10-K 1 d337661d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

 

x

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

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012

OR

 

¨

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

For the transition period from                     to                     

Commission file number 0-25251

 

 

CENTRAL BANCORP, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Massachusetts   04-3447594

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

399 Highland Avenue, Somerville, Massachusetts   02144
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (617) 628-4000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    YES  ¨    NO  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.    YES  ¨    NO  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (l) 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES  x    NO  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment of this Form 10-K.  ¨

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

 

Large Accelerated Filer

 

¨

  

Accelerated Filer

 

¨

Non-accelerated Filer

 

¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  

Smaller Reporting Company

 

x

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

The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $13.5 million as of September 30, 2011.

At June 15, 2012, the registrant had 1,690,951 shares of its common stock, $1.00 par value, outstanding.

 

 

 


CENTRAL BANCORP, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   PART I   
          Page  

Item 1.

  

Business

     1   

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

     24   

Item 1B.

  

Unresolved Staff Comments

     31   

Item 2.

  

Properties

     32   

Item 3.

  

Legal Proceedings

     33   

Item 4.

  

Mine Safety Disclosures

     33   
   PART II   

Item 5.

  

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     34   

Item 6.

  

Selected Financial Data

     35   

Item 7.

  

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

     36   

Item 7A.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     51   

Item 8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     53   

Item 9.

  

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

     97   

Item 9A.

  

Controls and Procedures

     98   

Item 9B.

  

Other Information

     98   
   PART III   

Item 10.

  

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

     99   

Item 11.

  

Executive Compensation

     103   

Item 12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

     109   

Item 13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

     111   

Item 14.

  

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

     112   
   PART IV   

Item 15.

  

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

     113   

SIGNATURES

  


PART I

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document, as well as other written communications made from time to time by Central Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries and oral communications made from time to time by authorized officers of the Company, may contain statements relating to the future results of the Company (including certain projections, such as earnings projections, necessary tax provisions, and business trends) that are considered “forward looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”). Such forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of such words as “intend,” “believe,” “expect,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” and “potential.” For these statements, the Company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the PSLRA. The Company’s ability to predict future results is inherently uncertain and the Company cautions you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated in any forward-looking statement. These factors include but are not limited to: the risk that the Company’s strategic initiatives and business plans, including its prospective business combination with Independent Bank Corp., may not be satisfactorily completed or executed, if at all; recent and future bail-out actions by the government; a further slowdown in the national and Massachusetts economies; a further deterioration in asset values locally and nationwide; the volatility of rate-sensitive deposits; changes in the regulatory environment; increasing competitive pressure in the banking industry; operational risks including data processing system failures or fraud; asset/liability matching risks and liquidity risks; continued access to liquidity sources; changes in our borrowers’ performance on loans; changes in critical accounting policies and judgments; changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies; changes in the equity and debt securities markets; governmental action as a result of our inability to comply with regulatory orders and agreements; the effect of additional provision for loan losses; the effect of an impairment charge on our deferred tax asset; fluctuations of our stock price; the success and timing of our business strategies; the impact of reputation risk created by these developments on such matters as business generation and retention, funding and liquidity; the impact of regulatory restrictions on our ability to receive dividends from our subsidiaries; and political developments, wars or other hostilities may disrupt or increase volatility in securities or otherwise affect economic conditions.

The Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Item 1.    Business

General

The Company. Central Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), a Massachusetts corporation, was organized by Central Co-operative Bank (the “Bank”) on September 30, 1998, to acquire all of the capital stock of the Bank as part of its reorganization into the holding company form of ownership, which was completed on January 8, 1999. Upon completion of the holding company reorganization, the Company’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the “Common Stock”), became registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Company is a registered bank holding company subject to regulation and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”). The Company has no significant assets or liabilities other than loans to the Central Co-operative Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) and subordinated debentures as well as common stock of the Bank and various other liquid assets in which it invests in the ordinary course of business. For that reason, substantially all of the discussion in this Annual Report on Form 10-K relates to the operations of the Bank and its subsidiaries.

The Bank. Central Co-operative Bank was organized as a Massachusetts chartered co-operative bank in 1915 and converted from mutual to stock form of ownership in 1986. The primary business of the Bank is to

 

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generate funds in the form of deposits and use the funds to make mortgage loans for the purchase, refinancing, and construction of residential properties and to make loans on commercial real estate in its market area. In addition, the Bank makes a limited amount of consumer loans including secured and unsecured personal loans, and commercial and industrial loans. The Bank sells some of its residential mortgage loan production in the secondary mortgage market. The Bank also maintains an investment portfolio of various types of debt securities, including corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities, and common and preferred equity securities. The Bank also offers investment services (including annuities) to its customers through a third party broker-dealer.

The Bank is headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts and its operations are conducted through nine full-service office facilities located in Somerville, Arlington, Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Malden, Medford, Melrose and Woburn, Massachusetts, a limited service high school branch in Woburn, Massachusetts, a stand-alone 24-hour automated teller machine (“ATM”) in Somerville, Massachusetts, as well as over the Internet. Each full-service branch office also has a 24-hour ATM. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Boston and its deposits are insured to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Due to issues associated with the recent economic downturn, FDIC deposit insurance costs have increased considerably. See “Regulation and Supervision of the Bank – Insurance of Deposit Accounts” for additional information regarding deposit insurance premiums.

All Massachusetts chartered co-operative banks are required to be members of the Share Insurance Fund. The Share Insurance Fund maintains a deposit insurance fund which insures all deposits in member banks which are not covered by federal insurance. In past years, a premium of 1/24 of 1% of insured deposits had been assessed annually on member banks such as the Bank for this deposit insurance. However, no premium has been assessed in recent years.

The main offices of the Company and Bank are located at 399 Highland Avenue, Somerville, Massachusetts 02144 and their telephone number is (617) 628-4000. The Bank also maintains a website at www.centralbk.com. Information on the Bank’s website should not be considered a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The operations of the Bank are generally influenced by overall economic conditions, the related monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government and the regulatory policies of financial institution regulatory authorities, including the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks (the “Commissioner”), the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC.

Proposed Merger. On April 30, 2012, the Company and the Bank entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Independent Bank Corp. (“Independent”), the parent company of Rockland Trust Company (“Rockland”), pursuant to which the Company will merge with and into Independent. As part of the transaction, the Bank will also merge with and into Rockland. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, each share of Company common stock, other than shares held by Independent, will convert into the right to receive either (i) $32.00 in cash or (ii) such number of shares of Independent common stock as determined by the exchange ratio provided for in the Merger Agreement, all as more fully set forth in the Merger Agreement and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein. The Merger Agreement provides that 40% of the aggregate merger consideration must consist of cash and 60% of the aggregate merger consideration must consist of shares of Independent common stock. Following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Board of Directors of Independent and Rockland will each consist of its respective directors immediately prior to the merger and John J. Morrissey, a current director of the Company and the Bank. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and approval of the merger by the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding common shares of the Company. If the merger is not consummated under certain circumstances, the Company has agreed to reimburse Independent up to $750,000 for its reasonably documented fees and expenses and to pay Independent a termination fee of $2.2 million; provided however, that any amounts paid in reimbursement will be credited against the termination fee payable. Currently, the merger is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012.

 

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Market Area

All of the Bank’s offices are located in the northwestern suburbs of Boston, which are its principal market area for deposits. The majority of the properties securing the Bank’s loans are located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. The Bank’s market area consists of established suburban areas and includes portions of the Route 128 high-technology corridor.

Competition

The Bank’s competition for savings deposits has historically come from other co-operative banks, savings banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations and commercial banks located in Massachusetts generally, and in the Boston metropolitan area, specifically. With the advent of interstate banking, the Bank also faces competition from out-of-state banking organizations. In the past, during times of high interest rates, the Bank has also experienced additional significant competition for deposits from short-term money market funds and other corporate and government securities. The Bank has faced continuing competition for deposits from other financial intermediaries, including those operating over the Internet.

The Bank competes for deposits principally by offering depositors a wide variety of savings programs, convenient branch locations, 24-hour automated teller machines, Internet banking, preauthorized payment and withdrawal systems, tax-deferred retirement programs and other miscellaneous services such as money orders, travelers’ checks and safe deposit boxes. The Bank usually does not rely upon any individual, group or entity for a material portion of its deposits.

The Bank’s competition for real estate loans comes principally from mortgage banking companies, co-operative banks and savings banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, commercial banks, insurance companies and other institutional lenders. The Bank competes for loan originations primarily through the interest rates and loan fees it charges and the efficiency and quality of services it provides borrowers, real estate brokers and builders. The competition for loans encountered by the Bank, as well as the types of institutions with which the Bank competes, varies from time to time depending upon certain factors, including the general availability of lendable funds and credit, general and local economic conditions, current interest rate levels, volatility in the mortgage markets and other factors which are not readily predictable.

Changes in bank regulation, such as changes in the products and services banks can offer and involvement in non-banking activities by bank holding companies, as well as bank mergers and acquisitions, can affect the Bank’s ability to compete successfully. Legislation and regulations have also expanded the activities in which depository institutions may engage. The ability of the Bank to compete successfully will depend upon how successfully it can respond to the evolving competitive, regulatory, technological and demographic developments affecting its operations.

Lending Activities

The Bank’s lending focus is concentrated in real estate secured transactions, including residential mortgage and home equity loans, commercial mortgage loans and construction loans. For the year ended March 31, 2012, the Bank originated loans totaling $170.7 million. Of the total loans originated during fiscal 2012, $165.7 million, or 97%, were residential mortgage and home equity loans; $3.9 million, or 2%, were commercial real estate loans; and $1.8 million, or 1%, were commercial and industrial, and other loans. During the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Bank sold $11.1 million and $21.2 million, respectively, of residential mortgage loan originations. The sale of loans in the secondary market allows the Bank to continue to make loans during periods when savings deposit flows decline or funds are not otherwise available for lending purposes and to manage interest rate risk.

The Bank’s loan portfolio increased by $54.7 million, or 13.9%, to $448.9 million at March 31, 2012 from $394.2 million at March 31, 2011. The increase was primarily due to increases in residential real estate loans and

 

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decreases in the commercial real estate, land and construction loan portfolios. During fiscal 2012 and 2011, management de-emphasized higher-risk commercial real estate and construction and land lending in accordance with the Company’s business plan. Land and construction loans totaled $937 thousand at March 31, 2012 compared to $456 thousand at March 31 2011. Commercial and industrial loans decreased primarily due to the repayment of such loans. During fiscal 2012 management focused on increasing the residential real estate portfolios as these loans generally have less risk compared to commercial and construction lending

Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table summarizes the composition of the Bank’s loan portfolio by type of loan and the percentage each type represents of the total loan portfolio at the dates indicated:

 

    At March 31,  
    2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
    Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %  
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Mortgage loans:

                   

Residential

  $ 270,324        60.22   $ 183,157        46.46   $ 217,053        47.03   $ 183,327        39.80   $ 178,727        37.6

Commercial

    167,196        37.25        199,074        50.50        227,938        49.39        249,941        54.25        244,496        51.5   

Land and construction

    937        0.21        456        0.11        2,722        0.59        14,089        3.06        30,950        6.5   

Home equity

    8,471        1.89        8,426        2.14        8,817        1.91        7,347        1.59        6,559        1.4   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total mortgage loans

    446,928        99.57        391,113        99.21        456,530        98.92        454,704        98.70        460,732        97.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other loans:

                   

Commercial and industrial

    1,127        0.25        2,212        0.56        4,037        0.88        4,834        1.05        13,173        2.8   

Consumer

    831        0.18        892        0.23        943        0.20        1,132        0.25        1,037        0.2   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other loans

    1,958        0.43        3,104        0.79        4,980        1.08        5,966        1.30        14,210        3.0   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loans

    448,886        100.0     394,217        100.0     461,510        100.0     460,670        100.0     474,942        100.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less:

                   

Allowance for loan losses

    4,272          3,892          3,038          3,191          3,613     
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Loans, net

  $ 444,614        $ 390,325        $ 458,472        $ 457,479        $ 471,329     
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Loan Portfolio Sensitivity. The following table sets forth certain maturity information as of March 31, 2012 regarding the dollar amount of commercial and industrial loans as well as construction and land loans in the Bank’s portfolio, including scheduled repayments of principal, based on contractual terms to maturity. Demand loans, loans having no schedule of repayments and no stated maturity are reported as due in one year or less.

 

      Due Within
One Year
     Due After
One Through
Five Years
     Due After
Five Years
     Total  
     (In Thousands)  

Commercial and industrial loans

   $ 583       $ 456       $ 88       $ 1,127   

Construction and land loans

     568         369         —           937   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,151       $ 825       $ 88       $ 2,064   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Residential Lending. Residential mortgage loans at March 31, 2012 totaled $270.3 million, or 60.2%, of the total loan portfolio. Fixed-rate residential mortgages totaled $234.3 million, or 86.7%, of the residential loan portfolio and adjustable-rate loans totaled $36.0 million, or 13.3%, of the residential loan portfolio.

In recent years the Bank has sought to increase its origination of residential mortgage loans and to generate additional noninterest income via loan sale gains, management regularly assesses the desirability of holding or selling newly-

 

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originated long-term, fixed-rate residential mortgage loans. A number of factors are evaluated to determine whether or not to hold such loans including, current and projected liquidity, current and projected interest rate risk profile, projected growth in other interest-earning assets, e.g., commercial real estate loans, and projected interest rates and economic conditions. During fiscal 2012, the market values in select communities within the Bank’s market area increased but overall the Boston area residential property values decreased approximately 1.3% while they decreased less than 1% during fiscal 2011. The combination of two years of declines in residential values overall reversed what appeared to be a turnaround in the housing market in the bank’s market area.

Also, during fiscal 2012 and 2011, management strategically increased its emphasis on residential lending to reduce credit risk and increase regulatory capital levels. Due to the emphasis on increasing residential lending along with the relatively low interest rate environment, the residential loan portfolio increased by $87.2 million or 47.6% during fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011.

The Bank’s adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans have a maximum term of 30 years, and allow for periodic interest rate adjustments. The Bank prices the initial rate competitively, but generally avoids initial deep discounts from contracted indices and margins. The Bank has adopted the U.S. Treasury Securities Index, adjusted to a constant maturity of one to three years, as its primary index. The margin at which adjustable-rate loans is generally set is 2.875 percentage points over the stated index. Interest rate adjustments on adjustable mortgage loans are capped at two percentage points per adjustment and six percentage points over the life of the loan.

Residential loans may be granted as construction loans or permanent loans on residential properties. Construction loans on owner-occupied residential properties may convert to residential loans at fixed or adjustable rates upon completion of construction. Loans secured by one- to four-family residential properties are typically written in amounts up to 80% of the appraised value of the residential property. The Bank generally requires private mortgage insurance for loans in excess of 80% of appraised value. The maximum loan-to-value ratio on owner occupied residential properties is 95%. The maximum loan-to-value ratio on non-owner-occupied residential properties is 80%.

Commercial Real Estate and Construction Lending. The Bank originates permanent commercial mortgages and construction loans on commercial and residential real estate projects. Commercial real estate loans are typically secured by income-producing properties such as apartment buildings, office buildings, industrial buildings and various retail properties and are written with either fixed or adjustable interest rates. Commercial real estate loans with fixed interest rates have terms generally ranging from one to five years while the interest rate on adjustable rate loans is generally set to the five-year FHLB classic advance rate plus a margin of 175 to 300 basis points. As of March 31, 2012, the Bank’s commercial mortgage portfolio totaled $167.2 million and constituted 37.3% of the total loan portfolio, compared to a balance of $199.1 million, or 50.5%, of total loans at March 31, 2011. The decline in the commercial mortgage loan portfolio during fiscal 2012, which totaled $31.9 million, or 16.0%, is attributable to management’s decreased emphasis on this type of lending in the current economic environment.

Commercial real estate loans are generally made for up to 75% of the appraised value of the property. Commercial real estate loans currently offered by the Bank can have amortization periods of up to 20 to 25 years. Title insurance, fire insurance, casualty insurance and flood insurance are required in amounts sufficient to protect the Bank’s interest, where applicable. In some cases, commercial real estate loans are granted in participation with other lenders.

The Bank’s land and construction loans totaled $937 thousand, or 0.21%, of the Bank’s loan portfolio at March 31, 2012, compared to a land and construction loan balance of $456 thousand or 0.11% of total loans at March 31, 2011. The decline in these loans is attributable to management’s decreased emphasis on this type of lending in the current economic environment. Construction loans are generally short-term in nature and have maturities of up to two years. The Bank grants loans to construct residential dwellings and commercial real estate

 

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projects. The Bank also originates loans for the construction of single-family homes for resale by professional builders. Construction loans are made for up to 75% of the projected value of the completed property, based on independent appraisals. Funds are disbursed based on a schedule of completed work presented to the Bank and confirmed by physical inspection of the property by a construction consultant and after receipt of title updates.

Home Equity Lines of Credit. The Bank offers home equity lines of credit that are secured by the borrower’s equity in his or her primary residence and may take the form of a first or second mortgage. Equity loans are made in amounts up to 80% of the appraised value less any first mortgage. Payment of interest is required monthly and the rate is adjusted monthly based on changes in the prime rate, as quoted in The Wall Street Journal. Loans are not contingent upon proceeds being used for home improvement. Generally, the loan term is 20 years with interest only due during the first 10 years, and then principal and interest due for the remaining 10 years. The Bank’s home equity loans outstanding totaled $8.5 million, or 1.9% of total loans at March 31, 2012.

Commercial and Industrial, Consumer and Other Loans. The Bank’s commercial and industrial, consumer, and other loans totaled $2.0 million, or 0.44% of the total loan portfolio on March 31, 2012. The commercial and industrial portfolio consists primarily of time, demand and line-of-credit loans to a variety of local small businesses that are generally made on a secured basis. The decrease in commercial and industrial loans in fiscal 2012 was primarily attributable to the repayment of loans. The Bank engages in consumer lending primarily as an accommodation to existing customers.

Risks of Residential and Commercial Real Estate, Construction and Land, and Commercial and Industrial Lending. Declining home values and default risk are the primary risks associated with residential lending. However, commercial real estate, construction and land, and commercial and industrial lending entail significant additional risks compared to residential mortgage lending. The repayment of loans secured by income-producing properties is typically dependent on the successful operation of the properties and thus may be subject to a greater extent to adverse conditions in the local real estate market or in the economy generally. Construction loans involve a higher degree of risk of loss than long-term financing on improved occupied real estate because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, delays arising from labor problems, material shortages, and other unpredictable contingencies. Commercial and industrial loans are generally not secured by real estate and may involve greater risks than other types of lending. Because payments on such loans are often dependent on the successful operation of the business involved, repayment of such loans may be subject to a greater extent to adverse conditions in the economy. For more information see “Nonperforming Assets” below.

Origination Fees and Other Fees. The Bank currently collects origination fees on some of the real estate and commercial loan products it offers. Fees to cover the cost of appraisals, credit reports and other direct costs are also collected. Loan origination fees collected vary in proportion to the level of lending activity, as well as competitive and economic conditions.

The Bank imposes late charges on all loan products it offers with the exception of equity lines of credit and loans secured by deposits. The Bank also collects prepayment premiums and partial release fees on commercial real estate and construction loans where such items are negotiated as part of the loan agreement.

Loan Solicitation and Processing. Loan originations come from a number of sources and are attributable to walk-in customers, existing customers, real estate brokers and builders, as well as the purchase of residential and commercial loans from other financial institutions. The Bank also utilizes in-house originators in the origination of residential real estate loans. Commercial real estate loans are originated by the Bank’s team of commercial loan officers. Consumer loans result from both walk-in and existing customers.

Each loan originated by the Bank is underwritten by lending personnel of the Bank or, in the case of certain residential mortgage loans to be sold, qualified independent contract underwriters. Individual lending officers, a committee of loan officers and the Bank’s Security Committee have the authority to approve loans up to various

 

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limits. Bank-approved independent certified and licensed appraisers are used to appraise the property intended to secure real estate loans. The Bank’s underwriting criteria are designed to minimize the risks of each loan. There are detailed guidelines concerning the types of loans that may be made, the nature of the collateral, the information that must be obtained concerning the loan applicant and follow-up inspections of collateral after the loan is made.

Nonperforming Assets. The Bank notifies a borrower of a delinquency when any payment becomes 15 days past due. Repeated contacts are made if the loan remains delinquent for 30 days or more. The Bank will consider working out a payment schedule with a borrower to clear a delinquency, if necessary. If, however, a borrower is unwilling or unable to resolve such a default after 90 days, the Bank will generally proceed to foreclose and liquidate the property to satisfy the debt.

Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. Accrual of interest on loans and amortization of net deferred loan fees or costs are discontinued either when reasonable doubt exists as to the full and timely collection of interest or principal, or when a loan becomes contractually past due 90 days with respect to interest or principal. The accrual on some loans, however, may continue even though they are more than 90 days past due if management deems it appropriate, provided that the loans are well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought fully current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectable as to both principal and interest. For some nonaccrual loans that are generally well-secured, cash interest payments that are received are treated as interest income on cash basis as long as the remaining recorded investment is determined by management to be fully collectible.

The Bank has instituted additional procedures to closely monitor loans and bring potential problems to management’s attention early in the collection process. The Bank prepares a monthly watch list of potential problem loans including currently performing loans, and the Bank’s Senior Loan Officer reviews delinquencies with the Security Committee of the Board of Directors at least monthly. Due to the high priority given to monitoring asset quality, senior management is involved in the early detection and resolution of problem loans. Additionally, the Bank has a workout committee comprised of the Bank’s Senior Loan Officer and other lending and Bank personnel that meets regularly to discuss the ongoing resolution of any loans identified for special review.

The following table sets forth information with respect to the Bank’s nonperforming assets at the dates indicated:

 

     At March 31,  
     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis:

          

Nonperforming loans

   $ 6,451      $ 8,578      $ 5,575      $ 4,617      $ 9,606   

Restructured loans

     2,597        1,003        671        150        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total nonaccrual loans

     9,048        9,581        6,246        4,767        9,606   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Real estate acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure

     133        132        60        2,986        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total nonperforming assets

   $ 9,181      $ 9,713      $ 6,306      $ 7,753      $ 9,606   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Impaired loans, accruing

   $ 6,686      $ 7,171      $ 10,597      $ —        $ 136   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nonperforming loans to total loans

     2.02     2.43     1.35     1.03     2.02

Nonperforming assets to total assets

     1.75     1.99     1.16     1.35     1.68

At March 31, 2012, nonperforming assets totaled $9.2 million, or 1.75% of total assets, compared to nonperforming assets of $9.7 million, or 1.99% of total assets, at March 31, 2011. The $532 thousand net decline

 

7


in nonperforming assets was primarily due to the settlement of two commercial real estate relationships which totaled $3.5 million and the removal of another commercial real estate loan which totaled $769 thousand and was removed from the nonperforming category due to its timely payment performance. Offsetting these reductions were the addition of five commercial real estate relationships which totaled $5.6 million, half of which were less than 30 days past due at March 31, 2012. These nonperforming loans were placed on nonaccrual status due to their declining financial condition or payment performance and are being closely monitored to ensure continued progress in their resolution.

Nonperforming assets increased by $3.4 million, from $6.3 million at March 31, 2010 to $9.7 million at March 31, 2011 primarily due to the addition of three commercial real estate customer relationships which totaled $2.3 million and residential loans which totaled $1.5 million, partially offset by the removal of three loans totaling $400 thousand.

At March 31, 2011, impaired accruing loans totaled $7.2 million and were primarily comprised of a $4.6 million commercial real estate relationship which was restructured in fiscal 2010 and totaled $4.5 million at March 31, 2011, and a $1.4 million commercial real estate loan added during fiscal 2011. The $4.5 million commercial real estate relationship’s TDR was renewed during fiscal 2011 as the customer exercised a six month interest only option. The $1.4 million relationship added during fiscal 2011 was experiencing temporary cash flow difficulties and the restructuring included the advancement of funds to pay past due real estate taxes and six months of interest only payments.

At March 31, 2011, TDRs which were accruing interest totaled $7.2 million compared to $5.7 million at March 31, 2010. While bankruptcy filings have extended the time required to resolve some situations involving nonperforming assets, management continues to work with borrowers and bankruptcy trustees to resolve these situations as soon as possible. Management believes there are adequate reserves and collateral securing these loans to cover losses that may result from nonperforming loans. At March 31, 2011, there were no loans that are not listed on the table above where known information about possible credit problems of borrowers caused management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms.

Impaired loans which were accruing interest at March 31, 2010 totaled $10.6 million, comprised of 16 commercial loans to seven borrowers which totaled $9.7 million, and four residential loans to four borrowers which totaled $898 thousand. Two customer relationships which totaled $7.0 million comprised most of the impaired but accruing commercial real estate loans at March 31, 2010. One relationship which totaled $4.6 million was a troubled debt restructuring (TDR), and for which this customer’s loans were accruing interest prior to the restructuring. Management’s conclusion that it was appropriate for this relationship to continue to accrue interest subsequent to the restructuring was based on the customer’s satisfactory repayment performance prior to the restructuring and management’s analysis which determined that the remaining contractual principal and interest are expected to be collected. The other impaired but accruing commercial real estate loan relationship at March 31, 2010 was comprised of five loans which totaled $2.4 million. As of March 31, 2011, this customer has paid-in-full four of the five loans. The remaining loan which totaled $764 thousand was placed on nonaccrual status during fiscal 2011, however, management expects to collect the outstanding principal balance.

For more information regarding non-performing loans, see “Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Provision for Loan Losses.”

Allowance for Loan Losses. The Company provides for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level that management estimates is adequate to absorb probable losses based on an evaluation of known and inherent risks in the portfolio. In determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers past and anticipated loss experience, evaluations of underlying collateral, financial condition of the borrower, prevailing economic conditions, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio and the levels of non performing and other classified loans. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates and ultimate losses may vary from such estimates. Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly

 

8


basis and provides for loan losses monthly when appropriate to maintain the adequacy of the allowance. The Company uses a process of portfolio segmentation to calculate the appropriate reserve level at the end of each quarter. Management analyzes required reserve allocations for loans considered impaired under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310 Receivables (“ASC 310”) and the allocation percentages used when calculating potential losses under ASC 450 Contingencies (“ASC 450”). 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 loan composition or volume, changes in economic market area conditions or 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, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies 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. During fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, a $1.4 million provision was recorded based upon management’s quarterly evaluations of the loan portfolio. Certain loan loss factor ratios were increased during fiscal 2012 due to the continued recessionary economic conditions. Management currently believes that there are adequate reserves and collateral securing non-performing loans to cover losses that may result from these loans at March 31, 2012. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a detailed description of management’s estimation process and methodology related to the allowance for loan losses.

The following table presents activity in the allowance for loan losses during the years indicated:

 

     At or For the Years Ended March 31,  
     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 3,892      $ 3,038      $ 3,191      $ 3,613      $ 3,881   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision (benefit)

     1,400        1,100        600        2,125        (70

Charge-offs:

          

Construction

     —          —          —          (2,201     —     

Residential mortgage

     (441     (69     (250     (144     —     

Commercial mortgage

     (604     (171     (469     (178     (173

Other loans

     (13     (10     (54     (36     (76
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total charge-offs

     (1,058     (250     (773     (2,559     (249
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Recoveries:

          

Residential mortgage

     33        —          —          3        —     

Commercial mortgage

     —          —          —          —          37   

Other loans

     5        4        20        9        14   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total recoveries

     38        4        20        12        51   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (charge-offs) recoveries

     (1,020     (246     (753     (2,547     (198
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 4,272      $ 3,892      $ 3,038      $ 3,191      $ 3,613   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Average loans outstanding during the year*

   $ 419,303      $ 424,993      $ 461,592      $ 464,288      $ 462,164   

Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans

     0.24%        0.06%        0.16%        0.55%        0.04%   

Total loans outstanding at end of year

   $ 448,886      $ 394,217      $ 461,510      $ 460,670      $ 474,942   

Ratio of allowance for loan losses to loans at end of year

     0.95%        0.99%        0.66%        0.69%        0.76%   

* Does not include loans- held- for sale

 

9


The allowance for loan losses is available for offsetting credit losses in connection with any loan, but is internally allocated among loan categories as part of the process for evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The following table presents the allocation of the Bank’s allowance for loan losses, by type of loan, at the dates indicated:

 

    At March 31,  
    2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
    Amount     % of
Loans to
Total
Loans
    Amount     % of
Loans to
Total
Loans
    Amount     % of
Loans to
Total
Loans
    Amount     % of
Loans to
Total
Loans
    Amount     % of
Loans to
Total
Loans
 
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Mortgage loans:

                   

Residential

  $ 1,248        60.22   $ 771        46.46   $ 721        47.03   $ 655        39.80   $ 520        37.60

Commercial

    2,787        37.25        2,669        50.50        2,023        49.39        1,941        54.25        1,616        51.50   

Construction and land loans

    33        0.21        14        0.11        14        0.59        406        3.06        1,246        6.50   

Home equity

    149        1.89        129        2.14        133        1.91        114        1.59        86        1.40   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total mortgage loans

    4,217        99.57        3,583        99.21        2,891        98.92        3,116        98.70        3,468        97.00   

Other loans

    55        0.43        309        0.79        147        1.08        75        1.30        145        3.00   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 4,272        100.00   $ 3,892        100.00   $ 3,038        100.00   $ 3,191        100.00   $ 3,613        100.00
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment Activities

The primary objectives of the investment portfolio are to achieve a competitive rate of return over a reasonable period of time and to provide liquidity. As a Massachusetts chartered bank, the Bank is authorized to invest in various obligations of federal and state governmental agencies, corporate bonds and other obligations and, within certain limits, common and preferred stocks. The Bank’s investment policy requires that corporate debt securities be rated as “investment grade” at the time of purchase. A security that is downgraded below investment grade will require additional analysis relative to perceived credit quality, market price, and overall impact on capital/earnings before a decision is made as to hold or sell. For all sub-investment grade corporate holdings, additional analysis of creditworthiness is required. The Bank’s investment in common and preferred stock is generally limited to large, well-known corporations whose shares are actively traded. The size of the Bank’s holdings in an individual company’s stock is also limited by policy. A portion of the Bank’s investment portfolio consists of mortgage-backed securities which represent interests in pools of residential mortgages. Such securities include securities issued and guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) and the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) as well as collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) issued primarily by FNMA and FHLMC.

Investments are classified as “held to maturity,” “available for sale,” or “trading.” Investments classified as trading securities are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Investments classified as available for sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost. At March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, all of the Bank’s marketable investments were classified as available for sale.

 

10


The following table sets forth a summary of the Bank’s investment securities, as well as the percentage such investments comprise of the Bank’s total assets, at the dates indicated:

 

     At March 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Corporate bonds

   $ —        $ —        $ 1,752   

Government agency and government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities

     31,258        18,823        24,993   

Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions

     1,041        1,049        1,045   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt securities

     32,299        19,872        27,790   

Perpetual preferred stock issued by financial institutions

     3,111        3,185        3,255   

Common stock

     3,650        2,128        3,323   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment securities

   $ 39,060      $ 25,185      $ 34,368   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage of total assets

     7.46     5.16     6.35
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

There were no investment holdings, other than those of the U.S. government and its agencies, for which the Company’s aggregate holding of one issuer exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2012.

The following table sets forth the scheduled maturities, amortized cost, fair values and average yields for the Bank’s debt securities at March 31, 2012:

 

    One Year or Less     One to Five Years     Five to Ten Years     More than Ten
Years
    Total Investment Portfolio  
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
Yield
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
Yield
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
Cost
    Amortized
Cost
    Average
Yield
    Amortized
Cost
    Fair
Value
    Average
Yield
 
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Government agency and government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities

  $ 3        4.46   $ 483        3.88   $ 1,704        2.76   $ 28,263        3.45   $ 30,453      $ 31,258        3.42

Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions

    —          —          —            —          —          1,001        7.78        1,001        1,041        7.78   
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

  $ 3        $ 483        $ 1,704        $ 29,264        $ 31,454      $ 32,299     
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Deposits, Borrowed Funds, and Other Sources of Funds

General. Savings accounts and other types of deposits have traditionally been an important source of the Bank’s funds for use in lending and for other general business purposes. In addition to deposits, the Bank derives funds from loan repayments, loan sales, borrowings and from other operations. The availability of funds is influenced by the general level of interest rates and other market conditions. Scheduled loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds while deposit inflows and outflows vary widely and are influenced by prevailing interest rates and market conditions. Borrowings may be used on a short-term basis to compensate for reductions in deposits or deposit inflows at less than projected levels and may be used on a longer term basis to support expanded lending activities.

Deposits. Consumer, business and municipal deposits are attracted principally from within the Bank’s market area through the offering of a broad selection of deposit instruments including demand deposit accounts, NOW accounts, money market deposit accounts, regular savings accounts, term deposit accounts and retirement savings plans. The Bank has historically not actively solicited or advertised for deposits outside of its market area or solicited brokered deposits.

 

11


The Bank attracts deposits through its branch office network, automated teller machines, the Internet and by paying rates competitive with other financial institutions in its market area. From time to time, the Bank bids on short-term certificates of deposit from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which periodically awards deposits to financial institution bidders throughout Massachusetts.

