form10q-106793_ubnk.htm
 

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q
                                                                                                            (Mark One)
 
[X]             Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010
 
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 000-52947

United Financial Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
74-3242562
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification Number)

95 Elm Street, West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (413) 787-1700

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate 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 ¨   No ¨.

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

Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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 x.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value
16,721,879 shares outstanding as of May 4, 2010

 
 

 


United Financial Bancorp, Inc.

INDEX
 
Page
   
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Condition
 
 
March 31, 2010 (unaudited) and December 31, 2009
1
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)
2
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)
3
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (unaudited)
4
     
 
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
6
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
 
 
and Results of Operations
21
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
33
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
33
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
33
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
33
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
34
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
34
     
Item 4.
[Removed and Reserved]
34
     
Item 5.
Other Information
34
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
35
     
     
SIGNATURES
36

 
 

 

PART I.                      FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.                      Financial Statements

UNITED FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(audited)
 
ASSETS
           
             
Cash and due from banks
  $ 13,932     $ 14,565  
Interest-bearing deposits
    7,735       7,312  
        Total cash and cash equivalents
    21,667       21,877  
                 
Short-term investments
    1,100       1,096  
Securities available for sale, at fair value
    225,043       243,304  
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost  (fair value of $71,658 at
               
   March 31, 2010 and $63,063 at December 31, 2009)
    71,498       63,174  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of  $9,610 at March 31, 2010
               
   and $9,180 at December 31, 2009
    1,093,830       1,115,416  
Other real estate owned
    1,976       1,545  
Accrued interest receivable
    5,281       5,209  
Deferred tax asset, net
    11,214       11,295  
Stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston
    15,365       15,365  
Banking premises and equipment, net
    15,808       15,935  
Bank-owned life insurance
    28,793       28,476  
Goodwill
    7,717       7,844  
Other intangible assets
    586       613  
Other assets
    12,805       9,891  
                 
        TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 1,512,683     $ 1,541,040  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
                 
Liabilities:
               
Deposits:
               
    Interest-bearing
  $ 904,085     $ 884,553  
    Non-interest-bearing
    161,107       154,374  
        Total deposits
    1,065,192       1,038,927  
Short-term borrowings
    33,995       75,488  
Long-term debt
    168,203       179,988  
Subordinated debentures
    5,380       5,357  
Escrow funds held for borrowers
    2,143       1,977  
Capitalized lease obligations
    5,109       5,141  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    8,429       8,916  
                 
        Total liabilities
    1,288,451       1,315,794  
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 50,000,000 shares;
               
    none issued
    -       -  
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 100,000,000 shares;
               
    18,706,933 shares issued at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009
    187       187  
Paid-in capital
    178,422       178,666  
Retained earnings
    78,117       77,456  
Unearned compensation
    (11,268 )     (11,441 )
Treasury stock, at cost (1,962,971 shares at March 31, 2010 and 1,868,335
               
    shares at December 31, 2009)
    (26,203 )     (24,980 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes
    4,977       5,358  
        Total stockholders’ equity
    224,232       225,246  
                 
        TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 1,512,683     $ 1,541,040  
                 
 
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

 
1

 

UNITED FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
             
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Interest and dividend income:
           
   Loans
  $ 15,457     $ 12,051  
   Investments
    3,292       3,871  
   Other interest-earning assets
    8       8  
      Total interest and dividend income
    18,757       15,930  
                 
Interest expense:
               
   Deposits
    3,375       3,825  
   Borrowings
    1,886       1,950  
      Total interest expense
    5,261       5,775  
                 
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
    13,496       10,155  
                 
Provision for loan losses
    733       540  
                 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    12,763       9,615  
                 
Non-interest income:
               
   Fee income on depositors’ accounts
    1,371       1,107  
   Net gain on sale of loans
    88       125  
   Impairment charge on security
    (145 )     -  
   Wealth management income
    138       132  
   Income from bank-owned life insurance
    346       314  
   Other income
    239       173  
      Total non-interest income
    2,037       1,851  
                 
Non-interest expense:
               
   Salaries and benefits
    6,078       4,664  
   Occupancy expenses
    927       665  
   Marketing expenses
    560       342  
   Data processing expenses
    1,067       844  
   Professional fees
    541       423  
   Merger related expenses
    979       -  
   FDIC insurance assessments
    415       340  
   Amortization of intangible assets
    28       6  
   Other expenses
    1,423       871  
      Total non-interest expense
    12,018       8,155  
                 
Income before income taxes
    2,782       3,311  
                 
Income tax expense
    1,031       1,188  
                 
Net income
  $ 1,751     $ 2,123  
                 
Earnings per share:
               
   Basic
  $ 0.11     $ 0.14  
   Diluted
  $ 0.11     $ 0.14  
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding (1):
               
   Basic
    15,618,540       15,709,006  
   Diluted
    15,662,592       15,722,382  
                 
 
 
(1)
Prior period basic and diluted share data were revised as required by the Earnings Per Share Topic of FASB ASC and in accordance with the provisions of "Determining Whether Instruments Issued in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities" which require that share-based compensation awards that qualify as participating securities (entitled to receive non-forfeitable dividends) be included in basic earnings per share using the two-class method. This revision had no impact on earnings per share as previously reported.

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
2

 


UNITED FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


                                       
Accumulated
       
   
Common
                                 
Other
       
   
Shares
   
Common
   
Paid-In
   
Retained
   
Unearned
   
Treasury
   
Comprehensive
       
   
Outstanding
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Compensation
   
Stock
   
Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
                                                 
Balances at December 31, 2008
    17,501,949     $ 178     $ 164,358     $ 75,888     $ (12,144 )   $ (3,497 )   $ 2,931     $ 227,714  
                                                                 
Net income
    -       -       -       2,123       -       -       -       2,123  
Other comprehensive loss
    -       -       -       -       -       -       1,517       1,517  
    Total comprehensive income
                                                            3,640  
                                                                 
Cash dividends paid ($0.07 per share)
    -       -       -       (1,091 )     -       -       -       (1,091 )
Treasury stock purchases
    (1,000,579 )     -       -       -       -       (13,624 )     -       (13,624 )
Stock-based compensation
    -       -       621       -       -       -       -       621  
ESOP shares committed to be released
    -       -       67       -       186       -       -       253  
                                                                 
Balances at March 31, 2009
    16,501,370     $ 178     $ 165,046     $ 76,920     $ (11,958 )   $ (17,121 )   $ 4,448     $ 217,513  
                                                                 
Balances at December 31, 2009
    16,838,598     $ 187     $ 178,666     $ 77,456     $ (11,441 )   $ (24,980 )   $ 5,358     $ 225,246  
Prior service costs on pension and other
                                                               
   post retirement benefit plans
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (472 )     (472 )
                                                                 
Net income
    -       -       -       1,751       -       -       -       1,751  
Other comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       -       -       91       91  
    Total comprehensive income
                                                            1,842  
                                                                 
Cash dividends paid ($0.07 per share)
    -       -       -       (1,090 )     -       -       -       (1,090 )
Treasury stock purchases
    (164,338 )     -       -       -       -       (2,124 )     -       (2,124 )
Reissuance of treasury shares in connection
                                                               
  with restricted stock grants
    69,702       -       (901 )     -       -       901       -       -  
Stock-based compensation
    -       -       591       -       -       -       -       591  
ESOP shares committed to be released
    -       -       66       -       173       -       -       239  
                                                                 
Balances at March 31, 2010
    16,743,962     $ 187     $ 178,422     $ 78,117     $ (11,268 )   $ (26,203 )   $ 4,977     $ 224,232  
                                                                 
The components of other comprehensive income and related tax effects are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Change in unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities
  $ 27     $ 2,461  
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in income
    145       -  
   Net change in unrealized gains
    172       2,461  
Tax effect
    (81 )     (944 )
                 
   Other comprehensive income
  $ 91     $ 1,517  
                 
 
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

UNITED FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 and 2009
(Dollars in thousands)

 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 1,751     $ 2,123  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
         
   Provision for loan losses
    733       540  
   ESOP expense
    239       253  
   Stock-based compensation
    591       621  
   Amortization of premiums and discounts
    273       93  
   Depreciation and amortization
    360       250  
   Amortization of intangible assets
    28       6  
   Net (gain) loss on sale of other real estate owned
    (23 )     7  
   Impairment charges on securities
    145       -  
   Net gain on sale of loans
    (88 )     (125 )
   Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
    (317 )     (295 )
   (Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable
    (72 )     131  
   Increase in other assets
    (2,792 )     (218 )
   Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (892 )     (3,896 )
Net cash used in operating activities
    (64 )     (510 )
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
   Purchases of securities available for sale
    -       (4,599 )
   Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal repayments of securities
         
     available for sale
    18,303       16,782  
   Purchases of securities held to maturity
    (11,601 )     (2,043 )
   Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal repayments of securities
         
     held to maturity
    3,134       -  
   Investment in short term time deposits
    (4 )     (8 )
   Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
    271       268  
   Net loan originations, purchases and principal repayments
    10,396       (1,830 )
   Proceeds from sales of loans
    9,725       10,927  
   Purchases of property and equipment
    (230 )     (134 )
   Cash paid to acquire Levine Financial Group
    -       (92 )
Net cash provided by investing activities
    29,994       19,271  
                 
 
(Continued)


 
4

 

UNITED FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2010 and 2009 (Concluded)
(Dollars in thousands)

 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
           
   Net increase in deposits
    26,265       12,658  
   Net change in short-term borrowings
    (35,393 )     (16,578 )
   Repayment of long-term debt
    (17,862 )     (2,717 )
   Net increase in escrow funds held for borrowers
    166       485  
   Payments on capitalized lease obligations
    (102 )     (63 )
   Treasury stock purchases
    (2,124 )     (13,163 )
   Cash dividends paid
    (1,090 )     (1,091 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (30,140 )     (20,469 )
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (210 )     (1,708 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    21,877       13,572  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 21,667     $ 11,864  
                 
                 
                 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid during the period:
               
   Interest on deposits, borrowings and other interest bearing liabilities
  $ 5,983     $ 5,741  
   Income taxes – net
    41       4,600  
Non-cash items:
               
   Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
    677       -  
   Trade date accounting for treasury stock purchases
    -       461  
 
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.


