Total Impaired Loans	$	18,219	$	18,085	$	1,160	$	10,718	$	109

Management uses a ten point internal risk rating system to monitor the credit quality of the overall loan portfolio. The first six categories are considered not criticized, and are aggregated as “Pass” rated. The criticized rating categories utilized by management generally follow bank regulatory definitions. The Special Mention category includes assets that are currently protected but are potentially weak, resulting in an undue and unwarranted credit risk, but not to the point of justifying a Substandard classification. Loans in the Substandard category have well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt, and have a distinct possibility that some loss will be sustained if the weaknesses are not corrected. All loans greater than 90 days past due are considered Substandard. The portion of any loan that represents a specific allocation of the allowance for loan losses is placed in the Doubtful category. Any portion of a loan that has been charged off is placed in the Loss category.

To help ensure that risk ratings are accurate and reflect the present and future capacity of borrowers to repay a loan as agreed, the Bank has a structured loan rating process with several layers of internal and external oversight. Generally, consumer and residential mortgage loans are included in the Pass categories unless a specific action, such as bankruptcy, repossession, or death occurs to raise awareness of a possible credit event. The Bank’s Commercial Loan Officers are responsible for the timely and accurate risk rating of the loans in their portfolios at origination and on an ongoing basis. The Bank’s Commercial Loan Officers perform an annual review of all commercial relationships $250,000 or greater. Confirmation of the appropriate risk grade is included in the review on an ongoing basis. The Bank engages an external consultant to conduct loan reviews on at least a semi-annual basis. Generally, the external consultant reviews commercial relationships greater than $500,000 and/or all criticized relationships. Detailed reviews, including plans for resolution, are performed on loans classified as Substandard on a quarterly basis. Loans in the Special Mention and Substandard categories that are collectively evaluated for impairment are given separate consideration in the determination of the allowance.

The following tables present the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aggregate Pass and the criticized categories of Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful within the internal risk rating system as of March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 (in thousands):


March 31, 2012	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Commercial real estate loans	$	66,920	$	—	$	11,791	$	713	$	79,424
Commercial		8,227		—		255		98		8,580
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		29,175		—		—		—		29,175

Total	$	104,322	$	—	$	12,046	$	811	$	117,179


September 30, 2011	Pass		Special Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Total
Commercial real estate loans	$	65,214	$	—	$	13,682	$	466	$	79,362
Commercial		13,781		48		806		131		14,766
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		25,869		—		—		—		25,869

Total	$	104,864	$	48	$	14,488	$	597	$	119,997

All other loans are underwritten and structured using standardized criteria and characteristics, primarily payment performance, and are normally risk rated and monitored collectively on a monthly basis. These are typically loans to individuals in the consumer categories and are delineated as either performing or non-performing. The following tables present the risk ratings in the consumer categories of performing and non-performing loans at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 (in thousands):


	Performing		Non-performing		Total
March 31, 2012
Real estate loans:
Residential	$	579,893	$	10,406	$	590,299
Construction		1,904		—		1,904
Home Equity loans and lines of credit		37,810		451		38,261
Other		2,072		—		2,072

Total	$	621,679	$	10,857	$	632,536


	Performing		Non-performing		Total
September 30, 2011
Real estate loans:
Residential	$	576,745	$	6,854	$	583,599
Construction		691		—		691
Home Equity loans and lines of credit		40,236		248		40,484
Other		1,957		61		2,018

Total	$	619,629	$	7,163	$	626,792

Management further monitors the performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio by analyzing the age of the portfolio as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due. The following tables present the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aging categories of performing loans and nonaccrual loans as of March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 (in thousands):

		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000
	Current		31-60 Days Past Due		61-90 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days Past Due and still accruing		Non-Accrual		Total Past Due and Non-Accrual		Total Loans
March 31, 2012
Real estate loans
Residential	$	578,407	$	418	$	1,068	$	—	$	10,406	$	11,892	$	590,299
Construction		1,904		—		—		—		—		—		1,904
Commercial		76,205		98		—		—		3,121		3,219		79,424
Commercial		8,304		—		—		—		276		276		8,580
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		29,175		—		—		—		—		—		29,175
Home equity loans and lines of credit		37,543		266		1		—		451		718		38,261
Other		2,060		5		7		—		—		12		2,072

Total	$	733,598	$	787	$	1,076	$	—	$	14,254	$	16,117	$	749,715

		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000		00000000
	Current		31-60 Days Past Due		61-90 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days Past Due and still accruing		Non-Accrual		Total Past Due and Non-Accrual		Total Loans
September 30, 2011
Real estate loans
Residential	$	573,229	$	2,588	$	928	$	—	$	6,854	$	10,370	$	583,599
Construction		691		—		—		—		—		—		691
Commercial		75,438		422		—		—		3,502		3,924		79,362
Commercial		14,459		—		1		—		306		307		14,766
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		25,869		—		—		—		—		—		25,869
Home equity loans and lines of credit		39,952		97		187		—		248		532		40,484
Other		1,950		5		2		—		61		68		2,018

Total	$	731,588	$	3,112	$	1,118	$	—	$	10,971	$	15,201	$	746,789

Our allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level necessary to absorb loan losses that are both probable and reasonably estimable. Management, in determining the allowance for loan losses, considers the losses inherent in its loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of loan activities, along with the general economic and real estate market conditions. Our allowance for loan losses consists of two elements: (1) an allocated allowance, which comprises allowances established on specific loans and class allowances based on historical loss experience and current trends, and (2) an allocated allowance based on general economic conditions and other risk factors in our markets and portfolios. We maintain a loan review system, which allows for a periodic review of our loan portfolio and the early identification of potential impaired loans. Such system takes into consideration, among other things, delinquency status, size of loans, type and market value of collateral and financial condition of the borrowers. General loan loss allowances are based upon a combination of factors including, but not limited to, actual loan loss experience, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, management’s judgment and losses which are probable and reasonably estimable. The allowance is increased through provisions charged against current earnings and recoveries of previously charged-off loans. Loans that are determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance. While management uses available information to recognize probable and reasonably estimable loan losses, future loss provisions may be necessary, based on changing economic conditions. Payments received on impaired loans generally are either applied against principal or reported as interest income, according to management’s judgment as to the collectability of principal. The allowance for loan losses as of March 31, 2012 is maintained at a level that represents management’s best estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio, and such losses were both probable and reasonably estimable.

In addition, the FDIC and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking, as an integral part of their examination process, have periodically reviewed our allowance for loan losses. The banking regulators may require that we recognize additions to the allowance based on its analysis and review of information available to it at the time of its examination.

