UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

S QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
  or
£ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
For the transition period from ___________________________ to ___________________________

 

Commission file number: 0-49784

 

Southern Connecticut Bancorp, Inc. 

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Connecticut   06-1609692
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     

215 Church Street, New Haven, Connecticut 

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

06510 

(Zip Code)

 

(203) 782-1100

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

 

Not Applicable

(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes S                                No £

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

 

Yes S                                No £

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer £   Accelerated filer £
     
Non-accelerated filer £   Smaller reporting company S
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

                                                                                     Yes £                                No S

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

  

Class   Outstanding as of November 14, 2012
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share   2,772,816 shares

 



 
 

 

Table of Contents

 

Part I – Financial Information

 

      Page
       
Item 1. Financial Statements.      
         
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 (unaudited)   3  
         
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)   4  
         
  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)   5  
         
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)   6  
         
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 (unaudited)   7  
         
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)   9  
         
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.   25  
         
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.   41  
         
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.   41  
         
Part II - Other Information      
         
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.   41  
         
Item 1A. Risk Factors.   41  
         
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.   42  
         
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.   42  
         
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.   42  
         
Item 5. Other Information.   42  
         
Item 6. Exhibits.   42  
         
Signatures     43  

 

 
 

 

Item 1.     Financial Statements.
 
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)
September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
ASSETS  2012   2011 
Cash and due from banks  $6,425,119   $18,167,794 
Short term investments   3,641,655    6,764,409 
Cash and cash equivalents   10,066,774    24,932,203 
           
Interest bearing certificates of deposit   655,265    99,426 
Available for sale securities (at fair value)   2,914,771    3,849,847 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   60,600    66,100 
Loans receivable          
Loans receivable   106,318,106    113,943,767 
Allowance for loan losses   (2,228,332)   (2,299,625)
Loans receivable, net   104,089,774    111,644,142 
Accrued interest receivable   402,800    434,302 
Premises and equipment   1,940,975    2,014,665 
Other real estate owned   631,786    374,211 
Other assets held for sale   315,000    315,000 
Other assets   1,587,954    2,240,009 
Total assets  $122,665,699   $145,969,905 
           
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Liabilities          
Deposits          
Noninterest bearing deposits  $29,861,639   $31,003,581 
Interest bearing deposits   79,265,205    101,627,100 
Total deposits   109,126,844    132,630,681 
           
Repurchase agreements   253,163    68 
Capital lease obligations   1,156,167    1,161,938 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   362,939    631,285 
Total liabilities   110,899,113    134,423,972 
           
Commitments and Contingencies          
           
Shareholders' Equity          
Preferred stock, no par value; shares authorized: 500,000; none issued        
Common stock, par value $.01; shares authorized: 5,000,000; shares issued and outstanding: 2012 2,772,816; 2011 2,697,902   27,728    26,979 
Additional paid-in capital   22,725,494    22,569,489 
Accumulated deficit   (10,986,407)   (11,050,382)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - net unrealized loss on available for sale securities   (229)   (153)
Total shareholders' equity   11,766,586    11,545,933 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity  $122,665,699   $145,969,905 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

3
 

 

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

 

   Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
                 
Interest Income:                    
Interest and fees on loans  $1,477,497   $1,761,112   $4,625,896   $5,383,869 
Interest on securities   559    72    1,008    274 
Interest on federal funds sold and short-term and other investments   12,598    24,384    39,137    68,882 
                     
Total interest income   1,490,654    1,785,568    4,666,041    5,453,025 
                     
Interest Expense:                    
Interest expense on deposits   205,141    466,458    721,850    1,407,319 
Interest expense on capital lease obligations   41,138    42,737    124,677    129,144 
Interest expense on repurchase agreements and other borrowings   40    181    196    670 
Total interest expense   246,319    509,376    846,723    1,537,133 
                     
Net interest income   1,244,335    1,276,192    3,819,318    3,915,892 
                     
Provision for loan losses   30,000    373,152    240,254    1,039,212 
                     
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   1,214,335    903,040    3,579,064    2,876,680 
                     
Noninterest Income:                    
Service charges and fees   94,562    108,089    262,468    315,839 
Loan prepayment fees   46,308        91,516     
Other noninterest income   40,849    42,437    146,950    106,398 
Total noninterest income   181,719    150,526    500,934    422,237 
                     
Noninterest Expenses:                    
Salaries and benefits   671,629    596,944    2,198,504    1,976,617 
Occupancy and equipment   162,404    158,615    458,379    501,084 
Professional services   92,990    108,311    369,528    281,874 
Data processing and other outside services   69,469    98,077    206,029    304,084 
FDIC Insurance   50,824    65,609    158,230    182,973 
Directors fees   43,175    74,950    122,375    236,650 
Insurance   32,043    10,638    96,896    38,899 
(Gain) loss on sale of other real estate owned       51,141    (2,896)   51,141 
Other operating expenses   110,233    140,351    408,978    436,431 
Total noninterest expenses   1,232,767    1,304,636    4,016,023    4,009,753 
                     
Net income (loss)  $163,287   $(251,070)  $63,975   $(710,836)
                     
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share  $0.06   $(0.09)  $0.02   $(0.26)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4
 

 

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (unaudited)
For the Three Months and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 
Net income (loss)  $163,287   $(251,070)  $63,975   $(710,836)
                     
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes:                    
Net change in unrealized holding (loss) gain on available for sale securities   (184)   (48)   (76)   197 
Comprehensive income (loss)  $163,103   $(251,118)  $63,899   $(710,639)

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5
 

 

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

 

   Number       Additional       Other     
   of Common   Common   Paid-In   Accumulated   Comprehensive     
   Shares   Stock   Capital   Deficit   (Loss) Income   Total 
Balance, December 31, 2010   2,696,902   $26,969   $22,567,146   $(8,312,465)  $(274)  $14,281,376 
                               
Net loss               (710,836)       (710,836)
                               
Other comprehensive income                   197    197 
                               
Restricted stock compensation   1,000    10    2,343            2,353 
                               
Balance, September 30, 2011   2,697,902   $26,979   $22,569,489   $(9,023,301)  $(77)  $13,573,090 
                               
Balance, December 31, 2011   2,697,902   $26,979   $22,569,489   $(11,050,382)  $(153)  $11,545,933 
                               
Net Income               63,975        63,975 
                               
Other comprehensive loss                   (76)   (76)
                               
Restricted stock compensation   74,914    749    156,005            156,754 
                               
                               
Balance, September 30, 2012   2,772,816   $27,728   $22,725,494   $(10,986,407)  $(229)  $11,766,586 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6
 

 

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

 

   2012   2011 
Cash Flows From Operations          
Net income (loss)  $63,975   $(710,836)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts on investments, net      (7)
Provision for loan losses   240,254    1,039,212 
Write-down of other real estate owned       10,000 
Share based compensation   156,754    2,353 
Depreciation and amortization   173,926    199,273 
(Gain) Loss on sale of other real estate owned   (2,896)   51,141 
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance   (29,970)   (30,306)
Changes in assets and liabilities:          
(Decrease) increase in deferred loan fees   (18,239)   1,857 
Decrease in accrued interest receivable   31,502    60,124 
Decrease (increase) in other assets   682,025    (25,962)
Decrease in accrued expenses and  other liabilities   (268,346)   (150,658)
Net cash provided by operating activities   1,028,985    446,191 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities          
Purchases of interest bearing certificates of deposit   (555,839)    
Proceeds from maturities of interest bearing certificates of deposits       55 
Purchases of available for sale securities   (15,176,158)   (21,649,993)
Proceeds from maturities of available for sale securities   16,111,158    20,150,000 
Redemptions of Federal Home Loan Bank Stock   5,500     
Net decrease in loans receivable   6,896,030    5,283,049 
Purchases of premises and equipment   (100,236)   (18,680)
Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned   181,644    137,859 
Capitalized costs related to other real estate owned       (7,375)
Net cash provided by investing activities   7,362,099    3,894,915 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities          
Net (decrease) increase in demand, savings and money market deposits   (9,446,323)   6,023,607 
Net (decrease) increase in certificates of deposit   (14,057,514)   588,743 
Net increase (decrease) in repurchase agreements   253,095    (265,726)
Principal repayments on capital lease obligations   (5,771)   (5,191)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   (23,256,513)   6,341,433 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (14,865,429)   10,682,539 
Cash and cash equivalents          
Beginning   24,932,203    20,837,760 
Ending  $10,066,774   $31,520,299 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(Continued)

 

7
 

 

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited), Continued
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

 

   2012   2011 
           
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:          
           
Cash paid for interest  $994,655   $1,520,210 
           
Income taxes  $   $750 
           
Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:          
Transfer of loans receivable to other real estate owned  $436,323   $858,550 
           
Transfer of loans receivable to other assets  $   $559,895 
           
Financing of sale of other real estate owned  $   $433,500 
           
Unrealized holding (loss) gain on available for sale securities arising during the period  $(76)  $197 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

8
 

 

Southern Connecticut Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1. Nature of Operations

 

Southern Connecticut Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut that was incorporated on November 8, 2000. The Company’s strategic objective is to serve as a bank holding company for a community-based commercial bank serving primarily New Haven County (the “Greater New Haven Market”). The Company owns 100% of the capital stock of The Bank of Southern Connecticut (the “Bank”), a Connecticut-chartered bank with its headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut, and 100% of the capital stock of SCB Capital, Inc. The Company and its subsidiaries focus on meeting the financial service needs of consumers and small to medium-sized businesses, professionals and professional corporations, and their owners and employees in the Greater New Haven Market.

 

The Bank operates branches at four locations, including downtown New Haven, the Amity/Westville section of New Haven, Branford and North Haven. The Bank’s branches have a consistent, attractive appearance. Each location has an open lobby, comfortable waiting area, offices for the branch manager and a loan officer, and a conference room. The design of the branches complements the business development strategy of the Bank, affording an appropriate space to deliver personalized banking services in professional, confidential surroundings.

 

The Bank focuses on serving the banking needs of small to medium-sized businesses, professionals and professional corporations, and their owners and employees in the Greater New Haven Market. The Bank’s target commercial customer has between $1.0 and $30.0 million in revenues, 15 to 150 employees, and borrowing needs of up to $3.0 million. The primary focus on this commercial market makes the Bank uniquely qualified to move deftly in responding to the needs of its clients. The Bank has been successful in winning business by offering a combination of competitive pricing for its services, quick decision making processes and a high level of personalized, “high touch” customer service.

 

SCB Capital, Inc. operated under the name “Evergreen Financial Services” (“Evergreen”) as a licensed mortgage brokerage business through July 31, 2010. After reviewing the historical operations and results of Evergreen, and considering future prospects for the business, management determined that it was in the best interest of the Company to discontinue the mortgage brokerage operation of SCB Capital, Inc. Subsequent to July 31, 2010, the mortgage brokerage activities continued through the Bank.

 

Note 2. Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

 

The consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. The consolidated interim financial statements and notes thereto have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Amounts in prior period financial statements are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to current period presentations. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the year as a whole. The accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements of the Company and notes thereto as of December 31, 2011, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K on March 30, 2012. Certain amounts included in the 2011 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2012 presentation. Such reclassification had no impact on net income (loss).

 

Note 3. Available for Sale Securities

 

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and approximate fair values of available for sale securities at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

       Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
September 30, 2012  Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
U.S. Treasury Bills  $2,915,000   $   $(229)  $2,914,771 

 

       Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
December 31, 2011  Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
U.S. Treasury Bills  $3,850,000   $   $(153)  $3,849,847 

 

9
 

 

The following table presents the Company’s available for sale securities’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by the length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, at September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

   Less Than 12 Months   12 Months or More   Total 
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
September 30, 2012  Value   Loss   Value   Loss   Value   Loss 
U.S. Treasury Bills  $2,914,771   $229   $   $   $2,914,771   $229 

 

   Less Than 12 Months   12 Months or More   Total 
   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized 
December 31, 2011  Value   Loss   Value   Loss   Value   Loss 
U.S. Treasury Bills  $3,849,847   $153   $   $   $3,849,847   $153 

 

At both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had one available for sale security in an unrealized loss position.

 

Management believes that none of the unrealized losses on available for sale securities are other than temporary because all of the unrealized losses in the Company’s investment portfolio are due to market interest rate changes on debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies. Management considers the issuers of the securities to be financially sound and the Company expects to receive all contractual principal and interest related to these investments. Because the Company does not intend to sell the investments, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider the investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2012.

