form10q-87417_necb.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549


FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007

OR

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

For the transition period from ______________ to _____________
Commission file number: 0-51852

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

United States of America
 
06-1786701
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
organization)
   
     
325 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, New York
 
10601
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(914)  684-2500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer.  (See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in rule 12b-2 of the exchange act).

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer ý

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

As of November 13, 2007, the registrant had 13,225,000 shares of $0.01 par value common stock outstanding.





NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
Table of Contents

       
Page
No.
         
     
         
     
2
         
     
 
3
         
     
 
4
         
     
5
         
     
6
         
   
9
         
   
18
         
   
19
         
         
   
20
         
   
20
         
   
20
         
   
20
         
   
20
         
   
20
         
   
21
         
     
22




PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
Financial Statements

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (UNAUDITED)

   
September 30, 2007
   
December 31, 2006
 
   
(In thousands, except for share and per
share amounts)
 
   
ASSETS
 
   
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions
  $
2,634
    $
2,650
 
Interest-bearing deposits
   
32,609
     
34,099
 
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
35,243
     
36,749
 
                 
Securities available for sale
   
350
     
355
 
Securities held to maturity
   
9,182
     
27,455
 
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses of $1,489
and $1,200, respectively
   
256,612
     
201,306
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
4,597
     
11,117
 
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost
   
414
     
399
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
8,423
     
8,154
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
1,287
     
1,101
 
Other assets
   
1,565
     
1,781
 
                 
Total Assets
  $
317,673
    $
288,417
 
   
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
   
LIABILITIES
 
Deposits:
               
Non-interest bearing
  $
1,420
    $
1,439
 
Interest bearing
   
198,520
     
187,153
 
                 
Total Deposits
   
199,940
     
188,592
 
                 
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
   
3,706
     
1,929
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
5,662
     
1,145
 
                 
Total Liabilities
   
209,308
     
191,666
 
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
   
-
     
-
 
                 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
                 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value: 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock, $.01 par value; 19,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding:  13,225,000 shares
   
132
     
132
 
Additional paid in capital
   
57,542
     
57,513
 
Unearned ESOP shares
    (4,730 )     (4,925 )
Retained earnings
   
55,550
     
44,147
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (129 )     (116 )
                 
Total Stockholders’ Equity
   
108,365
     
96,751
 
                 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $
317,673
    $
288,417
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(In thousands, except for per share amounts)
 
                         
INTEREST INCOME
                       
                         
Loans
  $
3,884
    $
3,275
    $
10,506
    $
9,588
 
Interest-earning deposits
   
538
     
549
     
1,443
     
1,209
 
Securities
   
140
     
287
     
708
     
543
 
                                 
Total Interest Income
   
4,562
     
4,111
     
12,657
     
11,340
 
                                 
INTEREST EXPENSE
                               
                                 
Deposits
   
1,486
     
1,225
     
4,102
     
3,200
 
       Short-term borrowings
   
18
     
-
     
18
     
-
 
                                 
Total Interest Expense
   
1,504
     
1,225
     
4,120
     
3,200
 
                                 
Net Interest Income
   
3,058
     
2,886
     
8,537
     
8,140
 
                                 
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
   
-
     
-
     
338
     
-
 
                                 
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses
   
3,058
     
2,886
     
8,199
     
8,140
 
                                 
NON-INTEREST INCOME
                               
                                 
Other loan fees and service charges
   
99
     
111
     
274
     
334
 
Net gain from premises and equipment
   
-
     
-
     
18,962
     
-
 
       Earnings on bank owned life insurance
   
92
     
62
     
269
     
62
 
Other
   
4
     
6
     
13
     
15
 
                                 
Total Non-Interest Income
   
195
     
179
     
19,518
     
411
 
                                 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES
                               
                                 
Salaries and employee benefits
   
1,248
     
1,296
     
3,898
     
3,482
 
Net occupancy expense of premises
   
275
     
264
     
815
     
764
 
Equipment
   
101
     
119
     
368
     
322
 
Outside data processing
   
167
     
147
     
478
     
433
 
Advertising
   
17
     
36
     
68
     
82
 
Other
   
554
     
492
     
1,733
     
1,416
 
                                 
Total Non-Interest Expenses
   
2,362
     
2,354
     
7,360
     
6,499
 
                                 
Income before Income Taxes
   
891
     
711
     
20,357
     
2,052
 
                                 
INCOME TAXES
   
337
     
299
     
8,790
     
881
 
                                 
Net Income
  $
554
    $
412
    $
11,567
    $
1,171
 
                                 
Net Income per common share-basic
  $
.04
    $
.03
    $
0.91
   
N/A
 
Weighted average number of common
               shares outstanding- basic
   
12,749
     
12,016
     
12,742
   
N/A
 
       Dividends declared per common share
  $
0.03
    $
0.00
    $
0.03
    $
0.00
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Unearned
ESOP
Shares
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Total
Equity
   
Comprehensive
Income
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance at December 31, 2005
  $
-
    $
-
    $
-
    $
43,089
    $
31
    $
43,120
       
   Comprehensive income:
                                                     
      Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,171
     
-
     
1,171
    $
1,171
 
      Unrealized gain on securities
           available for sale, net of taxes of $3
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
6
     
6
     
6
 
ESOP shares earned
   
-
     
8
     
194
     
-
     
-
     
202
         
   Capitalization of Mutual
           Holding Company
   
-
     
-
     
-
      (500 )    
-
      (500 )        
Issuance of common stock
   
132
     
57,495
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
57,627
         
Common stock acquired by ESOP
   
-
     
-
      (5,184 )    
-
     
-
      (5,184 )        
Total comprehensive income
                                                  $
1,177
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2006
  $
132
    $
57,503
    $ (4,990 )   $
43,760
    $
37
    $
96,442
         
