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Western New England Bancorp, Inc. - Annual Report: 2011 (Form 10-K)

a50190525.htm
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

Commission File No.: 001-16767

Westfield Financial, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
Massachusetts 73-1627673
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
                                                                                                                                 
141 Elm Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(413) 568-1911
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share The NASDAQ Global Select Market
(Title of each class) (Name of each exchange on which registered)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:    None.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes [  ]   No [X]
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes [  ]   No [X]
 
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 filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]   No [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the proceeding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such filed).  Yes [X]   No [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [  ]
 
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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filer [  ]   Accelerated filer [X]   Non-accelerated filer [  ]   Smaller reporting company [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes [  ]   No [X]

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2011, was $226,309,849.  This amount was based on the closing price as of June 30, 2011 on The NASDAQ Global Select Market for a share of the registrant’s common stock, which was $8.12 on June 30, 2011.

As of March 5, 2012, the registrant had 26,613,138 shares of common stock, $0.01 per value, issued and outstanding.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.
 
 
 

 
 
 
WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
     
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
We may, from time to time, make written or oral “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), our reports to shareholders and in other communications by us. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” which may be identified by the use of such words as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” and “potential.”  Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to our financial condition, results of operation and business that are subject to various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these estimates.  These factors include, but are not limited to:
 
 
changes in the real estate market or local economy;
 
 
changes in interest rates;
 
 
changes in laws and regulations to which we are subject; and
 
 
competition in our primary market area.
 
Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and in any other public statements we make may turn out to be wrong.  They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties.  Consequently, no forward-looking statements can be guaranteed.  We disclaim any obligation to subsequently revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements, or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
 
Unless the context indicates otherwise, all references in this prospectus to “Westfield Financial,” “we,” “us,” “our company,” “corporation” and “our” refer to Westfield Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries (including the Bank, Elm Street Securities Corporation, WFD Securities, Inc. and WB Real Estate Holdings, LLC).  References to the “Bank” are to Westfield Bank, our wholly owned bank subsidiary.
 
 
1

 
 
 
BUSINESS
 
General.  Westfield Financial is a Massachusetts-chartered stock holding company and the parent company of Westfield Bank (the “Bank”).  Westfield Financial was formed in 2001 in connection with its reorganization from a federally-chartered mutual holding company to a Massachusetts-chartered stock holding company with the second step conversion being completed in 2007.  The Bank was formed in 1853 and is a federally-chartered savings bank regulated by the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”).  As a community bank, we focus on servicing commercial customers, including commercial and industrial lending and commercial deposit relationships.  We believe that this business focus is best for our long term success and viability, and complements our existing commitment to high quality customer service.
 
Elm Street Securities Corporation, a Massachusetts-chartered corporation, was formed by us for the primary purpose of holding qualified investment securities.  In February 2007, we formed WFD Securities, Inc., a Massachusetts-chartered corporation, for the primary purpose of holding qualified investment securities.  In October 2009, we formed WB Real Estate Holdings, LLC, a Massachusetts-chartered limited liability company, for the primary purpose of holding real property acquired as security for debts previously contracted by the Bank.
 
Market Area.  We operate 12 banking offices in Agawam, East Longmeadow, Holyoke, Southwick, Springfield, West Springfield and Westfield, Massachusetts. We also have thirteen free-standing ATM locations in Feeding Hills, Holyoke, Springfield, West Springfield and Westfield, Massachusetts.  Our primary deposit gathering area is concentrated in the communities surrounding these locations and our primary lending area includes all of Hampden County in western Massachusetts.  In addition, we provide online banking services through our website located at www.westfieldbank.com.

The markets served by our branches are primarily suburban in character, as we operate only one office in Springfield, the Pioneer Valley’s primary urban market.  Westfield, Massachusetts, is located in the Pioneer Valley near the intersection of U.S. Interstates 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) and 91. The Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts encompasses the fourth largest metropolitan area in New England.  The Springfield Metropolitan area covers a relatively diverse area ranging from densely populated urban areas, such as Springfield, to outlying rural areas.
 
Competition.  We face intense competition both in making loans and attracting deposits.  Our primary market area is highly competitive and we face direct competition from approximately 19 financial institutions, many with a local, state-wide or regional presence and, in some cases, a national presence.  Many of these financial institutions are significantly larger than us and have greater financial resources. Our competition for loans comes principally from commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies and brokerage and investment banking firms.  Historically, our most direct competition for deposits has come from savings and commercial banks. We face additional competition for deposits from internet-based institutions, credit unions, brokerage firms and insurance companies.
 
Lending Activities

Loan Portfolio Composition.  Our loan portfolio primarily consists of commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, residential real estate loans, home equity loans, and consumer loans.
 
At December 31, 2011, we had total loans of $553.1 million, of which 55.0% were adjustable rate loans and 45.0% were fixed rate loans.  Commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans totaled $232.5 million and $125.7 million, respectively.  The remainder of our loans at December 31, 2011 consisted of residential real estate loans, home equity loans and consumer loans.  Residential real estate and home equity loans outstanding at December 31, 2011 totaled $192.5 million.  Consumer loans outstanding at December 31, 2011 were $2.4 million.

The interest rates we charge on loans are affected principally by the demand for loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes and the interest rates offered by our competitors.  These factors are, in turn, affected by general and local economic conditions, monetary policies of the federal government, including the Federal Reserve Board, legislative tax policies and governmental budgetary matters.  The following table presents the composition of our loan portfolio in dollar amounts and in percentages of the total portfolio at the dates indicated.
 
 
2

 
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
         
Percent of
         
Percent of
         
Percent of
         
Percent of
         
Percent of
 
   
Amount
   
Total
   
Amount
   
Total
   
Amount
   
Total
   
Amount
   
Total
   
Amount
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Real estate loans:
                                                           
Commercial
  $ 232,491       42.04 %   $ 221,578       43.57 %   $ 229,061       48.08 %   $ 223,857       46.61 %   $ 189,964       45.22 %
Residential
    155,994       28.20       112,680       22.17       64,299       13.50       62,810       13.08       72,170       17.18  
Home equity
    36,464       6.59       36,116       7.09       34,755       7.29       35,562       7.40       35,940       8.56  
Total real estate loans
    424,949       76.83       370,374       72.83       328,115       68.87       322,229       67.09       298,074       70.96  
                                                                                 
Other loans
                                                                               
Commercial and industrial
    125,739       22.73       135,250       26.59       145,012       30.44       153,861       32.03       116,514       27.74  
Consumer, other
    2,451       0.44       2,960       0.58       3,307       0.69       4,248       0.88       5,479       1.30  
Total other loans
    128,190       23.17       138,210       27.17       148,319       31.13       158,109       32.91       121,993       29.04  
                                                                                 
Total loans
    553,139       100.00 %     508,584       100.00 %     476,434       100.00 %     480,338       100.00 %     420,067       100.00 %
                                                                                 
Unearned premiums and net deferred
                                                                               
loan fees and costs, net
    1,017               742               360               593               561          
Allowance for loan losses
    (7,764 )             (6,934 )             (7,645 )             (8,796 )             (5,726 )        
Total loans, net
  $ 546,392             $ 502,392             $ 469,149             $ 472,135             $ 414,902          
                                                                                 
 
 
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Loan Maturity and Repricing.  The following table shows the repricing dates or contractual maturity dates as of December 31, 2011.  The table does not reflect prepayments or scheduled principal amortization.  Demand loans, loans having no stated maturity, and overdrafts are shown as due in within one year.

   
At December 31, 2011
 
                     
Commercial
             
   
Residential
Real Estate
   
Home Equity
   
Commercia
Real Estate
   
and
Industrial
   
Consumer
       
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Totals
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Amount due:
                                   
Within one year
  $ 12,729     $ 18,081     $ 24,456     $ 70,610     $ 606     $ 126,482  
                                                 
After one year:
                                               
                                                 
One to three years
    2,286       422       87,091       24,355       717       114,871  
Three to five years
    1,577       1,430       92,326       23,029       806       119,168  
Five to ten years
    10,033       7,785       18,305       3,539       -       39,662  
Ten to twenty years
    47,088       7,749       8,663       -       -       63,500  
Over twenty years
    82,281       997       1,650       4,206       322       89,456  
Total due after one year
    143,265       18,383       208,035       55,129       1,845       426,657  
                                                 
Total amount due:
    155,994       36,464       232,491       125,739       2,451       553,139  
                                                 
                                                 
Net deferred loan origination                                                
 fees and costs and                                                
 unearned premiums 
    548       284       (119 )     294       10       1,017  
Allowance for loan losses
    (1,222 )     (309 )     (3,504 )     (2,712 )     (17 )     (7,764 )
                                                 
Loans, net
  $ 155,320     $ 36,439     $ 228,868     $ 123,321     $ 2,444     $ 546,392  

The following table presents, as of December 31, 2011, the dollar amount of all loans contractually due or scheduled to reprice after December 31, 2012, and whether such loans have fixed interest rates or adjustable interest rates.
 
   
Due After December 31, 2012
 
   
Fixed
   
Adjustable
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Real estate loans
                 
Residential
  $ 137,651     $ 5,614     $ 143,265  
Home equity
    18,383       -       18,383  
Commercial real estate
    36,592       171,443       208,035  
Total real estate loans
    192,626       177,057       369,683  
                         
Other loans
                       
Commercial and industrial
    47,797       7,332       55,129  
Consumer
    1,845       -       1,845  
Total other loans
    49,642       7,332       56,974  
                         
Total loans
  $ 242,268     $ 184,389     $ 426,657  
 
 
4

 
 
The following table presents our loan originations, purchases and principal payments for the years indicated:
 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loans:
                 
Balance outstanding at beginning of year
  $ 508,584     $ 476,434     $ 480,338  
                         
Originations:
                       
Real estate loans:
                       
Residential
    814       1,830       1,378  
Home equity
    11,451       13,167       16,601  
Commercial
    32,644       19,174       39,805  
              Total mortgage originations
    44,909       34,171       57,784  
                         
     Commercial and industrial loans
    49,159       41,029       47,492  
     Consumer loans
    1,351       1,550       1,299  
                 Total originations
    95,419       76,750       106,575  
     Purchase of one-to-four family mortgage loans
    58,241       61,880       16,381  
      153,660       138,630       122,956  
                         
Less:
                       
Principal repayments, unadvanced funds and other, net
    108,729       96,846       121,809  
Loan charge-offs, net
    376       9,634       5,051  
Total deductions
    109,105       106,480       126,860  
Ending balance
  $ 553,139     $ 508,584     $ 476,434  
 
Commercial and Industrial Loans.  We offer commercial and industrial loan products and services which are designed to give business owners borrowing opportunities for modernization, inventory, equipment, construction, consolidation, real estate, working capital, vehicle purchases and the financing of existing corporate debt.  We offer business installment loans, vehicle and equipment financing, lines of credit, and other commercial loans.  At December 31, 2011, our commercial and industrial loan portfolio consisted of 1,020 loans, totaling $125.7 million, or 22.7% of our total loans.  Since 2007, commercial and industrial loans have grown $9.2 million, or 7.9%, from $116.5 million at December 31, 2007 to $125.7 million at December 31, 2011.  Our commercial loan team includes eight commercial loan officers, one business development manager, five credit analysts and one portfolio manager.  We may hire additional commercial loan officers on an as needed basis.

As part of our strategy of increasing our emphasis on commercial lending, we seek to attract our business customers’ entire banking relationship.  Most commercial borrowers also maintain commercial deposits.  We provide complementary commercial products and services, a variety of commercial deposit accounts, cash management services, internet banking, sweep accounts, a broad ATM network and night deposit services.  We offer a remote deposit capture product whereby commercial customers can receive credit for check deposits by electronically transmitting check images from their own locations.  Commercial loan officers are based in our main and branch offices, and we view our potential branch expansion as a means of facilitating these commercial relationships.  We intend to continue to expand the volume of our commercial business products and services within our current underwriting standards.
 
 
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Our commercial and industrial loan portfolio does not have any significant loan concentration by type of property or borrower. The largest concentration of loans was for manufacturing, which comprises approximately 7.4% of the total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2011, our largest commercial and industrial loan relationship was $22.9 million to a private New England college. The loan relationship is secured by business assets and financial instruments.  The loans to this borrower have performed to contractual terms.

Commercial and industrial loans generally have terms of seven years or less, however, on an occasional basis, may have terms of up to ten years.  Among the $125.7 million we have in our commercial and industrial loan portfolio as of December 31, 2011, $71.3 million have adjustable interest rates and $54.4 million have fixed interest rates.  Whenever possible, we seek to originate adjustable rate commercial and industrial loans.  Borrower activity and market conditions, however, may influence whether we are able to originate adjustable rate loans rather than fixed rate loans.  We generally require the personal guarantee of the business owner.  Interest rates on commercial and industrial loans generally have higher yields than residential or commercial real estate loans.

Commercial and industrial loans are generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk than residential or commercial real estate loans because the collateral may be in the form of intangible assets and/or inventory subject to market obsolescence.  Please see “Risk Factors – Our loan portfolio includes loans with a higher risk of loss.”  Commercial and industrial loans may also involve relatively large loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers, with the repayment of such loans typically dependent on the successful operation and income stream of the borrower.  These risks can be significantly affected by economic conditions.  In addition, business lending generally requires substantially greater oversight efforts by our staff compared to residential or commercial real estate lending.  In order to mitigate this risk, we monitor our loan concentration and our loan policies generally to limit the amount of loans to a single borrower or group of borrowers.  We also utilize the services of an outside consultant to conduct credit quality reviews of the commercial and industrial loan portfolio.

Commercial Real Estate Loans.  We originate commercial real estate loans to finance the purchase of real property, which generally consists of apartment buildings, business properties, multi-family investment properties and construction loans to developers of commercial and residential properties.  In underwriting commercial real estate loans, consideration is given to the property’s historic cash flow, current and projected occupancy, location and physical condition.  At December 31, 2011, our commercial real estate loan portfolio consisted of 393 loans, totaling $232.5 million, or 42.0% of total loans.  Since 2007, commercial real estate loans have grown by $42.6 million, or 22.4%, from $189.9 million at December 31, 2007 to $232.5 million at December 31, 2011.

The majority of the commercial real estate portfolio consists of loans which are collateralized by properties in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.  Our commercial real estate loan portfolio is diverse, and does not have any significant loan concentration by type of property or borrower.  We generally lend up to a loan-to-value ratio of 75% on commercial properties. We, however, will lend up to a maximum of 85% loan-to-value ratio but will generally require a minimum debt coverage ratio of 1.15.  Our largest non-owner occupied commercial real estate loan relationship had an outstanding balance of $11.7 million at December 31, 2011, which is secured by two commercial properties located in Massachusetts.  The loans of this borrower have performed to contractual terms.
 
We also offer construction loans to finance the construction of commercial properties located in our primary market area.  At December 31, 2011, we had $6.4 million in commercial construction loans and commitments that are committed to refinance into permanent mortgages at the end of the construction period and $5.0 million in commercial construction loans and commitments that are not committed to permanent financing at the end of the construction period.
 
Commercial real estate lending involves additional risks compared with one-to-four family residential lending.  Payments on loans secured by commercial real estate properties often depend on the successful management of the properties, on the amount of rent from the properties, or on the level of expenses needed to maintain the properties.  Repayment of such loans may therefore be adversely affected by conditions in the real estate market or the general economy.  Also, commercial real estate loans typically involve large loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers.  In order to mitigate this risk, we monitor our loan concentration risk on a quarterly basis and our loan policies generally limit the amount of loans to a single borrower or group of borrowers.
 
 
6

 
 
Because of increased risks associated with commercial real estate loans, our commercial real estate loans generally have higher rates than residential real estate loans.  Please see “Risk Factors – Our loan portfolio includes loans with a higher risk of loss.”  Commercial real estate loans generally have adjustable rates with repricing dates of five years or less; however, occasionally repricing dates may be as long as ten years.  Whenever possible, we seek to originate adjustable rate commercial real estate loans.  Borrower activity and market conditions, however, may influence whether we are able to originate adjustable rate loans rather than fixed rate loans.

Residential Real Estate Loans and Originations.  We process substantially all of our originations of residential real estate loans through a third-party mortgage company.  Residential real estate borrowers submit applications to us, but the loan is approved by and closed on the books of the mortgage company.  The third-party mortgage company owns the servicing rights and services the loans.  We retain no residual ownership interest in these loans.  We receive a fee for each of these loans originated by the third-party mortgage company.

Even though substantially all residential real estate loan originations are referred to a third-party mortgage company, we still hold residential real estate loans in our loan portfolio.  The loans consist primarily of loans originated by us prior to the commencement of the third-party residential mortgage referral program in September 2001, or are loans we purchased.  We occasionally purchase adjustable rate mortgages, which are serviced by the originating institutions, from other banks located in Massachusetts.  At December 31, 2011, loans on one-to-four family residential properties, including home equity lines, accounted for $192.5 million, or 34.8% of our total loan portfolio.

Our residential adjustable rate mortgage loans generally are fully amortizing loans with contractual maturities of up to 30 years, payments due monthly.  Our adjustable rate mortgage loans generally provide for specified minimum and maximum interest rates, with a lifetime cap and floor, and a periodic adjustment on the interest rate over the rate in effect on the date of origination.  As a consequence of using caps, the interest rates on these loans are not generally as rate sensitive as our cost of funds.  The adjustable rate mortgage loans that we originate generally are not convertible into fixed rate loans.
 
Adjustable rate mortgage loans generally pose different credit risks than fixed rate loans, primarily because as interest rates rise, the borrower’s payments rise, increasing the potential for default.  To date, we have not experienced difficulty with payments for these loans.  At December 31, 2011, our residential real estate and home equity loan portfolio included $36.4 million in adjustable rate loans, or 6.6% of our total loan portfolio, and $156.1 million in fixed rate loans, or 28.2% of our total loan portfolio.

Our home equity loans totaled $36.5 million, or 6.6% of total loans at December 31, 2011.  Home equity loans include $18.4 million in fixed rate loans, or 3.3% of total loans, and $18.1 million in adjustable rate loans, or 3.3% of total loans.  These loans may be originated in amounts of the existing first mortgage, or up to 80% of the value of the property securing the loan.  The term to maturity on our home equity and home improvement loans may be up to 15 years.

Consumer Loans.  Consumer loans are generally originated at higher interest rates than residential and commercial real estate loans, but they also generally tend to have a higher credit risk than residential real estate loans because they are usually unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciable assets. Management, however, believes that offering consumer loan products helps to expand and create stronger ties to our existing customer base by increasing the number of customer relationships and providing cross-marketing opportunities.

We offer a variety of consumer loans to retail customers in the communities we serve.  Examples of our consumer loans include automobile loans, secured passbook loans, credit lines tied to deposit accounts to provide overdraft protection, and unsecured personal loans.  At December 31, 2011, the consumer loan portfolio totaled $2.4 million, or 0.4% of total loans.  Our consumer lending will allow us to diversify our loan portfolio while continuing to meet the needs of the individuals and businesses that we serve.

Loans collateralized by rapidly depreciable assets such as automobiles or that are unsecured entail greater risks than residential real estate loans.  In such cases, repossessed collateral for a defaulted loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance, since there is a greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation of the underlying collateral.  The remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower beyond obtaining a deficiency judgment.  Further, collections on these loans are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability and, therefore, are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy.  There was no repossessed collateral relating to consumer loans at December 31, 2011.  Finally, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans if a borrower defaults.
 
 
7

 
 
Loan Approval Procedures and Authority.  Individuals authorized to make loans on our behalf are designated by our Senior Lending Officer and approved by the Board of Directors.  Each designated loan officer has loan approval authority up to prescribed limits that depend upon the officer’s level of experience.

Upon receipt of a completed loan application from a prospective borrower, we order a credit report and verify other information.  If necessary, we obtain additional financial or credit related information.  We also require an appraisal for all commercial real estate loans greater than $250,000, which is performed by licensed or certified third-party appraisal firms and reviewed by our lending department.

Appraisals for home equity loans are required for loans in excess of $100,000; otherwise, a designated employee conducts an inspection of the property.  We require title insurance on most commercial real estate loans.  We also require borrowers to obtain flood insurance, if applicable, prior to closing, for all loans secured by real estate within a designated flood zone.

Commercial and Industrial Loans and Commercial Real Estate Loans.  We lend up to a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 85% on commercial properties and the majority of these loans require a minimum debt coverage ratio of 1.15.  Commercial real estate lending involves additional risks compared with one-to-four-family residential lending.  Because payments on loans secured by commercial real estate properties are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties, and/or the collateral value of the commercial real estate securing the loan, repayment of such loans may be subject, to a greater extent, to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy.  Also, commercial real estate loans typically involve large loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers.  Our loan policies limit the amounts of loans to a single borrower or group of borrowers to reduce this risk.

Our lending policies permit our underwriting department to review and approve commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans up to $1.0 million.  Any commercial and industrial or commercial real estate loan application that exceeds $1.0 million or that would result in the borrower’s total credit exposure with us to exceed $1.0 million, or whose approval requires an exception to our standard loan approval procedures, requires approval of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.  An example of an exception to our standard loan approval procedures would be if a borrower was located outside our primary lending area.  For loans requiring Board approval, management is responsible for presenting to the Board information about the creditworthiness of a borrower and the estimated value of the subject equipment or property.  Generally, these determinations are based on financial statements, corporate and personal tax returns, as well as any other necessary information, including real estate and or equipment appraisals.

Home Equity Loans.  We originate and fund our home equity loans.  These loans may be originated in amounts of the existing first mortgage, or up to 80% of the value of the property securing the loan.  Our underwriting department may approve home equity loans up to $200,000.  Home equity loans in amounts greater than $200,000 and up to $350,000 may be approved by certain officers who have been approved by the Board of Directors.  Home equity loans over $350,000, or whose approval requires an exception to our standard loan approval procedures, are reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.

Asset Quality
 
One of our key operating objectives has been and continues to be the achievement of a high level of asset quality.  We maintain a large proportion of loans secured by residential and commercial properties, set sound credit standards for new loan originations and follow careful loan administration procedures.  We also utilize the services of an outside consultant to conduct credit quality reviews of our commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loan portfolio on at least an annual basis.
 
 
8

 
 
Nonaccrual Loans and Foreclosed Assets.  Our policies require that management continuously monitor the status of the loan portfolio and report to the Board of Directors on a monthly basis.  These reports include information on nonaccrual loans and foreclosed real estate, as well as our actions and plans to cure the nonaccrual status of the loans and to dispose of the foreclosed property.
 
The following table presents information regarding nonperforming mortgage, consumer and other loans, and foreclosed real estate as of the dates indicated.  All loans where the interest payment is 90 days or more in arrears as of the closing date of each month are placed on nonaccrual status.  At December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we had $2.9 million, $3.2 million, and $5.5 million, respectively, of nonaccrual loans.  If all nonaccrual loans had been performing in accordance with their terms, we would have earned additional interest income of $287,000   $159,000, and $94,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  One residential loan with a balance of $120,000 and $125,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, was modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) during 2010 and is included in nonperforming loans.  We had no TDR’s at December 31, 2009.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Nonaccrual real estate loans:
                             
Residential
  $ 670     $ 629     $ 784     $ 905     $ 820  
Home equity
    230       144       225       239       175  
Commercial real estate
    1,879       1,892       782       1,460       177  
Total nonaccrual real estate loans
    2,779       2,665       1,791       2,604       1,172  
Other loans:
                                       
Commercial and industrial
    154       539       3,675       6,195       19  
Consumer
    -       -       4       6       11  
Total nonaccrual other loans
    154       539       3,679       6,201       30  
Total nonperforming loans
    2,933       3,204       5,470       8,805       1,202  
Other real estate owned
    1,130       223       1,662       -       -  
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 4,063     $ 3,427     $ 7,132     $ 8,805     $ 1,202  
Nonperforming loans to total loans
    0.53 %     0.63 %     1.15 %     1.83 %     0.29 %
Nonperforming assets to total assets
    0.32       0.28       0.60       0.79       0.12  
 
 
9

 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses.  The following table presents the activity in our allowance for loan losses and other ratios at or for the dates indicated.

   
At or for Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 6,934     $ 7,645     $ 8,796     $ 5,726     $ 5,437  
                                         
Charge-offs:
                                       
Residential
    (2 )     (36 )     -       (131 )     -  
Commercial real estate
    (175 )     (7,536 )     (50 )     -       -  
Home equity loans
    -       -       (117 )     -       -  
Commercial and industrial
    (442 )     (2,129 )     (4,910 )     (284 )     (255 )
Consumer
    (21 )     (16 )     (22 )     (34 )     (62 )
Total charge-offs
    (640 )     (9,717 )     (5,099 )     (449 )     (317 )
                                         
Recoveries:
                                       
Residential
    6       7       -       -       -  
Commercial real estate
    140       8       -       -       -  
Home equity loans
    3       4       6       4       3  
Commercial and industrial
    90       21       2       4       54  
Consumer
    25       43       40       58       149  
Total recoveries
    264       83       48       66       206  
                                         
Net charge-offs
    (376 )     (9,634 )     (5,051 )     (383 )     (111 )
                                         
Provision for loan losses
    1,206       8,923       3,900       3,453       400  
                                         
Balance at end of year
  $ 7,764     $ 6,934     $ 7,645     $ 8,796     $ 5,726  
                                         
Total loans receivable (1)
  $ 553,139     $ 508,584     $ 476,434     $ 480,338     $ 420,067  
                                         
Average loans outstanding
  $ 536,084     $ 482,215     $ 476,214     $ 444,492     $ 398,281  
                                         
Allowance for loan losses as a
                                       
percent of total loans receivable
    1.40 %     1.36 %     1.60 %     1.83 %     1.36 %
                                         
Net loans charged-off as a percent
                                       
of average loans outstanding
    0.07       2.00       1.06       0.09       0.03  
_________________________
                                       
(1) Does not include unearned premiums, deferred costs and fees, or allowance for loan losses.
                 