 

The amortized cost and fair value of available for sale debt securities at September 30, 2012 by contractual maturity are presented below:

 

   Amortized   Fair 
   Cost   Value 
Maturity:          
Within one year  $2,915,000   $2,914,771 

 

10
 

 

Note 4. Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses

 

A summary of the Company’s loan portfolio at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was as follows:

 

   2012   2011 
           
Commercial loans secured by real estate  $64,213,700   $67,248,165 
Commercial   26,066,042    31,719,229 
Residential mortgages   13,493,660    12,565,428 
Construction and land   2,267,099    2,309,600 
Consumer   392,962    234,941 
Total loans   106,433,463    114,077,363 
Net deferred loan fees   (115,357)   (133,596)
Allowance for loan losses   (2,228,332)   (2,299,625)
Loans receivable, net  $104,089,774   $111,644,142 

 

The following table details the period end loan balances and the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment that were collectively and individually evaluated for impairment as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

September 30, 2012  Commercial Loans Secured by Real Estate   Commercial   Residential Mortgages   Construction and Land   Consumer   Total 
Period-end loan balances:                              
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment  $62,360,677   $22,347,377   $12,840,178   $879,439   $392,962   $98,820,633 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment   1,853,023    3,718,665    653,482    1,387,660        7,612,830 
Total
  $64,213,700   $26,066,042   $13,493,660   $2,267,099   $392,962   $106,433,463 
                               
Period-end allowance amount allocated to:                              
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment  $1,192,985   $784,074   $218,522   $22,028   $6,325   $2,223,934 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment       4,398                4,398 
Balance at end of period  $1,192,985   $788,472   $218,522   $22,028   $6,325   $2,228,332 

 

September 30, 2012  Commercial Loans Secured by Real Estate   Commercial   Residential Mortgages   Construction and Land   Consumer   Total 
Period-end loan balances:                              
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment  $65,146,824   $28,112,167   $12,010,750   $889,444   $233,481   $106,392,666 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment   2,101,341    3,607,062    554,678    1,420,156    1,460    7,684,697 
Total  $67,248,165   $31,719,229   $12,565,428   $2,309,600   $234,941   $114,077,363 
                               
Period-end allowance amount allocated to:                              
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment  $1,122,699   $961,581   $187,224   $20,431   $3,292   $2,295,227 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment       4,398                4,398 
Balance at end of period  $1,122,699   $965,979   $187,224   $20,431   $3,292   $2,299,625 

 

11
 

 

  The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories: 

 

September 30, 2012  Commercial Loans Secured by Real Estate   Commercial   Residential Mortgages   Construction and Land   Consumer   Total 
Balance at beginning of year  $1,122,699   $965,979   $187,224   $20,431   $3,292   $2,299,625 
Provision for loan losses   41,172    127,003    64,490    1,597    5,992    240,254 
Loans charged-off       (384,027)   (33,192)       (2,959)   (420,178)
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off   29,114    79,517                 108,631 
Net recoveries (charge-offs)   29,114    (304,510)   (33,192)       (2,959)   (311,547)
Balance at end of period  $1,192,985   $788,472   $218,522   $22,028   $6,325   $2,228,332 
                               
Period-end amount allocated to:                              
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment  $1,192,985   $784,074   $218,522   $22,028   $6,325   $2,223,934 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment       4,398                4,398 
Balance at end of period  $1,192,985   $788,472   $218,522   $22,028   $6,325   $2,228,332 

 

September 30, 2011  Commercial Loans Secured by Real Estate   Commercial   Residential Mortgages   Construction and Land   Consumer   Total 
Balance at beginning of year  $1,587,196   $821,981   $316,146   $55,182   $6,136   $2,786,641 
Provision for (credit to) loan losses   779,147    255,354    24,333    (26,959)   7,337    1,039,212 
Loans charged-off   (1,344,057)   (138,779)   (40,909)       (9,675)   (1,533,420)
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off       4,104            2,301    6,405 
Net charge-offs   (1,344,057)   (134,675)   (40,909)       (7,374)   (1,527,015)
Balance at end of period  $1,022,286   $942,660   $299,570   $28,223   $6,099   $2,298,838 
                               
Period-end amount allocated to:                              
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment  $831,817   $719,009   $157,646   $28,223   $6,099    1,742,794 
Loans individually evaluated for impairment   190,469    223,651    141,924            556,044 
Balance at end of period  $1,022,286   $942,660   $299,570   $28,223   $6,099   $2,298,838 

 

Impaired Loans. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and real estate loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

 

The following tables relate to impaired loans as of September 30, 2012 and as of December 31, 2011:

 

September 30, 2012  Unpaid Contractual Principal Balance   Recorded Investment With No Allowance   Recorded Investment With  Allowance   Total Recorded Investment   Related Allowance 
                          
Commercial loans secured by real estate  $1,823,909   $1,853,023   $   $1,853,023   $ 
Commercial   4,023,174    2,066,243    1,652,422    3,718,665    4,398 
Construction and land   1,387,660    1,387,660        1,387,660     
Residential mortgages   686,674    653,482        653,482     
Consumer   2,960                 
Total  $7,924,377   $5,960,408   $1,652,422   $7,612,830   $4,398 

 

12
 

 

December 31, 2011  Unpaid Contractual Principal Balance   Recorded Investment With No Allowance   Recorded Investment With  Allowance   Total Recorded Investment   Related Allowance 
                          
Commercial loans secured by real estate  $2,354,430   $2,101,341   $   $2,101,341   $ 
Commercial   4,664,485    1,707,720    1,899,342    3,607,062    4,398 
Construction and land   1,420,156    1,420,156        1,420,156     
Residential mortgages   706,472    554,678        554,678     
Consumer   1,460    1,460        1,460     
Total  $9,147,003   $5,785,355   $1,899,342   $7,684,697   $4,398 

 

The following tables relate to interest income recognized by class of impaired loans as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2012   2011 
September 30, 2012  Average Recorded Investment   Interest  Income Recognized   Average Recorded Investment   Interest  Income Recognized 
                 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  $2,050,684   $62,205   $3,039,291   $94,238 
Commercial   3,733,527    56,029    1,450,042    9,807 
Construction and land   1,402,532    50,615    1,125,000     
Residential mortgages   695,016    45,305    733,590    16,674 
Consumer   373    14         
Total  $7,882,132   $214,168   $6,347,923   $120,719 

 

The Company’s lending activities are conducted principally in New Haven County of Connecticut. The Company grants commercial and residential real estate loans, commercial business loans and a variety of consumer loans. In addition, the Company may grant loans for the construction of residential homes, residential developments and land development projects. All residential and commercial mortgage loans are collateralized by first or second mortgages on real estate. The ability and willingness of borrowers to satisfy their loan obligations is dependent in large part upon the status of the regional economy and regional real estate market. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the loan portfolio and the recovery of a substantial portion of any resulting real estate acquired is susceptible to changes in market conditions.

 

The Company has established credit policies applicable to each type of lending activity in which it engages, evaluates the creditworthiness of each customer on an individual basis and, when deemed appropriate, obtains collateral. Collateral varies by each borrower and loan type. The market value of collateral is monitored on an ongoing basis and additional collateral is obtained when warranted. Important types of collateral include business assets, real estate, commercial vehicles, equipment, automobiles, marketable securities and time deposits. While collateral provides assurance as a secondary source of repayment, the Company ordinarily requires the primary source of repayment to be based on the borrower’s ability to generate continuing cash flows.

 

Loan Origination/Risk Management. Management and the Board of Directors have adopted policies and procedures which dictate the guidelines for all loan originations for the Company. All loan originations are either approved by the Board of Directors or by a management committee comprised of the CEO, the President and Senior Loan Officer and the senior loan officers of the Company. Any loans approved by the management committee are reviewed and ratified by the Board of Directors.

 

The Company underwrites commercial and industrial loans, loans secured by commercial real estate, loans secured by residential real estate, loans related to commercial and residential development, and loans to consumers. The principal requirement of any borrower is the demonstrated ability to service the interest and principal payments of the loan as structured.

 

Commercial and industrial loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower’s ability to operate profitably and generate the cash flow necessary to repay the loan as agreed with respect to principal and interest. Commercial and industrial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most commercial and industrial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and require a personal guarantee. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers.

 

Like commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower’s ability to operate profitably and generate the cash flow necessary to repay the loan as agreed with respect to principal and interest. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally largely dependent on the successful

 

13
 

 

operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral, geography and risk rating.

 

While the Company does have a small number of loans to individual borrowers to finance their primary residence, the majority of the Company’s loans secured by residential real estate are made in connection with a commercial loan for which residential real estate is offered as collateral. These loans are underwritten to the same standards as commercial real estate loans.

 

With respect to loans to developers and builders that are secured by non-owner occupied properties that the Company may originate from time to time, the Company requires the borrower to have a proven record of success, and typically requires a personal guarantee from all the principals of the project. Construction loans are underwritten utilizing independent appraisal reviews and lease rates and financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Construction loans are generally based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the complete project.

 

The Company originates consumer loans on a limited basis. Applications for consumer loans are analyzed on an individual basis based on the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. Where available, collateral is used to secure consumer loans.

 

Not less than annually, the Company utilizes an independent loan review company to review and validate the credit risk program. Results of these reviews are presented to management and reported to the Board of Directors. The loan review process complements and reinforces the risk identification and assessment decisions made by lenders and credit personnel, as well as the Company’s policies and procedures.

 

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection. Consumer installment loans are typically charged off no later than 180 days past due. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual status or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual status or charged off is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis method until the loans qualify for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

 

At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the unpaid principal balances of loans placed on nonaccrual status were $4,915,927 and $5,785,355, respectively. At September 30, 2012, three commercial loans with an aggregate principal balance of $1,904,655 and two commercial real estate loans with an aggregate principal balance of $1,299,864 were considered to be troubled debt restructurings. There are no further commitments to lend funds to these borrowers. Accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more were $20 at September 30, 2012. There were no loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest at December 31, 2011.

 

Nonaccrual loans segregated by class of loans as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

   2012   2011 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  $808,542   $2,101,341 
Commercial   2,066,243    1,707,720 
Construction and land   1,387,660    1,420,156 
Residential mortgages   653,482    554,678 
Consumer       1,460 
   $4,915,927   $5,785,355 

 

An age analysis of past due loans, segregated by class of loans, as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

September 30, 2012  Loans 30-89 Days Past Due   Loans 90 Days or More Past Due   Total Past Due Loans   Current Loans   Total Loans   Accruing Loans 90 or More Days Past Due 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  $2,902,944   $808,542   $3,711,486   $60,502,214   $64,213,700   $ 
Commercial       2,066,263    2,066,263    23,999,779    26,066,042    20 
Residential mortgages   107,427    653,482    760,909    12,732,751    13,493,660     
Construction and land       1,387,660    1,387,660    879,439    2,267,099     
Consumer               392,962    392,962     
   $3,010,371   $4,915,947   $7,926,318   $98,507,145   $106,433,463   $20 

 

14
 

 

December 31, 2011  Loans 30-89 Days Past Due   Loans 90 Days or More Past Due   Total Past Due Loans   Current Loans   Total Loans   Accruing Loans 90 or More Days Past Due 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  $128,384   $2,101,341   $2,229,725   $65,018,440   $67,248,165   $ 
Commercial   1,052,990    1,707,720    2,760,710    28,958,519    31,719,229     
Residential mortgages   211,562    554,678    766,240    11,799,188    12,565,428     
Construction and land       1,420,156    1,420,156    889,444    2,309,600     
Consumer       1,460    1,460    233,481    234,941     
   $1,392,936   $5,785,355   $7,178,291   $106,899,072   $114,077,363   $ 

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings. The recorded investment balance of TDRs, net of charge-offs, as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $3,205,000 and $3,213,000, respectively. At September 30, 2012, this recorded investment balance included $1,044,000 for a commercial and industrial loan which returned to accrual status during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, as it had performed in accordance with the terms and conditions of its restructuring agreement for a period of one year. At both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there was a $4,398 specific reserve related to one TDR. There were no charge-offs of TDRs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. There were no additional funds committed to borrowers in TDR status at September 30, 2012.

