UNITED STATES
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
_____________________________

FORM 10-Q

[X] 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: 000-23601

PATHFINDER BANCORP, INC.
(Exact Name of Company as Specified in its Charter)
 
FEDERAL
16-1540137
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

214 West First Street, Oswego, NY 13126
(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)

(315) 343-0057
(Issuer's Telephone Number including area code)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 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 T        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 (Section 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 T        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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer*                            Accelerated filer*                                 Non-accelerated filer*                       Smaller reporting company  T
                           (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 T

As of November 12, 2012, there were 2,979,969 shares issued and 2,617,682 shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock.

 
 

 




PATHFINDER BANCORP, INC.
INDEX



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
PAGE NO.
 
         
Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Condition
    3  
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
    4  
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
    5  
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
    6  
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    7  
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    8  
           
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
    28  
 
and Results of Operations
       
           
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
    39  
           
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
    39  
           
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
    40  
           
Item 1.
Legal proceedings
       
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
       
Item 2.
Unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds
       
Item 3.
Defaults upon senior securities
       
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
       
Item 5.
Other information
       
Item 6.
Exhibits
       
           
SIGNATURES
    41  
           
EXHIBITS
      42  

 
 

 

PART I -  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 – Consolidated Financial Statements

Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Condition
(Unaudited)

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
2012
   
2011
 
ASSETS:
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 9,349     $ 7,093  
Interest earning deposits
    4,725       3,125  
Total cash and cash equivalents
    14,074       10,218  
Interest earning time deposits
    2,000       2,000  
Investment securities, at fair value
    114,312       100,395  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
    1,910       1,528  
Loans
    324,150       304,750  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    4,433       3,980  
Loans receivable, net
    319,717       300,770  
Premises and equipment, net
    10,197       10,697  
Accrued interest receivable
    1,921       1,685  
Foreclosed real estate
    429       536  
Goodwill
    3,840       3,840  
Bank owned life insurance
    8,137       7,939  
Other assets
    2,826       3,372  
Total assets
  $ 479,363     $ 442,980  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Deposits:
               
Interest-bearing
  $ 349,355     $ 328,976  
Noninterest-bearing
    44,483       37,153  
Total deposits
    393,838       366,129  
Short-term borrowings
    9,000       -  
Long-term borrowings
    25,991       26,074  
Junior subordinated debentures
    5,155       5,155  
Accrued interest payable
    129       145  
Other liabilities
    4,311       7,636  
Total liabilities
    438,424       405,139  
Shareholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock - SBLF, par value $0.01 per share; $1,000 liquidation preference;
               
13,000 shares authorized; 13,000 shares issued and outstanding
    13,000       13,000  
Common stock, par value $0.01; authorized 10,000,000 shares;
               
2,979,969 and 2,617,682 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    30       30  
Additional paid in capital
    8,098       8,730  
Retained earnings
    26,114       24,618  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (505 )     (2,664 )
Unearned ESOP
    (964 )     (1,039 )
Treasury stock, at cost; 362,287 shares
    (4,834 )     (4,834 )
Total shareholders' equity
    40,939       37,841  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 479,363     $ 442,980  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 
- 3

 

Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)

   
For the three
   
For the three
   
For the nine
   
For the nine
 
 
 
months ended
   
months ended
   
months ended
   
months ended
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
September 30, 2012
   
September 30, 2011
   
September 30, 2012
   
September 30, 2011
 
Interest and dividend income:
                       
Loans, including fees
  $ 3,974     $ 4,089     $ 11,962     $ 11,945  
Debt securities:
                               
Taxable
    439       489       1,386       1,687  
Tax-exempt
    190       81       535       230  
Dividends
    38       33       97       101  
Interest earning time deposits
    6       -       18       -  
Federal funds sold and interest earning deposits
    1       1       3       3  
       Total interest income
    4,648       4,693       14,001       13,966  
Interest expense:
                               
Interest on deposits
    714       810       2,211       2,444  
Interest on short-term borrowings
    6       4       14       22  
Interest on long-term borrowings
    243       259       750       816  
       Total interest expense
    963       1,073       2,975       3,282  
          Net interest income
    3,685       3,620       11,026       10,684  
Provision for loan losses
    275       145       650       670  
          Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    3,410       3,475       10,376       10,014  
Noninterest income:
                               
Service charges on deposit accounts
    285       283       838       854  
Earnings and gain on bank owned life insurance
    46       45       235       162  
Loan servicing fees
    51       63       159       155  
Net gains on sales and redemptions of investment securities
    18       469       179       791  
Net gains (losses) on sales of loans and foreclosed real estate
    6       (80 )     31       (40 )
Debit card interchange fees
    105       93       308       273  
Other charges, commissions & fees
    150       130       423       403  
          Total noninterest income
    661       1,003       2,173       2,598  
Noninterest expense:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    1,733       1,787       5,576       5,260  
Building occupancy
    348       316       1,077       1,038  
Data processing
    390       349       1,072       1,054  
Professional and other services
    174       219       473       504  
Advertising
    108       91       268       366  
FDIC assessments
    78       (8 )     233       316  
Audits and exams
    73       62       184       181  
Other expenses
    274       392       1,106       1,175  
          Total noninterest expenses
    3,178       3,208       9,989       9,894  
Income before income taxes
    893       1,270       2,560       2,718  
Provision for income taxes
    223       396       641       831  
Net income
    670       874       1,919       1,887  
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
    113       581       367       816  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 557     $ 293     $ 1,552     $ 1,071  
                                 
Earnings per common share - basic
  $ 0.22     $ 0.12     $ 0.62     $ 0.43  
Earnings per common share - diluted
  $ 0.22     $ 0.11     $ 0.62     $ 0.42  
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.03     $ 0.03     $ 0.09     $ 0.09  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
- 4

 
Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)
   
For the three
   
For the three
   
For the nine
   
For the nine
 
   
months ended
   
months ended
   
months ended
   
months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
                         
Retirement Plans:
                       
Retirement plan net losses recognized in plan expenses
  $ 78     $ 67     $ 318     $ 200  
                                 
    Gain on pension plan curtailment
    -       -       1,919       -  
                                 
Unrealized holding loss on financial derivative:
                               
Change in unrealized holding loss on financial derivative
    (18 )     (87 )     (53 )     (141 )
Reclassification adjustment for interest expense included in net income
    13       17       43       46  
Net unrealized loss on financial derivative
    (5 )     (70 )     (10 )     (95 )
                                 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
                               
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period
    939       316       1,551       2,430  
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in income
    (18 )     (469 )     (179 )     (791 )
Net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale
    921       (153 )     1,372       1,639  
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
    994       (156 )     3,599       1,744  
Tax effect
    (397 )     62       (1,440 )     (699 )
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    597       (94 )     2,159       1,045  
                                 
Net Income
    670       874       1,919       1,887  
Comprehensive Income
  $ 1,267     $ 780     $ 4,078     $ 2,932  
                                 
Tax Effect Allocated to Each Component of Other Comprehensive Income
                               
                                 
Retirement plan net losses recognized in plan expenses
  $ (31 )   $ (27 )   $ (127 )   $ (80 )
Gain on pension plan curtailment
    -       -       (768 )     -  
Unrealized loss on financial derivative
    2       28       4       38  
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities
    (368 )     61       (549 )     (657 )
Income tax effect related to other comprehensive income
  $ (397 )   $ 62     $ (1,440 )   $ (699 )
                                 
                                 
   
As of
   
As of
                 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
                 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss By Component:
    2012       2011                  
Unrealized loss for pension and other postretirement obligations
  $ (3,792 )   $ (6,029 )                
Tax effect
    1,517       2,412                  
Net unrealized loss for pension and other postretirement obligations
    (2,275 )     (3,617 )                
Unrealized loss on financial derivative instruments used in cash flow hedging relationships
    (210 )     (200 )                
Tax effect
    84       80                  
Net unrealized loss on financial derivative instruments used in cash flow hedging relationships
    (126 )     (120 )                
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities
    3,161       1,789                  
Tax effect
    (1,265 )     (716 )                
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities
    1,896       1,073                  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ (505 )   $ (2,664 )                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 

 
 
- 5

 

PATHFINDER BANCORP, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011
 
 
   
       
         (Unaudited)                                
                                                 
                           
Accumulated
                   
               
Additional
         
Other Com-
                   
   
Preferred
   
Common
   
Paid in
   
Retained
   
prehensive
   
Unearned
   
Treasury
       
 (In thousands, except share data)
 
Stock
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Loss
   
ESOP
   
Stock
   
Total
 
 Balance, January 1, 2012
  $ 13,000     $ 30     $ 8,730     $ 24,618     $ (2,664 )   $ (1,039 )   $ (4,834 )   $ 37,841  
 Comprehensive income:
                                                               
 Net income
                            1,919                               1,919  
 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                                                               
 Unrealized holding gains on securities
                                                               
 available for sale (net of $549 tax expense)
                                    823                       823  
 Unrealized holding losses on financial
                                                               
 derivative (net of $4 tax benefit)
                                    (6 )                     (6 )
 Retirement plan net losses
                                                               
 recognized in plan expenses
                                                               
 (net of $127 tax expense)
                                    191                       191  
 Defined benefit plan freeze
                                                               
 (net of $768 tax expense)
                                    1,151                       1,151  
 Total comprehensive income
                                                            4,078  
                                                                 
 Purchase of CPP Warrants from Treasury
                    (706 )     169                               (537 )
 Preferred stock dividends - SBLF
                            (367 )                             (367 )
 ESOP shares earned (8,520 shares)
                    6                       75               81  
 Stock based compensation
                    68                                       68  
 Common stock dividends declared ($0.09 per share)
                            (225 )                             (225 )
 Balance, September 30, 2012
  $ 13,000     $ 30     $ 8,098     $ 26,114     $ (505 )   $ (964 )   $ (4,834 )   $ 40,939  
                                                                 
Balance, January 1, 2011
  $ 6,225     $ 30     $ 8,615     $ 24,163     $ (1,939 )   $ -     $ (6,502 )   $ 30,592  
 Comprehensive income:
                                                               
 Net income
                            1,887                               1,887  
 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                                                               
 Unrealized holding gains on securities
                                                               
 available for sale (net of $657 tax expense)
                                    982                       982  
 Unrealized holding loss on financial
                                                               
 derivative (net of $38 tax benefit)
                                    (57 )                     (57 )
 Retirement plan amortization and transition
                                                               
 obligation recognized in plan expenses
                                                               
 (net of $80 tax expense)
                                    120                       120  
 Total comprehensive income
                                                            2,932  
 Sale of preferred stock - SBLF
    13,000                                                       13,000  
 Redemption of CPP Preferred stock
    (6,771 )                                                     (6,771 )
 Preferred stock discount accretion
    546                       (546 )                             -  
 Preferred stock dividends - CPP
                            (270 )                             (270 )
 Sale of treasury stock to ESOP
                            (566 )             (1,102 )     1,668       -  
 ESOP shares earned (3,445 shares)
                    1                       31               32  
 Stock based compensation
                    25                                       25  
 Stock options exercised
                    66                                       66  
 Common stock dividends declared ($0.09 per share)
                            (224 )                             (224 )
Balance, September 30, 2011
  $ 13,000     $ 30     $ 8,707     $ 24,444     $ (894 )   $ (1,071 )   $ (4,834 )   $ 39,382  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 
- 6

 

Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 (Unaudited)
   