We maintain an allowance for loan losses to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio based on ongoing quarterly assessments of the estimated losses. Our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance consists of a review of the components, which include a specific valuation allowance for impaired loans and a general allowance for non-impaired loans. The specific valuation allowance incorporates the results of measuring impairment for specifically identified non-homogenous problem loans and, as applicable, TDRs.  The specific allowance reduces the carrying amount of the impaired loans to their estimated fair value if collateral dependent.  A loan is recognized as impaired when it is probable that principal and/or interest are not collectible in accordance with the loan’s contractual terms.  The general allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to outstanding loans by type, excluding loans for which a specific allowance has been determined.  As part of this analysis, each quarter we prepare an allowance for loan losses worksheet which categorizes the loan portfolio by risk characteristics such as loan type and loan grade.  The general allowance is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change. There are a number of factors that are considered when evaluating the appropriate level of the allowance.  These factors include current economic and business conditions that affect our key lending areas, new loan products, collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, credit quality trends such as nonperforming loans, delinquency and loan losses, and specific industry concentrations within the portfolio segments that may impact the collectability of the loan portfolio.  For information on our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses please see Footnote 1 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of our notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
10

 
 
In addition, management employs an independent third party to perform an annual review of all of our commercial and industrial loans and owner occupied commercial real estate loans with balances or commitments equal to or greater than $750,000.  The third-party also reviews all commercial investment real estate loans in excess of $750,000, as well as all adversely rated loans with balances in excess of $100,000.  In addition, there is a random sampling of loans reviewed by the third-party under $750,000.
 
Our methodologies include several factors that are intended to reduce the difference between estimated and actual losses; however, because these are management’s best estimates based on information known at the time, estimates may differ from actual losses incurred.  The loss factors that are used to establish the allowance for pass graded loans are designated to be self-correcting by taking into account changes in loan classification, loan concentrations and loan volumes and by permitting adjustments based on management’s judgments of qualitative factors as of the evaluation date.  Similarly, by basing the pass graded loan loss factors on loss experience over the prior six years, the methodology is designed to take loss experience into account.

Our allowance methodology has been applied on a consistent basis.  Based on this methodology, we believe that we have established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at appropriate levels.  Future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses, however, may be necessary if economic, real estate and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment resulting in estimated and actual losses differing substantially.  Adjustments to the allowance for loan losses are charged to income through the provision for loan losses.
 
A summary of the components of the allowance for loan losses is as follows:
 
   
December 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Specific
   
General
   
Total
   
Specific
   
General
   
Total
   
Specific
   
General
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Real estate mortgage:
                                                     
 Residential and home equity
  $ 109     $ 1,422     $ 1,531     $ -     $ 877     $ 877     $ -     $ 487     $ 487  
 Commercial
    449       3,055       3,504       -       3,182       3,182       -       2,371       2,371  
                                                                         
Commercial and industrial
    39       2,673       2,712       19       2,830       2,849       875       3,873       4,748  
                                                                         
Consumer
    -       17       17       -       26       26       -       39       39  
Total
  $ 597     $ 7,167     $ 7,764     $ 19     $ 6,915     $ 6,934     $ 875     $ 6,770     $ 7,645  
 
   
December 31, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
                   
   
Specific
   
General
   
Total
   
Specific
   
General
   
Total
                   
   
(In thousands)
                   
Real estate mortgage:
                                                     
 Residential and home equity
  $ -     $ 462     $ 462     $ -     $ 456     $ 456                          
 Commercial
    -       2,216       2,216       -       1,756       1,756                          
                                                                         
Commercial and industrial
    2,286       3,776       6,062       -       3,436       3,436                          
Consumer
    -       56       56       -       78       78                          
Total
  $ 2,286     $ 6,510     $ 8,796     $ -     $ 5,726     $ 5,726                          
 
 
11

 
 
In addition, the OCC, as an integral part of its examination process, periodically reviews our loan and foreclosed real estate portfolios and the related allowance for loan losses and valuation allowance for foreclosed real estate.  The OCC may require us to adjust the allowance for loan losses or the valuation allowance for foreclosed real estate based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination, thereby adversely affecting our results of operations.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2011, we provided $1.2 million to the allowance for loan losses based on our valuation of the items discussed above.  We believe that the allowance for loan losses accurately reflects the level of incurred losses in the current loan portfolio as of December 31, 2011.
 
Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses.  The following tables set forth the allowance for loan losses allocated by loan category, the total loan balances by category, and the percent of loans in each category to total loans.
 
   
December 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
Loan Category
 
Amount of
Loan Loss
   
Loan
Balances by Category
   
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
   
Amount of
Loan Loss
   
Loan
Balances by Category
   
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
   
Amount of
Loan Loss
   
Loan
Balances by Category
   
Percent of
Loans in
Each
Category to
Total Loans
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Real estate mortgage:
                                                     
 Residential and home equity
  $ 1,531     $ 192,458       34.79 %   $ 877     $ 148,796       29.26 %   $ 487     $ 99,054       20.79 %
 Commercial
    3,504       232,491       42.03       3,182       221,578       43.57       2,371       229,061       48.08  
Commercial loans
    2,712       125,739       22.73       2,849       135,250       26.59       4,748       145,012       30.44  
Consumer loans
    17       2,451       0.44       26       2,960       0.58       39       3,307       0.69  
Total allowances for loan losses
  $ 7,764     $ 553,139       100.00 %   $ 6,934     $ 508,584       100.00 %   $ 7,645     $ 476,434       100.00 %
                                                                         
 
   
December 31, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
                   
   
Amount of
Loan Loss
   
Loan
Balances by Category
   
Percent of Loans in
Each
Category to Total Loans
   
Amount of Loan Loss
   
Loan
Balances by Category
   
Percent of Loans in
Each
Category to Total Loans
                   
   
(In thousands)
                   
Real estate mortgage:
                                                     
 Residential and home equity
  $ 462     $ 98,372       20.48 %   $ 456     $ 108,110       25.74 %                        
 Commercial
    2,216       223,857       46.61       1,756       189,964       45.22                          
Commercial loans
    6,062       153,861       32.03       3,436       116,514       27.74                          
Consumer loans
    56       4,248       0.88       78       5,479       1.30                          
Total allowances for loan losses
  $ 8,796     $ 480,338       100.00 %   $ 5,726     $ 420,067       100.00 %                        
 
 
12

 
 
Potential Problem Loans.  We have no potential problem loans not reported as impaired at December 31, 2011.
 
Investment Activities. The Board of Directors reviews and approves our investment policy on an annual basis. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as authorized by the Board of Directors, implement this policy based on the established guidelines within the written policy.
 
Our investment policy is designed primarily to manage the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities, to generate a favorable return without incurring undue interest rate and credit risk, to complement our lending activities and to provide and maintain liquidity within the range established by policy.  In determining our investment strategies, we consider our interest rate sensitivity, yield, credit risk factors, maturity and amortization schedules, and other characteristics of the securities to be held.
 
Federally chartered savings banks have authority to invest in various types of assets, including U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of various government-sponsored enterprises, mortgage-backed securities, certain certificates of deposit of insured financial institutions, repurchase agreements, overnight and short-term loans to other banks and corporate debt instruments.
 
Securities Portfolio. In August 2010, we transferred all of our held-to-maturity securities to the available-for-sale category.  We determined that we no longer had the positive intent to hold our securities classified as held-to-maturity for an indefinite period of time because of our desire to have more flexibility in managing the investment portfolio.  The securities transferred had a total amortized cost of $287.1 million and a fair value of $299.7 million, and the net unrealized gain of $12.6 million was recorded as other comprehensive income at the time of transfer.  Available for sale securities are reported at fair value.  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the entire securities portfolio was classified as available-for-sale and totaled $617.5 million and $644.1 million, respectively.

We invest in government-sponsored enterprise debt securities which consist of bonds issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. We also invest in municipal bonds issued by cities and towns in Massachusetts that are rated as investment grade by Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, or Fitch, the majority of which are also independently insured.  These securities generally have maturities between four and twenty years; however, many have earlier call dates.  In addition, we have investments in Federal Home Loan Bank stock and mutual funds that invest only in securities allowed by the OCC.

Our mortgage-backed securities, the majority of which are directly or indirectly insured or guaranteed by Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae or Fannie Mae, consist of both fixed rate and adjustable rate securities primarily with average lives of less than five years.  At December 31, 2011, we owned $1.6 million in private-label residential mortgage-backed securities.
 
 
13

 
 
The following table sets forth the composition of our securities portfolio at the dates indicated.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
   
Amortized
   
Fair
   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Debt securities:
                                   
Government-sponsored enterprises
  $ 23,761     $ 24,752     $ 18,447     $ 17,864     $ 45,884     $ 47,358  
Municipal bonds
    43,393       45,874       42,119       43,077       36,316       37,774  
Total debt securities
    67,154       70,626       60,566       60,941       82,200       85,132  
                                                 
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                               
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed
    377,447       386,227       381,436       380,984       494,324       500,659  
U.S. government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed
    148,938       152,875       192,609       187,676       17,364       17,333  
Private-label residential mortgage-backed
    2,068       1,567       8,251       7,578       15,317       13,068  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    528,453       540,669       582,296       576,238       527,005       531,060  
                                                 
Marketable equity securities:
                                               
Mutual funds
    5,813       5,854       5,308       5,272       6,561       6,489  
Common and preferred stock
    393       388       39       16       70       59  
Total marketable equity securities
    6,206       6,242       5,347       5,288       6,631       6,548  
                                                 
Total securities
  $ 601,813     $ 617,537     $ 648,209     $ 642,467     $ 615,836     $ 622,740  
 
 
14

 
 
Mortgage-Backed Securities.  The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of our mortgage-backed securities, which are classified as available for sale or held to maturity at the dates indicated.
 

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Percent of
Total
   
Fair
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Percent of
Total
   
Fair
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Percent of
Total
   
Fair
Value
 
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Available for sale:
                                                     
Government-sponsored residential
  $ 377,447       71.43 %   $ 386,227     $ 381,436       65.50 %   $ 380,984     $ 289,840       55.00 %   $ 290,248  
U.S. government guaranteed residential
    148,938       28.18       152,875       192,609       33.08       187,676       1,030       0.19       1,047  
Private-label residential
    2,068       0.39       1,567       8,251       1.42       7,578       10,368       1.97       8,510  
Total available for sale
    528,543       100.00       540,669       582,296       100.00       576,238       301,238       57.16       299,805  
                                                                         
Held to maturity:
                                                                       
Government-sponsored residential
    -       -       -       -       -       -       204,484       38.80       210,411  
U.S. government guaranteed residential
    -       -       -       -       -       -       16,334       3.10       16,286  
Private-label residential
    -       -       -       -       -       -       4,949       0.94       4,558  
Total held to maturity
    -       -       -       -       -       -       225,767       42.84       231,255  
                                                                         
Total mortgage-backed securities
  $ 528,453       100.00 %   $ 540,669     $ 582,296       100.00 %   $ 576,238     $ 527,005       100.00 %   $ 531,060  
                                                                         
 
 
15

 
 
Securities Portfolio Maturities.  The composition and maturities of the debt securities portfolio and the mortgage-backed securities portfolio at December 31, 2011 are summarized in the following table.  Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or redemptions that may occur.
 
   
One Year or Less
   
More than One Year
through Five Years
   
More than Five Years
through Ten Years
    More than Ten Years    
Total Securities
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Weighted Average Yield
   
Amortized Cost
   
Weighted Average Yield
   
Amortized Cost
   
Weighted Average Yield
    Amortized Cost    
Weighted Average Yield
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair
Value
   
Weighted Average Yield
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                                                   
Debt securities:
                                                                 
Government-sponsored enterprises
  $ -     - %   $ 1,998     4.55 %   $ 11,810     2.50 %   $ 9,953     3.24 %   $ 23,761     $ 24,752     2.98 %
Municipal bonds
    575     3.40       15,203     3.71       20,511     3.93       7,104     4.26       43,393       45,874     3.90  
    Total debt securities
    575     3.40       17,201     3.81       32,321     3.41       17,057     3.67       67,154       70,626     3.58  
                                                                               
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                                                             
Government-sponsored
       residential mortgage-backed
    -     -       -     -       13,520     3.89       363,927     2.85       377,447       386,227     2.89  
U.S. government guaranteed
       residential mortgage-backed
    -     -       -     -       -     -       148,938     2.86       148,938       152,875     2.86  
Private-label residential mortgage-                                                                              
       backed
    -     -       -     -       -     -       2,068     5.32       2,068       1,567     5.32  
    Total mortgage-backed securities
    -     -       -     -       13,520     3.89       514,933     2.86       528,453       540,669     2.89  
                                                                               
Total
  $ 575     3.40 %   $ 17,201     3.81 %   $ 45,841     3.55 %   $ 531,990     2.89 %   $ 595,607     $ 611,295     2.97 %
                                                                               
 
 
16

 
 
Sources of Funds
 
General.  Deposits, short-term borrowings, long-term debt, scheduled amortization and prepayments of loan principal, maturities and calls of securities and funds provided by operations are our primary sources of funds for use in lending, investing and for other general purposes.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
 
Deposits.  We offer a variety of deposit accounts having a range of interest rates and terms.  We currently offer regular savings deposits (consisting of passbook and statement savings accounts), NOW accounts, noninterest-bearing demand accounts, money market accounts and time deposits. We have expanded the types of deposit products that we offer to include jumbo certificates of deposit, tiered money market accounts and customer repurchase agreements to complement our increased emphasis on attracting commercial banking relationships.
 
Deposit flows are influenced significantly by general and local economic conditions, changes in prevailing interest rates, pricing of deposits and competition.  Our deposits are primarily obtained from areas surrounding our offices.  We rely primarily on paying competitive rates, service and long-standing relationships with customers to attract and retain these deposits.
 
When we determine our deposit rates, we consider local competition, U.S. Treasury securities offerings and the rates charged on other sources of funds.  Core deposits (defined as regular accounts, money market accounts, NOW accounts and demand accounts) represented 56.9% of total deposits on December 31, 2011 and 49.5% on December 31, 2010.  At December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, time deposits with remaining terms to maturity of less than one year amounted to $150.4 million and $236.9 million, respectively.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Net Interest and Dividend Income” for information relating to the average balances and costs of our deposit accounts for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
 
Deposit Distribution and Weighted Average Rates.  The following table sets forth the distribution of our deposit accounts, by account type, at the dates indicated.
 
   
At December, 31
   
2011
 
2010
 
2009
   
Amount
 
Percent
 
Weighted Average
Rates
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Weighted Average
Rates
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Weighted Average
Rates
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                                       
Demand deposits
  $ 100,157       13.66 %   0.00 %   $ 85,217       12.17 %   - %   $ 80,110       12.36 %   - %
Now accounts
    71,470       9.75     0.66       83,621       11.94     1.08       70,462       10.87     1.42  
Regular accounts
    98,628       13.46     0.31       101,333       14.47     0.62       104,650       16.15     0.88  
Money market accounts
    146,935       20.05     0.61       76,184       10.88     0.57       50,120       7.74     0.74  
Total non-certificated accounts
    417,190       56.92     0.40       346,355       49.46     0.57       305,342       47.12     0.75  
                                                                   
Time certificates of deposit:
                                                                 
Due within the year
    150,397       20.52     1.05       236,926       33.83     1.79       242,318       37.40     2.41  
Over 1 year through 3 years
    132,444       18.07     2.12       72,582       10.36     2.22       85,867       13.25     2.65  
Over 3 years
    32,927       4.49     2.07       44,472       6.35     2.62       14,448       2.23     2.02  
Total certificated accounts
    315,768       43.08     1.60       353,980       50.54     1.98       342,633       52.88     2.45  
                                                                   
Total
  $ 732,958       100.00 %   0.92 %   $ 700,335       100.00 %   1.28 %   $ 647,975       100.00 %   1.65 %
 
 
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Certificate of Deposit Maturities. At December 31, 2011, we had $101.9 million in time certificates of deposit with balances of $100,000 and over maturing as follows:
 
Maturity Period
 
Amount
   
Weighted
Average Rate
 
   
(In thousands)
       
             
3 months or less
  $ 11,969       1.08 %
Over 3 months through 6 months
    9,438       1.22  
Over 6 months through 12 months
    17,896       0.95  
Over 12 months
    62,630       2.14  
Total
  $ 101,933       1.72 %

 
Certificate of Deposit Balances by Rates.  The following table sets forth, by interest rate ranges, information concerning our time certificates of deposit at the dates indicated.
 
   
At December 31, 2011
 
   
Period to Maturity
             
   
Less than
One Year
   
One to Two
Years
   
Two to
Three Years
   
More than
Three Years
   
Total
   
Percent of
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
       
2.00% and under
  $ 136,074     $ 42,874     $ 21,394     $ 14,071     $ 214,413       67.90 %
2.01% to 3.00%
    12,200       24,139       43,581       18,724       98,644       31.24  
3.01% to 4.00%
    1,802       46       11       132       1,991       0.63  
4.01% to 5.00%
    321       399       -       -       720       0.23  
Total
  $ 150,397     $ 67,458     $ 64,986     $ 32,927     $ 315,768       100.00 %

Short-term borrowings and long-term debt.  We also utilize short-term borrowings and long-term debt as an additional source of funds to finance our lending and investing activities and to provide liquidity for daily operations.  Short-term borrowings are made up of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) advances with an original maturity of less than one year as well as customer repurchase agreements, which have an original maturity of one day.  Short-term borrowings issued by the FHLBB were $36.0 million at December 31, 2011 and $50.6 million at December 31, 2010.  Our repurchase agreements are with commercial customers.  These agreements are linked to customers’ checking accounts.  Excess funds are swept out of certain commercial checking accounts and into repurchase agreements where the customers can earn interest on their funds.  By law, a bank cannot pay interest on commercial checking accounts; however, interest can be paid on non-deposit products such as repurchase agreements.  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, such repurchase agreement borrowings totaled $17.0 million and $12.3 million, respectively.

Long-term debt consists of FHLBB advances, securities sold under repurchase agreements and customer repurchase agreements with an original maturity of one year or more.  At December 31, 2011, we had $160.6 million in long-term debt with the FHLBB, $81.3 million in securities sold under repurchase agreements with an approved broker-dealer and $5.4 million in long-term customer repurchase agreements.  This compares to $151.6 million in FHLBB advances and $81.3 million in securities sold under repurchase agreements with an approved broker-dealer and $5.2 million in long-term customer repurchase agreements at December 31, 2010.  At December 31, 2011, securities sold under repurchase agreements of $81.3 million were executed with a weighted average interest rate of 3.0% and final maturities of $14.8 million in the year 2013, $28.0 million in the year 2014, and $38.5 million in the year 2018.  The securities sold under agreements to repurchase are callable at the issuer’s option beginning in the year 2012.
 
 
18

 
 
Personnel
 
As of December 31, 2011, we had 158 full-time employees and 40 part-time employees. The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit, and we consider our relationship with our employees to be excellent.

REGULATION
General

Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act” or “Dodd-Frank”), enacted on July 21, 2010, the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) was abolished as of July 21, 2011 (the “Transfer Date”) and its powers and duties transferred to the OCC as to savings banks and other thrifts, and to the Federal Reserve Board as to the holding companies of thrifts.  Therefore, as a federally-chartered savings bank, the Bank is currently subject to regulation, examination, and supervision by the OCC as its chartering authority, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) as its deposit insurer.  The Bank must file reports with the OCC and the FDIC describing its activities and financial condition.  The Bank is also subject to certain reserve and other requirements promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve Board”).  This supervision and regulation is intended primarily for the protection of depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, not shareholders.

As the holding company of a savings bank, Westfield Financial is regulated by the Federal Reserve Board.  As such, Westfield Financial is registered with and subject to Federal Reserve Board examination and supervision, as well as certain Federal Reserve Board reporting requirements.  In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has enforcement authority over Westfield Financial and Westfield Financial’s non-savings association subsidiaries.  Among other things, this authority permits the Federal Reserve Board to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of a subsidiary savings association.   Westfield Financial also is required to file reports with the Federal Reserve Board and the SEC, and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board and the SEC under federal securities laws.

Also on July 21, 2011, pursuant to Section 1025 of the Dodd-Frank Act, rulemaking authority with respect to federal financial laws transferred from various federal agencies to the newly created Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the “Bureau”).  In addition, the Bureau has exclusive authority to examine for compliance with federal consumer financial laws and primary authority to enforce those laws for banks and financial institutions with more than $10 billion in assets, as well as any subsidiary and affiliate of such depository institutions.  For financial institutions with less than $10 billion in assets, such as Westfield Financial, primary supervisory and enforcement authority remains with the Federal Reserve Board for the holding company and the OCC for the Bank.

The following discussion is intended to be a summary of selected material statutes and regulations currently applicable to federal savings banks and their holding companies, and it does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all such statutes and regulations.  Federal and state regulators also have significant discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies.  Any change in such policy, whether by the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board, the OCC, the SEC, the Bureau, the United States Congress, or any other governmental or regulatory authority, could have a material adverse impact on the Bank and Westfield Financial’s operations and shareholders.  We also cannot predict what, if any, changes to our obligations under these statutes and regulations may be made by our new regulators.

Regulation of Federal Savings Banks

OCC Regulation.  As of July 21, 2011, the Bank became subject to OCC regulation, as the OTS was abolished as of that date pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act.  On that date, the powers of the OTS as to thrift holding companies transferred to the Federal Reserve Board and to the OCC as to thrifts.  Prior to July 21, 2011, the Bank was regulated by the OTS.
 
 
19

 
 
Business Activities.  The Bank derives its lending and investment powers from the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended, and the regulations of the OCC thereunder.  Those laws and regulations limit the Bank’s authority to invest in certain types of assets and to make certain types of loans.  Permissible investments include, but are not limited to, mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial real estate, commercial and consumer loans, certain types of debt securities, and certain other assets.  The Bank may also establish service corporations that may engage in activities not otherwise permissible for the Bank, including certain real estate equity investments and securities and insurance brokerage.

Loans to One Borrower.  Generally, a federal savings bank may not make a loan or extend credit to a single borrower or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus.  An additional amount may be loaned, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral, which generally does not include real estate.  As of December 31, 2011, we were in compliance with these limitations on loans to one borrower.

Qualified Thrift Lender Test.  The Bank must either qualify as a domestic building and loan association under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), or maintain an appropriate level of certain investments, called “Qualified Thrift Investments” (“QTIs”), to remain a “Qualified Thrift Lender” (“QTL”) for regulatory purposes. To qualify, QTIs must represent 65% or more of portfolio assets on a monthly average basis during nine out of every twelve months on a continuous basis.

Failure by the Bank to maintain its status as a QTL would result in the following restrictions on operations: (i) we would not be able to engage in any new activity or make any new investment, directly or indirectly, unless such activity or investment was permissible for both national banks and thrift institutions; (ii) the branching powers of the Bank would be restricted to those of a national bank; and (iii) payment of dividends by the Bank would require prior OCC and Federal Reserve Board approval and be restricted to those dividends that are allowable for a national bank to pay and necessary to meet obligations of a company that controls the Bank. Additional restrictions would apply three years after we ceased to be a QTL, including requirements to dispose of certain assets not permissible for national banks and to cease engaging in activities not permissible for national banks. A thrift institution that fails to maintain its QTL status will be permitted to requalify once, and if it fails the QTL test a second time, it will become immediately subject to all restrictions described above as if all time periods prior to such restrictions becoming effective had expired.  At December 31, 2011, our QTL ratio was 80.17%, which exceeded the QTI requirement.

Capital Requirements.  The OCC regulations require the Bank to meet the following minimum capital standards:
 
 
(1)
a tangible capital ratio requirement of 1.5% of adjusted total assets, as adjusted under OTS regulations;
     
 
(2)
a leverage ratio requirement of 3% of core capital to adjusted total assets, if a savings association has been assigned the highest composite rating of 1 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System; otherwise, the minimum leverage ratio requirement for any other savings association that does not have a composite rating of 1 will be 4% of core capital to adjusted total assets, unless a higher leverage ratio is warranted by the particular circumstances or risk profile of the savings association;
     
 
(3)  
a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.0%; and
     
 
(4)
a risk-based capital ratio requirement of 8% of the Bank’s risk-weighted assets, provided that the amount of supplementary capital used to satisfy this requirement may not exceed 100% of the Bank’s core capital.
 
In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of the risk-based capital requirement, a savings association must multiply its on-balance sheet assets and certain off-balance sheet items by the appropriate risk weights, which range from 0% for cash and obligations issued by the United States government or its agencies to 100% for consumer and commercial loans, as assigned by the OCC capital regulation based on the risks found by the OCC to be inherent in the type of asset.
 
 
20

 
 
Tangible capital is defined, generally, as common shareholders’ equity (including retained earnings), non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related earnings, nonwithdrawable accounts and pledged deposits that would qualify as core capital, and minority interests in equity accounts of fully consolidated subsidiaries, less deductions such as certain intangible assets.  Core capital (or Tier 1 capital) is defined similarly to tangible capital.  Supplementary capital (or Tier 2 capital) includes elements such as cumulative perpetual preferred and other perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible subordinated debt securities, perpetual subordinated debt, and the allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”).  In addition, up to 45% of unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair values may be included in Tier 2 capital.  The ALLL includable in Tier 2 capital is limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets.

At December 31, 2011, the Bank exceeded each of the applicable regulatory capital requirements.   Prior to the enactment of Dodd-Frank, savings and loan holding companies were not subject to regulatory capital requirements.  Pursuant to Dodd-Frank, Westfield Financial, as a savings and loan holding company, will be subject to capital requirements to be determined by the Federal Reserve Board through its rulemaking authority.  Those requirements will be at least as stringent as those applicable to insured depository institutions.

Community Reinvestment.  Under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), as implemented by the OCC regulations, the Bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation, consistent with safe and sound banking practices, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low-and moderate-income neighborhoods (“LMI”).  The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions, nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, so long as such practices are consistent with the CRA.  The CRA requires the OCC, in connection with its examination of a savings association, to assess the Bank’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by the Bank.

The CRA regulations establish an assessment system that bases an association’s rating on its actual performance in meeting community needs.  In particular, the assessment system focuses on three tests:
 
 
a lending test, to evaluate the institution’s record of making loans in its assessment areas;
     
 
an investment test, to evaluate the institution’s record of investing in community development projects, affordable housing, and programs benefiting low or moderate income individuals and businesses in its assessment area or a broader area that includes its assessment area; and
     
 
a service test, to evaluate the institution’s delivery of services through its retail banking channels and the extent and innovativeness of its community development services.
 
The Bank received a “Satisfactory” CRA rating in its most recent examination.