 

The following table provides information on loans modified as TDRs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012:

 

   Number of Loans   Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment   Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment   Coupon Rate 
Commercial    2   $428,228   $428,228    1.12%

 

The following table provides information on how loans were modified as TDRs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012:

 

   2012 
Extended maturity  $79,617 
Adjusted interest  rates   348,611 
Total  $428,228 

 

There were no loans previously modified as a TDR for which there was a payment default during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

Credit Quality Indicators. Oversight of the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio is managed by members of senior management and a committee of the Board of Directors. This group meets not less than monthly to review all impaired loans, any loans identified by management as potential problem loans, and all loans that are past due. The Company’s loan portfolio is comprised principally of loans to commercial entities, but the Company offers consumer loans as well. The Company employs different methodologies for monitoring credit risk in commercial loans and consumer loans.

 

Commercial Loans. The Company employs a risk rating system to identify the level of risk inherent in commercial loans. The risk rating system assists management in monitoring and overseeing the loan portfolio by providing indications of credit trends, serving as a basis for pricing, and being a part of the quantitative determination of the allowance for loan losses.

 

All commercial relationships, including loans categorized as commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial loans secured by residential real estate, and construction loans, are included in this risk rating system. Under the Company’s internal risk rating system, the Company has risk rating categories of 0 through 5 that fall into the federal regulatory risk rating of “Pass.” A risk rating of 0 is assigned to those loans that are secured by readily marketable assets (including deposits at the bank); risk ratings increase from 1 to 5 in incremental increases of risk inherent in the relationship, with a loan that is rated 5 representing moderate risk. In addition, the Company identifies criticized loans as “special mention,” “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss,” by employing a numerical risk rating system of 6, 7, 8 and 9, respectively, which correspond with the federal regulatory risk rating definitions of special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss, respectively.

 

Risk ratings assigned to loans are recommended by management and approved by the Company’s loan committee. The loan officer presents a proposed risk rating based on the underlying loan and the proposal is reviewed for accuracy and confirmed by the credit

 

15
 

 

department. Risk ratings take into account a variety of commonly employed financial metrics, both quantitative and qualitative, which serve to measure risk. As part of the determination, all ratings of 5 or better (which are collectively considered “Pass” ratings by the Company) require that the customers have furnished timely financial information and other data pertinent to the relationships. Cash flow is reviewed and analyzed over a period of two to five years, but particular emphasis is placed on recent data in the event of a material change in performance, particularly a downward trend. New companies are generally considered riskier than established entities and length of time in business is factored into the risk rating decision. As part of the risk rating system, the health of the overall industry in which the company operates is also considered. Risk ratings are reviewed not less than annually.

 

Consumer Residential Mortgage Loans. The Company does not assign risk ratings to consumer residential mortgage loans. Consumer residential mortgage loans are considered “Pass loans until such time that it is determined that the loan is impaired. For our consumer residential real estate loans, the Company orders an appraisal at 90 days past due. In the event there is a collateral shortfall, the Company records partial or full charge-offs of the loan balances, typically immediately.

 

Consumer Loans. The Company does not assign risk ratings to consumer loans. Consumer loans are considered “Pass” loans until such time that it is determined that the loan is impaired. In the event a consumer loan becomes impaired, the entire balance of the loan is typically charged off immediately.

 

The following table presents credit risk ratings by class of loan as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

September 30, 2012  Commercial Loans Secured by Real Estate   Commercial   Construction and Land   Residential Mortgages   Consumer   Total 
Risk Rating:                              
Pass  $51,190,236   $19,734,366   $879,439   $12,840,178   $392,962   $85,037,181 
Special Mention   9,967,425    747,511                10,714,936 
Substandard   3,056,039    5,584,165    1,387,660    653,482        10,681,346 
Total  $64,213,700   $26,066,042   $2,267,099   $13,493,660   $392,962   $106,433,463 

 

December 31, 2011  Commercial Loans Secured by Real Estate   Commercial   Construction and Land   Residential Mortgages   Consumer   Total 
Risk Rating:                              
Pass  $60,201,549   $26,578,102   $889,444   $12,010,750   $233,481   $99,913,326 
Special Mention   4,945,275    269,222                5,214,497 
Substandard   2,101,341    4,871,905    1,420,156    554,678    1,460    8,949,540 
Total  $67,248,165   $31,719,229   $2,309,600   $12,565,428   $234,941   $114,077,363 

 

Note 5. Deposits

 

At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, deposits consisted of the following:

 

   2012   2011 
Noninterest bearing  $29,861,639   $31,003,581 
Interest bearing:          
Checking   8,464,114    5,149,535 
Money Market   35,916,740    47,728,069 
Savings   3,031,105    2,838,736 
Time certificates, less than $100,000 (1)   10,648,800    19,657,059 
Time certificates, $100,000 or more  (2)   21,204,446    26,253,701 
Total interest bearing   79,265,205    101,627,100 
Total deposits  $109,126,844   $132,630,681 

 

(1) Included in time certificates of deposit, less than $100,000, at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were brokered deposits totaling $465,136 and $3,976,764, respectively.
   
(2) Included in time certificates of deposit, $100,000 or more, at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were brokered deposits totaling $4,048,326 and $5,119,113, respectively.

 

16
 

 

Brokered deposits at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

        
   2012   2011 
Bank customer time certificates of deposit placed through CDARS to ensure FDIC coverage  $4,048,326   $4,161,974 
Time certificates of  deposit purchased by the Bank through CDARS   277,241    2,180,568 
Other brokered time certificates of deposit   187,895    2,753,335 
Total brokered deposits  $4,513,462   $9,095,877 

 

As a result of the Consent Order, described in Note 12, the Bank does not intend to renew or accept brokered deposits without obtaining prior regulatory approval during the period in which the Consent Order is in place.

 

Note 6. Available Borrowings

 

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLB”). At September 30, 2012, the Bank had the ability to borrow from the FHLB based on a certain percentage of the value of the Bank’s qualified collateral, as defined in the FHLB Statement of Products Policy, at the time of the borrowing. In accordance with an agreement with the FHLB, the qualified collateral must be free and clear of liens, pledges and encumbrances. There were no borrowings outstanding with the FHLB at September 30, 2012.

 

The Bank is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB in an amount that is based on a percentage of its outstanding residential first mortgage loans. The stock is bought from and sold to the Federal Home Loan Bank based upon its $100 par value. The stock does not have a readily determinable fair value and as such is classified as restricted stock, carried at cost and evaluated for impairment. The stock’s value is determined by the ultimate recoverability of the par value rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether the par value will ultimately be recovered is influenced by criteria such as the following: (a) the significance of the decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount and the length of time this situation persists; (b) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to its operating performance; (c) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on the customer base of the FHLB; and (d) the liquidity position of the FHLB.

 

The FHLB incurred losses in 2008 and 2009 and suspended the payment of dividends and excess stock redemptions during those years. The losses suffered during 2008 and 2009 were primarily attributable to impairment of investment securities associated with the extreme economic conditions in place during those years. The FHLB announced in February 2011 that it was profitable during 2010 and reinstated dividend payments in 2011. Management evaluated the stock and concluded that the stock was not impaired for the periods presented herein. More consideration was given to the long-term prospects for the FHLB as opposed to the recent stress caused by the current extreme economic conditions. Management also considered that the FHLB’s regulatory capital ratios have increased from the prior year, liquidity appears adequate, and new shares of FHLB Stock continue to trade at the $100 par value.

 

Note 7. Shareholders’ Equity

 

Income (Loss) Per Share

 

The Company is required to present basic income (loss) per share and diluted income (loss) per share in its statements of operations. Basic per share amounts are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted per share amounts assume exercise of all potential common stock equivalents in weighted average shares outstanding, unless the effect is antidilutive. The Company is also required to provide a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of both basic and diluted income (loss) per share.

 

The following is information about the computation of income (loss) per share for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

Three Months Ended September 30,  2012   2011 
       Weighted           Weighted     
   Net   Average   Amount   Net   Average   Amount 
   Income   Shares   Per Share   Loss   Shares   Per Share 
Basic Income (Loss) Per Share                              
Income (loss) available to common shareholders  $163,287    2,772,816   $0.06   $(251,070)   2,697,902   $(0.09)
Effect of Dilutive Securities                              
Warrants/Restricted Stock/Stock Options outstanding       37,457                 
Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share                              
Income (loss) available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions  $163,287    2,810,273   $0.06   $(251,070)   2,697,902   $(0.09)

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2011, common stock equivalents of 0 shares have been excluded from the computation of net loss per share because the inclusion of such common stock equivalents is anti-dilutive.

 

17
 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,  2012   2011 
       Weighted           Weighted     
   Net   Average   Amount   Net   Average   Amount 
   Income   Shares   Per Share   Loss   Shares   Per Share 
Basic Income (Loss) Per Share                        
Income (loss) available to common shareholders  $63,975    2,740,007   $0.02   $(710,836)   2,697,407   $(0.26)
Effect of Dilutive Securities                              
Warrants/Restricted Stock/Stock Options outstanding       46,479                 
Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share                              
Income (loss) available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions  $63,975    2,786,486   $0.02   $(710,836)   2,697,407   $(0.26)

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, common stock equivalents of 495 shares have been excluded from the computation of net loss per share because the inclusion of such common stock equivalents is anti-dilutive.

 

Restricted stock plan

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock at September 30, 2012 and changes during the period then ended, is as follows:

 

   2012 
       Weighted- 
   Number   Average 
   of   Grant-Date 
   Shares   Fair Value 
Nonvested restricted stock at beginning of the year      $ 
Granted   112,371    1.55 
Vested and issued   (74,914)   1.55 
Forfeited        
Nonvested restricted stock at September 30, 2012   37,457    1.55 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, there were 112,371 shares of time-based restricted stock granted to senior management. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, $156,754 of compensation cost related to restricted stock awards was recognized. As of September 30, 2012, there was $17,417 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of less than one year. Of the 112,371 shares of restricted common stock, 37,457 shares vested on February 28, 2012, 37,457 shares vested on July 1, 2012 and the remaining 37,457 shares of restricted common stock will vest on January 1, 2013.

 

Note 8. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk

 

In the normal course of business, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the financial statements. The contractual amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.

 

The contractual amounts of commitments to extend credit represent the amounts of potential accounting loss should the contract be fully drawn upon, the customer defaults, and the value of any existing collateral becomes worthless. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments and evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.

 

The Company controls the credit risk of these financial instruments through credit approvals, credit limits, monitoring procedures and the receipt of collateral that it deems necessary.

 

Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 
Commitments to extend credit:          
Future loan commitments  $1,688,456   $1,565,000 
Unused lines of credit   15,673,175    17,569,186 
Financial standby letters of credit   2,279,807    3,083,828 
Undisbursed construction loans   508,827    508,827 
   $20,150,265   $22,726,841 

 

18
 

 

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments to extend credit generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee by the borrower. Since these commitments could expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counter-party. Collateral held varies, but may include residential and commercial property, deposits and securities.

 

Standby letters of credit are written commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. Guarantees that are not derivative contracts have been recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at their fair value at inception. The liability related to guarantees recorded at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was not significant.

 

Note 9. Fair Value

 

           The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. A description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities recorded at fair value, and for estimating fair value for financial and non-financial instruments not recorded at fair value, is set forth below.

 

Cash and due from banks, short-term investments, interest bearing certificates of deposit, accrued interest receivable, Federal Home Loan Bank stock, accrued interest payable and repurchase agreements

 

The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. The Company does not record these assets at fair value on a recurring basis. Cash and due from banks, short-term investments, interest bearing certificates of deposit, accrued interest receivable, Federal Home Loan Bank stock, accrued interest payable and repurchase agreements are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

Available for sale securities

 

These financial instruments are recorded at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. If quoted prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models (i.e., matrix pricing) 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 bonds and mortgage-backed securities and common stock. Securities classified within level 3 of the valuation hierarchy are securities for which significant unobservable inputs are utilized. Available for sale securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

The Company’s available for sale securities, comprised of U.S. Treasury securities, are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy, as quoted prices are available in an active market.

 

Loans receivable

 

For variable rate loans that reprice frequently and have no significant change in credit risk, carrying values are a reasonable estimate of fair values, adjusted for credit losses inherent in the portfolios. The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using estimated period end market rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities, adjusted for credit losses inherent in the portfolios. The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for credit losses is established. The specific reserves for collateral dependent impaired loans are based on the fair value of collateral less estimated costs to sell. The fair value of collateral is determined based on appraisals. In some cases, adjustments are made to the appraised values due to various factors including age of the appraisal, age of comparables included in the appraisal, and known changes in the market and in the collateral. When significant adjustments are based on unobservable inputs, the resulting fair value measurement is categorized as a Level 3 measurement.