 
5

 


UNITED FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
Dollars in Thousands (except per share amounts)
 

 
NOTE A – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of United Financial Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, United Bank (the “Bank”). UCB Securities, Inc. is a subsidiary of the Bank and is engaged in the buying, selling and holding of securities.  UB Properties, LLC is a subsidiary of the Bank formed to hold real estate assets acquired through foreclosure.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  These entities are collectively referred to herein as the “Company”.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and with general practices within the banking industry. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial condition as of March 31, 2010 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009. The interim results of operations presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year or any other period. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2009 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2010.

NOTE B – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2009-05 (ASU 2009-05) “Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value”, in accordance with and as required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of FASB ASC. This ASU was issued in response to the credit crisis and will reduce potential differences in measuring liabilities at fair value and thus promote comparability of companies’ financial statements.  This update is effective for interim and fiscal periods beginning after October 1, 2009. The adoption of ASU 2009-05 on January 1, 2010 had no material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2010-06 (ASU 2010-06) “Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements”, in accordance with and as required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of FASB ASC. This ASU was issued in response to the recommendations of a number of constituents that the FASB improve disclosure requirements related to Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.  This update is effective for interim and fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. The adoption of this new guidance has been applied to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as disclosed in Note M.  The disclosure exceptions are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for the interim periods within those fiscal years.  The adoption of ASU 2010-06 disclosure provisions effective for the Company on January 1, 2010 had no material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
6

 

In February 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update 2010-09 (ASU 2010-09) “Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements”, in accordance with and as required by the Subsequent Events Topic of FASB ASC 855.  This ASU was issued in response to a number of constituents informing the FASB that the requirements to disclose the date that the financial statements are issued potentially conflict with existing Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) guidance.  This update provides that an entity that is an SEC filer is not required to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated.  This change alleviates potential conflicts between FASB ASC 855 and the SEC’s requirements.  The adoption of this new guidance has been applied to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements as disclosed in Note O.

NOTE C – CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Critical accounting policies are those that involve significant judgments and assumptions by management and that have, or could have, a material impact on our income or the carrying value of our assets.  Our critical accounting policies are those related to our allowance for loan losses, the evaluation of the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”), income taxes, goodwill and identifiable intangible assets and fair value of financial instruments.

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

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

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

The allowance has a specific and general component. The specific component relates to loans that are delinquent or otherwise identified as potential problem loans through the application of our loan review process and our loan grading system. All such loans are evaluated individually, with principal consideration given to the value of the collateral securing the loans. Specific allowances are established as required by this analysis. The general component is determined by segregating the remaining loans by type of loan, credit grade and payment history.  We also analyze historical loss experience, delinquency trends, general economic conditions and geographic and industry concentrations in establishing factors that are applied to the loan groups to determine the amount of the general component of the allowance for loan losses.


 
7

 

Although management uses available information to establish the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, future additions or reductions to the allowance may be necessary based on estimates that are susceptible to change as a result of changes in economic conditions and other factors.  As a result, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover actual loan losses, and future provisions for loan losses could materially adversely affect the Company’s operating results. In addition, the Office of Thrift Supervision, our primary federal regulator, as an integral part of its examination process, periodically reviews the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such an agency may require the Company to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Evaluation of the Investment Portfolio for Other-Than-Temporary Impairment. The evaluation of the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment is also a critical accounting estimate.  In evaluating the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment, management considers the issuer’s credit rating, credit outlook, payment status and financial condition, the length of time the security has been in a loss position, the size of the loss position, our intent and ability to hold the securities to expected recovery of value and other meaningful information.  If a decline in the fair value of an investment security below its cost is judged to be other-than-temporary the cost basis of the investment security is written down to fair value as a new cost basis and the amount of the credit related impairment write-down is included in the results of operations and the non-credit related impairment for securities not expected to be sold is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).  A number of factors or combinations of factors could cause us to conclude in one or more future reporting periods that an unrealized loss that exists with respect to these securities constitutes an impairment that is other than temporary. These factors include, but are not limited to, failure to make scheduled principal and/or interest payments, an increase in the severity of the unrealized loss on a particular security, an increase in the continuous duration of the unrealized loss without an improvement in value or changes in market conditions and/or industry or issuer specific factors that would render us unable to forecast a full recovery in value.

Income Taxes. The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in which deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax bases of the Company’s asset and liabilities. The realization of the net deferred tax asset generally depends upon future levels of taxable income and the existence of prior years’ taxable income, to which “carry back” refund claims could be made. A valuation allowance is maintained for deferred tax assets that management estimates are more likely than not to be unrealizable based on available evidence at the time the estimate is made. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 the Company has not recorded a valuation allowance. Significant management judgment is required in determining income tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities.  In determining the need for a valuation allowance, the Company uses historical and forecasted future operating results, based upon approved business plans, including a review of the eligible carryforward periods, tax planning opportunities and other relevant considerations. These underlying assumptions can change from period to period. For example, tax law changes or variances in future projected operating performance could result in a change in the valuation allowance. Should actual factors and conditions differ materially from those considered by management, the actual realization of the net deferred tax asset could differ materially from the amounts recorded in the financial statements. If the Company is not able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance would be charged to income tax expense in the period such determination was made.

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets. Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets are recorded as a result of business acquisitions and combinations. These assets are evaluated for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to income. The fair value is based on observable market prices, when practicable. Other valuation techniques may be used when market prices are unavailable, including estimated discounted cash flows and market multiples analyses. These types of analyses contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. In the event of future changes in fair value, the Company may be exposed to an impairment charge that could be material.

 
8

 


Fair Valuation of Financial Instruments. The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial instruments and to determine fair value disclosures. Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, or to establish a loss allowance or write-down based on the fair value of impaired assets. Further, the notes to financial statements include information about the extent to which fair value is used to measure assets and liabilities, the valuation methodologies used and its impact to earnings. Additionally, for financial instruments not recorded at fair value, the notes to financial statements disclose the estimate of their fair value. Due to the judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimation process, the estimates could result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.

NOTE D – EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
Earnings per share (“EPS”) have been computed as required by the Earnings Per Share Topic of FASB ASC. Basic earnings per share have been calculated by dividing net income by weighted average shares outstanding before any dilution and are adjusted to exclude the weighted average number of unallocated shares held by the Bank’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”). Diluted earnings per share have been calculated by dividing net income by weighted average shares outstanding after giving effect to the potential dilution that could occur if potential common shares were converted into common stock using the treasury stock method.
 
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods indicated is presented below.

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net income
  $ 1,751     $ 2,123  
                 
Weighted average common shares applicable to basic EPS (3)
    15,618,540       15,709,006  
Effect of dilutive potential common shares (1) (2)
    44,052       13,376  
                 
Weighted average common shares applicable to diluted EPS (3)
    15,662,592       15,722,382  
                 
Earnings per share:
               
   Basic
  $ 0.11     $ 0.14  
   Diluted
  $ 0.11     $ 0.14  
(1)   Options to purchase 1,470,776 and 1,295,863 shares for three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of earnings per share because they were antidilutive.
(2)   Includes incremental shares related to dilutive stock options.
(3)   Prior period basic and diluted share data were revised as required by the Earnings Per Share Topic of FASB ASC and in accordance with the provisions of "Determining Whether Instruments Issued in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities" which require that share-based compensation awards that qualify as participating securities (entitled to receive non-forfeitable dividends) be included in basic EPS using the two-class method.  This revision had no impact on earnings per share as previously reported.


