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Western New England Bancorp, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2012 September (Form 10-Q)

a50459491.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
______________________

FORM 10-Q


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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012

OR

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

For the transition period from _____ to _____.


Commission file number 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 01086
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

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


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 twelve 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 S  No £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.) Yes S  No £

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See 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 S
   
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 Exchange Act).  Yes £  No S

At October 29, 2012, the registrant had 24,785,784 shares of common stock, $.01 par value, issued and outstanding.
 
 
 

 
 
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FORWARD–LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements.”  These forward-looking statements are made in good faith pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  The words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements may be subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but 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.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements.  You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.  We undertake no obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 
i

 
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
ASSETS
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 11,057     $ 10,953  
Federal funds sold
    156       131  
Interest-bearing deposits and other short-term investments
    440       10,021  
             Cash and cash equivalents
    11,653       21,105  
                 
SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE – AT FAIR VALUE
    650,400       617,537  
                 
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF BOSTON AND OTHER RESTRICTED STOCK - AT COST
    14,045       12,438  
                 
LOANS - Net of allowance for loan losses of $8,176 at September 30, 2012 and $7,764 at December 31, 2011
    574,556       546,392  
                 
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, Net
    11,217       10,997  
                 
ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE
    4,556       4,022  
                 
BANK-OWNED LIFE INSURANCE
    45,835       44,040  
                 
DEFERRED TAX ASSET, Net
    -       1,863  
                 
OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED
    1,130       1,130  
                 
OTHER ASSETS
    3,635       3,740  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 1,317,027     $ 1,263,264  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
LIABILITIES:
               
DEPOSITS :
               
    Noninterest-bearing
  $ 108,404     $ 100,157  
    Interest-bearing
    646,004       632,801  
          Total deposits
    754,408       732,958  
                 
SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
    41,352       52,985  
                 
LONG-TERM DEBT
    297,166       247,320  
SECURITIES PENDING SETTLEMENT
    352       363  
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY, Net
    600       -  
OTHER LIABILITIES
    11,492       10,650  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    1,105,370       1,044,276  
                 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Preferred stock - $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011
    -       -  
Common stock - $.01 par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized, 25,296,855 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012; 26,918,250 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011
    253       269  
Additional paid-in capital
    162,516       173,615  
Unearned compensation - ESOP
    (8,695 )     (9,119 )
Unearned compensation - Equity Incentive Plan
    (370 )     (1,228 )
Retained earnings
    44,486       47,735  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    13,467       7,716  
   Total shareholders' equity
    211,657       218,988  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  $ 1,317,027     $ 1,263,264  
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
 
1

 
 
WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME – UNAUDITED
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
   
Three Months
   
Nine Months
 
   
Ended September 30,
   
Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:
                       
Debt securities, taxable
  $ 3,934     $ 4,235     $ 11,827     $ 13,699  
Residential and commercial real estate loans
    5,190       4,984       15,313       14,503  
Commercial and industrial loans
    1,247       1,428       3,802       4,290  
Debt securities, tax-exempt
    378       420       1,217       1,257  
Consumer loans
    39       47       119       143  
Equity securities
    41       46       127       140  
Other investments - at cost
    23       14       70       46  
Federal funds sold, interest-bearing deposits and other short-term
    investments
    1       -       2       1  
Total interest and dividend income
    10,853       11,174       32,477       34,079  
INTEREST EXPENSE:
                               
Deposits
    1,505       1,811       4,665       5,891  
Long-term debt
    1,618       1,716       4,872       5,071  
Short-term borrowings
    27       28       94       122  
Total interest expense
    3,150       3,555       9,631       11,084  
Net interest and dividend income
    7,703       7,619       22,846       22,995  
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
    218       15       698       529  
Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses
    7,485       7,604       22,148       22,466  
                                 
NONINTEREST INCOME (LOSS):
                               
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities
    -       (536 )     -       (576 )
Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss on debt securities
    -       474       -       474  
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in income
    -       (62 )     -       (102 )
Service charges and fees
    617       501       1,649       1,465  
Income from bank-owned life insurance
    390       398       1,132       1,150  
Gain on sales of securities, net
    174       131       1,856       208  
Loss on disposal of other real estate owned
    -       (25 )     -       (25 )
Total noninterest income
    1,181       943       4,637       2,696  
NONINTEREST EXPENSE:
                               
Salaries and employees benefits
    4,188       3,997       12,593       11,710  
Occupancy
    663       691       2,072       2,027  
Computer operations
    544       473       1,595       1,437  
Professional fees
    432       524       1,401       1,525  
OREO expense
    11       31       48       52  
FDIC insurance assessment
    152       207       450       555  
Other
    808       716       2,317       2,307  
Total noninterest expense
    6,798       6,639       20,476       19,613  
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    1,868       1,908       6,309       5,549  
INCOME TAX PROVISION
    481       414       1,609       1,204  
NET INCOME
  $ 1,387     $ 1,494     $ 4,700     $ 4,345  
                                 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
                               
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.06     $ 0.06     $ 0.19     $ 0.16  
Weighted average shares outstanding
    24,391,585       26,443,449       24,992,245       26,608,490  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.06     $ 0.06     $ 0.19     $ 0.16  
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding
    24,393,109       26,544,257       25,015,664       26,723,947  
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 

 
2

 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Net income
  $ 1,387     $ 1,494     $ 4,700     $ 4,345  
                                 
Other comprehensive income:
                               
Unrealized gains on securities:
                               
Unrealized holding gains on available for sale securities
    7,354       15,121       10,494       23,238  
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in income
    (174 )     (131 )     (1,856 )     (208 )
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on available-for-sale
    securities
    -       62       -       102  
Net unrealized gains
    7,180       15,052       8,638       23,132  
Tax effect
    (2,474 )     (5,174 )     (2,968 )     (7,941 )
Net-of-tax amount
    4,706       9,878       5,670       15,191  
                                 
Defined benefit pension plans:
                               
Gains and losses arising during the period pertaining to defined benefit plans
    -       (6 )     -       -  
Reclassification adjustment:
                               
Actuarial loss
    44       29       131       87  
Transition asset
    (3 )     (3 )     (8 )     (8 )
Net adjustments pertaining to defined benefit plans
    41       20       123       79  
Tax effect
    (14 )     (7 )     (42 )     (27 )
Net-of-tax amount
    27       13       81       52  
                                 
Other comprehensive income
    4,733       9,891       5,751       15,243  
                                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 6,120     $ 11,385     $ 10,451     $ 19,588  
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 

 
3

 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - UNAUDITED
 
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND 2011
 
(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, DECEMBER 31, 2010
    28,166,419     $ 282     $ 181,842     $ (9,701 )   $ (2,158 )   $ 56,496     $ (5,516 )   $ 221,245  
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       4,345       -       4,345  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       15,243       15,243  
Common stock held by ESOP committed to be released (86,585
    shares)
    -       -       120       436       -       -       -       556  
Share-based compensation - stock options
    -       -       596       -       -       -       -       596  
Share-based compensation - equity incentive plan
    -       -       -       -       869       -       -       869  
Excess tax benefits from equity incentive plan
    -       -       24       -       -       -       -       24  
Purchase of ESOP Shares
    1,946       -       15       -       -       -       -       15  
Common stock repurchased
    (554,228 )     (6 )     (4,455 )     -       -       -       -       (4,461 )
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option
    exercises
    34,646       -       293       -       -       (142 )     -       151  
Issuance of common stock in connection with equity
    incentive plan
    -       -       227       -       (227 )     -       -       -  
Excess tax benefits in connection with stock option exercises
    -       -       18       -       -       -       -       18  
Cash dividends declared ($0.33 per share)
    -       -       -       -       -       (8,797 )     -       (8,797 )
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
    27,648,783     $ 276     $ 178,680     $ (9,265 )   $ (1,516 )   $ 51,902     $ 9,727     $ 229,804  
                                                                 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2011
    26,918,250     $ 269     $ 173,615     $ (9,119 )   $ (1,228 )   $ 47,735     $ 7,716     $ 218,988  
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       4,700       -       4,700  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       5,751       5,751  
Common stock held by ESOP committed to be released (84,261
    shares)
    -       -       58       424       -       -       -       482  
Share-based compensation - stock options
    -       -       577       -       -       -       -       577  
Share-based compensation - equity incentive plan
    -       -       -       -       858       -       -       858  
Excess tax benefits from equity incentive plan
    -       -       11       -       -       -       -       11  
Common stock repurchased
    (1,858,708 )     (18 )     (13,928 )     -       -       -       -       (13,946 )
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option
    exercises
    237,313       2       1,943       -       -       (904 )     -       1,041  
Excess tax benefits in connection with stock option exercises
    -       -       240       -       -       -       -       240  
Cash dividends declared ($0.28 per share)
    -       -       -       -       -       (7,045 )     -       (7,045 )
BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
    25,296,855     $ 253     $ 162,516     $ (8,695 )   $ (370 )   $ 44,486     $ 13,467     $ 211,657  
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements
 