For the nine
 
   
months ended
 
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2012
   
September 30, 2011
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income
  $ 1,919     $ 1,887  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    650       670  
Proceeds from sales of loans
    207       -  
Originations of loans held-for-sale
    (195 )     -  
Realized (gains) losses on sales and redemptions of:
               
Real estate acquired through foreclosure
    (19 )     40  
Loans
    (12 )     -  
Available-for-sale investment securities
    (179 )     (791 )
Depreciation
    593       523  
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights
    6       20  
Amortization of deferred loan costs
    132       139  
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
    (198 )     (162 )
Realized gain on proceeds from bank owned life insurance
    (37 )     -  
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investment securities
    851       370  
Stock based compensation and ESOP expense
    149       57  
Net change in accrued interest receivable
    (236 )     90  
Pension plan contribution
    (2,600 )     -  
Net change in other assets and liabilities
    734       (30 )
Net cash flows from operating activities
    1,765       2,813  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale
    (44,429 )     (39,603 )
(Purchases) redemptions of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    (382 )     606  
Proceeds from maturities and principal reductions of
               
investment securities available-for-sale
    20,859       25,894  
Proceeds from sales and redemptions of:
               
Available-for-sale investment securities
    10,353       15,091  
Real estate acquired through foreclosure
    331       691  
Purchase of bank owned life insurance
    -       (800 )
Net change in loans
    (20,020 )     (10,371 )
Purchase of premises and equipment
    (93 )     (1,750 )
Net cash flows from investing activities
    (33,381 )     (10,242 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Net change in demand deposits, NOW accounts, savings accounts,
               
money management deposit accounts, MMDA accounts and escrow deposits
    17,698       15,928  
Net change in time deposits and brokered deposits
    10,011       624  
Net change in short-term borrowings
    9,000       (11,000 )
Payments on long-term borrowings
    (4,083 )     (6,000 )
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
    4,000       4,101  
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock - SBLF
    -       13,000  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    -       66  
Redemption of preferred stock - CPP
    -       (6,771 )
Purchase of CPP warrants from the US Treasury
    (537 )     -  
Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholder - SBLF and CPP
    (392 )     (270 )
Cash dividends paid to common shareholders
    (225 )     (224 )
Net cash flows from financing activities
    35,472       9,454  
Change in cash and cash equivalents
    3,856       2,025  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    10,218       13,763  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 14,074     $ 15,788  
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR:
               
Interest
  $ 2,991     $ 3,299  
Income taxes
    3       1,507  
NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITY
               
Transfer of loans to foreclosed real estate
    291       921  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

 
- 7

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
(1)  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information, the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation, have been included.  Certain amounts in the 2011 consolidated financial statements may have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.  These reclassifications had no effect on net income as previously reported.

The following material under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" is written with the presumption that the users of the interim financial statements have read, or have access to, the Company's latest audited financial statements and notes thereto, together with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and for the two years then ended.  Therefore, only material changes in financial condition and results of operations are discussed in the remainder of Part 1.

Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2012.

(2)  New Accounting Pronouncements

None applicable to the Company.

(3)  Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Net income available to common shareholders is net income less the total of preferred dividends declared and the amortization of the preferred stock discount value under the CPP program during 2011.  Diluted earnings per share include the potential dilutive effect that could occur upon the assumed exercise of issued stock options and the warrants issued to the U.S. Treasury using the treasury stock method.  Unallocated common shares held by the ESOP are not included in the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per common share until they are committed to be released to plan participants.

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

   
Three months ended
   
Nine months ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Basic Earnings Per Common Share
                       
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 557     $ 293     $ 1,552     $ 1,071  
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    2,505       2,493       2,503       2,488  
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.12     $ 0.62     $ 0.43  
                                 
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
                               
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 557     $ 293     $ 1,552     $ 1,071  
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    2,505       2,493       2,503       2,488  
Effect of assumed exercise of stock options
    12       11       6       5  
Effect of assumed exercise of stock warrants
    -       43       4       43  
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    2,517       2,547       2,513       2,536  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.11     $ 0.62     $ 0.42  


 
- 8

 

 
(4) Investment Securities - Available-for-Sale

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities are summarized as follows:

   
September 30, 2012
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
   
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
Debt investment securities:
                       
US Treasury, agencies and GSEs
  $ 5,176     $ 26     $ -     $ 5,202  
State and political subdivisions
    25,994       1,122       (2 )     27,114  
Corporate
    24,042       382       (525 )     23,899  
Residential mortgage-backed - US agency
    52,797       1,768       (1 )     54,564  
Residential mortgage-backed - private label
    346       11       -       357  
Total
    108,355       3,309       (528 )     111,136  
Equity investment securities:
                               
Mutual funds:
                               
Ultra short mortgage fund
    1,286       14       -       1,300  
Large cap equity fund
    905       243       -       1,148  
Other mutual funds
    183       114       -       297  
Common stock - financial services industry
    422       10       (1 )     431  
Total
    2,796       381       (1 )     3,176  
Total investment securities
  $ 111,151     $ 3,690     $ (529 )   $ 114,312  

                         
                         
   
December 31, 2011
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
   
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
Debt investment securities:
                       
US Treasury, agencies and GSEs
  $ 5,025     $ 48     $ -     $ 5,073  
State and political subdivisions
    19,508       797       (1 )     20,304  
Corporate
    21,086       38       (690 )     20,434  
Residential mortgage-backed - US agency
    49,665       1,395       (4 )     51,056  
Residential mortgage-backed - private label
    505       14       -       519  
Total
    95,789       2,292       (695 )     97,386  
Equity investment securities:
                               
Mutual funds:
                               
Ultra short mortgage fund
    1,286       12       -       1,298  
Large cap equity fund
    905       119       -       1,024  
Other mutual funds
    183       60       -       243  
Common stock - financial services industry
    443       2       (1 )     444  
Total
    2,817       193       (1 )     3,009  
Total investment securities
  $ 98,606     $ 2,485     $ (696 )   $ 100,395  
 

 
 
- 9

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt investments at September 30, 2012 by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.

   
Amortized
   
Estimated
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
           
Due in one year or less
  $ 7,294     $ 7,329  
Due after one year through five years
    22,421       22,887  
Due after five years through ten years
    7,042       7,478  
Due after ten years
    18,455       18,521  
Mortgage-backed securities
    53,143       54,921  
Totals
  $ 108,355     $ 111,136  

The Company’s investment securities’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are as follows:

                           
September 30, 2012
                   
 
       
Less than Twelve Months
         
Twelve Months or More
         
Total
 
   
Number of
               
Number of
               
Number of
             
   
Individual
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Individual
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Individual
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Securities
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Securities
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Securities
   
Losses
   
Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
       
 
                                           
State and political subdivisions
    4     $ (2 )   $ 1,475       -     $ -     $ -       4     $ (2 )   $ 1,475  
Corporate
    4       (37 )     2,633       2       (488 )     1,481       6       (525 )     4,114  
Residential mortgage-backed - US agency
    2       (1 )     1,018       -       -       -       2       (1 )     1,018  
Common stock-financial services industry
    1       (1 )     2       -       -       -       1       (1 )     2  
Totals
    11     $ (41 )   $ 5,128       2     $ (488 )   $ 1,481       13     $ (529 )   $ 6,609  
 
                                                                       
 
                                                                       
                                   
December 31, 2011
                         
 
         
Less than Twelve Months
           
Twelve Months or More
           
Total
 
   
Number of
                   
Number of
                   
Number of
                 
   
Individual
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Individual
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Individual
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Securities
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Securities
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Securities
   
Losses
   
Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                                                                       
State and political subdivisions
    1     $ (1 )   $ 412       -     $ -     $ -       1     $ (1 )   $ 412  
Corporate
    19       (131 )     13,489       2       (559 )     1,410       21       (690 )     14,899  
Residential mortgage-backed - US agency
    2       (4 )     1,896       -       -       -       2       (4 )     1,896  
Common stock-financial services industry
    -       -       -       1       (1 )     3       1       (1 )     3  
Totals
    22     $ (136 )   $ 15,797       3     $ (560 )   $ 1,413       25     $ (696 )   $ 17,210  

We conduct a formal review of investment securities on a quarterly basis for the presence of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”).  We assess whether OTTI is present when the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost basis at the statement of condition date.  Under these circumstances, OTTI is considered to have occurred (1) if we intend to sell the security; (2) if it is “more likely than not” we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the present value of expected cash flows is not anticipated to be sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis.  The guidance requires that credit-related OTTI is recognized in earnings while non-credit-related OTTI on securities not expected to be sold is recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”).  Non-credit-related OTTI is based on other factors, including illiquidity and changes in the general interest rate environment.  Presentation of OTTI is made in the consolidated statement of income on a gross basis, including both the portion recognized in earnings as well as the portion recorded in OCI.  The gross OTTI would then be offset by the amount of non-credit-related OTTI, showing the net as the impact on earnings.

 
- 10

 
The Company’s investment securities portfolio includes two corporate securities representing trust preferred issuances from large money center financial institutions.  The securities have been in an unrealized loss position for more than 12 months.  The securities are both floating rate notes that adjust quarterly to LIBOR (“London Interbank Offered Rate”).  These securities are reflecting a net unrealized loss due to current similar offerings being originated at higher spreads to LIBOR, as the market currently demands a greater pricing premium for the associated risk. Management has performed a detailed credit analysis on the underlying companies and has concluded that neither issue is credit impaired.  Due to the fact that each security has approximately 15 years until final maturity, and management has determined that there is no related credit impairment, the associated pricing risk is managed similar to long-term, low yielding, 15 and 30-year fixed rate residential mortgages carried in the Company’s loan portfolio.  The risk is managed through the Company’s extensive interest rate risk management procedures.  The Company expects the present value of expected cash flows will be sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis.  Thus, the securities are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

Management does not believe any individual unrealized loss in other securities within the portfolio as of September 30, 2012 represents OTTI.  All related securities are rated Baa1 or better by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s, with the exception of the two corporate securities noted above.  The unrealized losses in the portfolio are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates.  The Company does not intend to sell these securities, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities prior to the recovery of the amortized cost.

In determining whether OTTI has occurred for equity securities, the Company considers the applicable factors described above and the length of time the equity security’s fair value has been below the carrying amount. Management has determined that we have the intent and ability to retain the equity securities for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery. The Company holds one equity security that had a fair value less than the carrying value at September 30, 2012.   A small common stock investment in The Phoenix Companies has an unrealized loss of  $1,300.  Due to the relatively small size of the unrealized loss and short duration of the loss period, no OTTI is deemed present in relation to this security.

The following table presents a roll-forward of the amount related to credit losses recognized in earnings for the periods ended September 30:

(In thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
 
Beginning balance – January 1
  $ -     $ 875  
Reductions for securities sold
    -       (875 )
Ending balance - September 30
  $ -     $ -  

The above credit losses were related to one security that was sold at a small gain during the period ended September 30, 2011.

Gross realized gains (losses) on sales of securities for the indicated periods are detailed below:

   
For the three months
   
For the nine months
 
   
ended September 30,
   
ended September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
Realized gains
  $ 30     $ 469     $ 191     $ 796  
Realized losses
    (12 )     -       (12 )     (5 )
    $ 18     $ 469     $ 179     $ 791  

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, securities with a fair value of $39.6 million and $43.1 million, respectively, were pledged to collateralize certain municipal deposit relationships.  As of the same dates, securities with a fair value of $38.4 million and $21.8 million were pledged against certain borrowing arrangements.  Total borrowings of $5.0 million were outstanding relating to the above noted collateralized borrowing arrangements as of both September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

Management has reviewed its loan and mortgage-backed securities portfolios and determined that, to the best of its knowledge, little or no exposure exists to sub-prime or other high-risk residential mortgages.  The Company is not in the practice of investing in, or originating, these types of investments or loans.