 
9

 


NOTE E – INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and fair value of securities classified as available for sale and held to maturity are as follows:
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
       
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
Securities Available for Sale
                       
March 31, 2010:
                       
Debt Securities:
                       
Government-sponsored enterprises
  $ 314     $ 11     $ -     $ 325  
Government-sponsored and government-
                               
   guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
    198,481       9,518       (121 )     207,878  
Private label mortgage-backed securities
    3,934       75       (55 )     3,954  
Municipal bonds
    11,004       186       (262 )     10,928  
Corporate bonds
    1,448       372       -       1,820  
Subtotal
    215,181       10,162       (438 )     224,905  
Marketable equity securities
    97       41       -       138  
Total
  $ 215,278     $ 10,203     $ (438 )   $ 225,043  
                                 
December 31, 2009:
                               
Debt Securities:
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
  $ 342     $ 11     $ -     $ 353  
Government-sponsored and government-
                               
   guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
    215,819       9,216       (199 )     224,836  
Private label mortgage-backed securities
    4,999       97       (60 )     5,036  
Municipal bonds
    11,004       189       (260 )     10,933  
Corporate bonds
    1,449       279       (16 )     1,712  
Subtotal
    233,613       9,792       (535 )     242,870  
Marketable equity securities
    97       337       -       434  
Total
  $ 233,710     $ 10,129     $ (535 )   $ 243,304  
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
       
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
Securities Held to Maturity
                       
March 31, 2010:
                       
Government-sponsored and government-
                       
   guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
  $ 62,152     $ 358     $ (270 )   $ 62,240  
Private label mortgage-backed securities
    687       6       -       693  
IRB
    1,035       -       -       1,035  
State of Israel bonds
    150       -       -       150  
Municipal bonds
    7,474       78       (12 )     7,540  
Total
  $ 71,498     $ 442     $ (282 )   $ 71,658  
December 31, 2009:
                               
Government-sponsored and government-
                               
   guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
  $ 53,769     $ 180     $ (418 )   $ 53,531  
Private label mortgage-backed securities
    737       13       -       750  
IRB
    1,039       -       -       1,039  
State of Israel bonds
    150       -       -       150  
Municipal bonds
    7,479       114       -       7,593  
Total
  $ 63,174     $ 307     $ (418 )   $ 63,063  
 

 
10

 

The scheduled maturities of debt securities available for sale and held to maturity at March 31, 2010, are shown below. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers generally have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
   
At March 31, 2010
 
   
Securities
   
Securities
 
   
Available for Sale
   
Held to Maturity
 
   
Amortized
         
Amortized
       
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
Due in one year or less
  $ 2,925     $ 2,930     $ 460     $ 464  
Due from one year to five years
    5,403       5,561       604       628  
Due from five years to ten years
    22,362       23,369       18,566       18,694  
Due after ten years
    184,491       193,045       51,868       51,872  
    $ 215,181     $ 224,905     $ 71,498     $ 71,658  

The Company’s portfolio of mortgage-backed securities, which represent interests in pools of residential mortgage loans, consists primarily of securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), all of which are federal government owned or sponsored enterprises. The Company also owns $4.4 million of private label residential mortgage-backed securities as a result of its acquisition of CNB Financial on November 30, 2009.

Gross unrealized losses and fair values at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position follow:
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
   
Number of
         
Unrealized
 
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
At March 31, 2010:
                                         
Securities Available for Sale
                                         
Debt Securities:
                                         
Government-sponsored and
                                         
   government-guaranteed mortgage-
                                         
   backed securities
  $ 13,670     $ (119 )   $ 871     $ (2 )     16     $ 14,541     $ (121 )
Private label mortgage-backed
                                                       
   securities
    2,092       (55 )     -       -       2       2,092       (55 )
Municipal bonds
    1,766       (161 )     928       (101 )     8       2,694       (262 )
Total
  $ 17,528     $ (335 )   $ 1,799     $ (103 )     26     $ 19,327     $ (438 )
                                                         
Securities Held to Maturity
                                                       
Government-sponsored and
                                                       
   government-guaranteed mortgage-
                                                       
   backed securities
  $ 31,609     $ (270 )   $ -     $ -       13     $ 31,609     $ (270 )
Municipal bonds
    2,981       (12 )     -       -       16       2,981       (12 )
Total
  $ 34,590     $ (282 )   $ -     $ -       29     $ 34,590     $ (282 )
                                                         
 

 
11

 

   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
   
Number of
         
Unrealized
 
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Securities
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
At December 31, 2009:
                                         
Securities Available for Sale
                                         
Debt Securities:
                                         
Government-sponsored and
                                         
   government-guaranteed mortgage-
                                         
   backed securities
  $ 14,428     $ (197 )   $ 1,068     $ (2 )     16     $ 15,496     $ (199 )
Private label mortgage-backed
                                                       
   securities
    2,301       (60 )     -       -       2       2,301       (60 )
Municipal bonds
    2,076       (166 )     935       (94 )     9       3,011       (260 )
Corporate bonds
    -       -       308       (16 )     1       308       (16 )
Total
  $ 18,805     $ (423 )   $ 2,311     $ (112 )     28     $ 21,116     $ (535 )
                                                         
Securities Held to Maturity
                                                       
Government-sponsored  and
                                                       
   government-guaranteed mortgage-
                                                       
   backed securities
  $ 36,742     $ (418 )   $ -     $ -       15     $ 36,742     $ (418 )
Municipal bonds
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
  $ 36,742     $ (418 )   $ -     $ -       15     $ 36,742     $ (418 )
 
Management has determined that no declines in the fair value of the Company’s securities portfolio are deemed to represent an other-than temporary impairment as of March 31, 2010. In its evaluation, management considered the types of securities, including if the securities were U.S. Government issued, the credit rating on the securities, credit outlook, payment status and financial condition, the length of time the security has been in a loss position, the size of the loss position, our intent and ability to hold the securities to expected recovery of value and other meaningful information. The Company does not intend to sell any debt securities and is unlikely to be required to sell any security before its maturity or market price recovery. At March 31, 2010, management has recorded an impairment charge of $145,000 on one of its private company stock which is carried at cost and is included in other assets.

NOTE F – LOANS

The components of the loan portfolio were as follows at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Residential mortgages
  $ 328,140     $ 343,300  
Commercial mortgages
    413,118       409,680  
Construction
    49,082       48,808  
Home equity
    136,652       137,371  
Commercial and industrial
    151,270       159,437  
Automobile
    14,137       14,729  
Consumer
    8,688       8,916  
   Total loans
    1,101,087       1,122,241  
                 
Net deferred loan costs and fees
    2,353       2,355  
Allowance for loan losses
    (9,610 )     (9,180 )
   Loans, net
  $ 1,093,830     $ 1,115,416  
                 

 
12

 

NOTE G – NON-PERFORMING ASSETS

The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of non-performing assets at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009: 
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Non-accrual loans:
           
   Residential mortgages
  $ 943     $ 1,190  
   Commercial mortgages (1)
    10,086       10,717  
   Construction
    4,346       3,280  
   Home equity
    528       492  
   Commercial and industrial
    510       571  
   Automobile
    -       4  
   Other consumer
    47       33  
      Total non-accrual loans
    16,460       16,287  
                 
Other real estate owned
    1,976       1,545  
      Total non-performing assets
  $ 18,436     $ 17,832  
                 
Ratios:
               
   Total non-performing loans to total loans
    1.49 %     1.45 %
   Total non-performing assets to total assets
    1.22 %     1.16 %
 
(1) Includes a $3.5 million troubled debt restructured commercial mortgage loan which was restructured in the first quarter of 2010. There were no additional commitments to this borrower. As of March 31, 2010 there were no other troubled debt restructured loans.
 

NOTE H – FAIR VALUE OF IMPAIRED LOANS ACQUIRED

Loans acquired with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination and for which it is probable at purchase that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments are accounted for as required by and in accordance with the Receivables Topic of FASB ASC, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorating Credit Quality” and under AICPA Statement of Position 03-3, “Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer” (SOP 03-3). Evidence of credit quality deterioration as of the purchase date may include statistics such as past due status, refreshed borrower credit scores and refreshed loan-to-value (LTV), some of which are not immediately available as of the purchase date. The Company continues to evaluate this information and other credit-related information as it becomes available. SOP 03-3 addresses accounting for differences between contractual cash flows and cash flows expected to be collected from the Company’s initial investment in loans if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality.
 

 
13

 

The initial fair values for loans within the scope of SOP 03-3 are determined by discounting both principal and interest cash flows expected to be collected using an observable discount rate for similar instruments with adjustments that management believes a market participant would consider in determining fair value. The Company estimates the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition using internal credit risk, interest rate and prepayment risk models that incorporate management’s best estimate of current key assumptions, such as default rates, loss severity and payment speeds.
 
As of November 30, 2009, the CNB Financial acquired commercial loans within the scope of SOP 03-3 had an unpaid principal balance of $5.2 million and a fair value of $3.1 million.  At March 31, 2010, the unpaid principal balance on these commercial loans was $4.8 million and the carrying value on these loans was $2.7 million. The following table provides details on loans obtained in connection with the CNB Financial acquisition within the scope of SOP 03-3.
 