 
4

 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS- UNAUDITED
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net income
  $ 4,700     $ 4,345  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    698       529  
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    792       860  
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on securities and mortgage loans
    3,139       2,522  
Net amortization of premiums on modified debt
    376       140  
Share-based compensation expense
    1,435       1,465  
Amortization of ESOP expense
    482       556  
Excess tax shortfalls (benefits) from equity incentive plan
    (11 )     (24 )
Excess tax benefits in connection with stock option exercises
    (240 )     (18 )
Net gains on sales of securities
    (1,856 )     (208 )
Other than temporary impairment losses on securities
    -       102  
Loss on sale of other real estate owned
    -       25  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (154 )     (156 )
Income from bank-owned life insurance
    (1,132 )     (1,150 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accrued interest receivable
    (534 )     89  
Other assets
    64       1,034  
Other liabilities
    1,216       790  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    8,975       10,901  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Securities, available for sale:
               
Purchases
    (308,680 )     (186,024 )
Proceeds from sales
    218,397       157,999  
Proceeds from calls, maturities, and principal collections
    64,889       55,543  
Purchase of residential mortgages
    (56,559 )     (52,490 )
Loan originations and principal payments, net
    27,572       15,686  
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock
    (1,802 )     (156 )
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock
    195       -  
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned
    -       198  
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (1,012 )     (388 )
Purchase of bank-owned life insurance
    (2,600 )     (2,000 )
Surrender of bank-owned life insurance
    1,585       -  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (58,015 )     (11,632 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net increase in deposits
    21,450       20,179  
Net change in short-term borrowings
    (11,633 )     (7,393 )
Repayment of long-term debt
    (53,231 )     (5,150 )
Proceeds from long-term debt
    102,701       14,099  
Cash dividends paid
    (7,045 )     (8,797 )
Common stock repurchased
    (13,946 )     (4,461 )
Issuance of common stock in connection with stock option exercises
    1,041       151  
Excess tax benefits in connection with equity incentive plan
    11       24  
Excess tax benefits in connection with stock option exercises
    240       18  
Purchase of common stock in connection with employee benefit program      -       15  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    39,588       8,685  
                 
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
    (9,452 )     7,954  
Beginning of period
    21,105       11,611  
End of period
  $ 11,653     $ 19,565  
                 
Supplemental cashflow information:
               
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
  $ -     $ 1,130  
Interest paid
    9,501       11,163  
Taxes paid
    2,014       701  
Securities pending settlement
    352       -  
See the accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
 
 
5

 
 
WESTFIELD FINANCIAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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

The Bank’s deposits are insured to the limits specified by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).  The Bank operates 11 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, the Bank, Elm Street Securities Corporation, WB Real Estate Holdings, LLC 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, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of income and expenses for both at the date of the consolidated financial statements.  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.

Basis of Presentation – In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial condition as of September 30, 2012, and the results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the interim periods presented.  The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the year ending December 31, 2012.  Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the “2011 Annual Report”).

Reclassifications - Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
 
 
6

 

2.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share represent income available to shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential 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 outstanding stock options and are determined using the treasury stock method.

Earnings per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 have been computed based on the following:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
                         
Net income applicable to common stock
  $ 1,387     $ 1,494     $ 4,700     $ 4,345  
                                 
Average number of common shares outstanding
    25,643       27,778       26,264       27,979  
Less:  Average unallocated ESOP Shares
    (1,244 )     (1,328 )     (1,265 )     (1,349 )
Average ungranted equity incentive plan shares
    (7 )     (7 )     (7 )     (22 )
                                 
Average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic earnings per common share
    24,392       26,443       24,992       26,608  
                                 
Effect of dilutive stock options
    1       101       24       115  
                                 
Average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share
    24,393       26,544       25,016       26,723  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.06     $ 0.06     $ 0.19     $ 0.16  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.06     $ 0.06     $ 0.19     $ 0.16  
                                 
Antidilutive shares (1)
    1,670       1,662       1,665       1,631  

____________________
(1)
Shares outstanding but not included in the computation of earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive, meaning the exercise price of such options exceeded the market value of the Company’s common stock.
 
 
7

 

3.  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.

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in shareholders’ equity are as follows:

   
September 30,
2012
   
December 31,
2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale
  $ 24,362     $ 16,225  
Tax effect
    (8,372 )     (5,573 )
Net-of-tax amount
    15,990       10,652  
                 
Noncredit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses on available-for-sale securities
    -       (501 )
Tax effect
    -       170  
Net-of-tax amount
    -       (331 )
                 
Unrecognized transition asset pertaining to defined benefit plans
    24       32  
Unrecognized deferred loss pertaining to defined benefit plans
    (3,847 )     (3,978 )
Net adjustments pertaining to defined benefit plans
    (3,823 )     (3,946 )
Tax effect
    1,300       1,341  
         Net-of-tax amount
    (2,523 )     (2,605 )
                 
    $ 13,467     $ 7,716  

The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 by component:

   
Securities
   
Defined
Benefit
Plans
   
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 10,321     $ (2,605 )   $ 7,716  
Current-period other comprehensive income
    5,669       82       5,751  
Balance at September 30, 2012
  $ 15,990     $ (2,523 )   $ 13,467  
                         
Balance at December 31, 2010
  $ (3,774 )   $ (1,742 )   $ (5,516 )
Current-period other comprehensive income
    15,191       52       15,243  
Balance at September 30, 2011
  $ 11,417     $ (1,690 )   $ 9,727  

 
8

 

4.      SECURITIES

Securities available for sale are summarized as follows:
 
   
September 30, 2012
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
  $ 363,814     $ 12,874     $ (319 )   $ 376,369  
U.S. government guaranteed  mortgage-backed securities
    132,263       6,494       -       138,757  
Corporate bonds
    52,194       1,547       -       53,741  
State and municipal bonds
    40,076       2,344       (1 )     42,419  
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
    30,402       1,312       -       31,714  
Mutual funds
    5,940       161       (49 )     6,052  
Common and preferred stock
    1,349       18       (19 )     1,348  
                                 
Total
  $ 626,038     $ 24,750     $ (388 )   $ 650,400  
                                 
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                 
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
  $ 377,447     $ 8,802     $ (22 )   $ 386,227  
U.S. government guaranteed  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  
                                 

U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities are collateralized by both residential and multifamily loans.

Our repurchase agreements and advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Boston are collateralized by government-sponsored enterprise obligations and certain mortgage-backed securities (see Note 7).
 
 
9

 
 
The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale at September 30, 2012, by maturity, are shown below.  Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain issuers have the right to call or repay obligations.

   
September 30, 2012
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
           
     Due after five years through ten years
  $ 35,414     $ 37,137  
     Due after ten years
    460,663       477,989  
Total
  $ 496,077     $ 515,126  

Debt securities:
           
     Due in one year or less
  $ 2,141     $ 2,161  
     Due after one year through five years
    38,158       39,890  
     Due after five years through ten years
    61,869       64,393  
     Due after ten years
    20,504       21,430  
Total
  $ 122,672     $ 127,874  


Gross realized gains and losses on sales of securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Gross gains realized
  $ 175     $ 528     $ 2,909     $ 1,407  
Gross losses realized
    (1 )     (397 )     (1,053 )     (1,199 )
Net gain realized
  $ 174     $ 131     $ 1,856     $ 208  
 
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale amounted to $218.4 million and $158.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The tax provision applicable to net realized gains was $59,000 and $641,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.  The tax provision applicable to net realized gains was $44,000 and $73,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.