Transactions with Affiliates.  The Bank’s authority to engage in transactions with its affiliates is limited by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation W, as made applicable to federal savings associations by the Home Owners’ Loan Act.  In general, these transactions must be on terms that are at least as favorable to the Bank as comparable transactions with non-affiliates.  In addition, certain types of these transactions are restricted to an aggregate percentage of the Bank’s capital.  Collateral in specified amounts must usually be provided by affiliates in order to receive loans from the Bank.  In addition, a savings association is prohibited from making a loan or other extensions of credit to any of its affiliates that engage in activities not permissible for bank holding companies under Section 4(c) of the Bank Holding Company Act and from purchasing or investing in securities issued by any affiliate, other than with respect to shares of a subsidiary.

Loans to Insiders.  The Bank’s authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and principal shareholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O of the Federal Reserve Board, as made applicable to federal savings associations by the Home Owners’ Loan Act.  Among other things, these provisions require that extensions of credit to insiders: (i) be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features; and (ii) not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of the Bank’s capital.  In addition, extensions for credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors.
 
 
21

 
 
Enforcement.  The OCC has primary enforcement responsibility over savings associations, including the Bank.  This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease and desist orders and to remove directors and officers.  In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated in response to violations of laws and regulations as well as in response to unsafe or unsound practices.

Standards for Safety and Soundness.  The Bank is subject to certain standards designed to maintain the safety and soundness of individual banks and the banking system.  The OCC has prescribed safety and soundness guidelines relating to (i) internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) interest rate exposure; (v) asset growth, concentration, and quality; (vi) earnings; and (vii) compensation and benefit standards for officers, directors, employees and principal shareholders.  A savings institution not meeting one or more of the safety and soundness guidelines may be required to file a compliance plan with the OCC.

Prompt Corrective Action.  The federal banking agencies have established by regulation, for each capital measure, the levels at which an insured institution is “well-capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.”  The federal banking agencies are required to take prompt corrective action with respect to insured institutions that fall below the “adequately capitalized” level. Any insured depository institution that falls below the “adequately capitalized” level must submit a capital restoration plan, and, if its capital levels further decline or do not increase, will face increased scrutiny and more stringent supervisory action.  As of December 31, 2011, the most recent notification from the OCC categorized the Bank as “well-capitalized” under the prompt corrective action framework.

Capital Distributions.  Thrift institutions are subject to limitations on their ability to make capital distributions such as dividends, stock redemptions or repurchases, cash-out mergers, and other transactions charged to the capital account of a thrift institution. In general, an application to the OCC for prior approval to pay a dividend is required when that dividend, combined with all distributions made during the calendar year, would exceed a thrift institution’s net income year-to-date plus retained net income for the preceding two years, or that would cause the thrift institution to be less than adequately capitalized.  We are currently in compliance with this requirement.  In addition, Section 10(f) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act requires a subsidiary saving association of a savings and loan holding company to file an application with the Federal Reserve Board prior to declaring certain types of dividends.

Liquidity.  The Bank is required to maintain a sufficient amount of liquid assets to ensure its safe and sound operation.
 
Insurance of Deposit Accounts.  The deposits of the Bank are insured by the FDIC up to the applicable limits established by law and are subject to the deposit insurance premium assessments of the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”).  The FDIC currently maintains a risk-based assessment system under which assessment rates vary based on the level of risk posed by the institution to the DIF.  The assessment rate may, therefore, change when that level of risk changes.

In February 2011, the FDIC adopted a final rule making certain changes to the deposit insurance assessment system, many of which were made as a result of provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.  The final rule also revised the assessment rate schedule effective April 1, 2011, and adopted additional rate schedules that will go into effect when the DIF reserve ratio reaches various milestones.  The final rule changed the deposit insurance assessment system from one that is based on domestic deposits to one that is based on average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity.  In addition, the rule will suspend FDIC dividend payments if the DIF reserve ratio exceeds 1.5% at the end of any year but provides for decreasing assessment rates when the DIF reserve ratio reaches certain thresholds.

The rule took effect for the quarter beginning April 1, 2011, and was reflected in the invoices for assessments due September 30, 2011.

In addition, all institutions with deposits insured by the FDIC are required to pay assessments to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation (“FICO”), a mixed-ownership government corporation established as a funding vehicle for the now defunct Federal Savings & Loan Insurance Corporation.  The FDIC’s FICO assessment authority is separate from its authority to assess risk-based premiums for deposit insurance.  The FICO assessment rate is adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in the assessment bases of the fund and is not risk-based by institution.  The FICO assessment rate for the first quarter of 2012, due December 30, 2011, was 0.00660% of insured deposits.
 
 
22

 
 
Federal Home Loan Bank System.  The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”), which is one of the regional Federal Home Loan Banks comprising the Federal Home Loan Bank System.  Each Federal Home Loan Bank serves as a central credit facility primarily for its member institutions.  The Bank, as a member of the FHLBB, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLBB.  While the required percentages of stock ownership are subject to change by the FHLBB, the Bank was in compliance with this requirement with an investment in FHLBB stock at December 31, 2011 of $12.2 million.  Any advances from a Federal Home Loan Bank must be secured by specified types of collateral, and all long-term advances may be obtained only for the purpose of providing funds for residential housing finance.  If there are any developments that cause the value of our stock investment in the FHLBB to become impaired, we would be required to write down the value of our investment, which in turn could affect our net income and shareholders’ equity. On February 22, 2011, the FHLBB notified its members that it would be paying a fourth quarter dividend on March 2, 2011, and that it anticipates paying modest cash dividends through 2011.  Because the FHLBB had previously suspended payment of dividends on January 28, 2009, the Bank received no dividend payments in 2009 and 2010. There can be no guarantee of future dividends.

Federal Reserve System.  The Bank is subject to certain provisions of the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Reserve Board’s regulations, such as those under which depository institutions may be required to maintain non-interest-earning reserves against their deposit accounts and certain other liabilities.  Currently, reserves must be maintained against transaction accounts (primarily NOW and regular checking accounts).  The Federal Reserve Board’s regulations currently require reserves equal to 3% on transaction account balances over $11.5 million and up to $71 million, plus 10% on the excess over $71 million. These requirements are subject to adjustment annually by the Federal Reserve Board. Because required reserves must be maintained in the form of vault cash or in the form of a deposit with  a Federal Reserve Bank, the effect of the reserve requirement is to reduce the amount of the institution’s interest-earning assets. The Bank is in compliance with the foregoing reserve requirements.  In October of 2008, the Federal Reserve Banks began paying interest on reserve balances and excess balances. The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve Board may be used to satisfy liquidity requirements imposed by the OCC.  Federal Home Loan Bank System members are also authorized to borrow from the Federal Reserve Board discount window, but Federal Reserve Board regulations require such institutions to exhaust all Federal Home Loan Bank sources before borrowing from the Federal Reserve Board.

Prohibitions Against Tying Arrangements.  Federal savings associations are subject to prohibitions on certain tying arrangements.  A savings association is prohibited, subject to some exceptions, from extending credit or offering any other service, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or its affiliates or not obtain credit or services from a competitor of the institution.

The Bank Secrecy Act.  We are subject to the Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act, which gives the federal government powers to address money laundering and terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, and mandatory transaction reporting obligations.  For example, the Bank Secrecy Act imposes an affirmative obligation on the Bank to report currency transactions that exceed certain thresholds and to report other transactions determined to be suspicious.  Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act takes measures intended to encourage information sharing among financial institutions, bank regulatory agencies and law enforcement bodies.  Further, certain provisions of Title III impose affirmative obligations on a broad range of financial institutions, including banks, thrifts, brokers, dealers, credit unions, money transfer agents and parties registered under the Commodity Exchange Act.  Among other provisions, the USA PATRIOT Act and the related regulations of the OCC and the United States Department of Treasury require savings banks operating in the United States to supplement and enhance the anti-money laundering compliance programs, due diligence policies and controls required by the Bank Secrecy Act and Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations to ensure the detection and reporting of money laundering.
 
 
23

 
 
Holding Company Regulation

Federal Reserve Board Regulation.  As of July 21, 2011, Westfield Financial became subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board, as the OTS was abolished on that date pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act.  On that date, the powers of the OTS as to thrift holding companies transferred to the Federal Reserve Board, and to the OCC as to thrifts.  Prior to July 21, 2011, Westfield Financial was regulated by the OTS.

Activities Restrictions.  Under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Westfield Financial is prohibited from engaging in or acquiring an entity engaged in non-financial activities.  In addition, we cannot be acquired unless the acquirer is generally engaged solely in financial activities.

Restrictions on Acquisition of Control.  Certain transactions involving the acquisition of control or assets of a savings association or a savings and loan holding company by a savings and loan holding company or by a subsidiary thereof (other than a savings association) or by certain other individuals require prior Federal Reserve Board approval under the Home Owners’ Loan Act.  Certain merger and consolidation transactions also require prior Federal Reserve Board approval and in certain cases prior approval of the FDIC and OCC.  Under the Federal Change in Bank Control Act, a prior written notice must be submitted to the Federal Reserve Board if any person, or persons acting in concert, seeks to acquire control of Westfield Financial, as “control” is defined in the Federal Reserve Board’s regulations. 

Source of Strength Doctrine.  The Dodd-Frank Act requires savings and loan holding companies to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to their subsidiary savings associations and not conduct their operations in an unsafe and unsound manner.  Pursuant to this doctrine, Westfield Financial is expected to commit resources to support the Bank, including at times when Westfield Financial may not be in a financial position to provide such support.  Additionally, should the Federal Reserve Board determine that an activity of Westfield Financial or a one of its nonbank subsidiaries constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of the Bank and is inconsistent with the principles of sound banking, the purposes of the Home Owners’ Loan Act or other applicable statues, the Federal Reserve Board may require Westfield Financial to terminate such activity or divest control of the nonbank subsidiary.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We maintain an Internet website at www.westfieldbank.com. The website contains information about us and our operations.  Through a link to the Investor Relations section of our website, copies of each of our filings with the SEC, on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports, can be viewed and downloaded free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports and amendments are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.

In addition, copies of any document we file with or furnish to the SEC may be obtained from the SEC at its public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.  You may obtain information on the operation of the SEC's public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  You can request copies of these documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC at its principal office at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The SEC maintains an Internet website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file or furnish such information electronically with the SEC. Our SEC filings are accessible through the Internet at that website.
 
 
24

 
 
RISK FACTORS

Our loan portfolio includes loans with a higher risk of loss.  We originate commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, consumer loans, and residential mortgage loans primarily within our market area.  In recent years, we have developed and implemented a lending strategy that focuses on residential real estate lending as well as servicing commercial customers, including increased emphasis on commercial and industrial lending and commercial deposit relationships.  Commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, and consumer loans may expose a lender to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate because the collateral securing these loans may not be sold as easily as residential real estate.  In addition, commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans may also involve relatively large loan balances to individual borrowers or groups of borrowers.  These loans also have greater credit risk than residential real estate for the following reasons:
 
 
Commercial Real Estate Loans. Repayment is dependent on income being generated in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service.
     
 
Commercial and Industrial Loans. Repayment is generally dependent upon the successful operation of the borrower’s business.
     
 
Consumer Loans. Consumer loans are collateralized, if at all, with assets that may not provide an adequate source of payment of the loan due to depreciation, damage or loss.
 
Due to the ongoing economic recession, the real estate market and local economy are continuing to deteriorate which has adversely affected the value of the properties securing the loans or revenues from the borrower’s business, thereby increasing the risk of non-performing loans. The decreases in real estate values have adversely affected the value of property used as collateral for our commercial real estate loans.  The continued deterioration in the economy may also have a negative effect on the ability of our commercial borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans, which could have an adverse impact on our earnings. In addition, if poor economic conditions continue to result in decreased demand for loans, our profits may decrease because our alternative investments may earn less income for us than loans.
 
If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease.  Our loan customers may not repay their loans according to their terms and the collateral securing the payment of these loans may be insufficient to pay any remaining loan balance.  We therefore may experience significant loan losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Material additions to our allowance for loan losses also would materially decrease our net income, and the charge-off of loans may cause us to increase the allowance.  We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans.  We rely on our loan quality reviews, our experience and our evaluation of economic conditions, among other factors, in determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses.  If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in additions to our allowance.

If dividends are not paid on our investment in the FHLBB, or if our investment is classified as other-than-temporarily impaired, our earnings and/or shareholders’ equity could decrease. We own common stock of the FHLBB to qualify for membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank System and to be eligible to borrow funds under the FHLBB’s advance program. There is no market for our FHLBB common stock. After suspending all dividend payment in 2009, on February 22, 2011, the FHLBB reinstated the payment of dividends on its common stock.  There can be no assurance that such dividends will be declared in the future. Further, there can be no assurance that the impact of recent or future legislation on the Federal Home Loan Banks also will not cause a decrease in the value of the FHLBB stock held by us.

It is possible that the capitalization of a Federal Home Loan Bank, including the FHLBB, could be substantially diminished or reduced to zero. Consequently, we believe that there is a risk that our investment in FHLBB common stock could be deemed other-than-temporarily impaired at some time in the future, and if this occurs, it would cause our earnings and shareholders’ equity to decrease by the after-tax amount of the impairment charge.
 
 
25

 
 
Changes in interest rates could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.  Our profitability, like that of most financial institutions, depends substantially on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on our interest-earning assets and the interest expense paid on our interest-bearing liabilities.  Increases in interest rates may decrease loan demand and make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable rate loans.  In addition, as market interest rates rise, we will have competitive pressures to increase the rates we pay on deposits, which will result in a decrease of our net interest income.
 
We also are subject to reinvestment risk associated with changes in interest rates.  Changes in interest rates may affect the average life of loans and mortgage-related securities.  Decreases in interest rates can result in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-related securities as borrowers refinance to reduce borrowing costs.  Under these circumstances, we are subject to reinvestment risk to the extent that we are unable to reinvest the cash received from such prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates on existing loans and securities.

Changes in the national and local economy may affect our future growth possibilities.  Our current market area is principally located in Hampden County, Massachusetts.  Our future growth opportunities depend on the growth and stability of our regional economy and our ability to expand our market area.  The continued downturn in our local economy may limit funds available for deposit and may negatively affect our borrowers’ ability to repay their loans on a timely basis, both of which could have an impact on our profitability.

Dramatic declines in the housing market, with decreasing home prices and increasing delinquencies and foreclosures, have negatively impacted the credit performance of mortgage loans and resulted in significant write-downs of assets by many financial institutions. In addition, the values of real estate collateral supporting many loans have declined and may continue to decline. The ongoing economic recession, reduced availability of commercial credit and increasing unemployment have negatively impacted the credit performance of commercial and consumer credit, resulting in additional write-downs. Concerns over the stability of the financial markets and the economy have resulted in decreased lending by financial institutions to their customers and to each other. This market turmoil and tightening of credit has led to increased commercial and consumer delinquencies, lack of customer confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction in general business activity. We do not believe these difficult conditions are likely to improve in the near future. A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of these difficult market and economic conditions on us, our customers and the other financial institutions in our market. As a result, we may experience increases in foreclosures, delinquencies and customer bankruptcies, as well as more restricted access to funds and decrease in our stock price.

We depend on our executive officers and key personnel to continue the implementation of our long-term business strategy and could be harmed by the loss of their services.  We believe that our continued growth and future success will depend in large part upon the skills of our management team.  The competition for qualified personnel in the financial services industry is intense, and the loss of our key personnel or an inability to continue to attract, retain and motivate key personnel could adversely affect our business.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to retain our existing key personnel or attract additional qualified personnel.  We have employment agreements with our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Vice President and General Counsel and change of control agreements with several other senior executive officers, and the loss of the services of one or more of our executive officers and key personnel could impair our ability to continue to develop our business strategy.

Competition in our primary market area may reduce our ability to attract and retain deposits and originate loans.  We operate in a competitive market for both attracting deposits, which is our primary source of funds, and originating loans.  Historically, our most direct competition for deposits has come from savings and commercial banks.  Our competition for loans comes principally from commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies and brokerage and investment banking firms.  We also face additional competition from internet-based institutions, brokerage firms and insurance companies.  Competition for loan originations and deposits may limit our future growth and earnings prospects.

We operate in a highly regulated environment, and changes in laws and regulations to which we are subject may adversely affect our results of operations.  The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the OCC, as its chartering authority, and by the FDIC as the insurer of its deposits up to certain limits.  In addition, the Federal Reserve Board regulates and oversees Westfield Financial.  We also belong to the Federal Home Loan Bank System and, as a member of such system, we are subject to certain limited regulations promulgated by the FHLBB.  This regulation and supervision limits the activities in which we may engage.  The purpose of regulation and supervision is primarily to protect our depositors and borrowers and, in the case of FDIC regulation, the FDIC’s insurance fund.  Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in the exercise of their supervisory and enforcement powers.  They may, among other things, impose restrictions on the operation of a banking institution, the classification of assets by such institution and such institution’s allowance for loan losses.  Regulatory and law enforcement authorities also have wide discretion and extensive enforcement powers under various consumer protection and civil rights laws, including the Truth-in-Lending Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act.
 
 
26

 
 
As discussed above under the caption “Regulation,” pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the OTS was abolished as of July 21, 2011 and its powers and duties transferred to the OCC as to the Bank and to the Federal Reserve Board as to Westfield Financial.  Therefore, Westfield Financial and the Bank are longer be regulated by the OTS, but by the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC, respectively.  We cannot predict, at this time, what effect on our operations will results from this change in supervision.  We will have to devote increased resources to ensuring compliance with this new supervisory regime, including compliance with any new requirements the Federal Reserve Board and the OCC may impose.  The Dodd-Frank Act also created the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the “Bureau”) as an independent bureau of the Federal Reserve Board, which began operations on July 21, 2011.  The Bureau has broad authority to write regulations regarding consumer financial products and services, and certain examination and enforcement powers. We will have to devote resources to evaluating any regulations proposed by the Bureau and to complying with any such regulations after they are finalized.

In addition, financial institutions could continue to be the subject of further significant legislation or regulation in the future, none of which is within our control. These changes as well as any future change in the laws or regulations applicable to us, or in banking regulators’ supervisory policies or examination procedures, whether by the OCC, the Federal Reserve Board, the Bureau, the FDIC, other state or federal regulators, or the United States Congress could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, the cost and burden of compliance, over time, could significantly increase and adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.

Compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act will alter the regulatory regime to which we are subject, and may increase our costs of operations and adversely impact our business. The Dodd-Frank Act represents a significant overhaul of many aspects of the regulation of the financial-services industry. Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act creates a new independent bureau of the Federal Reserve, tightens capital standards, imposes clearing and margining requirements on many derivatives activities, and generally increases oversight and regulation of financial institutions and financial activities. It requires depository institution holding companies with assets greater than $500 million to be subject to capital requirements no less stringent than those applicable to insured depository institutions, meaning, for instance, that such holding companies will no longer be able to count trust preferred securities issued on or after May 19, 2010 as Tier 1 capital.  However, the provision exempted trust preferred securities issued before May 19, 2010 by depository institution companies with assets of less than $15 billion as of year-end 2009, and thus does not require that regulators discontinue the inclusion of such “grandfathered”  trust preferred securities in Tier 1 capital until their original maturity.
 
In addition to the self-implementing provisions of the statute, the Dodd-Frank Act calls for over 200 administrative rulemakings by various federal agencies to implement various parts of the legislation.  While some rules have been finalized and/or issued in proposed form, many have yet to be proposed.  It is impossible to predict when all such additional rules will be issued or finalized, and what the content of such rules will be. We will have to apply resources to ensure that we are in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and any implementing rules, which may increase our costs of operations and adversely impact our earnings.
 
The Dodd-Frank Act and any implementing rules that are ultimately issued could have adverse implications on the financial industry, the competitive environment, and our ability to conduct business.

We may be subject to more stringent capital requirements. The Bank and Westfield Financial are each subject to capital adequacy guidelines and other regulatory requirements specifying minimum amounts and types of capital which each of the Bank and Westfield Financial must maintain. From time to time, the regulators implement changes to these regulatory capital adequacy guidelines. If we fail to meet these minimum capital guidelines and other regulatory requirements, our financial condition would be materially and adversely affected. In light of proposed changes to regulatory capital requirements contained in the Dodd-Frank Act and the regulatory accords on international banking institutions formulated by the Basel Committee and implemented by the Federal Reserve and the OCC, we may be required to satisfy additional, more stringent, capital adequacy standards. The ultimate impact of the new capital and liquidity standards on us cannot be determined at this time and will depend on a number of factors, including the treatment and implementation by the U.S. banking regulators. These requirements, however, and any other new regulations, could adversely affect our ability to pay dividends, or could require us to reduce business levels or to raise capital, including in ways that may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
 
 
27

 
 
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
 
None.
 
 
28

 
 
ITEM 2.                      PROPERTIES
 
We currently conduct our business through our twelve banking offices and thirteen off-site ATMs.  As of December 31, 2011, the properties and leasehold improvements owned by us had an aggregate net book value of $11.0 million.
 
Location
Ownership
  Year Opened
Year of Lease
or License
Expiration
       
Main Office:
     
141 Elm St.
Owned
1964
N/A
Westfield, MA
     
       
Loan Center:
     
136 Elm St.
Leased
2011
2015
Westfield, MA
     
       
Branch Offices:
     
206 Park St.
Owned
1957
N/A
West Springfield, MA
     
       
655 Main St.
Owned
1968
N/A
Agawam, MA
     
       
26 Arnold St.
Owned
1976
N/A
Westfield, MA
     
       
300 Southampton Rd.
Owned
1987
N/A
Westfield, MA
     
       
462 College Highway
Owned
1990
N/A
Southwick, MA
     
       
382 North Main St.
Leased
1997
2012
E. Longmeadow, MA
     
       
1500 Main St.
Leased
2006
2016
Springfield, MA
     
       
1642 Northampton St.
Owned
2001
N/A
Holyoke, MA
     
       
560 East Main St.
Leased
2007
2046
Westfield, MA
     
       
241 South Westfield St.
Leased
2009
2038
Feeding Hill, MA
     
 
 
29

 
 
ATMs:
     
337 N. Westfield St.
Leased
1988
2013
Feeding Hills, MA
     
       
98 Lower Westfield Road
Leased
2010
2020
Holyoke, MA
     
       
516 Carew St.
Tenant at will
2002
N/A
Springfield, MA
     
       
1000 State St.
Tenant at will
2003
N/A
Springfield, MA
     
       
214 College Highway
Leased
2010
2015
Southwick, MA
     
       
1342 Liberty St.
Owned
2001
N/A
Springfield, MA
     
       
788 Memorial Ave.
Leased
2006
2016
West Springfield, MA
     
       
2620 Westfield St.
Leased
2006
2020
West Springfield, MA
     
       
98 Southwick Rd.
Leased
2006
2021
Westfield, MA
     
       
115 West Silver St.
Tenant at will
2005
N/A
Westfield, MA
     
       
Westfield State University
     
577 Western Avenue
     
Westfield, MA
     
Woodward Center
Leased
2010
2015
Wilson Hall
Leased
2010
2015
Ely Hall
Leased
2010
2015
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
We are not involved in any pending legal proceeding other than routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, no legal proceedings will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
None.
 
 
30

 
 
 
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Our common stock is currently listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “WFD.”  Prior to August 21, 2007, we were listed on the American Stock Exchange.  At December 31, 2011, there were 26,918,250 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and there were approximately 4,576 shareholders of record.

The table below shows the high and low sales price during the periods indicated as well as dividends declared per share.

   
Price Per Share
 
Cash
Dividends
Declared
2011
 
High ($)
 
Low ($)
 
($)
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2011
    7.43       6.34       0.21 *
Third Quarter ended September 30, 2011
    8.69       6.37       0.06  
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2011
    9.20       7.78       0.21 *
First Quarter ended March 31, 2011
    9.20       8.40       0.06  

   
Price Per Share
 
Cash
Dividends
Declared
2010
 
High ($)
 
Low ($)
 
($)
Fourth Quarter ended December 31, 2010
    9.37       7.70       0.21 *
Third Quarter ended September 30, 2010
    8.84       7.33       0.06  
Second Quarter ended June 30, 2010
    10.12       7.95       0.20 *
First Quarter ended March 31, 2010
    9.25       7.98       0.05  
 
*Includes a special cash dividend of $0.15 in addition to the regular quarterly cash dividend.
 
The continued payment of dividends depends upon our debt and equity structure, earnings, financial condition, need for capital in connection with possible future acquisitions and other factors, including economic conditions, regulatory restrictions and tax considerations. We cannot guarantee the payment of dividends or that, if paid, that dividends will not be reduced or eliminated in the future.

The only funds available for the payment of dividends on our capital stock will be cash and cash equivalents held by us, dividends paid by to us by the Bank, and borrowings.  The Bank will be prohibited from paying cash dividends to us to the extent that any such payment would reduce the Bank’s capital below required capital levels or would impair the liquidation account to be established for the benefit of the Bank’s eligible account holders and supplemental eligible account holders at the time of the reorganization and stock offering.

There were no sales by us of unregistered securities during the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
31

 
 
The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases made by us of our common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2011.
 
Period
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
     
Average Price
Paid per
Share ($)
   
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Programs
   
Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Program
(1)
 
                           
October 1 - 31, 2011
    27,666   (2)     6.62       -       998,288  
                                   
November 1 - 30, 2011
    346,845         7.15       346,845       651,443  
                                   
December 1 - 31, 2011
    403,117         7.32       403,117       248,326  
                                   
Total
    777,628         7.22       749,962       248,326  
                                   
(1)
On May 25, 2010, the Board of Directors approved a repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of 2,924,367 shares, or ten percent of our outstanding shares of common stock.  On December 22, 2011, the Board of Directors approved a second repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of 1,333,496, or five percent of our outstanding shares of common stock.  The second repurchase program began on January 31, 2012, the completion of the previous program.
 
(2)
In October 2011, we repurchased 27,666 shares from certain executives as repayment of their tax obligations for shares of restricted stock that vested on October 20, 2011 under our 2007 Recognition and Retention Plan.  These repurchases were reported by each reporting person on October 24, 2011.
 
 
32

 
 
Performance Graph
 
The following graph compares our total cumulative shareholder return by an investor who invested $100.00 on December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2011, to the total return by an investor who invested $100.00 in each of the Russell 2000 Index and the Nasdaq Bank Index for the same period.


COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
Among Westfield Financial, Inc., The Russell 2000 Index and the
NASDAQ Bank Index
 
GRAPHIC
 
 
      Period Ending
Index
 
12/31/06
   
12/31/07
   
12/31/08
   
12/31/09
   
12/31/10
   
12/31/11
 
Westfield Financial, Inc.
    100.00       95.77       108.18       91.51       109.12       92.99  
Russell 2000
    100.00       98.43       65.18       82.89       105.14       100.75  
NASDAQ Bank
    100.00       80.09       62.84       52.60       60.04       53.74  
 
 
33

 
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The summary information presented below at or for each of the years presented is derived in part from our consolidated financial statements.  The following information is only a summary, and you should read it in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes beginning on page F-1.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Selected Financial Condition Data:
                             
Total assets
  $ 1,263,264     $ 1,239,489     $ 1,191,410     $ 1,109,056     $ 1,039,784  
Loans, net (1)
    546,392       502,392       469,149       472,135       414,902  
Securities available for sale
    617,537       642,467       317,638       256,780       242,866  
Securities held to maturity (2)
    -       -       295,011       247,635       278,619  
Deposits
    732,958       700,335       647,975       588,029       602,676  
Short-term borrowings
    52,985       62,937       74,499       49,824       32,268  
Long-term debt
    247,320       238,151       213,845       173,300       105,000  
Total shareholders’ equity
    218,988       221,245       247,299       259,919       286,532  
Allowance for loan losses
    7,764       6,934       7,645       8,796       5,726  
Nonperforming loans
    2,933       3,204       5,470       8,805       1,202  
                                         
                                         
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
    2011     2010     2009     2008     2007  
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Selected Operating Data:
                                       
Interest and dividend income
  $ 45,005     $ 46,147     $ 52,530     $ 54,056     $ 53,584  
Interest expense
    14,467       16,765       20,022       22,304       23,408  
Net interest and dividend income
    30,538       29,382       32,508       31,752       30,176  
Provision for loan losses
    1,206       8,923       3,900       3,453       400  
Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses
    29,332       20,459       28,608       28,299       29,776  
Total noninterest income
    3,806       7,390       3,218       3,579       4,609  
Total noninterest expense
    25,958       24,809       25,100       23,392       21,873  
Income before income taxes
    7,180       3,040       6,726       8,486       12,512  
Income taxes
    1,306       34       1,267       1,795       3,812  
Net income
  $ 5,874     $ 3,006     $ 5,459     $ 6,691     $ 8,700  
                                         
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.11     $ 0.19     $ 0.22     $ 0.29  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.11     $ 0.18     $ 0.22     $ 0.28  
                                         
Dividends per share paid
  $ 0.54     $ 0.52     $ 0.50     $ 0.60     $ 0.40  
                                         
_________________________________
                                       
(1) Loans are shown net of deferred loan fees and costs, unearned premiums, allowance for loan losses and unadvanced loan funds.
 
(2) In August 2010, we transferred all of our held-to-maturity securities to the available-for-sale category. We determined that we no longer had the positive intent to hold our securities classified as held-to-maturity for an indefinite period of time because of our desire to have more flexibility in managing the investment portfolio. The securities transferred had a total amortized cost of $287.1 million, fair value of $299.7 million and a net unrealized gain of $12.6 million which was recorded as other comprehensive income at the time of transfer.
 
 
 
34

 
 
   
At or for the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                               
Selected Financial Ratios and
                             
Other Data(1)
                             
Performance Ratios:
                             
Return on average assets
    0.47 %     0.25 %     0.47 %     0.63 %     0.86 %
Return on average equity
    2.65       1.25       2.12       2.43       3.00  
Average equity to average assets
    17.79       19.63       22.16       25.75       28.74  
Equity to total assets at end of year
    17.34       17.85       20.76       23.44       27.56  
Average interest rate spread
    2.34       2.22       2.41       2.44       2.23  
Net interest margin (2)
    2.67       2.64       3.04       3.23       3.25  
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-earning liabilities
    127.30       128.51       134.62       135.36       141.05  
Total noninterest expense to average assets
    2.08       2.03       2.16       2.18       2.16  
Efficiency ratio (3)
    76.22       75.53       68.49       65.83       64.55  
Dividend payout ratio
    2.45       4.73       2.63       2.73       1.38  
Regulatory Capital Ratios:
                                       
Total risk-based capital
    31.60       34.05       38.07       42.56       50.29  
Tier 1 risk-based capital
    30.46       33.03       36.94       41.31       49.30  
Tier 1 leverage capital
    16.76       18.07       20.92       23.97       27.48  
Asset Quality Ratios:
                                       
Nonperforming loans to total loans
    0.53       0.63       1.15       1.83       0.29  
Nonperforming assets to total assets
    0.32       0.28       0.60       0.79       0.12  
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
    1.40       1.36       1.60       1.83       1.36  
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming assets
    1.91       2.02       1.07       1.00       4.76  
Number of:
                                       
Banking offices
    12       11       11       11       11  
Full-time equivalent employees
    180       180       168       180       177  
                                         
_________________________________
                                       
(1) Asset Quality Ratios and Regulatory Capital Ratios are end of period ratios.
 
(2) Net interest margin represents tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest earning assets.
 
(3) The efficiency ratio represents the ratio of operating expenses divided by the sum of net interest and dividend income and noninterest income excluding gain and loss on sale and losses on other-than-temporary impairment of securities and gain or loss on sale of premises and equipment.
 
 
 
35

 
 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Overview. We strive to remain a leader in meeting the financial service needs of the local community and to provide quality service to the individuals and businesses in the market areas that we have served since 1853.  Historically, we have been a community-oriented provider of traditional banking products and services to business organizations and individuals, including products such as residential and commercial real estate loans, consumer loans and a variety of deposit products.  We meet the needs of our local community through a community-based and service-oriented approach to banking.

We have adopted a growth-oriented strategy that has focused on increasing commercial lending.  Our strategy also calls for increasing deposit relationships and broadening our product lines and services.  We believe that this business strategy is best for our long-term success and viability, and complements our existing commitment to high quality customer service.  In connection with our overall growth strategy, we seek to:
 
 
grow our commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loan portfolio by targeting businesses in our primary market area and in northern Connecticut as a means to increase the yield on and diversify our loan portfolio and build transactional deposit account relationships;
     
 
focus on expanding our retail banking franchise and increase the number of households served within our market area; and
     
 
to supplement the commercial focus, grow the residential loan portfolio to diversify risk and deepen customer relationships.  We will maintain our arrangement with a third-party mortgage company which assists in originating and servicing residential real estate loans.  By doing this, we reduce the overhead costs associated with these loans.
 
You should read the following financial results for the year ended December 31, 2011 in the context of this strategy.
 
 
Net income was $5.9 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $3.0 million, or $0.11 per diluted share for the same period in 2010.  The results for the year ended December 31, 2011 showed a decrease in the provision for loan losses compared to the same period in 2010; however, this was partially offset by a decrease in noninterest income and an increase in noninterest expense.
     
 
We provided $1.2 million for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $8.9 million for the same period in 2010.  The decrease in the provision for loan losses occurred because the 2010 period included the reserve for and subsequent charge-off of $7.2 million on a single commercial real estate loan.  The allowance was $7.8 million, or 1.40% of total loans at December 31, 2011 and $6.9 million, or 1.36% of total loans at December 31, 2010.  In 2011, total loans increased $44.0 million, with the increase primarily in residential real estate loans which contain less credit risk and market risk than both commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans.
     
 
Noninterest income decreased $3.6 million to $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $7.4 million for the same period in 2010.  The decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in net gains on the sale of securities of $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
     
 
Noninterest expense increased $1.2 million to $26.0 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $24.8 million at December 31, 2010.  The increase in noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 was due to an increase in salaries and benefits of $845,000 related to regular annual adjustments as well as salaries and benefits related to the hiring of additional personnel.
 
General.  Our consolidated results of operations are comprised of earnings on investments and loans and the net income recorded by the Bank.  Our consolidated results of operations depend primarily on net interest and dividend income.  Net interest and dividend income is the difference between the interest income earned on interest-earning assets and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities.  Interest-earning assets consist primarily of securities, commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans and residential real estate loans.  Interest-bearing liabilities consist primarily of certificates of deposit and money market account, NOW account and savings account deposits, borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and securities sold under repurchase agreements.  The consolidated results of operations also depend on the provision for loan losses, noninterest income, and noninterest expense.  Noninterest expense includes salaries and employee benefits, occupancy expenses and other general and administrative expenses.  Noninterest income includes service fees and charges, income on bank-owned life insurance, and gains (losses) on securities.
 
 
36

 
 
Critical Accounting Policies. Our accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  Given our current business strategy and asset/liability structure, the more critical policies are accounting for nonperforming loans, the allowance for loan losses and provision for loan losses, other than temporary impairment of securities, and the valuation of deferred taxes.  In addition to the informational disclosure in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, our policy on each of these accounting policies is described in detail in the applicable sections of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  Senior management has discussed the development and selection of these accounting policies and the related disclosures with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

Our general policy regarding recognition of interest on loans is to discontinue the accrual of interest when principal or interest payments are delinquent 90 days or more, or earlier if the loan is considered impaired. Any unpaid amounts previously accrued on these loans are reversed from income. Subsequent cash receipts are applied to the outstanding principal balance or to interest income if, in the judgment of management, collection of the principal balance is not in question. Loans are returned to accrual status when they become current as to both principal and interest and when subsequent performance reduces the concern as to the collectability of principal and interest. Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net fee or cost is recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the estimated average lives of the related loans.
 
The process of evaluating the loan portfolio, classifying loans and determining the allowance and provision is described in detail in Part I under “Business – Lending Activities - Allowance for Loan Losses.”  Our methodology for assessing the allocation of the allowance consists of two key components, which are a specific allowance for impaired loans and a formula allowance for the remainder of the portfolio.  Measurement of impairment can be based on present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change.  The allocation of the allowance is also reviewed by management based upon our evaluation of then-existing economic and business conditions affecting our key lending areas and other conditions, such as new loan products, credit quality trends (including trends in nonperforming loans expected to result from existing conditions), collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, specific industry conditions within portfolio segments that existed as of the balance sheet date and the impact that such conditions were believed to have had on the collectability of the loan portfolio.  Although management believes it has established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate levels, if management’s assumptions and judgments prove to be incorrect due to continued deterioration in economic, real estate and other conditions, and the allowance for loan losses is not adequate to absorb inherent losses, our earnings and capital could be significantly and adversely affected.

On a quarterly basis, we review securities with a decline in fair value below the amortized cost of the investment to determine whether the decline in fair value is temporary or other than temporary.  Declines in the fair value of marketable equity securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary based on the severity and duration of the impairment are reflected in earnings as realized losses.  In estimating other than temporary impairment losses for securities, impairment is required to be recognized if (1) we intend to sell the security; (2) it is “more likely than not” that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) for debt securities, the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis.  For all impaired available for sale securities that we intend to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the other than temporary impairment is recognized through earnings.  For other impaired debt securities, credit-related other than temporary impairment is recognized through earnings, while non-credit related other than temporary impairment is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.
 
 
37

 
 
We must make certain estimates in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes.  These estimates occur in the calculation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities, which arise from the temporary differences between the tax basis and financial statement basis of our assets and liabilities.  The carrying value of our net deferred tax asset is based on our historic taxable income for the two prior years as well as our belief that it is more likely than not that we will generate sufficient future taxable income to realize these deferred tax assets.  Judgments regarding future taxable income may change due to changes in market conditions, changes in tax laws or other factors which could result in a change in the assessment of the realization of the net deferred tax asset.

Average Balance Sheet and Analysis of Net Interest and Dividend Income

The following table sets forth information relating to our financial condition and net interest and dividend income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and reflect the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the years indicated.  The yields and costs were derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of interest-earning assets or interest-bearing liabilities, respectively, for the years shown.  Average balances were derived from actual daily balances over the years indicated.  Interest income includes fees earned from making changes in loan rates or terms, and fees earned when commercial real estate loans were prepaid or refinanced.

The interest earned on tax-exempt assets is adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis to recognize the income tax savings which facilitates comparison between taxable and tax-exempt assets.
 
 
38

 
 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Average
         
Avg Yield/
   
Average
         
Avg Yield/
   
Average
         
Avg Yield/
 
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
ASSETS:
                                                     
Interest-earning assets
                                                     
Loans(1)(2)
  $ 536,084     $ 25,485     4.75 %   $ 482,215     $ 24,887     5.16 %   $ 476,214     $ 25,834     5.42 %
Securities(2)
    619,704       20,376     3.29       634,531       22,055     3.48       587,007       27,264     4.64  
Other investments - at cost
    14,034       61     0.43       12,900       24     0.19       10,773       22     0.20  
Short-term investments(3)
    7,503       1     0.01       13,948       8     0.06       15,051       11     0.07  
Total interest-earning assets
    1,177,325       45,923     3.90       1,143,594       46,974     4.11       1,089,045       53,131     4.88  
Total noninterest-earning assets
    70,133                     78,842                     72,298                
                                                                   
Total assets
  $ 1,247,458                   $ 1,222,436                   $ 1,161,343                
                                                                   
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
                                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                                                 
NOW accounts
  $ 85,094       762     0.90     $ 76,954       933     1.21     $ 68,967       1,238     1.80  
Savings accounts
    104,112       515     0.49       112,546       824     0.73       89,185       955     1.07  
Money market accounts
    99,319       619     0.62       56,082       358     0.64       53,100       467     0.88  
Time certificates of deposit
    332,327       5,693     1.71       347,590       7,735     2.23       337,692       10,034     2.97  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    620,852       7,589             593,172       9,850             548,944       12,694        
Short-term borrowings and long-term debt
    303,909       6,878     2.26       296,752       6,915     2.33       260,083       7,328     2.82  
Interest-bearing liabilities
    924,761       14,467     1.56       889,924       16,765     1.88       809,027       20,022     2.47  
Noninterest-bearing deposits
    91,024                     83,077                     80,186                
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
    9,754                     9,513                     14,789                
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities
    100,778                     92,590                     94,975                
                                                                   
Total liabilities
    1,025,539                     982,514                     904,002                
Total equity
    221,919                     239,922                     257,341                
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 1,247,458                   $ 1,222,436                   $ 1,161,343                
Less: Tax-equivalent adjustment(2)
            (918 )                   (827 )                   (601 )      
Net interest and dividend income
          $ 30,538                   $ 29,382                   $ 32,508        
Net interest rate spread(4)
                  2.34 %                   2.22 %                   2.41 %
Net interest margin(5)
                  2.67 %                   2.64 %                   3.04 %
Average interest-earning assets
                                                                 
    to average interest-bearing liabilities
                  127.30                   128.50                   134.62
 

 
(1)
Loans, including non-accrual loans, are net of deferred loan origination costs, and unadvanced funds.
 
(2)
Securities income, loan income and net interest income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 34%.  The tax-equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income to agree to the amount reported in the statements of income.
 
(3)
Short-term investments include federal funds sold.
 
(4)
Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(5)
Net interest margin represents tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
 
 
39

 
 
Rate/Volume Analysis.  The following table shows how changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected our interest and dividend income and interest expense during the periods indicated.  Information is provided in each category with respect to:  (1) interest income changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate); (2) interest income changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume); and (3) the net change.

The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.
 
   
Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year
Ended December 31, 2010
 
Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to Year
Ended December 31, 2009
   
Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
Increase (Decrease) Due to
   
Volume
 
Rate
 
Net
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Net
Interest-earning assets
 
(In thousands)
 
Loans (1)
  $ 2,780     $ (2,182 )   $ 598     $ 326     $ (1,273 )   $ (947 )
Securities (1)
    (515 )     (1,164 )     (1,679 )     2,207       (7,416 )     (5,209 )
Other investments - at cost
    2       35       37       4       (2 )     2  
Short-term investments
    (4 )     (3 )     (7 )     (1 )     (2 )     (3 )
Total interest-earning assets
    2,263       (3,314 )     (1,051 )     2,536       (8,693 )     (6,157 )
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                               
NOW accounts
    99       (270 )     (171 )     143       (448 )     (305 )
Savings accounts
    (62 )     (247 )     (309 )     250       (381 )     (131 )
Money market accounts
    276       (15 )     261       26       (135 )     (109 )
Time deposits
    (340 )     (1,702 )     (2,042 )     294       (2,593 )     (2,299 )
Short-term borrowing and long-time debt
    167       (204 )     (37 )     1,033       (1,446 )     (413 )
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    140       (2,438 )     (2,298 )     1,746       (5,003 )     (3,257 )
Change in net interest and dividend income
  $ 2,123     $ (876 )   $ 1,247     $ 790     $ (3,690 )   $ (2,900 )
 

 
(1)
Securities and loan income and net interest income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 34%. The tax-equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax-equivalent net interest income to agree to the amount reported in the statements of income.
 
 
40

 
 
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010

Total assets increased $23.8 million to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2011.  Net loans increased by $44.0 million to $546.4 million at December 31, 2011 from $502.4 million at December 31, 2010.  Cash and cash equivalents increased $9.5 million to $21.1 million at December 31, 2011 from $11.6 million at December 31, 2010.  Securities decreased $24.7 million to $630.0 million at December 31, 2011 from $654.7 million at December 31, 2010, as funds were reinvested into the loan portfolio.

The securities portfolio is primarily comprised of mortgage-backed securities, which totaled $540.7 million at December 31, 2011 and $576.2 million at December 31, 2010, the majority of which were issued by government-sponsored enterprises such as the Federal National Mortgage Association.  Privately issued mortgage-backed securities comprised $1.6 million and $7.6 million, or 0.29% and 1.32% of the mortgage-backed securities portfolio at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Debt securities issued by government-sponsored enterprises increased $6.9 million to $24.8 million at December 31, 2011 from $17.9 million at December 31, 2010.  Securities issued by government-sponsored enterprises consist entirely of bonds issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.  We also invest in municipal bonds issued by cities and towns in Massachusetts that are rated as investment grade by Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s or Fitch, and the majority of which are also independently insured.  Municipal bonds were $45.9 million at December 31, 2011 and $43.1 million at 2010.  In addition, we have investments in FHLBB stock, common stock and mutual funds that invest only in securities allowed by the OCC.

In August 2010, we transferred all of our held-to-maturity securities to the available-for-sale category.  We determined that we no longer had the positive intent to hold our securities classified as held-to-maturity for an indefinite period of time because of our desire to have more flexibility in managing the investment portfolio.  The securities transferred had a total amortized cost of $287.1 million, fair value of $299.7 million and a net unrealized gain of $12.6 million which was recorded as other comprehensive income at the time of transfer.

Net loans increased by $44.0 million to $546.4 million at December 31, 2011 from $502.4 million at December 31, 2010.  The increase in net loans was primarily the result of an increase in residential real estate loans and commercial real estate loans, partially offset by a decrease in commercial and industrial loans.  Residential real estate loans increased $43.7 million to $192.5 million at December 31, 2011 from $148.8 million at December 31, 2010.  Through our long standing relationship with a third-party mortgage company, we originated and purchased a total of $58.2 million in residential loans within and contiguous to our market area as a means of diversifying our loan portfolio and improving net interest income.

Commercial real estate loans increased $10.9 million to $232.5 million at December 31, 2011 from $221.6 million at December 31, 2010.  Owner occupied commercial real estate loans totaled $109.7 million at December 31, 2011 and $107.0 million at December 31, 2010, while non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans totaled $122.8 million at December 31, 2011 and $114.6 million at December 31, 2010. 

Commercial and industrial loans decreased $9.6 million to $125.7 million at December 31, 2011 from $135.3 million at December 31, 2010.  While we continue to originate commercial and industrial loans, new originations were offset by customers decreasing their balances on lines of credit and normal loan payments and payoffs.

Total deposits increased $32.7 million to $733.0 million at December 31, 2011, compared to $700.3 million at December 31, 2010.  Regular savings accounts and money market accounts increased $68.1 million to $245.6 million at December 31, 2011.  NOW and checking accounts increased $2.8 million to $171.6 million at December 31, 2011.  The increases in checking, savings and money market accounts were primarily due to a relationship-based product set introduced in 2010 which continued growth throughout 2011.  Time deposits decreased $38.2 million to $315.8 million at December 31, 2011, as customers have less incentive to lock up funds long-term because of the low interest rate environment.
 
 
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  Long-term debt consists of FHLBB advances, securities sold under repurchase agreements and customer repurchase agreements with an original maturity of one year or more.  At December 31, 2011, we had $160.6 million in long-term debt with the FHLBB, $81.3 million in securities sold under repurchase agreements and $5.4 million in customer repurchase agreements.  This compares to $151.6 million in FHLBB advances, $81.3 million in securities sold under repurchase agreements and $5.2 million in customer repurchase agreements at December 31, 2010.  Current interest rates permit us to earn a more advantageous spread by borrowing funds and reinvesting in loans and securities.

Short-term borrowings decreased $9.9 million to $53.0 million at December 31, 2011 from $62.9 million at December 31, 2010.  Short-term borrowings are made up of FHLBB advances with an original maturity of less than one year as well as customer repurchase agreements, which have an original maturity of one day.  Short-term borrowings issued by the FHLBB were $36.0 million and $50.6 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Customer repurchase agreements increased $4.7 million to $17.0 million at December 31, 2011 from $12.3 million at December 31, 2010.  A customer repurchase agreement is an agreement by us to sell to and repurchase from the customer an interest in specific securities issued by or guaranteed by the United States government or government-sponsored enterprises.  This transaction settles immediately on a same day basis in immediately available funds.  Interest paid is commensurate with other products of equal interest and credit risk.  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, all of our customer repurchase agreements were held by commercial customers.

Shareholders’ equity was $219.0 million and $221.2 million, which represented 17.3% and 17.8% of total assets at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  The decrease in shareholders’ equity reflects the payment of regular and special dividends amounting to $14.3 million and the repurchase of 1.3 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $10.1 million, pursuant to the Company’s stock repurchase program.  This was partially offset by an increase in other comprehensive income of $13.2 million primarily due to the change in market value of securities, net income of $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $3.0 million related to the recognition of share-based compensation and the exercise of 81,741 stock options.

Comparison of Operating Results for Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010

General.  Net income for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $5.9 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to $3.0 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, for the same period in 2010.
 
Interest and Dividend Income. Total interest and dividend income decreased $1.1 million to $45.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $46.1 million for the same period in 2010.
 
The decrease in interest income was primarily the result of a decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets for the year ended December 31, 2011, which was partially offset by an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets for the same period.  The average yield on interest-earning assets, on a tax-equivalent basis, decreased 21 basis points to 3.90% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 4.11% for the same period in 2010.
 
 Interest income on securities decreased $1.8 million to $19.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The tax-equivalent yield on securities decreased 12 basis points from 3.48% for the year 2010 to 3.29% for the same period in 2011.  The decrease in interest income and tax-equivalent yield on securities for the year ended December 31, 2011 was due to cash flows from securities pay downs being subsequently reinvested in products having a lower yield, which is reflective of the current market rate environment.  In addition, the average balance of securities decreased $14.8 million to $619.7 million from $634.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 The decrease in interest income on securities was partially offset by an increase in the average balance of and interest income on loans for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The average balance of loans increased $53.9 million to $536.1 million from $482.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Interest income on loans increased $586,000 to $25.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $24.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The tax-equivalent yield on loans decreased 41 basis points from 5.16% for the year 2010 to 4.75% for the same period in 2011.  The tax-equivalent yield on loans decreased because the growth in the average balance of loans took place in an environment of historically low loan rates.
 
 
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 Interest Expense.  Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 decreased $2.2 million to $14.5 million from the comparable 2010 period.  This was attributable to a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities of 32 basis points to 1.56% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 1.88% for the same period in 2010.  The decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to a decrease in rates on time deposits, checking accounts and savings accounts.
 
Net Interest and Dividend Income.  Net interest and dividend income increased $1.1 million to $30.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $29.4 million for same period in 2010.  The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.67% and 2.64% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net interest and dividend income was favorably impacted by an increase in loans, which generally have higher yields than investments, along with a decrease in the cost of funds due to the lower interest rate environment.
 
Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses is reviewed by management based upon our evaluation of then-existing economic and business conditions affecting our key lending areas and other conditions, such as new loan products, credit quality trends (including trends in nonperforming loans expected to result from existing conditions), collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, specific industry conditions within portfolio segments that existed as of the balance sheet date and the impact that such conditions were believed to have had on the collectability of the loan portfolio.
 
The amount that we provided for the provision for loan losses during the year ended December 31, 2011 was based upon the changes that occurred in the loan portfolio during that same period as well as the continued weakening of the local and national economy.  The changes in the loan portfolio, described in detail below, include an increase in residential real estate loans and commercial real estate loans, partially offset by decreases in commercial and industrial loans and net loan charge-offs.  After evaluating these factors, we provided $1.2 million for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $8.9 million for the same period in 2010.  The allowance was $7.8 million at December 31, 2011 and $6.9 million at December 31, 2010.  The allowance for loan losses was 1.40% of total loans at December 31, 2011 and 1.36% at December 31, 2010.

Residential real estate loans increased $43.7 million to $192.5 million at December 31, 2011.  We consider residential real estate loans to contain less credit risk and market risk than commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans.  Commercial real estate loans increased $10.9 million to $232.5 million at December 31, 2011 from $221.6 million at December 31, 2010.  Commercial and industrial loans decreased $9.6 million to $125.7 million at December 31, 2011 from $135.3 million at December 31, 2010.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded net charge-offs of $376,000 compared to net charge-offs of $9.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The 2011 period was comprised of charge-offs of $640,000 partially offset by recoveries of $264,000.  The 2010 period was comprised of charge-offs of $9.7 million partially offset by recoveries of $83,000.  For the year ended December 31, 2010, charge-offs were primarily made up of a $7.2 million charge-off on a single commercial real estate loan relationship.
 
Although management believes it has established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at appropriate levels, future adjustments may be necessary if economic, real estate and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment.
 
Noninterest Income.  Noninterest income decreased $3.6 million to $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $7.4 million for the same period in 2010.
 
Net gains on the sales of securities decreased $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $4.1 million in the comparable 2010 period.  The net gains for the year ended December 31, 2010 were primarily the result of management wanting to take advantage of unrealized gains within the portfolio as well as wanting to restructure the securities portfolio.
 
 
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Noninterest Expense.  Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $26.0 million compared to $24.8 million for the same period in 2010.  The increase in noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 was due to an increase in salaries and benefits of $845,000 related to regular annual adjustments as well as salaries and benefits related to the hiring of additional personnel.  Professional fees increased $362,000 to $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $1.7 million for the same period in 2010.  The increase was due to consulting and legal services involving strategic planning and regulatory compliance.  This was partially offset by a $304,000 decrease in expenses associated with other real estate owned (“OREO”).  OREO expenses were related to write-downs and maintenance of foreclosed properties.

Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes increased to $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $34,000 for the comparable 2010 period.  The effective tax rate was 18.2% for the year ended December 31, 2011 and 1.1% for the same period in 2010.  The increase in the tax provision and effective tax rate in the 2011 period is due primarily to higher pre-tax income while maintaining the same level of tax-advantaged income such as BOLI and tax-exempt municipal obligations.

Comparison of Operating Results for Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
General.  Net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $3.0 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared to $5.5 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, for the same period in 2009.

Interest and Dividend Income. Total interest and dividend income decreased $6.4 million to $46.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $52.5 million for the same period in 2009.

The decrease in interest income was primarily the result of a decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets for the year ended December 31, 2010, which was partially offset by an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets for the same period.  The average yield on interest-earning assets, on a tax-equivalent basis, decreased 77 basis points to 4.11% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 4.88% for the same period in 2009.  The cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 59 basis points to 1.88% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 2.47% for the same period in 2009.

Interest income on securities decreased $5.4 million to $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $26.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The tax-equivalent yield on securities decreased 115 basis points from 4.56% for the year 2009 to 3.41% for the same period in 2010 due to the enduring low interest rate environment.  The decrease in interest rates during 2010 caused an increase in prepayments on investments and the funds were reinvested in a lower rate environment, thus reducing yields.  This was partially offset by a $49.7 million increase in the average balance of securities from $597.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $647.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Interest income on loans decreased $993,000 to $24.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $25.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The tax-equivalent yield on loans decreased 26 basis points from 5.42% for the year 2009 to 5.16% for the same period in 2010 due to the enduring low interest rate environment.  The decrease in interest rates during 2010 caused an increase in prepayments on loans and the funds were reinvested in a lower rate environment, thus reducing yields.  This was partially offset by a $6.0 million increase in the average balance of loans from $476.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $482.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 Interest Expense.  Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 decreased $3.3 million to $16.7 million from the comparable 2009 period.  This was attributable to a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities of 59 basis points to 1.88% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 2.47% for the same period in 2009.  The decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to a decrease in rates on time deposits, repurchase agreements and borrowings.

Net Interest and Dividend Income.  Net interest and dividend income decreased $3.1 million to $29.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to $32.5 million for same period in 2009.  The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.64% and 3.04% for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The change in net interest and dividend income for the year ended December 31, 2010 was primarily the result of the yield on interest-earning assets decreasing more than the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
 
 
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Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses is reviewed by management based upon our evaluation of then-existing economic and business conditions affecting our key lending areas and other conditions, such as new loan products, credit quality trends (including trends in nonperforming loans expected to result from existing conditions), collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations, specific industry conditions within portfolio segments that existed as of the balance sheet date and the impact that such conditions were believed to have had on the collectability of the loan portfolio.

The amount that we provided for the provision for loan losses during the year ended December 31, 2010 was based upon the changes that occurred in the loan portfolio during that same period as well as the continued weakening of the local and national economy.  The changes in the loan portfolio, described in detail below, include an increase in net loan charge-offs, partially offset by decreases in commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans and an increase in residential real estate loans.  After evaluating these factors, we provided $8.9 million for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $3.9 million for the same period in 2009.  The allowance was $6.9 million at December 31, 2010 and $7.6 million at December 31, 2009.  The allowance for loan losses was 1.36% of total loans at December 31, 2010 and 1.60% at December 31, 2009.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded net charge-offs of $9.6 million compared to net charge-offs of $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The 2010 period was comprised of charge-offs of $9.7 million partially offset by recoveries of $83,000.  For the year ended December 31, 2010, charge-offs were primarily made up of a $7.2 million charge-off on a single commercial real estate loan relationship.  The loan, a leasehold mortgage, was related to a retail building which lost its tenant, a national chain store, due to bankruptcy.  We have minimal exposure to commercial real estate loans which involve similar leasehold mortgages.  We are currently in the process of initiating a recovery action against the borrower.

The 2009 period was comprised of charge-offs of $5.1 million partially offset by recoveries of $48,000.  Charge-offs for the 2009 period were primarily due to three unrelated commercial loan relationships which resulted in charge offs totaling $4.7 million.

  Nonperforming loans decreased $2.3 million to $3.2 million at December 31, 2010 from $5.5 million at December 31, 2009.  This represented 0.63% of total loans at December 31, 2010 and 1.15% of total loans at December 31, 2009.  At December 31, 2010, nonperforming loans were primarily made up of three commercial relationships totaling $2.4 million.

  At December 31, 2010, residential real estate loans increased $49.7 million to $148.8 million.  We consider these types of loans to contain less credit risk and market risk than both commercial real estate loans and commercial and industrial loans.  Commercial real estate loans decreased $7.5 million to $221.6 million at December 31, 2010.  Commercial and industrial loans decreased $9.7 million to $135.3 million compared to December 31, 2009.

 Although management believes it has established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at appropriate levels, future adjustments may be necessary if economic, real estate and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment.
 
Noninterest Income.  Noninterest income increased $4.2 million to $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to $3.2 million for the same period in 2009.
 
 Net gains on the sales of securities were $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to a net loss of $383,000 for the same period in 2009.  The increase in net gains on the sales of securities for the year ended 2010 is primarily the result of management wanting to take advantage of unrealized gains within the portfolio as well as wanting to restructure the securities portfolio.
 
 For the year ended December 31, 2010, income from service charges and fees decreased $676,000 to $1.9 million, compared to $2.6 million for the comparable 2009 period. This decrease was the result of decreases in income from the third-party mortgage program and fees collected on overdraft or insufficient customer accounts.  Income from the third-party mortgage program decreased $485,000 to $87,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $572,000 in the comparable 2009 period.  We have begun to buy back more residential loans from a third-party mortgage company as a means of diversifying our loan portfolio.  As a result, we forgo receiving referral fee income on these loans but instead earn interest income for the life of the loans.  In addition, net checking account processing fee income decreased $198,000 to $961,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily due to a decrease in overdraft fee income.
 
 
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Noninterest Expense.  Noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $24.8 million compared to $25.0 million for the same period in 2009.  This decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $383,000 in FDIC insurance expense to $751,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $1.1 million during the same period in 2009.  The decrease was due to a special assessment of $453,000 for the 2009 period.  Salaries and benefits decreased $306,000 to $14.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, primarily the result of a $317,000 decrease in costs related to stock-based compensation.  This was partially offset by a $327,000             increase in expenses associated with OREO.  OREO expenses were related to write-downs and maintenance of foreclosed properties.
 
Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes decreased $1.2 million to $34,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $1.3 million for the comparable 2009 period.  The effective tax rate was 1.1% for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 18.8% for the same period in 2009.  The decrease in the tax provision and effective tax rate in the 2010 period is due primarily to lower pre-tax income while maintaining the same level of tax-advantaged income such as BOLI and tax-exempt municipal obligations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The term “liquidity” refers to our ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to fund loan originations, loan purchases, deposit withdrawals and operating expenses.  Our primary sources of liquidity are deposits, scheduled amortization and prepayments of loan principal and mortgage-backed securities, maturities and calls of investment securities and funds provided by our operations.  We also can borrow funds from the FHLBB based on eligible collateral of loans and securities.  Outstanding borrowings from the FHLBB were $196.7 million at December 31, 2011 and $202.2 million at December 31, 2010.  At December 31, 2011, we had $85.6 million in available borrowing capacity with the FHLBB.  We have the ability to increase our borrowing capacity with the FHLBB by pledging investment securities or loans.  In addition, we may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with approved broker-dealers.  Reverse repurchase agreements are agreements that allow us to borrow money using our securities as collateral.

We also have outstanding at any time, a significant number of commitments to extend credit and provide financial guarantees to third parties.  These arrangements are subject to strict credit control assessments.  Guarantees specify limits to our obligations.  Because many commitments and almost all guarantees expire without being funded in whole or in part, the contract amounts are not estimates of future cash flows.  We are also obligated under agreements with the FHLBB to repay borrowed funds and are obligated under leases for certain of our branches and equipment.  A summary of lease obligations, borrowings, and credit commitments at December 31, 2011 follows:
 
 
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Within 1
Year
   
After 1
Year
But Within
3 Years
   
After 3 Year But Within
5 Years
   
After 5
Years
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Lease Obligations
                             
Operating lease obligations
  $ 612     $ 1,217     $ 1,038     $ 9,801     $ 12,668  
                                         
Borrowings and Debt
                                       
Federal Home Loan Bank
    48,980       56,569       91,117       -       196,666  
 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    22,340       42,800       -       38,500       103,640  
Total borrowings and debt
    71,320       99,369       91,117       38,500       300,306  
                                         
Credit Commitments
                                       
Available lines of credit
    61,660       -       -       21,680       83,340  
Other loan commitments
    8,579       67       -       -       8,646  
Letters of credit
    10,989       -       -       253       11,242  
Total credit commitments
    81,228       67       -       21,933       103,228  
                                         
Total
  $ 153,160     $ 100,653     $ 92,155     $ 70,234     $ 416,202  
 
Maturing investment securities are a relatively predictable source of funds.  However, deposit flows, calls of securities and prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities are strongly influenced by interest rates, general and local economic conditions and competition in the marketplace.  These factors reduce the predictability of the timing of these sources of funds.

Our primary investing activities are the origination of commercial real estate, commercial and industrial and consumer loans, and the purchase of mortgage-backed and other investment securities.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, we originated loans of $95.4 million, and during the comparable period of 2010, we originated loans of $76.8 million.  Under our residential real estate loan program, we refer our residential real estate borrowers to a third-party mortgage company and substantially all of our residential real estate loans are underwritten, originated and serviced by a third-party mortgage company.  Purchases of securities totaled $257.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 and $717.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  At December 31, 2011, we had loan commitments to borrowers of approximately $19.9 million, and available home equity and unadvanced lines of credit of approximately $83.3 million.
 
Deposit flows are affected by the level of interest rates, by the interest rates and products offered by competitors and by other factors.  Total deposits increased $32.7 million and $52.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Time deposit accounts scheduled to mature within one year were $150.4 million at December 31, 2011.  Based on our deposit retention experience and current pricing strategy, we anticipate that a significant portion of these certificates of deposit will remain on deposit.  We monitor our liquidity position frequently and anticipate that it will have sufficient funds to meet our current funding commitments.
 
At December 31, 2011, Westfield Financial and the Bank exceeded each of the applicable regulatory capital requirements.  Westfield Financial had tier 1 leverage capital of $208.6 million, or 16.8% to adjusted total assets, tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets of $208.6 million, or 30.5%, and total capital to risk weighted assets of $216.4 million or 31.6%.  The Bank had tier 1 leverage capital of $200.7 million, or 16.2% to adjusted total assets, tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets of $200.7 million or 29.4%, and total capital to risk weighted assets of $207.9 million or 30.5%.  See Footnote 10, Regulatory Capital, of our notes to consolidated financial statements for further information on our regulatory requirements.
 
 
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We do not anticipate any material capital expenditures during calendar year 2012, nor do we have any balloon or other payments due on any long-term obligations or any off-balance sheet items other than the commitments and unused lines of credit noted above.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, other than noted above, that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

Management of Market Risk
 
As a financial institution, our primary market risk is interest rate risk since substantially all transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars with no direct foreign exchange or changes in commodity price exposure.  Fluctuations in interest rates will affect both our level of income and expense on a large portion of our assets and liabilities.  Fluctuations in interest rates will also affect the market value of all interest-earning assets.
 
The primary goal of our interest rate management strategy is to limit fluctuations in net interest income as interest rates vary up or down and control variations in the market value of assets, liabilities and net worth as interest rates vary. We seek to coordinate asset and liability decisions so that, under changing interest rate scenarios, net interest income will remain within an acceptable range.

To achieve the objectives of managing interest rate risk, the Asset and Liability Management Committee meets monthly to discuss and monitor the market interest rate environment relative to interest rates that are offered on our products.  The Asset and Liability Management Committee presents periodic reports to our Board of Directors at their regular meetings.

Our primary source of funds has been deposits, consisting primarily of time deposits, money market accounts, savings accounts, demand accounts and interest bearing checking accounts, which have shorter terms to maturity than the loan portfolio.  Several strategies have been employed to manage the interest rate risk inherent in the asset/liability mix, including but not limited to:
 
 
maintaining the diversity of our existing loan portfolio through the origination of commercial loans and commercial real estate loans which typically have variable rates and shorter terms than residential mortgages; and
     
 
emphasizing investments with an expected average duration of five years or less.
 
In addition, emphasis on commercial loans has reduced the average maturity of our loan portfolio.  Moreover, the actual amount of time before loans are repaid can be significantly affected by changes in market interest rates.  Prepayment rates will also vary due to a number of other factors, including the regional economy in the area where the loans were originated, seasonal factors, demographic variables and the assumability of the loans.  However, the major factors affecting prepayment rates are prevailing interest rates, related financing opportunities and competition.  We monitor interest rate sensitivity so that we can adjust our asset and liability mix in a timely manner and minimize the negative effects of changing rates.
 
Each of our sources of liquidity is vulnerable to various uncertainties beyond our control.  Scheduled loan and security payments are a relatively stable source of funds, while loan and security prepayments and calls, and deposit flows vary widely in reaction to market conditions, primarily prevailing interest rates. Asset sales are influenced by pledging activities, general market interest rates and unforeseen market conditions. Our financial condition is affected by our ability to borrow at attractive rates, retain deposits at market rates and other market conditions. We consider our sources of liquidity to be adequate to meet expected funding needs and also to be responsive to changing interest rate markets.
 
Net Interest and Dividend Income Simulation.  We use a simulation model to monitor interest rate risk.  This model reports the net interest income at risk primarily under seven different interest rate environments.  Specifically, net interest income is measured in one scenario that assumes no change in interest rates, and six scenarios where interest rates increase 100, 200, 300 and 400 and decrease 100 and 200 basis points, respectively, from current rates over the one year time period following the current consolidated financial statements.
 
 
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The changes in interest income and interest expense due to changes in interest rates reflect the rate sensitivity of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  For example, in a rising interest rate environment, the interest income from an adjustable rate loan is likely to increase depending on its repricing characteristics while the interest income from a fixed rate loan would not increase until the funds were repaid and loaned out at a higher interest rate.

The tables below set forth as of December 31, 2011 the estimated changes in net interest and dividend income that would result from incremental changes in interest rates over the applicable twelve-month period.
 
 
For the Year Ending December 31, 2012
 
Changes in
Interest Rates
(Basis Points)
   
Net Interest and
Dividend
Income
   
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
               
400     32,763     12.3 %
300     32,240     10.5 %
200     31,622     8.4 %
100     30,783     5.5 %
0     29,173     0.0 %
-100     27,898     -4.4 %
-200     26,290     -9.9 %
 
 
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Market rates were assumed to increase 100, 200, 300 and 400 basis points and decrease 100 and 200 basis points, in even increments over the twelve month period.  The repricing and/or new rates of assets and liabilities moved in tandem with market rates.  However, in certain deposit products, the use of data from a historical analysis indicated that the rates on these products would move only a fraction of the rate change amount.
 
We have developed consolidated balance sheet growth projections for the twelve month period.  The same product mix and growth strategy was used for all rate change simulations, except for the shift into term deposits in certain scenarios as described in the previous paragraph.
 
Pertinent data from each loan account, deposit account and investment security was used to calculate future cash flows.  The data included such items as maturity date, payment amount, next repricing date, repricing frequency, repricing index and spread.  Prepayment speed assumptions were based upon the difference between the account rate and the current market rate.

The income simulation analysis was based upon a variety of assumptions.  These assumptions include but are not limited to asset mix, prepayment speeds, the timing and level of interest rates, and the shape of the yield curve.  As market conditions vary from the assumptions in the income simulation analysis, actual results will differ.  As a result, the income simulation analysis does not serve as a forecast of net interest income, nor do the calculations represent any actions that management may undertake in response to changes in interest rates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Refer to Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the recent accounting pronouncements.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

Our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  GAAP generally requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration for changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.  The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations.  Unlike industrial companies, our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature.  As a result, changes in market interest rates have a greater impact on performance than do the effects of inflation.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Management of Market Risk,” for a discussion of quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk.
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
Our Consolidated Financial Statements may be found on pages F-1 through F-46 of this report.
 
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
None.
 
 
50

 
 
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, as appropriate to allow timely discussion regarding required disclosure.

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or that is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  Our internal control system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
     
 
Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
     
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
     
 
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.  In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.  Based on our assessment we believe that, as of December 31, 2011, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
 
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm has issued an audit report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, which appears on page F-1.

ITEM 9B.                      OTHER INFORMATION

  None.
 
 
51

 
 
 
ITEM 10.                      DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The following information included in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference: “Information About Our Board of Directors,” “Information About Our Executive Officers,” “Corporate Governance,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”
 
ITEM 11.                      EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following information included in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference: “Corporate Governance – Compensation Committee Interlocks,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation Committee Report,” and “Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers.”
 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
 
The following information included in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference: “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans.”
 
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
The following information included in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference: “Transactions with Certain Related Persons” and “Board of Directors Independence.”
 
ITEM 14.                      PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
 
The following information included in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference: “Principal Accounting Fees and Services.”


EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)(1)
Financial Statements

Reference is made to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II hereof.

(a)(2)
Financial Statement Schedules

Consolidated financial statement schedules have been omitted because the required information is not present, or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedules, or because the required information is provided in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

(a)(3)
Exhibits

The exhibits required to be filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed in the Exhibit Index attached hereto and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
52

 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on March 9, 2012.
 
 
Westfield Financial, Inc.
     
 
By:
/s/ James C. Hagan
   
James C. Hagan
   
Chief Executive Officer and President
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
 
By:
/s/ Leo R. Sagan, Jr.
   
Leo R. Sagan, Jr.
   
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
   
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
   
Accounting Officer)
 
 
 

 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has been signed by the following persons on March 9, 2012 in the capacities indicated. 
 
Name
 
Title
     
/s/ James C. Hagan
 
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
 James C. Hagan
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
/s/ Donald A. Williams
 
Chairman of the Board
Donald A. Williams
   
     
/s/ Victor J. Carra
 
Director
Victor J. Carra
   
     
/s/ David C. Colton, Jr.
 
Director
David C. Colton, Jr.
   
     
/s/ Robert T. Crowley, Jr.
 
Director
Robert T. Crowley, Jr.
   
     
/s/ Donna J. Damon
 
Director
Donna J. Damon
   
     
/s/ Richard C. Placek
 
Director
Richard C. Placek
   
     
/s/ Paul R. Pohl
 
Director
Paul R. Pohl
   
     
/s/ Steven G. Richter
 
Director
Steven G. Richter
   
     
/s/ Philip R. Smith
 
Director
Philip R. Smith
   
     
/s/ Charles E. Sullivan
 
Director
Charles E. Sullivan
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
 

 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Westfield Financial, Inc.


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Westfield Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011.  We also have audited Westfield Financial, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Westfield Financial, Inc.’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
 
F-1

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Westfield Financial, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, Westfield Financial, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
 

/s/ WOLF & COMPANY, P.C.

Boston, Massachusetts
March 9, 2012
 
 
F-2

 
 
WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
   
December 31,
   
2011
   
2010
 
ASSETS
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 10,953     $ 9,247  
Federal funds sold
    131       13  
Interest-bearing deposits and other short-term investments
    10,021       2,351  
             Cash and cash equivalents
    21,105       11,611  
                 
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE - AT FAIR VALUE
    617,537       642,467  
                 
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF BOSTON AND OTHER RESTRICTED STOCK - AT COST
    12,438       12,282  
                 
LOANS - Net of allowance for loan losses of $7,764 at December 31, 2011 and $6,934 at
December 31, 2010
    546,392       502,392  
                 
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, Net
    10,997       11,603  
                 
ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE
    4,022       4,279  
                 
BANK-OWNED LIFE INSURANCE
    44,040       40,494  
                 
DEFERRED TAX ASSET, Net
    1,863       8,811  
                 
OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED
    1,130       223  
                 
OTHER ASSETS
    3,740       5,327  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 1,263,264     $ 1,239,489  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
LIABILITIES:
               
DEPOSITS :
               
    Noninterest-bearing
  $ 100,157     $ 85,217  
    Interest-bearing
    632,801       615,118  
          Total deposits
    732,958       700,335  
                 
SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
    52,985       62,937  
                 
LONG-TERM DEBT
    247,320       238,151  
SECURITIES PENDING SETTLEMENT
    363       7,791  
OTHER LIABILITIES
    10,650       9,030  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    1,044,276       1,018,244  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13)
               
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Preferred stock - $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010
    -       -  
Common stock - $.01 par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized; 26,918,250 and 28,166,419 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively
    269       282  
Additional paid-in capital
    173,615       181,842  
Unearned compensation - ESOP
    (9,119 )     (9,701 )
Unearned compensation - Equity Incentive Plan
    (1,228 )     (2,158 )
Retained earnings
    47,735       56,496  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    7,716       (5,516 )
   Total shareholders' equity
    218,988       221,245  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 1,263,264     $ 1,239,489  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
F-3

 
 
WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:
                 
Debt securities, taxable
  $ 17,739     $ 19,648     $ 25,090  
Residential and commercial real estate loans
    19,500       18,023       18,312  
Commercial and industrial loans
    5,630       6,496       7,150  
Debt securities, tax-exempt
    1,680       1,533       1,470  
Consumer loans
    188       213       263  
Equity securities
    205       202       210  
Other investments – at cost
    62       24       24  
Federal funds sold, interest-bearing deposits and other short-term investments
    1       8       11  
Total interest and dividend income
    45,005       46,147       52,530  
INTEREST EXPENSE:
                       
Deposits
    7,589       9,850       12,694  
Long-term debt
    6,731       6,538       6,984  
Short-term borrowings
    147       377       344  
Total interest expense
    14,467       16,765       20,022  
Net interest and dividend income
    30,538       29,382       32,508  
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
    1,206       8,923       3,900  
Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses
    29,332       20,459       28,608  
                         
NONINTEREST INCOME (LOSS):
                       
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities
    (603 )     (590 )     (1,754 )
 Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    501       443       1,476  
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in income
    (102 )     (147 )     (278 )
Service charges and fees
    1,973       1,940       2,616  
Income from bank-owned life insurance
    1,546       1,524       1,523  
Loss on sale of premises and equipment, net
    -       -       (8 )
Loss on prepayment of borrowings
    -       -       (142 )
Gain (loss) on sales of securities, net
    414       4,072       (383 )
(Loss) gain on sale of OREO
    (25 )     1       (110 )
Total noninterest income
    3,806       7,390       3,218  
NONINTEREST EXPENSE:
                       
Salaries and employees benefits
    15,557       14,712       15,018  
Occupancy
    2,671       2,620       2,583  
Computer operations
    1,917       1,940       1,760  
Professional fees
    2,033       1,671       1,705  
OREO expense
    70       374       47  
FDIC insurance assessment
    683       751       1,134  
Other
    3,027       2,741       2,853  
Total noninterest expense
    25,958       24,809       25,100  
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    7,180       3,040       6,726  
INCOME TAX PROVISION
    1,306       34       1,267  
NET INCOME
  $ 5,874     $ 3,006     $ 5,459  
                         
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
                       
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.11     $ 0.19  
Weighted average shares outstanding
    26,482,064       27,595,014       29,308,996  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.11     $ 0.18  
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
    26,589,510       27,793,409       29,577,622  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
F-4

 
 
WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
   
Common Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Unearned
 Compensation-
 ESOP
   
Unearned
 Compensation-
 Equity Incentive
 Plan
   
Retained
 Earnings
   
Accumulated
 Other
 Comprehensive
 Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
 
Shares
   
Par 
Value
 
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2008
    31,307,881     $ 313     $ 204,866     $ (10,913 )   $ (4,337 )   $ 78,898     $ (8,908 )   $ 259,919  
Comprehensive income:
                                                               
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       5,459       -       5,459  
Noncredit portion of other-than-                                                                
temporary impairment losses on                                                                
available-for-sale securities net of                                                                
reclassifications and tax effects
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (872 )     (872 )
Net unrealized gains on securities                                                                
available for sale arising during the                                                                
period, net of reclassification                                                                
adjustment and tax effects
    -       -       -       -       -       -       6,791       6,791  
Change in pension gains or losses and                                                                
transition assets, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       -       -       675       675  
Total comprehensive income
                                                            12,053  
Common stock held by ESOP committed to be released (91,493 shares)
    -       -       210       614       -       -       -       824  
Share-based compensation - stock options
    -       -       899       -       -       -       -       899  
Share-based compensation - equity incentive plan
    -       -       -       -       1,285       -       -       1,285  
Excess tax benefits from equity incentive plan
    -       -       5       -       -       -       -       5  
Common stock repurchased
    (1,591,733 )     (16 )     (13,674 )     -       -       -       -       (13,690 )
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option exercises
    102,378       1       957       -       -       (509 )     -       449  
Issuance of common stock in connection with equity incentive plan
    -       -       205       -       (205 )     -       -       -  
Forfeiture of common stock in connection with equity incentive plan
    -       -       (9 )     -       9       -       -       -  
Excess tax benefits in connection with stock option exercises
    -       -       150       -       -       -       -       150  
Cash dividends declared ($0.50 per share)
    -       -       -       -       -       (14,595 )     -       (14,595 )
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2009
    29,818,526       298       193,609       (10,299 )     (3,248 )     69,253       (2,314 )     247,299  
Comprehensive loss:
                                                               
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       3,006       -       3,006  
Net unrealized losses on securities                                                                
available for sale arising during the                                                                
period, net of reclassifications                                                                
and tax effects
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (11,163 )     (11,163 )
Net unrealized gains on securities                                                                
resulting from transfer from held-to-                                                                
maturity to available-for-sale,                                                                
net of tax effects
    -       -       -       -       -       -       8,351       8,351  
Change in pension gains or losses and                                                                
transition assets, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (390 )     (390 )
Total comprehensive loss
                                                            (196 )
Common stock held by ESOP committed to be released (89,039 shares)
    -       -       149       598       -       -       -       747  
Share-based compensation - stock options
    -       -       798       -       -       -       -       798  
Share-based compensation - equity incentive plan
    -       -       -       -       1,159       -       -       1,159  
Excess tax shortfalls from equity incentive plan
    -       -       (18 )     -       -       -       -       (18 )
Common stock repurchased
    (1,988,634 )     (19 )     (16,108 )     -       -       -       -       (16,127 )
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option exercises
    336,527       3       2,942       -       -       (1,468 )     -       1,477  
Issuance of common stock in connection with equity incentive plan
    -       -       69       -       (69 )     -       -       -  
Forfeiture of common stock in connection with equity incentive plan
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Excess tax benefits in connection with stock option exercises
    -       -       401       -       -       -       -       401  
Cash dividends declared ($0.52 per share)
    -       -       -       -       -       (14,295 )     -       (14,295 )
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2010
    28,166,419       282       181,842       (9,701 )     (2,158 )     56,496       (5,516 )     221,245  
Comprehensive income:
                                                               