 
- 11

 


(5)  Pension and Postretirement Benefits

The Company has a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan that covered substantially all employees. On May 14, 2012, the Company informed its employees of its decision to freeze participation and benefit accruals under the plan, primarily to reduce some of the volatility in earnings that can accompany the maintenance of a defined benefit plan.  The freeze became effective June 30, 2012.  Compensation earned by employees up to June 30, 2012 is used for purposes of calculating benefits under the plan but there will be no future benefit accruals after this date.  Participants as of June 30, 2012 will continue to earn vesting credit with respect to their frozen accrued benefits as they continue to work.

Prior to being frozen, the plan provided defined benefits based on years of service and final average salary. Although the plan was frozen, the Company maintains the responsibility for funding the plan, and its funding practice is to contribute at least the minimum amount annually to meet minimum funding requirements.  The funded status of the plan has and will continue to be affected by market conditions.  We expect to continue to fund this plan on an as needed basis and do not foresee any issues or conditions that could negatively impact the payment of benefit obligations to plan participants.  In addition, the Company provides certain health and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees.  The healthcare plan is contributory with participants’ contributions adjusted annually; the life insurance plan is noncontributory.  Employees with less than 14 years of service as of January 1, 1995, are not eligible for the health and life insurance retirement benefits.

The composition of net periodic pension plan and postretirement plan costs for the indicated periods is as follows:

   
Pension Benefits
   
Postretirement Benefits
   
Pension Benefits
   
Postretirement Benefits
 
   
For the three months ended September 30,
   
For the nine months ended September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
 
                                               
Service cost
  $ -     $ 82     $ -     $ -     $ 166     $ 246     $ -     $ -  
Interest cost
    93       103       4       5       305       310       13       15  
Expected return on plan assets
    (205 )     (156 )     -       -       (604 )     (468 )     -       -  
Amortization of net losses
    74       62       4       5       307       185       11       14  
Net periodic plan cost
  $ (38 )   $ 91     $ 8     $ 10     $ 174     $ 273     $ 24     $ 29  


The Company made a contribution in the amount of $2.6 million to the defined benefit pension plan in January of 2012.  The Company will evaluate any need for further contributions to the defined benefit pension plan during the fourth quarter of 2012.

 
- 12

 


(6)  Loans

Major classifications of loans at the indicated dates are as follows:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
 
Residential mortgage loans:
           
1-4 family first-lien residential mortgages
  $ 169,062     $ 158,384  
Construction
    2,587       3,935  
      171,649       162,319  
                 
Commercial loans:
               
Real estate
    79,770       73,420  
Lines of credit
    13,471       13,791  
Other commercial and industrial
    27,509       22,701  
Municipal
    5,063       3,619  
      125,813       113,531  
                 
Consumer loans:
               
Home equity and junior liens
    22,580       24,171  
Other consumer
    3,627       4,140  
      26,207       28,311  
                 
Total loans
    323,669       304,161  
Net deferred loan costs
    481       589  
Less allowance for loan losses
    (4,433 )     (3,980 )
Loans receivable, net
  $ 319,717     $ 300,770  

The Company originates residential mortgage, commercial and consumer loans largely to customers throughout Oswego, Onondaga, Jefferson, and Oneida counties. Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its borrowers’ abilities to honor their contracts is dependent upon the counties’ employment and economic conditions.

As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, residential mortgage loans with a carrying value of $62.3 million and $65.8 million, respectively, have been pledged by the Company to the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”) under a blanket collateral agreement to secure the Company’s line of credit and term borrowings.  Borrowings at the FHLBNY as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were $29.0 million and $20.0 million, respectively.

Loan Origination / Risk Management

The Company’s lending policies and procedures are presented in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements included in the 2011 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K on March 29, 2012, and have not changed.


 
- 13

 

To develop and document a systematic methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses, the Company has divided the loan portfolio into three portfolio segments, each with different risk characteristics and methodologies for assessing risk.  Each portfolio segment is broken down into loan classes where appropriate.  Loan classes contain unique measurement attributes, risk characteristics and methods for monitoring and assessing risk that are necessary to develop the allowance for loan losses.  Unique characteristics such as borrower type, loan type, collateral type, and risk characteristics define each class.  The following table illustrates the portfolio segments and classes for the Company’s loan portfolio:


Portfolio Segment
Class
   
Residential Mortgage Loans
1-4 family first-lien residential mortgages
 
Construction
   
Commercial Loans
Real estate
 
Lines of credit
 
Other commercial and industrial
 
Municipal
   
Consumer Loans
Home equity and junior liens
 
Other consumer

The following tables present the classes of the loan portfolio, not including net deferred loan costs, summarized by the aggregate pass rating and the classified ratings of special mention, substandard and doubtful within the Company's internal risk rating system as of the dates indicated:

   
September 30, 2012
 
         
Special
                   
(In thousands)
 
Pass
   
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
Residential mortgage loans:
                             
1-4 family first-lien residential mortgages
  $ 162,529     $ 950     $ 5,583     $ -     $ 169,062  
Construction
    2,587       -       -       -       2,587  
      165,116       950       5,583       -       171,649  
Commercial loans:
                                       
Real estate
    75,148       48       4,574       -       79,770  
Lines of credit
    12,325       -       1,071       75       13,471  
Other commercial and industrial
    26,346       -       1,157       6       27,509  
Municipal
    5,063       -       -       -       5,063  
      118,882       48       6,802       81       125,813  
Consumer loans:
                                       
Home equity and junior liens
    20,614       165       1,752       49       22,580  
Other consumer
    3,349       191       59       28       3,627  
      23,963       356       1,811       77       26,207  
Total loans
  $ 307,961     $ 1,354     $ 14,196     $ 158     $ 323,669  


 
- 14

 


   
December 31, 2011
 
         
Special
                   
(In thousands)
 
Pass
   
Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Total
 
Residential mortgage loans:
                             
1-4 family first-lien residential mortgages
  $ 153,049     $ 1,050     $ 4,285     $ -     $ 158,384  
Construction
    3,935       -       -       -       3,935  
      156,984       1,050       4,285       -       162,319  
Commercial loans:
                                       
Real estate
    69,737       212       3,471       -       73,420  
Lines of credit
    12,579       49       1,163       -       13,791  
Other commercial and industrial
    21,978       89       591       43       22,701  
Municipal
    3,619       -       -       -       3,619  
      107,913       350       5,225       43       113,531  
Consumer loans:
                                       
Home equity and junior liens
    22,500       162       1,456       53       24,171  
Other consumer
    3,922       61       123       34       4,140  
      26,422       223       1,579       87       28,311  
Total loans
  $ 291,319     $ 1,623     $ 11,089     $ 130     $ 304,161  
 
Management has reviewed its loan portfolio and determined that, to the best of its knowledge, no exposure exists to sub-prime or other high-risk residential mortgages.  The Company is not in the practice of originating these types of loans.

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans

Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received within thirty days of the payment due date.


 
- 15

 

An age analysis of past due loans, segregated by portfolio segment and class of loans, as of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, are detailed in the following tables:

   
September 30, 2012
 
                                     
   
30-59 Days
   
60-89 Days
   
90 Days
   
Total
         
Total Loans
 
(In thousands)
 
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
and Over
   
Past Due
   
Current
   
Receivable
 
Residential mortgage loans:
                                   
1-4 family first-lien residential mortgages
  $ 1,838     $ 1,139     $ 1,506     $ 4,483     $ 164,579     $ 169,062  
Construction
    -       -       -       -       2,587       2,587  
      1,838       1,139       1,506       4,483       167,166       171,649  
Commercial loans:
                                               
Real estate
    729       46       1,526       2,301       77,469       79,770  
Lines of credit
    137       500       238       875       12,596       13,471  
Other commercial and industrial
    272       62       578       912       26,597       27,509  
Municipal
    -       -       -       -       5,063       5,063  
      1,138       608       2,342       4,088       121,725       125,813  
Consumer loans:
                                               
Home equity and junior liens
    334       313       737       1,384       21,196       22,580  
Other consumer
    43       48       38       129       3,498       3,627  
      377       361       775       1,513       24,694       26,207  
Total loans
  $ 3,353     $ 2,108     $ 4,623     $ 10,084     $ 313,585     $ 323,669  


   
December 31, 2011
 
   
30-59 Days
   
60-89 Days
   
90 Days
   
Total
         
Total Loans
 
(In thousands)
 
Past Due
   
Past Due
   
and Over
   
Past Due
   
Current
   
Receivable
 
Residential mortgage loans:
                                   
1-4 family first-lien residential mortgages
  $ 2,870     $ 934     $ 1,428     $ 5,232     $ 153,152     $ 158,384  
Construction
    -       -       -       -       3,935       3,935  
      2,870       934       1,428       5,232       157,087       162,319  
Commercial loans:
                                               
Real estate
    2,015       4       1,623       3,642       69,778       73,420  
Lines of credit
    337       75       467       879       12,912       13,791  
Other commercial and industrial
    356       392       504       1,252       21,449       22,701  
Municipal
    -       -       -       -       3,619       3,619  
      2,708       471       2,594       5,773       107,758       113,531  
Consumer loans:
                                               
Home equity and junior liens
    357       182       550       1,089       23,082       24,171  
Other consumer
    55       2       156       213       3,927       4,140  
      412       184       706       1,302       27,009       28,311  
Total loans
  $ 5,990     $ 1,589     $ 4,728     $ 12,307     $ 291,854     $ 304,161  


 
- 16

 



Nonaccrual loans, segregated by class of loan, were as follows:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
 
Residential mortgage loans:
           
1-4 family first-lien residential mortgages
  $ 1,506     $ 1,428  
Construction
    -       -  
      1,506       1,428  
Commercial loans:
               
Real estate
    1,526       1,623  
Lines of credit
    238       467  
Other commercial and industrial
    578       504  
Municipal
    -       -  
      2,342       2,594  
Consumer loans:
               
Home equity and junior liens
    737       550  
Other consumer
    38       156  
      775       706  
Total nonaccrual loans
  $ 4,623     $ 4,728  

There were no loans past due ninety days or more and still accruing interest at September 30, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

The Company is required to disclose certain activities related to Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”s) in accordance with accounting guidance.  Certain loans have been modified in a TDR where economic concessions have been granted to a borrower who is experiencing, or expected to experience, financial difficulties.  These economic concessions could include a reduction in the loan interest rate, extension of payment terms, reduction of principal amortization, or other actions that it would not otherwise consider for a new loan with similar risk characteristics.  The Company has determined that there were $1.1 million of recorded investment in new TDRs in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012.  The following highlights the qualitative and quantitative information by loan class.

·  
Modifications made within the commercial real estate loan class included two loans with a pre-modification and post-modification recorded investment of $564,000 and $358,000, respectively.  Economic concessions granted included interest only periods, extended payment terms and a reduction in loan interest rate.  The Company was required to increase the reserve against these two loans by $211,000 which was a component of the provision for loan losses in the third quarter of 2012.
·  
Modifications made within the Home Equity Loan class included two loans with a pre-modification and post-modification recorded investment which was unchanged at $279,000.  Economic concessions granted included interest only periods, extended payment terms and a reduction in loan interest rate.  Additional provision was not required as a result of these modifications.
·  
The modification made within the other commercial and industrial loan class included a consolidation of three credit facilities into a single loan with a pre-modification and post-modification recorded investment of $439,000 and $468,000, respectively.  Economic concessions granted included reduced principal amortization and an extended payment term.  Management’s review indicates adequate collateral coverage in support of this loan.  Additional provision was not required as a result of this modification.