                                                         
                                           
 
Balance at December 31, 2006
  $
132
    $
57,513
    $ (4,925 )   $
44,147
    $ (116 )   $
96,751
       
   Comprehensive income:
                                                     
      Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
11,567
     
-
     
11,567
    $
11,567
 
      Unrealized loss on securities
           available for sale, net of taxes of $1
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (1 )     (1 )     (1 )
      Prior Service Cost – DRP, net of
            taxes of $10
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (12 )     (12 )     (12 )
Cash dividend declared ($0.03 per share)
   
-
     
-
     
-
      (164 )    
-
      (164 )        
ESOP shares earned
   
-
     
29
     
195
     
-
     
-
     
224
         
Total Comprehensive Income
                                                  $
11,554
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2007
  $
132
    $
57,542
    $ (4,730 )   $
55,550
    $ (129 )   $
108,365
         
                                                         
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(In thousands)
 
   
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
             
Net income
  $
11,567
    $
1,171
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Amortization (accretion) of securities premiums and discounts, net
    (95 )     (115 )
Provision for loan losses
   
338
     
-
 
Provision for depreciation
   
442
     
417
 
Amortization of deferred loan discounts, fees and costs, net
   
107
     
114
 
(Gain) from dispositions of premises and equipment
    (18,962 )    
-
 
(Increase) in bank owned life insurance
    (269 )     (62 )
(Increase) in accrued interest receivable
    (186 )     (36 )
(Increase) in other assets
    (37 )     (92 )
Increase in accrued interest payable
   
8
     
7
 
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
   
4,323
      (87 )
ESOP shares earned
   
224
     
202
 
                 
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities
    (2,540 )    
1,519
 
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                 
                 
Net (increase) in loans
    (39,410 )     (6,593 )
Purchase of securities held to maturity
    (5,000 )     (40,459 )
Proceeds from principal repayments on securities available for sale
   
6
     
14
 
Proceeds from principal repayments on securities held to maturity
   
23,365
     
4,079
 
Purchases of FHLB stock
    (15 )     (42 )
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (117 )     (6,559 )
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
   
9,080
     
-
 
Purchase of bank owned life insurance
   
-
      (8,000 )
                 
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities
    (12,091 )     (57,560 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                 
                 
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
   
11,348
      (3,053 )
Increase in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
   
1,777
     
1,100
 
Net proceeds of initial public stock offering
   
-
     
57,627
 
Common stock acquired by ESOP
   
-
      (5,184 )
Initial capitalization of mutual holding company
   
-
      (500 )
                 
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
   
13,125
     
49,990
 
                 
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (1,506 )     (6,051 )
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning
   
36,749
     
27,389
 
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Ending
  $
35,243
    $
21,338
 
                 
                 
Income taxes paid
  $
4,865
    $
1,087
 
Interest paid
  $
4,112
    $
3,193
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Federally-chartered corporation that was organized to be the mid-tier holding company for Northeast Community Bank (the “Bank”), in conjunction with the Bank’s reorganization from a mutual savings bank to the mutual holding company structure on July 5, 2006.  The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007, include the accounts of the Company and the Bank.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other interim period.  The December 31, 2006 consolidated statement of financial condition data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles.  That data, along with the interim financial information presented in the consolidated statements of financial condition, income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows should be read in conjunction with the 2006 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, as included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that effect certain recorded amounts and disclosures.  Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.  The most significant estimate pertains to the allowance for loan losses.

NOTE 2 – EARNINGS AND DIVIDENDS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per common share is computed in a manner similar to basic earnings per common share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the incremental common shares (as computed using the treasury stock method) that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common stock equivalents were issued during the period.  Common stock equivalents may include restricted stock awards and stock options.  Anti-dilutive shares are common stock equivalents with weighted-average exercise prices in excess of the weighted-average market value for the periods presented.  The Company has not granted any restricted stock awards or stock options and, during the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, had no potentially dilutive common stock equivalents.  Unallocated common shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) are not included in the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating both basic and diluted earnings per common share until they are committed to be released.

Earnings per common share data is not presented for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 as the Company had no publicly held shares outstanding prior to the Company’s initial public offering on July 5, 2006.

On September 26, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors declared the Company’s first quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per share, reflecting an annual cash dividend rate of $0.12 per share.  The dividend is payable on or about November 15, 2007, to stockholders of record as of October 12, 2007, and is expected to total approximately $164,000.  The Company’s mutual holding company and majority stockholder, Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC, waived its right to receive this dividend on the 7,273,750 shares of Company common stock it owns.  Such dividend waived totaled approximately $218,000.


NOTE 3 – EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

The ESOP owns 518,420 shares of the Company’s common stock, which are held in a suspense account until released for allocation to participants.  As of December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007, the Company had committed to release 25,921 shares (which were subsequently allocated) and 19,441 shares, respectively.  The Company recognized compensation expense of $224,000 and 202,000, respectively, during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, and $68,000 and $202,000, respectively, during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, which equals the fair value of the ESOP shares committed to be released during those periods.