 
10

 

Information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, follows:


   
September 30, 2012
 
   
Less Than Twelve Months
   
Over Twelve Months
 
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
  $ (319 )   $ 30,869     $ -     $ -  
State and municipal bonds
    (1 )     1,191       -       -  
Mutual funds
    -       -       (49 )     1,687  
Common and preferred stock
    (19 )     20       -       -  
                                 
Total
  $ (339 )   $ 32,080     $ (49 )   $ 1,687  

   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Less Than Twelve Months
   
Over Twelve Months
 
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Government-sponsored  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  
 
 
11

 
 
At September 30, 2012, eight government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities had gross unrealized losses with aggregate depreciation of 1.0% from our amortized cost basis existing for less than 12 months.  At September 30, 2012, one municipal bond had gross unrealized loss of 0.1% from our amortized cost basis existing for less than 12 months.  These unrealized losses are the result of interest rates and not credit quality.  Because we do not intend to sell the securities and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, no declines are deemed to be other-than-temporary.

At September 30, 2012, one mutual fund had a gross unrealized loss with depreciation of 2.8% from our cost basis existing for greater than 12 months and was principally related to fluctuations in interest rates.  This loss relates to a mutual fund that 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.

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:


   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Beginning balance
  $ 442     $ 425  
Reductions for securities sold during the period
    (442 )     (85 )
Additional credit losses for which other-than-temporary
      impairment charge was previously recognized
    -       102  
Ending balance
  $ -     $ 442  
 
 
12

 
 
5.          LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Loans consisted of the following amounts:
 
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Commercial real estate
  $ 240,420     $ 232,491  
Residential real estate
    189,012       155,994  
Home equity
    34,753       36,464  
Commercial and industrial
    115,437       125,739  
Consumer
    2,030       2,451  
    Total loans
    581,652       553,139  
Unearned premiums and deferred loan fees and costs, net
    1,080       1,017  
Allowance for loan losses
    (8,176 )     (7,764 )
    $ 574,556     $ 546,392  

During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, we purchased residential real estate loans aggregating $56.6 million and $52.5 million, respectively.

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 September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we serviced loans for participants aggregating $7.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively.

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 collectable.  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 perform in accordance with contractual terms for a period of at least six months, reducing 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 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.
 
 
13

 
 
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 (includes one-to-four family and home equity), 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 the periods presented for disclosure.

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.  Home equity loans are secured by first or second mortgages on one-to-four family owner occupied properties.

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 secured or 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.

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.

 
14

 
 
An analysis of changes in the allowance for loan losses by segment for the periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
 
   
Residential
Real Estate
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Commercial
and Industrial
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
Three Months Ended
 
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2012
                             
Beginning Balance
  $ 1,800     $ 3,517     $ 2,734     $ 14     $ 8,065  
Provision
    106       (43 )     150       5       218  
Charge-offs
    (115 )     -       -       (8 )     (123 )
Recoveries
    -       14       -       2       16  
Ending Balance
  $ 1,791     $ 3,488     $ 2,884     $ 13     $ 8,176  
                                         
September 30, 2011
     
Beginning Balance
  $ 1,190     $ 3,041     $ 2,824     $ 18     $ 7,073  
Provision
    272       (2 )     (254 )     (1 )     15  
Charge-offs
    -       -       (10 )     (6 )     (16 )
Recoveries
    4       3       1       7       15  
Ending Balance
  $ 1,466     $ 3,042     $ 2,561     $ 18     $ 7,087  
                                         
Nine Months Ended
                                       
September 30, 2012
                                       
Beginning Balance
  $ 1,531     $ 3,504     $ 2,712     $ 17     $ 7,764  
Provision
    410       115       167       6       698  
Charge-offs
    (155 )     (195 )     -       (19 )     (369 )
Recoveries
    5       64       5       9       83  
Ending Balance
  $ 1,791     $ 3,488     $ 2,884     $ 13     $ 8,176  
                                         
September 30, 2011
     
Beginning Balance
  $ 877     $ 3,182     $ 2,849     $ 26     $ 6,934  
Provision
    583       (104 )     64       (14 )     529  
Charge-offs
    (2 )     (175 )     (442 )     (13 )     (632 )
Recoveries
    8       139       90       19       256  
Ending Balance
  $ 1,466     $ 3,042     $ 2,561     $ 18     $ 7,087  
 
 
15

 

Further information pertaining to the allowance for loan losses by segment at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011 follows:
 
   
Residential
Real Estate
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Commercial
and Industrial
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2012
                             
Allowance for loan losses:
                             
Individually evaluated for loss potential
  $ 70     $ 407     $ 486     $ -     $ 963  
Collectively evaluated for loss potential
    1,721       3,081       2,398       13       7,213  
Total
  $ 1,791     $ 3,488     $ 2,884     $ 13     $ 8,176  
                                         
Loans outstanding:
                                       
Individually evaluated for loss potential
  $ 302     $ 15,518     $ 1,596     $ -     $ 17,416  
Collectively evaluated for loss potential
    223,463       224,902       113,841       2,030       564,236  
Total
  $ 223,765     $ 240,420     $ 115,437     $ 2,030     $ 581,652  
                                         
December 31, 2011
                                       
Allowance for loan losses:
                                       
Individually evaluated for loss potential
  $ 109     $ 449     $ 39     $ 0     $ 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     $ 0     $ 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  

The following is a summary of past due and non-accrual loans by class at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

   
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)
       
September 30, 2012
                                   
Residential real estate:
                                   
Residential 1-4 family
  $ 289     $ 517     $ 307     $ 1,113     $ -     $ 945  
Home equity
    167       -       -       167       -       108  
Commercial real estate
    398       72       966       1,436       -       1,597  
Commercial and industrial
    125       -       144       269       -       225  
Consumer
    9       -       23       32       -       23  
Total
  $ 988     $ 589     $ 1,440     $ 3,017     $ -     $ 2,898  
                                                 
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       -       1,879  
Commercial and industrial
    111       183       -       294       -       154  
Consumer
    22       2       -       24       -       -  
Total
  $ 1,663     $ 185     $ 1,128     $ 2,976     $ -     $ 2,933  
 
 
16

 
 
The following is a summary of impaired loans by class at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

                     
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
At September 30, 2012
   
September 30, 2012
   
September 30, 2012
 
   
Recorded Investment
   
Unpaid Principal Balance
   
Related Allowance
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest
Income Recognized
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest
Income Recognized
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance:
                                         
Residential real estate
  $ 117     $ 125     $ -     $ 118     $ -     $ 119     $ -  
Commercial real estate
    1,597       1,798       -       1,610       -       1,572       -  
Commercial and industrial
    45       45       -       23       -       8       -  
Total
    1,759       1,968       -       1,751       -       1,699       -  
                                                         
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
                                                       
Residential real estate
    185       185       70       186       -       186       -  
Home equity
    -       -       -       58       -       96       -  
Commercial real estate
    13,921       13,921       407       13,959       149       14,019       496  
Commercial and industrial
    1,551       1,561       486       1,365       11       1,237       32  
Total
    15,657       15,667       963       15,568       160       15,538       528  
                                                         
Total impaired loans
  $ 17,416     $ 17,635     $ 963     $ 17,319     $ 160     $ 17,237     $ 528  

                     
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
At December 31, 2011
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Recorded Investment
   
Unpaid Principal Balance
   
Related Allowance
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest
Income Recognized
   
Average Recorded Investment
   
Interest
Income Recognized
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance:
                                         
Residential real estate
  $ 120     $ 126     $ -     $ 122     $ -     $ 123     $ -  
Commercial real estate
    1,545       1,679       -       1,591       -       1,660       -  
Commercial and industrial
    -       -       -       -       -       465       -  
Total
    1,665       1,805       -       1,713       -       2,248       -  
                                                         
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
                                                       
Residential real estate
    187       187       70       115       -       58       -  
Home equity
    115       115       39       -       -       -       -  
Commercial real estate
    14,194       14,225       449       14,204       198       11,843       542  
Commercial and industrial
    1,145       1,150       39       1,147       11       982       44  
Total
    15,641       15,677       597       15,466       209       12,883       586  
                                                         
Total impaired loans
  $ 17,306     $ 17,482     $ 597     $ 17,179     $ 209     $ 15,131     $ 586  

No interest income was recognized for impaired loans on a cash-basis method during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 or 2011.
 