Deposit Accounts. The following table shows the distribution of the average balance of the Bank’s deposit accounts at the dates indicated and the weighted average rate paid for each category of account for the years indicated:

 

    Years Ended March 31,  
    2012     2011     2010  
    Average
Balance
    Average
% of
Deposits
    Rate
Paid
    Average
Balance
    Average
% of
Deposits
    Rate
Paid
    Average
Balance
    Average
% of
Deposits
    Rate
Paid
 
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Demand deposit accounts

  $ 43,993        13.52     —     $ 42,534        12.84     —     $ 42,247        12.04     —  

NOW accounts

    29,314        9.01        0.18        28,697        8.66        0.27        27,856        7.93        0.29   

Passbook and other savings accounts

    57,514        17.67        0.12        54,584        16.48        0.23        51,577        14.69        0.45   

Money market deposit accounts

    68,686        21.11        0.42        79,089        23.88        0.69        79,583        22.67        1.32   

Term deposit certificates

    125,884        38.69        1.01        126,326        38.14        1.31        149,814        42.67        2.08   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deposits

  $ 325,391        100.00     0.60   $ 331,230        100.00     0.83   $ 351,077        100.00     1.45
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Time Deposits in Excess of $100,000. The following table indicates the amount of the Bank’s time deposits of $100,000 or more by time remaining until maturity as of March 31, 2012 (In Thousands):

 

Maturity Period:

  

Three months or less

   $ 5,193   

Three through six months

     10,469   

Six through twelve months

     10,935   

Over twelve months

     49,164   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 75,761   
  

 

 

 

Borrowings. From time to time, the Bank borrows funds from the FHLB of Boston. All advances from the FHLB of Boston are secured by a blanket lien on residential first mortgage loans, certain investment securities and commercial real estate loans, and all of the Bank’s stock in the FHLB of Boston. At March 31, 2012, the Bank had advances outstanding from the FHLB of Boston of $117.2 million and unused borrowing capacity, based on available collateral, of approximately $84 million. Proceeds from these advances were primarily used to fund the Bank’s loan growth. Additional sources of borrowed funds include The Co-operative Central Bank Reserve Fund, the Federal Reserve Bank, and a line of credit with a correspondent bank.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding borrowings from the FHLB of Boston, including short-term FHLB of Boston borrowings under a line of credit, at the dates and for the periods indicated:

 

     At or for the
Years Ended March 31,
 
     2012     2011     2010  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Amounts outstanding at end of period

   $ 117,228      $ 117,351      $ 143,469   

Weighted average rate at end of period

     3.68     3.68     3.98

Maximum amount of borrowings outstanding at any month end

   $ 117,351      $ 139,460      $ 161,509   

Approximate average amounts outstanding at any month end

   $ 117,287      $ 129,505      $ 146,210   

Approximate weighted average rate during the year

     3.74     3.83     4.43

 

12


Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program

On August 25, 2011, the Company entered into and consummated a letter agreement (the “Repurchase Letter”) with the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), pursuant to which the Company redeemed, out of the proceeds of its issuance of 10,000 shares of its Series B Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, all 10,000 outstanding shares of its Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, liquidation amount $1,000 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), for a redemption price of $10,013,889, including accrued but unpaid dividends to the date of redemption. On December 5, 2008, the Company sold $10.0 million in the Series A Preferred Stock to the Treasury as a participant in the federal government’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) Capital Purchase Program. This represented approximately 2.6% of the Company’s risk-weighted assets as of September 30, 2008. In connection with the investment, the Company had entered into a Letter Agreement and the related Securities Purchase Agreement with the Treasury pursuant to which the Company issued the 10,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 234,742 shares of the Company’s common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $10.0 million in cash.

The Company subsequently repurchased the Warrant from the Treasury on October 19, 2011 for an aggregate purchase price of $2.5 million. For additional information, see Note 13 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

U.S. Treasury Department Small Business Lending Fund

On August 25, 2011, the Company entered into and consummated a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, pursuant to which the Company issued 10,000 shares of the Company’s Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), having a liquidation amount per share equal to $1,000, for a total purchase price of $10,000,000. The Purchase Agreement was entered into, and the Series B Preferred Stock was issued, pursuant to the Small Business Lending Fund (“SBLF”) program, a fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, that encourages lending to small businesses by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion. The Company used the $10 million in SBLF funds to redeem shares of the Series A Preferred Stock issued under the TARP Capital Purchase Program. For additional information, see Note 14 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

Subsidiaries

In September 2004, the Company established Central Bancorp Capital Trust I (the “Trust”), a Delaware statutory trust. The Trust issued and sold $5.1 million of trust preferred securities in a private placement and issued $158,000 of trust common securities to the Company. The Trust used the proceeds of these issuances to purchase $5.3 million of the Company’s floating rate junior subordinated debentures due September 16, 2034 (the “Trust I Debentures”). The interest rates on the Trust I Debentures and trust preferred securities are variable and adjustable quarterly at 2.44% over the three month LIBOR. At March 31, 2012, the interest rate was 2.91%.

On January 31, 2007, the Company completed a trust preferred securities financing in the amount of $5.9 million. In the transaction, the Company formed a Connecticut statutory trust, known as Central Bancorp Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”). Trust II issued and sold $5.9 million of trust preferred securities in a private placement and issued $183,000 of trust common securities to the Company. Trust II used the proceeds of these issuances to purchase $6.1 million of the Company’s floating rate junior subordinated debentures due March 15, 2037 (the “Trust II Debentures”). From January 31, 2007 until March 15, 2017 (the “Fixed Rate Period”), the interest rate on the Trust II Debentures and the trust preferred securities is fixed at 7.015% per annum. Upon the expiration of the Fixed Rate Period, the interest rate on the Trust II Debentures and the trust preferred securities will be at a variable per annum rate, reset quarterly, equal to three month LIBOR plus 1.65%. The Trust II Debentures are the sole assets of Trust II. The Trust II Debentures and the trust preferred securities each have 30-year lives. The trust preferred securities and the Trust II Debentures will each be callable by the Company or

 

13


Trust II, at their respective option, after ten years, and sooner in certain specific events, including in the event that the securities are not eligible for treatment as Tier 1 capital, subject to prior approval by the Federal Reserve Board, if then required. Interest on the trust preferred securities and the Trust II Debentures may be deferred at any time or from time to time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarterly payments (five years), provided there is no event of default.

The Trust I Debentures and the Trust II Debentures are the sole assets of Trust I and Trust II, respectively, and are subordinate to all of the Company’s existing and future obligations for borrowed money.

The trust preferred securities generally rank equal to the trust common securities in priority of payment, but will rank prior to the trust common securities if and so long as the Company fails to make principal or interest payments on the Trust I Debentures and the Trust II Debentures. Concurrently with the issuance of the Trust I and Trust II Debentures and the trust preferred securities, the Company issued guarantees related to each trust’s securities for the benefit of the holders of Trust I and Trust II.

In April 1998 and July 2003, the Bank established Central Securities Corporation and Central Securities Corporation II, respectively, Massachusetts corporations, as wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Bank for the purpose of engaging exclusively in buying, selling and holding, on their own behalf, securities that may be held directly by the Bank. From time to time these subsidiaries hold securities such as government agency obligations, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, preferred stocks, and trust preferred securities, and qualify under Section 38B of Chapter 63 of the Massachusetts General Laws as Massachusetts securities corporations.

During January 2009, the Bank established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Metro Real Estate Holdings, LLC. The subsidiary was formed to, among other things, hold, maintain, and dispose of certain foreclosed properties acquired from the Bank.

 

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REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

The Bank is a Massachusetts-chartered co-operative bank and is the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, a Massachusetts corporation and registered bank holding company. The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and by the Share Insurance Fund of Massachusetts for amounts in excess of the FDIC insurance limits. The Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, as its chartering agency, and by the FDIC, as its primary federal regulator and deposit insurer. The Bank is required to file reports with, and is periodically examined by, the FDIC and the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks concerning its activities and financial condition and must obtain regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions, including, but not limited to, mergers with or acquisitions of other financial institutions. As a registered bank holding company, the Company is regulated by the Federal Reserve Board. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution can engage and is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the deposit insurance funds, rather than for the protection of stockholders and creditors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the establishment of deposit insurance assessment fees, the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Any change in such regulatory requirements and policies, whether by the Massachusetts legislature, the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and the Bank.

Set forth below is a brief description of certain regulatory requirements applicable to the Company and the Bank. The description below is limited to certain material aspects of the statutes and regulations addressed, and is not intended to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on the Company and the Bank.

Regulatory Reform – The Dodd-Frank Act

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which was enacted on July 21, 2010, will significantly change the current bank regulatory structure and affect the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act will eliminate the Office of Thrift Supervision and require that federal savings associations be regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the primary federal regulator for national banks). The Dodd-Frank Act also authorizes the Federal Reserve Board to supervise and regulate all savings and loan holding companies.

The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal Reserve Board to set minimum capital levels for bank holding companies that are as stringent as those required for insured depository institutions, and the components of Tier 1 capital would be restricted to capital instruments that are currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions. In addition, the proceeds of trust preferred securities are excluded from Tier 1 capital unless such securities were issued prior to May 19, 2010 by bank or savings and loan holding companies with less than $15 billion of assets. The legislation also establishes a floor for capital of insured depository institutions that cannot be lower than the standards in effect today, and directs the federal banking regulators to implement new leverage and capital requirements within 18 months. These new leverage and capital requirements must take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives.

The Dodd-Frank Act also creates a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rulemaking authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10.0 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10.0 billion or less in assets will be

 

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examined by their applicable bank regulators. The new legislation also weakens the federal preemption available for national banks and federal savings associations, and gives the state attorneys general the ability to enforce applicable federal consumer protection laws.

Regulation and Supervision of the Company

General. The Company is a bank holding company subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”). As a result, the activities of the Company are subject to certain limitations, which are described below. In addition, as a bank holding company, the Company is required to file annual and quarterly reports with the Federal Reserve Board and to furnish such additional information as the Federal Reserve Board may require pursuant to the BHCA. The Company is also subject to regular examination by and the enforcement authority of the Federal Reserve Board.

Activities. With certain exceptions, the BHCA prohibits a bank holding company from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of a company that is not a bank or a bank holding company, or from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks, or providing services for its subsidiaries. The principal exceptions to these prohibitions involve certain non-bank activities which, by statute or by Federal Reserve Board regulation or order, have been identified as activities closely related to the business of banking. The activities of the Company are subject to these legal and regulatory limitations under the BHCA and the related Federal Reserve Board regulations. Notwithstanding the Federal Reserve Board’s prior approval of specific nonbanking activities, the Federal Reserve Board has the power to order a holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any activity, or to terminate its ownership or control of any subsidiary, when it has reasonable cause to believe that the continuation of such activity or such ownership or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of any bank subsidiary of that holding company.

Effective with the enactment of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “G-L-B Act”) on November 12, 1999, bank holding companies whose financial institution subsidiaries are well capitalized and well managed and have satisfactory Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) records can elect to become “financial holding companies” which are permitted to engage in a broader range of financial activities than are permitted to bank holding companies, including investment banking and insurance companies. Financial holding companies are authorized to engage in, directly or indirectly, financial activities. A financial activity is an activity that is: (i) financial in nature; (ii) incidental to an activity that is financial in nature; or (iii) complementary to a financial activity and that does not pose a safety and soundness risk. The G-L-B Act includes a list of activities that are deemed to be financial in nature. Other activities also may be decided by the Federal Reserve Board to be financial in nature or incidental thereto if they meet specified criteria. A financial holding company that intends to engage in a new activity or to acquire a company to engage in such an activity is required to give prior notice to the Federal Reserve Board. If the activity is not either specified in the G-L-B Act as being a financial activity or one that the Federal Reserve Board has determined by rule or regulation to be financial in nature, the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board is required.

Acquisitions. Under the BHCA, a bank holding company must obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before (1) acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank or bank holding company if, after such acquisition, the bank holding company would directly or indirectly own or control more than 5% of such shares; (2) acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of another bank or bank holding company; or (3) merging or consolidating with another bank holding company. Satisfactory financial condition, particularly with regard to capital adequacy, and satisfactory CRA ratings generally are prerequisites to obtaining federal regulatory approval to make acquisitions.

Under the BHCA, any company must obtain approval of the Federal Reserve Board prior to acquiring control of the Company or the Bank. For purposes of the BHCA, “control” is defined as ownership of more than 25% of any class of voting securities of the Company or the Bank, the ability to control the election of a majority of the directors, or the exercise of a controlling influence over management or policies of the Company. In addition, the

 

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Change in Bank Control Act and the related regulations of the Federal Reserve Board require any person or persons acting in concert (except for companies required to make application under the BHCA) to file a written notice with the Federal Reserve Board before such person or persons may acquire control of the Company. The Change in Bank Control Act defines “control” as the power, directly or indirectly, to vote 25% or more of any voting securities or to direct the management or policies of a bank holding company or an insured bank. There is a presumption of “control” where the acquiring person will own, control or hold with power to vote 10% or more of any class of voting security of a bank holding company or insured bank if, like the Company, the company involved has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Under Massachusetts banking law, prior approval of the Massachusetts Division of Banks is also required before any person may acquire control of a Massachusetts bank or bank holding company. Massachusetts law generally prohibits a bank holding company from acquiring control of an additional bank if the bank to be acquired has been in existence for less than three years or, if after such acquisition, the bank holding company would control more than 30% of the FDIC-insured deposits in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Capital Requirements. The Federal Reserve Board has adopted guidelines regarding the capital adequacy of bank holding companies, which require bank holding companies to maintain specified minimum ratios of capital to total assets and capital to risk-weighted assets. See “Regulation and Supervision of the Bank – Capital Requirements.”

Dividends. The Federal Reserve Board has the power to prohibit dividends by bank holding companies if their actions are believed to constitute unsafe or unsound practices. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement on the payment of cash dividends by bank holding companies, which expresses the Federal Reserve Board’s view that a bank holding company should pay cash dividends only to the extent that the company’s net income for the past year is sufficient to cover both the cash dividends and a rate of earnings retention that is consistent with the company’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve Board also indicated that it would be inappropriate for a bank holding company experiencing serious financial problems to borrow funds to pay dividends. Under the prompt corrective action regulations adopted by the Federal Reserve Board pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), the Federal Reserve Board may prohibit a bank holding company from paying any dividends if the holding company’s bank subsidiary is classified as “undercapitalized” or worse.” See “Regulation and Supervision of the Bank – Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action.”

Stock Repurchases. Bank holding companies are required to give the Federal Reserve Board prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of its outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve Board order, directive or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve Board. This requirement does not apply to bank holding companies that are “well-capitalized,” received one of the two highest examination ratings at their last examination and are not the subject of any unresolved supervisory issues.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 implemented legislative reforms intended to address corporate and accounting fraud. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act restricts the scope of services that may be provided by accounting firms to their public company audit clients and any non-audit services being provided to a public company audit client will require pre-approval by the company’s audit committee. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires chief executive officers and chief financial officers, or their equivalents, to certify to the accuracy of periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, subject to civil and criminal penalties if they knowingly or willingly violate this certification requirement.

Under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, bonuses issued to top executives before restatement of a company’s financial statements are now subject to disgorgement if such restatement was due to corporate misconduct.

 

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Executives are also prohibited from insider trading during retirement plan “blackout” periods and loans to company executives (other than loans by financial institutions permitted by federal rules and regulations) are restricted. The legislation accelerates the time frame for disclosures by public companies of changes in ownership in a company’s securities by directors and executive officers.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act also increases the oversight of, and codifies certain requirements relating to audit committees of public companies and how they interact with the company’s “registered public accounting firm.” Among other requirements, companies must disclose whether at least one member of the audit committee is a “financial expert” (as such term is defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission) and if not, why not. Although the Company has incurred additional expense in complying with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the resulting regulations, management does not believe that such compliance has had a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we are required to report on our assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012 in this annual report on Form 10-K. We have performed reviews regarding our internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, and we believe that such internal controls are adequate. The Company is currently considered a smaller reporting company with the SEC and is not required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requirements regarding external auditor attestation of internal controls over financial reporting.

Regulation and Supervision of the Bank

General. The Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks (“Commissioner”) and the FDIC. The lending activities and other investments of the Bank must comply with various regulatory requirements. The Commissioner and FDIC periodically examine the Bank for compliance with these requirements. The Bank must file reports with the Commissioner and the FDIC describing its activities and financial condition. The Bank is also subject to certain reserve requirements promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board. This supervision and regulation is intended primarily for the protection of depositors.

Massachusetts State Law. As a Massachusetts-chartered co-operative bank, the Bank is subject to the applicable provisions of Massachusetts law and the regulations of the Commissioner. The Bank derives its lending and investment powers from these laws, and is subject to periodic examination and reporting requirements by and of the Commissioner. Certain powers granted under Massachusetts law may be constrained by federal regulation. In addition, the Bank is required to make periodic reports to the Co-operative Central Bank. The approval of the Commissioner is required prior to any merger or consolidation, or the establishment or relocation of any branch office. Massachusetts co-operative banks are subject to the enforcement authority of the Commissioner who may suspend or remove directors or officers, issue cease and desist orders and appoint conservators or receivers in appropriate circumstances. Co-operative banks are required to pay fees and assessments to the Commissioner to fund that office’s operations. The cost of state examination fees and assessments for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 totaled $52 thousand.

Capital Requirements. Under FDIC regulations, state-chartered banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve System are required to maintain a minimum leverage capital requirement consisting of a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets of 3% if the FDIC determines that the institution is not anticipating or experiencing significant growth and has well-diversified risk, including no undue interest rate risk exposure, excellent asset quality, high liquidity, good earnings and, in general, a strong banking organization, rated composite 1 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (the CAMELS rating system) established by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council. For all but the most highly-rated institutions meeting the conditions set forth above, the minimum leverage capital ratio is not less than 4%. Tier 1 capital is the sum of common stockholders’ equity, noncumulative perpetual preferred stock (including any related surplus) and minority interests in

 

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consolidated subsidiaries, minus all intangible assets (other than certain mortgage and non-mortgage servicing assets and purchased credit card relationships) minus identified losses, disallowed deferred tax assets, investments in financial subsidiaries and certain non-financial equity investments.

In addition to the leverage ratio (the ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets), state-chartered nonmember banks must maintain a minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8%, of which at least half must be Tier 1 capital. Qualifying total capital consists of Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 or supplementary capital items. Tier 2 capital items include allowances for loan losses in an amount of up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, cumulative preferred stock and preferred stock with a maturity of over 20 years, term subordinated debt, certain other capital instruments, and up to 45% of pre-tax net unrealized holding gains on equity securities. The includable amount of Tier 2 capital cannot exceed the institution’s Tier 1 capital. Qualifying total capital is further reduced by the amount of the bank’s investments in banking and finance subsidiaries that are not consolidated for regulatory capital purposes, reciprocal cross-holdings of capital securities issued by other banks, most intangible assets and certain other deductions. Under the FDIC risk-weighting system, all of a bank’s balance sheet assets and the credit equivalent amounts of certain off-balance sheet items are assigned to one of five broad risk weight categories from 0% to 200%, based on the risks inherent in the type of assets or item. The aggregate dollar amount of each category is multiplied by the risk weight assigned to that category. The sum of these weighted values equals the bank’s risk-weighted assets.

At March 31, 2012, the Bank’s ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets was 8.81%, its ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 13.53% and its ratio of total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets was 14.83%.

Dividend Limitations. The Bank may not pay dividends on its capital stock if its regulatory capital would thereby be reduced below the amount then required for the liquidation account established for the benefit of certain depositors of the Bank at the time of its conversion to stock form. The approval of the Commissioner is necessary for the payment of any dividend which exceeds the total net profits for the year combined with retained net profits for the prior two years.

Earnings of the Bank appropriated to bad debt reserves and deducted for Federal income tax purposes are not available for payment of cash dividends or other distributions to stockholders without payment of taxes at the then current tax rate by the Bank on the amount of earnings removed from the reserves for such distributions. The Bank intends to make full use of this favorable tax treatment and does not contemplate use of any earnings in a manner which would limit the Bank’s bad debt deduction or create federal tax liabilities.

Under FDIC regulations, the Bank is prohibited from making any capital distributions if, after making the distribution, the Bank would be “undercapitalized” within the meaning of the Prompt Corrective Action regulations. See “Regulation and Supervision of the Bank – Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action.”

Investment Activities. Under federal law, all state-chartered FDIC-insured banks have generally been limited to activities as principal and equity investments of the type and in the amount authorized for national banks, notwithstanding state law. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act and the FDIC permit exceptions to these limitations. For example, state chartered banks, such as the Bank, may, with FDIC approval, continue to exercise grandfathered state authority to invest in common or preferred stocks listed on a national securities exchange or the NASDAQ Global Market and in the shares of an investment company registered under federal law. In addition, the FDIC is authorized to permit institutions that meet all applicable capital requirements to engage in state authorized activities or investments that do not meet this standard (other than non-subsidiary equity investments) if it is determined that such activities or investments do not pose a significant risk to the Deposit Insurance Fund. All non-subsidiary equity investments, unless otherwise authorized or approved by the FDIC, must have been divested by December 19, 1996, under a FDIC-approved divestiture plan, unless such investments were grandfathered by the FDIC. The Bank has received grandfathering authority from the FDIC to invest in listed stocks and/or registered shares. The maximum permissible investment is 100% of Tier 1 capital, as specified by the FDIC’s regulations, or the maximum amount permitted by

 

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Massachusetts Banking Law, whichever is less. Such grandfathering authority may be terminated upon the FDIC’s determination that such investments pose a safety and soundness risk to the Bank or if the Bank converts its charter or undergoes a change in control.

Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC. The Deposit Insurance Fund is the successor to the Bank Insurance Fund and the Savings Association Insurance Fund, which were merged in 2006.

Under the FDIC’s previous risk-based assessment system, insured institutions were assigned to one of four risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors, with less risky institutions paying lower assessments. An institution’s assessment rate depends upon the category to which it is assigned and assessment rates ranged from seven to 77.5 basis points. On February 7, 2011, however, the FDIC approved a final rule that implemented changes to the deposit insurance assessment system mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule, which took effect for the quarter beginning April 1, 2011, requires that the base on which deposit insurance assessments are charged be revised from one that is based on domestic deposits to one that is based on average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity. Under the final rule, insured depository institutions are required to report their average consolidated total assets on a daily basis, using the regulatory accounting methodology established for reporting total assets. For purposes of the final rule, tangible equity is defined as Tier 1 capital.

The FDIC may adjust rates uniformly from one quarter to the next, except that no adjustment can deviate more than three basis points from the base scale without notice and comment rulemaking. No institution may pay a dividend if in default of the FDIC assessment.

The FDIC imposed on all insured institutions a special emergency assessment of five basis points of total assets minus Tier 1 capital, as of June 30, 2009 (capped at ten basis points of an institution’s deposit assessment base), in order to cover losses to the Deposit Insurance Fund. That special assessment was collected on September 30, 2009. The FDIC provided for similar assessments during the final two quarters of 2009, if deemed necessary. However, in lieu of further special assessments, the FDIC required insured institutions to prepay estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 through the fourth quarter of 2012. The estimated assessments, which include an assumed annual assessment base increase of 5%, were recorded as a prepaid expense asset as of December 30, 2009. As of December 31, 2009, and each quarter thereafter, a charge to earnings will be recorded for each regular assessment with an offsetting credit to the prepaid asset.

Due to the recent difficult economic conditions, deposit insurance per account owner has been raised to $250,000 for all types of accounts until January 1, 2014. In addition, the FDIC adopted an optional Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”) under which, for a fee, noninterest-bearing transaction accounts would receive unlimited insurance coverage until June 30, 2010, subsequently extended to December 31, 2012. The TLGP also included a debt component under which certain senior unsecured debt issued by institutions and their holding companies between October 13, 2008 and October 31, 2009 would be guaranteed by the FDIC through June 30, 2012, or in some cases, December 31, 2012. The Bank opted to participate in the unlimited noninterest-bearing transaction account coverage and the Bank and Company also opted to participate in the unsecured debt guarantee program.

In addition to the assessment for deposit insurance, institutions are required to make payments on bonds issued in the late 1980s by the Financing Corporation to recapitalize a predecessor deposit insurance fund. This payment is established quarterly and during the calendar year ended March 31, 2012 averaged 8 basis points of average consolidated total assets.

The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. A significant increase in insurance premiums would likely have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of the Bank. Management cannot predict what insurance assessment rates will be in the future.

 

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Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. The management of the Bank does not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of deposit insurance.

All Massachusetts chartered co-operative banks are required to be members of the Share Insurance Fund. The Share Insurance Fund maintains a deposit insurance fund which insures all deposits in member banks which are not covered by federal insurance. In past years, a premium of 1/24 of 1% of insured deposits has been assessed annually on member banks such as the Bank for this deposit insurance. However, no premium has been assessed in recent years.

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action. Federal banking regulators are required to take prompt corrective action if an insured depository institution fails to satisfy certain minimum capital requirements, including a leverage limit, a risk-based capital requirement and any other measure deemed appropriate by the federal banking regulators for measuring the capital adequacy of an insured depository institution. All institutions, regardless of their capital levels, are restricted from making any capital distribution or paying any management fees if the institution would thereafter fail to satisfy the minimum levels for any of its capital requirements. An institution that fails to meet the minimum level for any relevant capital measure (an “undercapitalized institution”) may be: (i) subject to increased monitoring by the appropriate federal banking regulator; (ii) required to submit an acceptable capital restoration plan within 45 days; (iii) subject to asset growth limits; and (iv) required to obtain prior regulatory approval for acquisitions, branching and new lines of businesses. The capital restoration plan must include a guarantee by the institution’s holding company that the institution will comply with the plan until it has been adequately capitalized on average for four consecutive quarters, under which the holding company would be liable up to the lesser of 5% of the institution’s total assets or the amount necessary to bring the institution into capital compliance as of the date it failed to comply with its capital restoration plan. A “significantly undercapitalized” institution, as well as any undercapitalized institution that does not submit an acceptable capital restoration plan, may be subject to regulatory demands for recapitalization, broader application of restrictions on transactions with affiliates, limitations on interest rates paid on deposits, asset growth and other activities, possible replacement of directors and officers, and restrictions on capital distributions by any bank holding company controlling the institution. Any company controlling the institution may also be required to divest the institution or the institution could be required to divest subsidiaries. The senior executive officers of a significantly undercapitalized institution may not receive bonuses or increases in compensation without prior approval and the institution is prohibited from making payments of principal or interest on its subordinated debt. In their discretion, the federal banking regulators may also impose the foregoing sanctions on an undercapitalized institution if the regulators determine that such actions are necessary to carry out the purposes of the prompt corrective provisions.

Under the implementing regulations, the federal banking regulators generally measure an institution’s capital adequacy on the basis of its total risk-based capital ratio (the ratio of its total capital to risk-weighted assets), Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (the ratio of its core capital to risk-weighted assets) and leverage ratio (the ratio of its core capital to adjusted total assets). The following table shows the capital ratios required for the various prompt corrective action categories:

 

     Well Capitalized      Adequately
Capitalized
    Undercapitalized     Significantly
Undercapitalized
 

Total risk-based capital ratio

     10.0% or more         8.0% or more        Less than 8.0%        Less than 6.0%   

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

     6.0% or more         4.0% or more        Less than 4.0%        Less than 3.0%   

Leverage ratio

     5.0% or more         4.0% or more  *      Less than 4.0%  *      Less than 3.0%   

 

*

3.0% if the institution has a composite 1 CAMELS rating.

If an institution’s capital falls below the “critically undercapitalized” level, it is subject to conservatorship or receivership within specified time frames. A “critically undercapitalized” institution is defined as an institution

 

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that has a ratio of “tangible equity” to total assets of less than 2.0%. Tangible equity is defined as core capital plus cumulative perpetual preferred stock (and related surplus) less all intangible assets other than certain purchased mortgage servicing rights. The FDIC may reclassify a well capitalized depository institution as adequately capitalized and may require an adequately capitalized or undercapitalized institution to comply with the supervisory actions applicable to institutions in the next lower capital category (but may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized) if the FDIC determines, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing, that the savings institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition or that the institution has received and not corrected a less-than-satisfactory rating for any CAMELS rating category.

Loans to Executive Officers, Directors and Principal Stockholders. Loans to directors, executive officers and principal stockholders of a state non-member bank like the Bank must be made on substantially the same terms as those prevailing for comparable transactions with persons who are not executive officers, directors, principal stockholders or employees of the Bank unless the loan is made pursuant to a compensation or benefit plan that is widely available to employees and does not favor insiders. Loans to any executive officer, director and principal stockholder, together with all other outstanding loans to such person and related interests, generally may not exceed 15% of the bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus, and aggregate loans to all such persons may not exceed the institution’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. Loans to directors, executive officers and principal stockholders, and their respective related interests, in excess of the greater of $25,000 or 5% of capital and surplus (and any loans or loans aggregating $500,000 or more) must be approved in advance by a majority of the board of directors of the bank with any “interested” director not participating in the voting. State non-member banks are generally prohibited from paying the overdrafts of any of their executive officers or directors unless payment is made pursuant to a written, pre-authorized interest-bearing extension of credit plan that specifies a method of repayment or transfer of funds from another account at the bank. Loans to executive officers are restricted as to type, amount and terms of credit. Massachusetts law also contains restrictions on lending to directors and officers which are, in some cases, stricter than federal law. In addition, federal law prohibits extensions of credit to executive officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders of a depository institution by any other institution which has a correspondent banking relationship with the institution, unless such extension of credit is on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and does not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.

Transactions with Affiliates. A state non-member bank or its subsidiaries may not engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate in an amount greater than 10% of such bank’s capital stock and surplus, and for all such transactions with all affiliates a state non-member bank is limited to an amount equal to 20% of capital stock and surplus. All such transactions must also be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the bank or subsidiary as those provided to a non-affiliate. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee and similar other types of transactions. Specified collateral requirements apply to certain covered transactions such as loans and guarantees issued on behalf of an affiliate. An affiliate of a state non-member bank is any company or entity which controls or is under common control with the state non-member bank and, for purposes of the aggregate limit on transactions with affiliates, any subsidiary that would be deemed a financial subsidiary of a national bank. In a holding company context, the parent holding company of a state non-member bank (such as the Company) and any companies which are controlled by such parent holding company are affiliates of the state non-member bank. Federal law further prohibits a depository institution from extending credit to or offering any other services, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or certain of its affiliates or not obtain services of a competitor of the institution, subject to certain limited exceptions.

Enforcement. The FDIC has extensive enforcement authority over insured non-member banks, including the Bank. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease and desist orders and to remove directors and officers. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated in response to violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices.

 

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The FDIC has authority under federal law to appoint a conservator or receiver for an insured bank under limited circumstances. The FDIC is required, with certain exceptions, to appoint a receiver or conservator for an insured state non-member bank if that bank was “critically undercapitalized” on average during the calendar quarter beginning 270 days after the date on which the institution became “critically undercapitalized.” See “Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action.” The FDIC may also appoint itself as conservator or receiver for an insured state non-member institution under specific circumstances on the basis of the institution’s financial condition or upon the occurrence of other events, including: (1) insolvency; (2) substantial dissipation of assets or earnings through violations of law or unsafe or unsound practices; (3) existence of an unsafe or unsound condition to transact business; and (4) insufficient capital, or the incurring of losses that will deplete substantially all of the institution’s capital with no reasonable prospect of replenishment without federal assistance.

Federal Reserve System. The Federal Reserve Board regulations require depository institutions to maintain noninterest-earning reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily NOW and regular checking accounts). The Federal Reserve Board regulations generally provide that reserves be maintained against aggregate transaction accounts as follows: for that portion of transaction accounts aggregating $71.0 million less an exemption of $11.5 million (which may be adjusted annually by the Federal Reserve Board) the reserve requirement is 3%; and for accounts greater than $71.0 million, the reserve requirement is 10% (which may be adjusted annually by the Federal Reserve Board between 8% and 14%) of the portion in excess of $11.5 million. The Bank is in compliance with these requirements.

Community Reinvestment Act. Under the Community Reinvestment Act, as implemented by FDIC regulations, a state non-member bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with its safe and sound operation to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate-income neighborhoods. The Community Reinvestment Act neither establishes specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor limits an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community. The Community Reinvestment Act requires the FDIC, in connection with its examination of an institution, to assess the institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to consider such record when it evaluates applications made by such institution. The Community Reinvestment Act requires public disclosure of an institution’s Community Reinvestment Act rating. The Bank’s latest Community Reinvestment Act rating received from the FDIC was “Satisfactory”.

The Bank is also subject to similar obligations under Massachusetts Law. The Massachusetts Community Reinvestment Act requires the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner to consider a bank’s Massachusetts Community Reinvestment Act rating when reviewing a bank’s application to engage in certain transactions, including mergers, asset purchases and the establishment of branch offices or automated teller machines, and provides that such assessment may serve as a basis for the denial of such application. The Bank’s latest Massachusetts Community Reinvestment Act rating received from the Massachusetts Division of Banks was “High Satisfactory.”

Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank system, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Banks provide a central credit facility primarily for member institutions, and provide funds for certain other purposes including affordable housing programs. The Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLB of Boston”), is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB of Boston. The Bank was in compliance with this requirement with an investment in FHLB of Boston stock at March 31, 2012 of $8.2 million.

During February 2012, the FHLB of Boston declared a dividend based upon average stock outstanding for the fourth quarter of 2011. The FHLB of Boston’s board of directors anticipates that it will continue to declare modest cash dividends through 2012, but cautioned that adverse events such as negative trend in credit losses on the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s private label mortgage backed securities or mortgage portfolio, a meaningful decline in income, or regulatory disapproval could lead to reconsideration of this plan.

 

23


For the years ended March 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, cash dividends from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston to the Bank amounted to $29 thousand, $6 thousand and $0 respectively. Further, there can be no assurance that the impact of economic events or recent or future legislation on the Federal Home Loan Banks will not also cause a decrease in the value of the Federal Home Loan Bank stock held by the Bank.

Employees

At March 31, 2012, the Company and the Bank employed 89 full-time and 33 part-time employees. The Company’s and Bank’s employees are not represented by any collective bargaining agreement. Management of the Company and Bank considers its relations with its employees to be good.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

An investment in shares of our common stock involves various risks. Before deciding to invest in our common stock, you should carefully consider the risks described below in conjunction with the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and information incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes. Our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed by any of the following risks or by other risks that have not been identified or that we may believe are immaterial or unlikely. The value or market price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risks discussed below also include forward-looking statements and our actual results may differ substantially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements.

Our pending merger with Independent is not guaranteed to occur. Compliance with the terms of the Merger Agreement in the interim could adversely affect our business. If the merger does not occur, it could have a material and adverse affect on our business, results of operations and our stock price.

On April 30, 2012, the Company entered into the Merger Agreement and related agreements with Independent and Rockland, pursuant to which (i) the Company would be merged with and into Independent, (ii) the Bank would be merged with and into Rockland and (iii) each share of the Company’s common stock would be converted into the right to receive either (i) $32.00 in cash or (ii) such number of shares of Independent common stock as determined by the exchange ratio provided for in the Merger Agreement. Consummation of the merger is subject to the satisfaction of a number of conditions, including but not limited to (i) approval of the merger by the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock; (ii) the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, without significant adverse or burdensome conditions; and (iii) the absence of a material adverse change with respect to the Company, as well as other conditions to closing as are customary in transactions such as the merger.