NOTE 4 –OUTSIDE DIRECTOR RETIREMENT PLAN (“DRP”)

Periodic expenses for the Company’s DRP were as follows (In thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Service cost
  $
8
    $
8
    $
25
    $
24
 
Interest cost
   
5
     
5
     
16
     
14
 
       Amortization of Prior Service Cost
   
5
     
5
     
15
     
15
 
   Total
  $
18
    $
18
    $
56
    $
53
 

Effective January 1, 2006, the Bank implemented the DRP.  This plan is a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering all non-employee directors meeting eligibility requirements as specified in the plan document. The DRP is accounted for under Statements of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 132 and 158.  The amortization of prior service cost in the three-month period and nine-month period ended September 30, 2007 is also reflected as a reduction in other comprehensive income during the period.

NOTE 5 – EFFECT OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements.  The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS No. 157 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 creates a fair value option allowing an entity to irrevocably elect fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain financial assets and financial liabilities, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings as they occur.  SFAS 159 also requires an entity to report those financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in a manner that separates those reported fair values from the carrying amount of assets and liabilities measured using another measurement attribute in the face of the statement of financial position.  Lastly, SFAS 159 requires an entity to provide information that would allow users to understand the effect on earnings of changes in the fair value on those instruments selected for the fair value election.  SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.   The Company is currently evaluating the potential effect, if any, of SFAS 159 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flow.

On September 7, 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a conclusion on EITF Issue No. 06-5, “Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance – Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized in Accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4, Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance”.  


The scope of EITF Issue No. 06-5 consists of six separate issues relating to accounting for life insurance policies purchased by entities protecting against the loss of “key persons.”  The six issues are clarifications of previously issued guidance on FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4. EITF 06-5 was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of EITF 06-5 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2007, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-10 “Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreements”.  EITF Issue No. 06-10 provides guidance for determining a liability for the postretirement benefit obligation as well as recognition and measurement of the associated asset on the basis of the terms of the collateral assignment agreement.  EITF Issue No. 06-10 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the impact of EITF Issue No. 06-10 on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions.  This Interpretation requires that companies recognize in their financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings.  As a result of the Company’s evaluation of the implementation of FIN 48, no significant income tax uncertainties were identified. Therefore, the Company recognized no adjustment for unrecognized income tax benefits at the implementation date or during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.  The Company had no amounts accrued for tax penalties or interest at September 30, 2007.  Our policy is to record any such penalties and interest as other non-interest expense.  Corporate tax returns which remain subject to examination include: Federal from 2004 to present, Massachusetts from 2004 to present, New York State from 2003 to present and New York City from 2003 to present.

In May 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FIN 48-1 “Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48” (FSP FIN 48-1). FSP FIN 48-1 provides guidance on how to determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits.  FSP FIN 48-1 is effective retroactively to January 1, 2007. The implementation of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued FSP FAS 158-1, “Conforming Amendments to the Illustrations in FASB Statements No. 87, No. 88, and No 106 and to the Related Staff Implementation Guides.” This FSP makes conforming amendments to other FASB statements and staff implementation guides and provides technical corrections to SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.” The conforming amendments in this FSP shall be applied upon adoption of SFAS No. 158.  The adoption of FSP FAS 158-1 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

Note 6 - Significant Events
 
On June 29, 2007, the Bank completed the sale of its branch office building located at 1353-55 First Avenue, New York, New York.  The purchase price for the building was $28.0 million.  The Bank received $10.0 million in cash at closing.  The remaining $18.0 million will be paid in two installments of $9.0 million on each of June 29, 2008 and June 29, 2009, pursuant to a zero coupon promissory note secured by a purchase money real estate mortgage, assignment and security agreement.  The zero coupon note was recorded at its present value of $16.3 million.
 
The sale of the branch office resulted in a pre-tax gain of $19.0 million or a net gain of $10.7 million after providing for $8.3 million in income taxes.  The sale also provided an increase in total assets of $19.0 million represented by increases of $9.1 million in cash and $16.3 million in loans receivable partially offset by decreases of $6.2 million in property and equipment and $263,000 in other assets.  The sale provided an increase in total liabilities of $8.3 million related to the accrual of income taxes on the sale gain.
 


 
In connection with the sale of the branch office building, the Bank will enter into a 99-year lease to enable the Bank to retain a branch office at 1353-55 First Avenue.  This lease will be effective upon the completion of the new building to be constructed (projected to be in 2010) and the office space subject to the lease will represent less than 2.5% of the available square footage at the renovated property.  In anticipation of the sale, and the renovation of the building by its new owner, in December 2006, the Bank temporarily relocated its 1353-55 First Avenue branch office to 1470 First Avenue, New York, New York.
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations at and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”).  The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions and may describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company.  These forward-looking statements are generally identified by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project” or similar expressions.  The Company’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain.  Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, national and regional economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board, the quality and composition of the loan or investment portfolios, demand for loan products, deposit flows, competition, demand for financial services in Northeast Community Bank’s (the “Bank”) market area, changes in real estate market values in the Bank’s market area, and changes in relevant accounting principles and guidelines.  Additional factors that may affect the Company’s results are discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 under “Item 1A. Risk Factors”.  These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.  Except as required by applicable law or regulation, the Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release publicly the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

General

The Company was organized on July 5, 2006 in connection with the mutual holding company reorganization of the Bank.  Accordingly, the information set forth in this report for periods prior to July 5, 2006, including information provided in the consolidated financial statements and related financial data, relates to the Bank only.