Acquired loan information for CNB Financial:
     
As of November 30, 2009:
     
Contractually required payments
  $ 5,178  
Less: Nonaccretable difference
    (2,099 )
Cash flows expected to be collected (1)
    3,079  
Less: Accretable yield
    (13 )
Fair value of loans acquired
  $ 3,066  
         
(1) The Bank has not factored any prepayments into the expected cash flows.
 
 
Under SOP 03-3, the excess of cash flows expected at acquisition over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized in interest income over the remaining life of the loans. The difference between contractually required payments at acquisition and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable difference. Changes in the expected cash flows from the date of acquisition will either impact the accretable yield or result in a charge to the provision for credit losses. Subsequent decreases to expected principal cash flows will result in a charge to provision for credit losses and a corresponding increase to allowance for loan losses. Subsequent increases in expected principal cash flows will result in recovery of any previously recorded allowance for loan losses, to the extent applicable, and a reclassification from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield for any remaining increase. All changes in expected interest cash flows will result in reclassifications to/from nonaccretable differences. There were no changes in expected cash flows from the date of acquisition that resulted in adjustments to the accretable or nonaccretable differences or provision for credit losses.
 
Loans in the SOP 03-3 population that are modified subsequent to acquisition are reviewed to compare modified contractual cash flows to the SOP 03-3 carrying value. If modified cash flows are lower than the carrying value, the loan is removed from the SOP 03-3 pool at its carrying value, as well as the related allowance for loan losses, and classified as a troubled debt restructure.  At March 31, 2010 the Company did not have any troubled debt restructured acquired loans.
 

 
14

 


NOTE I – ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses is as follows:

   
For the Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 9,180     $ 8,250  
Provision for loan losses
    733       540  
Charge-offs:
               
Commercial mortgages
    (90 )     -  
Construction
    (88 )     (65 )
Home equity
    (48 )     -  
Commercial and industrial
    (68 )     (39 )
Automobile
    (3 )     (5 )
Other consumer
    (11 )     (1 )
Total charge-offs
    (308 )     (110 )
Recoveries:
               
Commercial and industrial
    5       47  
Automobile
    -       1  
Total recoveries
    5       48  
Net charge-offs
    (303 )     (62 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 9,610     $ 8,728  
Ratios:
               
Net charge-offs to average loans
               
   outstanding (annualized)
    0.11 %     0.03 %
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing
               
   loans at end of period
    58.38 %     201.43 %
Allowance for loan losses to total
               
   loans at end of period
    0.87 %     1.01 %
 

NOTE J – COMMITMENTS

Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were as follows:
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Unused lines of credit
  $ 227,035     $ 226,543  
Amounts due mortgagors
    28,201       30,225  
Standby letters of credit
    3,215       6,155  
Commitments to originate loans
    3,479       16,120  
 
The Company also has a commitment to invest up to $1.0 million in a venture capital fund. As of March 31, 2010 the Company has contributed $300,000 to the fund.


 
15

 


NOTE K – DEPOSITS

Deposit accounts, by type, are summarized as follows at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Demand
  $ 161,107     $ 154,374  
NOW
    39,338       42,262  
Savings
    165,946       174,270  
Money market
    231,222       189,763  
Certificates of deposit
    467,579       478,258  
    $ 1,065,192     $ 1,038,927  
 
NOTE L – CONTINGENCIES
 
The Company is a defendant in certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE M - FAIR VALUES OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

In accordance with and as required by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of FASB ASC, the Company groups its financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value, as follows:
 
Level 1 – Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Level 1 also includes U.S. Treasury, other U.S. government and government-sponsored enterprises and agency mortgage-backed securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active markets.  Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.
 
Level 2 – Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained from third party pricing services for identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
 
Level 3 – Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer, or broker-traded transactions.  Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets and liabilities.

 
 

 
16

 


 
Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, are summarized below:
 
                     
Total
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Fair Value
 
At March 31, 2010
                       
Securities available for sale:
                       
Government-sponsored enterprises
  $ 325     $ -     $ -     $ 325  
Government-sponsored and government-
                         
   guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
    -       207,878       -       207,878  
Private label mortgage-backed securities
    -       3,954       -       3,954  
Municipal bonds
    -       10,626       302       10,928  
Corporate bonds
    -       -       1,820       1,820  
Marketable equity securities
    138       -       -       138  
Mortgage servicing rights
    -       -       450       450  
  Total
  $ 463     $ 222,458     $ 2,572     $ 225,493  
                                 
                                 
At December 31, 2009
                               
Securities available for sale
                               
Government-sponsored enterprises
  $ 353     $ -     $ -     $ 353  
Government-sponsored and government-
                         
   guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
    -       224,836       -       224,836  
Private label mortgage-backed securities
    -       5,036       -       5,036  
Municipal bonds
    -       10,631       302       10,933  
Corporate bonds
    -       -       1,712       1,712  
Marketable equity securities
    434       -       -       434  
Mortgage servicing rights
    -       -       313       313  
  Total
  $ 787     $ 240,503     $ 2,327     $ 243,617  
                                 
 
The Company had no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
 
The table below presents the changes in Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended March 31, 2010.
 
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 2,327  
Total realized/unrealized losses included in net income
    (3 )
Change in unrealized gain
    109  
Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements
    139  
Transfers in and out of Level 3
    -  
Balance at March 31, 2010
  $ 2,572  
         

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. If a quoted market price is available for an instrument, the fair value to be disclosed for that instrument is the product of the number of trading units of the instrument times that market price.


 
17

 

Also, the Company may be required, from time to time, to measure at fair value certain other financial and non-financial assets on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP. These adjustments to fair value usually result from application of lower-of-cost-or-fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets. The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy used to determine the adjustment and the carrying value of the related individual assets for the three months ended March 31, 2010.
 
                     
Three Months Ended
 
                     
March 31, 2010
 
   
At March 31, 2010
   
Total
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Gains/(Losses)
 
Assets:
                       
  Loans
  $ -     $ 16,460     $ -     $ (607 )
  Other real estate owned
    -       1,976       -       -  
  Other assets
    -       -       545       (145 )
                                 
Total assets
  $ -     $ 18,436     $ 545     $ (752 )
 
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 other real estate owned amount represents the carrying value for which adjustments are also based on the estimated fair value of the property. Included in other assets is private company stock which is carried at cost. Management has determined that several impairment indicators exist and that the investment is impaired. In its evaluation, management considers the investee's earnings performance, credit rating, asset quality, regulatory, economic, or technological environment operating environment, and the investee's ability to continue as a going concern. The cost basis of the individual security was written down to fair value as a new cost basis and the amount of the write-down is accounted for as a realized loss and is included in earnings.  As a result, management has recorded an impairment charge of $145,000 at March 31, 2010.

The Company is required to provide supplemental financial statement disclosures of the estimated fair value of its financial instruments.  Financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, investment and mortgage-backed securities, loans, deposits, borrowings and certain off-balance sheet items such as loan commitments.  Other assets significant to the Company, including bank premises and equipment, deferred tax assets, as well as core deposit and other intangible assets are not considered financial instruments and are excluded from the fair value disclosures. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.

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 the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because a market may not readily exist for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, 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 and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair values of its financial instruments:

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments.  For cash and short term investments having maturities of 90 days or less, the carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets approximate fair values. The carrying amount of short-term investments held at March 31, 2010 and at December 31, 2009 also approximates fair value.

 
18

 


Investment Securities and FHLBB Stock.  The fair value of securities to be held to maturity and securities available for sale is estimated based on quoted market prices, where available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.  Ownership of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBB) stock is restricted to member banks; therefore, the stock is not traded.  The estimated fair value of FHLBB stock is equal to its carrying value, which represents the price at which the FHLBB is obligated to redeem its stock.

Loans.  For valuation purposes, the loan portfolio was segregated into its significant categories, which are residential mortgage, commercial real estate, commercial and consumer loans. These categories were further segregated, where appropriate, into components based on significant financial characteristics such as type of interest rate (fixed or adjustable). Fair values were estimated for each component using a valuation method selected by management. The fair values of residential mortgage, commercial real estate, commercial and consumer loans were estimated by discounting the anticipated cash flows from the respective portfolios. Estimates of the timing and amount of these cash flows were based on factors such as future loan prepayments. The discount rates reflected current market rates for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. The fair value of home equity lines of credit was based on the outstanding loan balances, as required by the Financial Instruments Topic of FASB ASC.