As a result of the pending merger: (i) the attention of management and employees may be diverted from day to day operations as they focus on matters relating to preparation for integrating the Company’s operations with those of Independent; (ii) the restrictions and limitations on the conduct of the Company’s business pending the merger may disrupt or otherwise adversely affect its business and our relationships with its customers, and may not be in the best interests of the Company if it were to have to act as an independent entity following a termination of the Merger Agreement; (iii) the Company’s ability to retain its existing employees may be adversely affected due to the uncertainties created by the merger; and (iv) the Company’s ability to maintain existing customer relationships, or to establish new ones, may be adversely affected. Any delay in consummating the merger may exacerbate these issues.

There can be no assurance that all of the conditions to closing will be satisfied, or where possible, waived, or that the merger will become effective. If the merger does not become effective because all conditions to closing are not satisfied, or because one of the parties, or all of the parties mutually, terminate the Merger Agreement, then, among other possible adverse effects: (i) the Company’s shareholders will not receive the consideration which

 

24


Independent has agreed to pay; (ii) the Company’s stock price may decline significantly; (iii) the Company’s business may have been adversely affected; (iv) the Company will have incurred significant transaction costs; and (v) under certain circumstances, the Company may have to pay Independent a termination fee of $2.2 million

Our nonresidential real estate, land and construction lending may expose us to a greater risk of loss and hurt our earnings and profitability.

Our business strategy centers, in part, on offering nonresidential real estate and construction loans in order to expand our net interest margin. These types of loans generally have higher risk-adjusted returns and shorter maturities than traditional one-to four-family residential mortgage loans. At March 31, 2012, nonresidential real estate and land loans totaled $168.1 million, which represented 37.5% of total loans. If we increase the level of our nonresidential real estate and construction and land loans, we will increase our credit risk profile relative to other financial institutions that have higher concentrations of one to four-family residential mortgage loans.

Loans secured by commercial, land or nonresidential real estate properties are generally for larger amounts and involve a greater degree of risk than one-to four-family residential mortgage loans. Payments on loans secured by nonresidential real estate buildings generally are dependent on the income produced by the underlying properties which, in turn, depends on the successful operation and management of the properties. Accordingly, repayment of these loans is subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the local economy. While we seek to minimize these risks in a variety of ways, including limiting the size of our nonresidential real estate loans, generally restricting such loans to our primary market area and attempting to employ conservative underwriting criteria, there can be no assurance that these measures will protect against credit-related losses.

Construction financing typically involves a higher degree of credit risk than long-term financing on improved, owner-occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan is largely dependent upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction and the bid price and estimated cost (including interest) of construction. If the estimate of construction costs proves to be inaccurate, the Bank may be required to advance funds beyond the amount originally committed to permit completion of the project. If the estimate of the value proves to be inaccurate, the Bank may be confronted, at or prior to the maturity of the loan, with a project whose value is insufficient to assure full repayment. When lending to builders, the cost of construction breakdown is provided by the builder, as well as supported by the appraisal. Although management believes that the Bank’s underwriting criteria are designed to evaluate and minimize the risks of each construction loan, there can be no guarantee that these practices will safeguard against material delinquencies and losses to our operations.

Severe, adverse and precipitous economic and market conditions have adversely affected us and our industry.

The recent negative events in the housing market, including significant and continuing home price reductions coupled with the upward trends in delinquencies and foreclosures, have resulted and will likely continue to result in poor performance of mortgage and construction loans and in significant asset write-downs by many financial institutions. Reduced availability of commercial credit and increasing unemployment further contribute to deteriorating credit performance of commercial and consumer credit, resulting in additional write-downs. Financial market and economic instability have caused financial institutions to severely restrict their lending to customers and each other. This market turmoil and credit tightening has exacerbated commercial and consumer deficiencies, the lack of consumer confidence, market volatility and widespread reduction in general business activity. Financial institutions also have experienced decreased access to deposits and borrowings. The resulting economic pressure on consumers and businesses and the lack of confidence in the financial markets has and may continue to adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price. We do not expect that the difficult conditions in the financial markets are likely to improve in the near future. In particular, we may face the following risks in connection with these events:

 

   

We potentially face increased regulation of our industry including heightened legal standards and regulatory requirements or expectations imposed in connection with recent and anticipated legislation. Compliance with such regulation may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities.

 

25


   

The process we use to estimate losses inherent in our credit exposure requires difficult, subjective and complex judgments, including forecasts of economic conditions and how these economic conditions might impair the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans. The level of uncertainty concerning economic conditions may adversely affect the accuracy of our estimates which may, in turn, impact the reliability of the process.

 

   

We may be required to pay significantly higher FDIC premiums because market developments have significantly depleted the insurance fund of the FDIC and reduced the ratio of reserves to insured deposits, also our current risk profile may cause us to pay higher premiums.

 

   

The number of our borrowers that may be unable to make timely repayments of their loans, or the decrease in value of real estate collateral securing the payment of such loans could continue to escalate and result in significant credit losses, increased delinquencies, foreclosures and customer bankruptcies, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

 

   

Further disruptions in the capital markets or other events, including actions by rating agencies and deteriorating investor expectations, may result in an inability to borrow on favorable terms or on any terms from other financial institutions.

 

   

Increased competition among financial services companies due to the recent consolidation of certain competing financial institutions, the conversion of certain investment banks to bank holding companies and the favorable governmental treatment afforded to the largest of the financial institutions may adversely affect our ability to market our products and services and continue to obtain market share.

U.S. and international financial markets and economic conditions, particularly in our market area, could adversely affect our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.

Recent turmoil and downward economic trends have been particularly acute in the financial sector. We are considered “well-capitalized” under the FDIC’s prompt corrective action regulations. While our management has taken aggressive measures to maintain and increase our liquidity, the cost and availability of funds may be adversely affected by illiquid credit markets and the demand for our products and services may decline as our borrowers and customers experience the impact of an economic slowdown and recession. In view of the concentration of our operations and the collateral securing our loan portfolio in the metropolitan Boston area, we may be particularly susceptible to adverse economic conditions in the metropolitan Boston area, where our business is concentrated. In addition, the severity and duration of these adverse conditions is unknown and may exacerbate our exposure to credit risk and adversely affect the ability of borrowers to perform under the terms of their lending arrangements with us. In addition, the severity and duration of these adverse conditions is unknown and may exacerbate our exposure to credit risk and adversely affect the ability of borrowers to perform under the terms of their lending arrangements with us. Accordingly, continued turbulence in the U.S. and international markets and economy may adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and profitability.

Financial reform legislation enacted by Congress will, among other things, tighten capital standards, create a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and result in new laws and regulations that are expected to increase our costs of operations.

The recently enacted Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) will significantly change the current bank regulatory structure and affect the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal Reserve Board to set minimum capital levels for bank holding companies that are as stringent as those required for insured depository institutions, and the components of Tier 1 capital would be restricted to capital instruments that are currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions. The legislation also establishes a floor for capital of insured depository institutions that cannot be lower than the standards in effect today, and directs the federal banking regulators to implement new leverage and capital requirements within 18 months that take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives.

 

26


The Dodd-Frank Act also created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions such as the Bank, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10.0 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10.0 billion or less in assets will be examined by their applicable bank regulators.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act will increase shareholder influence over boards of directors by requiring certain public companies to give shareholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments, and by authorizing the Securities and Exchange Commission to promulgate rules that would allow shareholders to nominate and solicit votes for their own candidates using a company’s proxy materials.

Our business is subject to the success of the local economy in which we operate.

Because the majority of our borrowers and depositors are individuals and businesses located and doing business in the northwestern suburbs of Boston, our success depends to a significant extent upon economic conditions in that market area. Adverse economic conditions in our market area could reduce our growth rate, affect the ability of our customers to repay their loans and generally affect our financial condition and results of operations. Conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment, high interest rates, short money supply, scarce natural resources, international disorders, terrorism and other factors beyond our control may adversely affect our profitability. We are less able than a larger institution to spread the risks of unfavorable local economic conditions across a large number of diversified economies. Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures or losses caused by adverse market or economic conditions in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts could adversely affect the value of our assets, revenues, results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, we cannot give any assurance we will benefit from any market growth or favorable economic conditions in our primary market areas.

A significant amount of the Company’s loans are concentrated in the Bank’s geographic footprint and adverse conditions in this area could negatively impact operations.

With most of our loans concentrated in the northern and western suburbs of Boston, a decline in local economic conditions could adversely affect the value of the real estate collateral securing our loans. Generally, it appears that the local commercial real estate and residential real estate markets remain weak, although values appear to have stabilized. Breaking down the commercial real estate portfolio into subcategories by property class, prices appreciated 2% during calendar year 2011 for apartments and multi-family properties after experiencing flat values in 2010 and declines in 2008 and 2009. It appears that the values for industrial and office space remained flat in calendar year 2011 after experiencing significant declines in 2009 and 2010. These asset classes represent the majority of the Company’s collateral for its commercial real estate loan portfolio.

Boston area residential property values decreased about 1.3% in calendar year 2011 and less than 1% in calendar year 2010, reversing what had appeared to be a turnaround in the housing market. Housing prices increased slightly during 2009 compared to declines of over 8% during calendar 2008.

Further declines in property values would diminish our ability to recover on defaulted loans by selling the real estate collateral, making it more likely that we would suffer losses on defaulted loans. Additionally, a decrease in asset quality could require additions to our allowance for loan losses through increased provisions for loan losses, which would hurt our profits. Also, a decline in local economic conditions may have a greater effect on our earnings and capital than on the earnings and capital of larger financial institutions whose real estate loan portfolios are more geographically diverse. Real estate values are affected by various factors in addition to local economic conditions, including, among other things, changes in general or regional economic conditions, governmental rules or policies and natural disasters.

 

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Our continued pace of growth may require us to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed.

We are required by regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. We anticipate our capital resources will satisfy our capital requirements for the foreseeable future. We may at some point, however, need to raise additional capital to support our continued growth. If we raise capital through the issuance of additional shares of our common stock or other securities, it could dilute the ownership interests of current investors and may dilute the per share book value of our common stock. New investors may also have rights, preferences and privileges senior to our current stockholders, which may adversely impact our current shareholders.

Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations through internal growth and acquisitions could be materially impaired.

Competition from financial institutions and other financial service providers may adversely affect our growth and profitability.

The banking business is highly competitive and we experience competition in each of our markets from many other financial institutions. We compete with commercial banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market funds, and other mutual funds, as well as other super-regional, national and international financial institutions that operate offices in our primary market areas and elsewhere. We compete with these institutions both in attracting deposits and in making loans. This competition has made it more difficult for us to make new loans and has occasionally forced us to offer higher deposit rates. Price competition for loans and deposits might result in us earning less on our loans and paying more on our deposits, which reduces net interest income. While we believe we can and do successfully compete with these other financial institutions in our primary markets, we may face a competitive disadvantage as a result of our smaller size, smaller resources and smaller lending limits, lack of geographic diversification and inability to spread our marketing costs across a broader market. Although we compete by concentrating our marketing efforts in our primary markets with local advertisements, personal contacts, and greater flexibility and responsiveness in working with local customers, we can give no assurance this strategy will be successful.

Future FDIC assessments may reduce our earnings.

On September 29, 2009, the FDIC adopted an Amended Restoration Plan to enable the Deposit Insurance Fund to return to its minimum reserve ratio of 1.15% over eight years. Under this plan, the FDIC did not impose a previously-planned second special assessment (on September 30, 2009, the Bank paid the first special assessment which totaled $270 thousand). Also, the plan calls for deposit insurance premiums to increase by 3 basis points effective January 1, 2011. Additionally, to meet bank failure cash flow needs, the FDIC assessed a three year insurance premium prepayment, which was paid by banks in December 2009 covers the period of January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2012. The FDIC estimates that bank failures will total approximately $100 billion during the period, but only projects revenues of approximately $60 billion. The shortfall will be met through the collection of the prepaid premiums, which is estimated to be $45 billion. The Bank’s prepaid premium totaled $2.3 million and was paid during the quarter ended December 31, 2009, and it is being amortized monthly over the three year period. This prepaid deposit premium is carried on the balance sheet in the other assets category and amounted to $1.2 million at March 31, 2012. Any additional emergency special assessment imposed by the FDIC will further reduce the Company’s earnings.

Fluctuations in interest rates could reduce our profitability and affect the value of our assets.

Like other financial institutions, we are subject to interest rate risk. Our primary source of income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and the interest paid on

 

28


deposits and borrowings. We expect that we will periodically experience imbalances in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities and the relationships of various interest rates to each other. Over any defined period of time, our interest-earning assets may be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-bearing liabilities, or vice versa. In addition, the individual market interest rates underlying our loan and deposit products (e.g., prime) may not change to the same degree over a given time period. In any event, if market interest rates should move contrary to our position, our earnings may be negatively affected. In addition, loan volume and quality and deposit volume and mix can be affected by market interest rates. Changes in levels of market interest rates could materially adversely affect our net interest spread, asset quality, origination volume and overall profitability.

During fiscal 2006, short-term market interest rates (which we use as a guide to price our deposits) had risen from historically low levels, while longer-term market interest rates (which we use as a guide to price our longer-term loans) did not. This “flattening” of the market yield curve existed during fiscal 2007 and for part of 2008 and had a negative impact on our interest rate spread and net interest margin as rates on our deposits repriced upwards faster than the rates on our longer-term loans and investments. For fiscal years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, our interest rate spread was 2.06%, 2.63%, 2.92%, 3.25%, and 3.10% respectively. In addition, the U.S. Federal Reserve has decreased the federal funds target rate from 5.25% in September 2007 to a rate of 0.25% at March 31, 2012. However, decreases in interest rates can result in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-related securities, as borrowers refinance to reduce their borrowing costs. Under these circumstances, we are subject to reinvestment risk as we may have to redeploy such loan or securities proceeds into lower-yielding assets, which might also negatively impact our income.

We principally manage interest rate risk by managing our volume and mix of our earning assets and funding liabilities. In a changing interest rate environment, we may not be able to manage this risk effectively. If we are unable to manage interest rate risk effectively, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially harmed.

Changes in the level of interest rates also may negatively affect our ability to originate real estate loans, the value of our assets and our ability to realize gains from the sale of our assets, all of which ultimately affect our earnings.

For more information on how changes in interest rates could impact us, see Item 7A., “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”

Our allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb losses in our loan portfolio.

Like all financial institutions, we maintain an allowance for loan losses to provide for loans in our portfolio that may not be repaid in their entirety. We believe that our allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio as of the corresponding balance sheet date. However, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover actual loan losses, and future provisions for loan losses could materially adversely affect our operating results.

In evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses, we consider numerous quantitative factors, including our historical charge-off experience, growth of our loan portfolio, changes in the composition of our loan portfolio and the volume of delinquent and criticized loans. In addition, we use information about specific borrower situations, including their financial position and estimated collateral values, to estimate the risk and amount of loss for those borrowers. Finally, we also consider many qualitative factors, including general and economic business conditions, duration of the current business cycle, quality of underwriting standards, current general market collateral valuations, trends apparent in loan concentrations, loan to value ratios, lenders’ experience, past due and nonaccrual loans, and other matters, which are by nature more subjective and fluid. Our estimates of the risk of loss and amount of loss on any loan are complicated by the significant uncertainties surrounding our borrowers’ abilities to successfully execute their business models through changing economic environments, competitive challenges and other factors. Because of the degree of uncertainty and susceptibility of these factors to change, our actual losses may vary from our current estimates.

 

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At March 31, 2012, our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 0.95%. The FDIC and the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses by recognizing additional provisions for loan losses charged to expense, or to decrease our allowance for loan losses by recognizing loan charge-offs, net of recoveries. Any such additional provisions for loan losses or charge-offs, as required by these regulatory agencies, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We are dependent upon the services of our management team.

Our future success and profitability is substantially dependent upon the management and banking abilities of our senior executives. We believe that our future results will also depend in part upon our attracting and retaining highly skilled and qualified management. We are especially dependent on a limited number of key management personnel and the loss of our chief executive officer or other senior executive officers could have a material adverse impact on our operations because other officers may not have the experience and expertise to readily replace these individuals. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we cannot assure you that we will be successful in attracting or retaining such personnel. Changes in key personnel and their responsibilities may be disruptive to our business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our failure to continue to recruit and retain qualified loan originators could adversely affect our ability to compete successfully and affect our profitability.

Our continued success and future growth depend heavily on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled and motivated loan originators and other banking professionals. We compete against many institutions with greater financial resources, both within our industry and in other industries, to attract these qualified individuals. Our failure to recruit and retain adequate talent could reduce our ability to compete successfully and adversely affect our business and profitability.

We operate in a highly regulated environment and we may be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations.

The Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks and the FDIC, as insurer of its deposits. Such regulation and supervision govern the activities in which a co-operative bank and its holding company may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of the deposit insurance funds and for the depositors of Central Co-operative Bank and are not intended to protect the interests of investors in our common stock. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on our operations, the classification of our assets and determination of the level of our allowance for loan losses. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation or supervisory action, may have a material impact on our operations. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and the related rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ that are applicable to us, have increased the scope, complexity and cost of corporate governance, reporting and disclosure practices, including the costs of completing our audit and maintaining our internal controls.

We are subject to security and operational risks relating to our use of technology that could damage our reputation and our business.

Security breaches in our Internet banking activities could expose us to possible liability and damage our reputation. Any compromise of our security also could deter customers from using our internet banking services that involve the transmission of confidential information. We rely on standard internet security systems to provide the security and authentication necessary to effect secure transmission of data. These precautions may

 

30


not protect our systems from compromises or breaches of our security measures that could result in damage to our reputation and our business. Additionally, we outsource our data processing to third parties. If our third party providers encounter difficulties or if we have difficulty in communicating with such third parties, it will significantly affect our ability to adequately process and account for customer transactions, which would significantly affect our business operations.

We may have fewer resources than many of our competitors to invest in technological improvements.

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes, with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers.

Our ability to service our debt, pay dividends and otherwise pay our obligations as they come due is substantially dependent on capital distributions from Central Co-operative Bank, and these distributions are subject to regulatory limits and other restrictions.

A substantial source of our income from which we service our debt, pay our obligations and from which we can pay dividends is the receipt of dividends from Central Co-operative Bank. The availability of dividends from Central Co-operative Bank is limited by various statutes and regulations. It is also possible, depending upon the financial condition of Central Co-operative Bank, and other factors, that the applicable regulatory authorities could assert that payment of dividends or other payments is an unsafe or unsound practice. In the event that Central Co-operative Bank is unable to pay dividends to us, we may not be able to service our debt, pay our obligations or pay dividends on our common stock. The inability to receive dividends from Central Co-operative Bank would adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

 

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Item 2.    Properties

The Bank owns all its offices, except the Burlington, Malden and Woburn High School branch offices, the stand-alone ATM, the loan center located in Somerville and the branch and operations center located in Medford. Net book value includes the cost of land, buildings and improvements as well as leasehold improvements, net of depreciation and amortization and totaled $2.0 million at March 31, 2012. At March 31, 2012, all of the Bank’s offices were in reasonable condition and met the business needs of the Bank. The following table sets forth the location of the Bank’s offices, as well as certain information relating to these offices as of March 31, 2012:

 

Office Location

   Year
Opened
    Net Book
Value at

March 31, 2012
 
    
           (In Thousands)  

Main Office

    

399 Highland Avenue

Somerville, MA (owned)

     1974      $ 364   

Branch Offices:

    

175 Broadway

Arlington, MA (owned)

     1982        151   

85 Wilmington Road

Burlington, MA (leased)

     1978 (a)      4   

1192 Boylston Street

Chestnut Hill (Brookline), MA (owned)

     1954        237   

137 Pleasant Street

Malden, MA (leased)

     1975 (b)      23   

846 Main Street

Melrose, MA (owned)

     1994        163   

275 Main Street

Woburn, MA (owned)

     1980        423   

198 Lexington Street

Woburn, MA (owned)

     1974        154   

Woburn High School

Woburn, MA (leased)

     2002 (c)      7   

Stand-Alone ATM

    

94 Highland Avenue

Somerville, MA (leased)

     2004 (d)      —     

Loan Center

    

401 Highland Avenue

Somerville, MA (leased)

     2002 (e)      141   

Operations Center/Branch Office

    

270 Mystic Avenue

Medford, MA (leased)

     2006 (f)      313   

 

(a)

The lease for the Burlington branch expires October 31, 2012 with one five-year renewal option.

(b)

The lease for the Malden branch expires August 31, 2015.

(c)

The lease for the Woburn High School branch is for one year, renewable annually on an automatic basis.

(d)

The lease for the stand-alone ATM expires November 30, 2013 with two three-year renewal options.

(e)

The lease for the Commercial Loan Center expires May 1, 2016 with two five-year renewal options.

(f)

The lease for the combined Medford branch and Operations Center expires February 28, 2016 with two five-year renewal options.

 

32


Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

Periodically, there have been various claims and lawsuits involving the Company, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which we hold security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans and other issues incident to our business. We are not party to any pending legal proceedings that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

 

33


PART II

Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Global MarketSM under the symbol “CEBK.” At March 31, 2012, there were 1,690,951 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding and approximately 196 holders of record. The foregoing number of holders does not reflect the number of persons or entities who held the stock in nominee or “street name” through various brokerage firms. In October 1996, the Company established a quarterly cash dividend policy and made its first dividend distribution on November 15, 1996. The Company has paid cash dividends on a quarterly basis since initiating the dividend program.

The following tables list the high and low prices for the Company’s common stock during each quarter of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 as reported by NASDAQ, and the amounts and payable dates of the cash dividends paid during each quarter of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011. The stock quotations constitute interdealer prices without retail markups, markdowns or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

Common Stock Prices

    

Cash Dividends (payable dates)

 

Fiscal 2012

   High      Low     

Fiscal 2012

   Amount  

June 30, 2011

   $ 20.88       $ 17.11       May 20, 2011    $ 0.05   

September 30, 2011

     20.85         16.02       August 19, 2011      0.05   

December 31, 2011

     19.45         16.05       November 18, 2011      0.05   

March 31, 2012

     18.83         17.20       February 17, 2012      0.05   

Fiscal 2011

   High      Low     

Fiscal 2011

   Amount  

June 30, 2010

   $ 11.51       $ 8.56       May 21, 2010    $ 0.05   

September 30, 2010

     14.17         9.80       August 20, 2010      0.05   

December 31, 2010

     15.30         12.43       November 19, 2010      0.05   

March 31, 2011

     20.00         13.50       February 18, 2011      0.05   

The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012.

 

34


Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

The Company has derived the following selected consolidated financial and other data in part from its Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

 

     At or for the Year Ended March 31,  
     2012     2011     2010     2009     2008  
     (Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)  

Balance Sheet

          

Total assets

   $ 523,572      $ 487,625      $ 542,444      $ 575,827      $ 571,245   

Total loans

     448,886        394,217        461,510        460,670        474,942   

Investments available for sale

     39,060        25,185        34,368        35,215        52,960   

Deposits

     344,534        309,077        339,169        375,074        361,089   

Total borrowings

     128,569        128,692        154,810        156,938        168,173   

Total stockholders’ equity

     45,346        47,121        45,113        40,239        38,816   

Shares outstanding

     1,690,951        1,681,071        1,667,151        1,639,951        1,639,951   

Statements of Operations

          

Net interest and dividend income

   $ 16,103      $ 17,382      $ 17,013      $ 15,862      $ 13,596   

Provision (benefit) for loan losses

     1,400        1,100        600        2,125        (70

Net gain (loss) from sales and write-downs of investment securities

     541        136        (465     (9,796     645   

Net gain on sales of loans

     143        251        329        111        158   

Other noninterest income

     1,642        1,671        1,547        1,640        1,429   

Total noninterest expenses

     16,087        15,669        15,146        15,159        13,859   

Net income (loss)

     851        1,725        1,993        (6,205     1,447   

Net (loss) income (attributable) available to common stockholders

     (15     1,105        1,380        (6,403     1,447   

(Loss) earnings per common share – diluted

     (0.01     0.68        0.92        (4.58     1.07   

Selected Ratios

          

Interest rate spread

     3.10     3.25     2.92     2.63     2.06

Net yield on interest-earning assets

     3.34        3.50        3.21        2.96        2.51   

Noninterest expenses to average assets

     3.19        3.01        2.73        2.73        2.49   

Book equity-to-assets

     8.66        9.66        8.32        6.99        6.79   

Return on average assets

     0.17        0.33        0.36        (1.12     0.26   

Return on average stockholders’ equity

     1.84        3.74        4.66        (16.68     3.76   

Dividend payout ratio for common shares

     n/a        29.41        21.74        n/a        67.29   

Book value per common share

   $ 20.92      $ 22.26      $ 21.31      $ 18.76      $ 23.67   

Tangible book value per common share

   $ 19.60      $ 20.93      $ 19.97      $ 17.40      $ 22.31   

n/a means either not applicable or not meaningful

 

35


Quarterly Results of Operations (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

The following tables summarize the Company’s operating results on a quarterly basis for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     2012 (1)  
     First      Second     Third      Fourth  

Interest and dividend income

   $ 5,583       $ 5,856      $ 5,765       $ 5,516   

Interest expense

     1,615         1,664        1,673         1,667   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest and dividend income

     3,968         4,192        4,092         3,849   

Provision for loan losses

     500         300        300         300   

Noninterest income

     905         500        466         456   

Noninterest expenses

     4,045         4,112        3,767         4,163   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     328         280        491         (158

Income tax provision (benefit)

     92         76        131         (209
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 236       $ 204      $ 360       $ 51   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) available (attributable) to common stockholders

   $ 80       $ (247   $ 230       $ (78
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per common share – basic

   $ 0.05       $ (0.16   $ 0.15       $ (0.05
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per common share – diluted

   $ 0.05       $ (0.16   $ 0.15       $ (0.05
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     2011 (1)  
     First      Second      Third      Fourth  

Interest and dividend income

   $ 6,845       $ 6,605       $ 6,187       $ 5,668   

Interest expense

     2,210         2,070         1,939         1,704   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest and dividend income

     4,635         4,535         4,248         3,964   

Provision for loan losses

     300         300         300         200   

Noninterest income

     528         291         552         686   

Noninterest expenses

     3,752         3,927         3,825         4,163   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     1,111         599         675         287   

Income tax provision

     372         198         330         46   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 739       $ 401       $ 345       $ 241   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income available to common stockholders

   $ 585       $ 246       $ 191       $ 84   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings per common share – basic

   $ 0.39       $ 0.16       $ 0.13       $ 0.06   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings per common share – diluted

   $ 0.37       $ 0.15       $ 0.12       $ 0.05   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

The sum of the quarters may not equal the year-to-date results due to rounding in the various quarters.

Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

The operations of the Company and its subsidiary, the Bank, are generally influenced by overall economic conditions, the related monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government and the regulatory policies of financial institution regulatory authorities, including the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC.

The Bank monitors its exposure to earnings fluctuations resulting from market interest rate changes. Historically, the Bank’s earnings have been vulnerable to changing interest rates due to differences in the terms

 

36


to maturity or repricing of its assets and liabilities. For example, in a rising interest rate environment, the Bank’s net interest income and net income could be negatively affected as interest-sensitive liabilities (deposits and borrowings) could adjust more quickly to rising interest rates than the Bank’s interest-sensitive assets (loans and investments).

The following is a discussion and analysis of the Company’s results of operations for the last two fiscal years and its financial condition at the end of fiscal years 2012 and 2011. Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based on the consolidated financial statements which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of such financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates, including those related to the allowance for loan losses, fair value of investments and other-than-temporary impairment, income taxes, impairment of goodwill, valuation of other real estate owned and valuation of stock options under ASC 718 Compensation – Stock Compensation and other equity based instruments. Accounting policies involving significant judgments and assumptions by management, which have, or could have, a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and impact income, are considered critical accounting policies. The Company considers the allowance for loan losses, fair value of other real estate owned, fair value of investments and other-than-temporary impairment, income taxes, accounting for goodwill and impairment, and stock-based compensation to be its critical accounting policies. There have been no significant changes in the methods or assumptions used in the accounting policies that require material estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from the amount derived from management’s estimates and assumptions under different assumptions or conditions.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level determined to be adequate by management to absorb probable losses based on an evaluation of known and inherent risks in the portfolio. This allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and by recoveries on loans previously charged-off, and reduced by charge-offs on loans or reductions in the provision credited to operating expense.

The Bank provides for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level that management estimates is adequate to absorb probable losses based on an evaluation of known and inherent risks in the portfolio. In determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers past and anticipated loss experience, evaluations of underlying collateral, financial condition of the borrower, prevailing economic conditions, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio and the levels of non-performing and other classified loans. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates and ultimate losses may vary from such estimates. Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and provides for loan losses monthly when appropriate to maintain the adequacy of the allowance.

Regarding impaired loans, the Bank individually evaluates each loan and documents what management believes to be an appropriate reserve level in accordance with ASC 310. If management does not believe that any separate reserve for such loan is deemed necessary at the evaluation date, it would continue to be evaluated separately and will not be returned to be included in the normal ASC 450 Contingencies (“ASC 450”) formula based reserve calculation. In evaluating impaired loans, all related management discounts of appraised values, selling and resolution costs are taken into consideration in determining the level of reserves required when appropriate.

The methodology employed in calculating the allowance for loan losses is portfolio segmentation. For the commercial real estate (“CRE”) portfolio, this is further refined through stratification within each segment based

 

37


on loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. The CRE portfolio is further segmented by type of properties securing those loans. This approach allows the Bank to take into consideration the fact that the various sectors of the real estate market change value at differing rates and thereby present different risk levels. CRE loans are segmented into the following categories:

 

   

Apartments

 

   

Offices

 

   

Retail

 

   

Mixed Use

 

   

Industrial/Other

CRE loans are segmented using the above collateral-types and three LTV ratio categories: <40%, 40%-60%, and >60%. While these ranges are subjective, management feels that each category represents a significantly different degree of risk from the other. CRE loans carrying higher LTV ratios are assigned incrementally higher ASC 450 reserve rates. Annually, for the CRE portfolio, management adjusts the appraised values which are used to calculate LTV ratios in our allowance for loan losses calculation. The data is provided by an independent appraiser and it indicates annual changes in value for each property type in the Bank’s market area for the last ten years. Management then adjusts the appraised or most recent appraised values based on the year the appraisal was made. These adjustments are believed to be appropriate based on the Bank’s own experience with collateral values in its market area in recent years. Based on the Company’s allowance for loan loss methodology with respect to CRE, unfavorable trends in the value of real estate will increase the level of the Company’s ASC 450 allowance for loan losses.

In developing ASC 450 reserve levels, recent regulatory guidance focuses on the Bank’s charge-off history as a starting point. The Bank’s charge-off history in recent years has been minimal; therefore, management continues to utilize more conservative historical loss ratios which are believed to be appropriate. Those ratios are then adjusted based on trends in delinquent and impaired loans, trends in charge-offs and recoveries, trends in underwriting practices, experience of loan staff, national and local economic trends, industry conditions, and changes in credit concentrations. There is a concentration in CRE loans, but the concentration is decreasing. Management’s efforts to reduce the levels of commercial real estate and construction loans are reflected in changes in the Bank’s commercial real estate concentration ratio, which is calculated as total non-owner occupied commercial real estate and construction loans divided by the Bank’s risk-based capital. At March 31, 2012, the commercial real estate concentration ratio was 286%, compared to a ratio of 330% at March 31, 2011, and 466% at March 31, 2010.

Residential loans, home equity loans and consumer loans, other than trouble debt restructuring (“TDRs”) and loans in the process of foreclosure or repossession, are collectively evaluated for impairment. Factors considered in determining the appropriate ASC 450 reserve levels are trends in delinquent and impaired loans, changes in the value of collateral, trends in charge-offs and recoveries, trends in underwriting practices, experience of loan staff, national and local economic trends, industry conditions, and changes in credit concentrations. TDRs and loans that are in the process of foreclosure or repossession are evaluated under ASC 310.

Commercial and industrial and construction loans that are not impaired are evaluated under ASC 450 and factors considered in determining the appropriate reserve levels include trends in delinquent and impaired loans, changes in the value of collateral, trends in charge-offs and recoveries, trends in underwriting practices, experience of loan staff, national and local economic trends, industry conditions, and changes in credit concentrations. Those loans that are individually reviewed for impairment are evaluated according to ASC 310.

During the year ended March 31, 2012, management changed the various ASC 450 loss factors, specifically as it related to trends in delinquencies and impaired loans, changes in collateral values, charge-offs and recoveries, and trends and conditions related to economic conditions among the different loan types. As a result of these factor changes, the impact to the allowance for loan losses were increases in ASC 450 reserves of approximately $372 thousand.

 

38


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 loan composition or volume, changes in economic market area conditions or 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, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies 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. Management currently believes that there are adequate reserves and collateral securing nonperforming loans to cover losses that may result from these loans at March 31, 2012.

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank enters into commitments to extend credit, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they become payable. The credit risk associated with these commitments is evaluated in a manner similar to the allowance for loan losses. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments is included in other liabilities in the balance sheet. At March 31, 2012, the reserve for unfunded commitments was not significant.

Loans. Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future are reported at the principal amount outstanding, adjusted by unamortized discounts, premiums, and net deferred loan origination costs and fees.

Loans classified as held for sale are stated at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. Fair value is estimated based on outstanding investor commitments. Net unrealized losses, if any, are provided for in a valuation allowance by charges to operations. The Company enters into forward commitments (generally on a best efforts delivery basis) to sell loans held for sale in order to reduce market risk associated with the origination of such loans. Loans held for sale are sold on a servicing released basis. As of March 31, 2012 and 2011 there were no loans held for sale.

Mortgage loan commitments that relate to the origination of a mortgage that will be held for sale upon funding are considered derivative instruments. Loan commitments that are derivatives are recognized at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet in other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded in noninterest income.

The Company carefully evaluates all loan sales agreements to determine whether they meet the definition of a derivative as facts and circumstances may differ significantly. If agreements qualify, to protect against the price risk inherent in derivative loan commitments, the Company generally uses “best efforts” forward loan sale commitments to mitigate the risk of potential decreases in the values of loans that would result from the exercise of the derivative loan commitments. Forward loan sale commitments are recognized at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet in other assets and liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded in other noninterest income. At March 31, 2012, the fair value of forward loan sale commitments was not material.

Loan origination fees, net of certain direct loan origination costs, are deferred and are amortized into interest income over the contractual loan term using the level-yield method. At March 31, 2012 and 2011, net deferred loan fees of $91 thousand and net deferred loan costs of $23 thousand, respectively, were included with the related loan balances for financial presentation purposes.