Management reviews the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis using a defined, consistently applied process in order to make appropriate and timely adjustments to the ALL. When information confirms all or part of specific loans to be uncollectible, these amounts are promptly charged off against the ALL.

The following table summarizes the primary segments of the ALL, segregated into the amount required for loans individually evaluated for impairment and the amount required for loans collectively evaluated for impairment as of March 31, 2012 (in thousands):


	Real Estate Loans
	Residential			Construction			Commercial			Commercial Loans			Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions		Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit			Other Loans			Unallocated			Total
ALL balance at September 30, 2011	$	5,220		$	8		$	1,255		$	500		$	74	$	622		$	80		$	411		$	8,170
Charge-offs		(682	)		—			(345	)		—			—		(246	)		(9	)		—			(1,282	)
Recoveries		33			—			5			20			—		—			2			—			60
Provision		1,048			—			517			(177	)		7		93			62			(400	)		1,150

ALL balance at March 31, 2012	$	5,619		$	8		$	1,432		$	343		$	81	$	469		$	135		$	11		$	8,098

ALL balance at September 30, 2010		4,462			15			1,556			204			—		569			22			620			7,448
Charge-offs		(314	)		—			—			(132	)		—		(101	)		—			—			(547	)
Recoveries		83			—			—			1			—		14			—			—			98
Provision		811			(7	)		(135	)		274			—		152			2			33			1,130

ALL balance at March 31, 2011	$	5,042		$	8		$	1,421		$	347		$	—	$	634		$	24		$	653		$	8,129

Individually evaluated for impairment		380			—			713			98			—		6			—			—			1,197
Collectively evaluated for impairment		5,239			8			719			245			81		463			135			11			6,901

ALL balance at March 31, 2012	$	5,619		$	8		$	1,432		$	343		$	81	$	469		$	135		$	11		$	8,098

Individually evaluated for impairment		475			—			466			101			—		118			—			—			1,160
Collectively evaluated for impairment		4,745			8			789			399			74		504			80			411			7,010

ALL balance at September 30, 2011	$	5,220		$	8		$	1,255		$	500		$	74	$	622		$	80		$	411		$	8,170

The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates, and actual losses will vary from current estimates. Management believes that the granularity of the homogeneous pools and the related historical loss ratios and other qualitative factors, as well as the consistency in the application of assumptions, result in an ALL that is representative of the risk found in the components of the portfolio at any given date. The Company allocated increased provisions to the residential real estate, commercial real estate, other loans and home equity loans and lines of credit segments for the six month period ending March 31, 2012 due to increased charge off activity in those segments. Despite the above allocations, the allowance for loan losses is general in nature and is available to absorb losses from any loan segment.

The following is a summary of troubled debt restructuring granted during the past three and six months.


	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Number of Contracts		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Real estate loans:
Residential		6	$	965	$	879
Construction		—		—		—
Commercial		1		147		146
Commercial		—		—		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		—		—
Home equity loans and lines of credit		1		42		42
Other		—		—		—

Total		8	$	1,154	$	1,067


	For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Number of Contracts		Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment		Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Real estate loans:
Residential		7	$	1,284	$	1,198
Construction		—		—		—
Commercial		6		1,761		1,745
Commercial		3		217		212
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		—		—
Home equity loans and lines of credit		1		42		42
Other		—		—		—

Total		17	$	3,304	$	3,197

The following is a summary of troubled debt restructurings that have subsequently defaulted within one year of modification.


	For the Twelve Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Number of Contracts		Recorded Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Real estate loans:
Residential		1	$	88
Construction		—		—
Commercial		2		98
Commercial		—		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		—
Home equity loans and lines of credit		1		36
Other		—		—

Total		4	$	222

9.	Deposits

Deposits consist of the following major classifications (in thousands):


	March 31, 2012		September 30, 2011
Non-interest bearing demand accounts	$	36,348	$	33,296
NOW accounts		64,074		65,074
Money market accounts		110,279		114,617
Savings and club accounts		80,283		73,058
Certificates of deposit		384,886		351,879

Total	$	675,870	$	637,924

10.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost-Defined Benefit Plan

For a detailed disclosure on the Bank’s pension and employee benefits plans, please refer to Note 13 of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended September 30, 2011 included in the Company’s Form 10-K.

The following table comprises the components of net periodic benefit cost for the periods ended (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Service Cost	$	150		$	134		$	299		$	267
Interest Cost		178			175			356			349
Expected return on plan assets		(204	)		(193	)		(407	)		(385	)
Amortization of prior service cost		—			2			—			4
Amortization of unrecognized loss		118			101			237			202

Net periodic benefit cost	$	242		$	219		$	485		$	437

The Bank plans to contribute $400,000 to its pension plan in May 2012.

11.

Equity Incentive Plan

The Company maintains the ESSA Bancorp, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan provides for a total of 2,377,326 shares of common stock for issuance upon the grant or exercise of awards. Of the shares available under the Plan, 1,698,090 may be issued in connection with the exercise of stock options and 679,236 may be issued as restricted stock. The Plan allows for the granting of non-qualified stock options (“NSOs”), incentive stock options (“ISOs”), and restricted stock. Options are granted at no less than the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant.

Certain officers, employees and outside directors were granted in aggregate 1,140,469 NSOs; 317,910 ISOs; and 590,320 shares of restricted stock. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for Share-Based Payments, the Company expenses the fair value of all share-based compensation grants over the requisite service periods.

The Company classifies share-based compensation for employees and outside directors within “Compensation and employee benefits” in the consolidated statement of income to correspond with the same line item as compensation paid. Additionally, generally accepted accounting principles require the Company to report: (1) the expense associated with the grants as an adjustment to operating cash flows and (2) any benefits of realized tax deductions in excess of previously recognized tax benefits on compensation expense as a financing cash flow.

Stock options vest over a five-year service period and expire ten years after grant date. The Company recognizes compensation expense for the fair values of these awards, which vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards.

Restricted shares vest over a five-year service period. The product of the number of shares granted and the grant date market price of the Company’s common stock determines the fair value of restricted shares under the Company’s restricted stock plan. The Company recognizes compensation expense for the fair value of restricted shares on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.

For the six months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded $1.1 million of share-based compensation expense, respectively, comprised of stock option expense of $344,000 and restricted stock expense of $722,000 for the March 31, 2012 period and stock option expense of $362,000 and restricted stock expense of $732,000 for the March 31, 2011 period. Expected future expense relating to the 577,352 non-vested options outstanding as of March 31, 2012, is $802,000 over the remaining vesting period of 1.17 years. Expected future compensation expense relating to the 234,425 restricted shares at March 31, 2012, is $1.7 million over the remaining vesting period of 1.17 years.