Deposits.  The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as demand deposits, NOW, regular savings, and money market deposit accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand.  The fair value estimates do not include the benefit that results from the generally lower cost of funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market.  The fair value estimate of time deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows.  The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Advances.  The fair value estimate of the borrowings from the FHLBB is determined by discounting the anticipated future cash payments by using the rates currently available to the Bank for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Repurchase Agreements.  The Company enters into overnight repurchase agreements with its customers. Since these agreements are short-term instruments, the fair value of these agreements approximates their recorded balance. The Company also secures term repurchase agreements through other financial institutions. The fair value of these agreements are determined by discounting the anticipated future cash payments using rates currently available to the Bank for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Subordinated Debentures.  The Company has outstanding subordinated debt in the form of trust preferred securities issued through a private placement offering. The fair value estimate is determined by discounting the anticipated future cash payments by using the rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Off-Balance Sheet Instruments.  The fair value of off-balance-sheet mortgage lending commitments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing.  In the case of the commitments discussed in Note I, the fair value equals the carrying amounts which are not significant.


 
19

 


 
The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments is as follows at dates indicated:
 
   
At March 31, 2010
   
At December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
 
   
Value
   
Fair Value
   
Value
   
Fair Value
 
Financial Assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 21,667     $ 21,667     $ 21,877     $ 21,877  
Short-term investments
    1,100       1,100       1,096       1,096  
Securities available for sale
    225,043       225,043       243,304       243,304  
Securities held to maturity
    71,498       71,658       63,174       63,063  
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston
    15,365       15,365       15,365       15,365  
Net loans
    1,093,830       1,087,625       1,115,416       1,109,232  
                                 
Financial Liabilities:
                               
Deposits (with no stated maturity)
    597,613       597,613       560,669       560,669  
Time deposits
    467,579       473,675       478,258       483,843  
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances
    160,136       164,655       208,173       211,954  
Repurchase agreements
    42,062       40,905       47,303       46,068  
Subordinated debentures
    5,380       5,380       5,357       5,357  
 
NOTE N – PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The Company maintains a Senior Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) and a Director Retirement Plan. These plans had no assets at March 31, 2010 and 2009. The following table presents the components of the net periodic benefit cost for the indicated periods:
 
   
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
         
Director
         
Director
 
         
Retirement
         
Retirement
 
   
SERP
   
Plan
   
SERP
   
Plan
 
Periodic benefit cost:
                       
Service cost
  $ 80     $ 17     $ 69     $ 15  
Interest cost
    44       10       35       9  
Total pension cost
    124       27       104       24  
Prior service cost amortization
    29       9       19       9  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 153     $ 36     $ 123     $ 33  
 
Benefits expected to be paid over the next five years as presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 have not changed. These plans are funded on a pay-as-you-go-basis and the Company does not expect to make any contributions to these plans in 2010.

NOTE O – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
In connection with the preparation of these financial statements, the Company has evaluated events and transactions through the date the financial statements were issued.

Cash dividend declared.  On April 15, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.07 per share. The dividend is payable on May 27, 2010 to stockholders of record as of May 6, 2010.


 
20

 

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

Forward-Looking Statements
 
This report may contain, and from time to time, the Company may disclose, forward-looking statements relating to such matters as anticipated financial performance, business prospects, technological developments, new products, and similar matters. Forward-looking statements are generally preceded by terms such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends” or similar expressions. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided that the Company notes that a variety of factors could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, changes in market interest rates, risks in the loan portfolio, loan demand, legislative or regulatory changes, and significant increases in competitive pressures. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 under “Item 1A. Risk Factors”.  These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of the forward-looking statements or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Accordingly, past results and trends should not be used by investors to anticipate future results or trends.
 
Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009
 
Total assets decreased $28.4 million, or 1.8%, to $1.513 billion at March 31, 2010 from $1.541 billion at December 31, 2009 mainly due to decreases in net loans and available for sale investment securities, partially offset by an increase in held to maturity investment securities.  Net loans decreased $21.6 million, or 1.9%, to $1.094 billion at March 31, 2010 from $1.115 billion at December 31, 2009 reflecting the sale of $9.7 million in lower coupon, fixed rate residential mortgages.  The residential real estate and commercial loan portfolios were also affected by slower origination volume, loan prepayments and normal amortization. Securities available for sale decreased $18.3 million, or 7.5%, to $225.0 million at March 31, 2010 from $243.3 million at December 31, 2009, as a result of repayments, primarily of government-sponsored and guaranteed mortgage-backed securities.  Securities held to maturity increased $8.3 million to $71.5 million at March 31, 2010 due to purchases of mortgage-backed securities classified as held to maturity totaling $11.6 million, partially offset by repayments of $3.1 million.
 
Total deposits increased $26.3 million, or 2.5%, to $1.065 billion at March 31, 2010 compared to $1.039 billion at December 31, 2009 primarily due to growth in core deposits accounts of $36.9 million, or 6.6%, to $597.6 million at March 31, 2010 from $560.7 million at December 31, 2009 (primarily in demand and money market accounts). The strong growth in core account balances was driven by the success of sales and marketing inititives in our new Worcester markets, competitive products and pricing, attention to excellence in customer service and targeted promotional activities. The increase in core deposits was partially offset by a decrease in certificates of deposit of $10.7 million, or 2.2%, to $467.6 million at March 31, 2010 compared to $478.3 million at December 31, 2009 in connection with planned runoff in the brokered deposit portfolio. Short-term borrowings were reduced by $41.5 million, or 55.0% to $34.0 million at March 31, 2010 compared to $75.5 million at December 31, 2009 as a result of paydowns of FHLBB advances using cash flows from the loan and investment portfolios and increased deposit levels.  Long-term debt decreased $11.8 million, or 6.5%, to $168.2 million at March 31, 2010 compared to $180.0 million at December 31, 2009 largely attributable to maturities and payments.  At March 31, 2010, the Company continued to have considerable liquidity including significant unused borrowing capacity at the FHLBB and the Federal Reserve Bank and access to funding through the repurchase agreement and brokered deposit markets.
 

 
21

 


Total stockholders’ equity decreased $1.0 million, or 0.5%, to $224.2 million at March 31, 2010 from $225.2 million at December 31, 2009 as a result of repurchases of our common stock totaling $2.1 million, cash dividend payments amounting to $1.1 million and a decrease of $381,000 in other comprehensive income. These decreases were partially offset by net income of $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, stock-based compensation expense totaling $591,000 and ESOP compensation expense of $239,000.
 
Credit Quality

The Company actively manages credit risk through its underwriting practices and collection operations and it does not offer nor has it historically offered residential mortgage and other consumer loans to subprime or Alt-A borrowers.  Non-performing loans totaled $16.5 million, or 1.49%, of total loans, at March 31, 2010 and $16.3 million, or 1.45%, of total loans, at December 31, 2009.  The non-performing loan totals for these two periods include a $3.5 million commercial real estate loan which was impaired at December 31, 2009 and restructured during the first quarter of 2010.  It was classified as a troubled debt restructure and has been placed on non-accrual status as of March 31, 2010.  This loan will be returned to accruing status if the borrower remains current on the new payments for a period of six months. Management expects that several impaired loans with active workout plans will be substantially paid down or paid in full by the end of the second quarter of 2010.  See also “Note G – Non-Performing Assets” in the Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in this report.

Delinquent Loans. The following table sets forth our loan delinquencies by type and by amount at the dates indicated.
 
   
Loans Delinquent For
 
   
60 - 89 Days
   
90 Days and Over
   
Total
 
   
Number
   
Amount
   
Number
   
Amount
   
Number
   
Amount
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
At March 31, 2010
                                   
Residential mortgages
    3     $ 307       3     $ 943       6     $ 1,250  
Commercial mortgages
    3       548       14       6,571 (1)     17       7,119  
Construction
    -       -       7       4,346       7       4,346  
Home equity
    6       251       3       528       9       779  
Commercial and industrial
    2       11       14       510       16       521  
Automobile
    1       2       -       -       1       2  
Other consumer
    2       1       1       47       3       48  
Total
    17     $ 1,120       42     $ 12,945       59     $ 14,065  
                                                 
At December 31, 2009
                                               
Residential mortgages
    13     $ 1,355       5     $ 1,190       18     $ 2,545  
Commercial mortgages
    8       2,298       13       10,717       21       13,015  
Construction
    3       424       5       3,280       8       3,704  
Home equity
    3       157       4       492       7       649  
Commercial and industrial
    3       54       15       571       18       625  
Automobile
    -       -       3       4       3       4  
Other consumer
    3       11       1       33       4       44  
Total
    33     $ 4,299       46     $ 16,287       79     $ 20,586  
 
(1) Does not include a $3.5 million commercial mortgage loan which was restructured in the first quarter of 2010 and was placed on non-accrual status. Although this loan is reported as a non-performing asset, the borrower is current with respect to restructured payment terms.
 

 
22

 

Classified Assets.  The following table shows the aggregate amount of our classified assets at the date indicated for both loans and foreclosed assets. The total amount of loans in the table below at March 31, 2010 includes twenty one relationships which represent 63% of the classified loans. Construction loans for one- to-four family or condominium development represent 23% of the total classified asset total. Of the $2.0 million in other real estate owned, $820,000 are under contract with closings expected in the second quarter of 2010.
 