There were no payment defaults within the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 for any TDRs modified during the preceding twelve months.

When the Company modifies a loan within a portfolio segment, a potential impairment is analyzed either based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the interest rate of the original loan terms or the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell.  If it is determined that the value of the loan is less than its recorded investment, than impairment is recognized as a component of the provision for loan losses and an associated an increase to the allowance for loan losses, or as a charge-off to the allowance for loan losses in the current period.

 
- 17

 
Impaired Loans

The following tables summarize impaired loans information by portfolio class at the indicated dates:

   
September 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
         
Unpaid
               
Unpaid
       
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Related
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Related
 
(In thousands)
 
Investment
   
Balance
   
Allowance
   
Investment
   
Balance
   
Allowance
 
With no related allowance recorded:
                                   
1-4 family first-lien residential mortgages
  $ 946     $ 946     $ -     $ 442     $ 442     $ -  
Residential construction mortgage
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Commercial real estate
    1,340       1,474       -       968       1,096       -  
Commercial lines of credit
    374       385       -       74       74       -  
Other commercial and industrial
    672       683       -       257       257       -  
Municipal
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Home equity and junior liens
    346       346       -       312       312       -  
Other consumer
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
With an allowance recorded:
                                               
1-4 family first-lien residential mortgages
    1,188       1,188       208       856       856       149  
Residential construction mortgage
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Commercial real estate
    1,456       1,456       489       735       735       109  
Commercial lines of credit
    -       -       -       378       378       178  
Other commercial and industrial
    296       296       269       122       122       122  
Municipal
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Home equity and junior liens
    156       156       60       136       136       61  
Other consumer
    6       6       6       -       -       -  
Total:
                                               
1-4 family first-lien residential mortgages
    2,134       2,134       208       1,298       1,298       149  
Residential construction mortgage
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Commercial real estate
    2,796       2,930       489       1,703       1,831       109  
Commercial lines of credit
    374       385       -       452       452       178  
Other commercial and industrial
    968       979       269       379       379       122  
Municipal
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Home equity and junior liens
    502       502       60       448       448       61  
Other consumer
    6       6       6       -       -       -  
Totals
  $ 6,780     $ 6,936     $ 1,032     $ 4,280     $ 4,408     $ 619  

The following table presents the average recorded investment in impaired loans for the periods indicated:

   
For the three months ended September 30,
   
For the nine months ended September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
1-4 family first-lien residential mortgages
  $ 1,879     $ 1,004     $ 1,565     $ 1,109  
Commercial real estate
    2,801       2,056       2,449       2,695  
Commercial lines of credit
    412       37       432       125  
Other commercial and industrial
    768       930       677       823  
Home equity and junior liens
    502       568       477       590  
Other consumer
    5       -       2       -  
    $ 6,367     $ 4,595     $ 5,602     $ 5,342  


 
- 18

 

The following table presents the cash basis interest income recognized on impaired loans for the periods indicated:

   
For the three months ended September 30,
   
For the nine months ended September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2012
   
2011
 
1-4 family first-lien residential mortgages
  $ 34     $ 6     $ 80     $ 29  
Commercial real estate
    -       26       60       71  
Commercial lines of credit
    (5 )     -       13       -  
Other commercial and industrial
    11       5       30       18  
Home equity and junior liens
    4       3       11       14  
Other consumer
    1               1       -  
    $ 45     $ 40     $ 195     $ 132  


 
- 19

 

(7)   Allowance for Loan Losses

Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the indicated periods and information pertaining to the allocation of the allowance for loan losses and balances of the allowance for loan losses and loans receivable based on individual and collective impairment evaluation by loan portfolio class at the indicated dates are summarized in the tables below.  An allocation of a portion of the allowance to a given portfolio class does not limit the Company’s ability to absorb losses in another portfolio class.

   
For the three months ended September 30, 2012
 
   
1-4 family
                         
   
first-lien
   
Residential
               
Other
 
   
residential
   
construction
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
commercial
 
(In thousands)
 
mortgage
   
mortgage
   
real estate
   
lines of credit
   
and industrial
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                             
Beginning Balance
  $ 777     $ -     $ 1,587     $ 398     $ 698  
   Charge-offs
    (61 )     -       -       -       -  
   Recoveries
    23       -       -       -       -  
   Provisions
    27       -       200       12       112  
Ending balance
  $ 766     $ -     $ 1,787     $ 410     $ 810  
Ending balance: related to loans
                                       
individually evaluated for impairment
    208       -       489       -       269  
Ending balance: related to loans
                                       
collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 558     $ -     $ 1,298     $ 410     $ 541  
                                         
Loans receivables:
                                       
Ending balance
  $ 169,062     $ 2,587     $ 79,770     $ 13,471     $ 27,509  
Ending balance: individually
                                       
evaluated for impairment
    2,134       -       2,796       374       968  
Ending balance: collectively
                                       
evaluated for impairment
  $ 166,928     $ 2,587     $ 76,974     $ 13,097     $ 26,541  
                                         
                                         
           
Home equity
   
Other
                 
   
Municipal
   
and junior liens
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                       
Beginning Balance
  $ 2     $ 501     $ 131     $ 119     $ 4,213  
   Charge-offs
    -       -       (30 )     -       (91 )
   Recoveries
    -       1       12       -       36  
   Provisions
    -       (24 )     65       (117 )     275  
Ending balance
  $ 2     $ 478     $ 178     $ 2     $ 4,433  
Ending balance: related to loans
                                       
individually evaluated for impairment
    -       60       6       -       1,032  
Ending balance: related to loans
                                       
collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 2     $ 418     $ 172     $ 2     $ 3,401  
                                         
Loans receivables:
                                       
Ending balance
  $ 5,063     $ 22,580     $ 3,627     $ -     $ 323,669  
Ending balance: individually
                                       
evaluated for impairment
    -       502       6       -       6,780  
Ending balance: collectively
                                       
evaluated for impairment
  $ 5,063     $ 22,078     $ 3,621     $ -     $ 316,889  




 
- 20

 



 
   
For the nine months ended September 30, 2012
 
   
1-4 family
                         
   
first-lien
   
Residential
               
Other
 
   
residential
   
construction
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
commercial
 
(In thousands)
 
mortgage
   
mortgage
   
real estate
   
lines of credit
   
and industrial
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                             
Beginning Balance
  $ 664     $ -     $ 1,346     $ 463     $ 649  
   Charge-offs
    (96 )     -       (54 )     -       (89 )
   Recoveries
    52       -       14       50       -  
   Provisions
    146       -       481       (103 )     250  
Ending balance
  $ 766     $ -     $ 1,787     $ 410     $ 810  
                                         
           
Home equity
   
Other
                 
   
Municipal
   
and junior liens
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                       
Beginning Balance
  $ 2     $ 501     $ 162     $ 193     $ 3,980  
   Charge-offs
    -       (8 )     (114 )     -       (361 )
   Recoveries
    -       6       42       -       164  
   Provisions
    -       (21 )     88       (191 )     650  
Ending balance
  $ 2     $ 478     $ 178     $ 2     $ 4,433  


 
- 21

 


   
For the three months ended September 30, 2011
 
   
1-4 family
                         
   
first-lien
   
Residential
               
Other
 
   
residential
   
construction
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
commercial
 
(In thousands)
 
mortgage
   
mortgage
   
real estate
   
lines of credit
   
and industrial
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                             
Beginning Balance
  $ 687     $ -     $ 1,625     $ 291     $ 831  
   Charge-offs
    (72 )     -       -       (50 )     -  
   Recoveries
    16       -       -       1       -  
   Provisions
    23       -       (78 )     108       (132 )
Ending balance
  $ 654     $ -     $ 1,547     $ 350     $ 699  
Ending balance: related to loans
                                       
individually evaluated for impairment
    128       -       306       -       200  
Ending balance: related to loans
                                       
collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 526     $ -     $ 1,241     $ 350     $ 499  
                                         
Loans receivables:
                                       
Ending balance
  $ 152,841     $ 3,021     $ 70,685     $ 13,772     $ 22,631  
Ending balance: individually
                                       
evaluated for impairment
    704       -       1,816       74       1,056  
Ending balance: collectively
                                       
evaluated for impairment
  $ 152,137     $ 3,021     $ 68,869     $ 13,698     $ 21,575  
                                         
           
Home equity
   
Other
                 
   
Municipal
   
and junior liens
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                       
Beginning Balance
  $ 2     $ 460     $ 116     $ (6 )   $ 4,006  
   Charge-offs
    -       (19 )     (37 )     -       (178 )
   Recoveries
    -       2       11       -       30  
   Provisions
    -       73       60       91       145  
Ending balance
  $ 2     $ 516     $ 150     $ 85     $ 4,003  
Ending balance: related to loans
                                       
individually evaluated for impairment
    -       61       -       -       695  
Ending balance: related to loans
                                       
collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 2     $ 455     $ 150     $ 85     $ 3,308  
                                         
Loans receivables:
                                       
Ending balance
  $ 2,139     $ 24,842     $ 3,743     $ -     $ 293,674  
Ending balance: individually
                                       
evaluated for impairment
    -       448       -               4,098  
Ending balance: collectively
                                       
evaluated for impairment
  $ 2,139     $ 24,394     $ 3,743     $ -     $ 289,576  


 
- 22

 


   
For the nine months ended September 30, 2011
 
   
1-4 family
                         
   
first-lien
   
Residential
               
Other
 
   
residential
   
mortgage
   
Commercial
   
Commercial
   
commercial
 
(In thousands)
 
mortgage
   
construction
   
real estate
   
lines of credit
   
and industrial
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                             
Beginning Balance
  $ 750     $ -     $ 1,204     $ 579     $ 501  
   Charge-offs
    (131 )     -       (71 )     (65 )     -  
   Recoveries
    49       -       -       1       -  
   Provisions
    (14 )     -       414       (165 )     198  
Ending balance
  $ 654     $ -     $ 1,547     $ 350     $ 699  
                                         
           
Home equity
   
Other
                 
   
Municipal
   
and junior liens
   
Consumer
   
Unallocated
   
Total
 
Allowance for loan losses:
                                       
Beginning Balance
  $ 3     $ 424     $ 89     $ 98     $ 3,648  
   Charge-offs
    -       (43 )     (88 )     -       (398 )
   Recoveries
    -       7       26       -       83  
   Provisions
    (1 )     128       123       (13 )     670  
Ending balance
  $ 2     $ 516     $ 150     $ 85     $ 4,003  

(8)  Guarantees

The Company does not issue any guarantees that would require liability recognition or disclosure, other than its standby letters of credit.  Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  Generally, all letters of credit when issued have expiration dates within one year of issuance.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as those that are involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  The Company generally holds collateral and/or personal guarantees supporting these commitments.  The Company had $2.0 million of standby letters of credit outstanding as of September 30, 2012.  Management believes that the proceeds obtained through a liquidation of collateral and the enforcement of guarantees would be sufficient to cover the potential amount of future payments required under the corresponding guarantees.   The fair value of standby letters of credit was not significant to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

(9)  Fair Value Measurements

Accounting guidance related to fair value measurements and disclosures specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

Level 3 – Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

An asset’s or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximizes the use of observable inputs, minimizes the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible, and considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value.