The Bank is headquartered in White Plains, New York and is a community-oriented financial institution dedicated to serving the financial services needs of consumers and businesses within its market area and its lending territory.  We attract deposits from the general public and use such funds primarily to originate multifamily residential real estate loans, mixed use real estate loans and nonresidential real estate loans.  We also originate a limited amount of consumer loans.  In addition, we operate a loan production office in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Overview

Net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, was $554,000 and $11.6 million, respectively, as compared to the $412,000 and $1.2 million, respectively, recorded for the prior year periods.  The increase in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was largely due to the sale of the branch office at 1353-55 First Avenue, New York, New York in June 2007.  The sale of the branch office provided a pre-tax gain of $19.0 million or a net gain of $10.7 million after providing for $8.3 million in income taxes.  


The sale also provided an increase in total assets of $19.0 million represented by increases of $9.1 million in cash and $16.3 million in loans receivable partially offset by decreases of $6.2 million in property and equipment and $263,000 in other assets.  The sale provided an increase in total liabilities of $8.3 million related to the accrual of income taxes on the sale gain.

Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006

Total assets at September 30, 2007 were $317.7 million, an increase of $29.3 million, or 10.1%, from total assets of $288.4 million at December 31, 2006.  Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $1.5 million, or 4.1%, to $35.2 million at September 30, 2007, from $36.7 million at December 31, 2006.  Securities held to maturity decreased by $18.3 million, or 66.6%, to $9.2 million at September 30, 2007 from $27.5 million at December 31, 2006, due primarily to repayments and maturities exceeding purchases.  The decrease in short-term liquidity and securities held to maturity was primarily the result of cash used to fund the origination of new loans.

Loans receivable increased by $55.3 million, or 27.5%, to $256.6 million at September 30, 2007 from $201.3 million at December 31, 2006, due primarily to loan originations of $76.4 million exceeding loan repayments of $20.8 million.  Included in loan originations is the promissory note that the Bank received in connection with the sale of the Bank’s branch office building located at 1353-55 First Avenue which has a $16.3 million net present value.

Premises and equipment decreased by $6.5 million, or 58.6%, to $4.6 million at September 30, 2007, from $11.1 million at December 31, 2006, due primarily to the sale of our First Avenue property that had a cost basis of $6.1 million.

Deposit balances increased by $11.3 million, or 6.0%, to $199.9 million at September 30, 2007 from $188.6 million at December 31, 2006.  The increase was primarily attributable to an effort by the Bank to increase deposits through the offering of competitive interest rates in a nationwide certificate of deposits listing service.  As a result, the Bank has attracted a total of $19.4 million in these certificates of deposits at September 30, 2007.

Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance increased by $1.8 million, or 92.1%, to $3.7 million at September 30, 2007 from $1.9 million at December 31, 2006, due primarily to the timing of remittances to municipalities, which are primarily semi-annual in June and December.

Other liabilities increased by $4.5 million, or 394.5%, to $5.7 million at September 30, 2007 from $1.1 million at December 31, 2006, due to an increase of  $3.9 million in income taxes liabilities largely the result of the $19.0 million gain from the disposition of the Bank’s branch office building located at 1353-55 First Avenue.

Stockholders’ equity increased by $11.6 million, or 12.0%, to $108.4 million at September 30, 2007, from $96.8 million at December 31, 2006.  This increase was primarily the result of net income of $11.6 million for the period partially offset by cash dividend declared of $164,000.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

General. Net income increased by $142,000, or 34.5%, to $554,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $412,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase was primarily the result of an increase of $451,000 in interest income, which was partially offset by increases of $279,000 in interest expense and $38,000 in income tax expense.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income increased by $172,000, or 6.0%, to $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase in net interest income resulted primarily from the increased average balance of net interest-earning assets of $29.8 million due primarily to increased loan originations, offset by a 49 basis point decrease in our net interest rate spread to 3.00% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 3.49% for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The decrease in the interest rate spread in the third quarter of 2007 over the same period in 2006 was due to the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities increasing to a greater degree than the increase in the yield earned on our interest-earning assets.  


The cost of our interest-bearing liabilities increased by 73 basis points to 3.13% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 2.40% for the three months ended September 30, 2006, whereas the yield on our interest-earning assets increased by 24 basis points to 6.13% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 5.89% for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The net interest margin decreased 2 basis points to 4.11% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 4.13% for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase in the net interest income, despite the declines in net interest margin and net interest spread, was due to the increase in net interest-earning assets.

The following table summarizes average balances and average yields and costs of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

 
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
and
Dividends
   
Yield/
Cost
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
and
Dividends
   
Yield/
Cost
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Assets:
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
   Loans
  $
245,685
    $
3,884
      6.32 %   $
202,552
    $
3,275
      6.47 %
   Securities
   
10,228
     
140
     
5.48
     
21,899
     
287
     
5.24
 
   Other interest-earning assets
   
41,695
     
538
     
5.16
     
54,844
     
549
     
4.00
 
     Total interest-earning assets
   
297,608
     
4,562
     
6.13
     
279,295
     
4,111
     
5.89
 
Allowance for loan losses
    (1,536 )                     (1,200 )                
Noninterest-earning assets
   
19,281
                     
23,285
                 
      Total assets
  $
315,353
                    $
301,380
                 
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
   Interest-bearing demand
  $
20,187
    $
27
      0.53 %   $
37,590
    $
55
      0.59 %
   Savings and club accounts
   