 

At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company’s collateral dependent loans receivable considered impaired that were newly measured for fair value purposes during such periods, were categorized as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy, and the balances, net of related specific reserves, were $619,472 and $3,678,296, respectively. The remaining balance of loans receivable is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

Servicing assets

 

The fair value is based on market prices for comparable servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The Company does not record these assets at fair value on a recurring basis. Servicing assets are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

20
 

 

Other assets held for sale and other real estate owned

 

Other assets held for sale represents real estate that is not intended for use in operations and real estate acquired through foreclosure, and are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Fair value is based upon appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company classifies the fair value measurement as Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company classifies the fair value measurement as Level 3. The Company classified the other assets held for sale and other real estate owned as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, as the fair value of these assets was based upon current appraisals.

 

Other assets – derivative financial instruments

 

Derivative financial instruments represent an equity warrant asset held by the Bank which entitled the Bank to acquire stock in the issuer, a publicly traded company. The Bank held this asset for prospective investment gains. The Bank did not use it to hedge any economic risks nor does it use other derivative instruments to hedge economic risks. The equity warrant asset was recorded at fair

 

value and classified as a derivative asset, which is a component of other assets, on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011. The Company classified the other assets – derivative financial instruments as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

Interest only strips

 

The fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future cash flows. The Company does not record these assets at fair value on a recurring basis. Interest only strips are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

Deposits

 

The fair value of demand deposits, savings and money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of certificates of deposit is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities, estimated using local market data, to a schedule of aggregated expected maturities of such deposits. The Company does not record deposits at fair value on a recurring basis. Demand deposits, savings and money market deposits are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. 

 

Off-balance-sheet instruments

 

Fair values for the Company’s off-balance-sheet instruments (lending commitments) are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing. The Company does not record its off-balance-sheet instruments at fair value on a recurring basis. Off-balance-sheet instruments are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

The following tables detail the financial instruments carried at fair value and measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine the fair value:

 

   Balance as of   Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets    Significant Observable Inputs   Significant Unobservable Inputs 
   September 30, 2012   (Level 1)    (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
U.S. Treasury Bills  $2,914,771   $ 2,914,771    $   $ 

 

   Balance as of December 31, 2011   Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
U.S. Treasury Bills  $3,849,847   $3,849,847   $   $ 
Other Assets - derivatives  $86,434   $   $86,434   $ 

 

The following tables detail the financial instruments carried at fair value and measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine the fair value:

 

   Balance as of   Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets   Significant Observable Inputs   Significant Unobservable Inputs 
   September 30, 2012   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Financial assets held at fair value Impaired loans (1)  $619,472   $   $   $619,472 

 

   Balance as of
December 31, 2011
   Quoted Prices in  Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   Significant Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Financial assets held at fair value Impaired loans (1)  $3,678,296   $   $   $3,678,296 

 

(1) Represents carrying value and related write-downs for which adjustments are based on appraised value. Management makes adjustments to the appraised values as necessary to consider declines in real estate values since the time of the appraisal. Such adjustments are based on management’s knowledge of the local real estate markets.

 

21
 

 

The Company discloses fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the statement of financial condition, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. Certain financial instruments are excluded from disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

 

The estimated fair value amounts as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 have been measured as of their respective periods and have not been reevaluated or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent to those respective dates. As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than amounts reported at such reporting dates.

 

The information presented should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only required for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities. Due to the wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Company’s disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.

 

The following is a summary of the recorded book balances and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

   September 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
   Fair Value   Recorded       Recorded     
   Hierarachy   Book       Book     
   Level   Balance   Fair Value   Balance   Fair Value 
                     
Financial Assets:                         
Cash and due from banks   Level 1   $6,425,119   $6,425,119   $18,167,794   $18,167,794 
Short-term investments   Level 1    3,641,655    3,641,655    6,764,409    6,764,409 
Interest bearing certificates of deposit   Level 1    655,265    655,265    99,426    99,426 
Available for sale securities   Level 1    2,914,771    2,914,771    3,849,847    3,849,847 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   Level 1    60,600    60,600    66,100    66,100 
Loans receivable, net:                         
Observable inputs   Level 2    99,173,847    101,608,073    106,893,215    109,691,073 
Unobservable inputs   Level 3    4,915,927    4,915,927    4,750,927    4,750,927 
Accrued interest receivable   Level 1    402,800    402,800    434,302    434,302 
Servicing rights   Level 2    6,451    16,209    7,991    20,079 
Interest only strips   Level 2    8,343    13,457    10,364    16,717 
Derivative financial instruments   Level 2            86,434    86,434 
                          
Financial Liabilities:                         
Noninterest-bearing deposits   Level 1    29,861,639    29,861,639    31,003,581    31,003,581 
Interest bearing checking accounts   Level 1    8,464,114    8,464,114    5,149,535    5,149,535 
Money market deposits   Level 1    35,916,740    35,916,740    47,728,069    47,728,069 
Savings deposits   Level 1    3,031,105    3,031,105    2,838,736    2,838,736 
Time certificates of deposits   Level 2    31,853,246    31,801,000    45,910,760    46,787,000 
Repurchase agreements   Level 1    253,163    253,163    68    68 
Accrued interest payable   Level 1    56,089    56,089    204,021    204,021 

 

Unrecognized financial instruments

 

Loan commitments on which the committed interest rate is less than the current market rate were insignificant at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

The Company assumes interest rate risk (the risk that general interest rate levels will change) as a result of its normal operations. As a result, fair values of the Company’s financial instruments will change when interest rate levels change and that change may be either favorable or unfavorable to the Company. Management attempts to match maturities of assets and liabilities to the extent management believes necessary to minimize interest rate risk. However, borrowers with fixed rate obligations are less likely to prepay in a rising rate

 

22
 

 

environment and more likely to prepay in a falling rate environment. Conversely, depositors who are receiving fixed rates are more likely to withdraw funds before maturity in a rising rate environment and less likely to do so in a falling rate environment. Management monitors rates and maturities of assets and liabilities and attempts to minimize interest rate risk by adjusting terms of new loans and by investing in securities with terms that mitigate the Company’s overall interest rate risk.

 

Note 10. Segment Reporting

 

For the seven months ended July 31, 2010, the Company had three reporting segments for purposes of reporting business line results: Community Banking, Mortgage Brokerage and the Holding Company. The Community Banking segment is defined as all operating results of the Bank. The Mortgage Brokerage segment is defined as the results of Evergreen (through July 31, 2010) and subsequently, the continuation of mortgage brokerage activities through the Bank, and the Holding Company segment is defined as the results of Southern Connecticut Bancorp on an unconsolidated or standalone basis. The Company uses an internal reporting system to generate information by operating segment. Estimates and allocations are used for noninterest expenses. Effective August 1, 2010, the Company discontinued its licensed mortgage brokerage business associated with SCB Capital, Inc. Subsequent to July 31, 2010, the mortgage brokerage activities continued through the Bank.

 

Information about the reporting segments and reconciliation of such information to the consolidated financial statements was as follows:

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
   Community   Mortgage   Holding   Elimination   Consolidated 
   Banking   Brokerage   Company   Entries   Total 
Net interest income  $1,243,238   $977   $120   $   $1,244,335 
                          
Provision for loan losses   30,000                30,000 
                          
Net interest income after provision for  loan losses   1,213,238    977    120        1,214,335 
                          
Noninterest income   173,784        7,500    435    181,719 
                          
Noninterest expense   1,202,243    193    29,896    435    1,232,767 
                          
Net income (loss)   184,779    784    (22,276)       163,287 
                          
Total assets as of September 30, 2012   122,131,650    44,863    11,781,438    (11,292,252)   122,665,699 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
   Community   Mortgage   Holding   Elimination   Consolidated 
   Banking   Brokerage   Company   Entries   Total 
Net interest income  $1,269,796   $5,957   $439   $   $1,276,192 
                          
Provision for loan losses   373,152                373,152 
                          
Net interest income after provision for  loan losses   896,644    5,957    439        903,040 
                          
Noninterest income   155,026        (4,500)       150,526 
                          
Noninterest expense   1,282,832    375    21,429        1,304,636 
                          
Net (loss) income   (231,162)   5,582    (25,490)       (251,070)
                          
Total assets as of September 30, 2011   157,197,684    36,403    13,584,891    (12,881,934)   157,937,044 

  

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
   Community   Mortgage   Holding   Elimination   Consolidated 
   Banking   Brokerage   Company   Entries   Total 
 Net interest income   3,815,731    3,160    427        3,819,318 
                          
 Provision for loan losses   240,254                240,254 
                          
 Net interest income after provision for loan losses   3,575,477    3,160    427        3,579,064 
                          
 Noninterest income   479,275        24,120    435    503,830 
                          
 Noninterest expense   3,882,282    5    136,197    435    4,018,919 
                          
Net income (loss)   172,470    3,155    (111,650)       63,975 
                          
 Total assets as of September 30, 2012   122,131,650    44,863    11,781,438    (11,292,252)   122,665,699 

 

23
 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
   Community   Mortgage   Holding   Elimination   Consolidated 
   Banking   Brokerage   Company   Entries   Total 
Net interest income  $3,894,279   $19,813   $1,800   $   $3,915,892 
                          
Provision for loan losses   1,039,212                1,039,212 
                          
Net interest income after provision for  loan losses   2,855,067    19,813    1,800        2,876,680 
                          
Noninterest income   414,737        7,500        422,237 
                          
Noninterest expense   3,936,433    1,697    71,623        4,009,753 
                          
Net (loss) income   (666,628)   18,116    (62,323)       (710,835)
                          
Total assets as of September 30, 2011   157,197,684    36,403    13,584,891    (12,881,934)   157,937,044 

 

Note 11. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 2011, the FASB amended its guidance relating to repurchase agreements. The amendments change the effective control assessment by removing the criterion that required the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee. Instead, the amendments focus the assessment of effective control on the transferor’s rights and obligations with respect to the transferred financial assets and not whether the transferor has the practical ability to perform in accordance with those rights or obligations. The amended guidance became effective for the Company as it relates to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur in interim and annual periods beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2012. These amendments did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRs, (ASU 2011-04). ASU 2011-04 converges the fair value measurement guidance in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). Some of the amendments clarify the application of existing fair value measurement requirements, while other amendments change a particular principle in existing guidance. In addition, ASU 2011-04 requires additional fair value disclosures. The amendments are to be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted the methodologies prescribed by this ASU during the quarter ended March 31, 2012. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to the presentation of comprehensive income that eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments require that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this guidance effective for the quarter ended March 31, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows and only impacted the presentation of other comprehensive income in the financial statements.

 

Note 12. Regulation and Supervision

 

On July 2, 2012, the Bank entered into a stipulation and consent to the Issuance of a Consent Order with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the State of Connecticut Department of Banking (“Connecticut Department of Banking”). Thereafter, on July 3, 2012, the Bank entered into a Consent Order (the Consent Order) with the FDIC and the Connecticut Department of Banking.

 

By entering into the Consent Order, the Bank has agreed to take certain measures in a number of areas, including, without limitation, the following: (i) having and retaining qualified management and reviewing and revising its assessment of senior management; (ii) maintaining minimum specified capital levels and developing and submitting a capital plan in the event any of its capital ratios fall below such minimum specified capital levels; (iii) formulating and submitting a profit and budget plan consisting of goals and strategies consistent with sound banking practices and implementing such plan; (iv) formulating and submitting a plan to reduce classified assets and implementing such plan; (v) reviewing and improving the loan and credit risk management policies and procedures; (vi) developing and implementing action plans addressing all other recommendations identified within its most recent Report of Examination; (vii) complying with the Interagency Policy Statement on Internal Audit Function and its Outsourcing; and (viii) not accepting, renewing or rolling over any brokered deposits unless the Bank is in compliance with regulations governing the solicitation and acceptance of brokered deposits. The Consent Order also provides that the Bank will obtain prior regulatory approval before the payment of any dividends. The Bank has already adopted and implemented many of the actions prescribed in the Consent Order.

 

The Consent Order requires the Bank to maintain a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 9% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%.  At September 30, 2012, the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded such minimums set forth in the Consent Order. In June 2012, the Bank also submitted a revised capital plan outlining its strategy for increasing its capital amounts and ratios to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the State of Connecticut Department of Banking for their approval.  The capital plan included a profit and budget plan and a plan to reduce classified assets. In October 2012, the Bank received regulatory approval for its revised capital plan. The Company and the Bank will seek to implement the plan to increase capital as soon as practicable. Further regulatory action is possible if the Bank does not continue to maintain the minimum capital ratios set forth in the Consent Order. 