The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate fair value:

 
- 23

 
Investment securities:  The fair values of securities available for sale are obtained from an independent third party and are based on quoted prices on nationally recognized exchange where available (Level 1).  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured by utilizing matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2).  Management made no adjustment to the fair value quotes that were received from the independent third party pricing service.

Interest rate swap derivative:  The fair value of the interest rate swap derivative is calculated based on a discounted cash flow model. All future floating cash flows are projected and both floating and fixed cash flows are discounted to the valuation date.  The curve utilized for discounting and projecting is built by obtaining publicly available third party market quotes for various swap maturity terms.

Impaired loans: Impaired loans are those loans in which the Company has measured impairment generally based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral.  Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third party appraisals of the properties and/or estimates by management of working capital collateral or discounted cash flows based upon expected proceeds.  Management modifies the appraised values, if needed, to take into account recent developments in the market or other factors, such as changes in absorption rates or market conditions from the time of valuation, and anticipated sales values considering management’s plans for disposition.  Such modifications to the appraised values could result in lower valuations of such collateral. Estimated costs to sell are based on current amounts of disposal costs for similar assets.  These measurements are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy. Impaired loans are subject to nonrecurring fair value adjustment upon initial recognition or subsequent impairment.  A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than the unpaid balance.

Foreclosed real estate:  Fair values for foreclosed real estate are initially recorded based on market value evaluations by third parties, less costs to sell (“initial cost basis”).  Any write-downs required when the related loan receivable is exchanged for the underlying real estate collateral at the time of transfer to foreclosed real estate are charged to the allowance for loan losses.  Values are derived from appraisals of underlying collateral or discounted cash flow analysis.   Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are updated periodically and assets are marked to current fair value, not to exceed the initial cost basis.  In the determination of fair value subsequent to foreclosure, management also considers other factors or recent developments, such as changes in absorption rates and market conditions from the time of valuation, and anticipated sales values considering management’s plans for disposition, which could result in adjustment to lower the property value estimates indicated in the appraisals.  These measurements are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

The following tables summarize assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the indicated dates, segregated by the level of valuation inputs within the hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

   
At September 30, 2012
 
                     
Total Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Value
 
Debt investment securities:
                       
US Treasury, agencies and GSEs
  $ -     $ 5,202     $ -     $ 5,202  
State and political subdivisions
    -       27,114       -       27,114  
Corporate
    -       23,899       -       23,899  
Residential mortgage-backed - US agency
    -       54,564       -       54,564  
Residential mortgage-backed - private label
    -       357       -       357  
Equity investment securities:
                               
Mutual funds:
                               
Ultra short mortgage fund
    1,300       -       -       1,300  
Large cap equity fund
    1,148       -       -       1,148  
Other mutual funds
    -       297       -       297  
Common stock - financial services industry
    31       400       -       431  
Total investment securities
  $ 2,479     $ 111,833     $ -     $ 114,312  
                                 
Interest rate swap derivative
  $ -     $ (210 )   $ -     $ (210 )
                                 
                                 
   
At December 31, 2011
 
                           
Total Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Value
 
Debt investment securities:
                               
US Treasury, agencies and GSEs
  $ -     $ 5,073     $ -     $ 5,073  
State and political subdivisions
    -       20,304       -       20,304  
Corporate
    -       20,434       -       20,434  
Residential mortgage-backed - US agency
    -       51,056       -       51,056  
Residential mortgage-backed - private label
    -       519       -       519  
Equity investment securities:
                               
Mutual funds:
                               
Ultra short mortgage fund
    1,298       -       -       1,298  
Large cap equity fund
    1,024       -       -       1,024  
Other mutual funds
    -       243       -       243  
Common stock - financial services industry
    25       419       -       444  
Total investment securities
  $ 2,347     $ 98,048     $ -     $ 100,395  
                                 
Interest rate swap derivative
  $ -     $ (200 )   $ -     $ (200 )

The following tables summarize assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of the indicated dates, segregated by the level of valuation inputs within the hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:
 
- 24

 

   
At September 30, 2012
 
                     
Total Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Value
 
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ 2,070     $ 2,070  
Foreclosed real estate
  $ -     $ -     $ 305     $ 305  
                                 
   
At December 31, 2011
 
                           
Total Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Value
 
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,608     $ 1,608  
Foreclosed real estate
  $ -     $ -     $ 165     $ 165  

The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and for which Level 3 inputs were used to determine fair value.

   
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
     
 
Valuation
Unobservable
 
Range
 
 
Techniques
Input
 
(Weighted Avg.)
 
At September 30, 2012
         
Impaired loans
Appraisal of collateral
Appraisal Adjustments
    5% - 35%  (24%)  
   
Costs to Sell
    6%  - 17% (13%)  
             
Foreclosed real estate
Appraisal of collateral
Appraisal Adjustments
    0% - 15% (13%)  
   
Costs to Sell
    0%     - 7% (6%)  
             

There have been no transfers of assets in or out of any fair value measurement level.

Required disclosures include fair value information of financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the consolidated statement of condition, for which it is practicable to estimate that value.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.

 
- 25

 
Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique.  Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction on the dates indicated.  The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of their respective period-ends, and have not been re-evaluated 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 the amounts reported at each period-end.

The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities.  Due to a 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 Company, in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments, used the following methods and assumptions:

Cash and cash equivalents – The carrying amounts of these assets approximate their fair value.

Interest earning time deposits – The carrying amounts of these assets approximate their fair value.

Investment securities – The fair values of securities available for sale are obtained from an independent third party and are based on quoted prices on nationally recognized exchange where available (Level 1).  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured by utilizing matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2).  Management made no adjustment to the fair value quotes that were received from the independent third party pricing service.

Federal Home Loan Bank stock – The carrying amount of these assets approximates their fair value.

Loans – For variable-rate loans that re-price frequently, fair value is based on carrying amounts.  The fair value of other loans (for example, fixed-rate commercial real estate loans, mortgage loans, and commercial and industrial loans) is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, based on interest rates currently being offered in the market for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.  Loan value estimates include judgments based on expected prepayment rates.  The measurement of the fair value of loans, including impaired loans, is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Accrued interest receivable and payable – The carrying amount of these assets approximates their fair value.

Interest rate swap derivative – The fair value of the interest rate swap derivative is obtained from a third party pricing agent and is calculated based on a discounted cash flow model. All future floating cash flows are projected and both floating and fixed cash flows are discounted to the valuation date.  The curve utilized for discounting and projecting is built by obtaining publicly available third party market quotes for various swap maturity terms, and therefore is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Deposits – The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing checking, passbook savings and certain types of money management accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts) and are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered in the market on certificates of deposits to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.  Measurements of the fair value of time deposits are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Borrowings – Fixed/variable term “bullet” structures are valued using a replacement cost of funds approach.  These borrowings are discounted to the FHLBNY advance curve.  Option structured borrowings’ fair values are determined by the FHLB for borrowings that include a call or conversion option.  If market pricing is not available from this source, current market indications from the FHLBNY are obtained and the borrowings are discounted to the FHLBNY advance curve less an appropriate spread to adjust for the option. These measurements are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

Junior subordinated debentures – Current economic conditions have rendered the market for this liability inactive.  As such, we are unable to determine a good estimate of fair value.  Since the rate paid on the debentures held is lower than what would be required to secure an interest in the same debt at year end, and we are unable to obtain a current fair value, we have disclosed that the carrying value approximates the fair value.

 
- 26

 
Off-balance sheet instruments – Fair values for the Company’s off-balance sheet instruments 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.  Such fees were not material at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 
The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of the indicated dates are presented in the following table:

         
September 30, 2012
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Fair Value
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
 
(Dollars In thousands)
 
Hierarchy
   
Amounts
   
Fair Values
   
Amounts
   
Fair Values
 
Financial assets:
                             
Cash and cash equivalents
    1     $ 14,074     $ 14,074     $ 10,218     $ 10,218  
Interest earning time deposits
    1       2,000       2,000       2,000       2,000  
Investment securities
    1       2,776       2,776       2,347       2,347  
Investment securities
    2       111,536       111,536       98,048       98,048  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    2       1,910       1,910       1,528       1,528  
Net loans
    3       319,717       333,345       300,770       310,218  
Accrued interest receivable
    1       1,921       1,921       1,685       1,685  
                                         
Financial liabilities:
                                       
Demand Deposits, Savings, NOW and MMDA
    1     $ 230,773     $ 230,773     $ 214,318     $ 214,318  
Time Deposits
    2       163,065       165,604       151,811       154,836  
Borrowings
    2       34,991       36,031       26,074       27,322  
Junior subordinated debentures
    2       5,155       5,155       5,155       5,155  
Accrued interest payable
    1       129       129       145       145  
Interest rate swap derivative
    2       210       210       200       200  
Off-balance sheet instruments:
                                       
Standby letters of credit
          $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Commitments to extend credit
          $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

(10)  Interest Rate Derivatives

Derivative instruments are entered into primarily as a risk management tool of the Company.  Financial derivatives are recorded at fair value as other assets and other liabilities.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship. For a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument and changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability are recognized currently in earnings.  For a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument, to the extent that it is effective, are recorded in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to earnings as the hedged transaction impacts net income.  Any ineffective portion of a cash flow hedge is recognized currently in earnings.  See Note 9 for further discussion of the fair value of the interest rate derivative.

The Company has $5 million of floating rate trust preferred debt indexed to 3-month LIBOR.  As a result, it is exposed to variability in cash flows related to changes in projected interest payments caused by changes in the benchmark interest rate.  During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement, with a $2 million notional amount, to convert a portion of the variable-rate junior subordinated debentures to a fixed rate for a term of approximately 7 years at a rate of 4.96%.  The derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge.  The hedging strategy ensures that changes in cash flows from the derivative will be highly effective at offsetting changes in interest expense from the hedged exposure.

The following table summarizes the fair value of outstanding derivatives and their presentation on the statements of condition:

     
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 (In thousands)
   
2012
   
2011
 
 Cash flow hedge:
             
 
 Other liabilities
  $ 210     $ 200  


 
- 27

 

The change in accumulated other comprehensive loss on a pretax basis and the impact on earnings from the interest rate swap that qualifies as a cash flow hedge for the periods indicated below were as follows

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
 
Balance as of June 30:
  $ (205 )   $ (135 )
Amount of losses recognized in other comprehensive income
    (18 )     (87 )
Amount of loss reclassified from other comprehensive income
               
     and recognized as interest expense
    13       17  
Balance as of September 30:
  $ (210 )   $ (205 )
                 
                 
                 
                 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(In thousands)
    2012       2011  
Balance as of January 1:
  $ (200 )   $ (110 )
Amount of losses recognized in other comprehensive income
    (53 )     (141 )
Amount of loss reclassified from other comprehensive income
               
     and recognized as interest expense
    43       46  
Balance as of September 30:
  $ (210 )   $ (205 )

No amount of ineffectiveness has been included in earnings and the changes in fair value have been recorded in other comprehensive income.  Some, or all, of the amount included in accumulated other comprehensive loss would be reclassified into current earnings should a portion of, or the entire hedge no longer be considered effective, but at this time, management expects the hedge to remain fully effective during the remaining term of the swap.

The Company posted cash, of $200,000, under arrangements to satisfy collateral requirements associated with the interest rate swap contract.

(11)  Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date that these consolidated financial statements were issued.  On September 27, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.03 per common share.  The dividend is payable on November 1, 2012 to shareholders of record on October 12, 2012.

Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

Throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) the term, “the Company”, refers to the consolidated entity of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.  Pathfinder Bank and Pathfinder Statutory Trust II are wholly owned subsidiaries of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc., however, Pathfinder Statutory Trust II is not consolidated for reporting purposes.  Pathfinder Commercial Bank, Pathfinder REIT, Inc., Pathfinder Risk Management, Inc., and Whispering Oaks Development Corp. are wholly owned subsidiaries of Pathfinder Bank.  At September 30, 2012, Pathfinder Bancorp, M.H.C., the Company’s mutual holding company parent, whose activities are not included in the consolidated financial statements or the MD&A, held 60.5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and public shareholders, including shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”), held the remaining 39.5% of the outstanding common stock.

The following discussion reviews the Company's financial condition at September 30, 2012 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011.

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

When used in this quarterly report the words or phrases “will likely result”, “are expected to”, “will continue”, “is anticipated”, “estimate”, ”project” or similar expression are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. By identifying these forward-looking statements for you in this manner, the Company is alerting you to the possibility that its actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.  The Company wishes to advise readers that various factors could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause the Company’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements.  Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

 
- 28

 
Application of Critical Accounting Policies

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and follow practices within the banking industry.  Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  These estimates, assumptions and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the consolidated financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the consolidated financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions and judgments.  Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported.  Estimates, assumptions and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event.  Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility.  The fair values and information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based on quoted market prices or are provided by other third-party sources, when available.  When third party information is not available, valuation adjustments are estimated in good faith by management.

The most significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K ("the consolidated financial statements").  These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this discussion, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the consolidated financial statements and how those values are determined.  Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions and estimates underlying those amounts, management has identified the allowance for loan losses, deferred income taxes, pension obligations, the evaluation of investment securities for other than temporary impairment and the estimation of fair values for accounting and disclosure purposes to be the accounting areas that require the most subjective and complex judgments, and as such, could be the most subject to revision as new information becomes available.

The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant judgment and the use of estimates related to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends and conditions, all of which may be susceptible to significant change.  The Company establishes a specific allowance for all loans identified as being impaired with a balance in excess of $100,000 which are on nonaccrual or have been risk rated under the Company’s risk rating system as substandard, doubtful, or loss. The measurement of impaired loans is generally based upon the present value of future cash flows discounted at the historical effective interest rate, except that all collateral-dependent loans are measured for impairment based on the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell.  The majority of the Company’s impaired loans are collateral-dependent.  For all other loans and leases, the Company uses the general allocation methodology that establishes an allowance to estimate the probable incurred loss for each risk-rating category.  The loan portfolio also represents the largest asset type on the consolidated statement of condition.  Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements describes the methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses, and a discussion of the factors driving changes in the amount of the allowance for loan losses is included in this report.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability method.  Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as well as net operating and capital loss carry forwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.  To the extent that current available evidence about the future raises doubt about the likelihood of a deferred tax asset being realized, a valuation allowance is established.  The judgment about the level of future taxable income, including that which is considered capital, is inherently subjective and is reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change.

 
- 29

 
Pension and post-retirement benefit plan liabilities and expenses are based upon actuarial assumptions of future events, including fair value of plan assets, interest rates and the length of time the Company will have to provide those benefits.  The assumptions used by management are discussed in Note 12 in the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K to the consolidated financial statements.

The Company carries all of its investments at fair value with any unrealized gains or losses reported net of tax as an adjustment to shareholders' equity, except for security impairment losses, which are charged to earnings.  The Company's ability to fully realize the value of its investments in various securities, including corporate debt securities, is dependent on the underlying creditworthiness of the issuing organization.  In evaluating the security portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) if we intend to sell the security; (2) if it is “more likely than not” we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis.  In determining whether OTTI has occurred for equity securities, the Company considers the applicable factors described above and the length of time the equity security’s fair value has been below the carrying amount.  Management continually analyzes the portfolio to determine if further impairment has occurred that may be deemed as other-than-temporary.  Further charges are possible depending on future economic conditions.

The estimation of fair value is significant to several of our assets, including investment securities available for sale, the interest rate derivative, and foreclosed real estate, as well as the value of loan collateral when valuing loans.  These are all recorded at either fair value or the lower of cost or fair value.  Fair values are determined based on third party sources, when available. Furthermore, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments as a part of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.  Fair values may be influenced by a number of factors, including market interest rates, prepayment speeds, discount rates and the shape of yield curves.

Fair values for securities available for sale and the derivative are obtained from an independent third party pricing service.  Where available, fair values are based on quoted prices on a nationally recognized securities exchange.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using quoted market prices for similar benchmark securities.  Management makes no adjustments to the fair value quotes that were provided by the pricing source.  The fair values of foreclosed real estate and the underlying collateral value of impaired loans are typically determined based on evaluations by third parties, less estimated costs to sell. If necessary, appraisals are updated to reflect changes in market conditions.

Recent Events

As reported by the Company on its Form 10-K filed on March 29, 2012, the purchase of the 51% controlling interest in the Fitzgibbons Agency, pending the completion of the final stages of due diligence, was expected to close in the early part of the second quarter of 2012.  The Company and the Fitzgibbons Agency are addressing the final elements of the transaction and are working to expedite a closing at the earliest possible time.

Overview and Results of Operations

For the third quarter of 2012, net income was $670,000 as compared to $874,000 for the third quarter of 2011 due principally to net gains on the sales and redemptions of investment securities in 2011 that were $451,000 greater than that recorded in the third quarter of this year.

Through the first nine months of 2012, net income was $1.9 million, unchanged from net income recorded through the first nine months of 2011.

The Company’s return on average assets and return on average equity for the third quarter of 2012 were 0.57% and 6.59%, respectively, as compared to 0.83% and 9.97% for the same prior year period.  Return on average assets and return on average equity for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 was 0.55% and 6.53%, respectively, as compared to 0.61% and 7.69% for the same prior year period.

Average assets for the third quarter of 2012 were $471.7 million, or 12.6% greater than the comparable prior year period.  The increase was attributable to increases in residential mortgages, mortgage-backed securities, and non-taxable investment securities.  Average assets for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 were $464.6 million, or 11.8% greater than the comparable prior year period.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the Company's primary source of operating income for payment of operating expenses and providing for loan losses.  It is the amount by which interest earned on loans, interest-earning deposits and investment securities, exceeds the interest paid on deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities.  Changes in net interest income and net interest margin result from the interaction between the volume and composition of interest-earning assets, interest-bearing liabilities, related yields and associated funding costs.

 
- 30

 
The following table sets forth information concerning average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the yields and rates thereon for the periods indicated. Interest income and resultant yield information in the table is on a fully tax-equivalent basis using marginal federal income tax rates of 34%. Averages are computed on the daily average balance for each month in the period divided by the number of days in the period. Yields and amounts earned include loan fees. Nonaccrual loans have been included in interest-earning assets for purposes of these calculations.

   
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
               
Average
               
Average
 
 
 
Average
         
Yield /
   
Average
         
Yield /
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
               
 
             
Real estate loans residential
  $ 170,595     $ 2,041       4.79 %   $ 154,370     $ 2,017       5.23 %
Real estate loans commercial
    73,426       1,023       5.57 %     70,794       1,157       6.54 %
Commercial loans
    44,074       552       5.01 %     37,941       486       5.12 %
Consumer loans
    26,794       372       5.55 %     28,444       440       6.19 %
Taxable investment securities
    94,587       477       2.02 %     76,234       522       2.74 %
Tax-exempt investment securities
    25,106       288       4.59 %     10,103       123       4.87 %
Interest-earning time deposit
    2,000       6       1.20 %     -       -       0.00 %
Interest-earning deposits
    2,901       1       0.14 %     6,582       1       0.06 %
Total interest-earning assets
    439,483       4,760       4.33 %     384,468       4,746       4.94 %
Noninterest-earning assets:
                                               
Other assets
    33,725                       36,403                  
Allowance for loan losses
    (4,264 )                     (4,072 )                
Net unrealized gains
                                               
on available for sale securities
    2,733                       2,073                  
Total assets
  $ 471,677                     $ 418,872                  
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
NOW accounts
  $ 33,169       23       0.28 %   $ 30,727       24       0.31 %
Money management accounts
    14,235       9       0.25 %     12,897       11       0.34 %
MMDA accounts
    74,380       102       0.55 %     59,160       106       0.72 %
Savings and club accounts
    65,793       13       0.08 %     62,006       20       0.13 %
Time deposits
    163,625       567       1.39 %     141,254       649       1.84 %
Junior subordinated debentures
    5,155       40       3.10 %     5,155       41       3.18 %
Borrowings
    29,999       209       2.77 %     29,176       222       3.03 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    386,356       963       1.00 %     340,375       1,073       1.26 %
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits
    40,914                       38,867                  
Other liabilities
    3,766                       4,555                  
Total liabilities
    431,036                       383,797                  
Shareholders' equity
    40,641                       35,075                  
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity
  $ 471,677                     $ 418,872                  
Net interest income
          $ 3,797                     $ 3,673          
Net interest rate spread
                    3.36 %                     3.68 %
Net interest margin
                    3.46 %                     3.82 %
Ratio of average interest-earning assets
                                               
to average interest-bearing liabilities
                    113.75 %                     112.95 %



 




 
- 31

 



   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
               
Average
               
Average
 
 
 
Average
         
Yield /
   
Average
         
Yield /
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
 
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
               
 
             
Real estate loans residential
  $ 166,731     $ 6,168       4.93 %   $ 151,445     $ 5,980       5.26 %
Real estate loans commercial
    70,500       3,093       5.85 %     69,702       3,312       6.34 %
Commercial loans
    44,039       1,571       4.76 %     38,396       1,408       4.89 %
Consumer loans
    27,403       1,160       5.64 %     28,542       1,282       5.99 %
Taxable investment securities
    96,912       1,483       2.04 %     79,793       1,788       2.99 %
Tax-exempt investment securities
    22,919       809       4.71 %     9,615       348       4.83 %
Interest-earning time deposit
    2,000       18       1.20 %     -       -       0.00 %
Interest-earning deposits
    1,721       3       0.23 %     4,680       3       0.09 %
Total interest-earning assets
    432,225       14,305       4.41 %     382,173       14,121       4.93 %
Noninterest-earning assets:
                                               
Other assets
    34,108                       35,919                  
Allowance for loan losses
    (4,156 )                     (3,848 )                
Net unrealized gains
                                               
on available for sale securities
    2,393                       1,206                  
Total assets
  $ 464,570                     $ 415,450                  
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
NOW accounts
  $ 31,712       61       0.26 %   $ 30,611       65       0.28 %
Money management accounts
    14,522       35       0.32 %     12,695       32       0.34 %
MMDA accounts
    77,597       325       0.56 %     62,080       317       0.68 %
Savings and club accounts
    64,093       41       0.09 %     60,931       63       0.14 %
Time deposits
    158,989       1,749       1.47 %     139,033       1,966       1.89 %
Junior subordinated debentures
    5,155       127       3.28 %     5,155       122       3.16 %
Borrowings
    29,455       637       2.88 %     31,981       717       2.99 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    381,523       2,975       1.04 %     342,486       3,282       1.28 %
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits
    39,990                       35,355                  
Other liabilities
    3,897                       4,905                  
Total liabilities
    425,410                       382,746                  
Shareholders' equity
    39,160                       32,704                  
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity
  $ 464,570                     $ 415,450                  
Net interest income
          $ 11,330                     $ 10,839          
Net interest rate spread
                    3.37 %                     3.65 %
Net interest margin
                    3.50 %                     3.78 %
Ratio of average interest-earning assets
                                               
to average interest-bearing liabilities
                    113.29 %                     111.59 %

Net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, increased to $3.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, from $3.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011.  This was due to an increase in average earning assets between the year over year quarters, and partially offset by the decrease in net interest margin, which has been a continuing trend for several quarters.