Interest income on loans is recognized on an accrual basis using the simple interest method only if deemed collectible. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. Accrual of interest on loans and amortization of net deferred loan fees or costs are discontinued either when reasonable doubt exists as to the full and timely collection of interest or principal, or when a loan becomes contractually past due 90 days with respect to interest or principal. The accrual on some loans, however, may

 

39


continue even though they are more than 90 days past due if management deems it appropriate, provided that the loans are well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought fully current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest. The Bank records interest income on nonaccrual and impaired loans on the cash basis of accounting.

Loans are classified as impaired when it is probable that the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans, except those loans that are accounted for at fair value or at lower of cost or fair value such as loans held for sale, are accounted for at the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or as a practical expedient in the case of collateral dependent loans, the lower of the fair value of the collateral less selling and other costs, or the recorded amount of the loan. In evaluating collateral values for impaired loans, management obtains new appraisals or opinions of value when deemed necessary and may discount those appraisals depending on the likelihood of foreclosure. Other factors considered by management when discounting appraisals are the age of the appraisal, availability of comparable properties, geographic considerations, and property type. Management considers the payment status, net worth and earnings potential of the borrower, and the value and cash flow of the collateral as factors to determine if a loan will be paid in accordance with its contractual terms. Management does not set any minimum delay of payments as a factor in reviewing for impairment classification. For all loans, charge-offs occur when management believes that the collectability of a portion or all of the loan’s principal balance is remote. Management considers nonaccrual loans, except for certain nonaccrual residential and consumer loans, to be impaired. However, all TDRs are considered to be impaired. A TDR occurs when the Bank grants a concession to a borrower with financial difficulties that it would not otherwise consider. The majority of TDRs involve a modification in loan terms such as a temporary reduction in the interest rate or a temporary period of interest only, and escrow (if required). TDRs are accounted for as set forth in ASC 310 Receivables (“ASC 310”). A TDR is typically on non-accrual until the borrower successfully performs under the new terms for at least six consecutive months. However, a TDR may be kept on accrual immediately following the restructuring in those instances where a borrower’s payments are current prior to the modification and management determines that principal and interest under the new terms are fully collectible.

Existing performing loan customers who request a non-TDR loan modification and who meet the Bank’s underwriting standards may, usually for a fee, modify their original loan terms to terms currently offered. The modified terms of these loans are similar to the terms offered to new customers with similar credit, income, and collateral. The fee assessed for modifying the loan is deferred and amortized over the life of the modified loan using the level-yield method and is reflected as an adjustment to interest income. Each modification is examined on a loan-by-loan basis and if the modification of terms represents more than a minor change to the loan, then the unamortized balance of the pre-modification deferred fees or costs associated with the mortgage loan are recognized in interest income at the time of the modification. If the modification of terms does not represent more than a minor change to the loan, then the unamortized balance of the pre-modification deferred fees or costs continue to be deferred and amortized over the remaining life of the loan.

Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the accounting basis and the tax basis of the Bank’s assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled. The Bank’s deferred tax asset is reviewed periodically and adjustments to such asset are recognized as deferred income tax expense or benefit based on management’s judgments relating to the realizability of such an asset.

Accounting for Goodwill and Impairment. ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, (“ASC 350”) addresses the method of identifying and measuring goodwill and other intangible assets having indefinite lives acquired in a business combination, eliminates further amortization of goodwill and requires periodic impairment

 

40


evaluations of goodwill using a fair value methodology prescribed in ASC 350. In accordance with ASC 350, the Company does not amortize the goodwill balance of $2.2 million and the Company consists of a single reporting unit. Impairment testing is required at least annually or more frequently as a result of an event or change in circumstances (e.g., recurring operating losses by the acquired entity) that would indicate an impairment adjustment may be necessary. The Company adopted December 31 as its assessment date. Annual impairment testing was performed during each year and in each analysis, it was determined that an impairment charge was not required. The most recent testing was performed as of December 31, 2011 utilizing average earnings and average book and tangible book multiples of sales transactions of banks considered to be comparable to the Company, and management determined that no impairment existed at that date. Management utilized 2011 sales transaction data of financial institutions in the New England area of similar size, credit quality, net income, and return on average assets levels and management feels that the overall assumptions utilized in the testing process were reasonable. During the December 31, 2011 impairment testing, management also considered utilizing market capitalization, but ultimately concluded that it was not an appropriate measure of the Company’s value due to the overall depressed valuations in the financial sector and the significance of the Company’s insider ownership and the lack of volume in trading in the Company’s shares of common stock. Management also does not believe that this measure generally reflects the premium that a buyer would typically pay for a controlling interest. No events have occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2012 which indicate that the impairment test would need to be re-performed.

Investments. Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, both computed by a method that approximates the effective yield method. Debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Debt and equity securities not classified as either held-to-maturity or trading are classified as available for sale and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses determined by management to be temporary excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income. At March 31, 2012 and 2011, all of the Bank’s investment securities were classified as available for sale.

Gains and losses on sales of securities are recognized when realized with the cost basis of investments sold determined on a specific-identification basis. Premiums and discounts on investment and mortgage-backed securities are amortized or accreted to interest income over the actual or expected lives of the securities using the level-yield method.

If a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis of an investment is judged to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the investment is written down to fair value as a new cost basis. For debt securities, when the Bank does not intend to sell the security, and it is more-likely-than-not that the Bank will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, it will recognize the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment loss in earnings, and the remaining portion in other comprehensive income. The credit loss component recognized in earnings is identified as the amount of principal cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security as estimated based on the cash flows projections discounted at the applicable original yield of the security.

Stock-Based Compensation. The Company accounts for stock based compensation pursuant to ASC 718 Compensation-Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model as its method for determining fair value of stock option grants. The Company has previously adopted two qualified stock option plans for the benefit of officers and other employees under which an aggregate of 281,500 shares have been reserved for issuance. One of these plans expired in 1997 and the other plan expired in 2009. Awards outstanding at the time the plans expire will continue to remain outstanding according to their terms.

On July 31, 2006, the Company’s stockholders approved the Central Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”). Under the Incentive Plan, 150,000 shares have been reserved for issuance

 

41


as options to purchase stock, restricted stock, or other stock awards, however, a maximum of 100,000 restricted shares may be granted under the plan. The exercise price of an option may not be less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant of the option and may not be exercisable more than ten years after the date of grant. However, awards may become available again if participants forfeit awards under the plan prior to its expiration. As of March 31, 2012, no shares remain available for issue under the Incentive Plan.

Forfeitures of awards granted under the Incentive Plan are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates in order to derive the Company’s best estimate of awards ultimately expected to vest. Forfeitures represent only the unvested portion of a surrendered option and are typically estimated based on historical experience. Based on an analysis of the Company’s historical data, the Company applied a forfeiture rate of 0% to stock options outstanding in determining stock compensation expense for each of the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program

On August 25, 2011, the Company entered into and consummated a letter agreement (the “Repurchase Letter”) with the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), pursuant to which the Company redeemed, out of the proceeds of its issuance of 10,000 shares of its Series B Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, all 10,000 outstanding shares of its Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, liquidation amount $1,000 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), for a redemption price of $10,013,889, including accrued but unpaid dividends to the date of redemption. On December 5, 2008, the Company sold $10.0 million in the Series A Preferred Stock to the Treasury as a participant in the federal government’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) Capital Purchase Program. This represented approximately 2.6% of the Company’s risk-weighted assets as of September 30, 2008. In connection with the investment, the Company had entered into a Letter Agreement and the related Securities Purchase Agreement with the Treasury pursuant to which the Company issued the 10,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 234,742 shares of the Company’s common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $10.0 million in cash.

The Company subsequently repurchased the Warrant from the Treasury on October 19, 2011 for an aggregate purchase price of $2.5 million. For additional information, see Note 13 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

U.S. Treasury Department Small Business Lending Fund

On August 25, 2011, the Company entered into and consummated a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, pursuant to which the Company issued 10,000 shares of the Company’s Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), having a liquidation amount per share equal to $1,000, for a total purchase price of $10,000,000. The Purchase Agreement was entered into, and the Series B Preferred Stock was issued, pursuant to the Small Business Lending Fund (“SBLF”) program, a fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, that encourages lending to small businesses by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion. The Company used the $10 million in SBLF funds to redeem shares of the Series A Preferred Stock issued under the TARP Capital Purchase Program. For additional information, see Note 14 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

Results of Operations

Overview. Net income for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012 was $851 thousand and the net loss attributable to common stockholders for the year ended March 31, 2012 was $(15) thousand, or $(0.01) per diluted common share, as compared to net income of $1.7 million and net income available to common

 

42


stockholders of $1.1 million, or $0.68 per diluted common share, for the twelve months ended March 31, 2011. For the twelve months ended March 31, 2012, the Company experienced a $874 thousand decline in net income as compared to fiscal 2011. The decline was primarily attributable to the combination of the decrease in net interest and dividend income of $1.3 million, an increase in non-interest expenses of $418 thousand and an increase in the provision for loan losses of $300 thousand, partially offset by a decrease in the provision for income taxes of $855 thousand and an increase in non-interest income of $268 thousand.

Net interest and dividend income decreased by $1.3 million, or 7.4%, to $16.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the year ended March 31, 2011 due to the combined effect of a general decline in market interest rates on loans and a strategic decision to decrease higher-yielding commercial real estate loan balances.

The provision for loan losses increased by $300 thousand to $1.4 million during fiscal 2012 from $1.1 million in fiscal 2011. The increase was primarily due to increased loan charge offs which totaled $1.1 million in fiscal 2012 as compared to $250 thousand in fiscal 2011.

Noninterest income totaled $2.3 million for the year ended March 31, 2012 compared to $2.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2011 primarily due to an increase in investment gains and reduced impairment charges in fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011.

Noninterest expenses totaled $16.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2012 compared to $15.7 million in fiscal 2011. Total noninterest expenses increased by $418 thousand in fiscal 2012 primarily due to a $787 thousand increase in salaries and benefits along with merger expenses of $122 thousand which were not incurred in fiscal 2011. The foregoing increase in non-interest expenses were partially offset by declines during the twelve months ended March 31 2012, as compared to fiscal 2011, in professional fees of $293 thousand, office occupancy and equipment expenses of $83 thousand, data processing costs of $65 thousand and marketing and advertising expenses of $49 thousand.

The Company recognized an income tax expense of $91 thousand during fiscal 2012 compared to $946 thousand in fiscal 2011 for an effective tax rate of 9.7% in fiscal 2012 and 35.4% in fiscal 2011.

Net Interest Rate Spread and Net Interest Margin. The Company’s and the Bank’s operating results are significantly affected by the net interest rate spread, which is the difference between the yield on loans and investments and the interest cost of deposits and borrowings. The net interest rate spread is affected by economic conditions and market factors that influence interest rates, loan demand and deposit flows. The net interest margin reflects the relationship of net interest income to interest earning assets and it is calculated by dividing net interest income before the provision for loan losses by average interest earning assets. The net interest spread and net interest margin declined from 3.25% and 3.50%, respectively, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 to 3.10% and 3.34%, respectively, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 due to several factors. The cost of funds decreased by 24 basis points during fiscal 2012 mainly due to decreases in the average rates paid on deposits resulting from aggressive liability management as some maturing certificates of deposit were either not renewed or were replaced with lower cost deposits. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012, the yield on interest-earning assets declined by 39 basis points primarily due to a 52 basis point reduction in interest income on mortgage loans. Contributing to the reduced yield on mortgage loans were decreases in commercial real estate and construction loans as management refocused its lending emphasis in the current market environment in an effort to reduce risk and increase regulatory capital ratios in accordance with the Company’s business plan, and a general decline in the market interest rates on loans.

 

43


The following table presents average balances, interest income and expense and yields earned or rates paid on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the years indicated. For purposes of the following table, average loans include nonperforming loans.

 

    Years Ended March 31,  
    2012     2011  
    Average
Balance
    Interest     Average
Yield/
Cost
    Average
Balance
    Interest     Average
Yield/
Cost
 
    (Dollars in Thousands)  

Assets:

           

Interest-earning assets:

           

Mortgage loans

  $ 421,889      $ 21,290        5.05   $ 425,720      $ 23,707        5.57

Other loans

    2,028        109        5.37        4,112        226        5.50   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total loans

    423,917        21,399        5.05        429,832        23,933        5.57   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Short-term investments

    19,637        48        0.24        27,506        71        0.26   

Investment securities

    29,941        1,244        4.15        30,235        1,295        4.28   

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

    8,506        29        0.34        8,518        6        0.07   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total investments

    58,084        1,321        2.27        66,259        1,372        2.07   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total interest-earnings assets

    482,001        22,720        4.71        496,091        25,305        5.10   
   

 

 

       

 

 

   

Allowance for loan losses

    (4,196         (3,527    

Noninterest-earning assets

    26,910            27,945       
 

 

 

       

 

 

     

Total assets

  $ 504,715          $ 520,509       
 

 

 

       

 

 

     

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:

           

Interest-bearing liabilities:

           

Deposits

  $ 281,398        1,674        0.59      $ 288,696        2,399        0.83   

Other borrowings

    11,341        559        4.93        11,341        558        4.92   

Advances from FHLB of Boston

    117,287        4,384        3.74        129,616        4,966        3.83   
 

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    410,026        6,617        1.61        429,653        7,923        1.85   
   

 

 

       

 

 

   

Noninterest-bearing deposits

    43,993            42,534       

Other liabilities

    4,551            1,911       
 

 

 

       

 

 

     

Total liabilities

    458,570            474,098       

Stockholders’ equity

    46,145            46,411       
 

 

 

       

 

 

     

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 504,715          $ 520,509       
 

 

 

       

 

 

     

Net interest and dividend income

    $ 16,103          $ 17,382     
   

 

 

       

 

 

   

Interest rate spread

        3.10         3.25
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net yield on interest-earning assets

        3.34         3.50
     

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

44


Rate/Volume Analysis. The effect on net interest income of changes in interest rates and changes in the amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is shown in the following table. Information is provided on changes for the fiscal years indicated attributable to changes in interest rates and changes in volume. Changes due to combined changes in interest rates and volume are allocated between changes in rate and changes in volume proportionally to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

 

     2012 vs. 2011     2011 vs. 2010  
     Changes due to
Increase (decrease) in:
    Changes due to
Increase (decrease) in:
 
     Volume     Rate     Total     Volume     Rate     Total  
     (In Thousands)  

Interest income:

            

Mortgage loans

   $ (212   $ (2,205   $ (2,417   $ (1,834   $ (1,153   $ (2,987

Other loans

     (112     (5     (117     (80     (14     (94
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income from loans

     (324     (2,210     (2,534     (1,914     (1,167     (3,081

Short-term investments

     (18     (5     (23     17        4        21   

Investment securities

     (13     (38     (51     (269     91        (178

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     —          23        23        —          6        6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income from investments

     (31     (20     (51     (252     101        (151
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest and dividend income

     (355     (2,230     (2,585     (2,166     (1,066     (3,232
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense:

            

Deposits

     (51     (674     (725     (285     (1,783     (2,068

Other borrowings – including short-term advances from FHLB

     —          1        1        (27     7        (20

Long-term advances – FHLB of Boston

     (466     (116     (582     (689     (823     (1,512
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest expense

     (517     (789     (1,306     (1,001     (2,599     (3,601
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest and dividend income

   $ 162      $ (1,441   $ (1,279)      $ (1,165   $ 1,533      $ 368   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income decreased by $2.6 million, or 10.2%, to $22.7 million for the year ended March 31, 2012 compared to $25.3 million for the year ended March 31, 2011 primarily due to decreases in the average yields and average loan balances. The average balance of loans decreased primarily due to decreases in the average balances of commercial real estate and construction loans as the Bank continued to shift its focus from those loan types to originating residential real estate loans. The average balance of residential loans decreased due to higher than expected residential loan payoffs. The average balance of investment securities decreased as maturities and principal repayments were used to fund deposit withdrawals and repayment of borrowings. The yield on short-term investments was 0.24% during the year ended March 31, 2012 as compared to 0.26% for the year ended March 31, 2011 as the average yields on these investments are closely tied to the federal funds target rate, which averaged approximately 0.25% during the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $1.3 million, or 16.5%, to $6.6 million for the year ended March 31, 2012 compared to $7.9 million for the year ended March 31, 2011. The cost of deposits decreased by 24 basis points from 0.83% during the year ended March 31, 2011 to 0.59% during the year ended March 31, 2012, as some higher-cost certificates of deposit were replaced by lower-costing deposits. The average balance of lower-costing non-maturity deposits decreased by $5.4 million to $199.5 million for the year ended March 31, 2012, as compared to an average balance of $204.9 million for the year ended March 31, 2011. The average balance of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston borrowings decreased by $12.3 million, from $129.6 million during the year ended March 31, 2011 to $117.3 million for the same period of 2012. The decrease in the average cost of these funds was the result of a decrease in market interest rates. The average cost of total borrowings decreased as a portion of these borrowings are adjustable and declined as a result of a decline in market rates, as well as a reduction in average balance, the combination of which lowered the average rate paid for the year ended March 31, 2012 to 3.74% from the average rate of 3.83% for the year ended March 31, 2011.

 

45


Provision for Loan Losses. The Company provides for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level that management estimates is adequate to absorb probable losses based on an evaluation of known and inherent risks in the portfolio. In determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers past and anticipated loss experience, evaluations of underlying collateral, financial condition of the borrower, prevailing economic conditions, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio and the levels of non-performing and other classified loans. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates and ultimate losses may vary from such estimates. Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and provides for loan losses monthly when appropriate to maintain the adequacy of the allowance. The Company uses a process of portfolio segmentation to calculate the appropriate allowance level at the end of each quarter. Periodically, the Company evaluates the allocations used in these calculations. During the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, management performed a thorough analysis of the loan portfolio as well as the required allowance allocations for loans considered impaired under ASC 310 and the allocation percentages used when calculating potential losses under ASC 450. During the year ended March 31, 2012, management changed the various ASC 450 loss factors, specifically as it related to trends in delinquencies and impaired loans, changes in collateral values, charge-offs and recoveries, and trends and conditions related to economic conditions among the different loan types. As a result of these loss factor changes, increases in ASC 450 reserves of approximately $372 thousand were made to the allowance for loan losses. Based on these analyses, the Company recorded a provision of $1.4 million for the year ended March 31, 2012 compared to a provision for loan losses of $1.1 million for the year ended March 31, 2011.

Management continues to give high priority to monitoring and managing the Company’s asset quality. At March 31, 2012, nonperforming loans totaled $9.0 million as compared to $9.6 million at March 31, 2011. Of the twenty loans constituting this category at March 31, 2012, all are secured by real estate collateral that is predominantly located in the Bank’s market area.

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased by $268 thousand from $2.1 million during the year ended March 31, 2011 to $2.3 million during the year ended March 31, 2012. The increase was primarily due to investment gains and reduced impairment charges in fiscal 2012 and totaled $541 thousand for the year ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $136 thousand in fiscal 2011. Net investment gains were $588 thousand in fiscal 2012 as compared to $480 thousand in fiscal 2011 while other than temporary impairments totaled $47 thousand in fiscal 2012 as compared to $344 thousand in fiscal 2011. In addition, gains on the sale of other real estate owned totaled $38 thousand in fiscal 2012 as compared to $2 thousand in fiscal 2011. Partially offsetting the aforementioned increases were decreases in gains on sales of loans of $108 thousand due to decreased loan sale activity and reduced deposit fees of $44 thousand.

Noninterest Expenses. Noninterest expense increased by $418 thousand, or 2.7% to $16.1 million during the year ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $15.6 million during the year ended March 31, 2011. This increase is due to increases in salaries and other benefits of $787 thousand along with merger expenses of $122 thousand which were not incurred in fiscal 2011. The foregoing increases were partially offset by a $83 thousand decrease in occupancy and equipment costs, a $65 thousand decrease in data processing costs, a $293 thousand decrease in other professional fees, a $147 thousand decrease in FDIC insurance premiums and a $49 thousand decrease in marketing expenses.

Salaries and employee benefits increased by $787 thousand, or 8.6%, to $9.9 million during the year ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $9.1 million during the year ended March 31, 2011, primarily due to increases of $607 thousand in commissions paid for residential loan origination costs (primarily due to the high level of residential closings) and non-deposit investment product sales and $289 thousand for salaries due to staffing increases, increases in certain retirement and health benefits.

Office occupancy and equipment expenses decreased by $83 thousand, or 3.9%, to $2.1 million during the year ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $2.1 million during the year ended March 31, 2011 primarily due to decreases in the amortization of leasehold improvements, depreciation of furniture, fixtures and equipment and decreases for other bank building expenses, partially offset by increases in computer/network maintenance costs and other security expenses.

 

46


Data processing costs decreased by $65 thousand, or 7.7%, to $779 thousand during the year ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $844 thousand during the year ended March 31, 2011 due to decreases in certain processing costs.

Professional fees decreased by $293 thousand, or 28.1%, to $751 thousand during the year ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $1.0 million during the year ended March 31, 2011 primarily due to decreases in loan workout-related expenses and compliance-related costs, partially offset by higher legal fees.

Merger expenses of $122 thousand were incurred during the year ended March 31, 2012 as compared to none being incurred during fiscal 2011 as a result of the pending merger with Independent Bank Corp, Inc. announced on May 1, 2012.

FDIC deposit insurance premiums decreased by $147 thousand to $414 thousand during the year ended March 31, 2012 compared to $561 thousand during the year ended March 31, 2011. This decrease was primarily due to a change in the calculation methodology implemented by the FDIC in April 2011 and lower deposit insurance costs due to declining average balances of deposits.

Advertising and marketing expenses decreased by $49 thousand to $144 thousand during the year ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $193 thousand during the year ended March 31, 2011 as management strategically decided to deemphasize advertising and marketing efforts.

Other expenses increased by $191 thousand, or 11.2%, to $1.9 million during the year ended March 31, 2012 as compared to $1.7 million during the year ended March 31, 2011 primarily as a result of an increase in other telephone expense of $69 thousand and ATM expenses of $38 thousand, partially offset by a decrease of $147 thousand for FDIC insurance assessment and $16 thousand for recruiting expense.

Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate for the year ended March 31, 2012 was 9.7% as compared to an effective income tax rate of 35.4% for the year ended March 31, 2011. The difference in the effective tax rate for the two periods was due to the reversal of certain prior year uncertain tax positions and the realization of other deferred tax assets from the sale of investments for both capital and ordinary losses. In addition, the proportion of non-taxable income sources to total pre-taxable income from bank-owned life insurance and dividend received deductions were greater in fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011. For further information, see Note 8 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

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

Total assets were $523.4 million at March 31, 2012 compared to $487.6 million at March 31, 2011, representing an increase of $35.8 million, or 7.3%. The increase in total assets reflected strategic actions taken by management to reduce risk, which included increasing the residential loan portfolio by $87.2 million and continuing to de-emphasize commercial real estate lending in accordance with the Company’s business plan. Total loans (excluding loans held for sale) were $448.9 million at March 31, 2012, compared to $394.2 million at March 31, 2011, representing an increase of $54.7 million, or 13.9%. This increase was primarily due to increases in residential loans of $87.2 million, offset by decreases in commercial real estate loans of $31.9 million. Residential and home equity loans increased from $191.6 million at March 31, 2011 to $278.8 million at March 31, 2012. Commercial and industrial loans decreased from $2.2 million at March 31, 2011 to $1.1 million at March 31, 2012 primarily due to the scheduled repayments of principal. Management’s efforts to reduce the levels of commercial real estate and land and construction loans are reflected in changes in the Bank’s commercial real estate concentration ratio, which is calculated as total non-owner occupied commercial real estate and land and construction loans divided by the Bank’s risk-based capital. At March 31, 2012, the commercial real estate concentration ratio was 286%, compared to a ratio of 330% at March 31, 2011.

The allowance for loan losses totaled $4.3 million at March 31, 2012 compared to $3.9 million at March 31, 2011, representing a net increase of $380 thousand, or 9.8%. This net increase was primarily due to a provision

 

47


of $1.4 million resulting from management’s review of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Based upon management’s regular analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, management considered the allowance for loan losses to be adequate at both March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011. See “Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 – Provision for Loan Losses.”

Management regularly assesses the desirability of holding newly originated residential mortgage loans in the Bank’s portfolio or selling such loans in the secondary market. A number of factors are evaluated to determine whether or not to hold such loans in the Bank’s portfolio including current and projected liquidity, current and projected interest rates, projected growth in other interest-earning assets and the current and projected interest rate risk profile. Based on its consideration of these factors, management determined that most long-term residential mortgage loans originated during the year ended March 31, 2012 should be retained in the Bank’s portfolio rather than being sold in the secondary market. Originations of loans held for sale totaled $10.9 million in fiscal 2012 as compared to $20.8 million in fiscal 2011. The decision to sell or hold loans is made at the time the loan commitment is issued. Upon making a determination not to retain a loan, the Bank simultaneously enters into a best efforts forward commitment to sell the loan to manage the interest rate risk associated with the decision to sell the loan. Loans are sold servicing released and totaled $11.1 million in fiscal 2012 as compared to $21.4 million in fiscal 2011.

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $7.3 million at March 31, 2012 compared to $40.9 million at March 31, 2011, representing a decrease of $33.6 million, or 82.1%. During the year ended March 31, 2012, proceeds from cash and cash equivalents, commercial real estate payoffs and increases in certificates of deposit were generally utilized to fund the growth in the residential loan portfolio.

Investment securities totaled $48.8 million at March 31, 2012 compared to $35.3 million at March 31, 2011, representing an increase of $13.6 million, or 38.4%. The increase in investment securities is primarily due to the purchase of $23.4 million in mortgage-backed securities and $2.2 million in common stock, offset by the sale of $5.6 million in mortgage-backed securities and the repayment of $5.3 million of principal on mortgage-backed securities. Stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston totaled $8.2 million at March 31, 2012 compared to $8.5 million at March 31, 2011.

Banking premises and equipment, net, totaled $2.7 million at March 31, 2012 and $2.7 million at March 31, 2011, respectively.

Other real estate owned totaled $133 thousand at March 31, 2012 compared to $132 thousand at March 31, 2011 as two new residential properties were added and two residential properties were sold during the year.

Deferred tax assets totaled $3.3 million at March 31, 2012 compared to $3.6 million at March 31, 2011 due to the reversal of certain prior year tax benefits and the realization of other deferred tax assets from the sale of investments for both capital and ordinary losses.

The cash surrender value of a bank-owned life insurance policy on two executives is carried as an asset titled “Bank-Owned Life Insurance” and totaled approximately $9.6 million at March 31, 2012 compared to $7.3 million at March 31, 2011. During the 2012 fiscal year, the Bank purchased an additional $2.1 million life insurance policy.

Total deposits amounted to $344.5 million at March 31, 2012 compared to $309.1 million at March 31, 2011, representing an increase of $35.5 million, or 11.5%. The increase was a result of the combined effect of a $32.8 million increase in certificates of deposit and a net increase in core deposits of $2.6 million (consisting of all non-certificate accounts). Growth in certificates of deposit during fiscal 2012 included $28.6 million obtained through a non-broker listing service. During the year ended March 31, 2012, management utilized increases in deposits to fund the residential loan growth in accordance with the Company’s business plan.

 

48


Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances amounted to $117.2 million at March 31, 2012 and $117.4 million at March 31, 2011.

The net decrease in stockholders’ equity from $47.1 million at March 31, 2011 to $45.3 million at March 31, 2012 was primarily due to the Company’s $2.5 million negotiated repurchase of the warrant associated with the Company’s participation in the U.S. Department of Treasury’s TARP Capital Purchase Program. The Company repurchased the warrant from the U.S. Department of Treasury on October 19, 2011. Other items contributing to the net decrease in stockholders’ equity during the year were $803 thousand of dividends paid to common and preferred stockholders, partially offset by net income of $851 thousand, stock-based compensation of $441 thousand and amortization of unearned ESOP compensation of $395 thousand.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future financial obligations of a short-term nature. The Bank’s principal sources of liquidity are customer deposits, short-term investments, repayments of loans, FHLB of Boston advances, maturities and repayments of various other investments, and funds from operations. These various sources of liquidity, as well as the Bank’s ability to sell residential mortgage loans in the secondary market, are used to fund deposit withdrawals, loan originations and investment purchases and funds from operations. In addition, the Company has access to the capital markets to raise additional equity. On August 25, 2011, the Company entered into and consummated the Purchase Agreement with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury pursuant to which the Company issued 10,000 shares of the Company’s Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B having a liquidation amount per share equal to $1,000, for a total purchase price of $10,000,000 pursuant to the SBLF program, a fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, that encourages lending to small businesses by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion. The Company used the $10 million in SBLF funds to redeem shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock issued to treasury in December 2008 under the TARP Capital Purchase Program. On October 19, 2011, the Company repurchased the warrant it previously issued to treasury on December 8, 2008 in connection with the Company’s participation in the TARP Capital Purchase Program. The warrant, which had a ten-year term, had entitled Treasury to purchase up to 234,742 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $6.39 per share. The Company paid Treasury a negotiated total of $2.5 million to repurchase the warrant. See “– Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program” and “– U.S. Treasury Department Small Business Lending Fund” above.

During the year ended March 31, 2012, the Bank increased deposits by $34.5 million, or 11.5%. The increase in deposits reflected strategic actions taken by management to reduce risk and increase capital ratios in accordance with the Company’s business plan, which included the use of proceeds from loan repayments and investment maturities and repayments to fund certain maturing deposits and borrowings. Differences in deposit levels are primarily the result of management’s decision to focus at various times on the use of deposits instead of FHLB of Boston advances to fund growth. These decisions are based on the relative interest rates of the various sources of funds at any particular time.

On September 29, 2009, the FDIC adopted an Amended Restoration Plan to enable the Deposit Insurance Fund to return to its minimum reserve ratio of 1.15% over eight years. Under this plan, the FDIC did not impose a previously-planned second special assessment. On June 30, 2009, the Bank accrued the first special assessment which totaled $270 thousand and was paid on September 30, 2009. Also, the plan calls for deposit insurance premiums to increase by 3 basis points effective January 1, 2011. Additionally, to meet bank failure cash flow needs, the FDIC assessed a three year insurance premium prepayment, which was paid by banks in December 2009 and will cover the period of January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2012. The FDIC estimates that bank failures will cost the fund approximately $100 billion during the next three years, but only projects revenues of approximately $60 billion. The shortfall will be met through the collection of prepaid premiums, which is estimated to be $45 billion. The Bank’s prepaid premium totaled $2.3 million and was paid during the quarter ended December 31, 2009. This prepaid deposit premium is carried on the consolidated balance sheet in the other assets category and totaled $1.2 million at March 31, 2012.

 

49


At March 31, 2012, the Company had commitments to originate loans, unused outstanding lines of credit, letters of credit and undisbursed proceeds of loans totaling $40.0 million. Since many of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. At March 31, 2012, the Company believes it has sufficient funds available to meet its current loan commitments.

The Bank is a voluntary member of the FHLB of Boston and has the ability to borrow up to the value of its qualified collateral that has not been pledged to others. Qualified collateral generally consists of FHLB of Boston stock, residential first mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans, U.S. Government and agencies securities, mortgage-backed securities and funds on deposit at the FHLB of Boston. At March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Bank had outstanding FHLB of Boston advances of $117.2 and $117.4 million, respectively. At March 31, 2012, the Bank had approximately $84 million in unused borrowing capacity at the FHLB of Boston.

The Bank also may obtain funds from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, the Co-operative Central Bank Reserve Fund and through a retail CD brokerage agreement with a major brokerage firm. The Bank views these borrowing facilities as secondary sources of liquidity and has had no immediate need to use them.

Commitments, Contingencies and Off-Balance Sheet Risk

In the normal course of operations, the Company engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles are not recorded in its consolidated financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments and lines of credit.

For the year ended March 31, 2012, the Company engaged in no off-balance sheet transactions reasonably likely to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Commitments to originate new loans or to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Loan commitments generally expire within 30 to 45 days. Most home equity line commitments are for a term of 15 years, and commercial lines of credit are generally renewable on an annual basis. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. At March 31, 2012, the Company had commitments to originate loans, unused outstanding lines of credit, letters of credit and undisbursed proceeds of loans totaling $40.0 million. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower.

Commitments to sell loans held for sale are agreements to sell loans on a best efforts delivery basis to a third party at an agreed upon price. Additionally, these loans are sold servicing released and without recourse.

On September 16, 2004 the Company completed a $5.1 million trust preferred securities financing through Central Bancorp Capital Trust I. On January 31, 2007, the Company completed a trust preferred securities financing in the amount of $5.9 million through Central Bancorp Statutory Trust II. Central Bancorp Capital Trust I and Central Bancorp Statutory Trust II are the Company’s only special purpose subsidiaries. The Company, within the financing transactions and concurrent with the issuance of the junior subordinated debentures and the trust preferred securities, issued guarantees related to the trust securities of both trusts for the benefit of their respective holders. For additional information, see Note 1 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this annual report.

Management believes that, at March 31, 2012, the Company and Bank have adequate sources of liquidity to fund these commitments.

 

50


Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The consolidated financial statements and related data presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. Unlike many industrial companies, substantially all of the assts and liabilities of the Bank are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on the Bank’s performance than the general level of inflation. Over short periods of time, interest rates may not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as inflation.

Capital Resources

The Company and the Bank are required to maintain minimum capital ratios pursuant to the federal prompt corrective action regulations. These regulations establish a risk-adjusted ratio relating capital to different categories of balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet obligations. Two categories of capital are defined: Tier 1 or core capital (stockholders’ equity) and Tier 2 or supplementary capital. Total capital is the sum of both Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital. According to the federal prompt corrective action regulations, Tier 1 capital must represent at least 50% of qualifying total capital. At March 31, 2012, the minimum total risk-based capital ratio required to be well-capitalized was 10.00%. The Company’s and the Bank’s total risk-based capital ratios at March 31, 2012 were 16.39% and 14.83%, respectively.

To complement the risk-based standards, the FDIC has also adopted a leverage ratio (adjusted stockholders’ equity divided by total average assets) of 3.00% for the most highly rated banks and 4.00% for all others. The leverage ratio is to be used in tandem with the risk-based capital ratios as the minimum standards for banks. The Company’s and the Bank’s leverage ratios were 9.83% and 8.81%, respectively, at March 31, 2012.

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company’s earnings are largely dependent on its net interest income, which is the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The Company seeks to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates, or market risk, through active monitoring and management of its interest-rate risk exposure. The policies and procedures for managing both on- and off-balance sheet activities are established by the Bank’s asset/liability management committee (“ALCO”). The Board of Directors reviews and approves the ALCO policy annually and monitors related activities on an ongoing basis.

Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. The Company’s market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending, borrowing and deposit taking activities.

The main objective in managing interest rate risk is to minimize the adverse impact of changes in interest rates on the Bank’s net interest income and preserve capital, while adjusting the Bank’s asset/liability structure to control interest-rate risk. However, a sudden and substantial increase or decrease in interest rates may adversely impact earnings to the extent that the interest rates borne by assets and liabilities do not change at the same speed, to the same extent, or on the same basis.

The Company quantifies its interest-rate risk exposure using a sophisticated simulation model. Simulation analysis is used to measure the exposure of net interest income to changes in interest rates over a specific time horizon. Simulation analysis involves projecting future interest income and expense under various rate scenarios. The simulation is based on forecasted cash flows and assumptions of management about the future changes in interest rates and levels of activity (loan originations, loan prepayments, deposit flows, etc). The assumptions are inherently uncertain and, therefore, actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes as well as changes in market conditions and strategies. The net interest income projection resulting from the use of forecasted cash flows and management’s assumptions is compared to net

 

51


interest income projections based on immediate shifts of 300 basis points upward and 50 basis points downward for fiscal 2012 and 2011. Internal guidelines on interest rate risk state that for every 100 basis points immediate shift in interest rates, estimated net interest income over the next twelve months should decline by no more than 5%.

The following table indicates the projected change in net interest income, and sets forth such change as a percentage of estimated net interest income, for the twelve-month period following the date indicated assuming an immediate and parallel shift for all market rates with other rates adjusting to varying degrees in each scenario based on both historical and expected spread relationships:

 

     Twelve Months Following At March 31,  
     2012     2011  
     Amount     % Change     Amount     % Change  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

300 basis point increase in rates

   $ (1,352     (8.63 )%    $ (1,095     (6.58 )% 

50 basis point decrease in rates

     (89     (0.57     (282     (1.69

As noted, this policy provides broad, visionary guidance for managing the Bank’s balance sheet, not absolute limits. When the simulation results indicate a variance from stated parameters, ALCO will intensify its scrutiny of the reasons for the variance and take whatever actions are deemed appropriate under the circumstances.

 

52


Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

     Page  

Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2012 and 2011

     54   

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

     55   

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

     56-57   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

     58   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     59   

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

     95-96   

 

53


CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share and Per Share Data)

 

    March 31,  
    2012     2011  

ASSETS

   

Cash and due from banks

  $ 4,117      $ 3,728   

Short-term investments

    3,224        37,190   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

    7,341        40,918   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investment securities available for sale, at fair value (Note 2)

    39,060        25,185   

Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, at cost (Notes 2 and 7)

    8,203        8,518   

The Co-operative Central Bank Reserve Fund, at cost (Note 2)

    1,576        1,576   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments

    48,839        35,279   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans held for sale, at fair value

    —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans (Note 3)

    448,886        394,217   

Less allowance for loan losses (Note 3)

    (4,272     (3,892
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans, net

    444,614        390,325   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accrued interest receivable

    1,359        1,496   

Banking premises and equipment, net (Note 4)

    2,694        2,705   

Deferred tax asset, net (Note 8)

    3,253        3,600   

Other real estate owned (Note 5)

    133        132   

Goodwill, net

    2,232        2,232   

Bank-owned life insurance

    9,648        7,270   

Other assets

    3,459        3,668   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 523,572      $ 487,625   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   

Liabilities:

   

Deposits (Note 6)

  $ 344,534      $ 309,077   

Federal Home Loan Bank advances (Notes 2 and 7)

    117,228        117,351   

Subordinated debentures

    11,341        11,341   

Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance

    2,955        1,387   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    2,168        1,348   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    478,226        440,504   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 8, 9 and 12)

   

Stockholders’ equity (Note 10):

   

Preferred stock – Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual, $1.00 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and 10,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2011, with a liquidation preference and redemption value of $0 and $10,064 at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively (Note 13)

    —          9,709   

Preferred stock – Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual, $1.00 par value; 10,000 shares authorized; 10,000 shares issued and outstanding with a liquidation preference and redemption value of $10,000 at March 31, 2012 and no shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2011 (Note 14)

    9,966        —     

Common stock $1.00 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized; 1,690,951 and 1,681,071 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively

    1,691        1,681   

Additional paid-in capital

    2,201        4,589   

Retained income

    34,966        35,288   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Notes 1,2 and 11)

    871        892   

Unearned compensation – Employee Stock Ownership Plan (Note 11)

    (4,349     (5,038
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

    45,346        47,121   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 523,572      $ 487,625   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

54


CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In Thousands, Except Share And Per Share Data)

 

     Years Ended March 31,  
     2012     2011  

Interest and dividend income:

    

Mortgage loans

   $ 21,290      $ 23,707   

Other loans

     109        226   

Investments

     1,273        1,301   

Short-term investments

     48        71   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest and dividend income

     22,720        25,305   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense:

    

Deposits

     1,675        2,399   

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston

     4,384        4,966   

Other borrowings

     558        558   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest expense

     6,617        7,923   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest and dividend income

     16,103        17,382   

Provision for loan losses (Note 3)

     1,400        1,100   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest and dividend income after provision for loan losses

     14,703        16,282   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noninterest income:

    

Deposit service charges

     959        1,003   

Net gain from sales and write-downs of investment securities (Note 2)

     541        136   

Net gains on sales of loans

     143        251   

Net gains on sales of other real estate owned

     38        2   

Bank-owned life insurance income

     292        295   

Brokerage income

     175        181   

Other income

     178        190   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total noninterest income

     2,326        2,058   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noninterest expenses:

    

Salaries and employee benefits (Note 11)

     9,932        9,145   

Occupancy and equipment (Note 4)

     2,054        2,137   

Data processing fees

     779        844   

Professional fees

     751        1,044   

Telephone expenses

     393        324   

FDIC deposit premiums

     414        561   

Postage and supplies

     389        372   

Director fees

     262        233   

Merger expenses (Note 17)

     122        —     

Advertising and marketing

     144        193   

Other expenses

     847        816   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total noninterest expenses

     16,087        15,669   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     942        2,671   

Provision for income taxes (Note 8)

     91        946   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 851      $ 1,725   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income (attributable) available to common stockholders (Note 1)

   $ (15   $ 1,105   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per common share (Note 1)

    

Basic

   $ (0.01   $ 0.74   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ (0.01   $ 0.68   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

     1,541,015        1,503,719   

Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding – diluted

     1,627,833        1,621,182   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

55


CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

 

    Number of
Shares of
Series A
Preferred

Stock
    Series A
Preferred
Stock
    Number of
Shares of
Series B
Preferred
Stock
    Series B
Preferred
Stock
    Number of
Shares of
Common
Stock
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Retained
Income
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
    Unearned
Compensation-
ESOP
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 

Balance at March 31, 2010

    10,000      $ 9,589        —        $ —          1,667,151      $ 1,667      $ 4,291      $ 34,482      $ 810      $ (5,726   $ 45,113   

Net income

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          1,725        —          —          1,725   

Other comprehensive income, net of tax expense of $50 thousand:

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Unrealized loss on post-retirement benefits, net of tax benefit of $(22) thousand

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (30     —          (30

Unrealized gain on securities, net of reclassification adjustment (Note 2) and tax expense of $72 thousand

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          112        —          112   
                     

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

                        1,807   
                     

 

 

 

Dividends paid to common stockholders ($0.20 per share)

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (299     —          —          (299

Preferred stock accretion of discount and issuance costs

    —          120        —          —          —          —          —          (120     —          —          —     

Dividends paid on preferred stock

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (500     —          —          (500

Grants of restricted and unrestricted common stock

    —          —          —          —          13,920        14        (14     —          —          —          —     

Stock-based compensation (Note 1)

    —          —          —          —          —          —          512        —          —          —          512   

Amortization of unearned compensation – ESOP

    —          —          —          —          —          —          (200     —          —          688        488   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2011

    10,000      $ 9,709        —        $ —          1,681,071      $ 1,681      $ 4,589      $ 35,288      $ 892      $ (5,038   $ 47,121   

Net income

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          851        —          —          851   

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax expense of $8 thousand:

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Unrealized loss on post-retirement benefits, net of tax benefit of $(15) thousand

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (16     —          (16

Unrealized gain on securities, net of reclassification adjustment (Note 2) and tax expense of $23 thousand

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (5     —          (5
                     

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

                        830   
                     

 

 

 

Dividends paid to common stockholders ($0.20 per share)

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          (307     —          —          (307

Redemption of Series A Preferred Stock, net

    (10,000     (9,701     —          —          —          —          —          (299     —          —          (10,000

Issuance of Series B Preferred Stock, net of issuance costs of $45

    —          —          10,000        9,955        —          —          —          —          —          —          9,955   

Preferred stock accretion of discount and issuance costs

    —          56        —          11        —          —          —          (67     —          —          —     

Redemption of Series A warrants

    —          —          —          —          —          —          (2,525     —          —          —          (2,525

Dividends paid on preferred stock

    —          (64     —          —          —          —          —          (500     —          —          (564

Grants of restricted and unrestricted common stock

    —          —          —          —          9,880        10        (10     —          —          —          —     

Stock-based compensation (Note 1)

    —          —          —          —          —          —          441        —          —          —          441   

Amortization of unearned compensation – ESOP

    —          —          —          —          —          —          (294     —          —          689        395   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2012

    —        $ —          10,000      $ 9,966        1,690,951      $ 1,691      $ 2,201      $ 34,966      $ 871      $ (4,349   $ 45,346   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

56


CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (continued)

(In Thousands)

The Company’s other comprehensive income and related tax effect for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

 

     Before Tax
Amount
    Tax  Expense
(Benefit)
    After-Tax
Amount
 
     (In Thousands)  

Year ended March 31, 2012

      

Unrealized loss on post-retirement benefits

   $ (31   $ (15   $ (16

Unrealized gains on securities:

      

Unrealized net holding gains during period

     559        241        318   

Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income

     541        218        323   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

   $ (13   $ 8      $ (21
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Before-Tax
Amount
    Tax  Expense
(Benefit)
    After-Tax
Amount
 
     (In Thousands)  

Year ended March 31, 2011

      

Unrealized loss on post-retirement benefits

   $ (52   $ (22   $ (30

Unrealized gains on securities:

      

Unrealized net holding gains during period

     320        127        193   

Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income

     136        55        81   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

   $ 132      $ 50      $ 82   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

57


CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

     Years Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 851      $ 1,725   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     500        623   

Amortization of premiums

     144        218   

Provision for loan losses

     1,400        1,100   

Stock-based compensation and amortization of unearned compensation – ESOP

     836        1,000   

Deferred tax provision

     339        941   

Net gains from sales and write-downs of investment securities

     (541     (136

Bank-owned life insurance income

     (292     (286

Gains on sales of loans held for sale

     (143     (251

Originations of loans held for sale

     (10,934     (20,795

Proceeds from the sale of loans originated for sale

     11,077        21,438   

Gains on sales of other real estate owned

     (38     (2

Decrease in accrued interest receivable

     137        400   

Decrease in other assets, net

     209        302   

Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities, net

     789        (317
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     4,334        5,960   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Loan principal (originations) collections, net

     (55,877     66,915   

Principal payments on mortgage-backed securities

     5,313        9,137   

Purchases of investment securities

     (25,613     (3,223

Proceeds from sales of investment securities

     6,840        3,371   

Proceeds from redemption of FHLB stock

     315        —     

Purchases of banking premises and equipment

     (489     (569

Purchase of BOLI

     (2,000     —     

Premiums paid on BOLI

     (86     —     

Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned

     225        62   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (71,372     75,693   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Preferred stock issuance costs

     (45     —     

Redemption of Series A preferred stock warrants

     (2,525     —     

Net increase (decrease) in deposits

     35,457        (30,092

Increase ( decrease) in payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance

     1,568        (262

Repayment of advances from FHLB of Boston

     (123     (26,118

Cash dividends paid

     (871     (799
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     33,461        (57,271
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (33,577     24,382   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     40,918        16,536   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 7,341      $ 40,918   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash paid (received) during the period for:

    

Interest

   $ 6,619      $ 8,043   

Income taxes paid

   $ 58      $ 350   

Income taxes refunded

   $ (725   $ —     

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:

    

Loans transferred to other real estate owned

   $ 188      $ 132   

Redemption of Series A preferred stock for issuance of Series B preferred stock

     10,000        —     

Accretion of Series A and B preferred stock discount and issuance costs

     67        120   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 

58


CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2012 AND 2011

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Central Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), a Massachusetts corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Central Co-operative Bank (the “Bank”), as well as the wholly owned subsidiaries of the Bank, Central Securities Corporation, Central Securities Corporation II, and Metro Real Estate Holdings, LLC.

The Company was organized at the direction of the Bank in September 1998 to acquire all of the capital stock of the Bank upon the consummation of the reorganization of the Bank into the holding company form of ownership. This reorganization was completed in January 1999. The Bank was organized as a Massachusetts chartered co-operative bank in 1915 and converted from mutual to stock form of ownership in 1986. The primary business of the Bank is to generate funds in the form of deposits and use the funds to make mortgage loans for the construction, purchase and refinancing of residential properties, and to make loans on commercial real estate in its market area. The Bank is subject to competition from other financial institutions. The Company is subject to the regulations of, and periodic examinations by the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Massachusetts Division of Banks. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC for deposits up to $250,000 for most accounts and up to $250,000 for retirement accounts and the Share Insurance Fund (“SIF”) for deposits in excess of the FDIC limits. Additionally, during 2010, amendments to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act were enacted, providing unlimited insurance coverage for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts beginning December 31, 2010, through December 31, 2012.

The Company conducts its business through one operating segment, the Bank. Most of the Bank’s activities are with customers located in eastern Massachusetts. As set forth in Note 3 herein, the Bank concentrates in real estate lending. Management believes that the Bank does not have any significant concentrations in any one customer or industry.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and income and expenses for the year. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change relate to the allowance for loan losses, fair value of other real estate owned, fair value of investments and other-than-temporary impairment, income taxes, accounting for goodwill and impairment, and stock-based compensation.

The Company owns 100% of the common stock of Central Bancorp Capital Trust I (“Trust I”) and Central Bancorp Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”), which have issued trust preferred securities to the public in private placement offerings. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 860 Transfers and Servicing, neither Trust I nor Trust II are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements (See “Subordinated Debentures” below).

The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies adopted by the Company and the Bank:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, money market mutual fund investments, federal funds sold and other short-term investments having an original maturity at date of purchase of 90 days or less.

 

59


The Bank is required to maintain cash and reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Such required reserves are calculated based upon deposit levels and amounted to approximately $1.9 million at March 31, 2012.

Investments

Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, both computed by a method that approximates the effective yield method. Debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Debt and equity securities not classified as either held-to-maturity or trading are classified as available for sale and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses determined by management to be temporary excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income. At March 31, 2012 and 2011, all of the Bank’s investment securities were classified as available for sale.

Gains and losses on sales of securities are recognized when realized with the cost basis of investments sold determined on a specific-identification basis. Premiums and discounts on investment and mortgage-backed securities are amortized or accreted to interest income over the actual or expected lives of the securities using the level-yield method.

If a decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis of an investment is judged to be other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the investment is written down to fair value as a new cost basis. For debt securities, when the Bank does not intend to sell the security, and it is more-likely-than-not that the Bank will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, it will recognize the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment loss in earnings, and the remaining portion in other comprehensive income. The credit loss component recognized in earnings is identified as the amount of principal cash flows not expected to be received over the remaining term of the security as estimated based on the cash flow projections discounted at the applicable original yield of the security.

The Company’s investments in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and the Co-operative Central Bank Reserve Fund are accounted for at cost. Such investments are reviewed for impairment when impairment indications are present. Factors considered in determining impairment include a current financial analysis of the issuer and an assessment of future financial performance.

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future are reported at the principal amount outstanding, adjusted by unamortized discounts, premiums, and net deferred loan origination costs and fees.

Loans classified as held for sale are stated at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. Fair value is estimated based on outstanding investor commitments. Net unrealized losses, if any, are provided for in a valuation allowance by charges to operations. The Company enters into forward commitments (generally on a best efforts delivery basis) to sell loans held for sale in order to reduce market risk associated with the origination of such loans. Loans held for sale are sold on a servicing released basis. As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no loans held for sale.

Mortgage loan commitments that relate to the origination of a mortgage that will be held for sale upon funding are considered derivative instruments. Loan commitments that are derivatives are recognized at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet in other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded in noninterest income.

The Company carefully evaluates all loan sales agreements to determine whether they meet the definition of a derivative as facts and circumstances may differ significantly. If agreements qualify, to protect against the price

 

60


risk inherent in derivative loan commitments, the Company generally uses “best efforts” forward loan sale commitments to mitigate the risk of potential decreases in the values of loans that would result from the exercise of the derivative loan commitments. Mandatory delivery contracts are accounted for as derivative instruments. Accordingly, forward loan sale commitments are recognized at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet in other assets and liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded in other noninterest income.

Loan origination fees, net of certain direct loan origination costs, are deferred and are amortized into interest income over the contractual loan term using the level-yield method. At March 31, 2012 and 2011, net deferred loan costs of $91 thousand and net deferred loan fees of $23 thousand, respectively, were included with the related loan balances for financial presentation purposes.

Interest income on loans is recognized on an accrual basis using the simple interest method only if deemed collectible. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. Accrual of interest on loans and amortization of net deferred loan fees or costs are discontinued either when reasonable doubt exists as to the full and timely collection of interest or principal, or when a loan becomes contractually past due 90 days with respect to interest or principal. The accrual on some loans, however, may continue even though they are more than 90 days past due if management deems it appropriate, provided that the loans are well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Interest accruals are resumed on such loans only when they are brought fully current with respect to interest and principal and when, in the judgment of management, the loans are estimated to be fully collectible as to both principal and interest.

Loans are classified as impaired when it is probable that the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans, except those loans that are accounted for at fair value or at lower of cost or fair value such as loans held for sale, are accounted for at the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or as a practical expedient in the case of collateral dependent loans, the lower of the fair value of the collateral less selling and other costs, or the recorded amount of the loan. In evaluating collateral values for impaired loans, management obtains new appraisals or opinions of value when deemed necessary and may discount those appraisals depending on the likelihood of foreclosure. Other factors considered by management when discounting appraisals are the age of the appraisal, availability of comparable properties, geographic considerations, and property type. Management considers the payment status, net worth and earnings potential of the borrower, and the value and cash flow of the collateral as factors to determine if a loan will be paid in accordance with its contractual terms. Management does not set any minimum delay of payments as a factor in reviewing for impairment classification. For all loans, charge-offs occur when management believes that the collectibility of a portion or all of the loan’s principal balance is remote. Management considers nonaccrual loans, except for certain nonaccrual residential and consumer loans, to be impaired. However, all troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) are considered to be impaired. A TDR occurs when the Bank grants a concession to a borrower with financial difficulties that it would not otherwise consider. The majority of TDRs involve a modification in loan terms such as a temporary reduction in the interest rate or a temporary period of interest only, and escrow (if required). TDRs are accounted for as set forth in ASC 310 Receivables (“ASC 310”). A TDR is typically on non-accrual until the borrower successfully performs under the new terms for at least six consecutive months. However, a TDR may be kept on accrual immediately following the restructuring in those instances where a borrower’s payments are current prior to the modification and management determines that principal and interest under the new terms are fully collectible.

Existing performing loan customers who request a non-TDR loan modification and who meet the Bank’s underwriting standards may, usually for a fee, modify their original loan terms to terms currently offered. The modified terms of these loans are similar to the terms offered to new customers with similar credit, income, and collateral. Each modification is examined on a loan-by-loan basis and if the modification of terms represents more than a minor change to the loan, then the unamortized balance of the pre-modification deferred fees or costs associated with the mortgage loan are recognized in interest income at the time of the modification. If the

 

61


modification of terms does not represent more than a minor change to the loan, then the unamortized balance of the pre-modification deferred fees or costs continue to be deferred and amortized over the remaining life of the loan.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level determined to be adequate by management to absorb probable losses based on an evaluation of known and inherent risks in the portfolio. This allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expense and by recoveries on loans previously charged-off, and reduced by charge-offs on loans or reductions in the provision credited to operating expense.

The Bank provides for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level that management estimates is adequate to absorb probable losses based on an evaluation of known and inherent risks in the portfolio. In determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers past and anticipated loss experience, evaluations of underlying collateral, financial condition of the borrower, prevailing economic conditions, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio and the levels of non-performing and other classified loans. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates and ultimate losses may vary from such estimates. Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and provides for loan losses monthly when appropriate to maintain the adequacy of the allowance.

Regarding impaired loans, the Bank individually evaluates each loan and documents what management believes to be an appropriate reserve level in accordance with ASC 310. If management does not believe that any separate reserves for such loans are deemed necessary at the evaluation date in accordance with ASC 310, such loans would continue to be evaluated separately and will not be returned to be included in the general ASC 450 Contingencies (“ASC 450”) formula based reserve calculation. In evaluating impaired loans, all related management discounts of appraised values, selling and resolution costs are taken into consideration in determining the level of reserves required when appropriate.

The methodology employed in calculating the allowance for loan losses is portfolio segmentation. For the commercial real estate (“CRE”) portfolio, this is further refined through stratification within each segment based on loan-to-value (LTV) ratios. The CRE portfolio is further segmented by type of properties securing those loans. This approach allows the Bank to take into consideration the fact that the various sectors of the real estate market change value at differing rates and thereby present different risk levels. CRE loans are segmented into the following categories:

 

   

Apartments

 

   

Offices

 

   

Retail

 

   

Mixed Use

 

   

Industrial/Other

Monthly, CRE loans are segmented using the above collateral-types and three LTV ratio categories: <40%, 40%-60%, and >60%. While these ranges are subjective, management feels that each category represents a significantly different degree of risk from the other. CRE loans carrying higher LTV ratios are assigned incrementally higher ASC 450 reserve rates. Annually, for the CRE portfolio, management adjusts the appraised values which are used to calculate LTV ratios in our allowance for loan losses calculation. The data is provided by an independent appraiser and it indicates annual changes in value for each property type in the Bank’s market area for the last ten years. Management then adjusts the appraised or most recent appraised values based on the year the appraisal was made. These adjustments are believed to be appropriate based on the Bank’s own experience with collateral values in its market area in recent years. Based on the Bank’s allowance for loan loss methodology with respect to CRE, unfavorable trends in the value of real estate will increase the level of the Bank’s ASC 450 allowance for loan losses.

 

62


In developing ASC 450 reserve levels, regulatory guidance suggests using the Bank’s charge-off history as a starting point. The Bank’s charge-off history in recent years has been minimal. The charge-off ratios are then adjusted based on trends in delinquent and impaired loans, trends in charge-offs and recoveries, trends in underwriting practices, experience of loan staff, national and local economic trends, industry conditions, and changes in credit concentrations. There is a concentration in CRE loans, but the concentration is decreasing. Management’s efforts to reduce the levels of commercial real estate and construction loans are reflected in changes in the Bank’s commercial real estate concentration ratio, which is calculated as total non-owner-occupied commercial real estate and construction loans divided by the Bank’s risk-based capital. At March 31, 2012, the commercial real estate concentration ratio was 286%, compared to a ratio of 330% at March 31, 2011, and 466% at March 31, 2010.

Residential loans, home equity loans and consumer loans, other than TDRs and loans in the process of foreclosure or repossession, are collectively evaluated for impairment. In addition to our charge-off experience, factors considered in determining the appropriate ASC 450 reserve levels are trends in delinquent and impaired loans, changes in the value of collateral, trends in charge-offs and recoveries, trends in underwriting practices, experience of loan staff, national and local economic trends, industry conditions, and changes in credit concentrations. TDRs and loans that are in the process of foreclosure or repossession are evaluated under ASC 310.

Commercial and industrial and construction loans that are not impaired are evaluated under ASC 450 and factors considered in determining the appropriate reserve levels include trends in delinquent and impaired loans, changes in the value of collateral, trends in charge-offs and recoveries, trends in underwriting practices, experience of loan staff, national and local economic trends, industry conditions, and changes in credit concentrations. Those loans that are individually reviewed for impairment are evaluated according to ASC 310.

During the year ended March 31, 2012, management changed the various ASC 450 loss factors, specifically as it related to trends in delinquencies and impaired loans, changes in collateral values, charge-offs and recoveries, and trends and conditions related to economic conditions among the different loan types. As a result of these loss factor changes, increases in ASC 450 reserves of approximately $372 thousand were made to the allowance for loan losses.

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 loan composition or volume, changes in economic market area conditions or 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, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies 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. Management currently believes that there are adequate reserves and collateral securing non-performing loans to cover losses that may result from these loans at March 31, 2012.

In the ordinary course of business, the Bank enters into commitments to extend credit, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they become payable. The credit risk associated with these commitments is evaluated in a manner similar to the allowance for loan losses. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments is included in other liabilities in the balance sheet. At March 31, 2012 and 2011, the reserve for unfunded commitments was not significant.

Subordinated Debentures

On September 16, 2004, the Company completed a trust preferred securities financing in the amount of $5.1 million. In the transaction, the Company formed a Delaware statutory trust, known as Central Bancorp Capital Trust I (“Trust I”). Trust I issued and sold $5.1 million of trust preferred securities in a private placement and

 

63


issued $158,000 of trust common securities to the Company. Trust I used the proceeds of these issuances to purchase $5.3 million of the Company’s floating rate junior subordinated debentures due December 15, 2034 (the “Trust I Debentures”). The interest rate on the Trust I Debentures and the trust preferred securities is variable and adjustable quarterly at 2.44% over three-month LIBOR. At March 31, 2012 the interest rate was 2.91%. The Trust I Debentures are the sole assets of Trust I and are subordinate to all of the Company’s existing and future obligations for borrowed money. With respect to Capital Trust I, the trust preferred securities and debentures each have 30-year lives and may be callable by the Company or the Trust, at their respective option, subject to prior approval by the Federal Reserve Board, if then required. Interest on the trust preferred securities and the debentures may be deferred at any time or from time to time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarterly periods (five years), provided there is no event of default.

On January 31, 2007, the Company completed a trust preferred securities financing in the amount of $5.9 million. In the transaction, the Company formed a Connecticut statutory trust, known as Central Bancorp Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”). Trust II issued and sold $5.9 million of trust preferred securities in a private placement and issued $183,000 of trust common securities to the Company. Trust II used the proceeds of these issuances to purchase $6.1 million of the Company’s floating rate junior subordinated debentures due March 15, 2037 (the “Trust II Debentures”). From January 31, 2007 until March 15, 2017 (the “Fixed Rate Period”), the interest rate on the Trust II Debentures and the trust preferred securities is fixed at 7.015% per annum. Upon the expiration of the Fixed Rate Period, the interest rate on the Trust II Debentures and the trust preferred securities will be at a variable per annum rate, reset quarterly, equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1.65%. The Trust II Debentures are the sole assets of Trust II. The Trust II Debentures and the trust preferred securities each have 30-year lives. The trust preferred securities and the Trust II Debentures will each be callable by the Company or Trust II, at their respective option, after ten years, and sooner in certain specific events, including in the event that the securities are not eligible for treatment as Tier 1 capital, subject to prior approval by the Federal Reserve Board, if then required. Interest on the trust preferred securities and the Trust II Debentures may be deferred at any time or from time to time for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive quarterly payments (five years), provided there is no event of default.

The trust preferred securities generally rank equal to the trust common securities in priority of payment, but will rank prior to the trust common securities if and so long as the Company fails to make principal or interest payments on the Trust I and/or the Trust II Debentures. Concurrently with the issuance of the Trust I and the Trust II Debentures and the trust preferred securities, the Company issued guarantees related to each trust’s securities for the benefit of the respective holders of Trust I and Trust II.

Income Taxes

The Company recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the accounting basis and the tax basis of the Bank’s assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled. The Bank’s deferred tax asset is reviewed periodically and adjustments to such asset are recognized as deferred income tax expense or benefit based on management’s judgments relating to the realizability of such asset.

When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the consolidated financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax

 

64


benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits, if any, would be classified as additional provision for income taxes in the statement of income.

Banking Premises and Equipment

Land is stated at cost. Buildings, leasehold improvements and equipment are stated at cost, less allowances for depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or terms of the leases, if shorter. Rental payments under long-term leases are charged to expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned (“OREO”) is recorded at fair market value less estimated selling costs. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and asset values are adjusted downward if necessary.

Accounting for Goodwill and Impairment

ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, (“ASC 350”) addresses the method of identifying and measuring goodwill and other intangible assets having indefinite lives acquired in a business combination, eliminates further amortization of goodwill and requires periodic impairment evaluations of goodwill using a fair value methodology prescribed in ASC 350. In accordance with ASC 350, the Company does not amortize the goodwill balance of $2.2 million. The Company consists of a single reporting unit. Impairment testing is required at least annually or more frequently as a result of an event or change in circumstances (e.g., recurring operating losses by the acquired entity) that would indicate an impairment adjustment may be necessary. The Company adopted December 31 as its assessment date. Annual impairment testing was performed during each year and in each analysis, it was determined that an impairment charge was not required. The most recent testing was performed as of December 31, 2011 utilizing average earnings and average book and tangible book multiples of sales transactions of banks considered to be comparable to the Company, and management determined that no impairment existed at that date. Management utilized 2011 sales transaction data of financial institutions in the New England area of similar size, credit quality, net income, and return on average assets levels and management believes that the overall assumptions utilized in the testing process were reasonable. During the December 31, 2011 impairment testing, management also considered utilizing market capitalization, but ultimately concluded that it was not an appropriate measure of the Company’s fair value due to the overall depressed valuations in the financial sector and the significance of the Company’s insider ownership and the lack of volume in trading in the Company’s shares of common stock. Management also does not believe that this measure generally reflects the premium that a buyer would typically pay for a controlling interest. No events have occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2012 which would indicate that the impairment test would need to be re-performed.

Pension Benefits and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

The Bank provides pension benefits for its employees in a multi-employer pension plan through membership in the Co-operative Banks Employees Retirement Association. Pension costs are funded as they are accrued and are accounted for on a defined contribution plan basis.

The Bank maintains supplemental retirement plans (“SERP”) for two highly compensated employees designed to offset the impact of regulatory limits on benefits under qualified pension plans. The Bank recognizes retirement expense based upon an annual analysis performed by a benefits administrator. Annual SERP expense can vary based upon changes in factors such as changes in salaries or estimated retirement ages.

 

65


The Bank also maintains a post-retirement medical insurance plan and life insurance plan for certain individuals. The Bank recognizes the over funded or under funded status of the plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial condition and recognizes changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other comprehensive income as set forth by ASC 715 Compensation – Retirement Benefits (“ASC 715”).

Related Party Transactions

Directors and officers of the Company and their affiliates have been customers of and have had transactions with the Bank, and it is expected that such persons will continue to have such transactions in the future. Management believes that all deposit accounts, loans, services and commitments comprising such transactions were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other customers who are not directors or officers. In the opinion of management, the transactions with related parties did not involve more than normal risks of collectability, nor favored treatment or terms, nor present other unfavorable features.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock based compensation pursuant to ASC 718 Compensation–Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model as its method for determining fair value of stock option grants. The Company has previously adopted two qualified stock option plans for the benefit of officers and other employees under which an aggregate of 281,500 shares have been reserved for issuance. One of these plans expired in 1997 and the other plan expired in 2009. All awards under the plan that expired in 2009 were granted by the end of 2005. Awards outstanding at the time the plans expire will continue to remain outstanding according to their terms.

On July 31, 2006, the Company’s stockholders approved the Central Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”). Under the Incentive Plan, 150,000 shares have been reserved for issuance as options to purchase stock, restricted stock, or other stock awards. However, a maximum of 100,000 restricted shares may be granted under the plan. The exercise price of an option may not be less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant of the option and may not be exercisable more than ten years after the date of grant. However, awards may become available again if participants forfeit awards under the plan prior to their expiration. As of March 31, 2012, no shares remained unissued and available for award under the Incentive Plan.

Forfeitures of awards granted under the incentive plan are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates in order to derive the Company’s best estimate of awards ultimately expected to vest. Estimated forfeiture rates represent only the unvested portion of a surrendered option and are typically estimated based on historical experience. Based on an analysis of the Company’s historical data, the Company applied a forfeiture rate of 0% to stock options outstanding in determining stock compensation expense for each of the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, 9,880 restricted shares were issued under the Incentive Plan. Of these shares, 2,000 shares vested immediately and 7,880 shares vest over a five-year life. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company also granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of 40,000 shares. Of these stock options, 8,267 options vested immediately and 31,733 options vest over a five-year life. During fiscal 2011, 13,920 shares were issued under the Incentive Plan. Of these shares, 5,871 shares vested immediately and 8,049 shares vest over a five-year life. Stock-based compensation totaled $441 thousand for the year ended March 31, 2012 and $512 thousand for the year ended March 31, 2011 for all options and restricted shares based on their respective vesting schedules.

 

66


The number of shares and weighted average exercise prices of outstanding stock options at March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

 

     Number of
Options
    Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 

Balance at March 31, 2010

     53,608      $ 26.62   

Exercised

     —          —     

Forfeited

     (12,466     23.64   

Expired

     (6,684     16.63   
  

 

 

   

Balance at March 31, 2011

     34,458        29.63   
  

 

 

   

Granted

     40,000      $ 17.50   

Exercised

     —          —     

Forfeited

     —          —     

Expired

     (869     28.99   
  

 

 

   

Balance at March 31, 2012

     73,589      $ 23.04   
  

 

 

   

Exercisable at March 31, 2012

     41,856      $ 27.25   
  

 

 

   

As of March 31, 2012, the Company expects all non-vested stock options to vest over their remaining vesting periods.

The range of exercise prices, weighted average remaining contractual lives of outstanding stock options and aggregate intrinsic value at March 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

Options Outstanding

     Options Exercisable  

Exercise

Price

   Number of
Shares
Outstanding
    Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
(Years)
     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (1)
(in
Thousands)
     Number of
Shares
Exercisable
     Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)
     Weighted
Average

Exercise
Price
 

$28.99

     23,589 (2)      2.9       $ 28.99       $ —           23,589         2.9       $ 28.99   

31.20

     10,000 (2)      4.5         31.20         —           10,000         4.5         31.20   

17.50

     40,000 (3)      9.8         17.50         28         8,267         9.8         17.50   
  

 

 

         

 

 

    

 

 

       
     73,589        6.9       $ 23.04       $ 28         41,856         4.7       $ 27.25   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents the total intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price of $18.20 as of March 31, 2012, which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date.