58,258
     
104
     
0.71
     
64,594
     
143
     
0.89
 
   Certificates of deposit
   
112,690
     
1,355
     
4.81
     
101,781
     
1,027
     
4.04
 
      Total interest-bearing deposits
   
191,135
     
1,486
     
3.11
     
203,965
     
1,225
     
2.40
 
                                                 
   FHLB advances
   
1,304
     
18
     
5.52
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
192,439
     
1,504
     
3.13
     
203,965
     
1,225
     
2.40
 
                                                 
Noninterest-bearing demand
   
2,623
                     
1,410
                 
Other liabilities
   
12,092
                     
2,596
                 
      Total liabilities
   
207,154
                     
207,971
                 
                                                 
Stockholders’ equity
   
108,199
                     
93,409
                 
      Total liabilities and stockholders’
         equity
  $
315,353
                    $
301,380
                 
Net interest income
        $
3,058
                $
2,886
       
Interest rate spread
                  3.00 %                   3.49 %
Net interest margin
                  4.11 %                   4.13 %
Net interest-earning assets
  $
105,169
                    $
75,330
                 
Average interest-earning assets to
   average interest-bearing liabilities
    154.65 %                     136.93 %                

Total interest income increased by $451,000, or 11.0%, to $4.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  Interest income on loans increased by $609,000, or 18.6%, to $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The average balance of the loan portfolio increased by $43.1 million to $245.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $202.6 million for the three months


ended September 30, 2006 as originations outpaced repayments.  The average yield on loans decreased to 6.32% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to 6.47% for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

Interest income on securities decreased by $147,000, or 51.2%, to $140,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $287,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $11.7 million in the average balance of securities to $10.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $21.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  This was offset by an increase in the average yield on securities of 24 basis points to 5.48% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 5.24% for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The decrease in average balance was due to the redeployment of funds into mortgage loans.

Interest on other interest-earning assets decreased by $11,000, or 2.0%, to $538,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $549,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The decrease was primarily the result of a decrease of $13.1 million in the average balance of other interest-earning assets to $41.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $54.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006, largely offset by a 116 basis point increase in the yield to 5.16% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 4.00% for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The decrease in the average balance of other interest-earning assets was due to the redeployment of funds into the loan portfolio.

Interest expense from deposits increased by $261,000, or 21.3%, to $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase was due to generally higher deposit rates, a shift of $6.3 million of average deposits from lower interest rate passbook savings into higher interest rate certificate of deposits, and an effort by the Bank to increase deposits through the posting of competitive interest rates in a nationwide certificate of deposits listing service for institutional investors.  This had the effect of raising the average interest cost by 71 basis points to 3.11% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 2.40% for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  During this period, the cost of certificates of deposit increased 77 basis points to 4.81% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 4.04% for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

Interest expense on our non-certificate deposit products decreased by $67,000, or 33.8%, due to a $23.7 million, or 23.2% decrease in average balance and a decrease in the rate of interest paid on these deposits of 11 basis points to 0.67% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 0.78% for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The higher average balance of non-certificate deposit products for the 2006 period is primarily due to stock subscription funds held by the Bank in connection with the Company’s initial stock offering prior to July 5, 2006, and a shift of deposits from lower interest rate passbook savings into higher interest rate certificates of deposit.
 
Interest expense from Federal Home Loan Bank advances was $18,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 due to a borrowing of $4.0 million that occurred on June 29, 2007 and that was subsequently paid-off on July 31, 2007.  The Company had no borrowings during the three months ended September 30, 2006.

Provision for Loan Losses.  The allowance for loan losses decreased by $49,000 to $1.489 million at September 30, 2007 from $1.538 million at June 30, 2007 as a result of a charge-off of $49,000 on a multi-family mortgage loan that was subsequently foreclosed and sold as real estate owned during the three months ended September 30, 2007.  The allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2007 represented 0.58% of total loans, compared to 0.61% as of September 30, 2006.  See additional discussion in the comparison of operating results for the nine-month period.

There were no recoveries or provisions for loan losses during the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, and there were no charge-offs for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

Non-interest Income.  Non-interest income increased $16,000, or 8.9%, to $195,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $179,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase was primarily due to an increase of $30,000 in income from bank-owned life insurance, partially offset by a decrease of $12,000 in income from service charges.



Non-interest Expense.  Non-interest expense increased $8,000, or 0.3%, to $2.36 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $2.35 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase resulted primarily from increases of $62,000 in other non-interest expense, $20,000 in outside data processing, and $11,000 in net occupancy expense, offset by decreases of $48,000 in salaries and employee benefits, $19,000 in advertising and $18,000 in equipment expense.

The increase in other non-interest expense of $62,000, or 12.6%, to $554,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $492,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was due to additional expenses associated with being a public company.  Outside data processing increased $20,000, or 13.6%, to $167,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $147,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 due to an increase in our ATM network processing cost.  The net occupancy expense increase of $11,000, or 4.2%, to $275,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $264,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 was due to expenses related to the relocation of our 1353-55 First Avenue branch office.

Salaries and employee benefits decreased $48,000, or 3.7%, from $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 due to an effort to contain costs through the termination of the Company’s matching contribution to the 401(k) plan and a change in our health insurance plan.  Advertising expense decreased $19,000 and equipment expense decreased $18,000 due to cost containment efforts.