   
At March 31,
   
At December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Classified Loans:
           
Special mention
  $ 32,306     $ 33,507  
Substandard
    45,564       45,354  
Doubtful
    115       136  
Loss
    -       -  
                 
Total classified loans
  $ 77,985     $ 78,997  
                 
Foreclosed Assets:
               
Other real estate owned
    1,976       1,545  
                 
Total classified assets
  $ 79,961     $ 80,542  
                 
 
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009

Overview
 
Our results of operations depend primarily on our net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income earned on interest-earning assets, consisting primarily of loans, investment securities and other interest-earning assets, and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits and FHLBB advances.

Our results of operations also are affected by provisions for loan losses, non-interest income and non-interest expense. Non-interest income consists primarily of deposit account fees, gain on sale of loans and securities, wealth management fees, increases in the cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance and miscellaneous other income. Non-interest expense consists primarily of salaries and benefits, data processing, occupancy, marketing, professional fees, FDIC insurance assessment, postage, printing, office supplies, and other operating expenses.  In 2010, our non-interest expenses also include merger related expenses relating to our acquisition of CNB Financial on November 30, 2009.  Our results of operations also may be affected significantly by general and local economic and competitive conditions, changes in market interest rates, governmental policies and actions of regulatory authorities.

Net Income.  The Company’s net income was $1.8 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2010 compared to net income of $2.1 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the same period in 2009.  Excluding acquisition related costs totaling $979,000 ($808,000 net of tax benefit), net income would have been $2.6 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2010.  The improved quarterly operating results (excluding acquisition related expenses) were primarily due to growth in net interest income, driven by net interest margin expansion and an increase in average interest earning assets, as well as an increase in fee income.  These items were partially offset by a higher provision for loan losses, a $145,000 non-cash, non-deductible charge for other-than-temporary-impairment of an investment security and an increase in non-interest expense.  The improvement in earnings per share (excluding acquisition related costs) was influenced by growth in earnings (excluding acquisition related costs) and the positive impact of stock repurchases.
 

 
23

 

Average Balances and Yields.  The following table sets forth average balances, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the periods indicated. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments were made, as the effect thereof was not material. All average balances are daily average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances, but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
         
Interest
               
Interest
       
   
Average
   
and
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
and
   
Yield/
 
   
Balance
   
Dividends
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Dividends
   
Cost
 
      (Dollars in thousands)  
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans:
                                   
  Residential real estate
  $ 341,337     $ 4,632       5.43 %   $ 355,060     $ 4,943       5.57 %
  Commercial real estate
    455,852       7,069       6.20 %     282,593       4,187       5.93 %
  Home equity
    138,530       1,443       4.17 %     121,371       1,418       4.67 %
  Commercial and industrial
    152,627       1,977       5.18 %     82,804       1,113       5.38 %
  Consumer and other
    23,983       336       5.60 %     27,752       390       5.62 %
    Total loans
    1,112,329       15,457       5.56 %     869,580       12,051       5.54 %
Investment securities
    302,916       3,292       4.35 %     313,799       3,871       4.93 %
Other interest-earning assets
    19,011       8       0.17 %     14,661       8       0.22 %
    Total interest-earning assets
    1,434,256       18,757       5.23 %     1,198,040       15,930       5.32 %
Noninterest-earning assets(1)
    94,953                       53,185                  
    Total assets
  $ 1,529,209                     $ 1,251,225                  
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Savings accounts
  $ 170,489       397       0.93 %   $ 105,664       288       1.09 %
Money market accounts
    206,325       449       0.87 %     171,175       626       1.46 %
NOW accounts
    38,650       50       0.52 %     30,344       35       0.46 %
Certificates of deposit
    467,551       2,479       2.12 %     367,031       2,876       3.13 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits
    883,015       3,375       1.53 %     674,214       3,825       2.27 %
FHLB advances
    202,644       1,552       3.06 %     204,501       1,737       3.40 %
Other interest-bearing liabilities
    53,981       334       2.47 %     31,780       213       2.68 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities
    1,139,640       5,261       1.85 %     910,495       5,775       2.54 %
Demand deposits
    155,358                       111,099                  
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
    9,425                       8,948                  
    Total liabilities
    1,304,423                       1,030,542                  
Stockholders' equity
    224,786                       220,683                  
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 1,529,209                     $ 1,251,225                  
                                                 
Net interest income
          $ 13,496                     $ 10,155          
Interest rate spread(2)
                    3.38 %                     2.78 %
Net interest-earning assets(3)
  $ 294,616                     $ 287,545                  
Net interest margin(4)
                    3.76 %                     3.39 %
Average interest-earning assets to
                                               
     average interest-bearing liabilities
                    125.85 %                     131.58 %
                                                 
                                                 
 
(1)
Includes bank-owned life insurance, the income on which is classified as non-interest income.
 
(2)
Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(3)
Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(4)
Net interest margin represents annualized net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.


 
24

 


Rate/Volume Analysis.  The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the periods indicated. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The net column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately, based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010 vs. 2009
 
   
Increase (Decrease) Due to
       
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Interest-earning assets:
                 
Loans:
                 
  Residential real estate
  $ (188 )   $ (123 )   $ (311 )
  Commercial real estate
    2,679       203       2,882  
  Home equity
    188       (163 )     25  
  Commercial and industrial
    906       (42 )     864  
  Consumer and other
    (53 )     (1 )     (54 )
     Total loans
    3,532       (126 )     3,406  
Investment securities
    (130 )     (449 )     (579 )
Other interest-earning assets
    1       (1 )     -  
     Total interest-earning assets
    3,403       (576 )     2,827  
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                       
Savings accounts
    156       (47 )     109  
Money market accounts
    111       (288 )     (177 )
NOW accounts
    11       4       15  
Certificates of deposit
    671       (1,068 )     (397 )
     Total interest-bearing deposits
    949       (1,399 )     (450 )
FHLB advances
    (16 )     (169 )     (185 )
Other interest-bearing liabilities
    139       (18 )     121  
     Total interest-bearing liabilities
    1,072       (1,586 )     (514 )
                         
Change in net interest income
  $ 2,331     $ 1,010     $ 3,341  
                         
 
Net Interest Income Before Provision for Loan Losses.  Net interest income before provision for loan losses increased $3.3 million, or 32.9%, to $13.5 million for the first quarter of 2010 from $10.2 million for the same period in 2009 as a result of net interest margin expansion and an increase in average interest earning assets. Net interest margin increased 37 basis points to 3.76% for the three months ended March 31, 2010, from 3.39% for the same period in 2009 due to acquisition of higher yielding loans, net of acquisition accounting adjustments totaling $732,000 and improved spreads.  These items were partially offset by an increased cost to fund share repurchases, growth in excess cash balances held in low yielding Federal Reserve Bank and FHLBB accounts and an increase in non-performing loans.

 
25

 

Interest Income.  Interest income increased $2.8 million, or 17.7%, to $18.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $15.9 million for the prior year period due to an increase in average interest-earning assets, partially offset by a decrease in the yield on earning assets.  Total average interest-earning asset balances increased $236.2 million, or 19.7%, to $1.434 billion for the first quarter of 2010, due in large part to the acquisition of CNB Financial in the fourth quarter of 2009 and to a lesser extent organic loan origination activity.  These items were partially offset by 2009 loan and investment security sales and prepayments and normal amortization of the existing loan and mortgage-backed securities portfolio.  The yield on average interest-earning assets decreased by 9 basis points to 5.23% for the first quarter of 2010 in connection with the lower interest rate environment, partially offset by accretion of certain loan fair value accounting adjustments totaling $302,000 in the first quarter of 2010.  The decrease in market rates contributed to the downward repricing of a portion of the Company’s existing assets and to lower rates for new assets.
 
Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased $514,000, or 8.9%, to $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $5.8 million for the prior year period reflecting a decrease in the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities declined 69 basis points to 1.85% for the three months ended March 31, 2010 reflecting the repricing of savings, money market and certificate of deposit balances in response to interest rate cuts initiated by the Federal Reserve Board as well as a $430,000 reduction in interest expense associated with the amortization of certain deposits and borrowings fair value accounting adjustments. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $229.1 million, or 25.2%, to $1.140 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $910.5 million for the prior year period reflecting growth in interest-bearing deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities due in large part to the acquisition of CNB Financial in the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses increased $193,000, or 35.7%, to $733,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $540,000 for the same period in 2009. The increase in the provision for the first quarter of 2010 reflects the impact of an increase in non-accrual and classified loans and the continuing shift to a more commercially oriented loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is based on management’s estimate of the probable losses inherent in the portfolio, considering the impact of certain factors.  Among the factors management may consider are prior loss experience, current economic conditions and their effect on borrowers, the character and size of the portfolio, trends in nonperforming loans and delinquency rates and the performance of individual loans in relation to contractual terms.  The provision for loan losses reflects adjustments to the allowance based on management’s review of the loan portfolio in light of those conditions. The allowance for loan losses was $9.6 million, or 0.87%, of loans outstanding at March 31, 2010. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company recorded the loans acquired from CNB Financial at fair value and recognized the credit mark on loans purchased from other financial institutions as a component of fair value. At March 31, 2010, the remaining balance of the loan fair value adjustments was $6.4 million, or 2.4% of the total $262.9 million in outstanding purchased loans. Excluding the $240.5 million outstanding balance of loans acquired from CNB Financial and $22.4 million outstanding balance of loans purchased from other financial institutions, the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans would have been 1.15%.