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       5,874       -       5,874  
Net unrealized gains on securities                                                                
available for sale arising during                                                                 
the period, net of reclassifications                                                                
and tax effects
    -       -       -       -       -       -       14,095       14,095  
Change in pension gains or losses
                                                               
and transition assets, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (863 )     (863 )
Total comprehensive income
                                                            19,106  
Common stock held by ESOP committed to be released (86,720 shares)
    -       -       112       582       -       -       -       694  
Share-based compensation - stock options
    -       -       792       -       -       -       -       792  
Share-based compensation - equity incentive plan
    -       -       -       -       1,157       -       -       1,157  
Excess tax shortfalls from equity incentive plan
    -       -       (93 )     -       -       -       -       (93 )
Issuance of common stock to ESOP
    1,946       -       15       -       -       -       -       15  
Common stock repurchased
    (1,331,856 )     (14 )     (10,057 )     -       -       -       -       (10,071 )
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option exercises
    81,741       1       688       -       -       (330 )     -       359  
Issuance of common stock in connection with equity incentive plan
    -       -       227       -       (227 )     -       -       -  
Excess tax benefits in connection with stock option exercises
    -       -       89       -       -       -       -       89  
Cash dividends declared ($0.54 per share)
    -       -       -       -       -       (14,305 )     -       (14,305 )
BALANCE AT DECEMBER  31, 2011
    26,918,250     $ 269     $ 173,615     $ (9,119 )   $ (1,228 )   $ 47,735     $ 7,716     $ 218,988  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
 
 
F-5

 
 
WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASHFLOWS
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net income
  $ 5,874     $ 3,006     $ 5,459  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Provision for loan losses
    1,206       8,923       3,900  
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    1,120       1,261       1,252  
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on securities and mortgage loans
    3,424       6,053       1,909  
Net amortization of premiums on modified debt
    187       -       -  
Share-based compensation expense
    1,949       1,957       2,184  
Amortization of ESOP expense
    694       747       824  
Excess tax shortfall (benefit) from equity incentive plan
    93       18       (5 )
Excess tax benefit in connection with stock option exercises
    (89 )     (401 )     (150 )
Net (gain) loss on sales of securities
    (414 )     (4,072 )     383  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities
    102       147       278  
Write-downs of OREO
    -       285       17  
Loss (gain) on sale of OREO
    25       (1 )     110  
Loss on sale of premises and equipment, net
    -       -       8  
Loss on prepayment of borrowings
    -       -       142  
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
    21       (389 )     (112 )
Income from bank-owned life insurance
    (1,546 )     (1,524 )     (1,523 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
Accrued interest receivable
    248       928       37  
Other assets
    1,587       358       (2,863 )
Other liabilities
    309       1,059       (1,411 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    14,790       18,355       10,439  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Securities held to maturity:
                       
Purchases
    -       (62,111 )     (128,489 )
Proceeds from calls, maturities, and principal collections
    -       69,075       80,215  
Securities available for sale:
                       
Purchases
    (257,289 )     (654,889 )     (297,683 )
Proceeds from sales
    203,665       496,990       149,809  
Proceeds from calls, maturities, and principal collections
    89,183       122,598       66,911  
Purchase of residential mortgages
    (58,241 )     (61,880 )     (16,381 )
Loan principal payments, net of originations
    11,848       19,122       13,473  
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock
    (156 )     (1,912 )     (1,883 )
Proceeds from sale of OREO
    198       1,693       148  
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (514 )     (662 )     (1,396 )
Purchase of bank-owned life insurance
    (2,000 )     -       (320 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (13,306 )     (71,976 )     (135,596 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net increase in deposits
    32,623       52,360       59,946  
Net change in short-term borrowings
    (9,952 )     (11,562 )     24,675  
Repayment of long-term debt
    (5,150 )     (20,852 )     (80,142 )
Proceeds from long-term debt
    14,132       45,129       120,545  
Cash dividends paid
    (14,305 )     (14,295 )     (14,595 )
Common stock repurchased
    (9,708 )     (16,127 )     (13,690 )
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option exercises
    359       1,477       449  
Excess tax (shortfall) benefit in connection with equity incentive plan
    (93 )     (18 )     5  
Excess tax benefit in connection with stock option exercises
    89       401       150  
Issuance of common stock to ESOP
    15       -       -  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    8,010       36,513       97,343  
                         
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
    9,494       (17,108 )     (27,814 )
Beginning of year
    11,611       28,719       56,533  
End of year
  $ 21,105     $ 11,611     $ 28,719  
                         
Supplemental cash flow information:
                       
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
  $ 1,130     $ 538     $ 1,937  
Net cash due to (from) broker for purchase of securities
    -       7,791       (27,603 )
Net cash due to broker for common stock repurchased      363       -       -  
Securities reclassified from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity
    -       287,074       -  
See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
         
 
 
F-6

 
 
WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011, 2010, AND 2009

1.                      SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation - Westfield Financial, Inc. (“Westfield Financial,” “we” or “us”) is the bank holding company for Westfield Bank, a federally chartered stock savings bank (the “Bank”).

Westfield Bank’s deposits are insured to the limits specified by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).  The Bank operates eleven branches in western Massachusetts and its primary sources of revenue are income from securities and earnings on loans to small and middle-market businesses and to residential property homeowners.

Elm Street Securities Corporation and WFD Securities Corporation, Massachusetts-chartered security corporations, were formed by Westfield Financial for the primary purpose of holding qualified securities.  WB Real Estate Holdings, LLC, a Massachusetts-chartered limited liability company was formed for the primary purpose of holding real property acquired as security for debts previously contracted by the Bank.

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Westfield Financial, Westfield Bank, Elm Street Securities Corporation, WB Real Estate Holdings and WFD Securities Corporation.  All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for each.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, other-than-temporary impairment of securities and the valuation of deferred tax assets.

Reclassifications – Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents - We define cash on hand, cash due from banks, federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits having an original maturity of 90 days or less as cash and cash equivalents.  Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2011 and 2010 include partially restricted cash of $2,076,000 and $2,496,000 respectively, for Federal Reserve Bank of Boston cash reserve requirements.  We are also required to maintain a reserve balance with Bankers Bank Northeast (“BBN”) as part of our coin and currency contract with BBN. The required reserve amounted to $650,000 as of December 31, 2011 and $500,000 at December 31, 2010.

Securities and Mortgage-Backed Securities - Debt securities, including mortgage-backed securities, which management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as held to maturity and are carried at amortized cost.  Securities, including mortgage-backed securities, which have been identified as assets for which there is not a positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, reported as a separate component of comprehensive income/loss.  We do not acquire securities and mortgage-backed securities for purposes of engaging in trading activities.

Realized gains and losses on sales of securities and mortgage-backed securities are computed using the specific identification method and are included in noninterest income on the trade date.  The amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts is determined by using the level yield method to the maturity date.

Other-than-Temporary Impairment of Securities - On a quarterly basis, we review securities with a decline in fair value below the amortized cost of the investment to determine whether the decline in fair value is temporary or other-than-temporary.  Declines in the fair value of marketable equity securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary based on the severity and duration of the impairment are reflected in earnings as realized losses.  In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses for securities, impairment is required to be recognized if (1) we intend to sell the security; (2) it is “more likely than not” that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) for debt securities, the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis.  For all impaired debt securities that we intend to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized through earnings.  For all other impaired debt securities, credit-related other than temporary impairment is recognized through earnings, while non-credit related other than temporary impairment is recognized in other comprehensive income/loss, net of applicable taxes.
 
 
F-7

 

Fair Value Hierarchy - We group our assets generally measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.

Level 1 – Valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Level 1 assets generally include debt and equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets.

Level 2 – Valuation is based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets.

Level 3 – Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets. Level 3 assets include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
 
Transfers between levels are recognized at the end of a reporting period, if applicable.
 
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Stock - The Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) system, is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLBB.  Based on the redemption provisions of the FHLBB, the stock has no quoted market value and is carried at cost.  At its discretion, the FHLBB may declare dividends on the stock.  Management reviews for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of the cost basis in the FHLBB stock.  As of December 31, 2011, no impairment has been recognized.  The recorded investment in FHLBB stock was $12.2 million and $12.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Loans - Loans are recorded at the principal amount outstanding, adjusted for charge-offs, unearned premiums and deferred loan fees and costs.  Interest on loans is calculated using the effective yield method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding and is credited to income on the accrual basis to the extent it is deemed collectible.  Our general policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest when principal or interest payments are delinquent 90 days or more based on the contractual terms of the loan, or earlier if the loan is considered impaired.  Any unpaid amounts previously accrued on these loans are reversed from income.  Subsequent cash receipts are applied to the outstanding principal balance or to interest income if, in the judgment of management, collection of the principal balance is not in question.  Loans are returned to accrual status when they become current as to both principal and interest and when subsequent performance reduces the concern as to the collectability of principal and interest.  Loan fees, unearned premiums on purchased loans, and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and the net fee or cost is recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the estimated average lives of the related loans.
 
 
F-8

 

Allowance for Loan Losses - The allowance for loan losses is established through provisions for loan losses charged to expense.  Loans are charged-off against the allowance when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management.  This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.  The allowance consists of general and allocated components, as further described below.

General component

The general component of the allowance for loan losses is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors stratified by the following loan segments: residential real estate, commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, and consumer.  Management uses a rolling average of historical losses based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment.  This historical loss factor is adjusted for the following qualitative factors: trends in delinquencies and nonperforming loans; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting standards and other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; and national and local economic trends and industry conditions.  There were no changes in our policies or methodology pertaining to the general component of the allowance for loan losses during 2011.

The qualitative factors are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment.  Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:

Residential real estate – We require private mortgage insurance for all loans originated with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80 percent and do not grant subprime loans.  All loans in this segment are collateralized by owner-occupied residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.  The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.

Commercial real estate – Loans in this segment are primarily income-producing investment properties throughout New England.  The underlying cash flows generated by the properties are adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy as evidenced by increased vacancy rates, which in turn, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.  Management obtains rent rolls and tax returns annually and continually monitors the cash flows of these loans.

Commercial and industrial loans – Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business.  Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business.  A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer spending, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.

Consumer loans – Loans in this segment are generally unsecured and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.

Allocated component

The allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. Impaired loans are identified by analysis of loan performance, internal credit ratings and watch list loans that management believes are subject to a higher risk of loss.  Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  An allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.  Accordingly, we do not separately identify individual consumer and residential real estate loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are subject to a troubled debt restructuring agreement.
 
 
F-9

 

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  We determine the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

We may periodically agree to modify the contractual terms of loans.  When a loan is modified and a concession is made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”).  All TDRs are initially classified as impaired.

While we utilize our best judgment and information available, the ultimate appropriateness of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond our control, including the performance of our loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward loan classifications.

We also maintain a reserve for unfunded credit commitments to provide for the risk of loss inherent in these arrangements.  This reserve is determined using a methodology similar to the analysis of the allowance for loan losses, taking into consideration probabilities of future funding requirements.  This reserve for unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities and was $60,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance – Bank-owned life insurance policies are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets at cash surrender value. Changes in the net cash surrender value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are reflected in non-interest income on the consolidated statements of income and are not subject to income taxes.

Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets – Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered.  Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from us, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) we do not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

During the normal course of business, we may transfer a portion of a financial asset, for example, a participation loan or the government-guaranteed portion of a loan.  In order to be eligible for sales treatment, the transfer of the portion of the loan must meet the criteria of a participating interest.  If it does not meet the criteria of a participating interest, the transfer must be accounted for as a secured borrowing.  In order to meet the criteria for a participating interest, all cash flows from the loan must be divided proportionately, the rights of each loan holder must have the same priority, the loan holders must have no recourse to the transferor other than standard representations and warranties and no loan holder has the right to pledge or exchange the entire loan.

Premises and Equipment – Land is carried at cost.  Buildings and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or the expected lease term, if shorter.  Expected terms include lease option periods to the extent that the exercise of such options is reasonably assured.  The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:

   
Years
     
 
Buildings
39
 
Leasehold Improvements
5-20
 
Furniture and Equipment
3-7

The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense when incurred.  Major expenditures for betterments are capitalized and depreciated.
 
 
F-10

 

Other Real Estate Owned - Other real estate owned (“OREO”) represents property acquired through foreclosure or deeded to us in lieu of foreclosure.  OREO is initially recorded at the estimated fair value of the real estate acquired, net of estimated selling costs, establishing a new cost basis.  Initial write-downs are charged to the allowance for loan losses at the time the loan is transferred to OREO.  Subsequent valuations are periodically performed by management and the carrying value is adjusted by a charge to expense to reflect any subsequent declines in the estimated fair value.  Operating costs associated with OREO are expensed as incurred.

Retirement Plans and Employee Benefits - We provide a defined benefit pension plan for eligible employees through membership in the Savings Banks Employees Retirement Association (“SBERA”).  Our policy is to fund pension costs as accrued.  Employees are also eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan through the Principal Financial Group.  We make matching contributions to this plan at 50% of up to 6% of the employees’ eligible compensation.  The compensation cost of an employee’s pension benefit is recognized on the projected unit credit method over the employee’s approximate service period.  The aggregate cost method is utilized for funding purposes.

We currently offer postretirement life insurance benefits to retired employees.  Such postretirement benefits represent a form of deferred compensation which requires that the cost and obligations of such benefits are recognized in the period in which services are rendered.

Share-based Compensation Plans – We measure and recognize compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instruments issued.  Share-based compensation is recognized over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award.  Reductions in compensation expense associated with forfeited options are estimated at the date of grant, and this estimated forfeiture rate is adjusted based on actual forfeiture experience.  We use a binomial option-pricing model to determine the fair value of the stock options granted.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan – Compensation expense for the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) is recorded at an amount equal to the shares allocated by the ESOP multiplied by the average fair market value of the shares during the period.  We recognize compensation expense ratably over the year based upon our estimate of the number of shares expected to be allocated by the ESOP.  Unearned compensation applicable to the ESOP is reflected as a reduction of shareholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets.  The difference between the average fair market value and the cost of the shares allocated by the ESOP is recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital.

Advertising Costs – Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes - We use the asset and liability method for income tax accounting, whereby, 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 applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  A valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets is established when, in the judgment of management, it is more likely than not that all or a portion of such deferred tax assets will not be realized based on the available evidence including historical and projected taxable income.  We do not have any uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2011 which require accrual or disclosure.  We record interest and penalties as part of income tax expense.
 
 
F-11

 
 
Earnings per Share – Basic earnings per share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  If rights to dividends or unvested awards are non-forfeitable, these unvested awards are considered outstanding in the computation of basic earnings per share.  Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance.  Potential common shares that may be issued by us relate solely to stock options and are determined using the treasury stock method.  Unallocated ESOP shares are not deemed outstanding for earnings per share calculations.

Earnings per common share have been computed based on the following:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
                   
Net income applicable to common stock
  $ 5,874     $ 3,006     $ 5,459  
                         
Average number of common shares issued
    27,839       29,063       30,873  
Less: Average unallocated ESOP Shares
    (1,339 )     (1,426 )     (1,513 )
          Average ungranted equity incentive plan shares
    (18 )     (42 )     (51 )
                         
Average number of common shares outstanding used
                       
to calculate basic earnings per common share
    26,482       27,595       29,309  
                         
Effect of dilutive stock options
    107       198       269  
                         
Average number of common shares outstanding used
                       
to calculate diluted earnings per common share
    26,589       27,793       29,578  
                         
                         
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.11     $ 0.19  
                         
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.11     $ 0.18  

Stock options that would have an anti-dilutive effect on diluted earnings per share are excluded from the calculation.  For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, options for 1,640,676 shares, 1,563,524 shares and 1,540,793 shares were anti-dilutive, respectively.

Comprehensive Income/Loss

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income.  Although certain changes in assets and liabilities are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income/loss.
 
 
F-12

 

The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effects are as follows:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities
  $ 21,778     $ (12,766 )   $ 8,548  
Reclassification adjustment for securities transferred from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale
    -       12,653       -  
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in income
    (414 )     (4,072 )     383  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on available-for-sale securities
    102       147       278  
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities
    21,466       (4,038 )     9,209  
Tax effect
    (7,371 )     1,226       (3,290 )
Net-of-tax amount
    14,095       (2,812 )     5,919  
                         
Gains and losses arising during the year pertaining to defined benefit plans
    (1,412 )     (670 )     898  
Reclassification adjustments for items reflected in earnings:
                       
Actuarial loss
    116       91       137  
Transition asset
    (12 )     (12 )     (12 )
Net adjustments pertaining to defined benefit plans
    (1,308 )     (591 )     1,023  
Tax effect
    445       201       (348 )
Net-of-tax amount
    (863 )     (390 )     675  
                         
Net other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 13,232     $ (3,202 )   $ 6,594  
                         

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), included in shareholders’ equity are as follows:
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale
  $ 16,225     $ (5,299 )
Tax effect
    (5,573 )     1,817  
Net-of-tax amount
    10,652       (3,482 )
                 
Noncredit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses on available for sale securities
    (501 )     (443 )
Tax effect
    170       151  
Net-of-tax amount
    (331 )     (292 )
                 
Unrecognized transition assets pertaining to defined benefit plans
    32       44  
Unrecognized deferred loss pertaining to defined benefit plans
    (3,978 )     (2,682 )
Net accumulated other comprehensive loss pertaining to defined benefit plans
    (3,946 )     (2,638 )
Tax effect
    1,341       896  
Net-of-tax amount
    (2,605 )     (1,742 )
                 
Net accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 7,716     $ (5,516 )
 
 
F-13

 

An actuarial loss of $175,000 is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2011, and is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic pension cost for the year ending December 31, 2012.  A transition asset of $12,000 is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2011, and is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic pension cost for the year ending December 31, 2012.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-02, Receivables (Topic 310), A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring Is a Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”).  This ASU provides additional guidance and clarification to help creditors in determining whether a creditor has granted a concession and whether a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties for purposes of determining whether a restructuring constitutes a TDR.  This ASU is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011, with retrospective application to the beginning of the annual period of adoption.  The measurement of impairment should be done prospectively in the period of adoption for loans that are newly identified as TDRs upon adoption of this ASU.  In addition, the TDR disclosures required by ASU 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310), Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses are required beginning in the period of adoption of this ASU. We adopted this ASU on July 1, 2011 and it did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2011, FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860), Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements.  This ASU revises the criteria for assessing effective control for repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity.  The determination of whether the transfer of a financial asset subject to a repurchase agreement is a sale is based, in part, on whether the entity maintains effective control over the financial asset.  This ASU removes from the assessment of effective control: the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial asset on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, and the related requirement to demonstrate that the transferor possesses adequate collateral to fund substantially all the cost of purchasing replacement financial assets.  The amendments in this update will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011.  The amendments will be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date and early adoption is permitted.  The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

In May 2011, 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 IFRS.  The guidance clarifies and expands the disclosures pertaining to unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements, including the disclosure of quantitative information related to (1) the valuation processes used, (2) the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in unobservable inputs and the interrelationships between those unobservable inputs, and (3) use of a nonfinancial asset in a way that differs from the asset’s highest and best use.  The guidance also requires, for public entities, disclosure of the level within the fair value hierarchy for assets and liabilities not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position but for which the fair value is disclosed.  The amendments in this ASU are to be applied prospectively.  For public entities, the amendments are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  We do not expect this pronouncement to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Presentation of Comprehensive Income.  This ASU amends the disclosure requirements for the presentation of comprehensive income.  The amended guidance eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income (OCI) as part of the statement of changes in shareholder’s equity.  Under the amended guidance, all changes in OCI are to be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. The changes are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with retrospective application required.  Early application is permitted. There will be no impact on our consolidated financial results as the amendments relate only to changes in financial statement presentation.
 
 
F-14

 

In December 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-11, Balance Sheet – Offsetting (Topic 210), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.  This ASU is intended to facilitate comparison between those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of U.S. GAAP and those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of IFRS.  Under the new guidance, an entity will be required to report both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement.   The changes are effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013.  There will be no impact to the consolidated financial results as the amendments relate only to disclosures in the financial statements.

In December 2011, 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 2011-05.  This ASU defers only those changes in ASU 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments and supersedes certain pending paragraphs in ASU 2011-05.  All other requirements in ASU 2011-05 are not affected by this ASU.  The changes are effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  There will be no impact on our consolidated financial results as the amendments relate only to changes in financial statement presentation.
 
 
F-15

 
 
2.      SECURITIES

Securities available for sale are summarized as follows:
 
   
December 31, 2011
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
   
(In thousands)
 
                       
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
  $ 377,447     $ 8,802     $ (22 )   $ 386,227  
U.S. government guaranteed  residential mortgage-backed securities
    148,938       3,937       -       152,875  
Private-label residential mortgage-backed securities
    2,068       -       (501 )     1,567  
State and municipal bonds
    43,393       2,481       -       45,874  
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
    23,761       991       -       24,752  
Mutual funds
    5,813       99       (58 )     5,854  
Common and preferred stock
    393       6       (11 )     388  
                                 
Total
  $ 601,813     $ 16,316     $ (592 )   $ 617,537  
                                 

   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
 
(In thousands)
     
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
  $ 381,436     $ 4,967     $ (5,419 )   $ 380,984  
U.S. government guaranteed  residential mortgage-backed securities
    192,609       396       (5,329 )     187,676  
Private-label residential mortgage-backed securities
    8,251       -       (673 )     7,578  
State and municipal bonds
    42,119       1,298       (340 )     43,077  
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
    18,447       193       (776 )     17,864  
Mutual funds
    5,308       25       (61 )     5,272  
Common and preferred stock
    39       -       (23 )     16  
                                 
Total
  $ 648,209     $ 6,879     $ (12,621 )   $ 642,467  
                                 

In August 2010, we transferred all of our held-to-maturity investments to the available-for-sale category.  We determined that we no longer had the positive intent to hold our securities classified as held-to-maturity for an indefinite period of time because of our desire to have more flexibility in managing the investment portfolio.  The securities transferred had a total amortized cost of $287.1 million, and a fair value of $299.7 million, and the net unrealized gain of $12.6 million was recorded as other comprehensive income at the time of transfer.

Our repurchase agreements and FHLBB advances are collateralized by government-sponsored enterprises and certain mortgage-backed securities (see Notes 6 and 7).
 
 
F-16

 
 
The amortized cost and fair value of securities at December 31, 2011, by maturity, are shown below.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers have the right to call or repay obligations.
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
           
    Due after five years through ten years
  $ 13,520     $ 4,291  
    Due after ten years
    514,933       526,378  
                 
Total
  $ 528,453     $ 540,669  
                 
 
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Debt securities:
           
Due in one year or less
  $ 575     $ 582  
Due after one year through five years
    17,201       18,035  
Due after five years through ten years
    32,321       34,417  
Due after ten years
    17,057       17,592  
                 
Total
  $ 67,154     $ 70,626  
                 

Gross realized gains and losses on sales of securities for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are as follows:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Gross gains realized
  $ 1,901     $ 6,346     $ 2,033  
Gross losses realized
    (1,487 )     (2,274 )     (2,416 )
Net gain (loss) realized
  $ 414     $ 4,072     $ (383 )
                         

Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale amounted to $203.7 million, $497.0 million and $149.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The tax provision applicable to net realized gains and losses were $144,000, $1.4 million and $197,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
 
F-17

 

Information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2011 and 2010, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, follows:

 
December 31, 2011
 
Less Than Twelve Months
 
Over Twelve Months
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
 
                       
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
  $ (22 )   $ 14,652     $ -     $ -  
Private-label residential mortgage-backed securities
    -       -       (501 )     1,567  
Mutual funds
    -       -       (58 )     1,626  
Common and preferred stock
    -       -       (11 )     28  
                                 
Total
  $ (22 )   $ 14,652     $ (570 )   $ 3,221  
                                 
 
 
December  31, 2010
 
Less Than Twelve Months
 
Over Twelve Months
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
 
                       
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
  $ (5,419 )   $ 225,105     $ -     $ -  
U.S. government guaranteed  residential mortgage-backed securities
    (5,329 )     145,430       -       -  
Private-label residential mortgage-backed securities
    -       -       (673 )     7,578  
State and municipal bonds      (340     8,856       -       -  
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
    (776 )     15,674       -       -  
Mutual funds
    -       -       (61 )     1,548  
Common and preferred stock
    -       -       (23 )     16  
                                 
Total
  $ (11,864 )   $ 395,065     $ (757 )   $ 9,142  
                                 
 
 
F-18

 
 
At December 31, 2011, four government-sponsored and U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities had gross unrealized losses with aggregate depreciation of 0.1% from our amortized cost basis existing for less than twelve months.

At December 31, 2011, one mutual fund had a gross unrealized loss with aggregate depreciation of 3.4% from our cost basis existing for greater than twelve months and was principally related to fluctuations in interest rates.  This loss relates to a mutual fund which invests primarily in short-term debt instruments and adjustable rate mortgage-backed securities.  Because we do not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell it prior to the recovery of its amortized cost basis, the loss is deemed temporary.

At December 31, 2011, one private label mortgage-backed securities has gross unrealized losses of 24.2% from our amortized cost basis which existed for greater than twelve months.  On a quarterly basis, management uses a third party that is experienced in analyzing private-label mortgage-backed securities to estimate credit losses.  The third party reviews a number of factors to estimate the performance and possible credit loss of the underlying assets.  These factors include but are not limited to: loans in various stages of delinquency, loans in foreclosure, projected prepayment rates, severity of loss on defaulted loans, current levels of subordination, vintage, geographic location and projected default rates.  As a result of this analysis, one private label mortgage-backed security was deemed to have other-than- temporary impairment losses during the year ended December 31, 2011, which resulted in write-downs of $603,000 of which $501,000 was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss and $102,000 was recognized as a credit loss and charged to income.  During the year ended December 31, 2010, we had write-downs of $590,000 due to other-than-temporary impairment on mortgage-backed securities, of which $443,000 was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss and $147,000 was recognized as a credit loss and charged to income.