Income Taxes.  Income tax expense increased $38,000, or 12.7%, to $337,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from $299,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase resulted primarily from an increase of $180,000 in pre-tax income in 2007 compared to 2006.  The effective tax rate decreased to 37.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2007, compared to 42.1% for the same period in 2006 due to increased tax benefits derived from income from bank-owned life insurance.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

General.  Net income increased by $10.4 million, or 887.8%, to $11.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase was primarily the result of the $19.0 million gain ($10.7 million net of income taxes) from the disposition in June 2007 of the Bank’s branch office building located at 1353-55 First Avenue.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income increased by $397,000, or 4.9%, to $8.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $8.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase in net interest income resulted primarily from the increased average balance of net interest-earning assets of $32.1 million due primarily to increased loan originations, offset by a 63 basis point decrease in our net interest rate spread to 3.19% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 3.82% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The net interest margin decreased 19 basis points to 4.12% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 4.31% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The decrease in the interest rate spread and net interest margin in the current nine-month period over the same period in 2006 was due to the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities increasing to a greater degree than the increase in the yield earned on our interest-earning assets.  The cost of our interest-bearing liabilities increased by 74 basis points to 2.92% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 2.18% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, whereas the yield on our interest-earning assets increased by 11 basis points to 6.11% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 6.00% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  Net interest income increased despite decreases in both interest rate spread and net interest margin due to the increase in average net interest-earning assets.




The following table summarizes average balances and average yields and costs of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
and
Dividends
   
Yield/
Cost
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
and
Dividends
   
Yield/
Cost
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Assets:
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
   Loans
  $
220,517
    $
10,506
      6.35 %   $
200,482
    $
9,588
      6.38 %
   Securities
   
18,857
     
708
     
5.01
     
15,625
     
543
     
4.63
 
   Other interest-earning assets
   
36,782
     
1,443
     
5.23
     
35,916
     
1,209
     
4.49
 
     Total interest-earning assets
   
276,156
     
12,657
     
6.11
     
252,023
     
11,340
     
6.00
 
Allowance for loan losses
    (1,314 )                     (1,200 )                
Noninterest-earning assets
   
23,052
                     
14,954
                 
      Total assets
  $
297,894
                    $
265,777
                 
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
   Interest-bearing demand
  $
20,414
    $
78
      0.51 %   $
26,797
    $
86
      0.43 %
   Savings and club accounts
   
59,276
     
311
     
0.70
     
68,526
     
359
     
0.70
 
   Certificates of deposit
   
107,687
     
3,713
     
4.60
     
100,487
     
2,755
     
3.66
 
      Total interest-bearing deposits
   
187,377
     
4,102
     
2.92
     
195,810
     
3,200
     
2.18
 
                                                 
   FHLB advances
   
469
     
18
     
5.12
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
      Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
187,846
     
4,120
     
2.92
     
195,810
     
3,200
     
2.18
 
                                                 
Noninterest-bearing demand
   
1,826
                     
6,242
                 
Other liabilities
   
7,213
                     
3,258
                 
      Total liabilities
   
196,885
                     
205,310
                 
                                                 
Stockholders’ equity
   
101,009
                     
60,467
                 
      Total liabilities and Stockholders’
        equity
  $
297,894
                    $
265,777
                 
Net interest income
        $
8,537
                $
8,140
       
Interest rate spread
                  3.19 %                   3.82 %
Net interest margin
                  4.12 %                   4.31 %
Net interest-earning assets
  $
88,310
                    $
56,213
                 
Average interest-earning assets to
   average interest-bearing liabilities
    147.01 %                     128.71 %                

Total interest income increased by $1.4 million, or 11.6%, to $12.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $11.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  Interest income on loans increased by $918,000, or 9.6%, to $10.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The average balance of the loan portfolio increased by $20.0 million to $220.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $200.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The average yield on loans decreased by 3 basis points to 6.35% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 6.38% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

 Interest income on securities increased by $165,000, or 30.4%, to $708,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $543,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase was primarily due to an increase of $3.2 million in the average balance of securities to $18.9 million in the 2007 period from $15.6


million in the 2006 period and an increase in average yield on securities of 38 basis points to 5.01% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 4.63% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
 
Interest on other interest-earning assets increased $234,000, or 19.4%, to $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase was primarily the result of a 74 basis point increase in the yield on such assets to 5.23% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 4.49% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and an increase of $866,000 in the average balance of other interest-earning assets to $36.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $35.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Interest expense from deposits increased $902,000, or 28.2%, to $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase was due to generally higher deposit rates, a shift of $7.2 million of average deposits from lower interest rate passbook savings into higher interest rate certificates of deposit, and an effort by the Bank to increase deposits through the offering of competitive interest rates in a nationwide certificates of deposit listing service.  This had the effect of raising the average interest cost by 74 basis points to 2.92% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 2.18% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  During this period, the cost of certificates of deposit increased 94 basis points to 4.60% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 3.66% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Interest expense on our non-certificate deposit products decreased by $56,000, or 12.6%, due to a $15.6 million, or 16.4% decrease in average balance, offset by an increase in the rate of interest paid on these deposits of 3 basis points to 0.65% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 0.62% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The higher average balance of non-certificate deposit products for the 2006 period is primarily due to stock subscription funds held by the Bank in connection with the Company’s initial stock offering prior to July 5, 2006, and a shift of deposits from lower interest rate passbook savings into higher interest rate certificates of deposit.

Interest expense from Federal Home Loan Bank advances was $18,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 due to borrowings of $4.0 million that occurred on June 29, 2007 and that were subsequently paid-off on July 31, 2007.  The Bank had no borrowings during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Provision for Loan Losses.  The allowance for loan losses increased by $289,000 to $1.489 million at September 30, 2007 from $1.2 million at December 31, 2006.  The increase was due to a provision for loan losses of $338,000 partially offset by a charge-off of $49,000 on a multi-family mortgage loan that was subsequently foreclosed and sold as a real estate owned during the three months ended September 30, 2007.  The allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2007 represented 0.58% of total loans, compared to 0.61% as of September 30, 2006.

There were no recoveries during the nine months ended September 30, 2007, and there were no recoveries, charge-offs or provisions for loan losses during the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

The Company has not originated or purchased any Sub-prime loans.