(2)

Fully vested at March 31, 2012.

(3)

Subject to a variable vesting schedule.

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

 

Assumptions

   2012     2011  

Expected dividends

     1.18     n/a   

Expected term

     6.3 years        n/a   

Expected volatility

     74.3     n/a   

Risk-free interest rate

     1.13     n/a   

 

67


A summary of non-vested stock award activity under all Company plans for the years ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 is as follows:

 

Non-Vested Shares

   Number of
Shares
    Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 

Balance at March 31, 2010

     46,800      $ 16.51   

Granted

     13,920        18.48   

Vested

     (21,771     19.87   

Forfeited

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

Non-vested at March 31, 2011

     38,949        15.33   
  

 

 

   

Granted

     9,880        17.50   

Vested

     (32,900     14.51   

Forfeited

     —       
  

 

 

   

Non-vested at March 31, 2012

     15,929      $ 18.00   
  

 

 

   

Regarding the stock awards, 9,880 shares of restricted and unrestricted stock grants were issued during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 and the stock-based compensation expense associated with those shares totaled $35 thousand. In total, 100,000 shares have been issued under the Incentive Plan since fiscal 2007 with total outstanding vested shares of 84,071 at a weighted average grant price of $21.81 per share as of March 31, 2012.

As of March 31, 2012, the total expected future compensation costs related to options and stock award vesting is $560 thousand; $311 thousand on stock options and $249 thousand on stock awards. The projected annual expense is $123 thousand per year for fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2016 and $68 thousand for fiscal 2017.

Earnings Per Share

Regarding earnings per share, the Company adheres to guidance as set forth by ASC 360, “Earnings Per Share” (“ASC 360”). Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock, such as stock options, were exercised or converted into common stock. Unallocated shares of common stock held by the Central Co-operative Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust (the “ESOP”) are not treated as being outstanding in the computation of either basic or diluted EPS. At March 31, 2012 and 2011, there were approximately 133,000 and 154,000 unallocated ESOP shares, respectively, with fair values of $2.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively.

 

68


The following depicts a reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

     2012     2011  
     (Amounts in thousands, except
share and per share amounts)
 

Net income as reported

   $ 851      $ 1,725   

Less preferred dividends and accretion

     (866     (620
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (loss) income (attributable) available to common stockholders

   $ (15   $ 1,105   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

     1,683,474        1,667,685   

Weighted average number of unallocated ESOP shares

     (142,459     (163,966
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in calculation of basic earnings per share

     1,541,015        1,503,719   

Incremental shares from the assumed exercise of dilutive common stock equivalents

     86,818        117,463   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in calculating diluted earnings per share

     1,627,833        1,621,182   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Loss) earnings per share:

    

Basic

   $ (0.01   $ 0.74   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted

   $ (0.01   $ 0.68   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, 20,799 and 34,458 stock options were anti-dilutive and were excluded from the above calculation.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

The Bank follows ASC 325 Investments – Other (“ASC 325”) in accounting for this asset and covers two executive officers. Increases in the cash value are recognized in other noninterest income and are not subject to income taxes while purchases increase the cash surrender value. Prior to the purchase of the policies, the Bank reviewed the financial strength of the respective insurance carrier and continues to conduct such reviews on an annual basis. Bank-owned life insurance totaled $9.6 million at March 31, 2012 and $7.3 million at March 31, 2011.

Other Comprehensive Income

The Company has established standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income, which is defined as all changes to equity except investments by, and distributions to, shareholders. Net income is a component of comprehensive income, with all other components referred to, in the aggregate, as other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income consists of unrealized gains or losses on available for sale securities, net of taxes, and unrealized gain or loss on post-retirement benefits, net of taxes.

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, included in stockholders’ equity, are as follows at March 31:

 

     2012     2011  
     (In Thousands)  

Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale

   $ 1,202      $ 1,184   

Tax effect

     (475     (452
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net-of-tax amount

     727        732   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrealized gain on pension benefits

     239        270   

Tax effect

     (95     (110
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net-of-tax amount

     144        160   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

   $ 871      $ 892   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

69


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements. The main provisions in this amendment remove from the assessment of effective control (1) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, and (2) the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. Eliminating the transferor’s ability criterion and related implementation guidance from an entity’s assessment of effective control should improve the accounting for repos and other similar transactions. The guidance in this update is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. Early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. The amendments in this update are a result of the work by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board to develop common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”). The amendments change the wording used to describe many of the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. For many of the requirements, the FASB does not intend for these amendments to result in a change in the application of the requirements of Topic 820. The amendments are to be applied prospectively. The amendments are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early application is not permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The objective of this update is to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The amendments in this update require that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments are to be applied retrospectively. The amendments are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. The objective of this update is to simplify how entities test goodwill for impairment. The amendments in this update permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. The amendments are to be applied prospectively. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-09, Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80), Disclosures about an Employer’s Participation in a Multiemployer Plan. The ASU requires new and expanded disclosures for individually material multi-employer pension plans. The changes are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the amendments relate only to disclosures in the financial statements.

 

70


In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-10, Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): De-recognition of In Substance Real Estate – a Scope Clarification. Under the amendments in this update, when a parent ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary that is in substance real estate as a result of default on the subsidiary’s nonrecourse debt, the reporting entity should apply the guidance in Subtopic 360-20 to determine whether it should derecognize the in substance real estate. The amendments are to be applied prospectively to deconsolidation events occurring after the effective date. The amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after June 15, 2012. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. Under the amendments in this update, entities are required to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. This scope includes derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. An entity is required to apply the amendments for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. An entity should provide the disclosures required by the amendment retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. The objective of this update is to allow the FASB to reconsider whether it is necessary to require entities to present reclassification adjustments by component in both the statement where net income is presented and the statement where other comprehensive income is presented for both interim and annual financial statements. All other requirements in Update 2011-05 are not affected by this Update, including the requirement to report comprehensive income either in a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements. The amendments are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 2. Investments (In Thousands)

The amortized cost and fair value of investments securities available for sale are summarized as follows:

 

     March 31, 2012  
     Amortized
Cost
     Gross Unrealized     Fair
Value
 
      Gains      Losses    
            (In Thousands)        

Government agency and government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities

   $ 30,453       $ 816       $ (11   $ 31,258   

Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions

     1,001         40         —          1,041   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt securities

     31,454         856         (11     32,299   

Perpetual preferred stock issued by financial institutions

     3,043         93         (25     3,111   

Common stock

     3,361         374         (85     3,650   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 37,858       $ 1,323       $ (121   $ 39,060   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

71


     March 31, 2011  
     Amortized
Cost
     Gross Unrealized     Fair
Value
 
      Gains      Losses    
            (In Thousands)        

Government agency and government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities

   $ 18,129       $ 764       $ (70   $ 18,823   

Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions

     1,002         47         —          1,049   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt securities

     19,131         811         (70     19,872   

Perpetual preferred stock issued by financial institutions

     3,071         194         (80     3,185   

Common stock

     1,799         354         (25     2,128   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 24,001       $ 1,359       $ (175   $ 25,185   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2012, one common stock holding was determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired and its book value was reduced through an impairment charge of $47 thousand. This impairment charge is reflected in “Net gain from sales and write-downs of investment securities” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Temporarily impaired securities as of March 31, 2012 are presented in the following table and are aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position.

 

     Less Than or Equal  to
12 Months
    Greater Than
12 Months
 
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
    Fair Value      Unrealized
Losses
 
            (In Thousands)         

Government agency and government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities

   $ 12       $ (1   $ 360       $ (10

Perpetual preferred stock issued by financial institutions

     —           —          991         (25

Common stock

     687         (85     —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total temporarily impaired securities

   $ 699       $ (86   $ 1,351       $ (35
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of March 31, 2012, the Company has nine government agency mortgage-backed securities which have been in a continuous loss position for a period greater than twelve months and five which have been in a continuous loss position for less than twelve months. These debt securities have a total fair value of $372 thousand and unrealized losses of $11 thousand as of March 31, 2012. Management currently does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is more likely that it will not have to sell these securities before recovery of their cost basis. Based on management’s analysis of these securities, it has been determined that none of the securities are other-than-temporarily impaired as of March 31, 2012.

The Company has one preferred stock security which has been in a continuous loss position for greater than twelve months as of March 31, 2012. This security has a fair value of $991 thousand and an unrealized loss of $25 thousand at March 31, 2012. The preferred stock had a loss to book value ratio of 2.5% at March 31, 2012 compared to a loss to book value ratio of 7.8% at March 31, 2011. Due to the long-term nature of preferred stocks, management considers these securities to be similar to debt securities for analysis purposes. Based on available information, management has determined that the unrealized losses on the Company’s investment in this preferred stock is not other-than-temporary as of March 31, 2012.

The Company has eight equity securities with a fair value of $687 thousand and unrealized losses of $85 thousand which were temporarily impaired at March 31, 2012. The total unrealized losses relating to these equity

 

72


securities represent 11.0% of book value. This is an increase when compared to the ratio of unrealized losses to book value of 6.3% at March 31, 2011. Of these eight securities, none have been in a continuous loss position for greater than twelve months. Data indicates that, due to current economic conditions, the time for many stocks to recover may be substantially lengthened. Management’s investment approach is to be a long-term investor. As of March 31, 2012, the Company has determined that the unrealized losses associated with these securities are not other-than-temporary based on the projected recovery of the unrealized losses, and management’s intent and ability hold until recovery of cost.

The maturity distribution (based on contractual maturities) and annual yields of debt securities at March 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Fair
Value
 
     
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Government agency and government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities

     

Due within one year

   $ 3       $ 3   

Due after one year but within five years

     483         489   

Due after five years but within ten years

     1,704         1,731   

Due after ten years

     28,263         29,035   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 30,453       $ 31,258   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions:

     

Due after ten years

     1,001         1,041   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 31,454       $ 32,299   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities are shown at their contractual maturity dates but actual maturities may differ as borrowers have the right to prepay obligations without incurring prepayment penalties.

Proceeds from sales of investment securities and related gains and losses for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (all classified as available for sale) were as follows:

 

         2012             2011      
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Proceeds from sales, maturities, redemptions

   $ 6,840      $ 3,371   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross gains

     588        552   

Gross losses

     —          (72

Other- than- temporary impairments

     (47     (344
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain

   $ 541      $ 136   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax expense on net realized gains

   $ 237      $ 193   

Mortgage-backed securities with an amortized cost of $381 thousand and a fair value of $426 thousand at March 31, 2012, were pledged to provide collateral for certain customers. Investment securities carried at $2.1 million were pledged under a blanket lien to partially secure the Bank’s advances from the FHLB of Boston. Additionally, investment securities carried at $2.4 million were pledged to maintain borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

As a member of the FHLB of Boston, the Company is required to invest in $100 par value stock of the FHLB of Boston. The FHLB of Boston capital structure mandates that members must own stock as determined by their total stock investment requirement which is the sum of a member’s membership stock investment

 

73


requirement and activity-based stock investment requirement. The membership stock investment requirement is calculated as 0.35% of the member’s stock investment base, subject to a minimum investment of $10 thousand and a maximum investment of $25 million. The stock investment base is an amount calculated based on certain assets held by a member that are reflected on call reports submitted to applicable regulatory authorities. The activity-based stock investment requirement is calculated as 4.5% of a member’s outstanding principal balances of FHLB advances plus a percentage of advance commitments, 4.5% of standby letters of credit issued by the FHLB of Boston and 4.5% of the value of intermediated derivative contracts.

The Company views its investment in the FHLB of Boston stock as a long-term investment. Accordingly, when evaluating for impairment, the value is determined based on the ultimate recovery of the par value rather than recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recovery is influenced by criteria such as: (1) the significance of the decline in net assets of the FHLB of Boston as compared to the capital stock amount and length of time a decline has persisted; (2) impact of legislative and regulatory changes on the FHLB of Boston and (3) the liquidity position of the FHLB of Boston.

On August 8, 2011, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services cut the credit ratings for many government-related entities to AA+ from AAA reflecting their dependence on the recently downgraded U.S. Government. Included in those downgrades were ten of twelve Federal Home Loan Banks, including the FHLB of Boston. The other two Federal Home Loan Banks previously had been downgraded to AA+.

The Company does not believe that its investment in the FHLB of Boston is impaired as of March 31, 2012. However, this estimate could change in the near term in the event that: (1) additional significant impairment losses are incurred on the mortgage-backed securities causing a significant decline in the FHLB of Boston’s regulatory capital status; (2) the economic losses resulting from credit deterioration on the mortgage-backed securities increases significantly; or (3) capital preservation strategies being utilized by the FHLB of Boston become ineffective.

The Co-operative Central Bank Reserve Fund (the “Fund”) was established for liquidity purposes and consists of deposits required of all insured co-operative banks in Massachusetts. The Fund is used by The Co-operative Central Bank to advance funds to member banks or to make other investments.

Note 3. Loans and the Allowance for Loan Losses (In Thousands)

Loans, excluding loans held for sale, as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized below (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011  

Real estate loans:

    

Residential real estate (1-4 family)

   $ 270,324      $ 183,157   

Commercial real estate

     167,196        199,074   

Land and construction

     937        456   

Home equity lines of credit

     8,471        8,426   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     446,928        391,113   

Commercial loans

     1,127        2,212   

Consumer loans

     831        892   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loans

     448,886        394,217   

Less: allowance for loan losses

     (4,272     (3,892
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total loans, net

   $ 444,614      $ 390,325   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Nonaccrual loans totaled $9.1 million as of March 31, 2012 and were comprised of seven commercial real estate customer relationships which totaled $7.9 million and seven residential customer relationships which

 

74


totaled $1.2 million. Nonaccrual loans totaled $9.6 million as of March 31, 2011 and were comprised of five commercial real estate customer relationships which totaled $6.9 million and eleven residential customers which totaled $2.9 million of which there were three residential customer relationships totaling $363 thousand which were not impaired. Total nonaccrual loans include nonaccrual impaired loans as well as certain nonaccrual residential loans that are not considered impaired.

Financing Receivables on Nonaccrual Status as of:

 

     March  31,
2012
     March  31,
2011
 
     

Commercial real estate:

     

Mixed use

   $ 1,494       $ 1,616   

Apartments

     2,114         2,757   

Industrial (other)

     2,977         1,500   

Retail

     —           769   

Offices

     1,271         —     

Residential:

     

Residential (1-4 family)

     1,192         2,587   

Condominium

     —           352   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 9,048       $ 9,581   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Following is an age analysis of past due loans as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, by loan portfolio class (in thousands):

 

     Age Analysis of Past Due Financing Receivables as of  March 31, 2012  
     30-59 Days
Past Due
     60-89 Days
Past Due
     90 Days
Or More
     Total
Past Due
     Current      Total  

Commercial real estate:

                 

Mixed use

   $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 32,101       $ 32,101   

Apartments

     —           1,533         —           1,533         59,642         61,175   

Industrial (other)

     —           616         777         1,393         33,216         34,609   

Retail

     —           —           —           —           25,039         25,039   

Offices

     —           562         —           562         13,710         14,272   

Land and construction

     —           —           —           —           937         937   

Residential:

                 

Residential real estate loans

     490         329         436         1,255         237,396         238,651   

Residential (condominium)

     —           —           —           —           31,673         31,673   

Home equity lines of credit

     8         —           —           8         8,463         8,471   

Commercial and industrial loans

     —           —           —           —           1,127         1,127   

Consumer loans

     —           —           —           —           831         831   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 498       $ 3,040       $ 1,213       $ 4,751       $ 444,135       $ 448,886   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

75


     Age Analysis of Past Due Financing Receivables as of March 31, 2011  
     30-59 Days
Past Due
     60-89 Days
Past Due
     90 Days
Or More
     Total
Past Due
     Current      Total  

Commercial real estate:

                 

Mixed use

   $ 398       $ —         $ 1,616       $ 2,014       $ 36,605       $ 38,619   

Apartments

     —           258         2,757         3,015         75,655         78,670   

Industrial (other)

     —           —           1,500         1,500         36,005         37,505   

Retail

     —           —           769         769         28,276         29,045   

Offices

     —           —           —           —           15,235         15,235   

Land and construction

     —           —           —           —           456         456   

Residential:

                 

Residential real estate

     782         247         2,587         3,616         152,978         156,594   

Condominium

     —           —           352         352         26,211         26,563   

Home equity lines of credit

     —           —           —           —           8,426         8,426   

Commercial and industrial loans

     —           —           —           —           2,212         2,212   

Consumer loans

     4         —           —           4         888         892   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,184       $ 505       $ 9,581       $ 11,270       $ 382,947       $ 394,217   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

There were no loans which were past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011.

Credit Quality Indicators. Management regularly reviews the problem loans in the Bank’s portfolio to determine whether any assets require classification in accordance with Bank policy and applicable regulations. The following tables sets forth the balance of loans classified as pass, special mention, substandard or doubtful at March 31, 2012 and 2011 by loan class. Pass are those loans not classified as special mention or lower risk rating. Special mention loans are performing loans on which known information about the collateral pledged or the possible credit problems of the borrowers have caused management to have doubts as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms and which may result in the future inclusion of such loans in the non-performing loan categories. A loan is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard loans include those characterized by the distinct possibility the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent as those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts and conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans classified as loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as loans without the establishment of specific loss allowance is not warranted. Loans classified as substandard, doubtful or loss are individually evaluated for impairment.

The following tables display the loan portfolio by credit quality indicators as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

     March 31, 2012  
     Commercial
and
Industrial
Loans
     Residential
Real
Estate
     Home
Equity
Lines of
Credit
     Commercial
Real Estate
     Land
and
Construction
     Consumer
Loans
     Total  

Pass

   $ 1,127       $ 269,280       $ 8,466       $ 151,637       $ 937       $ 831       $ 432,278   

Special mention

     —           —           —           7,703         —           —           7,703   

Substandard

     —           1,044         5         7,856         —           —           8,905   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,127       $ 270,324       $ 8,471       $ 167,196       $ 937       $ 831       $ 448,886   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

76


     March 31, 2011  
     Commercial
and
Industrial
Loans
     Residential
Real
Estate
     Home
Equity
Lines of
Credit
     Commercial
Real Estate
     Land
and
Construction
     Consumer
Loans
     Total  

Pass

   $ 2,212       $ 181,587       $ 8,426       $ 188,917       $ 456       $ 892       $ 382,490   

Special mention

     —           1,570         —           7,128         —           —           8,698   

Substandard

     —           —           —           3,029         —           —           3,029   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 2,212       $ 183,157       $ 8,426       $ 199,074       $ 456       $ 892       $ 394,217   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Following is a summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses by loan portfolio segment for the years ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

     For the Year Ending March 31, 2012        
     Residential
Real Estate and
Condominium
    Commercial
Real Estate

And Land
    Commercial
And
Industrial
Loans
    Consumer
Loans
    Unallocated     Total  

Beginning balance

   $ 873      $ 2,820      $ 17      $ 16      $ 166      $ 3,892   

Charge offs

     (441     (604     (3     (10     —          (1,058

Recoveries

     33        —          —          5        —          38   

Provision (benefit)

     932        604        (2     (6     (128     1,400   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 1,397      $ 2,820      $ 12      $ 5      $ 38      $ 4,272   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     For the Year Ending March 31, 2011         
     Residential
Real Estate and
Condominium
    Commercial
Real Estate

And Land
    Commercial
And
Industrial
Loans
    Consumer
Loans
    Unallocated      Total  

Beginning balance

   $ 853      $ 2,037      $ 44      $ 22      $ 82       $ 3,038   

Charge offs

     (68     (171     —          (11     —           (250

Recoveries

     —          —          —          4        —           4   

Provision (benefit)

     88        954        (27     1        84         1,100   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 873      $ 2,820      $ 17      $ 16      $ 166       $ 3,892   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Following is a summary of the allowance for loan losses and loans at March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011by loan portfolio segment disaggregated by impairment method (in thousands):

 

    Allowance for Loan Losses as of March 31, 2012        
    Residential
Real Estate And
Condominium
    Commercial
Real Estate

And Land
    Commercial
And
Industrial
Loans
    Consumer
Loans
    Unallocated     Total  

Allowance for loan losses ending balance:

           

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 210      $ 1,315      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 1,525   

Collectively evaluated for impairment

    1,187        1,505        12        5        38        2,747   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 1 ,397      $ 2,820      $ 12      $ 5      $ 38      $ 4,272   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans ending balance:

           

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 1,981      $ 13,400      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 15,381   

Collectively evaluated for impairment

    276,814        154,733        1,127        831        —          433,505   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 278,795      $ 168,133      $ 1,127      $ 831      $ —        $ 448,886   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

77


    Allowance for Loan Losses as of March 31, 2011        
    Residential
Real Estate And
Condominium
    Commercial
Real Estate
And Land
    Commercial
And
Industrial
Loans
    Consumer
Loans
    Unallocated     Total  

Allowance for loan losses ending balance:

           

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 110      $ 1,307      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 1,417   

Collectively evaluated for impairment

    763        1,513        17        16        166        2,475   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 873      $ 2,820      $ 17      $ 16      $ 166      $ 3,892   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans ending balance:

           

Individually evaluated for impairment

  $ 3,588      $ 12,486      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 16,074   

Collectively evaluated for impairment

    187,833        187,572        690        2,048        —          378,143   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 191,421      $ 200,058      $ 690      $ 2,048      $ —        $ 394,217   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Following is a summary of impaired loans and their related allowances within the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 (in thousands):

 

    Impaired Loans and Their Related Allowances as of March 31, 2012  
    Recorded
Investment *
    Unpaid
Principal

Balance
    Related
Allowance
    Partial
Charge-offs
Recorded
During the
Year
    Average
Recorded
Investment
    Interest
Income
Recognized
During
Year
 

With no related allowance recorded:

 

Residential real estate and condominium

  $ 1,048      $ 1,128      $ —        $ 100      $ 1,737      $ 47   

Commercial real estate and land

    7,740        7,747        —          —          7,965        434   

With an allowance recorded:

           

Residential real estate and condominium

    933        1,092        210        —          1,593        36   

Commercial real estate and land

    5,660        5,867        1,315        —          4,906        155   

Total

           

Residential real estate and condominium

    1,981        2,220        210        100        3,329        83   

Commercial real estate and land

  $ 13,400      $ 13,614      $ 1,315      $ —        $ 12,871      $ 589   

 

*

Includes accrued interest, specific reserves and net unearned deferred fees and costs.

 

     Impaired Loans and Their Related
Allowances as of March 31, 2011
 
     Recorded
Investment  *
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Related
Allowance
 

With no related allowance recorded:

        

Residential real estate and condominium

   $ 2,119       $ 2,123       $ —     

Commercial Real Estate and Land

     8,894         8,920         —     

With an allowance recorded:

        

Residential real estate and condominium

   $ 1,468       $ 1,630       $ 110   

Commercial real estate and land

     3,629         4,580         1,307   

Total

        

Residential real estate and condominium

     3,587         3,753         110   

Commercial real estate and land

   $ 12,523       $ 13,500       $ 1,307   

 

*

Includes accrued interest, specific reserves and net unearned deferred fees and costs.

Impaired loans are evaluated separately and measured utilizing guidance set forth by ASC 310 as described in Note 1 to the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2012. All loans modified in TDRs are included in impaired loans.

 

78


Following are tables detailing the modifications which occurred during the year ended March 31, 2012, (in thousands):

 

     Troubled Debt Restructurings  
     Number
of
Contracts
     Pre-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment
     Post-Modification
Outstanding Recorded
Investment
 

TDRs during the 12 months ended March 31, 2012:

        

Commercial real estate:

     4       $ 1,533       $ 1,533   

Residential real estate and condominium

     2         219         119   
TDRs during the 12 months ended March 31, 2012 which
defaulted during the 12 months ended March 31, 2012:
          Defaulted Balance at
March 31, 2012
        

Commercial real estate

     —         $ —        

Residential real estate and condominium

     2         119      

During the twelve months ended March 31, 2012, three customer relationships with six loans in total were modified in TDRs. These modifications were comprised of one commercial real estate loan relationship which totaled $1.5 million as of March 31, 2012 and two residential customer relationships which totaled $119 thousand. Charge offs were taken on two residential modifications in the amount of $100 thousand. Commercial real estate loans were modified for interest only payments but no interest rate relief. The residential real estate loans involved interest rate relief and interest only periods.

The following summarizes activity with respect to loans made by the Bank to directors and officers and their related interests for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

     2012     2011  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 105      $ 305   

New loans

     —          4   

Repayment of principal

     (99     (204
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 6      $ 105   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loans included above were made in the Bank’s ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral requirements, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons. All loans included above are performing in accordance with the terms of the respective loan agreement.

Note 4. Banking Premises and Equipment (In Thousands)

A summary of cost, accumulated depreciation and amortization of banking premises and equipment at March 31, 2012 and 2011 follows:

 

     2012     2011     Estimated
Useful  Lives
 

Land

   $ 589      $ 589     

Buildings and improvements

     2,740        2,657        50 years   

Furniture and fixtures

     3,997        3,592        3-5 years   

Leasehold improvements

     1,568        1,568        5-10 years   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   
     8,894        8,406     

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (6,200     (5,701  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

   $ 2,694      $ 2,705     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

79


Depreciation and amortization for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 amounted to $500 thousand and $623 thousand, respectively, and is included in occupancy and equipment expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Note 5. Other Real Estate Owned (In Thousands)

The following summarizes activity with respect to other real estate owned during the year ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.

 

     2012     2011  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 132      $ 60   

Additions

     188        132   

Valuation adjustments

     —          —     

Sales

     (187     (60
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of year

   $ 133      $ 132   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During fiscal 2012, two residential properties totaling $188 thousand were acquired through foreclosure. Also during fiscal 2012, two properties with a book value of $187 thousand were sold for $225 thousand resulting in a gain on sale of other real estate of $38 thousand. During fiscal 2011, one residential property totaling $132 thousand was acquired through foreclosure. Also during fiscal 2011, the sale of one property with a book value of $60 thousand was sold for $62 thousand resulting in a gain on sale of other real estate owned of $2 thousand.

Note 6. Deposits (Dollars in Thousands)

Deposits at March 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

 

     2012      2011  

Demand deposit accounts

   $ 45,902       $ 40,745   

NOW accounts

     30,547         28,989   

Passbook and other savings accounts

     59,924         55,326   

Money market deposit accounts

     67,525         76,201   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-certificate accounts

     203,898         201,261   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Term deposit certificates

     

Certificates of $100,000 and above

     75,761         40,843   

Certificates less than $100,000

     64,875         66,973   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total term deposit certificates

     140,636         107,816   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deposits

   $ 344,534       $ 309,077   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Contractual maturities of term deposit certificates with weighted average interest rates at March 31, 2012 are as follows:

 

     Amount      Weighted Average
Interest  Rate
 

Within 1 year

   $ 66,425         0.75

Over 1 to 3 years

     70,565         1.23   

Over 3 years

     3,646         1.23   
  

 

 

    
   $ 140,636      
  

 

 

    

 

80


Note 7. Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Dollars in Thousands)

A summary of the maturity distribution of FHLB of Boston advances (based on final maturity dates) with weighted average interest rates at March 31, follows:

 

     2012     2011  
     Amount      Weighted
Average

Interest  Rate
    Amount      Weighted
Average
Interest Rate
 

Within 1 year

   $ 29,228         3.92   $ —           —  

Over 1 to 2 years

     11,000         2.98        29,351         3.92   

Over 2 to 3 years

     22,000         2.93        11,000         2.98   

Over 3 to 4 years

     5,000         2.89        22,000         2.93   

Over 4 to 5 years

     —           —          5,000         2.89   

Over 5 to 10 years

     50,000         4.10        50,000         4.10   
  

 

 

      

 

 

    
     117,228         3.68     117,351         3.68
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

At March 31, 2012, advances totaling $87 million are callable during fiscal 2013 prior to their scheduled maturity. The Bank is subject to a substantial penalty in the event it elects to prepay any of its FHLB of Boston advances.

The FHLB of Boston is authorized to make advances to its members subject to such regulations and limitations as the Federal Home Loan Bank Board may prescribe. The advances are secured by FHLB of Boston stock and a blanket lien on certain qualified collateral, defined principally as 90% of the fair value of U.S. Government and federal agency obligations and 75% of the carrying value of first mortgage loans on owner-occupied residential property. In addition, certain multi-family property loans are pledged to secure FHLB of Boston advances. The Bank’s unused borrowing capacity with the FHLB of Boston was approximately $84 million at March 31, 2012.

Note 8. Income Taxes (Dollars in Thousands)

The components of the provision for income taxes for the years indicated are as follows:

 

     Year Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Current

    

Federal

   $ (255   $ —     

State

     7        5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current (benefit) provision (benefit)

     (248     5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred

    

Federal

     208        578   

State

     142        363   

Change in valuation allowance

     (11     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred provision

     339        941   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

   $ 91      $ 946   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

81


The provision for income taxes for the periods presented is different from the amounts computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income before income taxes. The differences between expected tax rate and effective tax rates are as follows:

 

     Year Ended
March 31,
 
     2012     2011  

Statutory federal tax rate

     34.0     34.0

Items affecting federal income tax rate:

    

Dividends received deduction

     (7.8     (2.6

Net state impact of deferred rate change

     —          3.0   

State income taxes – net of federal tax benefit

     10.5        7.2   

Bank-owned life insurance deduction

     (10.2     (3.6

Valuation allowance

     (1.2     (4.8

Stock-based compensation

     (1.0     1.2   

Merger expenses

     4.4        —     

Reversal of uncertain tax position

     (15.3     —     
    

 

 

 

Other

     (3.7     1.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

     9.7     35.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The components of gross deferred tax assets and gross deferred tax liabilities that have been recognized at March 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

 

     2012     2011  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Allowance for loan losses

   $ 1,706      $ 1,580   

Depreciation

     779        814   

Post- retirement employee benefits

     643        425   

Write-down of investment securities

     279        845   

Net operating loss carryforward

     562        434   

Other

     133        442   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross deferred tax assets

     4,102        4,540   

Less: valuation allowance

     (279     (290
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     3,823        4,250   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Unrealized gain on securities, net

     475        452   

Other

     95        198   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross deferred tax liabilities

     570        650   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 3,253      $ 3,600   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets due to uncertainty surrounding the realization of these assets. The valuation allowance is related to certain capital loss carryforwards that are only allowed to be utilized against capital gains. Due to the uncertainty surrounding future capital gains, management believes it is more likely than not that these assets will not be realized.

The unrecaptured base year tax bad debt reserves will not be subject to recapture as long as the Company continues to carry on the business of banking. In addition, the balance of the pre-1988 bad debt reserves continues to be subject to provisions of present law that require recapture in the case of certain excess distributions to shareholders. The tax effect of pre-1988 bad debt reserves subject to recapture in the case of certain excess distributions is approximately $1.3 million.

 

82


As of March 31, 2012, the Company provided a liability of $11 thousand of unrecognized tax benefits related to various federal and state income tax matters as compared to $155 thousand as of March 31, 2011. During the year ending March 31, 2012, the Company reversed $144 thousand of the prior year unrecognized tax benefits and the amount of unrecognized tax benefit that would impact the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized, is $11 thousand.

In general, the tax years ended March 31, 2009 through March 31, 2012 remain open to examination by federal and state taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.

Note 9. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk (In Thousands)

The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include unused lines of credit, unadvanced portions of commercial and construction loans, and commitments to originate loans. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the balance sheets. The amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of the Bank’s involvement in particular classes of financial instruments.

The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to its financial instruments is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risks as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 included the following:

 

     At March 31,  
     2012      2011  

Unused lines and letters of credit

   $ 14,566       $ 15,940   

Unadvanced portions of commercial and construction loans

     533         459   

Commitments to originate residential mortgage loans

     24,942         11,232   

Commitments to sell residential mortgage loans

     —           595   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total off-balance sheet commitments

   $ 40,041       $ 28,226   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitments to originate loans, unused lines of credit and unadvanced portions of commercial and construction loans are agreements to lend to a customer, provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower.

The Bank is also a party to lease commitments related to premises used to conduct its business. A summary of minimum rentals of banking premises for future periods under non-cancelable operating leases follows:

 

Years Ending

March 31,

      

2013

   $ 362   

2014

     338   

2015

     334   

2016

     315   

2017

     18   

Thereafter

     5   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,372   
  

 

 

 

 

83


Certain leases contain renewal options, the potential impact of which is not included above. Rental expense for each of the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 totaled $372 thousand and $365 thousand, respectively, and is included in occupancy and equipment expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Note 10. Stockholders’ Equity (Dollars in Thousands)

The Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s and the Bank’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies. The minimum core (leverage) capital ratio required for banks with the highest overall rating from bank regulatory agencies is 3.00% and is 4.00% for all others. The Bank must also have a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 8.00% (of which 4.00% must be Tier I capital, consisting of common stockholders’ equity). As of March 31, 2012, the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

As of March 31, 2012, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table below. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution’s category.

 

     Actual     For Capital Adequacy
Purposes
    To Be Well Capitalized
Under Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
         Amount              Ratio             Amount              Ratio             Amount              Ratio      

As of March 31, 2012:

               

Company (consolidated)

               

Total risk-based capital

   $ 54,543         16.39   $ 26,623       ³ 8.00     N/A         N/A   

Tier 1 capital

     50,219         15.09        13,312       ³ 4.00        N/A         N/A   

Tier 1 leverage capital

     50,219         9.83        20,435       ³ 4.00        N/A         N/A   

Bank

               

Total risk-based capital

   $ 49,282         14.83   $ 26,585       ³ 8.00   $ 33,231       ³ 10.00

Tier 1 capital

     44,958         13.53        13,291       ³ 4.00        19,937       ³ 6.00   

Tier 1 leverage capital

     44,958         8.81        20,412       ³ 4.00        25,515       ³ 5.00   

As of March 31, 2011:

               

Company (consolidated)

               

Total risk-based capital

   $ 56,531         18.53   $ 24,406       ³ 8.00     N/A         N/A   

Tier 1 capital

     52,514         17.22        11,854       ³ 4.00        N/A         N/A   

Tier 1 leverage capital

     52,514         10.66        19,705       ³ 4.00        N/A         N/A   

Bank

               

Total risk-based capital

   $ 50,954         16.72   $ 24,380       ³ 8.00   $ 30,475       ³ 10.00

Tier 1 capital

     46,938         15.40        12,192       ³ 4.00        18,288       ³ 6.00   

Tier 1 leverage capital

     46,938         9.58        19,598       ³ 4.00        24,498       ³ 5.00   

The Company and the Bank may not declare or pay cash dividends on their stock if the effect thereof would cause capital to be reduced below regulatory requirements, or if such declaration and payment would otherwise violate regulatory requirements.