The following table presents a roll-forward of the amount of credit losses on mortgage-backed securities for which a portion of other-than-temporary impairment was recognized in other comprehensive income:

   
Years Ended December 31,
   
2011
 
2010
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 425     $ 278  
                 
Reductions for securities sold during the period
    (85 )     -  
Additional credit losses for which other-than-temporary impairment charge was previously recorded
    102       147  
                 
Balance at end of year
  $ 442     $ 425  
 
 
F-19

 

3.          LOANS

Loans consisted of the following amounts:
 
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Commercial real estate
  $ 232,491     $ 221,578  
Residential real estate
    155,994       112,680  
Home equity
    36,464       36,116  
Commercial and industrial
    125,739       135,250  
Consumer
    2,451       2,960  
    Total Loans
    553,139       508,584  
Unearned premiums and deferred loan fees and costs, net
    1,017       742  
Allowance for loan losses
    (7,764 )     (6,934 )
    $ 546,392     $ 502,392  

During 2011, we purchased residential real estate loans aggregating $58.2 million. These purchased loans are subject to underwriting standards that are consistent with our originated loans and we consider the risk attributes to be similar to originated loans.

We have transferred a portion of our originated commercial real estate loans to participating lenders.  The amounts transferred have been accounted for as sales and are therefore not included in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  We share ratably with our participating lenders in any gains or losses that may result from a borrower’s lack of compliance with contractual terms of the loan.  We continue to service the loans on behalf of the participating lenders and, as such, collect cash payments from the borrowers, remit payments (net of servicing fees) to participating lenders and disburse required escrow funds to relevant parties.  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we serviced loans for participants aggregating $5.7 million and $5.2 million, respectively.

An analysis of changes in the allowance for loan losses by segment for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

   
Residential
Real
Estate
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Commercial
and
Industrial
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 877     $ 3,182     $ 2,849     $ 26     $ 6,934  
Provision
    647       357       215       (13 )     1,206  
Charge-offs
    (2 )     (175 )     (442 )     (21 )     (640 )
Recoveries
    9       140       90       25       264  
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 1,531     $ 3,504     $ 2,712     $ 17     $ 7,764  
                                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 487     $ 2,371     $ 4,748     $ 39     $ 7,645  
Provision
    415       8,339       209       (40 )     8,923  
Charge-offs
    (36 )     (7,536 )     (2,129 )     (16 )     (9,717 )
Recoveries
    11       8       21       43       83  
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ 877     $ 3,182     $ 2,849     $ 26     $ 6,934  
 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 462     $ 2,216     $ 6,062     $ 56     $ 8,796  
Provision
    136       205       3,594       (35 )     3,900  
Charge-offs
    (117 )     (50 )     (4,910 )     (22 )     (5,099 )
Recoveries
    6       -       2       40       48  
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 487     $ 2,371     $ 4,748     $ 39     $ 7,645  
 
 
F-20

 
 
Further information pertaining to the allowance for loan losses by segment at December 31, 2011 and 2010 follows:

   
Residential
Real
Estate
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Commercial
and
Industrial
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
    December 31, 2011
                             
Allowance for loan losses:
                             
Individually evaluated for loss potential
  $ 109     $ 449     $ 39     $ -     $ 597  
Collectively evaluated for loss potential
    1,422       3,055       2,673       17       7,167  
Total
  $ 1,531     $ 3,504     $ 2,712     $ 17     $ 7,764  
                                         
Loans outstanding:
                                       
Individually evaluated for loss potential
  $ 422     $ 15,739     $ 1,145     $ -     $ 17,306  
Collectively evaluated for loss potential
    192,036       216,752       124,594       2,451       535,833  
Total
  $ 192,458     $ 232,491     $ 125,739     $ 2,451     $ 553,139  
                                         
    December 31, 2010
                                       
Allowance for loan losses:
                                       
Individually evaluated for loss potential
  $ -     $ -     $ 19     $ -     $ 19  
Collectively evaluated for loss potential
    877       3,182       2,830       26       6,915  
Total
  $ 877     $ 3,182     $ 2,849     $ 26     $ 6,934  
                                         
Loans outstanding:
                                       
Individually evaluated for loss potential
  $ 125     $ 1,891     $ 539     $ -     $ 2,555  
Collectively evaluated for loss potential
    148,671       219,687       134,711       2,960       506,029  
Total
  $ 148,796     $ 221,578     $ 135,250     $ 2,960     $ 508,584  

The following is a summary of past due and non-accrual loans by class at December 31, 2011 and 2010:

   
30 – 59
Days Past
Due
   
60 – 89
Days Past
Due
   
Greater than
90 Days Past
Due
   
Total Past
Due
   
Past Due 90
Days or More
and Still
Accruing
   
Loans in
Non-
Accrual
 
   
(In thousands)
 
December 31, 2011
                                   
Residential real estate:
                                   
Residential 1-4 family
  $ 562     $ -     $ 184     $ 746     $ -     $ 670  
Home equity
    128       -       204       332       -       230  
Commercial real estate
    840       -       740       1,580       -       1879  
Commercial and industrial
    111       183       -       294       -       154  
Consumer
    22       2       -       24       -       -  
Total
  $ 1,663     $ 185     $ 1,128     $ 2,976     $ -     $ 2,933  
                                                 
                                                 
December 31, 2010
                                               
Residential real estate:
                                               
Residential 1-4 family
  $ 196     $ 459     $ 172     $ 827     $ -     $ 629  
Home equity
    121       -       138       259       -       144  
Commercial real estate
    14,797       -       919       15,716       -       1,891  
Commercial and industrial
    204       1,000       150       1,354       -       539  
Consumer
    7       -       -       7       -       1  
Total
  $ 15,325     $ 1,459     $ 1,379     $ 18,163     $ -     $ 3,204  
 
 
F-21

 
 
The following is a summary of impaired loans by class:

                     
Year Ended
 
   
At December 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance:
                             
Residential real estate
  $ 120     $ 126     $ -     $ 122     $ -  
Commercial real estate
    1,545       1,679       -       1,635       -  
Commercial and industrial
    -       -       -       349       -  
Total
    1,665       1,805       -       2,106       -  
                                         
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
                                       
Residential real estate
    187       187       70       23       -  
Home equity
    115       115       39       115       -  
Commercial real estate
    14,194       14,225       449       12,431       691  
Commercial and industrial
    1,145       1,150       39       1,023       54  
Total
    15,641       15,677       597       13,592       745  
                                         
Total impaired loans
  $ 17,306     $ 17,482     $ 597     $ 15,698     $ 745  
                                         
                           
Year Ended
 
   
At December 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance:
                                       
Residential real estate
  $ 125     $ 127     $ -     $ 40     $ -  
Commercial real estate
    1,891       1,939       -       1,932       -  
Commercial and industrial
    389       1,374       -       292       -  
Total
    2,405       3,440       -       2,264       -  
                                         
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
                                       
Commercial real estate
    -       -       -       171       -  
Commercial and industrial
    150       150       19       1,862       -  
Total
    150       150       19       2,033       -  
                                         
Total impaired loans
  $ 2,555     $ 3,590     $ 19     $ 4,297     $ -  

No interest income was recognized for impaired loans on a cash-basis method during the year ended December 31, 2010.

We may periodically agree to modify the contractual terms of loans.  When a loan is modified and a concession is made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modification is considered a TDR.  These concessions could include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment extensions, postponement or forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions intended to maximize collection.  All TDRs are initially classified as impaired.
 
 
F-22

 

When we modify loans in a TDR, we evaluate any possible impairment similar to other impaired loans based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the contractual interest rate of the original loan agreement, or use the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs, for collateral dependent loans. If we determine that the value of the modified loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), impairment is recognized through an allowance estimate or a charge-off to the allowance. In periods subsequent to modification, we evaluate all TDRs, including those that have payment defaults, for possible impairment and recognize impairment through the allowance.

Performing loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the year ended December 31, 2011, segregated by class, are shown in the table below. The modifications reduced the interest rate and extended the interest-only period.  Both loans were performing assets at the date of modification and remained on accrual status.  No loans were modified as a TDR during the year ended December 31, 2010.   Nonperforming TDRs are shown as nonperforming assets.

   
Number of
Contracts
   
Pre-Modification
 Outstanding
 Recorded
Investment
   
Post-Modification
 Outstanding
 Recorded
Investment
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Troubled debt restructurings:
                 
Commercial real estate
    1     $ 14,000     $ 14,000  
Commercial and industrial
    1       1,000       1,000  
Total
    2     $ 15,000     $ 15,000  

Default occurs when a loan is 90 days or more past due, or is transferred to nonaccrual status within twelve months of restructuring.  One residential real estate loan with a recorded investment of $120,000, modified in the quarter ended December 31, 2010, defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2011.  As of December 31, 2011, we have not committed to lend additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans and leases that are classified as TDRs.  There were no charge-offs on TDRs during the year ended December 31, 2011.

No additional funds are committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans.

Credit Quality Information

We utilize an eight-grade internal loan rating system for commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans as follows:

Loans rated 1 – 3: Loans in these categories are considered “Pass” rated loans with low to average risk.  Residential real estate, home equity and consumer loans are risk rated on an exception basis and are grouped with pass rated loans.

Loans rated 4: Loans in this category are considered “Pass Watch,” which represent loans to borrowers with declining earnings, losses, or strained cash flow.

Loans rated 5: Loans in this category are considered “Special Mention.” These loans exhibit potential credit weaknesses or downward trends and are being closely monitored by us.

Loans rated 6: Loans in this category are considered “Substandard.” Generally, a loan is considered substandard if the borrower exhibits a well-defined weakness that may be inadequately protected by the current net worth and cash flow capacity to pay the current debt.

Loans rated 7: Loans in this category are considered “Doubtful.” Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, highly questionable and improbable and that a partial loss of principal is likely.
 
 
F-23

 

Loans rated 8: Loans in this category are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as loans is not warranted.

On an annual basis, or more often if needed, we formally review the ratings on all commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. Construction loans are reported within commercial real estate loans and total $10.1 million and $4.3 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  We engage an independent third party to review a significant portion of loans within these segments on at least an annual basis. We use the results of these reviews as part of our annual review process.

The following table presents our loans by risk rating at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

 
   
Residential
1-4 family
   
Home
Equity
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Commercial
and
Industrial
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
December 31, 2011
                                   
Loans rated 1 – 3
  $ 155,324     $ 36,234     $ 182,453     $ 87,287     $ 2,451     $ 463,749  
Loans rated 4
    -       -       22,855       16,129       -       38,984  
Loans rated 5
    -       -       7,104       7,678       -       14,782  
Loans rated 6
    670       230       19,885       14,645       -       35,430  
Loans rated 7
    -       -       194       -       -       194  
    $ 155,994     $ 36,464     $ 232,491     $ 125,739     $ 2,451     $ 553,139  
                                                 
December 31, 2010
                                               
Loans rated 1 – 3
  $ 112,053     $ 35,972     $ 174,137     $ 83,650     $ 2,960     $ 408,772  
Loans rated 4
    -       -       24,149       32,723       -       56,872  
Loans rated 5
    -       -       3,164       7,424       -       10,588  
Loans rated 6
    627       144       20,128       11,453       -       32,352  
Loans rated 7
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
    $ 112,680     $ 36,116     $ 221,578     $ 135,250     $ 2,960     $ 508,584  

Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  The unpaid balances of these loans totaled $2.8 million and $3.9 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Net service fee income of $12,000, $11,000, and $15,000 was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively, and is included in service charges and fees on the consolidated statements of income.
 
 
F-24

 
 
4.  
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment are summarized as follows:

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Land
  $ 1,826     $ 1,826  
Buildings
    12,685       12,572  
Leasehold improvements
    1,467       1,435  
Furniture and equipment
    9,268       8,947  
Total
    25,246       24,780  
                 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (14,249 )     (13,177 )
                 
Premises and equipment, net
  $ 10,997     $ 11,603  
 
Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 amounted to $1.1 million, $1.3 million, and $1.3 million, respectively.

5.         DEPOSITS

Deposit accounts by type and weighted average rates are summarized as follows:

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Amount
   
Rate
   
Amount
   
Rate
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Demand and NOW:
                       
NOW accounts
  $ 71,470       0.66 %   $ 83,621       1.08 %
Demand deposits
    100,157       -       85,217       -  
                                 
Savings:
                               
Regular accounts
    98,628       0.31       101,333       0.62  
Money market accounts
    146,935       0.61       76,184       0.57  
                                 
Time certificates of deposit
    315,768       1.60       353,980       1.98  
                                 
Total deposits
  $ 732,958       0.92 %   $ 700,335       1.28 %

Time deposits of $100,000 or more totaled $101.9 million and $115.5 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Interest expense on such deposits totaled $1.7 million, $2.2 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.
 
 
F-25

 

At December 31, 2011, the scheduled maturities of time certificates of deposit are as follows:

Year Ending
December 31,
 
Amount
 
   
(In thousands)
 
       
2012
  $ 150,397  
2013
    67,458  
2014
    64,986  
2015
    32,164  
2016
    763  
    $ 315,768  

Interest expense on deposits for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 is summarized as follows:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Savings
  $ 515     $ 823     $ 955  
Money market
    620       358       467  
Time
    5,693       7,735       10,034  
Other interest-bearing
    761       934       1,238  
    $ 7,589     $ 9,850     $ 12,694  

Cash paid for interest on deposits totaled $7.6 million, $9.8 million and $12.8 million for years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

6.                      SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

FHLBB Advances  FHLBB advances with an original maturity of less than one year, amounted to $36.0 million and $50.6 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, at a weighted average rate of 0.15% and 0.30%, respectively.

We have an “Ideal Way” line of credit with the FHLBB for $9.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.  Interest on this line of credit is payable at a rate determined and reset by the FHLBB on a daily basis.  The outstanding principal shall be due daily but the portion not repaid will be automatically renewed.  At December 31, 2011, there were no advances outstanding under this line. At December 31, 2010, $101,000 in advances were outstanding under this line with a weighted average rate of 0.52%, and these advances are reported in short-term borrowings.

FHLBB advances are collateralized by a blanket lien on our residential real estate loans and certain mortgage-back securities.
 
 
F-26

 

Customer Repurchase Agreements – The following table summarizes information regarding repurchase agreements:

   
Years Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance outstanding at end of year
  $ 16,985     $ 12,336  
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end during year
    24,695       20,321  
Average amount outstanding during year
    16,838       14,459  
Weighted average interest rate at end of year
    0.23 %     0.40 %
Amortized cost of collateral pledged at end of year (1)
    39,000       30,787  
Fair value of collateral pledged at end of year (1)
    41,055       32,086  
   
(1)Includes collateral pledged toward $5.4 million in long-term customer repurchase agreements.
 

Our repurchase agreements are collateralized by government-sponsored enterprises and certain mortgage-backed securities.  The weighted average interest rate on the pledged collateral was 3.40% and 4.60% at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Cash paid for interest on short-term borrowings totaled $154,000, $375,000, and $341,000 for years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

7.                      LONG-TERM DEBT

FHLBB Advances – The following advances are collateralized by a blanket lien on our residential real estate loans and certain mortgage-backed securities.

   
Amount
   
Weighted Average Rate
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
             
Fixed-rate advances maturing:
                       
2011
  $ -     $ 5,150       - %     1.7 %
2012
    12,979       34,605       1.3       2.0  
2013
    12,500       31,650       1.5       2.5  
2014
    44,069       29,887       2.1       3.0  
2015
    42,650       27,000       3.1       3.6  
2016
    29,000       14,000       2.9       2.7  
      141,198       142,292       2.4       2.7  
Variable-rate advances maturing:
                               
2015
    9,467       9,336       1.0       2.4  
2016
    10,000       -       1.7          
      19,467               1.4          
                                 
Total advances
  $ 160,665     $ 151,628       2.3 %     2.7 %

No FHLB advances were callable at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, mortgage-backed securities pledged as collateral to the FHLB had a carrying value of $241.0 million and $233.7 million, respectively.

During 2011, we completed a restructuring of our FHLBB advance portfolio in order to reduce our future cost of funds.  Advances totaling $48.3 million with an average rate of 2.88% were modified by extending their maturity dates and lowering the average rate to 2.25%. During 2010, advances totaling $43.0 million with an average rate of 3.79% were modified by extending their maturity dates and lowering the average rate to 2.59%.  In 2010, a prepayment penalty of $852,000 was paid upon restructuring and is being amortized to interest expense on a level yield method over the remaining maturity of the modified advances.
 
 
F-27

 
 
Customer Repurchase Agreements - At December 31, 2011, we had one long-term customer repurchase agreement for $5.4 million with a rate of 2.0% and a final maturity in 2012.  At December 31, 2010, we had one long-term customer repurchase agreement for $5.2 million with a rate of 2.5% and a final maturity in 2011.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase – The following securities sold under agreements to repurchase are secured by government-sponsored enterprise securities with a carrying value of $103.1 million and $97.6 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  We may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities.

   
Amount
   
Weighted Average Rate
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
       
Fixed-rate repos maturing:
                       
2013
  $ 14,800     $ 14,800       2.5 %     2.5 %
2014
    28,000       28,000       3.1       3.1  
2018
    29,500       29,500       2.9       2.9  
      72,300       72,300       2.9       2.9  
Variable-rate repos maturing:
                               
2018
    9,000       9,000       3.8       3.8  
                                 
Total
  $ 81,300     $ 81,300       3.0 %     3.0 %

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the years in which securities sold under agreements to repurchase are callable are as follows:

               
Weighted Average
   
Amount
   
Rate
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
 
2010
   
(In thousands)
             
                         
2011   
  $ -     $ 38,300       - %     2.9 %
2012   
    48,300       10,000       3.0       3.1  
    $ 48,300     $ 48,300       3.0 %     2.9 %

Cash paid for interest on long-term debt totaled $6.7 million, $6.5 million and $7.0 million for years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

8.           STOCK PLANS AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

Stock Options - Under our 2002 Stock Option Plan and 2007 Stock Option Plan, we may grant options to our directors, officers, and employees for up to 1,631,682 and 1,560,101, respectively, shares of common stock, of which 1,631,682 and 1,503,869, respectively, have been granted.  At December 31, 2011, 56,232 were available for future grants under these plans.  Both incentive stock options and non-statutory stock options may be granted under the plan.  The exercise price of each option equals the market price of our stock on the date of grant with a maximum term of ten years.  All options currently outstanding vest at 20% per year.
 
 
F-28

 

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the binomial option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Expected dividend yield
    6.64 %     7.04 %     6.35 %
Expected volatility
    34.19 %     35.83 %     36.09 %
Risk-free interest rate
    3.12 %     2.48 %     2.78 %
Expected life
 
10 years
 
10 years
 
10 years
                         

The expected volatility is based on historical volatility.  The risk-free rates for period consistent with the expected term of the awards are based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.  The expected term is based on historical exercise.  The dividend yield assumption is based on our history and expectation of dividend payouts.

A summary of the status of our stock options at December 31, 2011 is presented below:
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Weighted
Average
Remaining Contractual
Term
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
               
(In years)
   
(In thousands)
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
    1,911,485     $ 9.08              
Granted
    78,000       10.04              
Exercised
    (81,741 )     4.39              
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
    1,907,744       9.32       5.22     $ 705  
                                 
Exercisable at December 31, 2011
    1,503,268     $ 9.12       4.84     $ 705  
                                 

The weighted average fair value of the options granted in 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $1.42, $1.27 and $2.36 per option, respectively.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $277,000, $1.3 million and $502,000, respectively.  Cash received for options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $359,000, $1.5 million, and $449,000, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, share-based compensation expense applicable to stock options was $792,000, $798,000, and $899,000, respectively, with related tax benefits of $209,000, $212,000, and $242,000, respectively.

At December 31, 2011, total unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to unvested stock options was $773,000.  This amount is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years.

Restricted Stock Awards – During 2002 and 2007, we adopted equity incentive plans under which 652,664 and 624,041 shares, respectively, were reserved for issuance as restricted stock awards to directors and employees.  Of these totals, 652,664 and 617,100 shares, respectively, are currently issued and outstanding. Shares issued upon vesting may be either authorized but unissued shares or reacquired shares held by us.  Any shares not issued because vesting requirements are not met will again be available for issuance under the plans.  Shares awarded vest ratably over five years.  The fair market value of shares awarded, based on the market price at the date of grant, is recorded as unearned compensation and amortized over the applicable vesting period.
 
 
F-29

 

A summary of the status of unvested restricted stock awards at December 31, 2011 is presented below:
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted Average
 Grant Date Fair
 Value
 
             
Balance at December 31, 2010
    248,612     $ 9.92  
Shares granted
    28,000       8.13  
Shares vested
    (121,406 )     9.98  
Balance at December 31, 2011
    155,206     $ 9.54  
                 

We recorded total expense for restricted stock awards of $1.2 million, $1.2 million, and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.  Tax provisions related to equity incentive plan expense were $93,000 and $18,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  A tax benefit of $5,000 related to this expense was recognized for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Unrecognized compensation cost for stock awards was $1.2 million at December 31, 2011, with a remaining life of 1.8 years.

In 2010, 9,000 restricted stock awards were granted, having a fair value of $7.67 per share. In 2009, 22,000 restricted stock awards were granted, having a fair value of $9.34 per share. Total fair value of the stock awards vested was $1.1 million, $1.2 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan - We established an ESOP for the benefit of each employee that has reached the age of 21 and has completed at least 1,000 hours of service in the previous twelve-month period.  In January 2002, as part of the initial stock conversion, we provided a loan to the ESOP Trust which was used to purchase 8%, or 1,305,359 shares, of the common stock sold in the initial public offering.

In January 2007, as part of the second-step stock conversion, we provided an additional loan to the ESOP Trust which was used to purchase 4.0%, or 736,000 shares, of the 18,400,000 shares of common stock sold in the offering.  The 2002 and 2007 loans bear interest equal to 8.0% and provide for annual payments of interest and principal.

At December 31, 2011, the remaining principal balance is payable as follows:

Year Ending
     
December 31,
 
Amount
 
       
2012
  $ 446,782  
2013
    446,782  
2014
    446,782  
2015
    446,782  
2016
    446,782  
Thereafter
    7,928,394  
    $ 10,162,304  
         

We have committed to make contributions to the ESOP sufficient to support the debt service of the loans.  The loans are secured by the shares purchased, which are held in a suspense account for allocation among the participants as the loans are paid.  Total compensation expense applicable to the ESOP amounted to $694,000, $747,000, and $824,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.
 
 
F-30

 

Shares held by the ESOP include the following at December 31, 2011 and 2010:

   
2011
   
2010
 
Allocated
    568,174       504,462  
Committed to be allocated
    86,720       89,039  
Unallocated
    1,286,160       1,370,934  
      1,941,054       1,964,435  

Cash dividends declared and received on allocated shares are allocated to participants and charged to retained earnings.  Cash dividends declared and received on unallocated shares are held in suspense and are applied to repay the outstanding debt of the ESOP.  The fair value of unallocated shares was $9.5 million and $12.7 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  ESOP shares are considered outstanding for earnings per share calculations as they are committed to be allocated.  Unallocated ESOP shares are excluded from earnings per share calculations.  The value of unearned shares to be allocated to ESOP participants for future services not yet performed is reflected as a reduction of shareholders’ equity.

9.                      RETIREMENT PLANS AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Pension Plan - We provide basic and supplemental pension benefits for eligible employees through the SBERA Pension Plan (the “Plan”).  Employees must work a minimum of 1,000 hours per year to be eligible for the Plan.  Eligible employees become vested in the Plan after five years of service.

The following table provides information for the Plan at or for the years ended December 31:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Change in benefit obligation:
                 
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 16,191     $ 14,057     $ 12,698  
Service cost
    989       930       862  
Interest
    890       773       730  
Actuarial loss
    401       1,079       26  
Benefits paid
    (145 )     (648 )     (259 )
Benefit obligation at end of year
    18,326       16,191       14,057  
                         
Change in plan assets:
                       
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
    10,950       9,793       8,445  
Actual (loss) return on plan assets
    (28 )     1,205       1,607  
Employer contribution
    600       600       -  
Benefits paid
    (145 )     (648 )     (259 )
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
    11,377       10,950       9,793  
                         
Funded status and accrued benefit at end of year
  $ 6,949     $ 5,241     $ 4,264  
                         
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 11,964     $ 9,842     $ 7,579  
                         
 
 
F-31

 
 
The following actuarial assumptions were used in determining the pension benefit obligation:

  December 31, 
 
2011
 
2010
Discount rate
4.50
 %
 
   5.50
%
Rate of compensation increase
4.00
   
   5.00
 

Net pension cost includes the following components for the years ended December 31:

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Service cost
  $ 989     $ 930     $ 862  
Interest cost
    890       773       730  
Expected return on assets
    (876 )     (783 )     (676 )
Actuarial loss
    116       91       137  
Transition asset amortization
    (12 )     (12 )     (12 )
                         
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 1,107     $ 999     $ 1,041  

The following actuarial assumptions were used in determining the service costs for the years ended December 31:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Discount rate
    5.50 %     5.50 %     5.75 %
Expected return on plan assets
    8.00       8.00       8.00  
Rate of compensation increase
    5.00       5.00       5.00  

The fair value of major categories of our pension plan assets are summarized below:

   
December 31, 2011
 
Plan Assets
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Collective funds
  $ 3,691     $ 2,126     $ -     $ 5,817  
Equity securities
    2,736       -       -       2,736  
Mutual funds
    1,618       -       -       1,618  
Hedge funds
    -       -       844       844  
Short-term investments
    -       362       -       362  
    $ 8,045     $ 2,488     $ 844     $ 11,377  
 
 
F-32

 
 
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Collective funds
  $ 3,004     $ 2,043     $ -     $ 5,047  
Equity securities
    3,038       -       -       3,038  
Mutual funds
    1,608       -       -       1,608  
Hedge funds
    -       -       786       786  
Short-term investments
    -       471       -       471  
    $ 7,650     $ 2,514     $ 786     $ 10,950  

The plan assets measured at fair value in Level 1 are based on quoted market prices in an active exchange market. Plan assets measured at fair value in Level 2 are based on pricing models that consider standard input factors such as observable market data, benchmark yields, interest rate volatilities, broker/dealer quotes, credit spreads and new issue data.  Plan assets measured at fair value in Level 3 are based on unobservable inputs, which include assumptions and the best information under the circumstance.

The asset or liability fair value measurement level within fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  Valuation techniques used need to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  The Plan reports bonds and other obligations, short-term investments and equity securities at fair value based on published quotations.  Collective funds and hedge funds (the “Funds”) are valued in accordance with valuations provided by such Funds, which generally value marketable equity securities at the last reported sales price on the valuation date and other investments at fair value, as determined by each Fund’s manager.

The preceding methods described may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future values.  Furthermore, although the Plan believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 investments for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 786     $ 756  
                 
Unrealized appreciation
    58       30  
                 
Balance at end of year
  $ 844     $ 786  

The defined benefit plan offers a common and collective trust as the underlying investment structure for its retirement structure for the pension plan.  The target allocation mix for the pension plan for 2011 was an equity-based investment deployment range from 40% to 64% of total portfolio assets.  The remainder of the portfolio is allocated to fixed income from 15% to 25% and other investments including global asset allocation and hedge funds from 20% to 36%.  The investment objective is to diversify investments across a spectrum of investment types to limit risks from large market swings.

Trustees of the Plan select investment managers for the portfolio and a special investment advisory firm is retained to provide allocation analysis.  The overall investment objective is to diversify equity investments across a spectrum of types, small cap, large cap and international, along with investment styles such as growth and value.
 
 
F-33

 

We estimate that the benefits to be paid from the pension plan for years ended December 31 are as follows:

Year
Benefit Payments to Participants
 
(In thousands)
         
2012
  $
1,096
 
2013
   
355
 
2014
   
821
 
2015
   
578
 
2016
   
1,504
 
In aggregate for 2017 – 2020
   
2,136
 
    $
6,490
 
 
We have not yet determined the amount of the contribution we expect to make to the pension plan for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Postretirement Benefits - We provided postretirement life insurance benefits to employees based on the employee’s salary at time of retirement.  As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the accrued liability recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets amounted to $310,000 and $393,000, respectively.  Total expense associated with this plan amounted to $25,000 for the year ended 2011 and $26,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

Supplemental Retirement Benefits - We provide supplemental retirement benefits to certain key officers.  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had accrued $80,000 and $102,000, respectively, relating to these benefits.  Amounts charged to expense were $7,000, $12,000, and $127,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

401(k) - Employees are eligible to participate in a 401(k) plan.  We make a matching contribution of 50% with respect to the first 6% of each participant’s annual earnings contributed to the plan.  Our contributions to the plan were $205,000, $184,000 and $171,000, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

10.                      REGULATORY CAPITAL

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”).  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our consolidated financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.  Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to savings and loan holding companies.

To ensure capital adequacy, the OCC regulations establish quantitative measures which require us to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, Tier 1 capital to average assets and of tangible capital to tangible assets.  We believe, as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, that we met all capital adequacy requirements to which we are subject. Westfield Financial’s and the Bank’s capital ratios as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 are set forth in the following table.

As of December 31, 2011, the most recent notification from the OCC categorized the Bank as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  To be categorized as “well capitalized” the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table.  There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.
 
 
F-34

 

   
Actual
   
Minimum for Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 
Minimum To Be Well
Capitalized Under Prompt
Corrective Action
Provisions
   
Amount
 
Ratio
    Amount    
Ratio
   
Amount
    Ratio
          (Dollars in thousands)    
December 31, 2011
                             
                               
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):
                             
Consolidated
  $ 216,363       31.60 %   $ 54,780       8.00 %     N/A       -  
Bank
    207,899       30.47       54,590       8.00     $ 68,238       10.00
%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):
                                               
Consolidated
    208,599       30.46       27,390       4.00       N/A       -  
Bank
    200,673       29.41       27,295       4.00       40,943       6.00  
Tier 1 Capital (to Adjusted Total Assets):
                                               
Consolidated
    208,599       16.76       49,796       4.00       N/A       -  
Bank
    200,673       16.17       49,639       4.00       62,049       5.00  
Tangible Equity (to Tangible Assets):
                                               
Consolidated
    N/A       -       N/A       -       N/A       -  
Bank
    200,673       16.17       18,615       1.50       N/A       -  
                                                 
December 31, 2010
                                               
                                                 
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 231,272       34.05 %   $ 54,339       8.00 %     N/A       -  
Bank
    221,643       32.69       54,238       8.00     $ 67,797       10.00
%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):
                                               
Consolidated
    224,338       33.03       27,169       4.00       N/A       -  
Bank
    214,668       31.66       27,119       4.00       40,678       6.00  
Tier 1 Capital (to Adjusted Total Assets):
                                               
Consolidated
    224,338       18.07       49,662       4.00       N/A       -  
Bank
    214,668       17.37       49,434       4.00       61,793       5.00  
Tangible Equity (to Tangible Assets):
                                               
Consolidated
    N/A       -       N/A       -       N/A       -  
Bank
    214,668       17.37       18,538       1.50       N/A       -  

The following is a reconciliation of our GAAP capital to regulatory Tier 1 and total capital:

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Consolidated GAAP capital
  $ 218,988     $ 221,245  
Unrealized (gains) losses on certain available for sale
               
securities, net of tax
    (10,321 )     3,774  
Unrealized losses on defined benefit pension plan
    2,605       1,742  
Disallowed deferred tax asset
    (2,673 )     (2,423 )
Tier 1 capital
    208,599       224,338  
                 
Allowance for loan losses
    7,764       6,934  
                 
Total regulatory capital
  $ 216,363     $ 231,272  
 
 
F-35

 
 
On May 25, 2010, the Board of Directors authorized the commencement of our current stock repurchase program, authorizing the repurchase of up to 2,924,367 shares, or ten percent of our outstanding shares of common stock. There were 2,676,041 shares purchased under the second repurchase program as of December 31, 2011. On December 22, 2011, the Board of Directors authorized an additional stock repurchase program under which we may purchase up to 1,333,496 shares, or 5% of our outstanding common stock.  This new repurchase program will commence upon the completion of the previously announced program.
 
We are subject to dividend restrictions imposed by various regulators, including a limitation on the total of all dividends that the Bank may pay to us in any calendar year, to an amount that shall not exceed the Bank’s net income for the current year, plus its net income retained for the two previous years, without regulatory approval.  In addition, the Bank may not declare or pay dividends on, and we may not repurchase, any of our shares of common stock if the effect thereof would cause shareholders’ equity to be reduced below applicable regulatory capital maintenance requirements or if such declaration, payment or repurchase would otherwise violate regulatory requirements.  At December 31, 2011, the Bank had no retained earnings available for payment of dividends and $581,000 at December 31, 2010.  Accordingly, $54.6 million and $54.2 million of our equity in the net assets of the Bank was restricted at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The only funds available for the payment of dividends on our capital stock will be cash and cash equivalents held by us, dividends paid from the Bank to us, and borrowings.  The Bank will be prohibited from paying cash dividends to us to the extent that any such payment would reduce the Bank’s capital below required capital levels.

11.                      INCOME TAXES
 
Income taxes consist of the following:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
         
(In thousands)
       
                   
Current tax provision:
                 
    Federal
  $ 1,179     $ 302     $ 1,213  
    State
    106       121       166  
Total
    1,285       423       1,379  
                         
Deferred tax provision (benefit):
                       
    Federal
    21       (387 )     (108 )
    State
    -       (2 )     (4 )
Total
    21       (389 )     (112 )
                         
Total
  $ 1,306     $ 34     $ 1,267  

The reasons for the differences between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective rates are summarized below:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Statutory federal income tax rate
    34.0 %     34.0 %     34.0 %
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
                       
     State taxes, net of federal tax benefit
    1.0       2.6       1.6  
     Tax exempt income
    (9.3 )     (17.0 )     (7.1 )
     Bank-owned life insurance
    (7.1 )     (17.0 )     (7.7 )
     Other, net
    (0.4 )     (1.5 )     (2.0 )
                         
Effective tax rate
    18.2 %     1.1 %     18.8 %

Cash paid for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $16,000, $177,000, and $1.8 million, respectively.
 
 
F-36

 
 
The tax effects of each item that gives rise to deferred taxes are as follows:
 
   
December 31,
 
    2011     2010  
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Deferred tax assets:
           
Defined benefit plan
  $ 1,341     $ 896  
Allowance for loan losses
    2,640       2,357  
Employee benefit and share-based compensation plans
    2,949       2,327  
Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale
    -       1,968  
Other-than-temporary impairment write-down
    495       581  
Depreciation and amortization
    128       43  
Other
    143       894  
      7,696       9,066  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale
    (5,403 )     -  
Deferred loan fees
    (198 )     (119 )
Other
    (232 )     (136 )
      (5,833 )     (255 )
                 
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 1,863     $ 8,811  

The federal income tax reserve for loan losses at the Bank’s base year is $5.8 million.  If any portion of the reserve is used for purposes other than to absorb loan losses, approximately 150% of the amount actually used, limited to the amount of the reserve, would be subject to taxation in the fiscal year in which used.  As the Bank intends to use the reserve solely to absorb loan losses, a deferred tax liability of $2.4 million has not been provided.

We do not have any uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2011 or 2010 which require accrual or disclosure.  We record interest and penalties as part of income tax expense.  No interest or penalties were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Our income tax returns are subject to review and examination by federal and state tax authorities.  We are currently open to audit under the applicable statutes of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2008 through 2011.  The years open to examination by state taxing authorities vary by jurisdiction; however, no years prior to 2008 are open.
 
 
F-37

 
 
12.       TRANSACTIONS WITH DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

We have had, and expect to have in the future, loans with our directors and executive officers.  Such loans, in our opinion, do not include more than the normal risk of collectability or other unfavorable features.  Following is a summary of activity for such loans:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 15,310     $ 17,626  
Principal distributions
    8,319       187  
Repayments of principal
    (7,337 )     (2,503 )
Change in related party status
    3,226       -  
                 
 Balance at end of year
  $ 19,518     $ 15,310  


13.                      COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of business, various commitments and contingent liabilities are outstanding, such as standby letters of credit and commitments to extend credit with off-balance-sheet risk that are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.  Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk involve elements of credit, interest rate, liquidity and market risk.

We do not anticipate any significant losses as a result of these transactions.  The following summarizes these financial instruments and other commitments and contingent liabilities at their contract amounts:

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Commitments to extend credit:
           
Unused lines of credit
  $ 83,340     $ 80,378  
Loan commitments
    7,297       6,637  
Existing construction loan agreements
    1,349       217  
Standby letters of credit
    11,242       3,032  

We use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for on balance sheet instruments.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  Since some commitments expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by us upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty.  Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.
 
 
F-38

 

Standby letters of credit are written conditional commitments issued by us that guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.

At December 31, 2011, outstanding commitments to extend credit totaled $103.2 million, with $8.5 million in fixed rate commitments with interest rates ranging from 3.50% to 12.00% and $94.7 million in variable rate commitments.  At December 31, 2010, outstanding commitments to extend credit totaled $90.3 million, with $5.6 million in fixed rate commitments with interest rates ranging from 4.25% to 12.00% and $84.7 million in variable rate commitments.

In the ordinary course of business, we are party to various legal proceedings, none of which, in our opinion, will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

We lease facilities and certain equipment under cancelable and non-cancelable leases expiring in various years through the year 2046.  Certain of the leases provide for renewal periods for up to forty years at our discretion.  Rent expense under operating leases was $591,000, $523,000, and $481,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Aggregate future minimum rental payments under the terms of non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2011, are as follows:
 
Year Ending
December 31,
 
Amount
 
   
(In thousands)
 
       
2012
  $ 612  
2013
    610  
2014
    607  
2015
    579  
2016
    459  
Thereafter
    9,801  
    $ 12,668  

Employment and change of control agreements

We have entered into employment and change of control agreements with certain senior officers.  The initial term of the employment agreements is for three years subject to separate one-year extensions as approved by the Board of Directors at the end of each applicable fiscal year.  Each employment agreement provides for minimum annual salaries, discretionary cash bonuses and other fringe benefits as well as severance benefits upon certain terminations of employment that are not for cause.  The change of control agreements expire one year following a notice of non-extension and only provide for severance benefits upon certain terminations of employment that are not for cause and that are related to a change of control of the Company or the Bank.

14.                      CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

Most of our loans consist of residential and commercial real estate loans located in western Massachusetts.  As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, our residential and commercial related real estate loans represented 76.8% and 72.8% of total loans, respectively.  Our policy for collateral requires that the amount of the loan may not exceed 100% and 85% of the appraised value of the property for residential and commercial real estate, respectively, at the date the loan is granted.  For residential loans, in cases where the loan exceeds 80%, private mortgage insurance is typically obtained for that portion of the loan in excess of 80% of the appraised value of the property.
 
 
F-39

 

15.                      FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABLITIES

Determination of Fair Value

We use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and to determine fair value disclosures. The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for our various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.

Methods and assumptions for valuing our financial instruments are set forth below.  Estimated fair values are calculated based on the value without regard to any premium or discount that may result from concentrations of ownership of a financial instrument, possible tax ramifications or estimated transaction cost.
 
Cash and cash equivalents - The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instruments approximate fair values based on the short-term nature of the assets.

Interest-bearing deposits in banks - The carrying amounts of interest-bearing deposits maturing within ninety days approximate their fair values. Fair values of other interest-bearing deposits are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on current market rates for similar types of deposits.

Securities and mortgage-backed securities - The securities measured at fair value in Level 1 are based on quoted market prices in an active exchange market. These securities include marketable equity securities.  All other securities are measured at fair value in Level 2 and are based on pricing models that consider standard input factors such as observable market data, benchmark yields, interest rate volatilities, broker/dealer quotes, credit spreads and new issue data. These securities include government-sponsored enterprise obligations, state and municipal obligations, residential mortgage-backed securities guaranteed and sponsored by the U.S. government or an agency thereof, and private-label residential mortgage-backed securities.  At December 31, 2011, all fair value measurements are obtained from a third-party pricing service and are not adjusted by management.

Federal Home Loan Bank and other stock - These investments are carried at cost which is their estimated redemption value.

Loans receivable - For adjustable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values.  Fair values for other loans (e.g., commercial real estate and investment property mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using market interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. Fair values for non-performing loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses or underlying collateral values, where applicable.

Accrued interest - The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value.

Deposit liabilities - The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest and non-interest checking, passbook savings, and certain types of money market accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). The carrying amounts of fixed-term money market accounts and certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies market interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.
 
 
F-40

 

Short-term borrowings and long-term debt - The fair values of our debt instruments are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the current incremental borrowing rates in the market for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

Commitments to extend credit - The stated value of commitments to extend credit approximates fair value as the current interest rates for similar commitments do not differ significantly.  For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.  Such differences are not considered significant.

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:
 
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Securities available for sale:
 
(In thousands)
 
Mutual funds
  $ 5,854     $ -     $ -     $ 5 ,854  
Common and preferred stock
    388       -       -       388  
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
    -       24,752       -       24,752  
State and municipal bonds
    -       45,874       -       45,874  
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
    -       386,227       -       386,227  
U.S. government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities
    -       152,875       -       152,875  
Private-label residential mortgage-backed securities
    -       1,567       -       1,567  
Total assets
  $ 6,242     $ 611,295     $ -     $ 617,537  

   
December 31, 2010
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Securities available for sale:
 
(In thousands)
 
Mutual funds
  $ 5,272     $ -     $ -     $ 5,272  
Common and preferred stock
    16       -       -       16  
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
    -       17,864       -       17,864  
State and municipal bonds
    -       43,077       -       43,077  
Government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities
    -       380,984       -       380,984  
U.S. government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities
    -       187,676       -       187,676  
Private-label residential mortgage-backed securities
    -       7,578       -       7,578  
Total assets
  $ 5,288     $ 637,179     $ -     $ 642,467  

There were no transfers to or from Level 1 and 2 for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
F-41

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

We may also be required, from time to time, to measure certain other financial assets on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These adjustments to fair value usually result from application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy used to determine each adjustment and the carrying value of the related individual assets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

   
At
   
Year Ended
 
   
December 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2011
 
                     
Total
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
    (In thousands)   
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,181     $ 303  
Other real estate owned
                    1,130       170  
Total assets
  $ -     $ -     $ 2,311     $ 473  
                                 
             
   
At
   
Year Ended
 
   
December 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2010
 
                           
Total
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
      (In thousands)   
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,661     $ 714  
Other real estate owned
    -       -       223       157  
Total assets
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,884     $ 871  

The amount of loans represents the carrying value and related write-down and valuation allowance of impaired loans for which adjustments are based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.  The fair value of impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses is generally based on real estate appraisals performed by independent licensed or certified appraisers.  These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach.  Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available.  Management will discount appraisals as deemed necessary based on the date of the appraisal and new information deemed relevant to the valuation.  Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. The resulting losses were recognized in earnings through the provision for loan losses.

The amount of other real estate owned represents the carrying value of the collateral based on the appraised value of the underlying collateral using the market approach less selling costs.

We do not measure any liabilities at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis on the consolidated balance sheets.
 
 
F-42

 

Summary of Fair Values of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair values of our financial instruments at December 31 are as follows:

   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
 
   
Value
   
Fair Value
   
Value
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 21,105     $ 21,105     $ 11,611     $ 11,611  
Securities available for sale
    617,537       617,537       642,467       642,467  
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston
                               
and other restricted stock
    12,438       12,438       12,282       12,282  
Loans - net
    546,392       552,422       502,392       505,791  
Accrued interest receivable
    4,022       4,022       4,279       4,279  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
Deposits
    732,958       731,294       700,335       697,815  
Short-term borrowings
    52,985       52,982       62,937       62,936  
Long-term debt
    247,320       258,470       238,151       243,800  
Accrued interest payable
    656       656       720       720  
                                 

Limitations - Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.  These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time our entire holdings of a particular financial instrument.  Where quoted market prices are not available, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

16.
SEGMENT INFORMATION

We have one reportable segment, “Community Banking.”  All of our activities are interrelated, and each activity is dependent and assessed based on how each of the activities supports the others.  For example, commercial lending is dependent upon the ability of the Bank to fund itself with retail deposits and other borrowings and to manage interest rate and credit risk.  This situation is also similar for consumer and residential mortgage lending.  Accordingly, all significant operating decisions are based upon our analysis as one operating segment or unit.

We operate only in the U.S. domestic market, primarily in western Massachusetts.  For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, there is no customer that accounted for more than 10% of our revenue.

17.       LEGAL CONTINGENCIES

Various legal claims also arise from time to time in the normal course of business which, in the opinion of management, will have no material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
 
 
F-43

 

18.       CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The condensed balance sheets of the parent company are as follows:

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS:
           
Due from banks
  $ 766     $ 1,236  
Federal funds sold
    25       3  
Securities available for sale
    2,308       4,544  
Investment in subsidiaries
    210,989       210,886  
Other assets
    5,310       4,633  
TOTAL ASSETS
  219,398     221,302  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
               
Liabilities
  410     57  
Equity
    218,988       221,245  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
  $ 219,398     $ 221,302  
                 

The condensed statements of income for the parent company are as follows:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
INCOME:
                 
Dividends from subsidiaries
  $ 21,661     $ 19,500     $ 9,157  
Interest income from securities
    98       247       1,499  
Interest income from federal funds sold
    -       -       4  
Gain (loss) on sale of securities, net
    134       (22 )     (2,079 )
Other income
    1       2       6  
Total income
    21,894       19,727       8,587  
                         
OPERATING EXPENSE:
                       
Salaries and employee benefits
    2,670       2,710       3,100  
Other
    762       426       470  
Total operating expense
    3,432       3,136       3,570  
                         
INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED
                       
INCOME OF SUBSIDIARIES AND INCOME TAXES
    18,462       16,591       5,017  
                         
DIVIDENDS IN EXCESS OF EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES
    (13,237 )     (13,600 )     (846 )
                         
NET INCOME BEFORE TAXES
    5,225       2,991       4,171  
                         
INCOME TAX BENEFIT
    (649 )     (15 )     (1,288 )
                         
NET INCOME
  $ 5,874     $ 3,006     $ 5,459  
                         
 
 
F-44

 
 
The condensed statements of cash flows of the parent company are as follows:

                   
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net income
  $ 5,874     $ 3,006     $ 5,459  
Dividends in excess of earnings of subsidiaries
    13,237       13,600       846  
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on securities
    1       14       39  
Net realized securities (gains) losses
    (134 )     22       2,079  
Change in other liabilities
    353       21       (92 )
Change in other assets
    (417 )     367       (789 )
Other, net
    2,439       2,110       2,531  
                         
        Net cash provided by operating activities
    21,353       19,140       10,073  
                         
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Purchase of securities
    (354 )     -       (5,276 )
Proceeds from principal collections
    1       1,160       10,509  
Sale of securities
    2,558       4,264       4,394  
                         
        Net cash provided by investing activities
    2,205       5,424       9,627  
                         
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Cash dividends paid
    (14,305 )     (14,295 )     (14,595 )
Common stock repurchased
    (10,071 )     (16,127 )     (13,690 )
Excess tax (shortfall) benefit from share-based compensation
    (4 )     383       155  
Issuance of common stock to ESOP
    15       -       -  
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock
                       
option exercises
    359       1,477       449  
                         
        Net cash used in financing activities
    (24,006 )     (28,562 )     (27,681 )
                         
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND
                       
    CASH EQUIVALENTS:
    (448 )     (3,998 )     (7,981 )
                         
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
                       
        Beginning of year
    1,239       5,237       13,218  
                         
        End of year
  $ 791     $ 1,239     $ 5,237  
                         

19.
OTHER NONINTEREST EXPENSE

There is no item that as a component of other noninterest expense exceeded 1% of the aggregate of total interest income and noninterest income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
 
 
F-45

 

20.
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

The following tables present a summary of our quarterly financial information for the periods indicated.  The year to date totals may differ slightly due to rounding.
 
 
2011
 
First Quarter
 
Second Quarter
 
Third Quarter
 
Fourth Quarter
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Interest and dividend income
  $ 11,457     $ 11,449     $ 11,174     $ 10,926  
Interest expense
    3,810       3,720       3,555       3,382  
                                 
Net interest and dividend income
    7,647       7,729       7,619       7,544  
                                 
Provision for loan losses
    339       175       15       677  
Other noninterest income
    806       909       899       904  
                                 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses in securities
    (345 )     (433 )     (536 )     -  
Portion of impairment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    313       425       474       -  
Net impairment losses recognized in income
    (32 )     (8 )     (62 )     -  
                                 
Loss on sale of OREO
    -       -       (25 )     -  
Gain on sales of securities, net
    31       46       131       206  
Noninterest expense
    6,540       6,433       6,639       6,346  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    1,574       2,068       1,908       1,631  
Income tax provision
    288       503       414       102  
Net income
  $ 1,286     $ 1,565     $ 1,494     $ 1,529  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.05     $ 0.06     $ 0.06     $ 0.06  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.05     $ 0.06     $ 0.06     $ 0.06  
                                 
 
 
2010
 
First Quarter
 
Second Quarter
 
Third Quarter
 
Fourth Quarter
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Interest and dividend income
  $ 11,955     $ 11,595     $ 11,550     $ 11,047  
Interest expense
    4,264       4,171       4,201       4,129  
                                 
Net interest and dividend income
    7,691       7,424       7,349       6,918  
                                 
Provision for loan losses
    500       4,120       3,928       375  
Other noninterest income
    867       878       836       883  
                                 
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses in securities
    (1,071 )     -       -       (490 )
Portion of impairment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    971       -       -       443  
Net impairment losses recognized in income
    (100 )     -       -       (47 )
                                 
Loss on sale of OREO
    7       (6 )     -       -  
Gain on sales of securities, net
    186       1,132       2,609       145  
Noninterest expense
    6,395       5,941       6,184       6,289  
                                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    1,756       (633 )     682       1,235  
Income taxes
    402       (247 )     (17 )     (104 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,354     $ (386 )   $ 699     $ 1,339  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.05     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.03     $ 0.05  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.05     $ (0.01 )   $ 0.03     $ 0.05  
 
 
F-46

 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX


2.1
Amended and Restated Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance of Westfield Mutual Holding Company, Westfield Financial, Inc. and Westfield Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registration Statement No. 333-137024 on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 31, 2006).
3.1
Articles of Organization of Westfield Financial, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2007).
3.2  
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Westfield Financial, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2011).
4.1
Form of Stock Certificate of Westfield Financial, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registration Statement No. 333-137024 on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 31, 2006).
10.1*
Form of Employee Stock Ownership Plan of Westfield Financial, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2011).
10.2*
Form of Director’s Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 22, 2005).
10.3*
The 401(k) Plan adopted by Westfield Bank (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement No. 333-73132 on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2006).
10.4*
Amendment to the 401(k) Plan adopted by Westfield Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 13, 2006).
10.5*
Amended and Restated Benefit Restoration Plan of Westfield Financial, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2007).
10.6*
Form of Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Agreement with Donald A. Williams (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 22, 2005).
10.7*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between James C. Hagan and Westfield Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2009).
10.8*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between James C. Hagan and Westfield Financial, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2009).
10.9
Agreement between Westfield Bank and Village Mortgage Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of Amendment No. 1 of the Registration Statement No. 333-137024 on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 31, 2006).
10.10*
Employment Agreement between Leo R. Sagan, Jr. and Westfield Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2009).
10.11*
Employment Agreement between Leo R. Sagan, Jr. and Westfield Financial, Inc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2009).
10.12*
Employment Agreement between Gerald P. Ciejka and Westfield Bank  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2009).
 
 
 

 
 
10.13*
Employment Agreement between Gerald P. Ciejka and Westfield Financial, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2009).
10.14*
Employment Agreement between Allen J. Miles, III and Westfield Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2009).
10.15*
Employment Agreement between Allen J. Miles, III and Westfield Financial, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 5, 2009).
10.16*
2002 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B of the Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 24, 2002).
10.17*
Amendment to the 2002 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2003).
10.18*
2002 Recognition and Retention Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix C of the Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 24, 2002).
10.19*
Amendment to the 2002 Recognition and Retention Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B of the Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2003).
10.20*
2007 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2007).
10.21*
Amendment to the 2007 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B of the Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 14, 2008).
10.22*
2007 Recognition and Retention Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B of the Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2007).
10.23*
Amendment to the 2007 Recognition and Retention Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix C of the Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 14, 2008).
21.1†
Subsidiaries of Westfield Financial
23.1†
Consent of Wolf & Company, P.C.
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
32.1†
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2†
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101** Financial statements from the annual report on Form 10-K of Westfield Financial, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2011, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity and Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
________________________________
 
Filed herewith.
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
** Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.