 

24
 

 

The Bank has an Oversight Committee that is responsible for supervising the implementation of the Consent Order. The Oversight Committee meets monthly and is currently composed of the Company’s Chairman of the Board, two additional directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President and Senior Loan Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.

 

The Consent Order is the result of ongoing discussions between the Bank’s regulatory agencies and the Bank based on a regulatory examination conducted in early 2012. The Consent Order will remain in effect until it is modified or terminated by the FDIC and the Connecticut Department of Banking. The Bank’s customer deposits remain fully insured to the highest limit set by the FDIC.

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis is intended to assist you in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 together with the audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011, included in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2012.

 

Summary

 

As of September 30, 2012, the Company had $122.7 million of total assets, $106.3 million of gross loans receivable, and $109.1 million of total deposits. Total equity capital at September 30, 2012 was $11.8 million, and the Company’s Tier I Leverage Capital Ratio was 9.49%.

 

The Company had net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 of $163,000 (or basic and diluted income per share of $0.06) as compared to a net loss of $251,000 (or basic and diluted loss per share of $0.09) for the third quarter of 2011. The improvement in the Company’s net income was largely attributable to a decrease in the provision for loan losses to $30,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to a provision for loan losses of $373,000 for the same period in 2011. The decrease in the provision for loan losses was primarily related to a decrease in net charge-offs during the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011.

 

In addition to the impact of the decrease in the provision for loan losses, the Company’s operating results for the third quarter of 2012, when compared to the same period of 2011, were influenced by the following factors:

 

  Net interest income decreased by $32,000 due to the combined effects of decreases in loan volume and lower yields on interest earning assets (primarily attributable to a decline in yields in the loan portfolio), which were partially offset by decreases in deposit liability volumes and lower rates paid on interest bearing liabilities (as management determined to reduce deposits by offering lower rates on deposits, which could lead to an improvement in the Company’s regulatory capital ratios);
  Noninterest income increased by $31,000 because of increases in loan prepayment fees recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2012 with no similar income recognized in the same period of 2011, which were partially offset by a decrease in service charges and fees resulting from changes in the business practices of customers of the Bank; and
  Noninterest expenses decreased by $72,000 during the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to a loss on the sale of other real estate owned during the third quarter of 2011 with no such loss during the corresponding period in 2012, as well as decreases in directors’ fees, data processing fees and the cost of FDIC insurance, which were partially offset by increases in salaries and benefits expense and insurance expense. The decrease in directors’ fees was attributable to reductions in director fees that were approved by the Company’s compensation committee effective January 1, 2012. The decrease in data processing fees resulted from benefits the Company continued to realize during the third quarter of 2012 related to the renewal of certain data processing service contracts on more favorable terms during the fourth quarter of 2011. The cost of FDIC insurance was lower during the third quarter of 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to a decline in deposit balances subject to the FDIC deposit insurance assessment. These favorable changes were partially offset by an increase in salaries and benefits expense during the third quarter of 2012, when compared to the third quarter of 2011, which was primarily due to salary and benefits expenses attributable to the hiring of a Chief Executive Officer in October 2011 to fill an open position at the Bank that existed during the third quarter of 2011. In addition, insurance expense increased due to increased costs in 2012 associated with insurance policies that the Company had entered into during a more favorable environment in July 2008.

 

The Company had net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $64,000 (or basic and diluted income per share of $0.02) as compared to a net loss of $711,000 (or basic and diluted loss per share of $0.26) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The improvement in the Company’s earnings was largely attributable to a decrease in the provision for loan losses to $240,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to a provision for loan losses of $1,039,000 for the same period in 2011. The decrease in the provision for loan losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 was primarily related to the 2011 provision being negatively affected by one commercial loan secured by real estate that was severely impacted by prevailing economic conditions in 2011.

 

25
 

  

In addition to the impact of the decrease in the provision for loan losses, the Company’s operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, when compared to the same period of 2011, were influenced by the following factors:

  

  Net interest income decreased by $97,000 due to the combined effects of decreases in loan volume and lower yields on interest earning assets (primarily attributable to a decline in yields in the loan portfolio), which were partially offset by decreases in deposit liability volumes (as management determined to reduce deposits by offering lower rates on deposits, which could lead to an improvement in the Company’s regulatory capital ratios);
  Noninterest income increased by $79,000 because of loan prepayment fees received during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 with no similar income recognized in the same period of 2011, as well as an increase in other noninterest income, which was partially offset by a decrease in service charges and fees resulting from changes in the business practices of customers of the Bank; and
  Noninterest expenses increased by $6,000 during the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to increases in salaries and benefits expense, professional services fees and insurance expense, which were partially offset by a loss on the sale of other real estate owned during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 with no such loss during the corresponding period in 2012, as well as decreases in directors’ fees, data processing fees and the cost of FDIC insurance. The increase in salaries and benefits expense during the first nine months of 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011 was primarily attributable to restricted stock compensation expense recorded by the Company based upon the vesting schedule for restricted stock granted to the Chief Executive Officer under his employment agreement and restricted stock agreement executed on February 28, 2012 and to salary and benefits associated with the hiring of a Chief Executive Officer in October 2011 to fill an open position at the Bank that existed during the corresponding period of 2011.The increase in professional services fees was due to increased costs for loan review, internal audit and consulting services performed during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. Insurance expense increased due to increased costs in 2012 associated with insurance policies that the Company had entered into during a more favorable environment in July 2008. The decrease in directors’ fees was attributable to reductions in director fees that were approved by the Company’s compensation committee effective January 1, 2012. The decrease in data processing fees resulted from benefits the Company continued to realize during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 related to the renewal of certain data processing service contracts on more favorable terms during the fourth quarter of 2011.  The cost of FDIC insurance was lower during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to a decline in deposit balances subject to the FDIC deposit insurance assessment. In addition the Company realized a loss on the sale of other real estate owned during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 with no similar loss in the same period of 2012.

 

Critical Accounting Policy

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to reporting the results of operations and financial condition in preparing its financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. The Company believes the following discussion addresses the Company’s only critical accounting policy, which is the policy that is most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and requires management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. The Company has reviewed this critical accounting policy and estimate with its audit committee. Refer to the discussion below under “Allowance for Loan Losses” and Note 1 to the audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 included in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2012.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings.  Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

 

The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions.  This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

 

The allowance consists of allocated and general components.  The allocated component relates to loans that are considered impaired.  For such impaired loans, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or observable market price or collateral value if the loan is collateral dependent) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.  The general component covers all other loans, segregated generally by loan type (and further segregated by risk rating), and is based on historical loss experience with adjustments for qualitative factors which are made after an assessment of internal or external influences on credit quality that are not fully reflected in the historical loss data.

 

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors

 

26
 

 

considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and real estate loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

 

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.  Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are the subject of a restructuring agreement due to financial difficulties of the borrower.

 

Impaired loans also include loans modified in troubled debt restructurings where concessions have been granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties.  These concessions could include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions intended to maximize collection.

 

A modified loan is considered a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) when two conditions are met: (1) the borrower is experiencing documented financial difficulty and (2) concessions are made by the Company that would not otherwise be considered for a borrower with similar credit characteristics. The most common types of modifications include interest rate reductions and/or maturity extensions. Modified terms are dependent upon the financial position and needs of the individual borrower, as the Bank does not employ modification programs for temporary or trial periods. All modifications are permanent. The modified loan does not revert back to its original terms, even if the modified loan agreement is violated. The Company’s workout committee continues to monitor the modified loan and if a re-default occurs, the loan is classified as a re-defaulted TDR and collection is pursued through liquidation of collateral, from guarantors, if any, or through other legal action.

  

Most TDRs are placed on nonaccrual status at the time of restructuring, and continue on nonaccrual status until they have performed under the revised terms of the modified loan agreement for a minimum of nine months. In certain instances, for TDRs that are on accrual status at the time the loans are restructured, the Bank may continue to classify the loans as accruing loans based upon the terms and conditions of the restructuring. 

  

Impairment analysis is performed on a loan by loan basis for all modified commercial loans, residential mortgages and consumer loans that are deemed to be TDRs, and related charge-offs are recorded or specific reserves are established as appropriate. Commercial loans include loans categorized as commercial loans secured by real estate, commercial loans, and construction and land loans. Impairment is measured by the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The original contractual interest rate for the loan is used as the discount rate for fixed rate loan modifications. The current rate is used as the discount rate when the loan’s interest rate floats with a specified index. A change in terms or payments would be included in the impairment calculation.

 

The allowances established for losses on specific loans are based on a regular analysis and evaluation of problem loans. Loans are classified based on an internal credit risk grading process that evaluates, among other things: (i) the borrower’s ability to repay; (ii) the underlying collateral, if any; and (iii) the economic environment and industry in which the borrower operates. This analysis is performed by the credit department, in consultation with the loan officers, for all commercial loans. Specific valuation allowances are determined by analyzing the borrower’s ability to repay amounts owed, collateral deficiencies, the relative risk grade of the loan and economic conditions affecting the borrower’s industry, among other things.

 

General valuation allowances are calculated based on the historical loss experience of specific types of loans.  A historical valuation allowance is established for each pool of similar loans based upon the product of the historical loss ratio and the total dollar amount of the loans in the pool.  The Company’s pools of similar loans include analogous risk-graded groups of commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans, consumer real estate loans and consumer and other loans.

 

Due to the relatively small asset size and loans outstanding of the Company, the Company uses readily available data from the FDIC regarding the loss experience of national banks with assets between $100 million and $300 million and combines this data with the Company’s actual loss experience to develop average loss factors by weighting the national banks’ loss experience and the Company’s loss experience.  As both the Company’s asset size and outstanding loan balance increased significantly during 2010, beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2011, the Company determined to place greater emphasis on the Company’s loss experience and to utilize the average loss experience for the prior four years instead of the prior three years used in the Company’s calculations through December 31, 2010. The Company increased the weighting of its loss experience from 25% to 50%.  The Company intends to weight the Company’s loss experience more heavily in determining the allowance for loan loss provision as the size of the Company’s loan portfolio becomes more significant. The historical loss period was extended by an additional year from the loss period utilized through December 31, 2010, which is considered more representative of average annual losses inherent in the loan portfolio.

 

General valuation allowances are based on general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors, both internal and external, to the Company. In general, such valuation allowances are determined by evaluating, among other things: (i) the experience, ability and effectiveness of the Bank’s lending management and staff; (ii) the effectiveness of the Company’s loan policies, procedures and internal controls; (iii) changes in asset quality; (iv) changes in loan portfolio volume; (v) the composition and concentrations of credit; and (vi) the impact of national and local economic trends and conditions. Management evaluates the degree of risk that each one of these components has on the quality of the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis. Each component is determined to have either a high, moderate or low degree of risk. The results are then entered into a general allocation matrix to determine an appropriate general valuation allowance.