 
17

 
 
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”).  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.

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.

Nonperforming TDRs are shown as nonperforming assets. Performing loans modified as TDRs are shown in the table below. The modifications changed the scheduled payment to interest-only or extended the interest-only period. One loan relationship of $15.0 million included below was restructured in March 2012 to extend the interest-only period and was restructured again in June 2012 once it had reached stabilization to commence principal and interest payments. The collateral supporting the loan relationship appears sufficient and the extra income levels going forward should sustain combined principal and interest payments.

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2012
   
September 30, 2012
 
   
Number of Contracts
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Number of Contracts
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings
                                   
Commercial Real Estate
    -     $ -     $ -       5     $ 14,887     $ 14,887  
Commercial and Industrial
    1       45       45       3       1,184       1,184  
Total
    1     $ 45     $ 45       8     $ 16,071     $ 16,071  
                                                 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Number of Contracts
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Number of Contracts
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
   
(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  

A default occurs when a loan is 30 days or more past due and is within 12 months of restructuring. The following is a summary of troubled debt restructurings that have subsequently defaulted within one year of modification:
   
September 30, 2012
   
September 30, 2011
 
   
Number of
Contracts
   
Recorded
Investment
   
Number of
Contracts
   
Recorded
Investment
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings
                       
Commercial Real Estate
    4     $ 966       -     $ -  
Commercial and Industrial
    1       142       -       -  
Residential
    -       -       1       120  
Total
    5     $ 1,108       1     $ 120  

As of September 30, 2012, we have committed to lend an additional $130,000 to one customer with outstanding loans that are classified as TDRs. This loan will be used for building improvements to generate rental income. There were no charge-offs on TDRs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 
18

 
 
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.

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.

Loans rated 8: Loans in this category are considered uncollectible (“Loss”) 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 $8.5 million and $10.1 million at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, 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 September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011:

   
Residential
1-4 Family
   
Home
Equity
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Commercial
and Industrial
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2012
                                   
Loans rated 1 – 3
  $ 188,067     $ 34,645     $ 195,959     $ 84,741     $ 2,030     $ 505,442  
Loans rated 4
    -       -       18,591       7,301       -       25,892  
Loans rated 5
    -       -       3,326       4,836       -       8,162  
Loans rated 6
    945       108       22,544       18,559       -       42,156  
    $ 189,012     $ 34,753     $ 240,420     $ 115,437     $ 2,030     $ 581,652  
                                                 
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  
 
 
19

 
 
6.  SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Under our 2007 Recognition and Retention Plan and 2007 Stock Option Plan, we may grant up to 624,041 stock awards and 1,560,101 stock options, respectively, to our directors, officers, and employees.

Stock award allocations are recorded as unearned compensation based on the market price at the date of grant.  Unearned compensation is amortized over the vesting period.  No stock awards were granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. At September 30, 2012, 6,941 stock awards were available for future grants.

We may grant both incentive and non-statutory stock options.  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.  The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the binomial option pricing model.

No stock options were granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.  All stock awards and stock options currently vest at 20% per year.  At September 30, 2012, 56,232 stock options were available for future grants.

Our stock award and stock option plans activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is summarized below:
 
   
Unvested Stock Awards Outstanding
   
Stock Options Outstanding
 
   
Shares
   
Weighted Average Grant Date
Fair Value
   
Shares
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
 
 
                         
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
    155,206     $ 9.54       1,907,744     $ 9.32  
Stock options exercised
    -       -       (237,313 )     4.39  
Stock award vested
    (4,006 )     10.11       -          
Outstanding at September 30, 2012
    151,200     $ 9.52       1,670,431     $ 10.02  
                                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
    248,612     $ 9.92       1,911,485     $ 9.08  
Granted
    28,000       8.13       78,000       10.04  
Stock options exercised
    -       -       (34,646 )     4.39  
Stock awards vested
    (9,606 )     10.07       -       -  
Outstanding at September 30, 2011
    267,006     $ 9.72       1,954,839     $ 9.20  


We recorded compensation costs relating to stock options of $185,000 and $197,000 with related tax benefits of $51,000 and $51,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We recorded compensation costs relating to stock options of $577,000 and $596,000 with related tax benefits of $153,000 and $156,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

We recorded compensation cost related to the stock awards of $282,000 and $288,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. We recorded compensation cost related to the stock awards of $858,000 and $869,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

7.  SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND LONG-TERM DEBT

We 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.

 
20

 
 
Short-term borrowings are made up of FHLB 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 FHLB were $5.0 million and $36.0 million at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively. Advances on the line of credit with the FHLB were $8.7 million at September 30, 2012.  There were no advances outstanding on the line of credit at December 31, 2011. Customer repurchase agreements were $27.7 million at September 30, 2012, and $17.0 million at December 31, 2011.  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 U.S. government.  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.  All of our customer repurchase agreements at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, were held by commercial customers.

Long-term debt consists of FHLB advances, securities sold under repurchase agreements and customer repurchase agreements with an original maturity of one year or more.  At September 30, 2012, we had $210.4 million in long-term debt with the FHLB and $81.3 million in securities sold under repurchase agreements with an approved broker-dealer.  This compares to $160.6 million in long-term debt with FHLB advances and $81.3 million in securities sold under repurchase agreements with an approved broker-dealer at December 31, 2011.  Customer repurchase agreements were $5.4 million at September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The securities sold under agreements to repurchase are callable at the issuer’s option beginning in the year 2012.

During the first quarter of 2012, advances totaling $40.2 million with an average rate of 2.16% were modified.  A prepayment penalty of $1.7 million was paid upon modification and is being amortized to interest expense on a level yield method over the remaining maturity of the modified advances.

During the third quarter of 2012, advances totaling $20.0 million with an average rate of 3.67% were modified by extending their maturity dates and lowering the average rate to 2.82%. No prepayment penalty was paid on the transaction.

All FHLB advances are collateralized by a blanket lien on our residential real estate loans and certain mortgage-backed securities.

8.  PENSION BENEFITS

The following table provides information regarding net pension benefit costs for the periods shown:

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Service cost
  $ 279     $ 247     $ 815     $ 742  
Interest cost
    200       223       600       668  
Expected return on assets
    (218 )     (219 )     (649 )     (656 )
Transition asset
    (3 )     (3 )     (8 )     (8 )
Actuarial loss
    44       29       131       87  
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 302     $ 277     $ 889     $ 833  

We maintain a pension plan for our eligible employees.  We plan to contribute to the pension plan the amount required to meet the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  Additional contributions will be made as deemed appropriate by management in conjunction with the pension plan’s actuaries.  We have not yet determined how much we expect to contribute to our pension plan in 2012.  No contributions have been made to the plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.  The Trustee for the pension plan was changed prior to September 30, 2012.  The pension plan assets are now invested in group annuity contracts with the Principal Financial Group, who also acts as our 401(k) plan provider.

 
21

 
 
9.  FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Determination of Fair Value

We use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities 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.

Fair Value Hierarchy

We group our assets generally measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets or liabilities 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 or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities 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 or liabilities.

Level 2 – Valuation is based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; 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 or liabilities.

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 or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities 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.

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.

Securities– Fair value of securities are primarily measured using unadjusted information from an independent pricing service. 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.

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

Loans receivable - For variable-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 nonperforming 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 variable-rate, 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.