The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for its option grants for the three month period ended March 31, 2012.


	Number of Stock Options		Weighted- average Exercise Price		Weighted- average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding, September 30, 2011		1,458,379	$	12.35		6.67	$	—
Granted		—		—		—		—
Exercised		—		—		—		—
Forfeited		—		—		—		—
Outstanding, March 31, 2012		1,458,379	$	12.35		6.17	$	—

Exercisable at March 31, 2012		881,027	$	12.35		6.17	$	—

The weighted-average grant date fair value of the Company’s non-vested options as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $2.38.

The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock as of March 31, 2012, and changes therein during the three month period then ended:


	Number of Restricted Stock		Weighted- average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at September 30, 2011		234,425	$	12.35
Granted		—		—
Vested		—		—
Forfeited		—		—

Nonvested at March 31, 2012		234,425	$	12.35

12.

Fair Value Measurement

The following disclosures show the hierarchal disclosure framework associated within the level of pricing observations utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. The definition of fair value maintains the exchange price notion in earlier definitions of fair value but focuses on the exit price of the asset or liability. The exit price is the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability adjusted for certain inherent risks and restrictions. Expanded disclosures are also required about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities.

The following table presents information about the Company’s securities, other real estate owned and impaired loans measured at fair value as of March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011 and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Bank to determine such fair value:

		000000000000		000000000000		000000000000		000000000000
Fair Value Measurement at March 31, 2012
Fair Value Measurements Utilized for the Company’s Financial Assets (in thousands):	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Balances as of March 31, 2012
Securities available-for-sale measured on a recurring basis
Mortgage backed securities	$	—	$	210,360	$	—	$	210,360
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		19,246		—		19,246
U.S. government agencies		—		39,351		—		39,351
Corporate obligations		—		8,595		—		8,595
Equity securities (financial services)		24		—		—		24

Total debt and equity securities	$	24	$	277,552	$	—	$	277,576
Foreclosed real estate owned measured on a non-recurring basis	$	—	$	—	$	1,914	$	1,914
Impaired loans measured on a non-recurring basis	$	—	$	—	$	17,564	$	17,564

		000000000000		000000000000		000000000000		000000000000
Fair Value Measurement at September 30, 2011
Fair Value Measurements Utilized for the Company’s Financial Assets (in thousands):	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)		Balances as of September 30, 2011
Securities available-for-sale measured on a recurring basis
Mortgage backed securities	$	—	$	204,209	$	—	$	204,209
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		14,499		—		14,499
U.S. government agencies		—		22,083		—		22,083
Corporate obligations		—		4,584		—		4,584
Equity securities (financial services)		18		—		—		18

Total debt and equity securities	$	18	$	245,375	$	—	$	245,393
Foreclosed real estate owned measured on a non-recurring basis	$	—	$	—	$	2,356	$	2,356
Impaired loans measured on a non-recurring basis	$	—	$	—	$	17,059	$	17,059

As required by GAAP, each financial asset and liability must be identified as having been valued according to specified level of input, 1, 2 or 3. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Bank has the ability to access at the measurement date. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy, within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls, has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset.

The measurement of fair value should be consistent with one of the following valuation techniques: market approach, income approach, and/or cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities (including a business). For example, valuation techniques consistent with the market approach often use market multiples derived from a set of comparables. Multiples might lie in ranges with a different multiple for each comparable. The selection of where within the range the appropriate multiple falls requires judgment, considering factors specific to the measurement (qualitative and quantitative). Valuation techniques consistent with the market approach include matrix pricing. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique used principally to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on a security’s relationship to other benchmark quoted securities. Most of the securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quoted market spreads, cash flows, the U.S.

Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things. Securities reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs are limited to actively traded equity securities whose market price is readily available from the New York Stock Exchange or the NASDAQ exchange. Foreclosed real estate is measured at fair value, less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell. Income and expenses from operations and changes in valuation allowance are included in the net expenses from foreclosed real estate. Impaired loans are reported at fair value utilizing level three inputs. For these loans, a review of the collateral is conducted and an appropriate allowance for loan losses is allocated to the loan. At March 31, 2012, 93 impaired loans with a carrying value of $18.8 million were reduced by specific valuation allowance totaling $1.2 million resulting in a net fair value of $17.6 million based on Level 3 inputs.

The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:


	Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(unaudited, in thousands)	Fair Value Estimate		Valuation Techniques	Unobservable Input	Range

March 31, 2012:
Impaired loans		17,564	Appraisal of collateral (1)	Appraisal adjustments (2)	0% to 30%
Foreclosed real estate owned		1,914	Appraisal of collateral (1), (3)

(1)	Fair value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which generally include various level 3 inputs which are not identifiable.

(2)	Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses. The range of liquidation expenses and other appraisal adjustments are presented as a percent of the appraisal.

(3)	Includes qualitative adjustments by management and estimated liquidation expenses.

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair values presented represent the Company’s best estimate of fair value using the methodologies discussed below.


	March 31, 2012
	Level I		Level II		Level III		Total Fair Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	23,065	$	—	$	—	$	23,065
Investment and mortgage backed securities Available for sale		24		277,552		—		277,576
Loans receivable, net		—		—		770,605		770,605
Accrued interest receivable		3,916		—		—		3,916
FHLB stock		15,236		—		—		15,236
Mortgage servicing rights		—		—		186		186
Bank owned life insurance		23,650		—		—		23,650

Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	282,603	$	—	$	393,252	$	675,855
Short-term borrowings		10,000		—		—		10,000
Other borrowings		—		—		263,126		263,126
Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance		5,209		—		—		5,209
Accrued interest payable		1,406		—		—		1,406


	March 31, 2012				September 30, 2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	23,065	$	23,065	$	41,694	$	41,694
Investment securities available for sale		277,576		277,576		245,393		245,393
Loans receivable, net		741,617		770,605		738,619		773,142
Accrued interest receivable		3,916		3,916		4,193		4,193
FHLB stock		15,236		15,236		16,882		16,882
Mortgage servicing rights		186		186		248		248
Bank owned life insurance		23,650		23,650		23,256		23,256

Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	675,870	$	675,855	$	637,924	$	647,090
Short-term borrowings		10,000		10,000		4,000		4,000
Other borrowings		252,910		263,126		284,410		296,324
Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance		5,209		5,209		1,381		1,381
Accrued interest payable		1,406		1,406		1,485		1,485

Financial instruments are defined as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract which creates an obligation or right to receive or deliver cash or another financial instrument from/to a second entity on potentially favorable or unfavorable terms.