 

27
 

 

Based upon this evaluation, management believes the allowance for loan losses of $2,228,000 or 2.10% of gross loans outstanding at September 30, 2012 is adequate, under prevailing economic conditions, to absorb losses on existing loans.  At December 31, 2011, the allowance for loan losses was $2,300,000 or 2.02% of gross loans outstanding.  The decrease in the allowance was attributable to a $72,000 decrease in the general component of the allowance. The decrease in the general component of the reserve was primarily due to a decline in loan volume during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. In addition, the Company had $420,000 in charge-offs during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, of which $387,000 was for loans that were not impaired at December 31, 2011 and $33,000 was related to a decline in collateral for a loan impaired at December 31, 2011. The charge-offs during the first nine months of 2012 primarily relate to three commercial and industrial loans and one residential loan. The Company’s net loan charge-offs were adequately provided for during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time loans are 90 days past due unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection.  Consumer installment loans are typically charged off no later than 180 days past due.  Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan.  In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual status or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual status or charged off is reversed against interest income.  The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis method until qualifying for return to accrual status.  Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

 

Management considers all nonaccrual loans and troubled-debt restructured loans to be impaired.  In most cases, loan payments that are past due less than 90 days and the related loans are not considered to be impaired.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses and Nonaccrual, Past Due and Restructured Loans

 

The changes in the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

 

   2012   2011 
Balance at beginning of year  $2,299,625   $2,786,641 
Provision for loan losses   240,254    1,039,212 
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:          
Commercial   79,517    4,104 
Commercial loans secured by real estate   29,114      
Consumer       2,301 
Total recoveries   108,631    6,405 
Loans charged-off:          
Commercial   (384,027)   (138,778)
Commercial loans secured by real estate       (1,344,057)
Residential mortgages   (33,192)   (40,910)
Consumer   (2,959)   (9,675)
        Total charge-offs   (420,178)   (1,533,420)
Balance at end of period  $2,228,332   $2,298,838 
           
Net charge-offs to average loans   (0.28)%   (1.24%)

 

Non-Performing Assets and Potential Problem Loans

 

The following table represents non-performing assets and potential problem loans at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

Nonaccrual loans:  2012   2011 
Commercial loans secured by real estate  $553,159   $787,311 
Commercial   1,814,010    1,707,720 
Construction and land   1,387,660    1,420,156 
Residential mortgages   653,482    554,678 
Consumer       1,460 
Total non-accrual loans   4,408,311    4,471,325 
           
Troubled debt restructured (TDR) loans:          
Nonaccrual TDR loans not included in Total nonaccrual loans above:          
Commercial loans secured by real estate   255,383    1,314,030 
Commercial   252,233    1,899,342 
Accruing TDR impaired loans:          
Commercial loans secured by real estate   1,044,481      
Commercial   1,652,422     
Foreclosed assets:          
Commercial   474,948    374,211 
Residential   156,838     
Total non-performing assets  $8,244,616   $8,058,908 
           
Ratio of non-performing assets to:          
Total loans and foreclosed assets   7.73%   7.05%
Total assets   6.72%   5.52%
Accruing past due loans:          
30 to 89 days past due  $3,010,371   $1,392,936 
90 or more days past due   20     
Total accruing past due loans  $3,010,391   $1,392,936 
           
Ratio of accruing past due loans to gross loans net of unearned income:          
30 to 89 days past due   2.83%   1.22%

 

29
 

 

Recent Accounting Changes

 

In April 2011, the FASB amended its guidance relating to repurchase agreements.  The amendments change the effective control assessment by removing the criterion that required the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee.  Instead, the amendments focus the assessment of effective control on the transferor's rights and obligations with respect to the transferred financial assets and not whether the transferor has the practical ability to perform in accordance with those rights or obligations.  The amended guidance became effective for the Company as it relates to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur in interim and annual periods beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2012.These amendments did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 

 

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRs, (ASU 2011-04).  ASU 2011-04 converges the fair value measurement guidance in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs).  Some of the amendments clarify the application of existing fair value measurement requirements, while other amendments change a particular principle in existing guidance.  In addition, ASU 2011-04 requires additional fair value disclosures.  The amendments are to be applied prospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011.  The Company adopted the methodologies prescribed by this ASU during the quarter ended March 31, 2012.  Adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In June 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to the presentation of comprehensive income that eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity.  The amendments require that all non-owner changes in stockholders' equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements.  The amendments do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income.  This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company adopted this guidance during the quarter ended March 31, 2012. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows and only impacted the presentation of other comprehensive income in the financial statements.

 

Comparison of Financial Condition as of September 30, 2012 versus December 31, 2011

 

General 

The Company’s total assets were $122.7 million at September 30, 2012, a decrease of $23.3 million over total assets of $146.0 million at December 31, 2011. The Bank’s net loans receivable decreased to $104.1 million at September 30, 2012 from $111.6 million at December 31, 2011, and cash and cash equivalents, including short term investments, decreased to $10.1 million as of September 30, 2012 from $24.9 million as of December 31, 2011.  Total deposits decreased to $109.1 million as of September 30, 2012 from $132.6 million as of December 31, 2011. The decreases in net loans receivable and cash and cash equivalents corresponded with the decrease in deposit liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

 

Short-term investments 

Short-term investments, consisting of money market investments, decreased to $3.6 million at September 30, 2012 compared to $6.8 million at December 31, 2011.

 

Investments 

Available for sale securities, which consisted of U.S. Treasury Bills, decreased $900,000 to $2.9 million at September 30, 2012 from $3.8 million at December 31, 2011. The Company uses the U.S. Treasury Bills included in its available for sale securities portfolio to meet pledge requirements for public deposits and repurchase agreements. The Company classifies its securities as “available for sale” to provide greater flexibility to respond to changes in interest rates as well as future liquidity needs.

 

Loans 

Interest income on loans is the most important component of the Company’s net interest income. The loan portfolio is the largest component of earning assets, and it, therefore, generates the largest portion of revenues. The Company’s net loan portfolio was $104.1 million at September 30, 2012 versus $111.6 million at December 31, 2011, a decrease of $7.5 million.  The Company attributes the decline in loan balances during the first nine months of 2012 to a decline in loan demand. The Bank’s loans have been made to small to medium-sized businesses, primarily in the Greater New Haven Market.  There are no other significant loan concentrations in the loan portfolio.

 

Deposits 

Total deposits were $109.1 million at September 30, 2012, a decrease of $23.5 million or 17.7% from total deposits of $132.6 million at December 31, 2011. Non-interest bearing deposits were $29.9 million at September 30, 2012, a decrease of $1.1 million or 3.7% from $31.0 million at December 31, 2011. Total interest bearing checking, money market and savings deposits decreased $8.3 million or 14.9% to $47.4 million at September 30, 2012 from $55.7 million at December 31, 2011.  Time deposits decreased $14.1 million or 30.6% to $31.8 million at September 30, 2012 from $45.9 million at December 31, 2011.  Included in time deposits at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $4.5 million and $9.1 million, respectively, of brokered deposits. This included the Company’s placement of $4.0 million and $4.2 million in customer deposits as of September 30, 2012 and as of December 31, 2011, respectively; and the purchase of $300,000 and $2.1 million in brokered certificates of deposit through the CDARS program as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. As a result of the Consent Order, the Bank does not intend to renew or accept brokered deposits without obtaining prior regulatory approval during the period in which the Consent Order is in place.

 

30
 

  

The Greater New Haven Market is highly competitive.  The Bank faces competition from a large number of banks (ranging from small community banks to large international banks), credit unions, and other providers of financial services.  The level of rates offered by the Bank reflects the high level of competition in the Bank’s market.

 

Other 

Repurchase agreement balances totaled $253,000 at September 30, 2012 as compared to less than $100 at December 31, 2011.  The increase was due to normal customer activity.

 

Results of Operations: Comparison of Results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

 

General 

 The Company had net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 of $163,000 (or basic and diluted income per share of $0.06) as compared to a net loss of $251,000 (or basic and diluted loss per share of $0.09) for the third quarter of 2011. The improvement in the Company’s net income was largely attributable to a decrease in the provision for loan losses to $30,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to a provision for loan losses of $373,000 for the same period in 2011. The decrease in the provision for loan losses was primarily related to a decrease in net charge-offs during the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011.

 

In addition to the impact of the decrease in the provision for loan losses, the Company’s operating results for the third quarter of 2012, when compared to the same period of 2011, were influenced by the following factors:

 

  Net interest income decreased by $32,000 due to the combined effects of decreases in loan volume and lower yields on interest earning assets (primarily attributable to a decline in yields in the loan portfolio), which were partially offset by decreases in deposit liability volumes and  lower rates paid on interest bearing liabilities (as management determined to reduce deposits by offering lower rates on deposits, which could lead to an improvement in the Company’s regulatory capital ratios);
  Noninterest income increased by $31,000 because of increases in loan prepayment fees recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2012 with no similar income recognized in the same period of 2011, which were partially offset by a decrease in service charges and fees resulting from changes in the business practices of customers of the Bank; and
  Noninterest expenses decreased by $72,000 during the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to a loss on the sale of other real estate owned during the third quarter of 2011 with no such loss during the corresponding period in 2012, as well as decreases in directors’ fees, data processing fees and the cost of FDIC insurance, which were partially offset by increases in salaries and benefits expense and insurance expense. The decrease in directors’ fees was attributable to reductions in director fees that were approved by the Company’s compensation committee effective January 1, 2012. The decrease in data processing fees resulted from benefits the Company continued to realize during the third quarter of 2012 related to the renewal of certain data processing service contracts on more favorable terms during the fourth quarter of 2011. The cost of FDIC insurance was lower during the third quarter of 2012 compared to 2011 primarily due to a decline in deposit balances subject to the FDIC deposit insurance assessment. These favorable changes were partially offset by an increase in salaries and benefits expense during the third quarter of 2012, when compared to the third quarter of 2011, which was primarily due to salary and benefits expenses attributable to the hiring of a Chief Executive Officer in October 2011 to fill an open position at the Bank that existed during the third quarter of 2011. In addition, insurance expense increased due to increased costs in 2012 associated with insurance policies that the Company had entered into during a more favorable environment in July 2008.

 

The Company had net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $64,000 (or basic and diluted income per share of $0.02) as compared to a net loss of $711,000 (or basic and diluted loss per share of $0.26) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The improvement in the Company’s earnings was largely attributable to a decrease in the provision for loan losses to $240,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to a provision for loan losses of $1,039,000 for the same period in 2011. The decrease in the provision for loan losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 was primarily related to the 2011 provision being negatively affected by one commercial loan secured by real estate that was severely impacted by prevailing economic conditions in 2011.

 

In addition to the impact of the decrease in the provision for loan losses, the Company’s operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, when compared to the same period of 2011, were influenced by the following factors:

 

  Net interest income decreased by $97,000 due to the combined effects of decreases in loan volume and lower yields on interest earning assets (primarily attributable to a decline in yields in the loan portfolio), which were partially offset by decreases in deposit liability volumes and lower rates paid on interest bearing liabilities (as management determined to reduce deposits by offering lower rates on deposits, which could lead to an improvement in the Company’s regulatory capital ratios);
  Noninterest income increased by $79,000 because of loan prepayment fees received during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 with no similar income recognized in the same period of 2011, as well as an increase in other noninterest income, which was partially offset by a decrease in service charges and fees resulting from changes in the business practices of customers of the Bank; and

 

31
 

 

  Noninterest expenses increased by $6,000 during the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to increases in salaries and benefits expense, professional services fees and insurance expense, which were partially offset by a loss on the sale of other real estate owned during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 with no such loss during the corresponding period in 2012, as well as decreases in directors’ fees, data processing fees and the cost of FDIC insurance. The increase in salaries and benefits expense during the first nine months of 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011 was primarily attributable to restricted stock compensation expense recorded by the Company based upon the vesting schedule for restricted stock granted to the Chief Executive Officer under his employment agreement and restricted stock agreement executed on February 28, 2012 and to salary and benefits associated with the hiring of a Chief Executive Officer in October 2011 to fill an open position at the Bank that existed during the corresponding period of 2011.The increase in professional services fees was due to increased costs for loan review, internal audit and consulting services performed during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. Insurance expense increased due to increased costs in 2012 associated with insurance policies that the Company had entered into during a more favorable environment in July 2008. The decrease in directors’ fees was attributable to reductions in director fees that were approved by the Company’s compensation committee effective January 1, 2012. The decrease in data processing fees resulted from benefits the Company continued to realize during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 related to the renewal of certain data processing service contracts on more favorable terms during the fourth quarter of 2011.  The cost of FDIC insurance was lower during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to a decline in deposit balances subject to the FDIC deposit insurance assessment. In addition the Company realized a loss on the sale of other real estate owned during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 with no similar loss in the same period of 2012.

 

Net Interest Income 

The principal source of revenue for the Bank is net interest income.  The Bank’s net interest income is dependent primarily upon the difference or spread between the average yield earned on loans receivable and securities and the average rate paid on deposits and borrowings, as well as the relative amounts of such assets and liabilities.  The Bank, like other banking institutions, is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice at different times, or on a different basis, than its interest-earning assets.

 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2012, net interest income was $1,244,000 versus $1,276,000 for the same period in 2011. The $32,000 or 2.5% decrease was the result of a $295,000 decrease in interest income partially offset by a $263,000 decrease in interest expense.  This net decrease was primarily the result of decreased asset volumes and lower yields on interest earning assets, which were partially offset by decreases in average balances on interest bearing liabilities and lower rates on interest bearing liabilities.

 

The Company’s average total interest earning assets were $113.5 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to $131.6 million for the same period in 2011, a decrease of $18.1 million or 13.8%. The decrease in average interest earning assets of $18.1 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was comprised of decreases in average balances of loans of $14.5 million, decreases in average balances of short-term and other investments of $3.6 million and a $51,000 decrease in average balance of investments.

 

The yield on average interest earning assets for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 was 5.22% compared to 5.38% for the same period in 2011, a decrease of 16 basis points.  The decrease in the yield on average interest earning assets was primarily attributable to lower yields on the Bank’s loan portfolio because of the lower interest rate environment as well as an increase in non-performing loans.