 
22

 
 
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 - Fair values for off-balance sheet lending commitments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the term and credit risk.  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 are summarized below:

   
September 30, 2012
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Securities available for sale:
 
(In thousands)
 
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
  $ -     $ 376,369     $ -     $ 376,369  
U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
    -       138,757       -       138,757  
Corporate Bonds
    -       53,741       -       53,741  
State and municipal bonds
    -       42,419       -       42,419  
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
    -       31,714       -       31,714  
Mutual funds
    6,052       -       -       6,052  
Common and preferred stock
    1,348       -       -       1,348  
Total assets
  $ 7,400     $ 643,000     $ -     $ 650,400  
                                 
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Securities available for sale:
 
(In thousands)
 
Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
  $ -     $ 386,227     $ -     $ 386,227  
U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
    -       152,875       -       152,875  
Private-label residential mortgage-backed securities
    -       1,567       -       1,567  
State and municipal bonds
    -       45,874       -       45,874  
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
    -       24,752       -       24,752  
Mutual funds
    5,854       -       -       5,854  
Common and preferred stock
    388       -       -       388  
Total assets
  $ 6,242     $ 611,295     $ -     $ 617,537  
 
 
23

 
 
Also, we may be required, from time to time, to measure certain other assets on a non-recurring basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  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 assets at September 30, 2012 and 2011.  Total losses represent the change in carrying value as a result of fair value adjustments related to assets still held at September 30, 2012 and 2011.
 
   
At
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2012
   
September 30, 2012
   
September 30, 2012
 
                 
Total
   
Total
 
   
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
   
Gains (Losses)
   
Gains (Losses)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Impaired Loans
  $ -   $ -   $ 1,100     $ (352 )   $ (196 )
Total Assets
  $ -   $ -   $ 1,100     $ (352 )   $ (196 )
                                     
   
At
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2011
 
                       
Total
   
Total
 
   
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
   
Gains (Losses)
   
Gains (Losses)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Impaired Loans
  $ -   $ -   $ 1,079     $ 8     $ (240 )
Total Assets
  $ -   $ -   $ 1,079     $ 8     $ (240 )

   
At
 
   
December 31, 2011
 
                   
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,181  
Other real estate owned
    -       -       1,130  
                         
Total assets
  $ -     $ -     $ 2,311  

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.  Impaired loans with adjustments resulting from discounted cash flows or without a specific reserve are not included in this disclosure.

The amount of other real estate owned represents the carrying value of the collateral based on the appraised value of the underlying collateral using a market approach less selling costs.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, there were no fair value adjustments on other real estate owned.

There were no transfers to or from Level 1 and 2 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.  We did not measure any liabilities at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis on the consolidated balance sheets.
 
 
24

 
 
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. The estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows:

   
September 30, 2012
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Fair Value
 
         
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
   
(In thousands)
 
Assets:
                           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 11,653     $ 11,653     $ -     $ -     $ 11,653  
Securities available for sale
    650,400       7,400       643,000       -       650,400  
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and other restricted stock
    14,045       -       -       14,045       14,045  
Loans - net
    574,556       -       -       597,119       597,119  
Accrued interest receivable
    4,556       -       -       4,556       4,556  
                                         
Liabilities:
                                       
Deposits
    754,408       -       -       757,416       757,416  
Short-term borrowings
    41,352       -       41,352       -       41,352  
Long-term debt
    297,166       -       312,234       -       312,234  
Accrued interest payable
    525       -       -       525       525  


   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
 
   
Value
   
Fair Value
 
Assets:
 
(In thousands)
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 21,105     $ 21,105  
Securities available for sale
    617,537       617,537  
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and other restricted stock
    12,438       12,438  
Loans - net
    546,392       552,422  
Accrued interest receivable
    4,022       4,022  
                 
Liabilities:
               
Deposits
    732,958       731,294  
Short-term borrowings
    52,985       52,982  
Long-term debt
    247,320       258,470  
Accrued interest payable
    656       656  

 
25

 

10.  RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

ASU 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) – Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs” amends Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” to converge the fair value measurement guidance in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). ASU 2011-04 clarifies the application of existing fair value measurement requirements, changes certain principles in Topic 820 and requires additional fair value disclosures. ASU 2011-04 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011, and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements.

ASU 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) – Presentation of Comprehensive Income” amends Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income,” to require that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. Additionally, ASU 2011-05 requires entities to present, on the face of the financial statements, reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement or statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity was eliminated. ASU 2011-05 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011; however certain provisions related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments have been deferred by ASU 2011-12 “Comprehensive Income (Topic 820) – Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05.” ASU 2011-05 did not have a significant impact on our financial statements.
 
 
26

 
 

Overview

We strive to remain a leader in meeting the financial service needs of our 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 portfolios 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

 
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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 in the context of this strategy.

 
Net income was $1.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, compared to $1.5 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the same period in 2011.   For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, net income was $4.7 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to $4.3 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the same period in 2011.

 
The provision for loan losses was $218,000 and $15,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011and $698,000 and $529,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The increase in provision for loan losses was due to an increase in the balance of commercial real estate loans and residential real estate loans, partially offset by a decrease in commercial and industrial loans.  The provision for loan losses increased for commercial and industrial loans due to valuation allowances on a single loan relationship.

 
Net interest income was $7.7 million and $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.  The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.52% for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to 2.64% for the same period in 2011.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, net interest income was $22.8 million and $23.0 million.  The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.55% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to 2.69% for the same period in 2011.  The decrease in the net interest margin for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 was due to the yield on interest-earning assets decreasing 33 and 35 basis points, respectively, as a result of the low interest rate environment.   These decreases were partially offset by decreases of 27 and 28 basis points, respectively, in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.
 
 
27

 
 
RECENT LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

In June 2012, the Federal Reserve Board, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the FDIC issued three proposals that would amend the existing regulatory risk-based capital adequacy requirements of banks and bank holding companies. The proposed rules implement the “Basel III” regulatory capital reforms and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The Basel III proposal would increase the minimum levels of required capital, narrow the definition of capital, and places much greater emphasis on common equity.  The proposed rules will be subject to a comment period through September 7, 2012.

The proposed rules include new risk-based capital and leverage ratios, which would be phased in from 2013 to 2019, and would refine the definition of what constitutes “capital” for purposes of calculating those ratios. The proposed new minimum capital level requirements applicable to us and the Bank under the proposals would be: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (iii) a total capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from current rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4% for all institutions. The proposed rules would also establish a "capital conservation buffer" of 2.5% above the new regulatory minimum capital requirements, which must consist entirely of common equity Tier 1 capital and would result in the following minimum ratios: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%, and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. The new capital conservation buffer requirement would be phased in beginning in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and would increase by that amount each year until fully implemented in January 2019. An institution would be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations would establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions.

The proposed rules also implement revisions and clarifications consistent with Basel III regarding the various components of Tier 1 capital, including common equity, unrealized gains and losses, as well as certain instruments that will no longer qualify as Tier 1 capital, such as trust preferred securities, which would be phased out over time. Although the Dodd-Frank Act only required the phase out of such instruments for institutions with total consolidated assets of $15 billion or more, the proposed rules would require almost all institutions to phase out instruments that will no longer qualify as Tier 1 capital, albeit on a longer time frame than for institutions with total consolidated assets of $15 billion or more. 

The federal bank regulatory agencies also proposed revisions to the prompt corrective action framework, which is designed to place restrictions on insured depository institutions, including the Bank, if their capital levels begin to show signs of weakness. These revisions would take effect January 1, 2015.

We are still in the process of assessing the impacts of these complex proposals, however, we believe we will continue to exceed all estimated well-capitalized regulatory requirements over the course of the proposed phase-in period, and on a fully phased-in basis.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and practices within the banking industry.  Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Critical accounting estimates are necessary in the application of certain accounting policies and procedures, and are particularly susceptible to significant change. Critical accounting policies are defined as those that are reflective of significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. For additional information on our critical accounting policies, please refer to the information contained in Note 1 of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements included in our 2011 Annual Report.
 
 
28

 
 
COMPARISON OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND DECEMBER 31, 2011

Total assets were $1.3 billion at September 30, 2012, showing an increase of $53.8 million compared to December 31, 2011.  Securities increased $34.4 million to $664.4 million at September 30, 2012, from $630.0 million at December 31, 2011.  Securities were funded by growth in deposits and long-term borrowings.

Total loans increased by $28.5 million to $582.7 million at September 30, 2012, from $554.2 million at December 31, 2011.  Residential loans increased $31.3 million to $223.8 million at September 30, 2012, from $192.5 million at December 31, 2011.  Through our long standing relationship with a third-party mortgage company, we originated and purchased a total of $63.0 million in residential loans within and contiguous to our market area.  Beginning in the third quarter of 2012, we began to refer low rate residential loans back to the third-party mortgage company, rather than retaining them on our balance sheet.