Fair value is defined as the amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties other than in a forced or liquidation sale. If a quoted market price is available for a financial instrument, the fair value would be calculated based upon the market price per trading unit of the instrument.

If no readily available market exists, the fair value for financial instruments should be based upon management’s judgment regarding current economic conditions, interest rate risk, expected cash flows, future estimated losses, and other factors as determined through various option pricing formulas or simulation modeling.

As many of these assumptions result from judgments made by management based upon estimates which are inherently uncertain, the resulting values may not be indicative of the amount realizable in the sale of a particular financial instrument. In addition, changes in the assumptions on which the values are based may have a significant impact on the resulting estimated values.

As certain assets and liabilities, such as deferred tax assets, premises and equipment, and many other operational elements of the Bank, are not considered financial instruments but have value, this fair value of financial instruments would not represent the full market value of the Company.

The Company employed simulation modeling in determining the fair value of financial instruments for which quoted market prices were not available based upon the following assumptions:

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accrued Interest Receivable, Short-Term Borrowings, Advances by Borrowers for Taxes and Insurance, and Accrued Interest Payable

The fair value approximates the current book value.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

The fair value is equal to the cash surrender value of the Bank-owned life insurance.

Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities Available for Sale and FHLB Stock

The fair value of investment and mortgage-backed securities available for sale is equal to the available quoted market price. If no quoted market price is available, fair value is estimated using the quoted market price for similar securities. Since the FHLB stock is not actively traded on a secondary market and held exclusively by member financial institutions, the fair market value approximates the carrying amount.

Loans Receivable, Deposits, Other Borrowings, and Mortgage Servicing Rights

The fair values for loans and mortgage servicing rights are estimated by discounting contractual cash flows and adjusting for prepayment estimates. Discount rates are based upon market rates generally charged for such loans with similar characteristics. Demand, savings, and money market deposit accounts are valued at the amount payable on demand as of quarter-end. Fair values for time deposits and other borrowings are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies contractual costs currently being offered in the existing portfolio to current market rates being offered for deposits and borrowings of similar remaining maturities.

Commitments to Extend Credit

These financial instruments are generally not subject to sale, and fair values are not readily available. The carrying value, represented by the net deferred fee arising from the unrecognized commitment, and the fair value, determined by discounting the remaining contractual fee over the term of the commitment using fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements with similar credit risk, are not considered material for disclosure.

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward Looking Statements

This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of such words as estimate, project, believe, intend, anticipate, plan, seek, expect and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include:

•

statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;

•

statements regarding our business plans and prospects and growth and operating strategies;

•

statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and

•

estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.

By identifying these forward-looking statements for you in this manner, we are alerting you to the possibility that our actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, those discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1A of this Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the following factors:

•

significantly increased competition among depository and other financial institutions;

•

inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments;

•

general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected;

•

adverse changes in the securities markets;

•

legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business;

•

our ability to enter new markets successfully and take advantage of growth opportunities, and the possible short-term dilutive effect of potential acquisitions or de novo branches, if any;

•

changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;

•

changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies and the Financial Accounting Standards Board; and

•

changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans.

These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011

Total Assets. Total assets increased by $16.7 million, or 1.52%, to $1,114.2 million at March 31, 2012 from $1,097.5 million at September 30, 2011. This increase was primarily due to increases in investment securities available for sale offset, in part, by decreases in interest bearing deposits with other institutions.

Interest-Bearing Deposits with Other Institutions. Interest-bearing deposits with other institutions decreased $15.3 million, or 47.9%, to $16.6 million at March 31, 2012 from $31.9 million at September 30, 2011. This decrease was primarily the result of the increase in purchases of investment securities available for sale along with loan growth at March 31, 2012 from September 30, 2011.

Net Loans. Net loans increased $3.0 million, or 0.4%, to $741.6 million at March 31, 2012 from $738.6 million at September 30, 2011. The increase in net loans receivable was primarily attributed to an increase in residential real estate loans. During this period, residential real estate loans outstanding increased by $6.7 million to $590.3 million. Construction loans increased $1.2 million to $1.9 million, commercial real estate loans increased $62,000 to $79.4 million, obligations of states and political subdivisions increased $3.3 million to $29.2 million and other loans increased $54,000 to $2.1 million. These increases were partially offset by decreases in commercial loans outstanding of $6.2 million to $8.6 million and home equity loans and lines of credit outstanding of $2.2 million to $38.3 million.

Investment Securities Available for Sale. Investment securities available for sale increased $32.2 million, or 13.1%, to $277.6 million at March 31, 2012 from $245.4 million at September 30, 2011. The increase was due primarily to increases in the Company’s U.S. Government agency securities portfolio of $17.3 million and in its mortgage-backed securities portfolio of $6.2 million.

Deposits. Deposits increased $37.9 million, or 6.0%, to $675.9 million at March 31, 2012 from $637.9 million at September 30, 2011. At March 31, 2012 compared to September 30, 2011, certificate of deposit accounts increased $33.0 million to $384.9 million, non-interest bearing demand accounts increased $3.1 million to $36.3 million and savings and club accounts increased $7.2 million to $80.3 million. These increases were offset in part during the same period by decreases in NOW accounts of $1.0 million to $64.1 million and money market accounts of $4.3 million to $110.3 million. Included in the certificates of deposit at March 31, 2012 was an increase in brokered certificates of $25.8 million to $146.7 million. The increase in brokered certificates was the result of the Company’s decision to replace maturing FHLBank Pittsburgh borrowings with lower priced brokered certificates of deposit.

Borrowed Funds. Borrowed funds decreased by $25.5 million, or 8.8%, to $262.9 million at March 31, 2012, from $288.4 million at September 30, 2011. The decrease in borrowed funds was primarily due to maturities of FHLBank Pittsburgh borrowings.

Stockholders’ Equity. Stockholders’ equity increased by $351,000, or 0.2%, to $162.0 million at March 31, 2012 from $161.7 million at September 30, 2011. This increase was primarily the result of net income of $1.5 million which was partially offset by a decline in accumulated other comprehensive income of $1.4 million to $(811,000) at March 31, 2012 from $586,000 at September 30, 2011.

Average Balance Sheets for the Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

The following tables set forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the periods indicated. All average balances are daily average balances, the yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees and discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income.