 

The combined effects of the $18.1 million decrease in average balances of interest earning assets and the 16 basis point decrease in yield on average interest earning assets resulted in the $295,000 decline in interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

 

The average balance of the Company’s interest bearing liabilities was $82.7 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to $116.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $34.2 million or 29.3%. The cost of average interest bearing liabilities decreased 55 basis points to 1.18% for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to 1.73% for the same period in 2011 due to maturities of higher priced time deposits as well as a general decrease in market interest rates.

 

The combined effect of the 55 basis point decrease in cost of average interest bearing liabilities and the $34.2 million decrease in average balances of interest bearing liabilities resulted in the $263,000 decrease in interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, net interest income was $3,819,000 versus $3,916,000 for the same period in 2011. The $97,000 or 2.5% decrease was the result of a $787,000 decrease in interest income partially offset by a $690,000 decrease in interest expense.  This net decrease was primarily the result of decreased asset volumes, as well as lower yields on interest earning assets, which were partially offset by decreases in average balances on interest bearing liabilities and favorable decreases in rates on interest bearing liabilities.

 

The Company’s average total interest earning assets were $118.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $134.9 million for the same period in 2011, a decrease of $16.6 million or 12.3%. The decrease in average interest earning assets of $16.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was comprised of decreases in average balances of loans of $14.8 million as well as decreases in average balances of short-term and other investments of $2.2 million, which were partially offset by increases in average balance of investments of $422,000.

 

32
 

 

 

The yield on average interest earning assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 5.27% compared to 5.40% for the same period in 2011, a decrease of 13 basis points.  The decrease in the yield on average interest earning assets was attributable to lower yields on the Bank’s loan portfolio due to the lower interest rate environment as well as an increase in non-performing loans.

 

The combined effects of the $16.6 million decrease in average balances of interest earning assets and the 13 basis point decrease in yield on average interest earning assets resulted in the $787,000 decline in interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 

The average balance of the Company’s interest bearing liabilities was $89.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $115.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $26.4 million or 22.8%. The cost of average interest bearing liabilities decreased 51 basis points to 1.26% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to 1.77% for the same period in 2011 due to maturities of higher priced time deposits as well as a general decrease in market interest rates.

 

The combined effect of the 51 basis point decrease in cost of average interest bearing liabilities and the $26.4 million decrease in average balances of interest bearing liabilities resulted in the $690,000 decrease in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

 

Average Balances, Yields, and Rates 

The following table presents average balance sheets (daily averages), interest income, interest expense, and the corresponding annualized rates on interest earning assets and rates paid on interest bearing liabilities for the three  months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity;    
Interest Rates and Interest Differential    
   2012   2011         
                                 
       Interest           Interest       Change   Change in 
   Average   Income/   Average   Average   Income/   Average   in Interest   Average 
(Dollars in thousands)  Balance   Expense   Rate   Balance   Expense   Rate   Income/Expense   Balance 
Interest earning assets                                        
Loans (1)  $105,537   $1,477    5.57%  $120,017   $1,761    5.82%  $(284)  $(14,480)
Short-term  and other investments   5,135    12    0.93%   8,706    24    1.09%   (12)   (3,571)
Investments   2,877    1    0.14%   2,928        0.00%   1    (51)
Total interest earning assets   113,549    1,490    5.22%   131,651    1,785    5.38%   (295)   (18,102)
                                         
Cash and due from banks   7,892              24,070                   (16,178)
Premises and equipment, net   1,945              2,065                   (120)
Allowance for loan losses   (2,367)             (2,222)                  (145)
Other   2,961              3,672                   (711)
Total assets  $123,980             $159,236                  $(35,256)
Interest bearing liabilities                                        
Time certificates  $32,721    127    1.54%  $62,576    334    2.12%   (207)  $(29,855)
Savings deposits   3,089    1    0.13%   2,560    4    0.62%   (3)   529 
Money market / checking deposits   45,577    77    0.67%   49,728    128    1.02%   (51)   (4,151)
Capital lease obligations   1,157    41    14.10%   1,165    43    14.64%   (2)   (8)
Repurchase agreements   199        0.00%   895        0.00%       (696)
Total interest bearing liabilities   82,743    246    1.18%   116,924    509    1.73%   (263)   (34,181)
                                         
Non-interest bearing deposits   29,039              27,602                   1,437 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   381              729                   (348)
Shareholder's equity   11,817              13,981                   (2,164)
Total liabilities and equity  $123,980             $159,236                  $(35,256)
Net interest income       $1,244             $1,276        $(32)     
                                         
Interest spread             4.04%             3.65%          
Interest margin             4.36%             3.85%          

 

(1) Includes nonaccruing loans.
(2) Interest income includes loan fees, which are not material.

 

34
 

 

Changes in Assets and Liabilities and Fluctuations in Interest Rates

 

The following table summarizes the variance in interest income and interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 resulting from changes in assets and liabilities and fluctuations in interest rates earned and paid.  The changes in interest attributable to both rate and volume have been allocated to both rate and volume on a pro rata basis:

 

   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 2012 vs 2011 
   Due to Change in Average   (Decrease) 
(Dollars in thousands)  Volume   Rate   Increase 
Interest earning assets               
Loans   (208)   (77)   (285)
Short-term and other investments   (10)   (1)   (11)
Investments       1    1 
Total interest earning assets   (218)   (77)   (295)
                
Interest bearing liabilities               
Time certificates   (131)   (76)   (207)
Savings deposits   1    (4)   (3)
Money market / checking deposits   (10)   (41)   (51)
Capital lease obligations       (2)   (2)
Total interest bearing liabilities   (140)   (123)   (263)
Net interest income  $(78)  $46   $(32)

 

The decrease in net interest income during the third quarter of 2012 reflected a $18.1 million decrease in total average interest earning assets to $113.5 million in the third quarter of 2012 from $131.6 million in the third quarter of 2011 and a decrease in the yields on interest earning assets to 5.22% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from 5.38% in the same period of 2011. The combined effects of these changes were partially offset by a $34.2 million decrease in average interest bearing liabilities to $82.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $116.9 million for the same period of 2011 as well as decreases in rates on interest bearing liabilities to 1.18% for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from 1.73% for the same period in 2011. Interest income from interest earning assets in the third quarter of 2012, when compared to the same period in 2011, decreased by $295,000 because of a $218,000 decrease due to volume considerations and a $77,000 decrease due to a decline in interest rates.  Variances in the cost of interest bearing liabilities during the three months ended September 30, 2012 in comparison to the same period in 2011 were due to decreased rate considerations of $123,000 and decreased volume considerations of $140,000.

 

35
 

 

 

Average Balances, Yields, and Rates

The following table presents average balance sheets (daily averages), interest income, interest expense, and the corresponding annualized rates on interest earning assets and rates paid on interest bearing liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

 

  Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity;           
    Interest Rates and Interest Differential           
   2012  2011      
                         
(Dollars in thousands)   Average Balance    Interest Income/ Expense    Average Rate    Average Balance    Interest Income/ Expense    Average Rate    Change in Interest Income/
Expense
    Change in Average Balance 
Interest earning assets                                        
Loans (1)(2)  $108,474   $4,626    5.70%  $123,263   $5,384    5.84%  $(758)  $(14,789)
Short-term and other investments   6,639    39    0.78%   8,850    69    1.04%   (30)   (2,211)
Investments   3,177    1    0.04%   2,755        0.00%   1    422 
Total interest earning assets   118,290    4,666    5.27%   134,868    5,453    5.40%   (787)   (16,578)
Cash and due from banks   10,608              22,388                   (11,780)
Premises and equipment, net   1,964              2,125                   (161)
Allowance for loan losses   (2,378)             (2,669)                  291 
Other   2,990              3,029                   (39)
Total assets  $131,474             $159,741                  $(28,267)
Interest bearing liabilities                                        
Time certificates  $36,958    474    1.71%  $64,218    1,016    2.12%   (542)  $(27,260)
Savings deposits   2,955    3    0.14%   2,660    13    0.65%   (10)   295 
Money market / checking deposits   48,051    245    0.68%   46,628    378    1.08%   (133)   1,423 
Capital lease obligations   1,159    125    14.41%   1,167    129    14.78%   (4)   (8)
Repurchase agreements   327        0.00%   1,120    1    0.12%   (1)   (793)
Total interest bearing liabilities   89,450    847    1.26%   115,793    1,537    1.77%   (690)   (26,343)
Non-interest bearing deposits   29,777              29,096                   681 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities   460              726                   (266)
Shareholder’s equity   11,787              14,126                   (2,339)
Total liabilities and equity  $131,474             $159,741                  $(28,267)
Net interest income       $3,819             $3,916        $(97)     
                                         
Interest spread             4.01%             3.63%          
Interest margin             4.31%             3.88%          

 

(1) Average balance includes nonaccruing loans.

(2) Interest income includes loan fees, which are not material.

 

36
 

 

Changes in Assets and Liabilities and Fluctuations in Interest Rates

The following table summarizes the variance in interest income and interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 resulting from changes in assets and liabilities and fluctuations in interest rates earned and paid. The changes in interest attributable to both rate and volume have been allocated to both rate and volume on a pro rata basis:

 

    2012 vs 2011
   Due to Change in Average  (Decrease)
(Dollars in thousands)  Volume  Rate  Increase
Interest earning assets               
Loans  $(632)  $(126)  $(758)
Short-term and other investments   (15)   (15)   (30)
Investments       1    1 
Total interest earning assets   (647)   (140)   (787)
                
Interest bearing liabilities               
Time certificates   (373)   (169)   (542)
Savings deposits   1    (11)   (10)
Money market / checking deposits   12    (145)   (133)
Capital lease obligations   (1)   (3)   (4)
Repurchase agreements   (1)       (1)
Total interest bearing liabilities   (362)   (328)   (690)
Net interest income  $(285)  $188   $(97)

 

The decrease in net interest income during the first nine months of 2012 reflected a $16.6 million decrease in total average interest earning assets to $118.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $134.9 million for the same period of 2011 and a decrease in the yields on interest earning assets to 5.27% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from 5.40% in the same period of 2011. The combined effects of these unfavorable changes were partially offset by favorable decreases in rates on interest bearing liabilities to 1.26% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from 1.77% for the same period in 2011 as well as a $26.3 million decrease in average interest bearing liabilities to $89.4 million for the first nine months of 2012 from $115.8 million for the first nine months of 2011. Overall, the decrease in net interest income attributed to volume changes was $285,000, which was partially offset by a net increase attributed to interest rate changes of $188,000. Interest income from interest earning assets in the first nine months of 2012, when compared to the same period in 2011, decreased by $787,000 because of the combined effects of a $140,000 decrease due to a decline in interest rates and a $647,000 decrease due to volume considerations. Variances in the cost of interest bearing liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 in comparison to the same period in 2011 were due to decreased rate considerations of $328,000 and decreased volume considerations of $362,000.

 

The Company intends for the Bank to continue to emphasize lending to small to medium-sized businesses in its market area as it maintains its strategy to increase assets under management and to improve earnings. The Bank will seek opportunities through marketing to increase its deposit base, with a primary objective of attracting core non-interest checking and related money market deposit accounts, in order to support its earning assets and through the consideration of additional branch locations and new product and service offerings.

 

Provision for Loan Losses

The Bank’s provision for loan losses was $30,000 and $240,000 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to a provision for loan losses of $373,000 and $1,039,000, respectively, for the same periods in 2011. The decrease in the provision for loan losses during the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter of 2011 was primarily related to a decrease in net charge-offs. The decrease in the provision for loan losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily related to the 2011 provision being negatively affected by one commercial loan secured by real estate that was severely impacted by prevailing economic conditions in 2011.

 

Noninterest Income

Total noninterest income increased $31,000 to $182,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $151,000 for the same period in 2011. This increase was primarily due to loan prepayment fees of $46,000 recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2012 with no such revenue in the same period in 2011. The increase in loan prepayment fees was partially offset by a $15,000 decrease in service charges and fees due to changes in business practices of customers of the Bank during the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.

 

Total noninterest income increased $79,000 to $501,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $422,000 for the same period in 2011. This increase was primarily due to loan prepayment fees of $92,000 and a $10,000 increase in fair value of a derivative financial instrument recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, with no such revenue in the same period in 2011, as well as a $30,000 increase in other noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period of 2011. The combined effect of these favorable changes were partially offset by a $53,000 decrease in service charges and fees due to changes in business practices of customers of the Bank during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.

 

37
 

 

 

Noninterest Expense

Total noninterest expense was $1,233,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $1,305,000 for the same period in 2011, an increase of $72,000 or 5.5%.