The following table provides information with respect to our non-performing assets at the dates indicated.

   
At
September 30, 2007
   
At
December 31, 2006
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Non-accrual loans
  $
1,866
    $
-
 
Loans 90 days or more delinquent and accruing
   
408
     
2
 
Other non-performing loans
   
-
     
-
 
         Total non-performing loans
   
2,274
     
2
 
                 
Troubled debt restructurings
   
-
     
-
 
                 
Troubled debt restructurings and
   total non-performing assets
  $
2,274
    $
2
 
                 
Total non-performing loans to total loans
    0.88 %     0.00 %
Total non-performing loans to total assets
    0.72 %     0.00 %
Total non-performing assets and troubled
   debt restructurings to total assets
    0.72 %     0.00 %


At September 30, 2007, we had two non-residential mortgage loans totaling $1.2 million that were classified as substandard and that are non-accruing.  We are in the process of foreclosing on these two properties.

We also had a multi-family mortgage loan totaling $666,000 that was classified as substandard and non-accruing.  Although the borrower is marketing the property for sale, the Bank is continuing the foreclosure process. Ultimately, we do not anticipate a loss on the disposition of this loan.

At September 30, 2007, we had one multi-family mortgage loan totaling $408,000 that was more than 90 days delinquent and still accruing.  We did not adversely classify this loan as the building is now master-leased to a city housing agency and supports a strong debt service ratio and a low loan-to-value.

Non-interest Income.  Non-interest income increased $19.1 million, or 4,648.9%, to $19.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $411,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase was primarily the result of the $19.0 million gain from the disposition of the Bank’s branch office building located at 1353-55 First Avenue.  In addition, income from bank-owned life insurance, which was purchased in July 2006, increased by $207,000, or 333.9%, to $269,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $62,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

Non-interest Expense.  Non-interest expense increased $861,000, or 13.2%, to $7.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase resulted primarily from increases of $317,000 in other non-interest expense, $416,000 in salaries and employee benefits, $51,000 in net occupancy expense, $46,000 in equipment expense, and $45,000 in outside data processing, partially offset by a decrease of $14,000 in advertising.

Other non-interest expense increased by $317,000, or 22.4%, to $1.7 million in 2007 from $1.4 million in 2006 due to additional expenses associated with being a public company.  


The increase in salaries and employee benefits of $416,000, or 11.9%, to $3.9 million in 2007 from $3.5 million in 2006 was due to a $161,000 mid-year goal attainment payment made to employees, a $140,000 severance payment made to a long-time officer, an increase of $22,000 in ESOP expense, and an increase in the number of full time equivalent employees to 76 at September 30, 2007 from 74 at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2006.

Net occupancy expense increased $51,000, or 6.7%, to $815,000 in 2007 from $764,000 in 2006 due to expenses related to the relocation of our 1353-55 First Avenue office.  Equipment expense increased by $46,000, or 14.3%, to $368,000 in 2007 from $322,000 in 2006 due to the purchase and/or upgrade of various equipment and computer software.  Outside data processing increased by $45,000, or 10.4%, to $478,000 in 2007 from $433,000 in 2006 due to an increase in the processing cost of our ATM network.  Advertising expense decreased $14,000 due to an effort to contain cost.

Income Taxes.  Income tax expense increased by $7.9 million, or 897.7%, to $8.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from $881,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.  The increase resulted primarily from the $18.3 million increase in pre-tax income in 2007 compared to 2006.  The effective tax rate was 43.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to 42.9% for the same period in 2006.

Liquidity Management.  Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future financial obligations of a short-term nature.  Our primary sources of funds consist of deposit inflows, loan repayments, maturities and sales of securities, and borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York.  While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition.

We regularly adjust our investments in liquid assets based upon our assessment of: (1) expected loan demands; (2) expected deposit flows; (3) yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities; and (4) the objectives of our asset/liability management policy.

Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents. The levels of these assets depend on our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period.  At September 30, 2007, cash and cash equivalents totaled $35.2 million and consisted primarily of deposits at other financial institutions and miscellaneous cash items.  Securities classified as available for sale and whose market value exceeds our cost provide an additional source of liquidity.  Total securities classified as available for sale were $350,000 at September 30, 2007.

At September 30, 2007, we had $28.4 million in loan commitments outstanding, consisting of $23.4 million of real estate loan commitments, $3.0 million in unused real estate equity lines of credit, $1.0 million in unused loans in process, $ 790,000 in unused commercial business lines of credit, and $198,000 in consumer lines of credit.

Certificates of deposit due within one year of September 30, 2007 totaled $76.4 million.  This represented 63.3% of certificates of deposit at September 30, 2007.  We believe the large percentage of certificates of deposit that mature within one year reflects the hesitancy of our customers to invest their funds for long periods of time in the current uncertain interest rate environment.  If these maturing deposits do not remain with us, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including other certificates of deposit and borrowings.  Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on the certificates of deposit due on or before September 30, 2008.  Based on past experience, we believe a significant portion of our certificates of deposit will remain with us.  We have the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates we offer.

Our primary investing activities are the origination of loans and the purchase of securities.  Our primary financing activities consist of activity in deposit accounts and Federal Home Loan Bank advances.  At September 30, 2007, we had the ability to borrow $11.2 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, which included two available overnight lines of credit of $5.6 million each.  At September 30, 2007, we had no overnight advances outstanding.