	For the Three Months Ended March 31
	2012									2011
	Average Balance			Interest Income/ Expense			Yield/Cost			Average Balance			Interest Income/ Expense			Yield/Cost
	(dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)	$	749,029		$	9,145			4.95	%	$	756,105		$	9,795			5.25	%
Investment securities
Taxable (2)		44,714			237			2.15	%		44,739			234			2.12	%
Exempt from federal income tax (2) (3)		9,342			55			3.62	%		6,649			75			6.93	%

Total investment securities		54,056			292			2.40	%		51,388			309			2.74	%
Mortgage-backed securities		206,015			1,391			2.74	%		210,447			1,782			3.43	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		15,706			4			0.10	%		19,292			—			0.00	%
Other		18,006			2			0.05	%		6,603			1			0.06	%

Total interest-earning assets		1,042,812			10,834			4.22	%		1,043,835			11,887			4.63	%
Allowance for loan losses		(8,517	)								(7,857	)
Noninterest-earning assets		62,313									54,515

Total assets	$	1,096,608								$	1,090,493


Interest-bearing liabilities:
NOW accounts	$	58,027			4			0.03	%	$	56,376			6			0.04	%
Money market accounts		109,103			76			0.28	%		119,474			155			0.53	%
Savings and club accounts		73,493			20			0.11	%		67,972			48			0.29	%
Certificates of deposit		373,864			1,736			1.88	%		326,236			1,586			1.97	%
Borrowed funds		273,273			2,227			3.31	%		312,757			2,750			3.57	%

Total interest-bearing liabilities	$	887,760		$	4,063			1.86	%	$	882,815		$	4,545			2.09	%
Non-interest bearing NOW accounts		32,814									28,766
Noninterest-bearing liabilities		13,086									11,685

Total liabilities		933,660									923,266
Equity		162,948									167,227

Total liabilities and equity	$	1,096,608								$	1,090,493


Net interest income				$	6,771								$	7,342

Interest rate spread								2.36	%								2.54	%
Net interest-earning assets	$	155,052								$	161,020

Net interest margin (4)								2.63	%								2.85	%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities					117.47	%								118.24	%

(1)	Non-accruing loans are included in the outstanding loan balances.

(2)	Held to maturity securities are reported at amortized cost. Available for sale securities are reported at fair value.

(3)	Yields on tax exempt securities have been calculated on a fully tax equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 34%.

(4)	Represents the difference between interest earned and interest paid, divided by average total interest earning assets.


	For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	2012									2011
	Average Balance			Interest Income/ Expense			Yield/ Cost			Average Balance			Interest Income/ Expense			Yield/Cost
	(dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)	$	748,622		$	18,486			4.95	%	$	747,920		$	19,639			5.27	%
Investment securities
Taxable (2)		40,743			468			2.28	%		47,566			442			1.86	%
Exempt from federal income tax (2) (3)		8,542			103			3.66	%		6,745			153			6.89	%

Total investment securities		49,285			571			2.55	%		54,311			595			2.49	%
Mortgage-backed securities		206,197			2,798			2.72	%		206,599			3,496			3.39	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		15,994			4			0.05	%		19,647			—			—
Other		19,894			4			0.04	%		4,106			1			0.05	%

Total interest-earning assets		1,039,992			21,863			4.23	%		1,032,583			23,731			4.62	%
Allowance for loan losses		(8,387	)								(7,743	)
Noninterest-earning assets		62,577									54,534

Total assets	$	1,094,182								$	1,079,374


Interest-bearing liabilities:
NOW accounts	$	58,479			8			0.03	%	$	57,280			13			0.05	%
Money market accounts		110,965			156			0.28	%		118,580			320			0.54	%
Savings and club accounts		72,231			43			0.12	%		67,238			90			0.27	%
Certificates of deposit		363,880			3,540			1.95	%		305,571			3,067			2.01	%
Borrowed funds		281,844			4,637			3.30	%		321,567			5,769			3.60	%

Total interest-bearing liabilities		887,399			8,384			1.89	%		870,236			9,259			2.13	%
Non-interest bearing NOW accounts		32,528									28,998
Noninterest-bearing liabilities		11,841									10,923

Total liabilities		931,768									910,157
Equity		162,414									169,217

Total liabilities and equity	$	1,094,182								$	1,079,374


Net interest income				$	13,479								$	14,472

Interest rate spread								2.34	%								2.49	%
Net interest-earning assets	$	152,593								$	162,347

Net interest margin (4)								2.60	%								2.81	%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities					117.20	%								118.66	%

(1)	Non-accruing loans are included in the outstanding loan balances.

(2)	Held to maturity securities are reported at amortized cost. Available for sale securities are reported at fair value.

(3)	Yields on tax exempt securities have been calculated on a fully tax equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 34%.

(4)	Represents the difference between interest earned and interest paid, divided by average total interest earning assets.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011

Net Income. Net income decreased $556,000, or 45.8%, to $659,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to net income of $1.2 million for the comparable period in 2011. Net income for the three months ending March 31, 2012 decreased primarily due to a decrease in net interest income and an increase in noninterest expense offset, in part, by an increase in noninterest income.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income decreased $571,000, or 7.8%, to $6.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $7.3 million for the comparable period in 2011. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in the Company’s interest rate spread to 2.36% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, from 2.54% for the comparable period in 2011, and a decrease of $6.0 million in the Company’s average net earnings assets.

Interest Income. Interest income decreased $1.1 million, or 8.9%, to $10.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $11.9 million for the comparable 2011 period. The decrease resulted primarily from a 41 basis point decrease in average yield on interest earning assets and a $1.0 million decrease in average interest-earning

assets. The average yield on interest earning assets was 4.22% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to 4.63% for the comparable 2011 period as the Company’s interest earning assets continued to re-price downward throughout the period. Loans decreased on average $7.1 million between the two periods along with decreases in the average balance of mortgage backed securities of $4.4 million. In addition, Federal Home Loan Bank stock decreased $3.6 million. These decreases were offset in part by increases in the average balances of total investment securities of $2.7 million and other investments of $11.4 million. The primary reasons for the decrease in average loan balances were declines in one-four family residential loans, commercial loans and home equity loans and lines of credit which were offset in part by increases in commercial real estate loans and obligations of states and political subdivisions. Average FHLBank Pittsburgh stock declined $3.6 million as a result of repurchases by the FHLB of stock. The increase in other interest earning assets was primarily due to an increase in the average balance of cash held at FHLBank Pittsburgh.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $482,000, or 10.6%, to $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $4.5 million for the comparable 2011 period. The decrease resulted from a 23 basis point decrease in the overall cost of interest bearing liabilities to 1.86% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from 2.09% for the comparable 2011 period, partially offset by a $4.9 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities. Average interest bearing deposits increased $44.4 million and average borrowed funds decreased $39.5 million. Average interest bearing deposits increased primarily as a result of a $47.6 million increase in average certificates of deposit. Borrowed funds decreased primarily due to maturities of FHLBank Pittsburgh borrowings. Average certificates of deposit included an increase of $23.1 million in average brokered certificates of deposit. The Company replaced maturing FHLBank Pittsburgh borrowings with brokered certificates because they were a cheaper funding source.