For the first nine months of 2012, net interest income improved, driven by a strong increase in interest earning assets and again, partially offset by net interest margin compression.  The decline in the yield on interest earning assets outpaced the decline in the cost of interest bearing liabilities.

As indicated in the three month table above and in the rate/volume analysis below, total interest income on a tax-equivalent basis increased $14,000 due principally to an increase in average balances of tax-exempt investment securities, commercial loans, and residential real estate loans, offset by reductions in the yield for each of these products.  The yield on all classes of asset products decreased, with the most significant yield decrease reported in real estate commercial loans as maturing loans and payoffs were replaced with those of lower rates reflecting current market conditions.  Additionally, taxable investment securities yields also decreased significantly as maturing mortgage-backed securities and other securities were replaced with those of shorter duration at  lower market rates to accommodate the liquidity needs of our loan growth initiatives.

 
- 32

 
Referencing the nine month table above and in the rate/volume analysis below, tax-equivalent interest income increased $184,000 between the year over year nine month periods.  This was principally due to the increase in average balances of residential real estate loans, taxable and tax-exempt investment securities and commercial loans, partially offset by declines in yields for each of these products.

Interest expense decreased $110,000 between year over year third quarter periods, as indicated in the above three month table.  The primary reason for the decline was lower rates paid on time deposits as higher cost maturing time deposits were replaced with lower cost time deposits at current market rates.

Interest expense for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012 decreased $307,000 due principally to the decrease in rates paid on all deposit products, with the most significant impact stemming from lower rates paid on time deposits.

Rate/Volume Analysis

Net interest income can also be analyzed in terms of the impact of changing interest rates on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and changes in the volume or amount of these assets and liabilities. The following table represents the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected the Company’s interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to: (i) changes attributable to changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by prior rate); (ii) changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume); and (iii) total increase or decrease.  Changes attributable to both rate and volume have been allocated ratably.
 

   
Three Months Ended September 30
   
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
   
2012 vs. 2011
   
2012 vs. 2011
 
   
Increase/(Decrease) Due to
   
Increase/(Decrease) Due to
 
               
Total
               
Total
 
               
Increase
               
Increase
 
(In thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
(Decrease)
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
(Decrease)
 
Interest Income:
 
 
               
 
             
Real estate loans residential
  $ 772     $ (748 )   $ 24     $ 729     $ (541 )   $ 188  
Real estate loans commercial
    248       (382 )     (134 )     59       (278 )     (219 )
Commercial loans
    132       (66 )     66       224       (61 )     163  
Consumer loans
    (25 )     (43 )     (68 )     (50 )     (72 )     (122 )
Taxable investment securities
    504       (549 )     (45 )     488       (793 )     (305 )
Tax-exempt investment securities
    214       (49 )     165       476       (15 )     461  
Interest-earning time deposits
    6       -       6       18       -       18  
Interest-earning deposits
    -       -       -       (4 )     4       -  
Total interest income
    1,851       (1,837 )     14       1,940       (1,756 )     184  
Interest Expense:
                                               
NOW accounts
    8       (9 )     (1 )     3       (7 )     (4 )
Money management accounts
    6       (8 )     (2 )     5       (2 )     3  
MMDA accounts
    103       (107 )     (4 )     93       (85 )     8  
Savings and club accounts
    8       (15 )     (7 )     5       (27 )     (22 )
Time deposits
    511       (593 )     (82 )     372       (590 )     (218 )
Junior subordinated debentures
    -       (1 )     (1 )     -       5       5  
Borrowings
    (8 )     (5 )     (13 )     (54 )     (25 )     (79 )
Total interest expense
    628       (738 )     (110 )     424       (731 )     (307 )
Net change in net interest income
  $ 1,223     $ (1,099 )   $ 124     $ 1,516     $ (1,025 )   $ 491  

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses represents management’s estimate of the amount necessary to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an adequate level.  The Company recorded $275,000 in provision for loan losses for the three-month period ended September 30, 2012, as compared to $145,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2011.  This increase is principally due to the increase in gross loans reported over the third quarter of 2012.  Net charge-offs for the third quarter of 2012 were $55,000 as compared to net charge-offs of $148,000 for the third quarter of 2011.

 
- 33

 
For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded $650,000 in provision for loan losses, slightly less than the $670,000 recorded in the third quarter of 2011.  The Company considers asset quality to be stable with some asset quality metrics improving and others worsening.  Asset quality metrics that improved were annualized net loan charge-offs to average loans which were 0.09% for the first nine months of 2012 as compared to 0.15% for the comparable prior year period.  Also, non-performing loans to period end loans at September 30, 2012 were 1.43% as compared to 1.55% and 1.46% at December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011, respectively.  The improvement between December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012 reflects the decrease in non-performing loans between these two dates and an increase in new loan originations recorded in the current year third quarter.  Asset quality metrics that worsened between December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2012 included the increase in impaired loans from $4.3 million to $6.8 million, respectively, between these two dates.  The majority of this increase was principally due to increases in commercial real estate and 1-4 family residential mortgages.   Additionally, the related allowance on impaired loans increased from $619,000 to $1.0 million between these two dates, with the majority of this increase within the commercial real estate impaired loan class.

Delinquency trends of past due 1-4 family residential mortgages and the commercial loan segment improved as of September 30, 2012 when compared to December 31, 2011.  Delinquency trends of the consumer segment however, particularly home equity loans and junior liens deteriorated on a linked quarter basis and compared to December 31, 2011.  Management continues to monitor this trend closely and is working with our borrowers to mitigate loss.

Noninterest Income

The Company's noninterest income is primarily comprised of fees on deposit account balances and transactions, loan servicing, commissions, and net gains (losses) on securities, loans and foreclosed real estate.

The following table sets forth certain information on noninterest income for the periods indicated:

   
                                                 Three Months Ended September 30,
             
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 285     $ 283     $ 2       0.7 %
Earnings and gain on bank owned life insurance
    46       45       1       2.2 %
Loan servicing fees
    51       63       (12 )     -19.0 %
Debit card interchange fees
    105       93       12       12.9 %
Other charges, commissions and fees
    150       130       20       15.4 %
Noninterest income before gains
    637       614       23       3.7 %
Net gains on sales and redemptions of investment securities
    18       469       (451 )     -96.2 %
Net gains (losses) on sales of loans and foreclosed real estate
    6       (80 )     86       -107.5 %
Total noninterest income
  $ 661     $ 1,003     $ (342 )     -34.1 %
                                 
 
                               
   
         Nine Months Ended September 30,
                 
(Dollars in thousands)
    2012       2011    
Change
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 838     $ 854     $ (16 )     -1.9 %
Earnings and gain on bank owned life insurance
    235       162       73       45.1 %
Loan servicing fees
    159       155       4       2.6 %
Debit card interchange fees
    308       273       35       12.8 %
Other charges, commissions and fees
    423       403       20       5.0 %
Noninterest income before gains
    1,963       1,847       116       6.3 %
Net gains on sales and redemptions of investment securities
    179       791       (612 )     -77.4 %
Net gains (losses) on sales of loans and foreclosed real estate
    31       (40 )     71       -177.5 %
Total noninterest income
  $ 2,173     $ 2,598     $ (425 )     -16.4 %

As indicated above, noninterest income for the third quarter and nine month periods of 2012 decreased when compared to the same prior year periods due principally to significant net gains from the sale of investment securities in 2011.  The Company completed portfolio restructuring to accommodate the liquidity as part of its planned loan growth. Earnings on bank owned life insurance for the nine month period of 2012 exceeded the same prior year period due to higher levels of cash values and income from a claim on bank owned life insurance due to the passing of a former Company director.


 
- 34

 

Noninterest Expense

The following table sets forth certain information on noninterest expense for the periods indicated:

   
 Three Months Ended September 30,
             
(Dollars In thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 1,733     $ 1,787     $ (54 )     -3.0 %
Building occupancy
    348       316       32       10.1 %
Data processing
    390       349       41       11.7 %
Professional and other services
    174       219       (45 )     -20.5 %
Advertising
    108       91       17       18.7 %
FDIC assessments
    78       (8 )     86       -1075.0 %
Audits and exams
    73       62       11       17.7 %
Other expenses
    274       392       (118 )     -29.8 %
Total noninterest expense
  $ 3,178     $ 3,208     $ (30 )     -0.9 %
                                 
 
                               
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
                 
(Dollars In thousands)
    2012       2011    
Change
 
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 5,576     $ 5,260     $ 316       6.0 %
Building occupancy
    1,077       1,038       39       3.8 %
Data processing
    1,072       1,054       18       1.7 %
Professional and other services
    473       504       (31 )     -6.2 %
Advertising
    268       366       (98 )     -26.8 %
FDIC assessments
    233       316       (83 )     -26.3 %
Audits and exams
    184       181       3       1.7 %
Other expenses
    1,106       1,175       (69 )     -5.9 %
Total noninterest expense
  $ 9,989     $ 9,894     $ 95       1.0 %

As indicated above, noninterest expense for the year over year third quarter periods remained essentially unchanged, aided by the third quarter 2012 reduction of pension expenses which, as one of its components, allowed salaries and employee benefits to slightly decrease in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the same prior year period.  Additionally, other expenses decreased due to the Company’s review of its liability in connection with its debit card rewards program which caused a reduction to expense.  Offsetting these reductions was an increase in FDIC assessment expenses, when compared to the third quarter of 2011.  The Company recorded the impact of the reduced assessment in the third quarter of 2011 reflecting the change in the assessment formula.

For the nine month period, noninterest expense was unchanged at approximately $10.0 million.  Advertising expenses decreased for the year over year nine month period as 2011 included a heightened level of advertising expenses for the successful launch of the Cicero branch.  FDIC assessment expenses decreased as compared to the prior year due to the change in the assessment method that became effective in the second quarter of 2011.  This was offset by the year over year increase in personnel expenses resulting from wage increases and increased pension expenses up to the time we froze the pension plan in the second quarter of 2012.

Income Tax Expense

Income taxes expense decreased by $173,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to a decrease in income before taxes and a decrease in the effective tax rate to 25.0% as compared to 31.2% for the same prior year period.  The effective tax rate reduction was principally due to a greater proportion of tax-exempt items to the total pretax income in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to the third quarter of 2011.  The Company has reduced its effective tax rate from the combined federal and state statutory rate of 38.7% primarily through the ownership of tax-exempt investment securities, bank owned life insurance and other tax saving strategies.

Income tax expenses decreased $190,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012.  The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2012 was 25.0% as compared to 30.6% for the first nine months of 2011; the decrease is due to the reasons stated above.

 
- 35

 


Earnings per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share were $0.22 in the third quarter of 2012 as compared to basic earnings per share of $0.12 and diluted earnings per share of $0.11 in the third quarter of 2011.  This increase was due to net income available to common shareholders being reduced in the third quarter of 2011 due to the accelerated accretion of $470,000 of preferred stock discount as a result of the Company’s participation in, and exit from, the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, basic and diluted earnings per share were $0.62 as compared to basic earnings per share of $0.43 and diluted earnings per share of $0.42 for the same prior year period.  This improvement was for reasons similar to those provided above.