Capital Management. The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Office of Thrift Supervision, including a risk-based capital measure. The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning balance sheet assets


and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories.  At September 30, 2007, the Bank exceeded all of its regulatory capital requirements. The Bank is considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.  In the normal course of operations, we engage in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, are not recorded in our financial statements.  These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk.  Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments, letters of credit and lines of credit.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended December 31, 2006, we engaged in no off-balance sheet transactions reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
Qualitative Aspects of Market Risk.  The Company’s most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk.  We manage the interest rate sensitivity of our interest-bearing liabilities and interest-earning assets in an effort to minimize the adverse effects of changes in the interest rate environment.  Deposit accounts typically react more quickly to changes in market interest rates than mortgage loans because of the shorter maturities of deposits.  As a result, sharp increases in interest rates may decrease our earnings while decreases in interest rates may increase our earnings.  To reduce the potential volatility of our earnings, we have sought to improve the match between asset and liability maturities and rates, while maintaining an acceptable interest rate spread.  Our strategy for managing interest rate risk emphasizes:  originating mortgage real estate loans that reprice to market interest rates in three to five years; purchasing securities that typically reprice within a three year time frame to limit exposure to market fluctuations; and, where appropriate, offering higher rates on long term certificates of deposit to lengthen the repricing time frame of our liabilities.  We currently do not participate in hedging programs, interest rate swaps or other activities involving the use of derivative financial instruments.
 
We have an Asset/Liability Committee, comprised of our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief mortgage officer, chief retail banking officer, and treasurer, whose function is to communicate, coordinate and control all aspects involving asset/liability management.  The committee establishes and monitors the volume, maturities, pricing and mix of assets and funding sources with the objective of managing assets and funding sources to provide results that are consistent with liquidity, growth, risk limits and profitability goals.  Our goal is to manage asset and liability positions to moderate the effects of interest rate fluctuations on net interest income and net income.
 
Quantitative Aspects of Market Risk.  We use an interest rate sensitivity analysis prepared by the Office of Thrift Supervision to review our level of interest rate risk.  This analysis measures interest rate risk by computing changes in net portfolio value of our cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items in the event of a range of assumed changes in market interest rates.  Net portfolio value represents the market value of portfolio equity and is equal to the market value of assets minus the market value of liabilities, with adjustments made for off-balance sheet items.  These analyses assess the risk of loss in market risk-sensitive instruments in the event of a sudden and sustained 50 to 300 basis point increase or 50 to 200 basis point decrease in market interest rates with no effect given to any steps that we might take to counter the effect of that interest rate movement.  Because of the low level of market interest rates, these analyses are not performed for decreases of more than 200 basis points.





The following table presents the change in our net portfolio value at June 30, 2007, the most current date for which this analysis is presently available, that would occur in the event of an immediate change in interest rates based on Office of Thrift Supervision assumptions, with no effect given to any steps that we might take to counteract that change.  The Bank expects that its net portfolio value at September 30, 2007 is materially consistent with the table below.

    
Net Portfolio Value
(Dollars in thousands) 
 
Net Portfolio Value as % of
Portfolio Value of Assets 
Basic Point (“bp”)
Change in Rates 
 
Amount 
 
Change 
 
% Change 
 
NPV Ratio 
 
Change (bp) 
                                 
 
300
   
$
80,806
    $ (5,172 )     (6 )%    
27.93
      (78 )
 
200
     
82,558
      (3,420 )     (4 )%    
28.21
      (50 )
 
100
     
84,280
      (1,698 )     (2 )%    
28.47
      (24 )
 
50
     
85,133
      (845 )     (1 )%    
28.59
      (12 )
 
0
     
85,978
     
-
     
-
     
28.71
     
-
 
  (50 )    
86,813
     
836
      1 %    
28.82
     
11
 
  (100 )    
87,532
     
1,554
      2 %    
28.89
     
19
 
  (200 )    
88,732
     
2,755
      3 %    
28.98
     
27
 

The Office of Thrift Supervision uses various assumptions in assessing interest rate risk.  These assumptions relate to interest rates, loan prepayment rates, deposit decay rates and the market values of certain assets under differing interest rate scenarios, among others.  As with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain shortcomings are inherent in the methods of analyses presented in the foregoing tables.  For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates.  Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates.  Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgage loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset.  Further, in the event of a change in interest rates, expected rates of prepayments on loans and early withdrawals from certificates could deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table.  Prepayment rates can have a significant impact on interest income.  Because of the large percentage of loans we hold, rising or falling interest rates have a significant impact on the prepayment speeds of our earning assets that in turn affect the rate sensitivity position.  When interest rates rise, prepayments tend to slow.  When interest rates fall, prepayments tend to rise.  Our asset sensitivity would be reduced if prepayments slow and vice versa.  While we believe these assumptions to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that assumed prepayment rates will approximate actual future loan repayment activity.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

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




There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in connection with the quarterly evaluation that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Item 4T.
Controls and Procedures

Not applicable


PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we may be party to various legal proceedings incident to our business.  At September 30, 2007, we were not a party to any pending legal proceedings that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


Item 1A.                Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.  The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks that we face.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.


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

Not applicable


Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable


Item 4.
Submission Of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Not applicable


Item 5.
Other Information

None





Item 6.
Exhibits

 
CEO certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 
CFO certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002

 
CEO and CFO certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002







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.


 
Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.
     
     
     
     
Date:  November 14, 2007
By:
/s/ Kenneth A. Martinek
   
Kenneth A. Martinek
   
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
     
     
     
     
     
Date:  November 14, 2007
By:
/s/ Salvatore Randazzo
   
Salvatore Randazzo
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
22