 
26

 


Non-interest Income.  Non-interest income increased $186,000, or 10%, to $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, mainly attributable to growth in deposit service charges of $264,000 or 23.8%, as a result of growth in accounts and transactions, as well as increases of $32,000 in income from bank-owned life insurance and $66,000 in other income.  These increases were partially offset by the other-than-temporary impairment charge of an equity security of $145,000 and a decrease in gains on sales of loans of $37,000 or 29.6%.
 
Non-interest Expense.  Non-interest expense increased $3.9 million, or 47.4%, to $12.0 million for the first quarter of 2010 from $8.2 million in the same period last year.  Excluding acquisition related costs totaling $979,000, total non-interest expense would have been $11.0 million, an increase of $2.9 million or 35.4% from the same period last year.  Salaries and benefits increased $1.4 million, or 30.3%, mainly due to costs incurred to operate our new Worcester operations and, to a lesser extent, staffing costs related to our Chicopee branch, which opened in the second quarter of 2009 and annual wage increases.  Occupancy costs grew $262,000, or 39.4%, principally attributable to expenses incurred to operate our new Worcester facilities, and to a lesser extent, the opening of our new Chicopee branch.  Marketing expenses increased $218,000, or 63.7%, in connection with advertising and promotional expenses relating to our Worcester operations.  Data processing costs increased $223,000, or 26.4%, reflecting expenses relating to our new Worcester accounts and a larger loan and deposit account base in our Springfield market.  Other expenses increased $552,000, or 63.4%, during the first quarter of 2010, largely related to additional costs for the Worcester operations.
 
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense decreased $157,000 to $1.0 million for three months ended March 31, 2010 from the comparable 2009 period as a result of lower pretax income, partially offset by an increase in the effective tax rate from 35.9% in 2009 to 37.1% in 2010.

 
Market Risk, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Market Risk

The majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. Consequently, our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk (“IRR”). Our assets, consisting primarily of mortgage loans, have longer maturities than our liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits. As a result, a principal part of our business strategy is to manage IRR and reduce the exposure of our net interest income (“NII”) to changes in market interest rates. Accordingly, our Board of Directors has established an Asset/Liability Management Committee which is responsible for evaluating the IRR inherent in our assets and liabilities, for determining the level of risk that is appropriate given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines approved by the Board of Directors.  With the assistance of an IRR management consultant, the committee monitors the level of IRR on a regular basis and meets at least on a quarterly basis to review our asset/liability policies and IRR position.

We have sought to manage our IRR in order to minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates. As part of our ongoing asset-liability management, we currently use the following strategies to manage our IRR: (i) using alternative funding sources, such as advances from the FHLBB, to “match fund” certain longer-term loans; (ii) continued emphasis on increasing core deposits; (iii) offering adjustable rate and shorter-term home equity loans, commercial real estate loans, construction loans and commercial and industrial loans; (iv) offering a variety of consumer loans, which typically have shorter-terms and (v ) investing in mortgage-backed securities with variable rates or fixed rates with shorter durations. Reducing the average maturity of our interest-earning assets by increasing our investments in shorter-term loans and securities, as well as loans and securities with variable rates of interest, helps to better match the maturities and interest rates of our assets and liabilities, thereby reducing the exposure of our NII to changes in market interest rates.
 

 
27

 


Net interest income at-risk measures the risk of a decline in earnings due to potential short-term and long term changes in interest rates. The table below represents an analysis of our IRR as measured by the estimated changes in NII for the following twelve months, resulting from an instantaneous and sustained parallel shift in the yield curve of +200 and -100 basis points at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. 
 
Net Interest Income At-Risk
         
   
Estimated Increase (Decrease)
 
Estimated Increase (Decrease)
Change in Interest Rates
 
in NII
 
in NII
(Basis Points)
 
(March 31, 2010)
 
(December 31, 2009)
         
-100
 
(2.0)%
 
(2.8)%
Stable
 
0.0%
 
0.0%
+200
 
1.7%
 
0.5%
         
The preceding income simulation analysis is for United Bank and its subsidiary only and does not represent a forecast of NII and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results. These hypothetical estimates are based upon numerous assumptions, which are subject to change, including: the nature and timing of interest rate levels including the yield curve shape, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows, and others.  Also, market conditions, prepayment/refinancing levels, the varying impact of interest rate changes on caps and floors embedded in adjustable rate loans, early withdrawal of deposits, changes in product preferences, and other internal/external variables and other factors may vary significantly from assumptions used.
 
Net Portfolio Value Simulation Analysis.  The Office of Thrift Supervision requires the computation of amounts by which the net present value of an institution’s cash flow from assets, liabilities and off balance sheet items (the institution’s net portfolio value or “NPV”) would change in the event of a range of assumed changes in market interest rates. The Office of Thrift Supervision provides all institutions that file a Consolidated Maturity/Rate Schedule as a part of their quarterly Thrift Financial Report an interest rate sensitivity report of net portfolio value. The Office of Thrift Supervision simulation model uses a discounted cash flow analysis and an option-based pricing approach to measuring the interest rate sensitivity of net portfolio value. Historically, the Office of Thrift Supervision model estimated the economic value of each type of asset, liability and off-balance sheet contract under the assumption that the United States Treasury yield curve increases or decreases instantaneously by 100 to 300 basis points in 100 basis point increments. However, given the low level of market interest rates, a net portfolio value calculation for an interest rate decrease of greater than 100 basis points was not prepared. A basis point equals one-hundredth of one percent, and 200 basis points equals two percent. An increase in interest rates from 3% to 5% would mean, for example, a 200 basis point increase in the “Change in Interest Rates” column below. The Office of Thrift Supervision provides us the results of the interest rate sensitivity model, which is based on information we provide to the Office of Thrift Supervision to estimate the sensitivity of our net portfolio value.


 
28

 


The tables below set forth, at the dates indicated, the estimated changes in our net portfolio value that would result from the designated instantaneous changes in the United States Treasury yield curve. Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions, including relative levels of market interest rates, loan prepayments and deposit decay, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results. This data is for the Bank and its subsidiary only and does not include any yield curve changes in the assets of United Financial Bancorp, Inc.
 
     
March 31, 2010
                       
NPV as a Percentage of Present
                       
Value of Assets (3)
            Estimated Increase (Decrease) in
 
       
Change in
       
NPV
       
Increase
Interest Rates
 
Estimated
                   
(Decrease)
(basis points) (1)
 
NPV (2)
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
NPV Ratio (4)
   
(basis points)
  (Dollars in thousands)
                                 
  +300     $ 140,236     $ (53,374 )     (28 )%     10.16 %     (278 )
  +200       161,985       (31,625 )     (16 )     11.40       (153 )
  +100       181,394       (12,216 )     (6 )     12.41       (52 )
  0       193,610                       12.93          
  -100       209,468       15,858       8       13.70       77  
                                             
 
     
December 31, 2009
                       
NPV as a Percentage of Present
                       
Value of Assets (3)
            Estimated Increase (Decrease) in
 
     
Change in
       
NPV
       
Increase
Interest Rates
 
Estimated
                   
(Decrease)
(basis points) (1)
 
NPV (2)
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
NPV Ratio (4)
   
(basis points)
  (Dollars in thousands)
                                 
  +300     $ 138,536     $ (53,844 )     (28 )%     9.83 %     (278 )
  +200       160,423       (31,957 )     (17 )     11.07       (155 )
  +100       179,607       (12,773 )     (7 )     12.07       (55 )
  0       192,380                       12.62          
  -100       206,234       13,854       7       13.27       65  
                     
                     
(1)      Assumes an instantaneous uniform change in interest rates at all maturities.
   
(2)      NPV is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts.
(3)      Present value of assets represents the discounted present value of incoming cash flows on interest-earning assets.
(4)      NPV ratio represents NPV divided by the present value of assets.
       
 
The tables above indicate that at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, in the event of a 300 basis point increase in interest rates, we would experience a 28% decrease in net portfolio value. In the event of a 100 basis point decrease in interest rates at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, we would experience an 8% and 7%, respectively, increase in net portfolio value.

 
29

 


Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodology used in the above interest rate risk measurement. Modeling changes in net portfolio value require making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the net portfolio value table presented assumes that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the net portfolio value table provides an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income and will differ from actual results.