Provision for Loan Losses. In evaluating the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers historical loss experience, the types of loans and the amount of loans in the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, peer group information and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are subject to interpretation and revision as more information becomes available or as future events occur. After an evaluation of these factors, management made a provision for loan losses of $650,000 for each of the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011. The allowance for loan losses was $8.1 million, or 1.08% of loans outstanding, at March 31, 2012, compared to $8.2 million, or 1.09% of loans outstanding at September 30, 2011.

Non-interest Income. Non-interest income increased $300,000, or 22.7%, to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $1.3 million for the comparable period in 2011. The primary reasons for the increase were increases in insurance commissions of $195,000 and bank-owned life insurance income of $65,000 during the 2012 period. The Company’s purchase of ESSA Advisory Services during the quarter ended June 30, 2011 is the primary reason for the increase in insurance commission income. The Company’s purchase of $7.0 million in bank-owned life insurance during the quarters ended March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011 was the principle reason for the increase in bank-owned life insurance income for the period.

Non-interest Expense. Non-interest expense increased $419,000, or 6.5%, to $6.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $6.5 million for the comparable period in 2011. The primary reasons for the increase were increases in compensation and employee benefits of $47,000, merger related costs of $227,000, loss on foreclosed real estate of $134,000 and amortization of intangible assets of $81,000. These increases were partially offset by declines in advertising of $116,000, FDIC insurance premiums of $55,000, and occupancy and equipment of $20,000. Amortization of intangible assets increased due to the purchase of ESSA Advisory Services in the third quarter of 2011. Merger related costs increased primarily due to expenses related to the previously announced proposed merger between the Company and First Star Bancorp, Inc.

Income Taxes. Income tax expense decreased $134,000 to $211,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $345,000 for the comparable 2011 period. The decrease was primarily a result of the decrease in income before taxes of $690,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The effective tax rate was 24.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to 22.1% for the 2011 period. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the decrease in the portion of pre-tax income derived from non-taxable loan and investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the 2011 period.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011

Net Income. Net income decreased $682,000, or 30.6%, to $1.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2012 compared to net income of $2.2 million for the comparable period in 2011. A decrease in net interest income and an increase in noninterest expense were offset, in part, by an increase in noninterest income and a decrease in income taxes.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income decreased $993,000, or 6.9%, to $13.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2012 from $14.5 million for the comparable period in 2011. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in the Company’s interest rate spread to 2.34% for the six months ended March 31, 2012 from 2.49% for the comparable period in 2011 and a decrease of $9.8 million in the Company’s average net earning assets.

Interest Income. Interest income decreased $1.9 million, or 7.9%, to $21.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2012 from $23.7 million for the comparable 2011 period. The decrease resulted primarily from a 40 basis point decrease in average yield on interest earning assets partially offset by a $7.4 million increase in average interest-earning assets. The average yield on interest earning assets was 4.23% for the six months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to 4.62% for the comparable 2011 period. Loans increased on average $702,000 between the two periods along with increases in the average balance of other investment securities of $15.8 million. These increases were offset in part by a decrease in the average balances of total investment securities of $5.0 million and capital stock of FHLBank Pittsburgh of $3.7 million. The primary reason for the increase in other interest earning assets was due to an increase in the average balance of cash held at the FHLBank Pittsburgh. Total investment securities decreased primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of U.S. government agency securities. Average FHLBank Pittsburgh stock declines as a result of repurchases by the FHLBank of their stock.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $875,000, or 9.5%, to $8.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2012 from $9.3 million for the comparable 2011 period. The decrease resulted from a 24 basis point decrease in the overall cost of interest bearing liabilities to 1.89% for the six months ended March 31, 2012 from 2.13% for the comparable 2011 period, partially offset by a $17.2 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities. Average interest bearing deposits increased $56.9 million and average borrowed funds decreased $39.7 million. Average interest bearing deposits increased primarily as a result of an increase of $58.3 million in average certificates of deposit. Borrowed funds decreased primarily due to maturities of FHLBank Pittsburgh borrowings. Average certificates of deposit included an increase of $36.3 million in average brokered certificates of deposit. The Company replaced maturing FHLBank Pittsburgh borrowings primarily with brokered certificates of deposit.

Provision for Loan Losses. In evaluating the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers historical loss experience, the types of loans and the amount of loans in the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, peer group information and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are subject to interpretation and revision as more information becomes available or as future events occur. Non-performing assets at March 31, 2012 were $16.8 million compared to non-performing assets of $15.5 million at March 31, 2011. After an evaluation of these factors, management made a provision for loan losses of $1.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $1.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2011. The allowance for loan losses was $8.1 million, or 1.08% of loans outstanding, at March 31, 2012, compared to $8.1 million, or 1.08% of loans outstanding at March 31, 2011.

Non-interest Income. Non-interest income increased $489,000, or 18.4%, to $3.1 million for the six months ended March 31, 2012 from $2.7 million for the comparable period in 2011. The primary reasons for the increase were increases in insurance commissions of $386,000 and earnings on bank owned life insurance of $126,000, which were partially offset by decreases in service fees on deposit accounts of $103,000. The Company’s purchase of ESSA Advisory Services during the quarter ended June 30, 2011 is the primary reason for the increase in insurance commission income. The Company’s purchase of $7.0 million in bank owned life insurance during the quarters ended March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011 was the principle reason for the increase in bank owned life insurance income during the period.

Non-interest Expense. Non-interest expense increased $443,000, or 3.4%, to $13.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2012 from $13.1 million for the comparable period in 2011. Comparing the six months ended March 31, 2012 to the same period in 2011, there were increases in merger related costs of $376,000, amortization of intangible assets of $162,000 and loss on foreclosed real estate of $95,000. These increases were offset in part by decreases in advertising expense of $216,000 and FDIC premiums of $77,000. Merger related costs increased due to expenses associated with the previously announced proposed merger with First Star Bancorp. Amortization of intangible assets increases were related to the insurance consulting subsidiary. The increased loss on foreclosed real estate was primarily related to declining values of foreclosed real estate held by the Company.

Income Taxes. Income tax expense decreased $285,000, or 41.9%, to $395,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2012 from $680,000 for the comparable 2011 period. The effective tax rate was 20.4% for the six months ended March 31, 2012, compared to 23.4% for the 2011 period.