 

84


Note 11. Employee Benefits (Dollars in Thousands)

Pension and Savings Plans

As a participating employer in the Cooperative Banks Employees Retirement Association (“CBERA”), a multi-employer plan, the Bank has in effect a non-contributory defined benefit plan (“Pension Plan”) and a defined contribution plan (“Savings Plan”) covering substantially all eligible employees.

Benefits under the Pension Plan are determined at the rate of 1% and 1.5% of certain elements of final average pay times years of credited service and are generally provided at age 65 based on years of service and the average of the participants’ three highest consecutive years of compensation from the Bank. Employee contributions are made to a Savings Plan which qualifies under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Bank matches 50% of an eligible deferral contribution on the first 5% of the deferral amount subject to the maximum allowable under federal regulations. Pension benefits and employer contributions to the Savings Plan become vested over six years.

The Pension Plan is sponsored by the Cooperative Banks Employees Retirement Association under the name CBERA Plan C with a plan Employer Identification Number of 04-6035593 and a plan number of 334. The actuarial valuation was completed as of January 1, 2011 for the plan year ending December 31, 2011 with a 94.7% funded target attainment percentage. The Bank’s plan year contributions totaled $390 thousand and did not exceed 5% of the total contributions received by the 45 participating employers in the plan. The Bank was not subject to any specific minimum contributions other than amounts, determined by the Trustees of the Plan, that maintain the funded status of the Plan in accordance with the requirements of the Pension Protection Act (PPA) and ERISA.

Expenses for the Pension Plan and the Savings Plan were $535 thousand and $527 thousand, for the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Forfeitures are used to reduce expenses of the plans.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

The Bank established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) in November 1989 that is authorized to purchase shares of outstanding common stock of the Company from time to time in the open market or in negotiated transactions. The ESOP is a tax-qualified retirement plan for the exclusive benefit of the Bank’s employees. All full-time employees who have completed one year of service with the Bank are eligible to participate in the ESOP and vest at a rate of 20% annually commencing in the year of eligibility or immediately if service is terminated due to death, disability, retirement or change in control.

The ESOP purchased Company common shares using the proceeds of borrowings in 2004 and 2007 and holds the stock in a trust established under the Plan. The loans from the Company to the ESOP are collateralized by the unallocated shares of common stock. The outstanding balance of the three loans at March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $5.087 million and $5.676 million, respectively, and are eliminated in consolidation.

As set forth by ASC 718, compensation expense is recognized as the shares are allocated to participants based upon the fair value of the shares at the time they are allocated. As a result, changes in the market value of the Company’s stock have an effect on the Company’s results of operations but have no effect on stockholders’ equity. ESOP compensation expense for fiscal 2012 and 2011 amounted to $373 thousand and $260 thousand, respectively, based on the release to eligible employees of 21,506 shares in fiscal 2012 and 21,436 shares in fiscal 2011.

Company common stock dividends received by the ESOP on allocated shares that are not associated with financing are allocated to plan participants. Company common stock dividends received by the ESOP for allocated shares that are associated with financing provided by the Company are returned to the Bank for the purpose of reducing expenses.

 

85


The ESOP shares as of March 31, 2012 were as follows:

     2012  

Allocated shares

     226,504   

Unreleased shares

     141,730   
  

 

 

 

Total ESOP shares

     368,234   
  

 

 

 

Fair value of unreleased shares

   $ 2,579,486   
  

 

 

 

Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Dollars in Thousands)

The Bank maintains a post-retirement medical insurance plan and life insurance plan for certain individuals. The following tables summarize the funded status and the actuarial benefit obligations of these plans for fiscal 2012 and 2011:

 

     Year Ended March 31,  
     2012     2011  
     Life     Medical     Life     Medical  

Actuarial present value of benefits obligation:

        

Retirees

   $ (182   $ (149   $ (165   $ (146

Fully eligible participants

     —          —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (182   $ (149   $ (165   $ (146
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in projected benefit obligation:

        

Accumulated benefit obligations at prior year-end

   $ (165   $ (146   $ (126   $ (144

Service cost less expense component

     —          —          —          —     

Interest cost

     (7     (6     (8     (7

Actuarial gain (loss)

     13        (5     (28     —     

Assumptions

     (24     (9     (4     (11

Benefits paid

     1        17        1        16   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated benefit obligations at year-end

   $ (182   $ (149   $ (165   $ (146
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

        

Fair value of plan assets at prior year-end

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Employer contributions

     1        17        1        16   

Benefits paid and expenses

     (1     (17     (1     (16
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at current year-end

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in accumulated other comprehensive income:

        

Other accumulated comprehensive income at prior fiscal year-end

   $ (134   $ (135   $ (173   $ (148

Actuarial (gain) loss

     (13     5        28        —     

Assumptions

     24        9        4        11   

Amortization included in pension expense

     5        —          7        2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other accumulated other comprehensive income at current year-end

   $ (118   $ (121   $ (134   $ (135
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts with deferred recognition reconciliation of accrued pension cost:

   $ (299   $ (281   $ (299   $ (292

Accrued pension cost at beginning of year

        

Plus net periodic cost

     (2     (6     (1     (5

Minus employer contributions, net

     1        17        1        16   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accrued cost at end of year

   $ (300   $ (270   $ (299   $ (281
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Benefit obligation weighted average assumption as change in projected benefit obligation:

        

Discount rate

     3.25     3.25     4.50     4.50

Expected return on plan assets

     3.25        3.25        4.50        4.50   

Rate of compensation increase

     n/a        n/a        n/a        n/a   

 

86


Year Ended March 31,    2012     2011  
     Life     Medical     Life     Medical  

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

        

Service cost

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Interest cost

     7        6        8        7   

Expected return on plan assets

     —          —          —          —     

Amortization of prior service cost

     9        14        8        14   

Amortization of actuarial gain

     (14     (14     (15     (16
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit gain (cost)

   $ 2      $ 6      $ 1      $ 5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Periodic benefit cost weighted average assumptions:

        

Discount rate

     4.50     4.50     5.00     5.00

Rate of compensation increase

     n/a        n/a        n/a        n/a   

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of:

        

Other liabilities

   $ (182   $ (149   $ (165   $ (146
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of:

        

Net gain

   $ (126   $ (105   $ (150   $ (133

Prior service credit

     —          (41     —          (52

Transition liability

     8        25        16        50   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (118   $ (121   $ (134   $ (135
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts anticipated to recognized in expense fiscal 2013:

        

Net gain

   $ (14   $ (13     —          —     

Prior service credit

     —          (11     —          —     

Transition liability

     8        25        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 6      $ 1      $ —        $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The plan is unfunded and the Company accrues actuarial determined benefit costs over the estimated service period of the employees in the plan as set forth in ASC 715.

The following table shows the effects of a 1% increase or decrease in the assumed health care trend rate on selected components of expense for fiscal 2013 and the on the accumulated projected benefit obligation as of March 31, 2012:

 

Effect on service cost plus interest cost components of benefit cost

  

1% decrease

   $ (1

1% increase

     1   

Effect on accumulated projected benefit obligation

  

1% decrease

     (8

1% increase

   $ 8   

Projected life and medical benefits payments are as follows (in thousands):

 

Years Ending

March 31,

      

2013

   $ 34   

2014

     34   

2015

     33   

2016

     33   

2017

     32   

2018 through 2022

   $ 132   

 

87


Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans

The Bank maintains supplemental retirement plans (“SERP”) for two highly compensated employees designed to offset the impact of regulatory limits on benefits under qualified pension plans. The Bank’s obligation is unfunded. The Bank recognizes retirement expense based upon an annual analysis performed by a benefits administrator. Annual SERP expense can vary based upon changes in factors such as changes in salaries or estimated retirement ages. SERP expense totaled $249 thousand for fiscal 2012 and $227 thousand for fiscal 2011. The SERP liability balance totaled $904 thousand at March 31, 2012 and $655 thousand at March 31, 2011.

Employment Agreements

The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain executive officers. The employment agreements are generally for initial terms of five years, with automatic extensions made annually thereafter. The agreements include stipulations for termination, including termination made with and without just cause, and provide for base salaries, discretionary bonuses, and severance benefits. The agreements also provide for insurance and various other benefits. The employment agreements also include “Change of Control” provisions, providing that in the event of a Change in Control, as defined, compensation be paid to the officer in amounts up to approximately three times the officer’s base salary in the form of one lump sum payment following a Change of Control event.

Severance Agreement

The Bank has entered into a severance agreement (the “Severance Agreement”) with an executive officer. The Severance Agreement provides for a term of three years, with an automatic extension annually thereafter. The Severance Agreement provides that, in the event the Bank terminates the executive’s employment in connection with or within one year after any change in control, as such term is defined in the Severance Agreement, or the executive voluntarily terminates employment within that same time period following the occurrence of certain events that would constitute a constructive termination, the Bank will pay the executive a lump sum severance benefit equal to two times his annual base salary at the rate in effect just prior to the change in control.

Note 12. Legal Proceedings

The Company from time to time is involved as plaintiff or defendant in various legal actions incident to its business. None of these actions are believed to be material, either individually or collectively, to the results of operations and financial condition of the Company or any subsidiary.

Note 13. Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program

On August 25, 2011, the Company entered into and consummated a letter agreement (the “Repurchase Letter”) with the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), pursuant to which the Company redeemed, out of the proceeds of its issuance of 10,000 shares of its Series B Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, all 10,000 outstanding shares of its Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, liquidation amount $1,000 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”), for a redemption price of $10,013,889, including accrued but unpaid dividends to the date of redemption. On December 5, 2008, the Company sold $10.0 million in Series A Preferred Stock to the Treasury as a participant in the federal government’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) Capital Purchase Program. This represented approximately 2.6% of the Company’s risk-weighted assets as of September 30, 2008. In connection with the investment, the Company had entered into a Letter Agreement and the related Securities Purchase Agreement with the Treasury pursuant to which the Company issued the 10,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 234,742 shares of the Company’s common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $10.0 million in cash.

The Company subsequently repurchased the Warrant from the Treasury on October 19, 2011 for an aggregate purchase price of $2.5 million.

 

88


Note 14. U.S. Treasury Department Small Business Lending Fund

On August 25, 2011, the Company entered into and consummated a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, pursuant to which the Company issued 10,000 shares of the Company’s Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), having a liquidation amount per share equal to $1,000, for a total purchase price of $10,000,000. The Purchase Agreement was entered into, and the Series B Preferred Stock was issued, pursuant to the Small Business Lending Fund (“SBLF”) program, a fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, that encourages lending to small businesses by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion. The Company used the $10 million in SBLF funds to redeem shares of the Series A Preferred Stock issued under the TARP Capital Purchase Program.

The Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to receive non-cumulative dividends, payable quarterly, on each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1, beginning October 1, 2011. The dividend rate, as a percentage of the liquidation amount, can fluctuate on a quarterly basis during the first ten quarters during which the Series B Preferred Stock is outstanding, based upon changes in the level of “Qualified Small Business Lending” or “QSBL” (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) by the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Central Co-operative Bank. Based upon the increase in the Bank’s level of QSBL over the baseline level calculated under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the dividend rate for the initial dividend period has been set at five percent (5%). For the second through ninth calendar quarters, the dividend rate may be adjusted to between one percent (1%) and five percent (5%) per annum, to reflect the amount of change in the Bank’s level of QSBL. If the level of the Bank’s qualified small business loans declines so that the percentage increase in QSBL as compared to the baseline level is less than 10%, then the dividend rate payable on the Series B Preferred Stock would increase. For the tenth calendar quarter through four and one half years after issuance, the dividend rate will be fixed at between one percent (1%) and seven percent (7%) based upon the increase in QSBL as compared to the baseline. After four and one half years from issuance, the dividend rate will increase to 9% (including a quarterly lending incentive fee of 0.5%). In addition, beginning on January 1, 2014, and on all Series B Preferred Stock dividend payment dates thereafter ending on April 1, 2016, the Company will be required to pay to the Secretary, on each share of Series B Preferred Stock, but only out of assets legally available therefore, a fee equal to 0.5% of the liquidation amount per share of Series B Preferred Stock.

The Series B Preferred Stock is non-voting, except in limited circumstances. In the event that the Company misses five dividend payments, whether or not consecutive, the holder of the Series B Preferred Stock will have the right, but not the obligation, to appoint a representative as an observer on the Company’s Board of Directors. In the event that the Company misses six dividend payments, whether or not consecutive, and if the then outstanding aggregate liquidation amount of the Series B Preferred Stock is at least $25,000,000, then the holder of the Series B Preferred Stock will have the right to designate two directors to the Board of Directors of the Company.

The Series B Preferred Stock may be redeemed at any time at the Company’s option, at a redemption price of 100% of the liquidation amount plus accrued but unpaid dividends to the date of redemption for the current period, subject to the approval of its federal banking regulator.

Note 15. Fair Values of Financial Instruments (In Thousands)

The Company follows ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), which defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. In addition, ASC 820 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. These two types of inputs have the following fair value hierarchy:

 

Level 1 -

  Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets

 

89


Level 2 -

  Quoted prices for similar instruments in active or non-active markets and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and value drivers are observable in active markets

Level 3 -

  Valuation derived from significant unobservable inputs

The Company uses fair value measurements to record certain assets at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower-of-cost-or market value accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

The only assets of the Company recorded at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 were securities available for sale. The assets of the Company recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 were impaired loans and other real estate owned (“OREO”). The following table presents the level of valuation assumptions used to determine the fair values of such securities and loans:

 

At March 31, 2012   Carrying Value (In Thousands)  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis:

       

Securities available for sale

       

Government agency and government sponsored agency mortgage-backed securities

  $ —        $ 31,258      $ —        $ 31,258   

Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions

    1,041        —          —          1,041   

Perpetual preferred stock issued by financial institutions

    991        2,120        —          3,111   

Common stock

    3,650        —          —          3,650   

Assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

       

Impaired loans carried at fair value:

       

Commercial real estate

    —          —          4,345        4,345   

Residential real estate

    —          —          723        723   

OREO

    —          —          133        133   

 

At March 31, 2011   Carrying Value (In Thousands)  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  

Assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis:

       

Securities available for sale

       

Government agency and government sponsored agency mortgage-backed securities

  $ —        $ 18,823      $ —        $ 18,823   

Single issuer trust preferred securities issued by financial institutions

    1,049        —          —          1,049   

Perpetual preferred stock issued by financial institutions

    2,063        1,122        —          3,185   

Common stock

    2,128        —          —          2,128   

Assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

       

Impaired loans carried at fair value:

       

Commercial real estate

    —          —          4,566        4,566   

Residential real estate

    —          —          443        443   

OREO

    —          —          132        132   

The Company’s impaired loans are reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Collateral values are estimated using Level 2 inputs based upon appraisals of similar properties obtained from a third party. For Level 3 inputs, fair value is based upon management’s estimates of the value of the underlying collateral or the present value of the expected cash flows. At March 31, 2012, impaired loans measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs amounted to $5.1 million, which represents nine customer relationships, compared to ten customer relationships which totaled $5.0 million March 31, 2011.

 

90


OREO is measured at fair value less estimated selling costs. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral, or management’s estimation of value of the collateral. At March 31, 2012, OREO was comprised of one residential condominium totaling $133 thousand. OREO at March 31, 2011 consisted of one residential condominium which totaled $132 thousand.

Both observable and unobservable inputs may be used to determine the fair value of positions classified as Level 3 assets. As a result, the unrealized gains and losses for these assets presented in the table above may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable and unobservable inputs.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Bank in estimating fair values of financial assets and liabilities:

Cash and Due from Banks – The carrying values reported in the balance sheet for cash and due from banks approximate their fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

Short-Term Investments – The carrying values reported in the balance sheet for short-term investments approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these investments.

Investment Securities Available for Sale – Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Examples of such instruments include publicly traded common and preferred stocks. If quoted prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models (i.e., matrix pricing) and market interest rates and credit assumptions or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Examples of such instruments include government agency and government sponsored agency mortgage-backed securities, as well as certain preferred and trust preferred stocks. Level 3 securities are securities for which significant unobservable inputs are utilized. There were no changes in valuation techniques used to measure similar assets during the period. Available for sale securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no Level 3 securities at March 31, 2012 or at March 31, 2011. The Company did not have any sales or purchases of Level 3 available for sale securities during the periods.

Loans – The fair values of loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates, estimated using local market data, of which loans with similar terms would be made to borrowers of similar credit quality. The incremental credit risk for nonperforming loans has been considered in the determination of the fair value of loans. Regular reviews of the loan portfolio are performed to identify impaired loans for which specific allowance allocations are considered prudent. Valuations of impaired loans are made based on evaluations that we believe to be appropriate in accordance with ASC 310, and such valuations are determined by reviewing current collateral values, financial information, cash flows, payment histories and trends and other relevant facts surrounding the particular credits.

Accrued Interest Receivable – The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value due to the short maturity of these accounts.

Stock in FHLB of Boston – The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for FHLB of Boston stock approximates its fair value based on the redemption features of the stock.

The Co-operative Central Bank Reserve Fund – The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for the Co-operative Central Bank Reserve Fund approximates its fair value.

Deposits – The fair values of deposits (excluding term deposit certificates) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. Fair values for term deposit certificates are estimated using a discounted cash flow technique that applies interest rates estimated using local market data currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated monthly maturities on time deposits with similar remaining maturities.

 

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Advances from FHLB of Boston – Fair values of non-callable advances from the FHLB of Boston are estimated based on the discounted cash flows of scheduled future payments using the respective quarter-end published rates for advances with similar terms and remaining maturities. Fair values of callable advances from the FHLB of Boston are estimated using indicative pricing provided by the FHLB of Boston.

Subordinated Debentures – The fair value of one subordinated debenture totaling $5.3 million whose interest rate is adjustable quarterly is estimated to be equal to its book value. The other subordinated debenture totaling $6.1 million has a fixed rate until March 15, 2017, at which time it will convert to an adjustable rate which will adjust quarterly. The maturity date is March 15, 2037. The fair value of this subordinated debenture is estimated based on the discounted cash flows of scheduled future payments utilizing a discount rate derived from instruments with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Advance Payments by Borrowers for Taxes and Insurance and Accrued Interest Payable – The carrying values reported in the balance sheet for advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance and accrued interest payable approximate their fair value because of the short maturity of these accounts.

Off-Balance Sheet Instruments – The Bank’s commitments to lend for unused lines of credit and unadvanced portions of loans have short remaining disbursement periods or variable interest rates, and, therefore, no fair value adjustment has been made.

The estimated carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

 

     March 31, 2012      March 31, 2011  
     Carrying
Amount
     Estimated
Fair Value
     Carrying
Amount
     Estimated
Fair Value
 

Assets

           

Cash and due from banks

   $ 4,117       $ 4,117       $ 3,728       $ 3,728   

Short-term investments

     3,224         3,224         37,190         37,190   

Investment securities available for sale

     39,060         39,060         25,185         25,185   

Net loans

     444,614         454,454         390,325         394,475   

Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston

     8,203         8,203         8,518         8,518   

The Co-operative Central Bank Reserve Fund

     1,576         1,576         1,576         1,576   

Accrued interest receivable

     1,359         1,359         1,496         1,496   

Liabilities

           

Deposits

   $ 344,534       $ 345,998       $ 309,077       $ 300,875   

Advances from FHLB of Boston

     117,228         126,985         117,351         125,314   

Subordinated debentures

     11,341         8,856         11,341         8,651   

Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance

     2,955         2,955         1,387         1,387   

Accrued interest payable

     403         403         405         405   

Off-Balance Sheet Instruments

     40,041         40,041         28,226         28,226   

 

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Note 16. Parent Company Only Condensed Financial Statements (In Thousands)

 

     At March 31,  

Balance Sheets

   2012      2011  

Assets

     

Cash deposit in subsidiary bank

   $ 138       $ 301   

Investment in subsidiary

     50,891         52,156   

ESOP loan (Note 11)

     5,087         5,676   

Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary

     341         341   

Other assets

     310         325   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 56,767       $ 58,799   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

     

Subordinated debentures (Note 1)

   $ 11,341       $ 11,341   

Accrued taxes and other liabilities

     80         337   

Total stockholders’ equity

     45,346         47,121   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 56,767       $ 58,799   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Year Ended March 31,  

Statements of Operations

       2012             2011      

Dividends from subsidiary bank

   $ 3,400      $ 500   

Interest income

     421        468   

Interest expense on subordinated debentures

     (575     (575

Non-interest expenses

     (625     (460
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income tax benefit

     2,621        (67

Income tax benefit

     310        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before equity in undistributed net (loss) income of subsidiary

     2,931        (67

Equity in undistributed net(loss) income of subsidiary

     (2,080     1,792   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 851      $ 1,725   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Year Ended March 31,  

Statements of Cash Flows

   2012     2011  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 851      $ 1,725   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Equity in undistributed net (loss) income of subsidiary

     2,080        (1,792

Changes in other assets and other liabilities

     (242     246   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,689        179   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

ESOP loans, net of repayment

     589        578   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

     589        578   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Preferred stock issuance costs

     (45     —     

Redemption of Series A warrants

     (2,525     —     

Cash dividends paid

     (871     (798
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (3,441     (798
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash in subsidiary bank

     (163     (41

Cash in subsidiary bank at beginning of year

     301        342   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash in subsidiary bank at end of year

   $ 138      $ 301   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Note 17. Subsequent Events

On April 30, 2012, the Company and the Bank entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Independent Bank Corp. (“Independent”), the parent company of Rockland Trust Company (“Rockland”), pursuant to which the Company will merge with and into Independent. As part of the transaction, the Bank will also merge with and into Rockland. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, each share of Company common stock, other than shares held by Independent, will convert into the right to receive either (i) $32.00 in cash or (ii) such number of shares of Independent common stock as determined by the exchange ratio provided for in the Merger Agreement, all as more fully set forth in the Merger Agreement and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein. The Merger Agreement provides that 40% of the aggregate merger consideration must consist of cash and 60% of the aggregate merger consideration must consist of shares of Independent common stock. Following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the Board of Directors of Independent and Rockland will each consist of its respective directors immediately prior to the merger and John J. Morrissey, a current director of the Company and the Bank. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and approval of the merger by the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding common shares of the Company. If the merger is not consummated under certain circumstances, the Company has agreed to reimburse Independent up to $750,000 for its reasonably documented fees and expenses and to pay Independent a termination fee of $2.2 million; provided however, that any amounts paid in reimbursement will be credited against the termination fee payable. Currently, the merger is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

Central Bancorp, Inc.

Somerville, Massachusetts

We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of Central Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary as of March 31, 2012 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. The consolidated financial statements of Central Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary as of March 31, 2011 were audited by other auditors whose report dated June 17, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the 2012 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Central Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary as of March 31, 2012 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C.

West Peabody, Massachusetts

June 13, 2012

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

Central Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Central Bancorp, Inc and Subsidiary as of March 31, 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Central Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary, as of March 31, 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

June 17, 2011

 

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Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

(a) On August 10, 2010, the Company was notified that, due to the fact that certain officers of Caturano and Company, P.C. became partners of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP effective July 20, 2010, Caturano and Company, P.C. resigned as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company effective August 13, 2010. The audit reports of Caturano and Company, P.C. on the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the years ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

During the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 and through August 13, 2010 there were: (1) no disagreements between the Company and Caturano and Company, P.C. on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of Caturano and Company, P.C. would have caused them to make reference thereto in their reports on the Company’s financial statements for such years, and (2) no reportable events within the meaning set for in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

(b) Effective August 13, 2010, the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors engaged McGladrey & Pullen, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. During the Company’s fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 and the subsequent interim period preceding the engagement of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, the Company did not consult with McGladrey & Pullen, LLP regarding: (1) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; (2) the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP did not provide any written report or oral advice that McGladrey & Pullen, LLP concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any such accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (3) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement with Caturano and Company, P.C. on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure or the subject of a reportable event.

(c) On December 15, 2011, Central Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) dismissed McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, which had previously served as independent registered public accounting firm for the Company. The decision to dismiss McGladrey & Pullen, LLP was approved by the Company’s Audit Committee. McGladrey and Pullen, LLP was appointed to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm on August 13, 2010 and therefore did not serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm during the Company’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. The audit report of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP on the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 and through the subsequent interim period preceding the date of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP’s dismissal, there were: (1) no disagreements between the Company and McGladrey & Pullen, LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP would have caused them to make reference thereto in their reports on the Company’s financial statements for such years, and (2) no reportable events within the meaning set forth in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

(d) On December 15, 2011, the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors engaged Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C. as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. During the Company’s fiscal years ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 and the subsequent interim period preceding the engagement of Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C. the Company did not consult Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C. regarding: (1) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; (2) the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements, and Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C. did not provide any written report or oral advice that Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C. concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any such accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (3) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement with Shatswell, MacLeod & Company, P.C. on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or auditing scope or procedure or the subject of a reportable event.

 

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Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures

 

  (a)

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

  (b)

Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012 based upon the criteria set forth in a report entitled “Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations” of the Treadway Commission. Based on its assessment, the Company’s management has concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012.

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.

 

  (c)

Changes to Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Except as indicated herein, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the twelve months ended March 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.    Other Information

Not applicable.

 

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PART III

Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

The Company’s Board of Directors is currently composed of eight members. Under the Company’s Articles of Organization and Bylaws, directors are divided into three classes, with one class standing for election for a three-year term at each annual meeting of stockholders.

The following table sets forth for each director, his name, age, the year he first became a director of the Company and/or the Bank, and the year of expiration of his present term.

 

Name

   Age at
March 31, 2012
     Year First
Elected or
Appointed
Director of the
Company or Bank
     Present
Term  to
Expire
 

Robert J. Hardiman

     74         2009         2012   

William P. Morrissey

     84         2009         2012   

Edward F. Sweeney, Jr.

     70         2003         2012   

John D. Doherty

     55         1983         2013   

Albert J. Mercuri, Jr.

     55         2003         2013   

Gerald T. Mulligan

     66         2011         2013   

Raymond Mannos

     74         2009         2014   

John J. Morrissey

     45         2003         2014   

Presented below is certain information concerning each of the Company’s directors. Unless otherwise stated, all directors have held the positions listed for at least the last five years.

Robert J. Hardiman is the President and Owner of Waltham Central School Transportation Company, Waltham Central Realty Trust and Elm Street Realty Trust. Mr. Hardiman is also the former owner of Waltham Central Square Taxi, Westway Taxi and City Hall Liquors. Mr. Hardiman has served as a City of Waltham License Commission Member since 1999 and as a member of the Board of Trustees of Leland Home since 2004. From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Hardiman served as a Director of The Federal Savings Bank. Mr. Hardiman is also the former President and a current member of the Massachusetts Bay Investment Trust.

Mr. Hardiman’s background provides the Board of Directors with critical experience in real estate matters, which are essential to the business of the Company and the Bank. Additionally, his former service as a director of The Federal Savings Bank affords the Board valuable insight regarding the local banking industry.

William P. Morrissey was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and the Bank in February 2009. Mr. Morrissey joined the Bank in November 1992 and was promoted to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank in April 2005. Until his promotion, he served as Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs. Mr. Morrissey is a former chairman and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. Prior to 1992, Mr. Morrissey served as Executive Vice President for Corporate Affairs at The Boston Five Cents Savings Bank and as Deputy Commissioner of Banks for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mr. Morrissey is the father of Director John J. Morrissey.

Mr. Morrissey’s extensive experience in the local banking industry and involvement in business and civic organizations in the communities in which the Company and Bank serves affords the Board valuable insight regarding the business and operation of the Company and Bank.

Edward F. Sweeney, Jr. is self-employed as a financial/management advisor. Since December 2002, he has served as a business consultant to the Malden Redevelopment Authority, an agency funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to work with communities to promote home ownership for low and moderate

 

99


income families. In October 2005, Mr. Sweeney was also appointed to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Public Works. From March 1999 to October 2005, Mr. Sweeney served as Commissioner and former Chairman of the Malden Housing Authority. From May 1998 to December 2000, he served as Senior Vice President of US Trust, a $6 billion multi-bank holding company in Boston, Massachusetts. From 1996 to May 1998, Mr. Sweeney served as Senior Vice President of Somerset Savings Bank, Somerville, Massachusetts. From 1994 to 1996, Mr. Sweeney was President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of Meetinghouse Co-operative Bank in Dorchester, Massachusetts. From 1966 to 1994, Mr. Sweeney served with the Division of Banking for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He retired as Senior Deputy Commissioner in 1994.

Mr. Sweeney’s extensive experience in the local banking industry provides the Board of Directors with valuable insight regarding the business and operation of the Bank. In addition, his experience as a financial/management advisor affords the Board substantial experience with respect to an industry that complements the financial services provided by the Bank.

John D. Doherty is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank. He became Chief Executive Officer of the Bank in April 1992. He served as President of the Company and the Bank from April 1986 to February 2009. As Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Doherty is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Bank and reports on the Bank’s operations directly to the Board of Directors. In November 2002, Mr. Doherty became Chairman of the Board of the Company and became Chairman of the Board of the Bank in January 2009. Mr. Doherty also serves as the President and a Director of the Bank’s subsidiaries, Central Securities Corporation and Central Securities Corporation II and as a member of Metro Real Estate Holdings, LLC. He has been employed by the Bank in various other capacities since 1981. Mr. Doherty holds an M.B.A. degree from Boston University and a B.A. in Business Administration from Babson College. Mr. Doherty was Chairman of the Co-operative Central Bank until 2004 and is a former Trustee of the Co-operative Banks Employees Retirement Association. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Bankers Association and a former Director of the Somerville Chamber of Commerce, former Treasurer of the Woburn Development Corporation and a former member of the Somerville High School Scholarship Committee, the Woburn Kiwanis Club, and the Needham Business Association and a past president of the Economy Club of Cambridge.

Mr. Doherty’s extensive experience in the local banking industry and involvement in business and civic organizations in the communities in which the Bank serves affords the Board valuable insight regarding the business and operation of the Company and Bank. Mr. Doherty’s knowledge of all aspects of the Company’s and Bank’s business and history, combined with his success and strategic vision, position him well to continue to serve as our Chief Executive Officer.

Albert J. Mercuri, Jr. has served since 1987 as President and Chief Executive Officer of Data Direct, Inc., a national distributor of digital media publishing systems for financial statement & billing, medical imaging & records management, and digital forensics. Data Direct is located in Needham, Massachusetts. Mr. Mercuri is a 1979 graduate of Babson College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing.

Mr. Mercuri’s experience offers the Board of Directors substantial small company management experience, specifically within the region in which the Company conducts its business. In addition, through his business experience, Mr. Mercuri has gained significant technological knowledge, adding additional value to the Board.

Gerald T. Mulligan served as President and Chief Executive Officer of RiverBank in North Andover, Massachusetts from 2006 to 2010. Prior to that, Mr. Mulligan was President and Chief Executive Officer of Andover Bank in Andover, Massachusetts. Mr. Mulligan also served as Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks from 1979 to 1983 and is currently Chairman of Saving Bank Life Insurance Company. Mr. Mulligan is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and has an MBA from Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration.

 

100


Mr. Mulligan’s extensive experience in the local banking industry, as well as his regulatory experience and involvement in business and civic organizations in the communities in which the Bank serves, affords the Board valuable insight regarding the business and operation of the Company and Bank.

Raymond Mannos was one of the founding principals of Beacon Fiduciary Advisors, a private money-management firm in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts that was organized in 1991 and acquired by Bank of New York in 2002. From 1989 to 1991, Mr. Mannos served as Senior Vice President and as a member of the Trust Committee of University Bank, Newton, Massachusetts. Mr. Mannos also served as Vice President and as a director and member of the Trust Committee of Brookline Trust Company from 1978 to 1989. From 1962 to 1978, Mr. Mannos was employed by Town Bank and Trust Company, Brookline, Massachusetts, where he served as Chairman of the Board and/or President at various times from 1973 until 1978.

Mr. Mannos’ extensive experience in the local banking industry provides the Board of Directors with valuable insight regarding the business and operation of the Bank. In addition, his role as a member of the investment committee of Beacon Fiduciary Advisors affords the Board substantial experience with respect to an industry that complements the financial services provided by the Bank.

John J. Morrissey is a founding partner of the law firm of Morrissey, Wilson & Zafiropoulos LLP in Braintree, Massachusetts. He was formerly a partner with the law firm of Quinn and Morris LLP in Boston, Massachusetts and was employed by Quinn and Morris LLP between 1993 and 2010. Mr. Morrissey currently serves as a member of the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseer’s Hearing Committee which investigates complaints of attorney misconduct by conducting evidentiary hearings and makes recommendations for discipline to the Supreme Judicial Court. Mr. Morrissey has served as a member of the Medical Malpractice Tribunal for Suffolk County Massachusetts, which hears medical malpractice claims to determine if the evidence is sufficient for judicial inquiry without the posting of a statutory bond. Mr. Morrissey was recently reappointed to a second term as Vice Chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Judicial Administration Council and serves on the Workplace Safety Task Force. He has served as an arbitrator on the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Fee Arbitration Board since 2005. Mr. Morrissey was formerly a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s House of Delegates and served two terms on the Executive Management Board. Mr. Morrissey is a Life Fellow of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Massachusetts Bar Association, and serves as a member of the Grant Advisory Committee. Mr. Morrissey serves as a member of the Board of Governors of the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys and was a past chair of the Workers’ Compensation Committee. John J. Morrissey is the son of William P. Morrissey, who serves as a Director of the Company and the Bank as well as the Company’s and Bank’s President.

As a practicing attorney and business owner, Mr. Morrissey effectively provides the Board with knowledge and insight necessary to assess issues facing a public company.

Executive Officers

The following sets forth the information, including the ages, at March 31, 2012 with respect to the Executive Officers of the Company. Executive officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors.

Stephen A. Calhoun, 59, joined the Bank in January 2005 as Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer. From 1999 to 2004, Mr. Calhoun served as Senior Vice President of Information Technology for First Essex Bank/Sovereign Bank in Andover, Massachusetts. Previous to 1999, Mr. Calhoun was Vice President of Operations and Systems for Somerset Bank/U.S. Trust.