Liquidity
 
Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future financial obligations of a short-term nature. Our primary sources of funds consist of deposit inflows, advances from the FHLBB, loan and mortgage-backed securities repayments and maturities and sales of loans and other investment securities. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions and competition. Our Asset/Liability Management Committee is responsible for establishing and monitoring our liquidity targets and strategies in order to ensure that sufficient liquidity exists for meeting the borrowing needs of our customers as well as unanticipated contingencies. We seek to maintain a liquidity ratio of 10% or greater. At March 31, 2010 our liquidity ratio was 17.98%, compared to 19.49% at December 31, 2009.
 
We regularly adjust our investments in liquid assets based upon our assessment of (1) expected loan demand, (2) expected deposit flows, (3) yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities, and (4) the objectives of our asset/liability management program. Excess liquid assets are generally invested in interest-earning deposits and short- and intermediate-term securities.
 
Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents. The levels of these assets are dependent on our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period. At March 31, 2010, cash and cash equivalents totaled $21.7 million. Securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity, which provide additional sources of liquidity, totaled $225.0 million and $71.5 million, respectively, at March 31, 2010. In addition, at March 31, 2010, we had the ability to borrow a total of approximately $375.5 million from the FHLBB. On that date, we had $157.7 million in advances outstanding.

Our cash flows are derived from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

At March 31, 2010, we had $3.5 million in loan commitments outstanding. In addition to commitments to originate loans, we had $227.0 million in unused lines of credit to borrowers and $28.2 million to be disbursed under existing construction loan commitments. Certificates of deposit due within one year of March 31, 2010 totaled $311.6 million, or 29.3% of total deposits. If these deposits do not remain with us, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including other certificates of deposit and FHLBB advances. Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on the certificates of deposit due on or before March 31, 2010. We believe however, based on past experience that a significant portion of our certificates of deposit will remain with us. We have the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates offered.


 
30

 


Our primary investing activities are the origination of loans and the purchase of securities.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010, we originated $39.3 million of loans and purchased $11.6 million of securities. In the comparable 2009 period, we originated $60.0 million of loans and purchased $6.6 million of securities.

Financing activities consist primarily of activity in deposit accounts and FHLBB advances. We experienced a net increase in total deposits of $26.3 million and $12.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Deposit flows are affected by the overall level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by us and our local competitors and other factors.

Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business management. If we require funds beyond our ability to generate them internally, borrowing agreements exist with the FHLBB, which provides an additional source of funds. FHLBB advances decreased by $48.0 million and $21.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, reflecting the use of cash flows received from the loan and investment portfolios and excess deposit funds to pay down short term FHLBB advances. We have also used FHLBB advances to “match-fund” certain longer-term one- to four-family residential mortgage loans and commercial real estate loans. The Bank’s unused borrowing capacity with the FHLBB, excluding its $12.4 million line of credit, was approximately $205.9 million at March 31, 2010 and $185.8 million at December 31, 2009. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Bank had no borrowing against the line of credit. We also have access to funding through the repurchase agreement and brokered CD markets and have received approval from the Federal Reserve Bank to access its discount window. The Bank’s unused borrowing capacity with the Federal Reserve Bank was approximately $56.1 million at March 31, 2010.

United Financial is a separate legal entity from the Bank and must provide for its own liquidity. In addition to its operating expenses, United Financial is responsible for paying any dividends declared to its shareholders.  United Financial also has repurchased shares of its common stock.  At March 31, 2010, United Financial had liquid assets of $11.7 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations

Commitments

As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and unused lines of credit. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans made by us. We consider commitments to extend credit in determining our allowance for loan losses.


 
31

 

Contractual Obligations

 In the ordinary course of our operations, we enter into certain contractual obligations. Such obligations include operating leases for premises and equipment.  The following table summarizes our significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations and other funding needs by payment date at March 31, 2010.  The payment amounts represent those amounts due to the recipient and do not include any unamortized premiums or discounts or other similar carrying amount adjustments.
 
   
Payments Due by Period (In Thousands)
 
   
Less Than
   
One to Three
   
Three to Five
   
More than
       
   
One Year
   
Years
   
Years
   
Five Years
   
Total
 
Contractual Obligations:
                             
 Certificates of deposit
  $ 311,593     $ 110,995     $ 44,569     $ -     $ 467,157  
 Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    11,395       61,119       50,599       34,554       157,667  
 Repurchase agreements
    22,062       -       -       20,000       42,062  
 Subordinated debentures
    -       -       -       7,732       7,732  
 Standby letters of credit
    3,215       -       -       -       3,215  
 Operating leases
    1,064       1,776       1,646       4,865       9,351  
 Capitalized leases
    406       812       813       6,661       8,692  
 Future benefits to be paid under
                                       
   retirement plans
    199       3,540       171       4,650       8,560  
Total
  $ 349,934     $ 178,242     $ 97,798     $ 78,462     $ 704,436  
Commitments:
                                       
 Commitments to extend credit
  $ 261,930     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 261,930  
 Commitment to invest in venture
                                       
   capital fund
    700       -       -       -       700  
Total
  $ 262,630     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 262,630  
                                         
 
Capital Resources
 
United Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements, including a risk-based capital measure. The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories. At March 31, 2010, the Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and was considered “well capitalized” under regulatory requirements.
 
           
To Be Well Capitalized
       
For Capital
 
Under Regulatory
   
Actual
 
Adequacy Purposes
 
Framework
As of March 31, 2010:
           
    Total risk-based capital
 
16.96%
 
8.00%
 
10.00%
             
    Tier 1 risk-based capital
 
16.13%
 
4.00%
 
6.00%
             
    Tier 1 (core) capital
 
12.60%
 
4.00%
 
5.00%
             
    Tangible equity
 
12.60%
 
1.50%
 
 N/A
             
As of December 31, 2009:
           
    Total risk-based capital
 
16.53%
 
8.00%
 
10.00%
             
    Tier 1 risk-based capital
 
15.73%
 
4.00%
 
6.00%
             
    Tier 1 (core) capital
 
12.14%
 
4.00%
 
5.00%
             
    Tangible equity
 
12.14%
 
1.50%
 
 N/A
             
 

 
32

 

 ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information required by this item is included above in Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under the caption “Market Risk, Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

 
ITEM 4.  Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and in a timely manner alerting them to material information relating to the Company (or its consolidated subsidiary) required to be filed in its periodic SEC filings.

No change in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  In the ordinary course of business, we routinely enhance our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting by either upgrading our current systems or implementing new systems. Changes have been made and will be made to our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting as a result of these efforts.

 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

 
ITEM 1.   Legal Proceedings

At March 31, 2010, the Company was not involved in any legal proceedings, the outcome of which would be material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
ITEM 1A.  Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. At March 31, 2010, the risk factors for the Company have not changed materially from those reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
 


 
33

 


ITEM 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 (a) No unregistered securities were sold by the Company during the quarter ended March 31, 2010.
 
 (b) Not applicable
 
 (c) The following table provides certain information with regard to shares repurchased by the Company in the first quarter of 2010.
 
               
(c)
   
(d)
 
               
Total Number of
   
Maximum Number
 
               
Shares
   
(or Approximate
 
   
(a)
   
(b)
   
(or Units)
   
Dollar Value) of
 
   
Total Number
   
Average Price
   
Purchased as Part
   
Shares (or Units) that
 
   
of Shares
   
Paid Per
   
of Publicly
   
May Yet Be
 
   
(or Units)
   
Share
   
Announced Plans
   
Purchased Under the
 
Period
 
Purchased
   
(or Unit)
   
or Programs
   
Plans or Programs (1)
 
                         
January 1 - 31, 2010
    130,641     $ 12.90       130,641       601,884  
                                 
February 1 - 28, 2010
    33,697       13.01       33,697       568,187  
                                 
March 1 - 31, 2010
    -       -       -       568,187  
    Total
    164,338     $ 12.92       164,338          
 
                 
                 
(1)   On October 16, 2009, the Board of Directors approved a plan to repurchase up to 5%, or approximately 798,055 shares, of the Company’s common stock. Under the plan, the Company intends to repurchase shares from time to time, depending on market conditions and will continue until it is completed.
 
ITEM 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

ITEM 4.  [Removed and Reserved]
 
ITEM 5.  Other Information

Not applicable.

 
34

 


ITEM 6.  Exhibits.
 
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of United Financial Bancorp, Inc. (1)
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of United Financial Bancorp, Inc. (2)
4
Form of Common Stock Certificate of United Financial Bancorp, Inc. (1)
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
   
   
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of United Financial Bancorp, Inc. (File No. 333-144245), originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 29, 2007.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the Form 10-K of United Financial Bancorp, Inc. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 2009.
   


 
35

 



SIGNATURES

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


   
United Financial Bancorp, Inc.
 
     
     
Date: May 7, 2010
By:
/s/ Richard B. Collins
   
Richard B. Collins
   
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
     
     
Date: May 7, 2010
By:
/s/ Mark A. Roberts
   
Mark A. Roberts
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


36