Commercial real estate loans increased $7.9 million to $240.4 million at September 30, 2012, from $232.5 at December 31, 2011.  Owner occupied commercial real estate loans decreased $666,000 to $109.0 million at September 30, 2012, from $109.7 million at December 31, 2011, while non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans increased $8.6 million to $131.4 million at September 30, 2012, from $122.8 million at December 31, 2011 primarily due to new loan originations. This was offset by a decrease in commercial and industrial loans of $10.3 million to $115.4 million at September 30, 2012.  In addition to normal loan payoffs and pay downs, commercial and industrial loans were impacted by lower utilization of lines of credit, which decreased $3.7 million from December 31, 2011.

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.  Nonperforming loans remained consistent at $2.9 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  If all nonaccrual loans had been performing in accordance with their terms, we would have earned additional interest income of $379,000 and $240,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  At both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had $1.1 million in foreclosed real estate.  At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, our nonperforming loans to total loans were 0.50% and 0.53%, respectively, while our nonperforming assets to total assets were 0.31% and 0.32%, respectively.  A summary of our nonaccrual and past due loans by class are listed in Note 5 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Total deposits increased $21.4 million to $754.4 million at September 30, 2012, from $733.0 million at December 31, 2011.  The increase in deposits was due to a $19.3 increase in savings and money market accounts, which were $264.9 million and $245.6 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  This was the result of a relationship-based money market product established in second half of 2011 which continues to grow.  Time deposit accounts increased $3.4 million to $319.2 million at September 30, 2012, from $315.8 million at December 31, 2011.  Checking accounts decreased $1.3 million to $170.3 million at September 30, 2012 from $171.6 million at December 31, 2011.  We modified the interest rate structure on consumer checking accounts which resulted in some funds from consumer checking shifting to the relationship-based money market account.

Short-term borrowings decreased $11.6 million to $41.4 million at September 30, 2012 from $53.0 million at December 31, 2011.  Long-term debt increased $49.9 million to $297.2 million from $247.3 million at December 31, 2011.  The change in our short-term and long-term borrowings was to take advantage of long-term low cost funding in this interest rate environment.  Our short-term borrowings and long-term debt are discussed in Note 7 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Shareholders’ equity was $211.7 million and $219.0 million, which represented 16.1% and 17.3% of total assets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  The decrease in shareholders’ equity reflects the repurchase of 1.9 million shares of our common stock at a cost of $13.9 million pursuant to our stock repurchase program, and the payment of regular and special dividends amounting to $7.0 million.  This was partially offset by net income of $4.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, an increase in other comprehensive income of $5.8 million primarily due to the change in market value of securities, and an increase of $3.2 million related to the recognition of share-based compensation and the exercise of 237,313 stock options.
 
 
29

 
 
COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

General

Net income was $1.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, compared to $1.5 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the same period in 2011.  Net interest income was $7.7 million and $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Net Interest and Dividend Income

The following tables set forth the information relating to our average balance and net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and reflect the average yield on interest-earning assets and average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated.  Yields and costs are derived by dividing interest income by the average balance of interest-earning assets and interest expense by the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods shown.  The interest rate spread is the difference between the total average yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.  Net interest margin represents tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.  Average balances are derived from actual daily balances over the periods indicated.  Interest income includes fees earned from making changes in loan rates and terms and fees earned when the real estate loans are prepaid or refinanced.  For analytical purposes, 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.
 
 
30

 
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
Average
         
Avg Yield/
   
Average
         
Avg Yield/
 
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
ASSETS:
                                   
Interest-earning assets
                                   
Loans(1)(2)
  $ 585,612     $ 6,517       4.45 %   $ 547,539     $ 6,498       4.75 %
Securities(2)
    643,701       4,521       2.81       608,580       4,881       3.21  
Other investments - at cost
    15,920       23       0.58       14,048       14       0.40  
Short-term investments(3)
    5,220       1       0.08       8,080       -       0.00  
Total interest-earning assets
    1,250,453       11,062       3.54       1,178,247       11,393       3.87  
Total noninterest-earning assets
    66,183                       69,586                  
                                                 
Total assets
  $ 1,316,636                     $ 1,247,833                  
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                               
NOW accounts
  $ 58,845       54       0.37     $ 86,425       172       0.80  
Savings accounts
    93,831       39       0.17       103,297       112       0.43  
Money market accounts
    176,729       197       0.45       104,479       165       0.63  
Time certificates of deposit
    316,612       1,215       1.54       326,909       1,362       1.67  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    646,017       1,505               621,110       1,811          
Short-term borrowings and long-term debt
    343,696       1,645       1.91       300,448       1,744       2.32  
Interest-bearing liabilities
    989,713       3,150       1.27       921,558       3,555       1.54  
Noninterest-bearing deposits
    104,402                       93,139                  
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
    11,075                       9,179                  
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities
    115,477                       102,318                  
                                                 
Total liabilities
    1,105,190                       1,023,876                  
Total equity
    211,446                       223,957                  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 1,316,636                     $ 1,247,833                  
Less: Tax-equivalent adjustment(2)
            (209 )                     (219 )        
Net interest and dividend income
          $ 7,703                     $ 7,619          
Net interest rate spread(4)
                    2.27 %                     2.33 %
Net interest margin(5)
                    2.52 %                     2.64 %
Ratio of average interest-earning
                                               
assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
              126.35                       127.85  
________________________

(1)
Loans, including non-accrual loans, are net of deferred loan origination costs, and unadvanced funds.
(2)
Securities and loan 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.
 
 
31

 
 
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 income and interest expense during the periods indicated.  Information is provided in each category with respect to:

 
interest income changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate);
 
interest income changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by current volume); and
 
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.
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 compared to
Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Increase (Decrease) Due to
       
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
 
Interest-earning assets
 
(In thousands)
 
Loans (1)
  $ 452     $ (433 )   $ 19  
Securities (1)
    282       (642 )     (360 )
Other investments - at cost
    2       7       9  
Short-term investments
    -       1       1  
Total interest-earning assets
    736       (1,067 )     (331 )
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities
                       
NOW accounts
    (55 )     (63 )     (118 )
Savings accounts
    (10 )     (63 )     (73 )
Money market accounts
    114       (82 )     32  
Time deposits
    (43 )     (104 )     (147 )
Short-term borrowing and long-time debt
    251       (350 )     (99 )
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    257       (662 )     (405 )
Change in net interest and dividend income
  $ 479     $ (405 )   $ 74  
__________________________

(1)
Securities, loan income and change in net interest and dividend 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.
 
Net interest income was $7.7 million and $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.52% for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to 2.64% for the same period in 2011.

Interest on earning-assets, on a tax-equivalent basis, decreased $331,000 to $11.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, from $11.4 million for the same period in 2011. The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased 33 basis points to 3.54% for the three months ended September 30, 2012, from 3.87% for the same period in 2011.  The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased primarily due to rapid prepayments in the mortgage-backed securities portfolio.  Cash flows from their pay downs were subsequently reinvested in products having a lower yield, which is reflective of the current market rate environment.  The decrease in average yield was partially mitigated by increases in the average balances of loans and securities, as loans increased $38.1 million and securities increased $35.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012.   

The decrease in interest income was offset by a decrease in interest expense.  Interest expense decreased $405,000 to $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, from $3.6 million for the same period in 2011.  The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 27 basis points to 1.27% for the three months ended September 30, 2012, from 1.54% for the same period in 2011.  The decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to a decrease in rates on short-term borrowings and long-term debt.
 
 
32

 
 
Provision for Loan Losses

The amount that we provided for loan losses during the three months ended September 30, 2012 was based upon the changes that occurred in the loan portfolio during that same period. The changes in the loan portfolio, described in detail below, include an increase in commercial real estate and residential real estate loans, partially offset by a decrease in commercial and industrial loans.  After evaluating these factors, we provided $218,000 for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $15,000 for the same period in 2011.  Provision for loan losses decreased for commercial real estate loans due to improvements in credit quality and reductions in valuation allowances on impaired loans resulting from discounted cash flows.  The provision for loan losses increased for commercial and industrial loans due to valuation allowances on a single loan relationship. The allowance was $8.2 million at September 30, 2012 and $8.1 million at June 30, 2012.  The allowance for loan losses was 1.40% of total loans at September 30, 2012 and 1.38% at June 30, 2012.

Commercial real estate loans increased $6.1 million to $240.4 million at September 30, 2012, from $234.3 million at June 30, 2012.  Residential real estate loans increased $1.0 million to $223.8 million compared to June 30, 2012.  Commercial and industrial loans decreased $8.3 million to $115.4 million at September 30, 2012, from $123.7 million at June 30, 2012.   A summary of our provision for loan losses by loan segment is listed in Note 5 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Net charge-offs were $107,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012.  This was comprised of charge-offs of $123,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012, offset by recoveries of $16,000 for the same period.

Net charge-offs were $1,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011.  This was comprised of charge-offs of $16,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011, offset by recoveries of $15,000.

Although we believe that we have established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate 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 $238,000 to $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $943,000 for the same period in 2011.  Income from service charges and fees increased $116,000 to $617,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $501,000 for the same period in 2011.  This increase was primarily due to a $65,000 increase in the fees from the third-party mortgage company.  In the third quarter 2012, we began to refer low rate residential loans to the mortgage company, rather than retaining them on our balance sheet.

In addition, fees collected from card-based transactions increased $48,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 which reflects an increase in customer debit card and automated teller machine transactions.  Gains on the sales of securities increased $43,000 to $174,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $131,000 for the same period for 2011.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense increased $159,000 to $6.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $6.6 million for the same period in 2011. Salaries and benefits increased $191,000 to $4.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012.  This was mainly the result of new personnel, particularly in the commercial lending and compliance divisions, along with normal increases in this category.  Computer operations expense increased $71,000 to $544,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012.  This was primarily due to an increase in data processing expense and the implementation of new customer relationship-management software and a risk management platform in the three months ended September 30, 2012.

Professional fees expense decreased $92,000 to $432,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.  This was primarily the result of a $156,000 decrease in legal expenses due to general corporate matters and strategic initiatives during the 2011 period.  FDIC insurance expense decreased $55,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 primarily due to a decreased in our assessment rating.

 
33

 
 
Income Taxes

For the three months ended September 30, 2012, we had a tax provision of $481,000 as compared to $414,000 for the same period in 2011.  The effective tax rate was 25.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2012, and 21.7% for the same period in 2011.  The change in effective tax rate from September 30, 2011, is primarily due to the redemption of BOLI which resulted in an additional income tax provision of $160,000, or 8.6% of income before income taxes for the quarter ended September 30, 2012.

COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

General

Net income was $4.7 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to $4.3 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the same period in 2011.  Net interest and dividend income was $22.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, and $23.0 million for the same period in 2011.

Net Interest and Dividend Income

The following tables set forth the information relating to our average balance and net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and reflect the average yield on interest-earning assets and average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated.  Yields and costs are derived by dividing interest income by the average balance of interest-earning assets and interest expense by the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods shown.  The interest rate spread is the difference between the total average yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.  Net interest margin represents tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.  Average balances are derived from actual daily balances over the periods indicated.  Interest income includes fees earned from making changes in loan rates and terms and fees earned when the real estate loans are prepaid or refinanced.  For analytical purposes, 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.
 
 
34

 
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
   
Average
         
Avg Yield/
   
Average
         
Avg Yield/
 
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
ASSETS:
                                   
Interest-earning assets
                                   
Loans(1)(2)
  $ 569,820     $ 19,353       4.53 %   $ 533,222     $ 19,057       4.77 %
Securities(2)
    637,095       13,712       2.87       620,136       15,632       3.36  
Other investments - at cost
    15,072       70       0.62       14,004       46       0.44  
Short-term investments(3)
    9,773       2       0.03       6,918       1       0.02  
Total interest-earning assets
    1,231,760       33,137       3.59       1,174,280       34,736       3.94  
Total noninterest-earning assets
    65,905                       71,294                  
                                                 
Total assets
  $ 1,297,665                     $ 1,245,574                  
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                               
NOW accounts
  $ 63,019       221       0.47     $ 87,864       630       0.96  
Savings accounts
    96,034       147       0.20       105,563       427       0.54  
Money market accounts
    167,758       619       0.49       89,621       430       0.64  
Time certificates of deposit
    316,001       3,678       1.55       336,689       4,404       1.74  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    642,812       4,665               619,737       5,891          
Short-term borrowings and long-term debt
    327,797       4,966       2.02       306,619       5,193       2.26  
Interest-bearing liabilities
    970,609       9,631       1.32       926,356       11,084       1.60  
Noninterest-bearing deposits
    101,874                       88,408                  
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
    10,758                       9,494                  
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities
    112,632                       97,902                  
                                                 
Total liabilities
    1,083,241                       1,024,258                  
Total equity
    214,424                       221,316                  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 1,297,665                     $ 1,245,574                  
Less: Tax-equivalent adjustment(2)
            (660 )                     (657 )        
Net interest and dividend income
          $ 22,846                     $ 22,995          
Net interest rate spread(4)
                    2.26 %                     2.35 %
Net interest margin(5)
                    2.55 %                     2.69 %
Ratio of average interest-earning
                                               
assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
              126.91                       126.76  
___________________________

(1)
Loans, including non-accrual loans, are net of deferred loan origination costs, and unadvanced funds.
(2)
Securities and loan 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.
 
 
35

 
 
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 income and interest expense during the periods indicated.  Information is provided in each category with respect to:

·
interest income changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate);
·
interest income changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by current volume); and
·
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.
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 compared to
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 
   
Increase (Decrease) Due to
       
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
 
Interest-earning assets
 
(In thousands)
 
Loans(1)
  $ 1,308     $ (1,012 )   $ 296  
Securities(1)
    427       (2,347 )     (1,920 )
Other investments - at cost
    4       20       24  
Short-term investments
    -       1       1  
Total interest-earning assets
    1,739       (3,338 )     (1,599 )
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities
                       
NOW accounts
    (178 )     (231 )     (409 )
Savings accounts
    (39 )     (241 )     (280 )
Money market accounts
    375       (186 )     189  
Time deposits
    (271 )     (455 )     (726 )
Short-term borrowing and long-time debt
    359       (586 )     (227 )
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    246       (1,699 )     (1,453 )
Change in net interest and dividend income
  $ 1,493     $ (1,639 )   $ (146 )
_________________________________
(1)
Securities, loan income and change in net interest and dividend 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.

Net interest and dividend income decreased $149,000 to $22.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from $23.0 million for the same period in 2011.  Interest and dividend income, on a tax-equivalent basis, decreased $1.6 million to $33.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from $34.7 million for the same period in 2011.  The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.55% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as compared to 2.69% for the same period in 2011.

The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased 35 basis points to 3.59% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from 3.94% for the same period in 2011.  The average yield on interest-earning assets decreased due to cash flows from their pay downs being subsequently reinvested in products having a lower yield, which is reflective of the current market rate environment.  The decrease in average yield was partially mitigated by increases in the average balances of loans and securities.  The average balance of loans increased $36.6 million while the average balance of securities increased $17.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.   

The decrease in interest income was offset by a decrease in interest expense.  Interest expense decreased $1.5 million to $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from $11.1 million for the same period in 2011.  The average cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 28 basis points to 1.32% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from 1.60% for the same period in 2011.  The decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily due to a decrease in rates on time deposits and short and long-term borrowings.

Provision for Loan Losses

The amount that we provided for loan losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, was based upon the changes that occurred in the loan portfolio during that same period. 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 a decrease in commercial and industrial loans and net loan charge-offs.  After evaluating these factors, we provided $698,000 for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $529,000 for the same period in 2011.  After evaluating these factors, we provided $218,000 for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $15,000 for the same period in 2011.  Provision for loan losses decreased for commercial real estate loans due to improvements in credit quality and reductions in valuation allowances on impaired loans resulting from discounted cash flows. Provision for loan loss increased for commercial and industrial loans due to valuation allowances on a single loan relationship. The allowance was $8.2 million at September 30, 2012, and $7.8 million at December 31, 2011.  The allowance for loan losses was 1.41% and 1.40% of total loans at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 
36

 
 
Residential real estate loans increased $31.3 million to $223.8 million compared to December 31, 2011.  We consider these types of loans to contain less credit risk and market risk than both commercial and industrial and commercial real estate loans.  Commercial real estate loans increased $7.9 million to $240.4 million at September 30, 2012, from $232.5 million at December 31, 2011.  Commercial and industrial loans decreased $10.3 million to $115.4 million at September 30, 2012, from $125.7 million at December 31, 2011.   A summary of our provision for loan losses by loan segment is listed in Note 5 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Net charge-offs were $286,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  This was comprised of charge-offs of $369,000, partially offset by recoveries of $83,000 for the same period.

Net charge-offs were $376,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.  This was comprised of charge-offs of $632,000, partially offset by recoveries of $256,000.

Although we believe that we have established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate 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 $1.9 million to $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from $2.7 million for the same period in 2011.  This was primarily due to $1.9 million in net gains on the sales of securities, compared to $208,000 the same period in 2011.   With mortgage rates declining to new lows, we experienced a high level of prepayment activity in our mortgage-backed securities, which negatively affected the yield of the portfolio.  In an effort to improve portfolio performance, we sold certain mortgage-backed securities that were prepaying rapidly and were expected to continue to prepay.  Rather than receive principal payments back at par value, we sold the securities at a net gain, which created greater economic value for us.

In addition, service charges and fees increased $184,000 to $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to $1.5 million for the same period in 2011.  Fees collected from card-based transactions increased $93,000 which reflects an increase in customer debit card and automated teller machine transactions.  Fees from the third-party mortgage company increased $68,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.  In the third quarter 2012, we began to refer low rate residential loans to a mortgage company, rather than retaining them on our balance sheet.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense increased $863,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, to $20.5 million from $19.6 million in the comparable 2011 period.  Salaries and benefits expense increased $883,000 to $12.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  This was mainly the result of new personnel, particularly in the commercial lending and compliance divisions, along with normal increases in this category.

Income Taxes

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we had a tax provision of $1.6 million as compared to $1.2 million for the same period in 2011.  The effective tax rate was 25.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 21.7% for the same period in 2011.  The change in effective tax rate from September 31, 2011, is primarily due to the redemption of BOLI which resulted in an additional income tax provision of $160,000, or 2.5% of income before income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 
37

 
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The term “liquidity” refers to our ability to generate adequate amounts of cash to fund loan originations, loan purchases, withdrawals of deposits 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 securities and funds provided by operations.  We also can borrow funds from the FHLB based on eligible collateral of loans and securities.  Our maximum additional borrowing capacity from the FHLB at September 30, 2012, was $67.7 million.

Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business management.  The measure of a company’s liquidity is its ability to meet its cash commitments at all times with available cash or by conversion of other assets to cash at a reasonable price.  Loan repayments and maturing securities are a relatively predictable source of funds.  However, deposit flow, calls of securities and repayments 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.  Management believes that we have sufficient liquidity to meet its current operating needs.

At September 30, 2012, we exceeded each of the applicable regulatory capital requirements.  As of September 30, 2012, the most recent notification from the Office of Comptroller of the Currency categorized us as “well-capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  To be categorized as “well-capitalized” we must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table. There is also a requirement to maintain a ratio of 1.5% tangible capital to tangible assets. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes would change our category.  Our actual capital ratios of September 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, are also presented in the following table.
 
   
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)
 
September 30, 2012
                                   
                                     
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):
                                   
Consolidated
  $ 206,061       28.60 %   $ 57,640       8.00 %     N/A       -  
Bank
    197,130       27.44       57,464       8.00     $ 71,830       10.00 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):
                                               
Consolidated
    197,835       27.46       28,820       4.00       N/A       -  
Bank
    189,370       26.36       28,732       4.00       43,098       6.00  
Tier 1 Capital (to Adjusted Total Assets):
                                               
Consolidated
    197,835       15.31       51,690       4.00       N/A       -  
Bank
    189,370       14.69       51,578       4.00       64,473       5.00  
Tangible Equity (to Tangible Assets):
                                               
Consolidated
    N/A       -       N/A       -       N/A       -  
Bank
    189,370       14.69       19,342       1.50       N/A       -  
                                                 
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       -  
 
 
38

 
 
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 obligated under leases for certain of our branches and equipment.  The following table summarizes the contractual obligations and credit commitments at September 30, 2012:

  
 
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
  $ 626     $ 1,224     $ 896     $ 9,525     $ 12,271  
                                         
Borrowings and Debt
                                       
Federal Home Loan Bank
    35,124       45,901       126,062       17,000       224,087  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    38,131       37,800       -       38,500       114,431  
Total borrowings and debt
    73,255       83,701       126,062       55,500       338,518  
                                         
Credit Commitments
                                       
Available lines of credit
    63,708       -       -       22,731       86,439  
Other loan commitments
    27,594       3,052       -       809       31,455  
Letters of credit
    3,085       92       -       91       3,268  
Total credit commitments
    94,387       3,144       -       23,631       121,162  
                                         
Total Obligations
  $ 168,268     $ 88,069     $ 126,958     $ 88,656     $ 471,951  
 
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements 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.

ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in our assessment of our sensitivity to market risk since its presentation in our 2011 Annual Report. Please refer to Item 7A of the 2011 Annual Report for additional information.
 
 
39

 

ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, 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 the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is (i) 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, as appropriate to allow timely discussion regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

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 have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


ITEM 1.                     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

We are subject to claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business. We believe that all such claims and actions currently pending against us, if any, are either adequately covered by insurance or would not have a material adverse effect on us if decided in a manner unfavorable to us.
 
 
ITEM 1A.                  RISK FACTORS.

For a summary of risk factors relevant to our operations, see Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  There are no material changes in the risk factors relevant to our operations.
 
 
40

 
 
ITEM 2.                     UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

The following table sets forth information with respect to purchases made by us of our common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2012.

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) (2)
 
July 1 - 31, 2012
    296,278   (3)     7.45       295,009       136,181  
August 1 - 31, 2012
    137,450   (4)     7.53       136,181       1,278,560  
September 1 - 30, 2012
    274,348   (5)     7.41       274,344       1,004,216  
Total
    708,076       7.45       705,534       1,004,216  
 
(1)
On December 22, 2011, the Board of Directors voted to authorize the commencement of a new repurchase program, authorizing the repurchase of 1,333,496 shares, or 5 percent of our outstanding shares of common stock.  In January 2012, the new repurchase program commenced upon the completion of the previously announced program in August 2012.
 
(2)
On August 28, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program under which the Company may purchase up to 1,278,560 shares, or 5% of its outstanding common stock to be effected via a combination of Rule 10b5-1 plans and discretionary share repurchases.  In September 2012, the new repurchase program commenced upon the completion of the previously announced program.  As of September 30, 2012, there were 1,004,216 shares remaining to be purchased under the new repurchase program.
 
(3)
In July 2012, we repurchased 1,269 shares from certain executives as payment of their tax obligations for shares of restricted stock that vested on July 22, 2012, under our 2002 Recognition and Retention Plan.  These repurchases were reported by each reporting person on July 26, 2012.
 
(4)
In August 2012, 1,269 shares were repurchased in open-market transactions at a price of $7.62.  These shares were not repurchased as part of a publicly announced program.
 
(5)
In September 2012, 274,344 shares with an average price of $7.41 were repurchased in open-market transactions.  We also repurchased 4 shares with a price of $7.33 from PeoplesUnited, who served as trustee for our 2002 Restricted Stock Plan.  Such shares were the result of rounding from our reorganization in 2007.
 

There were no sales by us of unregistered securities during the three months ended September 30, 2012.

ITEM 3.                      DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

None.

ITEM 4.                      MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE.

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.                      OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

ITEM 6.                      EXHIBITS.

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

 
41

 
 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on November 6, 2012.
 
 
Westfield Financial, Inc.
 
       
 
By:
/s/ James C. Hagan  
   
James C. Hagan
 
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
       
     
       
 
By:
/s/ Leo R. Sagan, Jr.  
   
Leo R. Sagan, Jr.
 
   
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
       
 



 
 

 
 
EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
Description
3.1
Articles of Organization of Westfield Financial, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Current Report on 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 Annual Report on 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.)
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 quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Westfield Financial, Inc. for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, 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.
 
**
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.