 

Salaries and benefits expense increased $75,000 to $672,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $597,000 for the same period in 2011. The increase in salaries and benefits expense during the third quarter of 2012 when compared to the third quarter of 2011 was primarily due to salary and expenses attributable to the hiring of a Chief Executive Officer in October 2011 to fill an open position at the Bank that existed during the third quarter of 2011.

 

Occupancy and equipment expense of $162,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was relatively unchanged from $159,000 for the same period in 2011.

 

Professional services expense decreased by $15,000 to $93,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $108,000 for the same period in 2011 due to decreased costs for internal auditing and consulting services performed during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

 

Fees for data processing and other outside services declined $29,000 to $69,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 from $98,000 for the same period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to benefits the Company continued to realize on the renewal of certain related service contracts on more favorable terms during the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

Insurance expense increased by $21,000 to $32,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $11,000 for the same period in 2011 primarily due to increased costs in 2012 associated with insurance policies that the Company had entered into during a more favorable environment in July 2008.

 

Directors’ fees decreased by $32,000 to $43,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $75,000 for the same period in 2011. The decrease was attributable to a reduction in fees paid to directors effective January 1, 2012 that was approved by the Company’s compensation committee.

 

The Company realized a $51,000 loss on the sale of other real estate owned during the third quarter of 2011 with no such loss during the corresponding period in 2012.

 

FDIC insurance expense decreased by $15,000 to $51,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $66,000 for the same period in 2011. The decrease was attributable to a decline in deposit balances subject to the FDIC deposit insurance assessment, partially offset by an increase in FDIC assessment rates paid by the Bank.

 

Other operating expenses decreased by $30,000 to $110,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 when compared to the same period in 2011.

 

Total noninterest expense was $4,016,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $4,010,000 for the same period in 2011, an increase of $6,000 or 0.2%.

 

Salaries and benefits expense increased $222,000 to $2,199,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $1,977,000 for the same period in 2011. The increase in salaries and benefits expense during the nine months of 2012 when compared to same period in 2011 was primarily attributable to restricted stock compensation expense recorded by the Company based upon the vesting schedule for restricted stock granted to the Chief Executive Officer under his employment agreement and restricted stock agreement executed on February 28, 2012 and to salary and benefits associated with the hiring of a Chief Executive Officer in October 2011 to fill an open position that existed during the corresponding period of 2011.

 

Occupancy and equipment expense decreased by $43,000 to $458,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $501,000 for the same period in 2011 primarily due to declines in asset depreciation expense and lower repairs and maintenance expenditures.

 

Professional services expense increased by $88,000 to $370,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $282,000 for the same period in 2011 due to increased expenditures for loan review and internal auditing and consulting services performed during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

 

Fees for data processing and other outside services declined $98,000 to $206,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $304,000 for the same period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to benefits the Company continued to realize on the renewal of certain related service contracts on more favorable terms during the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

Insurance expense increased by $58,000 to $97,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $39,000 for the same period in 2011 primarily due to increased costs in 2012 associated with insurance policies that the Company had entered into during a more favorable environment in July 2008.

 

38
 

 

 

Directors’ fees decreased by $114,000 to $122,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $236,000 for the same period in 2011. The decrease was attributable to a reduction in fees paid to directors effective January 1, 2012 that was approved by the Company’s compensation committee.

 

All other operating expenses decreased by $27,000 to an aggregate amount of $409,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $436,000 for the same period in 2011.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Provision for Income Taxes
  

The Company did not record a provision or benefit for income taxes for the three months or nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011. In future periods, the Company anticipates that it will have a minimal tax provision or benefit until such time as it is able to reverse the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

 

Liquidity

 

Management believes the Company’s short-term assets provide sufficient liquidity to cover potential fluctuations in deposit accounts and loan demand and to meet other anticipated operating cash and investment requirements.

 

The Company’s liquidity position consisted of liquid assets totaling $13.6 million and $28.9 million, as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. This represented 11.1% and 19.8%, respectively, of total assets at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. The liquidity ratio is defined as the percentage of liquid assets to total assets. The following categories of assets as described in the accompanying balance sheet are considered liquid assets: Cash and due from banks, short-term investments, interest-bearing certificates of deposit and securities available for sale. Liquidity is a measure of the Company’s ability to generate adequate cash to meet financial obligations. The principal cash requirements of a financial institution are to cover downward fluctuations in deposits and increases in its loan portfolio.

 

In addition to the foregoing sources of liquidity, the Bank maintains a relationship with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and has the ability to pledge certain of the Bank’s assets as collateral for borrowings from that institution.

 

Capital

 

The Company’s and Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

The Company’s actual capital amounts and ratios at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were: 

 

(Dollars in thousands)              To Be Well  
               Capitalized Under  
         For Capital  Prompt Corrective  
September 30, 2012  Actual  Adequacy Purposes  Action Provisions  
    Amount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets  $13,091    12.47%  $8,400    8.00%  N/A    N/A 
Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets   11,767    11.21%   4,200    4.00%  N/A    N/A 
Tier 1 (Leverage) Capital to Average Assets   11,767    9.49%   4,959    4.00%  N/A    N/A 

 

               To Be Well  
               Capitalized Under  
         For Capital  Prompt Corrective  
December 31, 2011  Actual  Adequacy Purposes  Action Provisions  
     Amount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets  $13,057    10.88%  $9,601    8.00%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets   11,546    9.62%   4,800    4.00%  N/A   N/A 
Tier 1 (Leverage) Capital to Average Assets   11,546    7.41%   6,236    4.00%  N/A   N/A 

 

39
 

 

The Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were:

 

(Dollars in thousands)              To Be Well  
               Capitalized Under  
         For Capital  Prompt Corrective  
September 30, 2012  Actual  Adequacy Purposes  Action Provisions  
    Amount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets  $12,273    11.73%  $8,373    8.00%  $10,467   10.00%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets   10,953    10.46%   4,187    4.00%  6,280   6.00%
Tier 1 (Leverage) Capital to Average Assets   10,953    8.88%   4,936    4.00%  6,169   5.00%

 

               To Be Well  
               Capitalized Under  
         For Capital  Prompt Corrective  
December 31, 2011  Actual  Adequacy Purposes  Action Provisions  
     Amount    Ratio    Amount    Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets  $12,283    10.28%  $9,555    8.00%  $11,943   10.00%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets   10,780    9.03%   4,777    4.00%  7,166   6.00%
Tier 1 (Leverage) Capital to Average Assets   10,780    6.95%   6,206    4.00%  7,758   5.00%

 

Capital adequacy is one of the most important factors used to determine the safety and soundness of individual banks and the banking system. To be considered “well capitalized,” an institution must generally have a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%. Based on the above ratios, the Bank is considered to be “well capitalized” under applicable regulations. As of September 30, 2012, the Bank’s Tier I leverage ratio, Tier I risk-based capital ratio and total risk-based capital ratios were above such minimums. However, in July 2012, the Bank entered into a Consent Order with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the State of Connecticut Department of Banking which, among other things, require it to maintain a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 9% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%. At September 30, 2012, the Bank’s capital ratios exceeded such minimums set forth in the Consent Order. In June 2012, the Bank also submitted a revised capital plan outlining its strategy for increasing its capital amounts and ratios to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the State of Connecticut Department of Banking for their approval. In October 2012 the Bank received regulatory approval for its revised capital plan. The Company and the Bank will seek to implement the plan to increase capital as soon as practicable. Further regulatory action is possible if the Bank does not maintain the minimum capital ratios set forth in the Consent Order.

 

Market Risk

 

Market risk is defined as the sensitivity of income to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices, commodity prices and other market-driven rates or prices. Based upon the nature of the Company’s business, market risk is primarily limited to interest rate risk, which is defined as the impact of changing interest rates on current and future earnings.

 

 The Company’s goal is to maximize long-term profitability, while minimizing its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. The first priority is to structure and price the Company’s assets and liabilities to maintain an acceptable interest rate spread, while reducing the net effect of changes in interest rates. In order to reach an acceptable interest rate spread, the Company must generate loans and seek acceptable long-term investments to replace the lower yielding balances in Federal Funds sold and short-term investments. The focus also must be on maintaining a proper balance between the timing and volume of assets and liabilities re-pricing within the balance sheet. One method of achieving this balance is to originate variable loans for the portfolio to offset the short-term re-pricing of the liabilities. In fact, a number of the interest bearing deposit products have no contractual maturity. Customers may withdraw funds from their accounts at any time and deposits balances may therefore run off unexpectedly due to changing market conditions.

 

The exposure to interest rate risk is monitored by senior management of the Bank and reported quarterly to the Asset and Liability Management Committee and the Board of Directors. Management reviews the interrelationships within the balance sheet to maximize net interest income within acceptable levels of risk.

 

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than the effect of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services. Notwithstanding this fact, inflation can directly affect the value of loan collateral, in particular, real estate. Inflation, or disinflation, could significantly affect the Company’s earnings in future periods.

 

 

40
 

 

Factors Affecting Future Results

 

Some of the statements under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-Q may include forward-looking statements which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Statements which include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “anticipate” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements for purposes of the federal securities laws or otherwise. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements or that could adversely affect the holders of our common stock. These factors include, but are not limited to, (1) changes in prevailing interest rates which would affect the interest earned on the Company’s interest earning assets and the interest paid on its interest bearing liabilities, (2) the timing of re-pricing of the Company’s interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, (3) the effect of changes in governmental monetary policy, (4) the impact of recently enacted federal legislation and the effect of changes in regulations applicable to the Company and the conduct of its business, (5) changes in competition among financial service companies, including possible further encroachment of non-banks on services traditionally provided by banks, (6) the ability of competitors which are larger than the Company to provide products and services which are impractical for the Company to provide, (7) the volatility of quarterly earnings, due in part to the variation in the number, dollar volume and profit realized from SBA guaranteed loan participation sales in different quarters, (8) the effect of a loss of any executive officer, key personnel, or directors, (9) the effect of the Company’s opening of branches and the receipt of regulatory approval to complete such actions, (10) the concentration of the Company’s business in southern and southeastern Connecticut, (11) the concentration of the Company’s loan portfolio in commercial loans to small-to-medium sized businesses, which may be impacted more severely than larger businesses during periods of economic weakness, (12) lack of seasoning in the Company’s loan portfolio, which may increase the risk of future credit defaults, and (13) the effect of any decision by the Company to engage in any business not historically permitted to it. Other such factors may be described in other filings made by the Company with the SEC.

 

Although the Company believes that it has the resources needed for success, future revenues and interest spreads and yields cannot be reliably predicted. These trends may cause the Company to adjust its operations in the future. Because of the foregoing and other factors, recent trends should not be considered reliable indicators of future financial results or stock prices.

 

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Not required.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Based upon an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures performed by the Company’s management, with participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures have been effective in ensuring that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiary, is made known to the certifying officers by others within the Company and the Bank during the period covered by this report.

 

As used herein, “disclosure controls and procedures” means controls and other procedures of the Company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II Other Information

  

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Periodically, there have been various claims and lawsuits against the Company, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which the Company holds security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans and other issues incident to our business. However, neither the Company nor any subsidiary is a party to any pending legal proceedings that management believes would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

Not required.

 

41
 

 

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

 

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No. Description
   
3(i) Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB filed on November 14, 2002)
   
3(ii) By-Laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 6, 2007)
   
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith)
   
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith)
   
31.3 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (filed herewith)
   
32.1 Section 1350 Certification by Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith)
   
32.2 Section 1350 Certification by Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith)
   
32.3 Section 1350 Certification by Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (filed herewith)
   
99.1 Consent Order, dated July 3, 2012 (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K filed on July 6, 2012)
   
99.2 Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Consent Order, dated July 2, 2012 (incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current report on Form 8-K filed on July 6, 2012)
   
101.INS XBRL Instance Document* (filed herewith)
   
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document* (filed herewith)
   
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document* (filed herewith)
   
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document* (filed herewith)
   
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document* (filed herewith)
   
101.DEF Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document* (filed herewith)

 

*As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

42
 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

    SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC.
       
    By: /s/ Joseph J. Greco
    Name: Joseph J. Greco
  Date: November 14, 2012 Title: Chief Executive Officer
       
    By: /s/ Stephen V. Ciancarelli
    Name: Stephen V. Ciancarelli
  Date: November 14, 2012 Title: Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
       
    By: /s/ Anthony M. Avellani
    Name: Anthony M. Avellani
  Date: November 14, 2012 Title: Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer

 

43