Non-Performing Assets

The following table provides information with respect to the Bank’s non-performing assets at the dates indicated. (Dollars in thousands)


	March 31, 2012			September 30, 2011

Non-performing assets:
Non-accruing loans	$	14,255		$	10,971
Troubled debt restructures		611			529

Total non-performing loans		14,866			11,500
Foreclosed real estate		1,914			2,356

Total non-performing assets	$	16,780		$	13,856

Ratio of non-performing loans to total loans		1.98	%		1.54	%
Ratio of non-performing loans to total assets		1.33	%		1.05	%
Ratio of non-performing assets to total assets		1.51	%		1.26	%
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total loans		1.08	%		1.09	%

Loans are reviewed on a regular basis and are placed on non-accrual status when they become more than 90 days delinquent. When loans are placed on non-accrual status, unpaid accrued interest is fully reserved, and further income is recognized only to the extent received. Non-performing assets increased $2.9 million to $16.8 million at March 31, 2012 from $13.9 million at September 30, 2011. Non-performing loans increased $3.4 million to $14.9 million at March 31, 2012 from $11.5 million at September 30, 2011. The $14.3 million of non-accruing loans included 56 residential loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $19.2 million that were past due 90 or more days at March 31, 2012, 22 commercial and commercial real estate loans with aggregate outstanding balances of $3.4 million and 14 consumer loans with aggregate balances of $451,000. Within the residential loan balance are $1.2 million of loans less than 90 days past due. In the quarter ended March 31, 2012, the Company identified six residential loans which although paying as agreed, have a high probability of default. Foreclosed real estate decreased $442,000 to $1.9 million at March 31, 2012 from $2.4 million at September 30, 2011. Foreclosed real estate consists of 19 residential properties, one commercial building lot and one multifamily property.

At March 31, 2012 the principal balance of troubled debt restructures was $12.2 million as compared to $7.0 million at September 30, 2011. Of the $12.2 million of troubled debt restructures at March 31, 2012, $7.7 million are performing loans and $4.5 million are non-accrual loans. An additional $611,000 of performing troubled debt restructures are classified as non-performing assets because they were non-performing assets at the time they were restructured.

Of the 66 loans that comprise our troubled debt restructures at March 31, 2012, no loans were granted a rate concession at a below market interest rate. Seven loans with balances totaling $611,000 were granted market rate and terms concessions and 59 loans with balances totaling $10.9 million were granted terms concessions.

As of March 31, 2012, troubled debt restructures were comprised of 28 residential loans totaling $5.4 million, 27 commercial and commercial real estate loans totaling $6.0 million, and five consumer (Home equity loans, home equity lines and credit, and other) totaling $208,000.

For the six month period ended March 31, 2012, eight loans totaling $950,000 were removed from TDR status. One loan for $327,000 had completed 12 timely payments, three loans for $203,000 were paid off and three loans totaling $64,000 were charged off.

We have modified terms of loans that do not meet the definition of a TDR. The vast majority of such loans were rate modifications of residential first mortgage loans in lieu of refinancing. The non-TDR rate modifications were all performing loans when the rates were reset to current market rates. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, we modified 385 loans ($50.5 million) in this fashion. With regard to commercial loans, including commercial real estate loans, various non-troubled loans were modified, either for the purpose of a rate reduction to reflect current market rates (in lieu of a refinance) or the extension of a loan’s maturity date. In total, there were 23 such loans in the three months ended March 31, 2012 with an aggregate balance of approximately $10.5 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We maintain liquid assets at levels we consider adequate to meet both our short-term and long-term liquidity needs. We adjust our liquidity levels to fund deposit outflows, repay our borrowings and to fund loan commitments. We also adjust liquidity as appropriate to meet asset and liability management objectives.

Our primary sources of liquidity are deposits, prepayment and repayment of loans and mortgage-backed securities, maturities of investment securities and other short-term investments, and earnings and funds provided from operations, as well as access to FHLBank advances and other borrowing sources. While scheduled principal repayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities are a relatively predictable source of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions, and rates offered by our competition. We set the interest rates on our deposits to maintain a desired level of total deposits.

A portion of our liquidity consists of cash and cash equivalents and borrowings, which are a product of our operating, investing and financing activities. At March 31, 2012, $23.1 million of our assets were invested in cash and cash equivalents. Our primary sources of cash are principal repayments on loans, proceeds from the maturities of investment securities, principal repayments of mortgage-backed securities and increases in deposit accounts. Short-term investment securities (maturing in one year or less) totaled $2.6 million at March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, we had $207.9 million in borrowings outstanding from FHLBank Pittsburgh and $55.0 million in borrowings through repurchase agreements with other financial institutions. We have access to additional FHLBank advances of up to approximately $302.8 million.

At March 31, 2012, we had $48.8 million in loan commitments outstanding, which included, in part, $7.9 million in undisbursed construction loans, $24.3 million in unused home equity lines of credit, $3.8 million in commercial lines of credit and $10.5 million to originate primarily multi-family and nonresidential mortgage loans. Certificates of deposit due within one year of March 31, 2012 totaled $132.0 million, or 34.3% of certificates of deposit. If these maturing deposits do not remain with us, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including other certificates of deposit and borrowings. Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on the certificates of deposit due on or before March 31, 2012. We believe, however, based on past experience, that a significant portion of our certificates of deposit will remain with us. We have the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates offered

As previously disclosed, during the third fiscal quarter of 2011 the Bank formed a new subsidiary, ESSA Advisory Services, LLC, as part of the acquisition of two Lehigh Valley based insurance benefit consulting insurance businesses. Terms of the acquisition included a commitment to make two additional payments to the sellers, one each during the third quarters of fiscal 2012 and 2013. These payments are not guaranteed and are based on the achievement of certain revenue goals. During the third quarter of fiscal 2012 the Bank expects to make a payment of approximately $300,000 according to these terms. The payment will be recorded as additional goodwill.

As reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, our cash flows are classified for financial reporting purposes as operating, investing or financing cash flows. Net cash provided by operating activities was $6.5 million and $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These amounts differ from our net income because of a variety of cash receipts and disbursements that did not affect net income for the respective periods. Net cash used in investing activities was $40.4 million and $18.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, principally reflecting our loan and investment security activities. Deposit and borrowing cash flows have comprised most of our financing activities which resulted in net cash provided of $15.2 million and $22.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Critical Accounting Policies

We consider accounting policies that require management to exercise significant judgment or discretion or make significant assumptions that have, or could have, a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets or on income, to be critical accounting policies. We consider the following to be our critical accounting policies:

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is the estimated amount considered necessary to cover credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The allowance is established through the provision for loan losses which is charged against income. In determining the allowance for loan losses, management makes significant estimates and has identified this policy as one of our most critical. The methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting policy by management due to the high degree of judgment involved, the subjectivity of the assumptions utilized and the potential for changes in the economic environment that could result in changes to the amount of the recorded allowance for loan losses.