Changes in Financial Condition

Assets

Total assets increased to $479.4 million at September 30, 2012, from $443.0 million at December 31, 2011.  The increase in total assets was primarily the result of an increase of $14.0 million in the investment securities portfolio and a $19.4 million increase in gross loans.  Funds received by the Company following its participation in Treasury’s SBLF program were invested in shorter term taxable and tax-exempt securities to allow subsequent funding of targeted loan growth in support of the Company’s strategic plan.

Liabilities

Total liabilities increased to $438.4 million at September 30, 2012, from $405.1 million at December 31, 2011.  Deposits increased $27.7 million due to an increase in brokered deposits, the opening of the Cicero branch, and growth throughout the remaining branches.  In addition, short term borrowings increased $9.0 million over this same time period.  Over 89% of our deposits are interest-bearing.  This increase in deposits was partially offset by reductions in other liabilities of $3.3 million due principally to the Company’s election to make a $2.6 million pension contribution in the first quarter of 2012 to reduce the pension liability and the subsequent election by the Company to freeze the pension plan in the second quarter of 2012 which had a further impact on reducing the pension liability.  More details on the pension plan freeze can be found in Note 5 to these financial statements.

Capital

Shareholders' equity of $40.9 million increased $3.1 million as compared to December 31, 2011 due principally to $1.9 million in net income through the period, the $1.2 million impact from the decision to freeze the pension plan, and the $823,000 after tax impact of increases in unrealized gains on available for sale securities.  These increases were partially offset by dividends payable on the preferred stock held by the SBLF, dividends paid to common shareholders and the redemption of CPP warrants from the U.S. Treasury in 2012.

Capital adequacy is evaluated primarily by the use of ratios which measure capital against total assets, as well as against total assets that are weighted based on defined risk characteristics.  The Company’s goal is to maintain a strong capital position, consistent with the risk profile of its subsidiary banks that supports growth and expansion activities while at the same time exceeding regulatory standards.  At September 30, 2012, Pathfinder Bank exceeded all regulatory required minimum capital ratios and met the regulatory definition of a “well-capitalized” institution, i.e. a leverage capital ratio exceeding 5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio exceeding 6% and a total risk-based capital ratio exceeding 10%.

 
- 36

 


The Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of the indicated dates are presented in the following table.

                           
Minimum
 
                           
To Be "Well-
 
               
Minimum
   
Capitalized"
 
               
For Capital
   
Under Prompt
 
 
 
Actual
   
Adequacy Purposes
   
Corrective Provisions
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
As of September 30, 2012
                                   
Total Core Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
  $ 46,166       14.5 %   $ 25,554       8.0 %   $ 31,943       10.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
  $ 41,993       13.2 %   $ 12,777       4.0 %   $ 19,166       6.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Assets) (1)
  $ 41,993       8.9 %   $ 18,983       4.0 %   $ 23,729       5.0 %
As of December 31, 2011:
                                               
Total Core Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
  $ 43,670       14.9 %   $ 23,386       8.0 %   $ 29,233       10.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
  $ 39,917       13.7 %   $ 11,693       4.0 %   $ 17,540       6.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
  $ 39,917       9.4 %   $ 17,041       4.0 %   $ 21,301       5.0 %


(1) As of March 31, 2012, the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council changed the computation for the Tier 1 Capital ratio as it applies to the Bank’s designation as a savings association.  The denominator has changed from using the average assets over the prior three months to the assets on the statement of condition as of the end of the March 31, 2012 and subsequent reporting quarters.

Loan and Asset Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses

The following table represents information concerning the aggregate amount of non-performing assets at the indicated dates:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
2011
 
Nonaccrual loans:
                 
Commercial real estate and commercial
  $ 2,342     $ 2,594     $ 2,554  
Consumer
    775       706       649  
Residential real estate
    1,506       1,428       1,082  
Total nonaccrual loans
    4,623       4,728       4,285  
Total non-performing loans
    4,623       4,728       4,285  
Foreclosed real estate
    429       536       562  
Total non-performing assets
  $ 5,052     $ 5,264     $ 4,847  
                         
Troubled debt restructurings not included above
  $ 982     $ 594     $ 598  
                         
Non-performing loans to total loans
    1.43 %     1.55 %     1.46 %
Non-performing assets to total assets
    1.05 %     1.19 %     1.15 %

Non-performing assets include nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”), and foreclosed real estate. Loans are considered modified in a TDR when, due to a borrower’s financial difficulties, the Company makes a concession(s) to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. These modifications may include, among others, an extension of the term of the loan, and granting a period when interest-only payments can be made, with the principal payments made over the remaining term of the loan or at maturity.  TDRs are included in the above table within the following categories of nonaccrual loans or TDRs not included above (the latter also known as accruing TDRs).

As indicated in the above table, total non-performing loans decreased modestly at September 30, 2012, when compared to December 31, 2011, but slightly above the amounts recorded at September 30, 2011.  Management continues to monitor and react to national and local economic trends as well as general portfolio conditions, which may impact the quality of the portfolio.  Management believes that the current level of the allowance for loan losses, at $4.4 million, adequately addresses the current level of risk within the loan portfolio.  The Company has also maintained strict loan underwriting standards and carefully monitors the performance of the loan portfolio.

 
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Foreclosed real estate balances decreased $107,000 to $429,000 at September 30, 2012, from December 31, 2011 as the Company successfully reduced its inventory of other real estate properties from eleven to eight.  Through the nine months of 2012, the sale of nine properties resulted in a net gain of $19,000.  As indicated above, the current level of foreclosed real estate balances have significantly decreased from the balances recorded a year ago.

The Company generally places a loan on nonaccrual status and ceases accruing interest when loan payment performance is deemed unsatisfactory and the loan is past due 90 days or more.  There are no loans that are past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest.  The Company considers a loan impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan.

The measurement of impaired loans is generally based upon the fair value of the collateral with a portion of the impaired loans measured based upon the present value of future cash flows discounted at the historical effective interest rate.  The Company used the fair value of collateral to measure impairment on commercial and commercial real estate loans.  At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had $6.8 million and $4.3 million in loans, which were deemed to be impaired, having specific reserves of $1.0 million and $619,000, respectively.
 
 
Management has identified potential problem loans totaling $8.8 million as of September 30, 2012, compared to $8.0 million as of December 31, 2011.  This increase in problem loans reflects increases in classifications of 1-4 family residential mortgages and home equity and junior liens.  These loans have been internally classified as special mention or substandard, yet are not currently considered impaired or in non-accrual status.  Management has identified potential credit problems which may result in the borrowers not being able to comply with the current loan repayment terms and which may result in it being included in future impaired loan reporting.  Management believes that the current allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover probable credit losses in the current loan portfolio.  As a result, the ratio of the allowance to loan and lease losses to period-end loans at September 30, 2012 was 1.37% as compared to December 31, 2011 of 1.31%.  The increase was driven by the required provision for loan losses prompted by the strong increase in gross loans reported in the third quarter of 2012, and an increase in the related allowance for impaired commercial real estate loans between June 30, 2012 and September 30, 2012.

Appraisals are obtained at the time a real estate secured loan is originated.   For commercial real estate held as collateral, the property is inspected every two years.  When evaluating our ability to collect from secondary sources, appraised values are adjusted to reflect the age of appraisal, the condition of the property, the current local real estate market, and cost to sell.  Properties are re-appraised when our evaluation of the current property condition and the local real estate market suggests values may not be accurate.

In the normal course of business, Pathfinder Bank has sold residential mortgage loans and participation interests in commercial loans. As is typical in the industry, Pathfinder Bank makes certain representations and warranties to the buyer. Pathfinder Bank maintains a quality control program for closed loans and considers the risks and uncertainties associated with potential repurchase requirements to be minimal.  There are no known or alleged defects in the securitization process or in the mortgage documentation.

Liquidity

Liquidity management involves the Company’s ability to generate cash or otherwise obtain funds at reasonable rates to support asset growth, meet deposit withdrawals, maintain reserve requirements and otherwise operate the Company on an ongoing basis.  The Company's primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowed funds, amortization and prepayment of loans, maturities of investment securities and other short-term investments and earnings and funds provided from operations.  While scheduled principal repayments on loans are a relatively predictable source of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition.  The Company manages the pricing of deposits to maintain a desired deposit balance.  In addition, the Company invests excess funds in short-term interest-earning and other assets which provide liquidity to meet lending requirements.

The Company's liquidity has been enhanced by its membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, whose competitive advance programs and lines of credit provide the Company with a safe, reliable and convenient source of funds.  A significant decrease in deposits in the future could result in the Company having to seek other sources of funds for liquidity purposes.  Such sources could include, but are not limited to, additional borrowings, brokered deposits, negotiated time deposits, the sale of "available-for-sale" investment securities, the sale of securitized loans or the sale of whole loans.  Such actions could result in higher interest expense costs and/or losses on the sale of securities or loans.

 
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For the first nine months of 2012, as indicated in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Company reported net cash flows from financing activities of $35.5 million generated by increased balances of demand and savings deposits, money market deposit accounts, certificates of deposits, brokered deposits and short-term borrowings.  This was invested in available for sale investment securities of $13.2 million, net, and loan generation of $20.0 million.  As a recurring source of liquidity, the Company’s investment securities provided $20.9 million in proceeds from maturities and principal reductions through the first nine months of 2012.  Net cash provided by operating activities for this same period was $1.8 million.

The Company has a number of existing credit facilities available to it.  At September 30, 2012, total credit available to the Company under the existing lines of credit is approximately $109.3 million.  At September 30, 2012, the Company has $34.0 million outstanding on its existing lines of credit with $75.3 million available.
 
 
The Asset Liability Management Committee of the Company is responsible for implementing the policies and guidelines for the maintenance of prudent levels of liquidity.  As of September 30, 2012, management reported to the Board of Directors that the Company is in compliance with its liquidity policy guidelines.

Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

A smaller reporting company is not required to provide the information relating to this item.

Item 4 - Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.  There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 - Legal Proceedings

The Company is not currently a named party in a legal proceeding, the outcome of which would have a material and adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.

Item 1A – Risk Factors

A smaller reporting company is not required to provide the information relating to this item.

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                                                                                                                                                                

31.1                      Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
31.2                      Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
32.1                      Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
                             Officer





 
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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.

 PATHFINDER BANCORP, INC.


November 13, 2012                                                                 /s/ Thomas W. Schneider
  Thomas W. Schneider
                                  President and Chief Executive Officer

November 13, 2012                                                                  /s/ James A. Dowd
   James A. Dowd
   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 

 

 
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EXHIBIT 31.1: Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
I, Thomas W. Schneider, certify that:
 
 
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.;
 
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting, to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:
 
 
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
November 13, 2012
/s/ Thomas W. Schneider
Thomas W. Schneider
President and Chief Executive Officer
 


 
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EXHIBIT 31.2: Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer

Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
I, James A. Dowd, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.;
 
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a   material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting, to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:
 
 
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
November 13, 2012
/s/ James A. Dowd
James A. Dowd
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 


 
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EXHIBIT 32.1  Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Thomas W. Schneider, President and Chief Executive Officer, and James A. Dowd, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"), each certify in his capacity as an officer of the Company that he has reviewed the Quarterly Report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 and that to the best of his knowledge:
 
1. The report fully complies with the requirements of Sections 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
2. The information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
The purpose of this statement is solely to comply with Title 18, Chapter 63, Section 1350 of the United States Code, as amended by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
November 13, 2012
/s/ Thomas W. Schneider
Thomas W. Schneider
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
November 13, 2012
/s/ James A. Dowd
James A. Dowd
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 
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