Paul S. Feeley, 65, joined the Bank in July 1997. He has served as Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and Bank since October 2004 and also served in these positions from July 1997 to February 2002. In February 2002, he became Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Company and the Bank. Mr. Feeley is a member of the Financial Managers Society of which he is a former local chapter President and National Director. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs and

 

101


served on its Financial Institutions Committee. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Feeley was Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Bridgewater Credit Union. Prior to 1993, Mr. Feeley was Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Clerk of the Corporation at The Cooperative Bank of Concord, Acton, Massachusetts. He also serves as a Director of the Bank’s subsidiaries, Central Securities Corporation and Central Securities Corporation II and as a Manager of the Bank’s subsidiary Metro Real Estate Holding, LLC. Mr. Feeley received an undergraduate degree from the College of the Holy Cross.

Bryan E. Greenbaum, 49, joined the Bank in January 2005 as Senior Vice President of Retail Banking. From 2000 to 2004, Mr. Greenbaum served as Vice President of Branch Administration and later as Senior Vice President of Retail Banking at Abington Savings Bank. Previous to 2000, Mr. Greenbaum held various retail management positions at both Salem Five Cents Savings Bank and Warren Five Cents Savings Bank.

Richard J. Smith, 55, joined the Bank in January 2012 as Senior Vice President, Senior Loan Officer. From 2010 to January 2012, Mr. Smith served as an independent consultant managing pools of distressed assets, totaling greater than forty million in principal balance. From 2006 to 2010, Mr. Smith served as Senior Vice President, Director of Construction Lending for GMAC (Ally) Bank/GMAC Mortgage Corp. Previous to 2006, Mr. Smith held senior level positions in construction and commercial lending for Northfield Trust Mortgage Co. LLC/Northfield Capital, LLC, SIB Bank/Ivy Mortgage Corporation and Guaranty Residential Lending.

Rhoda K. Astone, 57, joined the Bank in 1973, working in various capacities within the Bank and left to raise her family in 1988. Ms. Astone rejoined the Bank in January 1999 as Executive Assistant to the senior management staff and became Secretary and Clerk of the Company in 2001, was promoted to Vice President in October 2004 and Senior Vice President in February 2010.

Shirley M. Tracy, 57, joined the Bank in October 1982 and was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President/Director of Human Resources in October 2004. Until her promotion, she served as Vice President/Director of Human Resources from 1993 to 2004. From 1978 to 1982, Ms. Tracy served in various positions at the Volunteer Cooperative Bank in Boston. Ms. Tracy received the Certificate in Human Resources Administration from Bentley College and holds an undergraduate degree from Regis College

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Under the Exchange Act, the Company’s officers and directors and all persons who own more than 10% of the Common Stock (“Reporting Persons”) are required to file reports detailing their ownership and changes of ownership in the Common Stock and to furnish the Company with copies of all such ownership reports that are filed. Based solely on the Company’s review of the copies of such ownership reports which it has received in the past fiscal year or with respect to the past fiscal year, or written representations from such persons that no annual report of changes in beneficial ownership were required, the Company believes during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 all Reporting Persons have complied with these reporting requirements.

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the Company’s officers, directors and employees. The Code of Ethics is posted in the “Shareholder Information” section of the Company’s website, www.centralbk.com.

Corporate Governance

The Company’s board of directors has separately-designated standing Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees.

The Company’s Audit Committee, established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act, meets quarterly to review reports prepared by the Company’s internal auditing firm. In addition, the Audit

 

102


Committee engages, subject to shareholder ratification, the Company’s independent auditors with whom it meets to review the planning for and the results of the annual audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The current members of the Audit Committee are Directors Edward F. Sweeney, Jr. (Chairman), Raymond Mannos, Albert J. Mercuri Jr. and Robert J. Hardiman. All of the members of the Audit Committee are independent within the meaning of the NASDAQ Stock Market’s listing standards. The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that one member of the Audit Committee, Edward F. Sweeney, Jr, qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Section 401(h) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Director Sweeney is “independent,” as such term is defined in Item 7(d)(3)(iv)(A) of Schedule 14A under the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee met 8 times during the year ended March 31, 2012.

The Compensation Committee sets the compensation for the senior officers and directors of the Company and Bank and reviews various personnel issues such as wage and salary programs and incentive compensation. The Compensation Committee consists of Directors Edward F. Sweeney, Jr. (Chairman), Robert J. Hardiman and Albert J. Mercuri Jr. The Compensation Committee met 4 times during the year ended March 31, 2012.

The Nominating Committee nominates directors to be voted on at the Annual Meeting and recommends nominees to fill any vacancies on the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee currently consists of Directors Gerald T. Mulligan (Chairman), Edward F. Sweeney, Jr. and Albert J. Mercuri, Jr. The members of the Nominating Committee are “independent directors” as defined in the NASDAQ Stock Market’s listing standards. The Nominating Committee met 1 time during the year ended March 31, 2012.

The Audit and Nominating Committees operate under a written charter, which govern each Committee’s composition, responsibilities and operations. The Company’s Board of Directors has not adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee.

Item 11.    Executive Compensation

Summary Compensation Table

The following information is furnished for the principal executive officer of the Company for the 2012 fiscal year and the other two most highly compensated executive officers of the Company whose total compensation for the 2012 fiscal year exceeded $100,000.

 

Name and Principal Position

  Year     Salary
($) (1)
    Bonus
($)
    Stock
Awards
($) (2)
    Option
Awards

($)
    Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($) (3)
    All Other
Compensation
($) (4)
    Total ($)  

John D. Doherty

    2012      $ 425,004      $ —        $ 35,000      $ 144,672      $ 51,779      $ 63,237      $ 719,692   

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

    2011        433,177        —          148,746        —          62,992        83,340        728,255   
    2010        425,000        —          124,200        —          62,469        49,877        661,546   

William P. Morrissey

    2012        319,231        1,710        35,000        144,672        66,257        41,502        608,372   

President and Chief Operating Officer

    2011        315,192        —          108,496        —          69,715        46,146        539,549   
    2010        270,838        —          124,200        —          48,146        25,506        468,690   

Paul S. Feeley

    2012        190,000        —          31,500        130,655        73,334        27,360        452,849   

Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

   

 

2011

2010

  

  

   

 

193,192

165,992

  

  

   

 

—  

—  

  

  

   

 

—  

—  

  

  

   

 

—  

—  

  

  

   

 

75,521

54,388

  

  

   

 

28,271

18,880

  

  

   

 

296,984

239,260

  

  

 

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(1)

For 2011, amounts represent 53 weekly pay periods; for 2012 and 2010, amounts represent 52 weekly pay periods.

(2)

Reflects the compensation expense recognized in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 on outstanding restricted stock awards for each of the named executive officers. The amounts were calculated based on the Company’s stock price as of the date of grant. When shares become vested and are distributed from the trust in which they are held, the recipient will also receive an amount equal to accumulated cash and stock dividends (if any) paid with respect thereto, plus earnings thereon.

(3)

Amounts represent the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of accumulated benefit under the Company’s defined benefit retirement plan.

(4)

Details of the amounts reported in the “All Other Compensation” column for fiscal 2012 are provided in the table below:

 

     Mr. Doherty     Mr. Morrissey     Mr. Feeley  

Employer contributions to 401(k) plan

   $ 6,125      $ 6,356      $ 2,850   

Market value of ESOP contributions

     24,166        22,604        16,417   

Dividends on grants issued

     8,610        7,774        960   

Group term life insurance

     1,092        2,640        3,914   

Perquisites

                  (a)                   (b)                   (b) 

 

(a)

Represents club dues of $13,606 and the value of a Company provided automobile of $9,638.

(b)

Perquisites did not exceed $10,000.

Employment Agreements

The Bank has entered into employment agreements (the “Employment Agreements”) with John D. Doherty, Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, and William P. Morrissey, President of the Bank. The Employment Agreements each provide for a five-year term, with an automatic extension for one additional year on each anniversary, unless either party provides the other party with written notice of his or its intent not to renew to the term of the Employment Agreement. The Employment Agreements currently expire on December 20, 2016. Under the Employment Agreements, Mr. Doherty and Mr. Morrissey are entitled to an annual base salary of $425,000 and $350,000, respectively. Each Employment Agreement requires the Board of Directors of the Bank to review the executive’s salary annually. The Employment Agreements also provide for the executives’ participation in discretionary bonuses, as authorized and declared by the Board, as well as participation in retirement and medical plans of the Bank and certain fringe benefits. In the event that the Bank terminates the employment of either Mr. Doherty or Mr. Morrissey without “just cause,” as such term is defined in the Employment Agreements, the Bank will continue to pay the executive’s salary for the remaining term of the Employment Agreement. If the Bank terminates either Messrs. Doherty or Morrissey for “just cause,” the Bank shall be obligated to pay only the salary earned through the executive’s date of termination. Under the Employment Agreements, if the Bank terminates the employment of Mr. Doherty or Mr. Morrissey, in connection with or within three years after any change in control, as such term is defined in the Employment Agreements, or if either Mr. Doherty or Mr. Morrissey voluntarily terminates employment within that same time period following the occurrence of certain events that would constitute a constructive termination, the Bank will pay the executive a lump sum severance benefit equal to 2.99 times his “base amount” as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Each Employment Agreement also provides that if the executive receives any benefits from the Bank in connection with a change in control that are subject to an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Bank will pay the executive an additional “gross-up payment” to ensure that the executive remains in the same financial position had the excise tax not been imposed.

Executive Salary Continuation Agreements

The Bank has entered into Executive Salary Continuation Agreements (the “Salary Continuation Agreements”) with Messrs. Doherty and Morrissey. Under the Salary Continuation Agreements, upon his “retirement date” (the later of age 65 for Mr. Doherty and age 85 for Mr. Morrissey, or the executive’s separation

 

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from service), each executive is entitled to an annual benefit payable in monthly installments until death equal to 60% for Mr. Doherty and 40% for Mr. Morrissey, of the average high three years of his base salary, offset by: (i) the amount available to the executive under the Bank’s pension plan; (ii) the Bank’s annuitized 401(k) plan contribution to the executive; and (iii) 50% of the executive’s age 65 social security benefit for Mr. Doherty and a $9,480 social security benefit for Mr. Morrissey. The Salary Continuation Agreements each provide for a three percent annual cost of living increase with respect to the benefit payable under the Salary Continuation Agreements. Under each Salary Continuation Agreement, in the event of the executive’s death, his beneficiary is entitled to a pre-retirement death benefit of an amount equal to the executive’s Accrued Liability Retirement Account, as defined under each Salary Continuation Agreement and intended to reflect the amount of benefit liability required to be accrued by the Bank from time to time, and in the event the executive dies after his separation from service but before 180 monthly installments have been paid, the Bank will continue payments to the executive’s beneficiary of the installments until 180 installments have been paid. If the executive terminates his employment prior to the retirement date voluntarily or is discharged without cause, the executive is entitled to a benefit equal to the balance of his Accrued Liability Retirement Account on the date of termination, which shall be paid in one lump sum with 60 days of his separation from service. If the Bank terminates the executive’s employment for “cause,” the Salary Continuation Agreement will terminate with no further benefit obligation. In the event of a change in control, the executive is entitled to 100% of the Accrued Liability Retirement Account, which shall be paid in one lump sum within 60 days of the date of the change in control.

Severance Agreement

The Bank has entered into a severance agreement (the “Severance Agreement”) with Paul S. Feeley, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company and the Bank. The Severance Agreement provides for a term of three years, with an automatic extension for one additional year on each anniversary, unless either the Bank or Mr. Feeley gives written notice to the other of his or its intention not to renew the term of the Severance Agreement. The Severance Agreement provides that, in the event the Bank terminates the employment of Mr. Feeley in connection with or within one year after any change in control, as such term is defined in the Severance Agreement, or Mr. Feeley voluntarily terminates employment within that same time period following the occurrence of certain events that would constitute a constructive termination, the Bank will pay Mr. Feeley a lump sum severance benefit equal to two times his annual base salary at the rate in effect just prior to the change in control provided, however, the payment may not exceed the difference between (i) 2.99 times Mr. Feeley’s “base amount,” as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and (ii) the sum of any other “parachute payments,” as defined under Section 280G(b)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, that he receives on account of the change in control.

Senior Management Incentive Compensation Plan

The Bank has established a short-term cash-based incentive program designed to reward senior management with a bonus based on the attainment of certain performance targets, specifically with respect to the Bank’s return on average assets (“ROAA”). For fiscal 2012, potential incentive distributions under the plan ranged from 0% of base salary to 24% of base salary for the Chief Executive Officer and the President and 0% of base salary to 18% of base salary for Senior Vice Presidents. Pursuant to the plan, and subject to the Board of Directors’ discretion, the Chief Executive Officer and the President were each eligible to receive an award equal to 4% of salary if the Bank achieved an ROAA level of 0.40% for fiscal 2012, with the award increasing 5.0% for each 0.05% increase in ROAA above the 0.40% threshold, subject to a maximum bonus of 24% of base salary. Senior Vice Presidents were eligible to receive an award equal to 4% of salary if the Bank achieved an ROAA level of 0.40% for fiscal 2012, with the award increasing 2.5% for each 0.05% increase in ROAA above the 0.40% threshold, subject to a maximum bonus of 18% of base salary. The Compensation Committee sets incentive awards. Awards are subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors. Because the Bank’s ROAA fell below the target levels set by the Compensation Committee in fiscal 2012, the Board of Directors determined not to award bonuses under this program in fiscal 2012.

 

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Executive Health Insurance Plan Agreements

The Bank has also entered into Executive Health Insurance Plan Agreements (the “Health Insurance Plan Agreements”) with Messrs. Doherty and Morrissey. Under the terms of each Health Insurance Plan Agreement, the Bank will make an annual contribution of $10,000 for Mr. Doherty and $25,000 for Mr. Morrissey into each executive’s Liability Reserve Account, as defined under each Health Insurance Plan Agreement. Following termination of employment, the Bank will use the account to make premium payments for post-retirement health care insurance for the executive and his spouse until the Liability Reserve Account for each executive reaches a balance of zero dollars. Under the Health Insurance Plan Agreements, an executive forfeits his benefits if he is discharged for cause as specified in his Health Insurance Plan Agreement.

Life Insurance Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement

The Bank maintains a Life Insurance Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement (the “Split Dollar Plan Agreement”) with Mr. Morrissey. Under the terms of the Split Dollar Plan Agreement, the Bank is the owner of the life insurance policy under which Mr. Morrissey and his spouse, Donna C. Morrissey, are insureds. The Bank pays an amount equal to the planned premiums and any other premium payments that may be necessary to keep the policy in force. Upon the death of the second insured to die, the insured’s designated beneficiary is entitled to one million dollars and the Bank is entitled to the remainder of the death proceeds. Under the Split Dollar Plan Agreement, at all times, the Bank is entitled to the cash value of the life insurance policy, as defined in the policy, offset by any policy loans, unpaid interest, previous cash withdrawals and surrender charges. Mr. Morrissey forfeits his entitlement to all benefits under the Split Dollar Plan Agreement if his employment with the Bank is terminated for “cause,” as specified in his Split Dollar Plan Agreement.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

 

Name

   Grant Date      Number of Shares
of Stock or

Units (1)
     Number of  Securities
Underlying

Options (2)
     Exercise or
Base Price  of
Option Awards
     Grant Date Fair
Value of Stock
Awards and
Options (3)
 

John D. Doherty

     01/03/2012         2,000         8,267       $ 17.50       $ 179,672   

William P. Morrissey

     01/03/2012         2,000         8,267         17.50         179,672   

Paul S. Feeley

     01/03/2012         1,800         7,466         17.50         162,155   

 

(1)

For Messrs. Doherty and Feeley, the restricted stock awards vest over a five-year period, with the first 20% vesting on January 3, 2013, the first anniversary of the award, and in four annual 20% increments thereafter. For Mr. Morrissey, the restricted stock awards vested immediately upon grant.

(2)

For Messrs. Doherty and Feeley, stock options vest over a five-year period, with the first 20% vesting on January 3, 2013, the first anniversary of the award, and in four annual 20% increments thereafter. For Mr. Morrissey, the stock options vested immediately upon grant.

(3)

Sets forth the grant date fair value of stock and option awards calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The grant date fair value of all stock awards is equal to the number of awards multiplied by $17.50.

 

106


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

The following table provides information concerning unexercised options and stock awards that have not vested for each named executive officer outstanding as of March 31, 2012.

 

     Option Awards      Stock Awards  

Name

   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#)
Exercisable
     Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#)
Unexercisable
    Option Exercise
Price ($)
     Option
Expiration
Date
     Number of
Shares or Units
of Stock That
Have Not Vested

(#)
    Market Value of
Shares or Units
of Stock That
Have Not Vested

($) (1)
 

John D. Doherty

     11,561         —        $ 28.99         03/17/2015         8,049 (3)    $ 146,492   
     —           8,267 (2)      17.50         01/03/2022         2,000 (4)      36,400   

William P. Morrissey

     4,253         —          28.99         03/17/2015         —          —     
     8,267         —          17.50         01/03/2022         —          —     

Paul S. Feeley

     3,995         —          28.99         03/17/2015         —          —     
     —           7,466 (2)      17.50         01/03/2022         1,800 (4)      32,760   

 

(1)

Based upon the Company’s closing stock price of $18.20 on March 31, 2012.

(2)

Stock options vest in five equal annual installments with the first 20% vesting on January 3, 2013, the first anniversary of the grant.

(3)

The restricted stock awards vest over a five-year period with the first 40% vesting on March 17, 2013, the second anniversary of the award, and in three annual 20% increments thereafter.

(4)

The restricted stock awards vest in five equal annual installments with the first 20% vesting on January 3, 2013, the first anniversary of the date of the award.

Pension Benefits

The Company sponsors the CBERA Plan C to provide retirement benefits for eligible employees. Each of the named executive officers currently participates in the plan.

 

Name

   Plan Name    Number of
Years of
Credited Service
     Present Value of
Accumulated
Benefit ($) (1)
 

John D. Doherty

   CBERA Plan C      31       $ 484,731   

William P. Morrissey

   CBERA Plan C      19         532,062   

Paul S. Feeley

   CBERA Plan C      14         439,960   

 

(1)

The material assumptions used to calculate the present value of the accumulated pension benefit were as follows: age, years of service, the average of the highest three consecutive calendar years of compensation as of March 31, 2012 and a blended discount rate using 2.13%, 4.57% and 5.60% based on new Pension Protection Act methodology.

 

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Director Compensation

The following table provides the compensation received by individuals who served as non-employee Directors of the Company during the 2012 fiscal year.

 

Name

   Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($) (1)
     Stock
Awards
($)
     Option
Awards
($)
     Change in Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)
     All Other
Compensation
($)
     Total
($)
 

Robert J. Hardiman

   $ 35,900         —           —           —           —         $ 35,900   

Raymond Mannos

     31,850         —           —           —           —           31,850   

James P. McDonough (2)

     8,550         —           —           —           —           8,550   

Albert J. Mercuri, Jr.

     35,700         —           —           —           —           35,700   

John J. Morrissey

     30,000         —           —           —           —           30,000   

Gerald T. Mulligan

     27,900         —           —           —           —           27,900   

Kenneth K. Quigley, Jr. (3)

     20,100         —           —           —           —           20,100   

Edward F. Sweeney, Jr.

     35,750         —           —           —           —           35,750   

 

(1)

Includes fees earned for service with the Company and the Bank.

(2)

Mr. McDonough resigned from the Boards of the Company and the Bank on August 30, 2011.

(3)

Mr. Quigley resigned from the Boards of the Company and the Bank on October 19, 2011.

Meeting Fees for Non-Employee Directors

Directors of the Company are paid a fee of $1,050 per Board meeting attended. In addition, members of the Company’s Audit Committee are paid a fee of $950 per Committee meeting attended and members of the Company’s Compensation Committee are paid a fee of $750 per Committee meeting attended. Directors of the Bank are paid a fee of $850 per Board meeting attended. The Chairmen of the Bank’s Audit and Security Committees are each paid a fee of $950 for each Committee meeting attended. Members of the Bank’s Audit and Securities Committees each receive a fee of $850 per Committee meeting attended. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the President do not receive any director or Committee fees.

Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors

The Company has established a Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors pursuant to which Directors who are not employees of the Company or the Bank are eligible to defer all or a portion of their Director fees. Deferred fees are credited to an account in a grantor trust and invested in shares of the Common Stock. Shares allocated to a Director’s account are to be paid out in equal annual installments over a three-year period beginning six months after the Director ceases to be a Director. The trustees of the trust vote the shares held in the trust in accordance with directions given by the Company’s Board of Directors. During the year ended March 31, 2012, $8,400 was deferred on behalf of Director Morrissey but no shares were purchased during fiscal 2012 and none was deferred on behalf of Director Mercuri. No other directors participate in the plan.

 

108


Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

(a) Persons and groups beneficially owning in excess of five percent (5%) of the Common Stock are required to file certain reports regarding such ownership pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). The following table sets forth certain information as to those persons who the Company believes were the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock as of June 4, 2012.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

   Amount and Nature
Beneficial Ownership (1)
    Percent of Shares
of Common Stock
Outstanding (2)
 

Central Co-operative Bank

    

Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust

    

399 Highland Avenue

    

Somerville, Massachusetts 02144

     368,234 (3)      21.8

John D. Doherty

    

399 Highland Avenue

    

Somerville, Massachusetts 02144

     308,714 (4)      18.1   

PRB Investors, L.P. 111,903 (5) 6.6

    

PRB Advisors, L.L.C.

    

Stephen J. Paluszek

    

Andrew P. Bergman

    

245 Park Avenue, 24th Floor

    

New York, New York 10167

     111,903 (5)      6.6   

 

(1)

In accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner, for purposes of this table, of any shares of the Common Stock as to which he has sole or shared voting or investment power, or has a right to acquire beneficial ownership of at any time within 60 days of March 31, 2012. As used herein, “voting power” is the power to vote or direct the voting of shares and “investment power” is the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Unless otherwise indicated, the listed persons have direct ownership and sole voting and dispositive power.

(2)

For purposes of calculating percentage ownership, the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding includes any shares which the beneficial owner has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 31, 2012. Based on 1,690,951 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2012.

(3)

Of the shares beneficially owned by the Central Co-operative Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust (“ESOP”) as of March 31, 2012, 226,504 shares have been allocated to participating employees over which shares the trustees of the ESOP (the “ESOP Trustees”) and 141,730 shares have not been allocated, as to which shares the ESOP Trustees generally would vote in the same proportion as voting directions received from voting ESOP participants. The ESOP Trustees disclaim any beneficial ownership interest in the shares held by the ESOP.

(4)

Includes 24,872 shares of Common Stock allocated to the account of John D. Doherty in the ESOP, 10,049 shares of unvested restricted stock awarded under the Central Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 11,561 shares subject to stock options granted under the Central Bancorp, Inc. 1999 Stock Option and Incentive Plan which Mr. Doherty may acquire within 60 days of March 31, 2012.

(5)

Based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2012 by PRB Investors, L.P. and PRB Advisors, L.L.C., the sole general partner of PRB Investors, L.P., each of which may be deemed to beneficially own 111,903 shares of Common Stock. In addition, Stephen J. Paluszek and Andrew P. Bergman, both controlling persons of PRB Advisors, L.L.C., may be deemed to beneficially own 111, 903 shares. PRB Investors, L.P., PRB Advisors, L.L.C. and Messrs. Paluszek and Bergman share voting power and dispositive power with respect to the reported shares.

 

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(b) The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2012, the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by each of the Company’s directors and named executive officers, and by all directors and executive officers as a group.

 

     Beneficial Ownership  

Name

   Number
of Shares
    Percentage
of Shares
Outstanding (1)
 

John D. Doherty

     308,714 (2)      18.1

Robert J. Hardiman

     11,000        *   

Raymond Mannos

     2,500        *   

Albert J. Mercuri, Jr.

     3,984 (3)      *   

John J. Morrissey

     2,772 (3)      *   

William P. Morrissey

     66,558 (4)      3.9   

Gerald T. Mulligan

     12,300 (5)      *   

Edward F. Sweeney, Jr.

     301        *   

Paul S. Feeley

     17,254 (6)      *   

All directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons)

     463,318 (7)      26.8

 

(1)

In calculating percentage ownership for a given individual or group of individuals, the number of shares of the Common Stock outstanding includes unissued shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2012 held by that individual or group. Based on 1,690,951 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2012.

(2)

Includes 24,872 shares of Common Stock allocated to his account in the ESOP, 10,049 shares of unvested restricted stock and 11,561 shares which he has the right to acquire pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2012.

(3)

Includes shares credited to their accounts in the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors as follows: Director Mercuri, 3,784 shares and Director John J. Morrissey, 2,648 shares.

(4)

Includes 15,167 shares allocated to Mr. Morrissey’s account in the ESOP and 12,520 shares which he has the right to acquire pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2012.

(5)

Includes 1,300 shares held by Mr. Mulligan’s spouse.

(6)

Includes 8,459 shares allocated to Mr. Feeley’s ESOP account, 1,800 shares of unvested restricted stock and 3,995 shares of Common Stock which he has the right to acquire pursuant to options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2012.

(7)

Includes the 12,375 shares of Common Stock which may be acquired by executive officers who are not named executive officers pursuant to stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2012, 4,080 shares of unvested restricted stock for executive officers who are not named executive officers and 16,373 shares allocated to the ESOP accounts of executive officers who are not named executive officers.

*

Represents less than 1% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock.

(c) Changes in Control

Other than the previously reported Agreement and Plan of Merger between the Company and Independent Bank Corp., management knows of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person of securities of the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the registrant.

 

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(d) Equity Compensation Plan Information

The Company has adopted the 1999 Stock Option and Incentive Plan and the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, pursuant to which equity may be awarded to participants. Both plans have been approved by stockholders.

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the Company’s equity compensation plans as of March 31, 2012:

 

     (a)      (b)      (c)  

Plan Category

   Number of securities to be
issued

upon exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and  rights
     Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding
options, warrants and rights
     Number of securities  remaining
available for future issuance
under equity compensation
plan (excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
 

Equity compensation plans

approved by security holders

     73,589       $ 23.04         —     

Equity compensation plans not

approved by security holders

     —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total (1)

     73,589       $ 23.04         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

The 1999 Stock Option Plan and the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan provides for a proportionate adjustment to the number of shares reserved thereunder in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, reclassification or similar event.

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Transactions with Related Parties

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 generally prohibits loans by the Company to its executive officers and directors. However, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act contains a specific exemption from such prohibition for loans by the Bank to its executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking regulations. Federal regulations require that all loans or extensions of credit to executive officers and directors of insured financial institutions must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. The Bank is therefore prohibited from making any new loans or extensions of credit to executive officers and directors at different rates or terms than those offered to the general public. Notwithstanding this rule, federal regulations permit the Bank to make loans to executive officers and directors at reduced interest rates if the loan is made under a benefit program generally available to all other employees and does not give preference to any executive officer or director over any other employee, although the Bank does not currently have such a program in place.

In addition, Massachusetts law provides that co-operative banks are limited in the amount of money that they may lend to their officers. These limits are $500,000 for a mortgage on a primary residence, $150,000 for loans for educational purposes and $35,000 for all other types of loans in total. These restrictions do not apply to non-officer employees of a co-operative bank or to a co-operative bank’s outside directors.

The Company also maintains a comprehensive written policy for the review, approval and ratification of certain transactions with related persons. In accordance with banking regulations and its policy, the Board of Directors reviews all loans made to a director, executive officer or principal shareholder or to any related interest of any such person in an amount that, when aggregated with the amount of all other loans to such person and his or her related interests, exceed the greater of $25,000 or 5% of the Company’s capital and surplus (up to a maximum of $500,000) and such loans must be approved in advance by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Company’s Audit Committee also reviews all related party transactions (i.e., transactions required to be disclosed under SEC Regulation S-K, Item 404) for potential conflicts of interest situations on an ongoing basis and determines whether to approve such transactions. Pursuant

 

111


to the Company’s Code of Ethics for Directors, Officers and Employees, all executive officers and directors of the Company must disclose any existing or potential conflicts of interest. Such potential conflicts of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) personally benefiting from opportunities that are discovered through the use of Company property, contacts, information or position; and (ii) accepting employment or engaging in a business (including consulting or similar arrangements) that may conflict with the performance of the director’s or executive officer’s duties or the Company’s interests.

Director Independence

The Company’s Board of Directors is currently composed of eight members, all of whom are independent under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market, except John D. Doherty, William P. Morrissey and John J. Morrissey.

Item 14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Audit Fees

For the years ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company incurred the following amounts for its independent public accountants for fees aggregating $131,900 and $140,420, respectively.

The following table sets forth the fees billed to the Company for the fiscal years ending March 31, 2012 and 2011 by our independent public accountants:

 

     2012      2011  

Audit fees (1)

   $ 100,500       $ 110,000   

Audit-related fees

     —           —     

Tax fees (2)

     15,500         16,000   

All other fees (3)

     15,900         14,420   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total fees

   $ 131,900       $ 140,420   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and review of consolidated financial statements included in Forms 10-Q and 10-K and services normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings, including out-of-pocket expenses.

(2)

Tax fees include the following: preparation of state and federal tax returns and assistance with calculating estimated tax payments.

(3)

Represents professional services rendered in connection with the audit of the Bank’s employee stock ownership plan.

Pre-Approval of Services by the Independent Auditor

The Audit Committee does not have a policy for the pre-approval of non-audit services to be provided by the Company’s independent auditor. Any such services would be considered on a case-by-case basis. All non-audit services provided by the independent auditors in fiscal years 2012 and 2011 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

 

112


PART IV

Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)

The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

 

  (1)

Financial Statements

For the Financial Statements filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, reference is made to “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

 

  (2)

Financial Statement Schedules

All financial statement schedules have been omitted as not applicable or not required or because they are included in the financial statements appearing at Item 8.

 

  (3)

Exhibits

The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are either filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated by reference herein.

The following exhibits are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report:

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

3.11    Articles of Organization of Central Bancorp, Inc.
3.22    Amended and Restated Bylaws of Central Bancorp, Inc.
4.13    Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Organization of Central Bancorp, Inc. Establishing Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A
4.24    Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Organization of Central Bancorp, Inc. Establishing Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B
10.15    Employment Agreement by and between Central Co-operative Bank and John D. Doherty, dated December 20, 2007 †
10.25    Employment Agreement by and between Central Co-operative Bank and William P. Morrissey, dated December 20, 2007 †
10.35    Executive Salary Continuation Agreement by and between Central Co-operative Bank and John D. Doherty, as amended, dated December 20, 2007 †
10.46    Amendment to Salary Continuation Agreement by and between Central Co-operative Bank and John D. Doherty, dated March 29, 2012 †
10.55    Executive Salary Continuation Agreement by and between Central Co-operative Bank and William P. Morrissey, as amended, dated December 20, 2007 †
10.65    Executive Health Insurance Plan Agreement by and between Central Co-operative Bank and John D. Doherty, dated December 20, 2007 †
10.75    Executive Health Insurance Plan Agreement by and between Central Co-operative Bank and William P. Morrissey, dated December 20, 2007 †
10.85    Life Insurance Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement by and between Central Co-operative Bank and William P. Morrissey, dated December 20, 2007 †
10.91    Severance Agreement between Central Co-operative Bank and Paul S. Feeley, dated May 14, 1998 †
10.101    Amendment to Severance Agreement between Central Co-operative Bank and Paul S. Feeley, dated January 8, 1999 †

 

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10.117    Central Bancorp, Inc. 1999 Stock Option and Incentive Plan †
10.128    Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors †
10.139    Senior Management Compensation Incentive Plan, as amended †
10.1410    Severance Agreement between the Bank and Bryan E. Greenbaum, dated March 17, 2005†
10.1511    Central Bancorp, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan †
10.1612    Securities Purchase Agreement, dated August 25, 2011, between Central Bancorp, Inc. and the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock
10.1713    Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Independent Bank Corp., Rockland Trust Company, Central Bancorp, Inc. and Central Co-operative Bank, dated as of April 30,
1413    Code of Ethics
21    Subsidiaries of Registrant
23.1    Consent of Shatswell MacLeod & Company, P.C.
23.2    Consent of McGladrey LLP
31.1    Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2    Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32    Section 1350 Certifications
99.1    31 C.F.R. §30.15 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
99.2    31 C.F.R. §30.15 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
101*    The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2012, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Condition, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.

 

*

Furnished, not filed.

Management contract or compensatory plan.

(1)

Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999 (File No. 0- 25251) filed with the SEC on June 28, 1999.

(2)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-25251) filed with the SEC on October 22, 2007.

(3)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-25251) filed with the SEC on December 9, 2008.

(4)

Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-25251) filed with the SEC on August 23, 2011.

(5)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-25251) filed with the SEC on December 21, 2007.

(6)

Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-25251) filed with the SEC on March 29, 2012.

(7)

Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-87005) filed on September 13, 1999.

(8)

Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 0- 25251) filed with the SEC on February 17, 2009.

 

114


(9)

Incorporated by reference to the exhibits filed with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 (File No. 0-25251) filed with the SEC on August 13, 2010.

(10)

Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 (File No. 0-25251) filed with the SEC on June 29, 2005.

(11)

Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-136234) filed with the SEC on August 2, 2006.

(12)

Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-25251) filed with the SEC on August 29, 2011.

(13)

Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-25251) filed with the SEC on May 3, 2012.

(14)

Incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 0-25251) filed with the SEC on April 13, 2004.

 

115


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized

 

   

CENTRAL BANCORP, INC.

Date: June 18, 2012

   

By:

 

/s/ John D. Doherty

     

John D. Doherty

     

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

     

(Principal Executive Officer)

     

(Duly Authorized Representative)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

/s/ John D. Doherty

John D. Doherty

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

     June 18, 2012

/s/ Paul S. Feeley

Paul S. Feeley

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

and Treasurer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

     June 18, 2012

/s/ William P. Morrissey

William P. Morrissey

President and Director

     June 18, 2012

/s/ Robert J. Hardiman

Robert J. Hardiman

Director

     June 18, 2012

/s/ Raymond Mannos

Raymond Mannos

Director

     June 18, 2012

/s/ Albert J. Mercuri, Jr.

Albert J. Mercuri, Jr.

Director

     June 18, 2012

/s/ John J. Morrissey

John J. Morrissey

Director

     June 18, 2012

/s/ Gerald T. Mulligan

Gerald T. Mulligan

Director

     June 18, 2012

/s/ Edward F. Sweeney, Jr.

Edward F. Sweeney, Jr.

Director

     June 18, 2012