As a substantial amount of our loan portfolio is collateralized by real estate, appraisals of the underlying value of property securing loans and discounted cash flow valuations of properties are critical in determining the amount of the allowance required for specific loans. Assumptions for appraisals and discounted cash flow valuations are instrumental in determining the value of properties. Overly optimistic assumptions or negative changes to assumptions could significantly impact the valuation of a property securing a loan and the related allowance determined. The assumptions supporting such appraisals and discounted cash flow valuations are carefully reviewed by management to determine that the resulting values reasonably reflect amounts realizable on the related loans.

Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Consideration is given to a variety of factors in establishing this estimate including, but not limited to, current economic conditions, delinquency statistics, geographic and industry concentrations, the adequacy of the underlying collateral, the financial strength of the borrower, results of internal and external loan reviews and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revision based on changes in economic and real estate market conditions.

The analysis of the allowance for loan losses has two components: specific and general allocations. Specific allocations are made for loans that are determined to be impaired. Impairment is measured by determining the present value of expected future cash flows or, for collateral-dependent loans, the fair value of the collateral adjusted for market conditions and selling expenses. The general allocation is determined by segregating the remaining loans by type of loan, risk weighting (if applicable) and payment history. We also analyze historical loss experience, delinquency trends, general economic conditions and geographic and industry concentrations. This analysis establishes factors that are applied to the loan groups to determine the amount of the general allocations. Actual loan losses may be significantly more than the allowance for loan losses we have established which could have a material negative effect on our financial results.

Other-than-Temporary Investment Security Impairment. Securities are evaluated periodically to determine whether a decline in their value is other-than-temporary. Management utilizes criteria such as the magnitude and duration of the decline, in addition to the reasons underlying the decline, to determine whether the loss in value is other-than-temporary. The term “other-than-temporary” is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospect for a near-term recovery of value is not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of the investment. Once a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the value of the security is reduced and a corresponding charge to earnings is recognized.

Deferred Income Taxes. We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is established. We consider the determination of this valuation allowance to be a critical accounting policy because of the need to exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets, including projections of future taxable income. These judgments and estimates are reviewed on a continual basis as

regulatory and business factors change. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets may be required if the amount of taxes recoverable through loss carryback declines, or if we project lower levels of future taxable income. Such a valuation allowance would be established through a charge to income tax expense which would adversely affect our operating results. At March 31, 2012 the Company had a $2.8 million valuation allowance established against its deferred tax asset. The tax deduction generated by the contribution to the Foundation as part of the Company’s stock offering exceeded the allowable federal income tax deduction limitations resulting in the establishment of this valuation allowance for the contribution carry forward.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as such term is defined in applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules) that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Contractual Obligations

During the first six months of fiscal 2012, the Company’s contractual obligations did not change materially from those discussed in the Company’s Financial Statements for the year ended September 30, 2011.

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. Consequently, our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk. Our assets, consisting primarily of mortgage loans, have longer maturities than our liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits and borrowings. As a result, a principal part of our business strategy is to manage interest rate risk and reduce the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates. Accordingly, our Board of Directors has approved guidelines for managing the interest rate risk inherent in our assets and liabilities, given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives. Senior management monitors the level of interest rate risk on a regular basis and the asset/liability committee meets quarterly to review our asset/liability policies and interest rate risk position.

We have sought to manage our interest rate risk in order to minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates. The net proceeds from the Company’s stock offering increased our capital and provided management with greater flexibility to manage our interest rate risk. In particular, management used the majority of the capital we received to increase our interest-earning assets. There have been no material changes in our interest rate risk since September 30, 2011.

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There were no significant changes made in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined by rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) or in other factors that could significantly affect, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report.

Part II – Other Information

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the resolution of these legal actions is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

In addition to the risk factors relating to the Company that were disclosed in response to Item 1A to part I of Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011, the following additional risk factor exists relating to the recently announced execution of a merger agreement by and among the Company and First Star Bancorp, Inc., the holding company to First Star Bank (collectively referred to herein as “First Star”):

The merger of the Company and First Star and the integration of the companies may be more difficult, costly or time consuming than expected. It is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key employees or disruption of ongoing business or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect the Company’s ability to maintain relationships with customers and employees or achieve the anticipated benefits of the merger. As with any member of banking institutions, there may also be business disruptions that cause the Company to lose customers or cause customers to withdraw their deposits from the Company’s banking subsidiaries. The success of the combined company following the merger may depend in large part on the ability to integrate the two business models and cultures. If we are not able to integrate the Company’s and First Star’s operations successfully and in a timely manner, the expected benefits of the merger may not be realized.

The Company may fail to realize the cost savings estimated for the merger. The Company estimates that it will achieve cost savings from the merger when the two companies have been fully integrated, while the Company continues to be comfortable with these expectations, it is possible that the estimates of the potential cost savings could turn out to be incorrect. The cost savings estimates also assume the ability to combine the businesses of the company and First Star in a manner that permits those cost savings to be realized. If the estimates turn out to be incorrect or the company is not able to successfully combine the two companies the anticipated cost savings may not be fully realized or realized at all, or may take longer to realize than expected.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(a)

None.

(b)

Not applicable.

(c)

None.

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.

Other Information

Not applicable.

Item 6.

Exhibits

The following exhibits are either filed as part of this report or are incorporated herein by reference:


3.1		Certificate of Incorporation of ESSA Bancorp, Inc.*

3.2		Bylaws of ESSA Bancorp, Inc.*

4		Form of Common Stock Certificate of ESSA Bancorp, Inc.*

10.2		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for Gary S. Olson**

10.3		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for Robert S. Howes**

10.4		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for Allan A. Muto**

10.5		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for Diane K. Reimer**

10.6		Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for V. Gail Warner**

10.7		Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan**

10.8		Endorsement Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreement for Gary S. Olson**

10.9		Endorsement Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreement for Robert S. Howes**

21		Subsidiaries of Registrant*

31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32		Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101		Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Condition; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder Equity; the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (iv) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. ***

*	Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-139157), originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 7, 2006.

**	Incorporated by reference to ESSA Bancorp, Inc.’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 6, 2008.

***	As provided in Pub. 406 of Regulation S-T, this information is furnished and not filed for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


		ESSA BANCORP, INC.

Date: May 10, 2012		/s/ Gary S. Olson
		Gary S. Olson
		President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 10, 2012		/s/ Allan A. Muto
		Allan A. Muto
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer