UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

OR

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

For the transition period from _________________________ to _________________________

Commission File Number: 0-51852

NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

UNITED STATES

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

06-1786701

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

   

325 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, New York

(Address of principal executive offices)

10601

(Zip Code)

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

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

Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share Nasdaq Global Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

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

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 ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No ¨

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

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

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

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2013 was approximately $30.1 million.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of March 14, 2014 was 12,462,052.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

 
 

INDEX

 

Part I
    Page
     
Item 1. Business 1
Item 1A. Risk Factors 21
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 27
Item 2. Properties 28
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 29
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 29
     
Part II
     
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 30
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 31
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 33
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 62
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 62
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 62
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 62
Item 9B. Other Information 62
     
Part III
     
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 63
Item 11. Executive Compensation 63
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters  63
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence  64
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services  64
     
Part IV
     
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules  65
     
SIGNATURES  

 

i
Index

This report contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are not historical facts; rather, they are statements based on Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.’s current expectations regarding its business strategies, intended results and future performance. Forward-looking statements are preceded by terms such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends” and similar expressions.

 

Management’s ability to predict results or the effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could affect actual results include interest rate trends, the general economic climate in the market area in which Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. operates, as well as nationwide, Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.’s ability to control costs and expenses, competitive products and pricing, loan delinquency rates, demand for loans and deposits, changes in quality or composition of our loan portfolio and changes in federal and state legislation and regulation. For further discussion of factors that may affect our results, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Form 10-K”). These factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 

PART I

 

Item 1. BUSINESS

 

General

 

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. (“Northeast Community Bancorp” or the “Company”) is a federally chartered stock holding company established on July 5, 2006 to be the holding company for Northeast Community Bank (the “Bank”). Northeast Community Bancorp’s business activity is the ownership of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank. Northeast Community Bancorp does not own or lease any property but instead uses the premises, equipment and other property of the Bank with the payment of appropriate rental fees, as required by applicable law and regulations, under the terms of an expense allocation agreement.

 

Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC (the “MHC”) is the Company’s federally chartered mutual holding company parent. As a mutual holding company, the MHC is a non-stock company that has as its members the depositors of Northeast Community Bank. The MHC does not engage in any business activity other than owning a majority of the common stock of Northeast Community Bancorp. So long as we remain in the mutual holding company form of organization, the MHC will own a majority of the outstanding shares of Northeast Community Bancorp.

 

Northeast Community Bank was originally chartered in 1934 as a federal savings association. In 2006, Northeast Community Bank changed its name from “Fourth Federal Savings Bank” to “Northeast Community Bank.” The Bank completed its conversion from a federally-chartered savings bank to a New York State-chartered savings bank effective as of the close of business on June 29, 2012.

 

We operate as a community-oriented financial institution offering traditional financial services to consumers and businesses in our market area and our lending territory. We attract deposits from the general public and use those funds to originate multi-family residential and mixed-use real estate and non-residential loans, which we hold for investment. We have been originating multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential real estate loans for over 75 years. In 2007, we established a new commercial and industrial loan department and have increased this portfolio from no commercial and industrial loans at March 31, 2007 to $51.6 million in commercial and industrial lines of credit committed with $21.6 million drawn and $9.8 million in commercial and industrial term loans at December 31, 2013. We on occasion originate owner occupied one- to four-family residential mortgage loans as investment vehicles as an accommodation to develop and/or maintain relationships with our deposit and certain of our multi-family, mixed-use, non-residential, and commercial and industrial loan customers. We offer investment advisory and financial planning services under the name Hayden Wealth Management Group, a division of the Bank, through a networking arrangement with a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor.

 

1
Index

Available Information

 

Our website address is www.necommunitybank.com. Information on our website should not be considered a part of this Form 10-K.

 

Market Area

 

We are headquartered in White Plains, New York, which is located in Westchester County and we operate through our main and annex offices in White Plains, our four full-service branch offices in the New York City boroughs of Manhattan (New York County) and Bronx (Bronx County), our four full-service branches in Danvers (Essex County), Plymouth (Plymouth County), Framingham (Middlesex County) and Quincy (Norfolk County), Massachusetts and our loan production offices in Massachusetts and New York. We generate deposits through our main office and eight branch offices. We conduct lending activities throughout the Northeastern United States, including New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.

 

Our primary market area includes a population base with a broad cross section of wealth, employment and ethnicity. We operate in markets that generally have experienced relatively slow demographic growth, a characteristic typical of mature urban markets located throughout the Northeast region. New York County is a relatively affluent market, reflecting the influence of Wall Street along with the presence of a broad spectrum of Fortune 500 companies. Comparatively, Bronx County is home to a broad socioeconomic spectrum, with a significant portion of the respective populations employed in relatively low and moderate wage blue collar jobs. Westchester and neighboring counties are affluent markets, serving as desired suburban locations for commuting into New York City and White Plains as well as reflecting growth of higher paying jobs in the counties.

 

The counties in which the Danvers, Plymouth, Framingham, and Quincy offices currently operate include a mixture of rural, suburban and urban markets. The economies of these areas were historically based on manufacturing, but, similar to many areas of the country, the underpinnings of these economies are now more service oriented, with employment spread across many economic sectors including service, finance, health-care, technology, real estate and government.

 

While each of the states in our lending area has different economic characteristics, our customer base in these states tends to be similar to our customer base in New York and is comprised mostly of owners of low to moderate income apartment buildings or non-residential real estate in low to moderate income areas. Outside the State of New York, our largest concentration of real estate loans is in Massachusetts.

 

Competition

 

We face significant competition for the attraction of deposits. The New York and Boston metropolitan areas have a significant concentration of financial institutions, including large money center and regional banks, community banks and credit unions. Over the past 10 years, consolidation of the banking industry in the New York and Boston metropolitan areas has continued, resulting in larger and increasingly efficient competitors. We also face competition for depositors’ funds from money market funds, mutual funds and other corporate and government securities. At June 30, 2013, which is the most recent date for which data is available from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, we held less than 1.00% of the deposits in each of the counties in New York and Massachusetts in which our offices are located.

 

We also face significant competition for the origination of loans. Our competition for loans comes primarily from financial institutions in our lending territory, and, to a lesser extent, from other financial service providers such as insurance companies, hedge funds and mortgage companies. As our lending territory is based around densely populated areas surrounding urban centers, we face significant competition from regional banks, savings banks and commercial banks in the New York and Boston metropolitan areas as well as in the other states that we designate as our lending territory. The competition for loans that we encounter, as well as the types of institutions with which we compete, varies from time to time depending upon certain factors, including the general availability of lendable funds and credit, general and local economic conditions, current interest rate levels, volatility in the mortgage markets and other factors which are not readily predictable.

 

2
Index

We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. Technological advances, for example, have lowered the barriers to market entry, allowed banks and other lenders to expand their geographic reach by providing services over the Internet and made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer products and services that traditionally have been provided by banks. Competition for deposits and the origination of loans could limit our future growth.

 

Lending Activities

 

General. We originate loans primarily for investment purposes. The largest segment of our loan portfolio is multi-family residential real estate loans. We also originate mixed-use real estate loans and non-residential loans and in 2007 we began originating commercial and industrial loans. To a limited degree, we make consumer loans. We on occasion originate non-owner occupied one- to four-family residential mortgage loans as investment vehicles as an accommodation to develop and/or maintain relationships with our deposit and certain of our multi-family, mixed-use, non-residential, and commercial and industrial loan customers. We consider our lending territory to be the Northeastern United States, including New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire.

 

Due to market conditions in 2009, we discontinued purchasing participation interests in construction loans. In 2012, we commenced originating construction loans secured by multi-family, mixed-use, and non-residential properties.

 

Multi-family and Mixed-use Real Estate Loans. We offer adjustable rate mortgage loans secured by multi-family and mixed-use real estate. These loans are comprised primarily of loans on moderate income apartment buildings located in our lending territory and include, loans on cooperative apartment buildings (in the New York area), and loans for Section 8 multi-family housing. In New York, most of the apartment buildings that we lend on are rent-stabilized. Mixed-use real estate loans are secured by properties that are intended for both residential and business use. Until 2004, our policy had been to originate multi-family and mixed-use real estate loans primarily in the New York metropolitan area. In January 2004, we opened our first location outside of New York and now originate multi-family and mixed-use real estate loans in several northeastern states.

 

We originate a variety of adjustable-rate and balloon multi-family and mixed-use real estate loans. The adjustable-rate loans have fixed rates for a period of up to five years and then adjust every one, two, three or five years thereafter, based on the terms of the loan. Maturities on these loans can be up to 15 years, and typically they amortize over a 20 to 30-year period. Interest rates on our adjustable-rate loans are adjusted to a rate that equals the applicable one-, two-, three- or five-year Federal Home Loan Bank of New York or Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advance rate plus a margin. The balloon loans have a maximum maturity of five years. The lifetime interest rate cap is five percentage points over the initial interest rate of the loan (four percentage points for loans with one-, two- and three-year terms). Due to the nature of our borrowers and our lending niche, the typical multi-family or mixed-use real estate loan refinances within the first five-year period and, in doing so, generates prepayment penalties ranging from five points to one point of the outstanding loan balance. Under our loan-refinancing program, borrowers who are current under the terms and conditions of their contractual obligations can apply to refinance their existing loans to the rates and terms then offered on new loans after the payment of their contractual prepayment penalties. These refinances are not considered troubled debt restructures.

 

In making multi-family and mixed-use real estate loans, we primarily consider the net operating income generated by the real estate to support the debt service, the financial resources, income level and managerial expertise of the borrower, the marketability of the property and our lending experience with the borrower. We typically require a personal guarantee of the borrower. We rate the property underlying the loan as Class A, B or C. Our current policy is to require a minimum debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of earnings after subtracting all operating expenses to debt service payments) of 1.25x depending on the rating of the underlying property. On multi-family and mixed-use real estate loans, our current policy is to finance up to 75% of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price of the property securing the loan on purchases and refinances of Class A and B properties and up to 65% of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price for properties that are rated Class C. Properties securing multi-family and mixed-use real estate loans are appraised by independent appraisers, inspected by us and generally require Phase 1 environmental surveys.

 

3
Index

We have been originating multi-family and mixed-use real estate loans in the New York market area for 80 years. In the New York market area, our ability to continue to grow our portfolio is dependent on the continuation of our relationships with mortgage brokers, as the multi-family and mixed-use real estate loan market is primarily broker driven. We have longstanding relationships with mortgage brokers in the New York market area, who are familiar with our lending practices and our underwriting standards. We also deal directly with building owners throughout our lending territory.

 

In the Massachusetts market area, the primary source of mortgage loan originations are from personal contacts by our loan officers, referrals from existing customers and advertising. We generally retain for our portfolio all of the loans that we originate in the Massachusetts market area.

 

The majority of the multi-family real estate loans in our portfolio are secured by twenty unit to one hundred unit apartment buildings. At December 31, 2013, the majority of our mixed-use real estate loans are secured by properties that are at least 75% residential, but contain some non-residential space.

 

On December 31, 2013, the largest outstanding multi-family real estate loan had a balance of $8.6 million and was performing according to its terms at December 31, 2013. This loan is secured by a 216 unit apartment complex located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The largest mixed-use real estate loan had a balance of $3.0 million and was performing according to its terms at December 31, 2013. This loan is secured by a mixed-use building with 7 apartment units and 1 commercial unit located in New York, New York. As of December 31, 2013, the average loan balance in our multi-family and mixed-use portfolio was approximately $684,000.

 

Non-residential Real Estate Loans. Our non-residential real estate loans are generally secured by office buildings, medical facilities and retail shopping centers that are primarily located within our lending territory.

 

Our non-residential real estate loans are structured in a manner similar to our multi-family and mixed-use real estate loans, typically at a fixed rate of interest for three to five years and then a rate that adjusts every three to five years over the term of the loan, which is typically 15 years. Interest rates and payments on these loans generally are based on the one-, two-, three- or five-year Federal Home Loan Bank of New York or Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advance rate plus a margin. The lifetime interest rate cap is five percentage points over the initial interest rate of the loan (four percentage points for loans with one-, two- and three-year terms). Loans are secured by first mortgages that generally do not exceed 75% of the property’s appraised value. Properties securing non-residential real estate loans are appraised by independent appraisers and inspected by us.

 

We also charge prepayment penalties, with five points of the outstanding loan balance generally being charged on loans that refinance in the first year of the mortgage, scaling down to one point on loans that refinance in year five. These loans are typically repaid or the term extended before maturity, in which case a new rate is negotiated to meet market conditions and an extension of the loan is executed for a new term with a new amortization schedule. Our non-residential real estate loans tend to refinance within the first five-year period.

 

Our assessment of credit risk and our underwriting standards and procedures for non-residential real estate loans are similar to those applicable to our multi-family and mixed-use real estate loans. In reaching a decision on whether to make a non-residential real estate loan, we consider the net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise, credit history and profitability and the value of the underlying property. In addition, with respect to rental properties, we will also consider the term of the lease and the credit quality of the tenants. We have generally required that the properties securing non-residential real estate loans have debt service coverage ratios (the ratio of earnings after subtracting all operating expenses to debt service payments) of at least 1.25x. Phase 1 environmental surveys and property inspections are required for all loans.

 

At December 31, 2013, we had $82.0 million in non-residential real estate loans outstanding, or 22.1% of total loans. At December 31, 2013, the largest outstanding non-residential real estate loan had an outstanding balance of $3.8 million. This loan is secured by an office building located in Syracuse, New York, and was performing according to its terms at December 31, 2013. At December 31, 2013, the largest outstanding non-residential real estate loan relationship with one borrower was comprised of the aforementioned loan and four other loans totaling $8.4 million secured by five office buildings located in the Syracuse, New York area. These five loans were performing according to their terms at December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, the average balance of loans in our non-residential loan portfolio was $882,000.

 

4
Index

Equity Lines of Credit on Real Estate Loans. Northeast Community Bank offers equity lines of credit on multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential real estate properties on which it holds the first mortgage.

 

For existing borrowers only, we offer an equity line of credit program secured by a second mortgage on the borrower’s multi-family and mixed-use property. All lines of credit are underwritten separately from the first mortgage and support debt service ratios and loan-to-value ratios that when combined with the first mortgage meet or exceed our current underwriting standards for multi-family and mixed-use real estate loans. Borrowers typically hold these lines in reserve and use them for ongoing property improvements or to purchase additional properties when the opportunity arises.

 

Our equity lines of credit are typically interest only for the first five years and then the remaining term of the line of credit is tied to the remaining term on the first mortgage on the multi-family or mixed-use property. After the first five years, a payment of both principal and interest is required. Interest rates and payments on our equity lines of credit are indexed to the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal and adjusted as the prime rate changes. Interest rate adjustments on equity lines of credit are limited to a specified maximum percentage over the initial interest rate.

 

Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Loans. Continuing our plan to diversify our portfolio, both geographically and by product type, we established a commercial and industrial lending department in March 2007. Interest rates and payments on our commercial and industrial loans are typically indexed to the prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal and adjusted as the prime rate changes. Our commercial and industrial loan portfolio increased from $35.9 million in commercial and industrial lines of credit committed with $18.0 million drawn and $5.7 million in commercial and industrial term loans at December 31, 2011 to $51.6 million in commercial and industrial lines of credit committed with $21.6 million drawn and $9.8 million in commercial and industrial term loans at December 31, 2013.

 

At December 31, 2013, the largest commercial and industrial line of credit was a line of credit totaling $7.0 million, with no outstanding balance. This loan is secured by the assets of a construction business.

 

At December 31, 2013, the largest outstanding commercial and industrial loan and the largest outstanding commercial and industrial line of credit relationship with one borrower was comprised of two lines of credit totaling $8.5 million, with outstanding balances totaling $6.5 million and remaining available lines of credit totaling $2.0 million. One of the lines of credit totaling $5.5 million, with a $4.2 million outstanding balance and a remaining available line of $1.3 million, is the Company’s largest outstanding commercial and industrial line of credit. The two lines of credit serve as a warehousing line of credit for an originator of Small Business Administration guaranteed loans located in New York City and are secured by these Small Business Administration loans.

 

All the aforementioned commercial and industrial loans were performing according to their terms at December 31, 2013.

 

Construction Loans. Construction loans are typically for twelve to twenty-four month terms, pay interest only during that period, and are indexed to the prime rate plus a margin. All construction loans are underwritten as if they will be rental properties and must meet our normal debt service and loan to value ratio requirements on an as completed basis, even though most construction loans have end financing already in place.

 

At December 31, 2013, we had three construction loan participations that we purchased in August 2007 that subsequently converted into permanent loans in 2012 with an aggregate outstanding balance of $5.9 million at December 31, 2013. This balance represents our 25% participation ownership in the loans, which are secured by a hotel. As of December 31, 2013, these loans were current and performing in accordance with their modified terms.

 

In 2012, we entered the Massachusetts construction market by originating construction loans secured by the construction of multi-family and single family properties as an accommodation to maintain and/or develop relationships with our deposit and loan customers. In the same manner, during the latter part of 2013 we entered the New York construction market by originating construction loans secured by the construction of multi-family properties located in New York State.

 

5
Index

At December 31, 2013, our construction loan portfolio consisted of ten loans totaling $6.6 million, net of loans in process of $10.6 million and are comprised of six Massachusetts construction loans with an aggregate balance of $5.0 million, net of loans in process of $2.7 million, and four New York construction loans with an aggregate balance of $1.6 million, net of loans in process of $7.9 million. All ten construction loans were performing according to their terms at December 31, 2013.

 

The largest outstanding construction loan had a balance of $3.7 million, net of loans in process of $1.2 million, and was performing according to its terms at December 31, 2013. This loan is secured by the construction of a multi-family rental building located in Danvers, Massachusetts and will be paid-off upon completion of the construction through a conversion to a permanent loan with the Massachusetts Housing Authority.

 

Consumer Loans. We offer personal loans, loans secured by savings accounts or certificates of deposit (share loans), and overdraft protection for checking accounts which is linked to statement savings accounts and has the ability to transfer funds from the statement savings account to the checking account when needed to cover overdrafts. At December 31, 2013, our portfolio of consumer loans was $161,000, or 0.04% of total loans.

 

Loan Underwriting Risks

 

Adjustable-Rate Loans. While we anticipate that adjustable-rate loans will better offset the adverse effects of an increase in interest rates as compared to fixed-rate loans, the increased payments required of adjustable-rate loan borrowers in a rising interest rate environment could cause an increase in delinquencies and defaults. The marketability of the underlying property also may be adversely affected in a high interest rate environment. In addition, although adjustable-rate loans help make our loan portfolio more responsive to changes in interest rates, the extent of this interest sensitivity is limited by the lifetime interest rate adjustment limits.

 

Multi-family, Mixed-use and Non-residential Real Estate Loans. Loans secured by multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential real estate generally have larger balances and involve a greater degree of risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Of primary concern in multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential real estate lending is the current and potential cash flow of the property and the borrower’s demonstrated ability to operate that type of property. Payments on loans secured by income properties often depend on successful operation and management of the properties. As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject to a greater extent than residential real estate loans to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. To monitor cash flows on income producing properties, we require borrowers to provide annual financial statements for all multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential real estate loans.

 

In reaching a decision on whether to make a multi-family, mixed-use or non-residential real estate loan, we consider the net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise, credit history and profitability and the value of the underlying property. In addition, with respect to non-residential real estate properties, we also consider the term of the lease and the quality of the tenants. An appraisal of the real estate used as collateral for the real estate loan is also obtained as part of the underwriting process. We have generally required that the properties securing these real estate loans have debt service coverage ratios (the ratio of earnings after subtracting all operating expenses to debt service payments) of at least 1.25x. In underwriting these loans, we take into account projected increases in interest rates in determining whether a loan meets our debt service coverage ratios at the higher interest rate under the adjustable rate mortgage. Environmental surveys and property inspections are utilized for all loans.

 

Commercial and Industrial Loans. Unlike residential mortgage loans, which are generally made on the basis of a borrower’s ability to make repayment from the operation and cash flow from the real property whose value tends to be more ascertainable, commercial and industrial loans are of higher risk and tend to be made on the basis of a borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial and industrial loans may depend substantially on the success of the business itself. Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value.

 

6
Index

Construction Loans. In past years, we had purchased participation interests in loans to finance the construction of multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential buildings. Due to market conditions, we discontinued purchasing participation interests in construction loans in 2009. In 2012, we commenced originating construction loans secured by multi-family or non-residential properties as an accommodation to maintain and/or develop relationships with our deposit and loan customers.

 

Construction financing affords us the opportunity to achieve higher interest rates and fees with shorter terms to maturity than does residential mortgage loans. However, construction financing is generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk of loss than long-term financing on improved, occupied real estate due to (1) the increased difficulty at the time the loan is made of estimating the building costs and the selling price of the property to be built; (2) the increased difficulty and costs of monitoring the loan; (3) the higher degree of sensitivity to increases in market rates of interest; and (4) the increased difficulty of working out loan problems. We have sought to minimize this risk by limiting the amount of construction loans outstanding at any time and by spreading the loans among multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential projects. In connection with construction loans that convert to permanent loans with us, we underwrite these loans using the same underwriting standards as our multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential real estate loans. If we do not offer permanent financing to the borrower, we minimize risks by requiring the borrower to obtain permanent financing from another financial institution.

 

Consumer Loans. Because the only consumer loans we offer are personal loans, loans secured by passbook savings accounts, certificates of deposit accounts or statement savings accounts, and overdraft protection for checking accounts, we do not believe these loans represent a risk of loss to the Bank.

 

Mortgage and Construction Loan Originations and Participations. Originations of permanent multi-family, mixed-use, and non-residential mortgage loans come from a number of sources. In the New York Region, the primary sources are from brokers and existing borrowers. Construction loans are primarily from personal contact by Bank personnel with local builders. All loans are underwritten and approved by us utilizing our underwriting policies and standards. We generally retain for our portfolio all of the loans that we originate in the New York Region.

 

In the Massachusetts market area, the primary source of mortgage loan originations are from personal contacts by our loan officers, referrals from existing customers and advertising. We generally retain for our portfolio all of the loans that we originate in the Massachusetts market area.

 

During 2013, we continued our policy of not purchasing participation interests in loans to finance the construction of multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential properties.

 

Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Loan Originations. We originate commercial and industrial loans from contacts made by our commercial loan officers in New York and Massachusetts. Our commercial and industrial lending department does not utilize the services of loan brokers.

 

The Bank will consider granting credit to commercial and industrial businesses located within our lending area, which is defined as the Northeastern United States. The Bank will consider the credit needs of businesses located in our lending area if we can effectively service the credit and if the customer has a strong financial position.

 

We will consider loans to small businesses with revenues normally not to exceed $30.0 million. The small business may be one that manufactures wholesale or retail products and/or services. Generally, we will consider loans to small businesses such as: retail sales and services, such as grocery, restaurants, clothing, furniture, appliances, hardware, automotive parts, automobiles and trucks; wholesale businesses, such as automotive parts and industrial parts and equipment; manufacturing businesses, such as tool and die shops and commercial manufacturers and contractors with strong financials and well-known principals, attorneys, accountants, and medical and dental groups.

 

Mortgage and Construction Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. Our lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory, underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by our board of directors and management. Prior to December 2012, the board granted the “Loan Committee” (which is comprised of the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, and chief lending officer) with loan approval authority for mortgage loans up to $2.0 million. Mortgage loans in amounts greater than $2.0 million were approved by the Loan Committee and a majority of the non-employee directors. At each monthly meeting of the board of directors, the board ratifies all commitments issued, regardless of size.

 

7
Index

In December 2012, the board of directors approved a revision to the approval process by granting the Loan Committee approval authority for mortgage loans up to the Bank’s legal limit for loans to one borrower. Approved loans must then be reported to the board of directors at each monthly board meeting.

 

Commercial and Industrial Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. Our commercial and industrial lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory, underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by our board of directors and management. The Loan Committee has approval authority for commercial and industrial loans up to the Bank’s legal limit for loans to one borrower. Approved loans must then be reported to the board of directors at each monthly board meeting.

 

Loan Commitments. We issue commitments for adjustable-rate loans conditioned upon the occurrence of certain events. Commitments to originate adjustable-rate loans are legally binding agreements to lend to our customers. Generally, our adjustable-rate loan commitments expire after 60 days.

 

Investment Activities

 

We have legal authority to invest in various types of liquid assets, including U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of various federal agencies and municipal governments, deposits at the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and certificates of deposit of federally insured institutions. Within certain regulatory limits, we also may invest a portion of our assets in mutual funds. While we have the authority under applicable law to invest in derivative securities, we had no investments in derivative securities at December 31, 2013.

 

At December 31, 2013, our interest-bearing deposits, securities, and short-term investments totaled $40.0 million and consisted primarily of $26.3 million in interest earning deposits with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, $6.9 million in mortgage-backed securities issued primarily by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae, $2.1 million in short-term certificates of deposits at other financial institutions, $1.6 million in collateralized mortgage obligations issued primarily by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae, $1.6 million in Federal Home Loan Bank of New York common stock, $1.1 million in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and $421,000 at a financial institution. At December 31, 2013, we had no investments in callable securities.

 

Our investment management policy is designed to provide adequate liquidity to meet any reasonable decline in deposits and any anticipated increase in the loan portfolio through conversion of secondary reserves to cash and to provide safety of principal and interest through investment in securities under limitations and restrictions prescribed in banking regulations. Consistent with liquidity and safety requirements, our policy is designed to generate a significant amount of stable income and to provide collateral for advances and repurchase agreements. The policy is also designed to serve as a counter-cyclical balance to earnings in that the investment portfolio will absorb funds when loan demand is low and will infuse funds when loan demand is high.

 

Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds

 

General. Deposits, borrowings and loan repayments are the major sources of our funds for lending and other investment purposes. Loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows and loan prepayments are significantly influenced by general interest rates and money market conditions.

 

Deposit Accounts. Except for certificates of deposit previously obtained through a nationwide listing service, as described below, substantially all of our depositors are residents of the States of New York and Massachusetts. We offer a variety of deposit accounts with a range of interest rates and terms. Our deposits principally consist of interest-bearing demand accounts (such as NOW and money market accounts), regular savings accounts, noninterest-bearing demand accounts (such as checking accounts) and certificates of deposit.

 

Although we did not utilize brokered deposits during 2012 and 2013, at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013, we had $981,000 and $980,000, respectively, in certificates of deposits that are fully-insured brokered deposits as defined in the FDIC call report instructions. These certificates of deposits were obtained from one of our retail depositors and then transferred into the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) Network in order to obtain full FDIC insurance coverage for our customer. These types of deposits are known in the CDARS Network as reciprocal deposits, which the Company considers as core deposits and not brokered deposits.

 

8
Index

At December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2013, we had $746,000 and $9.7 million, respectively, in certificate of deposits that we obtained through the posting of our certificate of deposits interest rates through a nationwide listing service. These certificates of deposits were obtained from financial institutions throughout the country and are not considered brokered deposits.

 

Deposit account terms vary according to the minimum balance required, the time periods the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate, among other factors. In determining the terms of our deposit accounts, we consider the rates offered by our competition, our liquidity needs, profitability to us, maturity matching deposit and loan products, and customer preferences and concerns. We generally review our deposit mix and pricing weekly. Our current strategy is to offer competitive rates and to be in the lower to middle of the market for rates on all types of deposit products.

 

Our deposits are typically obtained from customers residing in or working in the communities in which our branch offices are located, and we rely on our long-standing relationships with our customers and competitive interest rates to retain these deposits. In the future, as we open new branches in other states, we expect our deposits will also be obtained from those states. We may also, in the future, utilize our website to attract deposits.

 

Borrowings. We may utilize advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York to supplement our supply of investable funds. The Federal Home Loan Bank functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for its member financial institutions. As a member, we are required to own capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank and are authorized to apply for advances on the security of such stock and certain of our whole first mortgage loans and other assets (principally securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the United States), provided certain standards related to creditworthiness have been met. Advances are made under several different programs, each having its own interest rate and range of maturities. Depending on the program, limitations on the amount of advances are based either on a fixed percentage of a bank’s net worth or on the Federal Home Loan Bank’s assessment of the bank’s creditworthiness.

 

Mortgage Brokering Operations

 

In 2011, we initiated a program under which we acted as a residential mortgage loan broker for nationally recognized third-party mortgage originators. Under this program, our mortgage brokerage team marketed one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, collected loan applications and forwarded such documentation to the third-party mortgage originator who made all credit decisions and originated all loans.  We received an agreed upon fee from the third-party mortgage originator upon the closing of the loan. We marketed these services solely through our branch network in Massachusetts. In January 2013, we discontinued this program and laid off our mortgage brokerage staff.

 

Investment Advisory and Financial Planning Activities

 

Hayden Wealth Management Group, a division of the Bank, performs a wide range of financial planning and investment advisory services based on the needs of a diversified client base including, but not limited to: wealth management based on a clients’ time dimension, risk aversion/tolerance, value system and specific purposes of a portfolio; transition planning from one career to another, especially the transition to retirement; conducting risk assessment and management on issues related to various kinds of insurance covered contingencies; and providing assistance relating to the ultimate disposition of assets. In this capacity, Hayden Wealth Management Group coordinates with estate planning attorneys as needed. Investment advisory and financial planning services are offered through a networking arrangement with a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor.

 

9
Index

Personnel

 

As of December 31, 2013, we had 102 full-time employees and two part-time employees, none of whom are represented by a collective bargaining unit. We believe our relationship with our employees is good.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

On October 31, 2011 a complaint was filed by Stilwell Value Partners IV, L.P. in the Supreme Court of New York, New York County (the “Court”), against the Company, the MHC and each of the directors of the Company and the MHC. The complaint alleged that the directors had breached their fiduciary duties by not expanding the Company board to allow for disinterested consideration of a “second-step” conversion of the MHC. As relief, the complaint requested, among other things, that the Company’s board of directors be increased by at least three new members, that such new members be given sole responsibility to determine whether the Company should engage in a second-step conversion and that the Court order the Company to engage in a second-step conversion. A motion to dismiss the Complaint was filed on December 14, 2011. On September 27, 2012, the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss and dismissed the complaint granting Stilwell leave to file an amended complaint within 20 days. On December 14, 2012 Stilwell filed an amended complaint, alleging that the directors had breached their fiduciary duties by not voting to authorize a second step conversion or permitting disinterested consideration by new, independent board members of a second step conversion.  Stilwell asserted claims against the MHC, as majority shareholder of the Company, for breach of fiduciary duty and for aiding and abetting the directors’ alleged  breach of fiduciary duty. The Company filed a motion to dismiss on February 1, 2013.  Stilwell filed his opposition on March 8, 2013, and the Company filed its reply brief on March 29, 2013.  The Court held a hearing on the motion on June 12, 2013. On October 23, 2013, the Court denied the motion to dismiss, holding the Court could not say that Stilwell had not alleged a viable claim, and thus the Court allowed the lawsuit against the Company’s directors and the MHC to proceed.

 

The Company and Bank are also subject to claims and litigation that arise primarily in the ordinary course of business. Based on information presently available and advice received from legal counsel representing the Company and Bank in connection with such claims and litigation, it is the opinion of management that the disposition or ultimate determination of such claims and litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

 

Subsidiaries

 

Northeast Community Bancorp’s only subsidiary is Northeast Community Bank. The Bank has two wholly owned subsidiaries, New England Commercial Properties LLC, a New York limited liability company, and NECB Financial Services Group LLC, a New York limited liability company.

 

New England Commercial Properties was formed in October 2007 to facilitate the purchase or lease of real property by the Bank and to hold real estate owned acquired by the Bank through foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. As of December 31, 2013, New England Commercial Properties, LLC had no assets other than title to a foreclosed multi-family property located in Newark, New Jersey and a foreclosed office building located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

 

NECB Financial Services Group LLC was formed in April 2012 as a complement to the Bank’s existing investment advisory and financial planning services division, Hayden Wealth Management, to sell life insurance products and fixed-rate annuities. NECB Financial Services Group LLC has not conducted any business.

 

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

 

General

 

Northeast Community Bank, is a New York state-chartered savings bank and its deposit accounts are insured under the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”) up to applicable legal limits. The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the New York State Department of Financial Services (the “NYDFS”), as its chartering agency and by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), as its insurer of deposits. Northeast Community Bank must file reports with the NYDFS and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other financial institutions. There are periodic examinations by the NYDFS and, under certain circumstances, the FDIC to evaluate Northeast Community Bank’s safety and soundness and compliance with various regulatory requirements. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution can engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Any change in such policies, whether by the NYDFS, the FDIC or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on Northeast Community Bancorp, Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC and Northeast Community Bank and their operations.

 

10
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp and Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC, as savings and loan holding companies that have elected to be treated as financial holding companies, are required to file certain reports with, are subject to examination by, and otherwise must comply with the rules and regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”). Northeast Community Bancorp also is subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal securities laws.

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) made extensive changes to the regulation of financial institutions. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the Office of Thrift Supervision was eliminated and responsibility for the supervision and regulation of savings and loan holding companies like Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC and Northeast Community Bancorp was transferred to the Federal Reserve Board. Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as an independent bureau of the Federal Reserve Board. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau assumed responsibility for the implementation of the federal financial consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations and has authority to impose new requirements. However, institutions of less than $10 billion in assets, such as Northeast Community Bank, will continue to be examined for compliance with consumer protection and fair lending laws and regulations by, and be subject to the enforcement authority of, their prudential regulators. Many of the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act require the issuance of regulations before their impact on operations can be fully assessed by management. However, there is a significant possibility that the Dodd-Frank Act will, at a minimum, result in increased regulatory burden and compliance costs for Northeast Community Bank, Northeast Community Bancorp and Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC.

 

Certain of the regulatory requirements that are applicable to Northeast Community Bank, Northeast Community Bancorp and Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC are described below. This description of statutes and regulations is not intended to be a complete explanation of such statutes and regulations and their effects on Northeast Community Bank, Northeast Community Bancorp and Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual statutes and regulations.

 

Regulation of the Bank

 

New York State Law

 

The Bank derives its lending, investment, and other authority primarily from the applicable provisions of New York State Banking Law and the regulations of the NYDFS, as limited by FDIC regulations. Under these laws and regulations, banks, including the Bank, may invest in real estate mortgages, consumer and commercial loans, certain types of debt securities (including certain corporate debt securities, and obligations of federal, state, and local governments and agencies), certain types of corporate equity securities, and certain other assets. The lending powers of New York State-chartered savings banks are not subject to percentage-of-assets or capital limitations, although there are limits applicable to loans to individual borrowers.

 

The exercise by an FDIC-insured savings bank of the lending and investment powers under New York State Banking Law is limited by FDIC regulations and other federal laws and regulations. In particular, the applicable provisions of New York State Banking Law and regulations governing the investment authority and activities of an FDIC-insured state-chartered savings bank have been effectively limited by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) and the FDIC regulations issued pursuant thereto.

 

11
Index

With certain limited exceptions, a New York state-chartered savings bank may not make loans or extend credit for commercial, corporate, or business purposes (including lease financing) to a single borrower, the aggregate amount of which would be in excess of 15% of the bank’s net worth or up to 25% for loans secured by collateral having an ascertainable market value at least equal to the excess of such loans over the bank’s net worth. The Bank currently complies with all applicable loans-to-one-borrower limitations.

 

Under New York State Banking Law, New York state-chartered stock-form savings banks may declare and pay dividends out of their net profits, unless there is an impairment of capital, but approval of the NYDFS Superintendent (the “Superintendent”) is required if the total of all dividends declared by the bank in a calendar year would exceed the total of its net profits for that year combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two years less prior dividends paid.

 

New York State Banking Law gives the Superintendent authority to issue an order to a New York state-chartered banking institution to appear and explain an apparent violation of law, to discontinue unauthorized or unsafe practices, and to keep prescribed books and accounts. Upon a finding by the NYDFS that any director, trustee, or officer of any banking organization has violated any law, or has continued unauthorized or unsafe practices in conducting the business of the banking organization after having been notified by the Superintendent to discontinue such practices, such director, trustee, or officer may be removed from office after notice and an opportunity to be heard. The Superintendent also has authority to appoint a conservator or a receiver for a savings bank under certain circumstances.

 

FDIC Regulations

 

Capital Requirements

 

The FDIC has adopted risk-based capital guidelines to which the Bank is subject. The guidelines establish a systematic analytical framework that makes regulatory capital requirements sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banking organizations. The Bank is required to maintain certain levels of regulatory capital in relation to regulatory risk-weighted assets. The ratio of such regulatory capital to regulatory risk-weighted assets is referred to as a “risk-based capital ratio.” Risk-based capital ratios are determined by allocating assets and specified off-balance-sheet items to four risk-weighted categories ranging from 0% to 100%, with higher levels of capital being required for the categories perceived as representing greater risk.

 

These guidelines divide an institution’s capital into two tiers. The first tier (“Tier 1”) includes common equity, retained earnings, certain non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock (excluding auction rate issues), and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less goodwill and other intangible assets (except mortgage servicing rights and purchased credit card relationships subject to certain limitations). Supplementary (“Tier 2”) capital includes, among other items, cumulative perpetual and long-term limited-life preferred stock, mandatorily convertible securities, certain hybrid capital instruments, term subordinated debt, and the allowance for loan losses, subject to certain limitations, and up to 45% of pre-tax net unrealized gains on equity securities with readily determinable fair market values, less required deductions. Savings banks are required to maintain a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, of which at least 4% must be Tier 1 capital.

 

In addition, the FDIC has established regulations prescribing a minimum Tier 1 leverage capital ratio (the ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted average assets as specified in the regulations). These regulations provide for a minimum Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 3% for institutions that meet certain specified criteria, including that they have the highest examination rating and are not experiencing or anticipating significant growth. All other institutions are required to maintain a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of at least 4%. The FDIC may, however, set higher leverage and risk-based capital requirements on individual institutions when particular circumstances warrant. Institutions experiencing or anticipating significant growth are expected to maintain capital ratios, including tangible capital positions, well above the minimum levels.

 

12
Index

As of December 31, 2013, the Bank was deemed to be well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, a bank must maintain a minimum Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 5%, a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6%, and a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 10%.

 

The regulatory capital regulations of the FDIC and other federal banking agencies provide that the agencies will take into account the exposure of an institution’s capital and economic value to changes in interest rate risk in assessing capital adequacy. According to such agencies, applicable considerations include the quality of the institution’s interest rate risk management process, overall financial condition, and the level of other risks at the institution for which capital is needed. Institutions with significant interest rate risk may be required to hold additional capital. The agencies have issued a joint policy statement providing guidance on interest rate risk management, including a discussion of the critical factors affecting the agencies’ evaluation of interest rate risk in connection with capital adequacy. Institutions that engage in specified amounts of trading activity may be subject to adjustments in the calculation of the risk-based capital requirement to assure sufficient additional capital to support market risk.

 

Basel Committee on Banking Supervision

 

On July 9, 2013, the federal banking regulatory agencies issued a final rule that will revise their risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“Basel III”) and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). The final rule applies to all depository institutions, top-tier banking holding companies with total consolidated assets of $500 million or more and top-tier savings and loan holding companies.

 

The rule establishes a new common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement (4.5% of risk-weighted assets), increases the minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement (from 4.0% to 6.0% of risk-weighted assets) and assigns a higher risk weight (150%) to exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual status and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property.

 

The rule also includes changes in what constitutes regulatory capital, some of which are subject to a two-year transition period. These changes include the phasing-out of certain instruments as qualifying capital. In addition, Tier 2 capital is no longer limited to the amount of Tier 1 capital included in total capital. Mortgage servicing rights, certain deferred tax assets and investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries over designated percentages of common stock will be required to be deducted from capital, subject to a two-year transition period. Finally, Tier 1 capital will include accumulated other comprehensive income (which includes all unrealized gains and losses on available for sale debt and equity securities), subject to a two-year transition period.

 

The new capital requirements also include changes in the risk-weights of assets to better reflect credit risk and other risk exposures. These include a 150% risk weight (up from 100%) for certain high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development and construction loans and non-residential mortgage loans that are 90 days past due or otherwise on nonaccrual status; a 20% (up from 0%) credit conversion factor for the unused portion of a commitment with an original maturity of one year or less that is not unconditionally cancellable; a 250% risk weight (up from 100%) for mortgage servicing rights and deferred tax assets that are not deducted from capital; and increased risk-weights (from 0% to up to 600%) for equity exposures.

 

Finally, the rule limits capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements.

 

The final rule becomes effective on January 1, 2015. The capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016, at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets, increasing each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019.

 

13
Index

It is management’s belief that, as of December 31, 2013, the Company and the Bank would have met or exceeded all capital adequacy requirements under Basel III to be considered well capitalized on a fully phased-in basis if such requirements were currently effective.

 

Standards for Safety and Soundness

 

Federal law requires each federal banking agency to prescribe, for the depository institutions under its jurisdiction, standards that relate to, among other things, internal controls; information and audit systems; loan documentation; credit underwriting; the monitoring of interest rate risk; asset growth; compensation; fees and benefits; and such other operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate. The federal banking agencies adopted final regulations and Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness (the “Guidelines”) to implement these safety and soundness standards. The Guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the Guidelines, the agency may require the institution to provide it with an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard, as required by the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended, (the “FDI Act”). The final regulations establish deadlines for the submission and review of such safety and soundness compliance plans.

 

Real Estate Lending Standards

 

The FDIC and the other federal banking agencies have adopted regulations that prescribe standards for extensions of credit that (i) are secured by real estate, or (ii) are made for the purpose of financing construction or improvements on real estate. The FDIC regulations require each institution to establish and maintain written internal real estate lending standards that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices, and appropriate to the size of the institution and the nature and scope of its real estate lending activities. The standards also must be consistent with accompanying FDIC Guidelines, which include loan-to-value limitations for the different types of real estate loans. Institutions are also permitted to make a limited amount of loans that do not conform to the proposed loan-to-value limitations so long as such exceptions are reviewed and justified appropriately. The Guidelines also list a number of lending situations in which exceptions to the loan-to-value standard are justified.

 

In 2006, the FDIC, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System issued joint guidance entitled “Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices” (the “CRE Guidance”). The CRE Guidance, which addresses land development, construction, and certain multi-family loans, as well as commercial real estate loans, does not establish specific lending limits but, rather, reinforces and enhances existing banking regulations and guidelines for such lending and portfolio management.

 

Dividend Limitations

 

The FDIC has authority to use its enforcement powers to prohibit a savings bank from paying dividends if, in its opinion, the payment of dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. Federal law prohibits the payment of dividends that will result in the institution failing to meet applicable capital requirements on a pro forma basis. The Bank is also subject to dividend declaration restrictions imposed by New York State law as previously discussed under “New York State Law.”

 

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action

 

Federal law requires, among other things, that federal bank regulatory authorities take “prompt corrective action” with respect to institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For such purposes, the law establishes five capital tiers: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized.

 

The FDIC has adopted regulations to implement prompt corrective action. Among other things, the regulations define the relevant capital measures for the five capital categories. An institution is deemed to be “well capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% or greater, and a leverage capital ratio of 5% or greater, and is not subject to a regulatory order, agreement, or directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure. An institution is deemed to be “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4% or greater, and generally a leverage capital ratio of 4% or greater. An institution is deemed to be “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4%, or generally a leverage capital ratio of less than 4%. An institution is deemed to be “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 3%, or a leverage capital ratio of less than 3%. An institution is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets that is equal to or less than 2%.

 

14
Index

“Undercapitalized” institutions are subject to growth, capital distribution (including dividend), and other limitations, and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. An institution’s compliance with such plan is required to be guaranteed by any company that controls the undercapitalized institution in an amount equal to the lesser of 5% of the bank’s total assets when deemed undercapitalized or the amount necessary to achieve the status of adequately capitalized. If an undercapitalized institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.” Significantly undercapitalized institutions are subject to one or more additional restrictions including, but not limited to, an order by the FDIC to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized; requirements to reduce total assets, cease receipt of deposits from correspondent banks, or dismiss directors or officers; and restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits, compensation of executive officers, and capital distributions by the parent holding company.

 

Beginning 60 days after becoming “critically undercapitalized,” critically undercapitalized institutions also may not make any payment of principal or interest on certain subordinated debt, or extend credit for a highly leveraged transaction, or enter into any material transaction outside the ordinary course of business. In addition, subject to a narrow exception, the appointment of a receiver is required for a critically undercapitalized institution within 270 days after it obtains such status.

 

Enforcement

 

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

 

The FDIC has authority under federal law to appoint a conservator or receiver for an insured institution under certain circumstances. The FDIC is required, with certain exceptions, to appoint a receiver or conservator for an insured institution if that institution was critically undercapitalized on average during the calendar quarter beginning 270 days after the date on which the institution became critically undercapitalized. For this purpose, “critically undercapitalized” means having a ratio of tangible equity to total assets of less than 2%. Please see “Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action” earlier in this report.

 

The FDIC may also appoint a conservator or receiver for an insured institution on the basis of the institution’s financial condition or upon the occurrence of certain events, including (i) insolvency (whereby the assets of the bank are less than its liabilities to depositors and others); (ii) substantial dissipation of assets or earnings through violations of law or unsafe or unsound practices; (iii) existence of an unsafe or unsound condition to transact business; (iv) likelihood that the bank will be unable to meet the demands of its depositors or to pay its obligations in the normal course of business; and (v) insufficient capital, or the incurrence or likely incurrence of losses that will deplete substantially all of the institution’s capital with no reasonable prospect of replenishment of capital without federal assistance.

 

Insurance of Deposit Accounts

 

The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits, which have been increased to $250,000 per depositor, by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC.

 

Under the FDIC’s existing risk-based assessment system, insured institutions are assigned to one of four risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors, with less risky institutions paying lower assessments. Effective April 1, 2009, assessment rates ranged from seven to 77.5 basis points. On February 7, 2011, the FDIC issued final rules, effective April 1, 2011, implementing changes to the assessment rules resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act. Initially, the base assessment rates will range from two and one half to 45 basis points. The rate schedules will automatically adjust in the future when the Deposit Insurance Fund reaches certain milestones. No institution may pay a dividend if in default of the federal deposit insurance assessment.

 

15
Index

The FDIC imposed on all insured institutions a special emergency assessment of five basis points of total assets minus Tier 1 capital, as of June 30, 2009 (capped at ten basis points of an institution’s deposit assessment base), in order to cover losses to the Deposit Insurance Fund. That special assessment was collected on September 30, 2009. The FDIC provided for similar assessments during the final two quarters of 2009, if deemed necessary. However, in lieu of further special assessments, the FDIC required insured institutions to prepay estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 through the fourth quarter of 2012. The estimated assessments, which include an assumed annual assessment base increase of 5%, were recorded as a prepaid expense asset as of December 31, 2009. As of June 30, 2010, and each quarter thereafter, a charge to earnings was recorded for each regular assessment with an offsetting credit to the prepaid asset. The FDIC refunded the unused prepaid FDIC assessment of $361,000 to the Bank in June 2013.

 

Due to difficult economic conditions, deposit insurance per account owner was raised to $250,000. That change was made permanent by the Dodd-Frank Act. In addition, the FDIC adopted an optional Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program by which, for a fee, non-interest bearing transaction accounts (defined to include IOLTA and certain NOW accounts) would receive unlimited insurance coverage until December 31, 2010 and certain senior unsecured debt issued by institutions and their holding companies between October 13, 2008 and June 30, 2010 would be guaranteed by the FDIC through June 30, 2012, or in some cases, December 31, 2012. The Bank participated in the unlimited non-interest bearing transaction account coverage and the Bank, Northeast Community Bancorp and Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC opted not to participate in the unsecured debt guarantee program. The Dodd-Frank Act extended the unlimited coverage for certain non-interest bearing transaction accounts through December 31, 2012.

 

In addition to the assessment for deposit insurance, institutions are required to make payments on bonds issued in the late 1980s by the Financing Corporation to recapitalize a predecessor deposit insurance fund. That payment is established quarterly and during the four quarters ended December 31, 2013 averaged 1.55 basis points of assessable deposits.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act increased the minimum target Deposit Insurance Fund ratio from 1.15% of estimated insured deposits to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC must seek to achieve the 1.35% ratio by September 30, 2020. Insured institutions with assets of $10 billion or more are supposed to fund the increase. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the 1.5% maximum fund ratio, instead leaving it to the discretion of the FDIC.

 

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

 

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

 

Transactions with Affiliates and Loans to Insiders

 

Under current federal law, transactions between depository institutions and their affiliates are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and the FRB’s Regulation W promulgated thereunder. An affiliate of a savings bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, the institution, other than a subsidiary. Generally, an institution’s subsidiaries are not treated as affiliates unless they are engaged in activities as principal that are not permissible for national banks. In a holding company context, at a minimum, the parent holding company of an institution, and any companies that are controlled by such parent holding company, are affiliates of the institution. Generally, Section 23A limits the extent to which the institution or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of the institution’s capital stock and surplus, and contains an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans or other extensions of credit to an affiliate; the purchase of assets from an affiliate; the purchase of, or an investment in, the securities of an affiliate; the acceptance of securities of an affiliate as collateral for a loan or extension of credit to any person; or issuance of a guarantee, acceptance, or letter of credit on behalf of an affiliate. Section 23A also establishes specific collateral requirements for loans or extensions of credit to, or guarantees or acceptances on letters of credit issued on behalf of, an affiliate. Section 23B requires that covered transactions and a broad list of other specified transactions be on terms substantially the same as, or at least as favorable to, the institution or its subsidiary as similar transactions with non-affiliates.

 

16
Index

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 generally prohibits loans by the Company to its executive officers and directors. However, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act contains a specific exemption for loans by an institution to its executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking laws. Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act, and FRB Regulation O adopted thereunder, governs loans by a savings bank or commercial bank to directors, executive officers, and principal shareholders. Under Section 22(h), loans to directors, executive officers, and shareholders who control, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of voting securities of an institution, and certain related interests of any of the foregoing, may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such persons and affiliated entities, the institution’s total capital and surplus. Section 22(h) also prohibits loans above amounts prescribed by the appropriate federal banking agency to directors, executive officers, and shareholders who control 10% or more of the voting securities of an institution, and their respective related interests, unless such loan is approved in advance by a majority of the board of the institution’s directors. Any “interested” director may not participate in the voting. The loan amount (which includes all other outstanding loans to such person) as to which such prior board of director approval is required, is the greater of $25,000 or 5% of capital and surplus or any loans aggregating over $500,000. Further, pursuant to Section 22(h), loans to directors, executive officers, and principal shareholders must be made on terms substantially the same as those offered in comparable transactions to other persons. There is an exception for loans made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that is widely available to all employees of the institution and does not give preference to executive officers over other employees. Section 22(g) of the Federal Reserve Act places additional limitations on loans to executive officers.

 

Community Reinvestment Act

 

Federal Regulation

 

Under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), as implemented by FDIC regulations, an institution has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with its safe and sound operation to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions, nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA requires the FDIC, in connection with its examinations, to assess the institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by such institution. The CRA requires public disclosure of an institution’s CRA rating and further requires the FDIC to provide a written evaluation of an institution’s CRA performance utilizing a four-tiered descriptive rating system. The Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act rating has been an “Outstanding” for the past 18 years.

 

New York State Regulation

 

The Bank is also subject to provisions of the New York State Banking Law that impose continuing and affirmative obligations upon a banking institution organized in New York State to serve the credit needs of its local community (the “NYCRA”). Such obligations are substantially similar to those imposed by the CRA. The NYCRA requires the NYDFS to make a periodic written assessment of an institution’s compliance with the NYCRA, utilizing a four-tiered rating system, and to make such assessment available to the public. The NYCRA also requires the Superintendent to consider the NYCRA rating when reviewing an application to engage in certain transactions, including mergers, asset purchases, and the establishment of branch offices or ATMs, and provides that such assessment may serve as a basis for the denial of any such application. The NYDFS has not yet conducted an examination of the Bank to determine the Bank’s latest NYCRA rating subsequent to the Bank’s conversion to a New York State charter in June 2012.

 

17
Index

Holding Company Regulation

 

General. Northeast Community Bancorp and Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC are savings and loan holding companies within the meaning of federal law. As such, they are subject to Federal Reserve Board regulations, examinations, supervision, reporting requirements and regulations concerning corporate governance and activities. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has enforcement authority over Northeast Community Bancorp and Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC and their non-savings institution subsidiaries. Among other things, this authority permits the Federal Reserve Board to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to Northeast Community Bank. In November 2012, Northeast Community Bancorp and Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC provided notice to the Federal Reserve Board of their election to be treated as financial holding companies.

 

Financial Holding Companies. Savings and loan holding companies that elect to be treated as financial holding companies may also engage in a broad range of activities. Financial holding companies are authorized by statute to engage in a number of financial activities previously impermissible for savings and loan holding companies, including securities underwriting, dealing and market making; sponsoring mutual funds and investment companies; insurance underwriting and agency; and merchant banking activities. The Federal Reserve Board and the Department of the Treasury are also authorized to permit additional activities for financial holding companies if the activities are “financial in nature” or “incidental” to financial activities. The Dodd-Frank Act specifies that a savings and loan holding company may only engage in financial holding company activities if it meets the qualitative criteria for a bank holding company to engage in such activities. A savings and loan holding company may become a financial holding company if each of its subsidiary banks is well capitalized, well managed, and has at least a “satisfactory” Community Reinvestment Act rating. A financial holding company must provide notice to the Federal Reserve Board within 30 days after commencing activities previously determined by statute or by the Federal Reserve Board and Department of the Treasury to be permissible.

 

In November 2012 Northeast Community Bancorp and Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC elected to be treated as financial holding companies and such election was effective on December 1, 2012.

 

Restrictions Applicable to Mutual Holding Companies. According to federal law and Federal Reserve Board regulations, a mutual holding company, such as Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC, may generally engage in the following activities: (1) investing in the stock of a bank; (2) acquiring a mutual savings bank through the merger of such savings bank into a bank subsidiary of such holding company or an interim bank subsidiary of such holding company; (3) merging with or acquiring another holding company, one of whose subsidiaries is a bank; and (4) any activity approved by the Federal Reserve Board for a bank holding company or financial holding company or previously approved by Federal Reserve Board for multiple savings and loan holding companies. In addition, mutual holding companies may engage in activities permitted for financial holding companies. Financial holding companies may engage in a broad array of financial service activities including insurance and securities.

 

Federal law prohibits a savings and loan holding company, including a federal mutual holding company, from directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries, acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of another savings association, or its holding company, without prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board. Federal law also prohibits a savings and loan holding company from acquiring more than 5% of a company engaged in activities other than those authorized for savings and loan holding companies by federal law, or acquiring or retaining control of a depository institution that is not insured by the FDIC. In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings associations, the Federal Reserve Board must consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the company and institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the insurance funds, the convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.

 

The Federal Reserve Board is prohibited from approving any acquisition that would result in a multiple savings and loan holding company controlling savings associations in more than one state, except: (1) the approval of interstate supervisory acquisitions by savings and loan holding companies, and (2) the acquisition of a savings association in another state if the laws of the state of the target savings institution specifically permit such acquisitions. The states vary in the extent to which they permit interstate savings and loan holding company acquisitions.

 

18
Index

Stock Holding Company Subsidiary Regulation. The Federal Reserve Board has adopted regulations governing the two-tier mutual holding company form of organization and subsidiary stock holding companies that are controlled by mutual holding companies. Northeast Community Bancorp is the stock holding company subsidiary of Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC. Northeast Community Bancorp is permitted to engage in activities that are permitted for Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC, subject to the same restrictions and conditions.

 

Capital Requirements. Savings and loan holding companies are not currently subject to specific regulatory capital requirements. However, as discussed more fully above under the section entitled “Basel Committee on Banking Supervision,” on July 9, 2013, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that will revise their risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule becomes effective on January 1, 2015. The Dodd-Frank Act also requires the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate regulations implementing the “source of strength” policy that holding companies act as a source of strength to their subsidiary depository institutions by providing capital, liquidity and other support in times of financial stress.

 

Source of Strength. The Dodd-Frank Act also extends the “source of strength” doctrine to savings and loan holding companies. The regulatory agencies must issue regulations implementing the “source of strength” policy that holding companies act as a source of strength to their subsidiary depository institutions by providing capital and other support to their subsidiary institutions in times of financial distress.

 

Dividends and Stock Repurchases. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares of common stock by bank holding companies that it has made applicable to savings and loan holding companies as well. In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Regulatory guidance provides for prior regulatory review of capital distributions in certain circumstances such as where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the company’s overall rate of earnings retention is not consistent with the company’s capital needs and overall financial condition. The ability of a holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. Moreover, a company should inform the Federal Reserve Board reasonably in advance of declaring or paying a dividend that exceeds earnings for the period for which the dividend is being paid. The policy statement also provides for regulatory review prior to a holding company redeeming or repurchasing regulatory capital instruments when the holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock that would result in a net reduction as of the end of a quarter in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends, repurchase shares of common stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

 

Waivers of Dividends by Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC. The Federal Reserve Board has adopted an interim final rule which requires the MHC to notify the Federal Reserve Board if it proposes to waive receipt of dividends from the Company. In addition, the interim final rule also requires that the MHC obtain the approval of a majority of the eligible votes of members of the MHC (generally Bank depositors) before it can waive dividends. For a grandfathered company such as the MHC that waived dividends prior to December 1, 2009, the Federal Reserve Board may not object to a dividend waiver request if the board of directors of the mutual holding company expressly determines that a waiver of the dividend is consistent with its fiduciary duties to members and the waiver would not be detrimental to the safe and sound operation of the savings association subsidiaries of the holding company. The Federal Reserve Board’s interim final rule regarding dividend waiver requests is subject to comment and there can be no assurances as to the timing of changes to the interim final rule, if any, the form of the final dividend waiver regulations or the effect of such regulations on the MHC’s ability to waive dividends.

 

19
Index

On December 12, 2013, the MHC received notice from the Federal Reserve Board that it did not object to the waiver of dividends to be paid by the Company in the twelve months following MHC member approval of the dividend waiver, which occurred on November 12, 2013.

 

Conversion of Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC to Stock Form. Federal Reserve Board regulations permit Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC to convert from the mutual form of organization to the capital stock form of organization. There can be no assurance when, if ever, a conversion transaction will occur, and the board of directors has no current intention or plan to undertake a conversion transaction. In a conversion transaction, a new holding company would be formed as the successor to Northeast Community Bancorp, Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC’s corporate existence would end, and certain depositors of Northeast Community Bank would receive the right to subscribe for additional shares of the new holding company. In a conversion transaction, each share of common stock held by stockholders other than Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC would be automatically converted into a number of shares of common stock of the new holding company based on an exchange ratio designed to ensure that stockholders other than Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC own the same percentage of common stock in the new holding company as they owned in Northeast Community Bancorp immediately before conversion. The total number of shares held by stockholders other than Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC after a conversion transaction would be increased by any purchases by such stockholders in the stock offering conducted as part of the conversion transaction.

 

Acquisition of Control. Under the federal Change in Bank Control Act, a notice must be submitted to the Federal Reserve Board if any person (including a company), or group acting in concert, seeks to acquire direct or indirect “control” of a savings and loan holding company or savings association. Under certain circumstances, a change of control may occur, and prior notice is required, upon the acquisition of 10% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the company or institution, unless the Federal Reserve Board has found that the acquisition will not result in a change of control. Under the Change in Bank Control Act, the Federal Reserve Board generally has 60 days from the filing of a complete notice to act, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the anti-trust effects of the acquisition. Any company that so acquires control would then be subject to regulation as a savings and loan holding company.

 

Future Legislation. Various legislation affecting financial institutions and the financial industry is from time to time introduced in Congress.  Such legislation may change banking statutes and the operating environment of the Company and its subsidiaries in substantial and unpredictable ways, and could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance depending upon whether any of this potential legislation will be enacted, and if enacted, the effect that it or any implementing regulations, would have on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. With the recent enactments of the Dodd-Frank Act, the nature and extent of future legislative and regulatory changes affecting financial institutions is very unpredictable at this time.

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

The Board of Directors annually elects the executive officers of Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC, Northeast Community Bancorp and Northeast Community Bank, who serve at the Board’s discretion. Our executive officers are:

 

     
Name   Position
Kenneth A. Martinek  

Chief Executive Officer of the MHC, the Company and the Bank

 

Jose Collazo   President and Chief Operating Officer of the MHC, the Company and the Bank
     
Donald S. Hom   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the MHC, the Company and the Bank

 

20
Index

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Our non-performing assets could expose us to increased risk of loss, which may negatively affect our earnings.

 

Our non-performing assets have remained at elevated levels over the past few years as a result of the economic recession. At December 31, 2013, we had total non-performing assets of $8.7 million, or 1.9% of total assets, a $423,000 increase from December 31, 2012 and a $12.4 million decrease from December 31, 2011. Our non-performing assets adversely affect our net income in various ways. We do not record interest income on non-accrual loans or investments in real estate owned. We must reserve for probable losses, which are established through a current period charge to income in the provision for loan losses, and from time to time, write down the value of properties in our other real estate owned portfolio to reflect changing market values. Additionally, there are legal fees associated with the resolution of problem assets as well as carrying costs such as taxes, insurance and maintenance related to our other real estate owned. Further, the resolution of non-performing assets requires the active involvement of management, which can distract us from the overall supervision of operations and other income-producing activities of Northeast Community Bank. Finally, if our estimate of the allowance for loan losses is inadequate, we will have to increase the allowance accordingly. At December 31, 2013, our allowance for loan losses amounted to 1.1% of total loans outstanding and 86.1% of nonperforming loans.

 

Our emphasis on multi-family residential, mixed-use and non-residential real estate lending and our recent expansion into commercial and industrial lending, construction loans, and participation in construction loans could expose us to increased lending risks.

 

Our primary business strategy centers on continuing our emphasis on multi-family, mixed-use, and non-residential real estate loans. At December 31, 2013, $321.4 million, or 86.6%, of our loan portfolio consisted of multi-family residential, mixed-use and non-residential real estate loans. As a result, our credit risk profile is generally higher than traditional thrift institutions that have higher concentrations of one- to four-family residential loans.

 

Loans secured by multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential real estate generally expose a lender to greater risk of non-payment and loss than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the successful operation of the property and the income stream of the underlying property. Such loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Accordingly, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one- to four-family residential mortgage loan. We seek to minimize these risks through our underwriting policies, which require such loans to be qualified on the basis of the property’s net income and debt service ratio; however, there is no assurance that our underwriting policies will protect us from credit-related losses.

 

As with loans secured by multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential real estate, commercial and industrial loans tend to be of higher risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. We seek to minimize the risks involved in commercial and industrial lending by underwriting such loans on the basis of the cash flows produced by the business; by requiring that such loans be collateralized by various business assets, including inventory, equipment, and accounts receivable, among others; and by requiring personal guarantees, whenever possible. However, the capacity of a borrower to repay a commercial and industrial loan is substantially dependent on the degree to which his or her business is successful. In addition, the collateral underlying such loans may depreciate over time, may not be conducive to appraisal, or may fluctuate in value, based upon the business’ results. At December 31, 2013, $31.3 million, or 8.4%, of our loan portfolio consisted of commercial and industrial loans.

 

Our construction loans present a greater level of risk than loans secured by improved, occupied real estate due to: (1) the increased difficulty at the time the loan is made of estimating the building costs and the selling price of the property to be built; (2) the increased difficulty and costs of monitoring the loan; (3) the higher degree of sensitivity to increases in market rates of interest; and (4) the increased difficulty of working out loan problems. We have sought to minimize these risks by limiting the amount of construction loans outstanding at any time, by limiting our construction loans to borrowers who have in effect pre-sold their construction project, and by limiting our construction loans to multi-family and single family projects. At December 31, 2013, $6.6 million, or 1.8%, of our loan portfolio consisted of construction loans.

 

21
Index

Our participation interests in construction loans present a greater level of risk than loans secured by improved, occupied real estate due to: (1) the increased difficulty at the time the loan is made of estimating the building costs and the selling price of the property to be built; (2) the increased difficulty and costs of monitoring the loan; (3) the higher degree of sensitivity to increases in market rates of interest; and (4) the increased difficulty of working out loan problems. We have eliminated the risks involved in purchased participation construction loans by no longer engaging in these transactions.

 

At December 31, 2013, we had three construction loan participations that we purchased in August 2007 that subsequently converted into permanent loans in 2012 with an aggregate outstanding balance of $5.9 million at December 31, 2013. This balance represents our 25% participation ownership in the loans, which are secured by a hotel. We currently do not buy participation interests in construction loans.

 

Our allowance for loan losses may be inadequate, which could hurt our earnings.

 

When borrowers default and do not repay the loans that we make to them, we may lose money. The allowance for loan losses is the amount estimated by management as necessary to cover probable losses in the loan portfolio at the statement of financial condition date. The allowance is established through the provision for loan losses, which is charged to income. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses necessarily involves a high degree of judgment. Among the material estimates required to establish the allowance are: loss exposure at default; the amount and timing of future cash flows on impacted loans; value of collateral; and determination of loss factors to be applied to the various elements of the portfolio. If our estimates and judgments regarding such matters prove to be incorrect, our allowance for loan losses might not be sufficient, and additional loan loss provisions might need to be made. Depending on the amount of such loan loss provisions, the adverse impact on our earnings could be material. Our allowance for loan losses amounted to 1.1% of total loans outstanding and 86.1% of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2013. Our allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2013 may not be sufficient to cover loan losses. A large loss or series of losses could deplete the allowance and require increased provisions to replenish the allowance, which would negatively affect earnings.

 

In addition, bank regulators may require us to make a provision for loan losses or otherwise recognize further loan charge-offs following their periodic review of our loan portfolio, our underwriting procedures, and our loan loss allowance. Any increase in our allowance for loan losses or loan charge-offs as required by such regulatory authorities could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Please see “Allowance for Loan Losses” under “Critical Accounting Policies” in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” for a discussion of the procedures we follow in establishing our loan loss allowance.

 

Changes in interest rates may have a negative impact on earnings and asset values.

 

Our net interest income is the interest we earn on loans and investment less the interest we pay on our deposits and borrowings. Our net interest margin is the difference between the yield we earn on our assets and the interest rate we pay for deposits and our other sources of funding. Changes in interest rates—up or down—could adversely affect our net interest margin and, as a result, our net interest income. Although the yield we earn on our assets and our funding costs tend to move in the same direction in response to changes in interest rates, one can rise or fall faster than the other, causing our net interest margin to expand or contract. Our liabilities tend to be shorter in duration than our assets, so they may adjust faster in response to changes in interest rates. As a result, when interest rates rise, our funding costs may rise faster than the yield we earn on our assets, causing our net interest margin to contract until the yield catches up. Changes in the slope of the “yield curve”—or the spread between short-term and long-term interest rates—could also reduce our net interest margin. Normally, the yield curve is upward sloping, meaning short-term rates are lower than long-term rates. Because our liabilities tend to be shorter in duration than our assets, when the yield curve flattens or even inverts, we could experience pressure on our net interest margin as our cost of funds increases relative to the yield we can earn on our assets. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Risk Management—Interest Rate Risk Management.”

 

22
Index

Negative developments in the financial industry, the domestic and international credit markets, and the economy in general pose significant challenges for our industry and us and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Negative developments that began in the latter half of 2007 and that have continued since then in the global credit and securitization markets have resulted in unprecedented volatility and disruption in the financial markets, a general economic downturn and a tepid economic recovery, both nationally and in our primary market areas. As a result, commercial as well as consumer loan portfolio performances deteriorated at many institutions and have not fully recovered, and the competition for deposits and quality loans has increased significantly. In addition, the values of real estate collateral supporting many commercial loans and home mortgages have declined and may continue to decline. As a result, we may face the following risks:

 

economic conditions that negatively affect housing prices and the job market may cause the credit quality of our loan portfolios to deteriorate;

 

market developments that affect consumer confidence may cause adverse changes in payment patterns by our customers, causing increases in delinquencies and default rates on loans and other credit facilities;

 

the processes that we use to estimate our allowance for loan losses and reserves may no longer be reliable because they rely on judgments, such as forecasts of economic conditions, that may no longer be capable of accurate estimation;

 

the value of our securities portfolio may decline; and

 

we face increased regulation of our industry, and the costs of compliance with such regulation may increase.

 

These conditions or similar ones may continue to persist or worsen, causing us to experience continuing or increased adverse effects on our business, financial condition, results of operations and the price of our common stock.

 

Strong competition within our primary market area and our lending territory could hurt our profits and slow growth.

 

We face intense competition both in making loans in our lending territory and attracting deposits in our primary market area. This competition has made it more difficult for us to make new loans and at times has forced us to offer higher deposit rates. Price competition for loans and deposits might result in us earning less on our loans and paying more on our deposits, which would reduce net interest income. Competition also makes it more difficult to grow loans and deposits. As of June 30, 2013, the most recent date for which information is available from the FDIC, we held approximately 0.01% of the deposits in New York County, New York, approximately 0.56% and 0.06% of the deposits in Bronx and Westchester Counties, New York, respectively, and 0.20%, 0.62%, 0.11% and 0.04% of the deposits in Essex, Plymouth, Norfolk and Middlesex Counties, Massachusetts, respectively. Competition also makes it more difficult to hire and retain experienced employees. Some of the banks with which we compete have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we have and may offer services that we do not provide. We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to compete successfully in our primary market area and our lending territory.

 

The market price of our common stock may be materially adversely affected by market volatility.

 

Many publicly traded financial services companies have recently experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance or prospects of such companies. We may experience market fluctuations that are not directly related to our operating performance but are influenced by the market’s perception of the state of the financial services industry in general and, in particular, the market’s assessment of general credit quality conditions, including default and foreclosure rates in the industry.

 

23
Index

Increased and/or special FDIC assessments will hurt our earnings.

 

The recent economic recession has caused a high level of bank failures, which has dramatically increased FDIC resolution costs and led to a significant reduction in the balance of the Deposit Insurance Fund. As a result, the FDIC has significantly increased the initial base assessment rates paid by financial institutions for deposit insurance. Increases in the base assessment rate have increased our deposit insurance costs and negatively impacted our earnings. In addition, in May 2009, the FDIC imposed a special assessment on all insured institutions. Our special assessment, which was reflected in earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, was $205,000. In lieu of imposing an additional special assessment post-2009, the FDIC required all institutions to prepay their assessments for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012, which for us totaled $1.5 million. Additional increases in the base assessment rate or additional special assessments would negatively impact our earnings.

 

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

 

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the New York State Department of Financial Services and by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC and Northeast Community Bancorp are subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve Board. Such regulation and supervision governs the activities in which an institution and its holding company may engage, and are intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and the depositors and borrowers of Northeast Community Bank rather than for holders of Northeast Community Bancorp common stock. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on our operations, the classification of our assets and determination of the level of our allowance for loan losses. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation or supervisory action, may have a material impact on our operations.

 

New capital rules that were recently issued generally require insured depository institutions and their holding companies to hold more capital. The impact of the new rules on our financial condition and operations is uncertain but could be materially adverse.

 

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve adopted a final rule for the Basel III capital framework. These rules substantially amend the regulatory risk-based capital rules applicable to us. The rules phase in over time beginning in 2015 and will become fully effective in 2019. The rules apply to the Company as well as to the Bank. Beginning in 2015, our minimum capital requirements will be (i) a common Tier 1 equity ratio of 4.5%, (ii) a Tier 1 capital (common Tier 1 capital plus Additional Tier 1 capital) of 6% (up from 4%) and (iii) a total capital ratio of 8% (the current requirement). Our leverage ratio requirement will remain at the 4% level now required. Beginning in 2016, a capital conservation buffer will phase in over three years, ultimately resulting in a requirement of 2.5% on top of the common Tier 1 and total capital requirements, resulting in a require common Tier 1 equity ratio of 7%, a Tier 1 ratio of 8.5%, and a total capital ratio of 10.5%. Failure to satisfy any of these three capital requirements will result in limits on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases and paying discretionary bonuses. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions.

 

Regulatory reform legislation may have a material effect on the value of our stock.

 

In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Act”) was passed, which imposes significant regulatory and compliance changes. The key effects of the Dodd-Frank Act on our business are:

 

• changes to regulatory capital requirements;

 

• creation of new government regulatory agencies (such as the Financial Stability Oversight Council, which oversees systemic risk, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which develops and enforces rules for bank and non-bank providers of consumer financial products);

 

• potential limitations on federal preemption;

 

24
Index

• changes to deposit insurance assessments;

 

• regulation of debit interchange fees we earn;

 

• changes in retail banking regulations, including potential limitations on certain fees we may charge; and

 

• changes in regulation of consumer mortgage loan origination and risk retention.

 

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act restricts the ability of banks to engage in certain proprietary trading or to sponsor or invest in private equity or hedge funds. The Dodd-Frank Act also contains provisions designed to limit the ability of insured depository institutions, their holding companies and their affiliates to conduct certain swaps and derivatives activities and to take certain principal positions in financial instruments.

 

Some provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act became effective immediately upon its enactment. Many provisions, however, will require regulations to be promulgated by various federal agencies to be implemented, some but not all of which have been proposed or finalized by the applicable federal agencies. The provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act may have unintended effects, which will not be clear until after implementation. Certain changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may impact the profitability of our business activities, require changes to certain of our business practices, impose upon us more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage requirements or otherwise adversely affect our business. These changes may also require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes necessary to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with the new requirements may negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. While we cannot predict what effect any presently contemplated or future changes in the laws or regulations or their interpretations would have on us, these changes could be materially adverse to investors in our common stock. See “Regulation and Supervision – Federal Banking Regulation – Capital Requirements” for a discussion of regulatory capital requirements.

 

Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC’s majority control of our common stock will enable it to exercise voting control over most matters put to a vote of stockholders and will prevent stockholders from forcing a sale or a second-step conversion transaction you may like.

 

The MHC owns a majority of Northeast Community Bancorp’s common stock and, through its board of directors, will be able to exercise voting control over most matters put to a vote of stockholders. The same directors and officers who manage Northeast Community Bancorp and Northeast Community Bank also manage the MHC. As a federally chartered mutual holding company, the board of directors of the MHC must ensure that the interests of depositors of Northeast Community Bank are represented and considered in matters put to a vote of stockholders of Northeast Community Bancorp. Therefore, the votes cast by the MHC may not be in your personal best interests as a stockholder. For example, the MHC may exercise its voting control to defeat a stockholder nominee for election to the board of directors of Northeast Community Bancorp. In addition, stockholders will not be able to force a merger or second-step conversion transaction without the consent of the MHC. Some stockholders may desire a sale or merger transaction, since stockholders typically receive a premium for their shares, or a second-step conversion transaction, since fully converted institutions tend to trade at higher multiples than mutual holding companies.

 

The amount of dividends we pay on our common stock, if any, may be limited by the ability of Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC to waive receipt of dividends.

 

The MHC owns a majority of the Company’s outstanding stock. As a result, when and if the Company pays dividends to its shareholders, it also is required to pay dividends to the MHC unless the MHC is permitted by its federal regulator to waive the receipt of dividends. Historically, the MHC’s federal regulator has permitted the MHC to waive its right to dividends declared by the Company on the shares that it owns.

 

The Federal Reserve Board, as successor regulatory agency to the Office of Thrift Supervision for the MHC, has adopted an interim final rule which requires the MHC to notify the Federal Reserve Board if it proposes to waive receipt of dividends from the Company. In addition, the interim final rule also requires that the MHC obtain the approval of a majority of the eligible votes of members of the MHC (generally Bank depositors) before it can waive dividends.  For a grandfathered company such as the MHC that waived dividends prior to December 1, 2009, the Federal Reserve Board may not object to a dividend waiver request if the board of directors of the mutual holding company expressly determines that a waiver of the dividend is consistent with its fiduciary duties to members and the waiver would not be detrimental to the safe and sound operation of the savings association subsidiaries of the holding company.  The Federal Reserve Board’s interim final rule regarding dividend waiver requests is subject to comment and there can be no assurances as to the timing of changes to the interim final rule, if any, the form of the final dividend waiver regulations or the effect of such regulations on the MHC’s ability to waive dividends.

 

25
Index

The MHC has received the approval of the Federal Reserve Board to waive dividends paid by the Company during the 12 months following November 12, 2013. It is expected that the MHC will continue to waive future dividends, except to the extent dividends are needed to fund the MHC’s continuing operations, and subject to the ability of the MHC to obtain regulatory approval in the future of its requests to waive dividends.

 

While the MHC is grandfathered for purposes of the Federal Reserve Board dividend waiver regulations, we cannot assure that the Federal Reserve Board will grant dividend waiver requests in the future and, if granted, there can be no assurance as to the conditions, if any, the Federal Reserve Board will place on future dividend waiver requests.  The denial of a dividend waiver request or the imposition of burdensome conditions on an approval of a waiver request may significantly limit the amount of dividends the Company pays in the future, if any.

 

The Federal Reserve Board policy on remutualization transactions could prohibit acquisition of Northeast Community Bancorp, which may adversely affect our stock price.

 

Current Federal Reserve Board regulations permit a mutual holding company to be acquired by a mutual institution in a remutualization transaction. However, Northeast Community Bancorp’s former regulator, the Office of Thrift Supervision, had adopted a policy statement indicating that it viewed remutualization transactions as raising significant issues concerning disparate treatment of minority stockholders and mutual members of the target entity and raising issues concerning the effect on the mutual members of the acquiring entity. The Federal Reserve Board has not adopted a similar policy statement or issued on the matter and future Federal Reserve Board regulation may negatively affect Northeast Community Bancorp. Under certain circumstances, the Federal Reserve Board may give these issues special scrutiny and reject applications providing for the remutualization of a mutual holding company unless the applicant can clearly demonstrate that the Federal Reserve Board’s concerns are not warranted in the particular case. Should the Federal Reserve Board prohibit or otherwise restrict these transactions in the future, our per share stock price may be adversely affected.

 

We are subject to a variety of operational risks, environmental, legal and compliance risks, and the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

 

We are exposed to many types of operational risks, including reputational risk, legal and compliance risk, the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders, and unauthorized transactions by employees or operational errors, including clerical or record-keeping errors or those resulting from faulty or disabled computer or telecommunications systems. Negative public opinion can result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, corporate governance and acquisitions and from actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to those activities. Negative public opinion can adversely affect our ability to attract and keep customers and can expose us to litigation and regulatory action. Actual or alleged conduct by the Bank can also result in negative public opinion about our other businesses.

 

If personal, non-public, confidential or proprietary information of customers in our possession were to be misappropriated, mishandled or misused, we could suffer significant regulatory consequences, reputational damage and financial loss. Such mishandling or misuse could include, for example, erroneously providing such information to parties who are not permitted to have the information, either by fault of our systems, employees, or counterparties, or the interception or inappropriate acquisition of such information by third parties.

 

26
Index

Because the nature of the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions, certain errors may be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and successfully rectified. Our necessary dependence upon automated systems to record and process transactions and our large transaction volume may further increase the risk that technical flaws or employee tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect. We also may be subject to disruptions of our operating systems arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond our control (for example, computer viruses or electrical or telecommunications outages, or natural disasters, disease pandemics or other damage to property or physical assets) which may give rise to disruption of service to customers and to financial loss or liability. We are further exposed to the risk that our external vendors may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations (or will be subject to the same risk of fraud or operational errors by their respective employees as we are) and to the risk that our (or our vendors’) business continuity and data security systems prove to be inadequate. The occurrence of any of these risks could result in our diminished ability to operate our business (for example, by requiring us to expend significant resources to correct the defect), as well as potential liability to clients, reputational damage and regulatory intervention, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations, perhaps materially.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

27
Index
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 

We conduct our business through our main office, a main office annex, eight other full-service branch offices, two loan production offices, and our investment advisory and financial planning services office located in Westport, Connecticut. The following table sets forth certain information relating to these facilities as of December 31, 2013.

 

                   
    Year   Date of Lease   Owned/      
Location   Opened   Expiration   Leased   Net Book Value
    (Dollars in thousands)
Corporate Headquarters and Main Office Annex:                  
325 Hamilton Avenue   1994   N/A   Owned   $ 935
White Plains, New York 10601                  
                   
55 Church Street   2012   3/31/2017   Leased     -
White Plains, New York  10601                  
                   
Branch Offices and Loan Production Office:                  
1470 First Avenue   2006   7/30/2014   Leased     -
New York, NY 10021 (1)                  
                   
590 East 187th Street   1972   N/A   Owned     434
Bronx, New York 10458                  
                   
242 West 23rd Street   1996   N/A   Owned/Leased     721
New York, NY 10011 (2)                  
                   
1751 Second Avenue   1978   9/30/2015   Leased     18
New York, NY 10128                  
                   
87 Elm Street   2009   N/A   Owned     1,479
Danvers, MA  01923                  
                   
8  No. Park Avenue   2009   N/A   Owned     1,727
Plymouth, MA  02360                  
                   
35 Edgell Road   2012   N/A   Owned     2,243
Framingham, MA  01701                  
                   
66 Elm Street   2011   N/A   Owned     959
Danvers, MA  01923 (3)                  
                   
281 Quincy Avenue   2012   N/A   Owned     2,132
Quincy, MA 02169                  
                   
Other Properties:                  
1353-55 First Avenue   1946   2109   Leased     -
New York, NY 10021 (4)                  
                   
830 Post Road East   2007   7/31/2015   Leased     -
Westport, Connecticut  06880                  

 

(1)The Company has temporarily relocated its branch office at 1353-55 First Avenue to this property due to the sale and renovation of the building located at 1353-55 First Avenue. See footnote 4 below.
(2)This property is owned by us, but is subject to a 99 year land lease, the term of which expires in 2084.
(3)Loan production office.
(4)In June 2007, the Company sold this building and temporarily relocated its branch office located at 1353-55 First Avenue to 1470 First Avenue, New York, New York, while 1353-55 First Avenue is being renovated. On June 30, 2007, the Bank entered into a 99 year lease agreement for office space on the first floor of the building at 1353-55 First Avenue so that the Bank may continue to operate a branch office at this location after the building has been renovated. The lease will commence upon completion of construction at 1353-55 First Avenue. Construction on the 1353-1355 property has begun with a scheduled completion date of late 2014.

 

28
Index

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Legal Proceedings

 

On October 31, 2011 a complaint was filed by Stilwell Value Partners IV, L.P. in the Supreme Court of New York, New York County (the “Court”), against the Company, the MHC and each of the directors of the Company and the MHC. The complaint alleged that the directors had breached their fiduciary duties by not expanding the Company board to allow for disinterested consideration of a “second-step” conversion of the MHC. As relief, the complaint requested, among other things, that the Company’s board of directors be increased by at least three new members, that such new members be given sole responsibility to determine whether the Company should engage in a second-step conversion and that the Court order the Company to engage in a second-step conversion. A motion to dismiss the Complaint was filed on December 14, 2011. On September 27, 2012, the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss and dismissed the complaint granting Stilwell leave to file an amended complaint within 20 days. On December 14, 2012 Stilwell filed an amended complaint, alleging that the directors had breached their fiduciary duties by not voting to authorize a second step conversion or permitting disinterested consideration by new, independent board members of a second step conversion. Stilwell asserted claims against the MHC, as majority shareholder of the Company, for breach of fiduciary duty and for aiding and abetting the directors’ alleged  breach of fiduciary duty. The Company, filed a motion to dismiss on February 1, 2013.  Stilwell filed his opposition on March 8, 2013, and the Company filed its reply brief on March 29, 2013. The Court held a hearing on the motion on June 12, 2013. On October 23, 2013, the Court denied the motion to dismiss, holding the Court could not say that Stilwell had not alleged a viable claim, and thus the Court allowed the lawsuit against the Company’s directors and the MHC to proceed.

 

The Company and Bank are also subject to claims and litigation that arise primarily in the ordinary course of business. Based on information presently available and advice received from legal counsel representing the Company and Bank in connection with such claims and litigation, it is the opinion of management that the disposition or ultimate determination of such claims and litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

29
Index

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

The Company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market (“NASDAQ”) under the trading symbol “NECB.” The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of the common stock, as reported by NASDAQ, and the dividends declared by the Company during each quarter of the two most recent fiscal years. See Item 1, “Business—Regulation and Supervision—Regulation of Federal Savings Institutions—Limitation on Capital Distributions” and Note 2 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information relating to restrictions on dividends.

 

   Dividends   High   Low 
2013:               
First Quarter  $0.03   $5.60   $5.25 
Second Quarter   0.03    6.79    5.40 
Third Quarter   0.03    7.00    6.15 
Fourth Quarter   0.03    8.00    7.00 
                
2012:               
First Quarter  $0.03   $7.29   $5.49 
Second Quarter   0.03    6.33    5.09 
Third Quarter       5.61    5.00 
Fourth Quarter   0.03    5.64    5.01 

 

Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC, the Company’s majority stockholder, has waived receipt of all dividends declared by the Company. During 2013, the aggregate amount of dividends waived was $873,000. On a cumulative basis, $5,237,000 of such dividends have been waived through December 31, 2013.

 

As of February 28, 2014, there were approximately 259 holders of record of the Company’s common stock.

 

Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The following table presents information regarding the Company’s stock repurchases during the three months ended December 31, 2013:

 

                 
           Total Number of   Maximum Number 
   Total       Shares Purchased   of Shares that May 
   Number of   Average   as Part of Publicly   Yet Be Purchased 
   Shares   Price Paid   Announced Plans   Under the Plans or 
Period  Purchased   per Share   or Program   Programs 
                 
October 1 to                    
October 31.                
                     
November 1 to                    
November 30.                
                     
December 1 to                    
December 31.   77,800   $7.40    77,800    190,750 
Total   77,800   $7.40    77,800    190,750 

 

On November 26, 2013, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved the repurchase for up to 268,550 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock held by persons other than the MHC.

30
Index

 

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

   At or For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009 
                     
   (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 
Financial Condition Data:                         
Total assets  $458,225   $444,224   $489,289   $466,008   $527,276 
Cash and cash equivalents   31,531    49,242    82,583    44,453    88,718 
Securities held to maturity   8,444    11,987    16,099    19,858    11,845 
Securities available for sale   113    129    149    162    176 
Loans receivable, net   367,825    333,787    350,894    364,798    386,266 
Bank owned life insurance   20,490    19,852    16,736    16,145    10,522 
Deposits   325,209    318,120    353,636    326,830    379,518 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   21,000    15,000    20,000    25,000    35,000 
Total stockholders’ equity   104,168    103,849    107,065    108,139    107,448 
                          
Operating Data:                         
Interest income  $18,552   $20,028   $22,151   $24,642   $24,373 
Interest expense   3,192    3,763    5,177    8,435    10,092 
Net interest income   15,360    16,265    16,974    16,207    14,281 
Provision for loan losses   (554)   5,623    1,113    3,487    7,314 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   15,914    10,642    15,861    12,720    6,967 
Gain (loss) on sale of premises, equipment and
    deposits
                         
  deposits   (1)   (9)   10    1,924     
Other noninterest income   1,990    2,588    1,882    1,718    1,498 
Noninterest expenses   16,366    18,036    14,201    13,590    13,893 
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes                         
   taxes   1,537    (4,815)   3,552    2,772    (5,428)
Income tax (benefit) provision   400    (2,301)   1,197    904    (2,812)
Net income (loss)  $1,137   $(2,514)  $2,355   $1,868   $(2,616)
Net income (loss) per share – basic and diluted  $0.09   $(0.20)  $0.19   $0.15   $(0.20)
Dividends declared per share  $0.12   $0.09   $0.12   $0.12   $0.12 

 

31
Index

   At or For the Year Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009 
Performance Ratios:                         
Return on average assets   0.26%   (0.54)%   0.51%   0.37%   (0.54)
Return on average equity   1.08    (2.35)   2.18    1.72    (2.37)
Interest rate spread (1)   3.69    3.50    3.53    2.96    2.49 
Net interest margin (2)   3.94    3.76    3.89    3.39    3.08 
Noninterest expense to average assets   3.76    3.85    3.07    2.67    2.86 
Efficiency ratio (3)   94.33    95.71    75.27    68.47    88.05 
Average interest-earning assets to   130.27    129.46    130.26    124.48    127.33 
   average interest-bearing liabilities                         
Average equity to average assets   24.07    22.81    23.37    21.30    22.77 
                          
Capital Ratios - Bank:                         
Tangible capital   18.05    18.39    18.02    18.41    16.01 
Core capital   18.05    18.39    18.02    18.41    16.01 
Total risk-based capital   24.17    25.38    31.30    29.84    27.70 
                          
Asset Quality Ratios:                         
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of   1.08    1.38    2.07    2.06    1.72 
   total loans                         
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of   86.05    117.41    36.19    35.07    33.41 
   non-performing loans                         
Net charge-offs to average outstanding   0.03    2.37    0.37    0.67    0.62 
   loans during the period                         
Non-performing loans as a percent   1.26    1.17    5.72    5.87    5.14 
   of total loans                         
                          
Other Data:                         
Number of:                         
  Real estate loans outstanding   495    457    449    468    497 
  Deposit accounts   11,304    12,028    12,170    13,042    15,781 
  Offices (4)   13    13    10    9    10 
 
(1)Represents the difference between the weighted average yield on average interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(2)Represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets.
(3)Represents noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income.
(4)At December 31, 2013, includes our main office, a main office annex, our eight other full-service branch office, our future First Avenue, New York office, our loan production office, our investment advisory service office in Westport, Connecticut.

 

32
Index
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

Income. Our primary source of pre-tax income is net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income, which is the income that we earn on our loans and investments, and interest expense, which is the interest that we pay on our deposits and borrowings. Other significant sources of pre-tax income are prepayment penalties on multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential real estate loans and service charges – mostly from service charges on deposit accounts – and fees for various services.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for losses inherent in the loan portfolio. We evaluate the need to establish allowances against losses on loans on a quarterly basis. When additional allowances are necessary, a provision for loan losses is charged to earnings.

 

Expenses. The noninterest expenses we incur in operating our business consist of salary and employee benefits expenses, occupancy and equipment expenses, advertising expenses, federal insurance premiums and other miscellaneous expenses.

 

Salary and employee benefits consist primarily of the salaries and wages paid to our employees, payroll taxes and expenses for health insurance, retirement plans and other employee benefits.

 

Occupancy and equipment expenses, which are the fixed and variable costs of buildings and equipment, consist primarily of depreciation charges, ATM and data processing expenses, furniture and equipment expenses, maintenance, real estate taxes and costs of utilities. Depreciation of premises and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based on the useful lives of the related assets, which range from three to 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or term of the lease.

 

Advertising expenses include expenses for print, promotions, third-party marketing services and premium items. Federal insurance premiums are payments we make to the FDIC for insurance of our deposit accounts. Real estate owned expenses include expenses for real estate taxes, water and sewer charges, and maintenance of the property.

 

Other expenses include expenses for professional services, office supplies, postage, telephone, insurance, charitable contributions, regulatory assessments and other miscellaneous operating expenses.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

We consider accounting policies involving significant judgments and assumptions by management that have, or could have, a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets or on income to be critical accounting policies. We consider the allowance for loan losses as a critical accounting policy.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is the amount estimated by management as necessary to cover probable credit losses in the loan portfolio at the statement of financial condition date. The allowance is established through the provision for loan losses, which is charged to income. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses necessarily involves a high degree of judgment. Among the material estimates required to establish the allowance are: loss exposure at default; the amount and timing of future cash flows on impaired loans; value of collateral; and determination of loss factors to be applied to the various elements of the portfolio. All of these estimates are susceptible to significant change. Management reviews the level of the allowance on a quarterly basis and establishes the provision for loan losses based upon an evaluation of the portfolio, past loss experience, current economic conditions and other factors related to the collectability of the loan portfolio.

 

Although we believe that we use the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if economic conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluation. In addition, the NYDFS and FDIC, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically reviews our allowance for loan losses. The NYDFS and FDIC could require us to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. A large loss could deplete the allowance and require increased provisions to replenish the allowance, which would negatively affect earnings. For additional discussion, see notes 1 and 6 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this filing.

 

33
Index

Balance Sheet Analysis

 

Overview. Total assets at December 31, 2013 increased by $14.0 million, or 3.2%, to $458.2 million from total assets of $444.2 million at December 31, 2012. The increase was primarily due to increases of $34.0 million in loans receivable, net, $1.7 million in certificates of deposits at other financial institutions, $638,000 in bank owned life insurance, $291,000 in accrued interest receivable, and $239,000 in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, offset by decreases of $17.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, $3.5 million in investment securities held-to-maturity, $664,000 in premises and equipment, $334,000 in goodwill, $333,000 in other assets, and $286,000 in real estate owned.

 

The increase in total assets was funded by increases of $7.1 million in deposits, $6.0 million in Federal Home Loan Bank advances, $471,000 in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance, and $122,000 in accounts payable and accrued expenses. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had stockholders equity of $104.2 million, or 22.7% of assets on a consolidated basis,.

 

In 2010, we proactively reduced mortgage origination levels for mixed-use and non-residential real estate loans, based on our unwillingness to offer rates and terms on loan products that, in our opinion, do not accurately reflect the risk associated with particular loan types in the current economic and real estate environment. During the second half of 2011 and into 2012 and 2013, we began increasing our origination of loans secured by real-estate. In 2012, we commenced the origination of construction loans secured by multi-family and non-residential properties as an accommodation to maintain and/or develop relationships with our deposit and loan customers.

 

Loans. Our primary lending activity is the origination of loans secured by real estate. We originate real estate loans secured by multi-family residential real estate, mixed-use real estate and non-residential real estate. To a much lesser extent, we originate commercial and industrial and consumer loans. At December 31, 2013, loans receivable, net, totaled $367.8 million, an increase of $34.0 million, or 10.2%, from total loans receivable, net, of $333.8 million at December 31, 2012.

 

The largest segment of our real estate loans is multi-family residential loans. As of December 31, 2013, these loans totaled $188.9 million, or 50.9% of our total loan portfolio, compared to $178.6 million, or 52.9% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2013, mixed-use loans totaled $50.5 million, or 13.6% of our total loan portfolio, compared to $41.9 million, or 12.4% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2012. Non-residential real estate loans totaled $82.0 million, or 22.1% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2013, compared to $82.3 million, or 24.4% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, one- to four-family residential real estate loans totaled $11.8 million and $7.8 million, or 3.2% and 2.3% of our total loan portfolio, respectively.

 

Our originated construction loan portfolio totaled $6.6 million, net of loans in process of $10.6 million, or 1.8% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2013 compared to $841,000, net of loans in process of $5.2 million, or 0.3% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2012. The increase in construction loans was due to our expansion in the Massachusetts construction market through the origination of construction loans secured by multi-family and single family properties. In addition, in the latter part of 2013 we entered the New York construction market through the origination of construction loans secured by multi-family properties located in New York State.

 

At December 31, 2013, the six Massachusetts construction loans had an aggregate balance of $5.0 million, net of loans in process of $2.7 million, and the four New York construction loans had an aggregate balance of $1.6 million, net of loans in process of $7.9 million. All ten construction loans were performing according to their terms at December 31, 2013.

 

34
Index

The largest outstanding construction loan had a balance of $3.7 million, net of loans in process of $1.2 million, and was performing according to its terms at December 31, 2013. This loan is secured by a condominium building located in Danvers, Massachusetts and will be paid-off upon completion of the construction through a conversion to a permanent loan to be purchased by the Massachusetts Housing Authority.

 

At December 31, 2013, our commercial and industrial loan portfolio totaled $51.6 million in committed loans, with $31.3 million drawn against such commitments, compared to $48.7 million in committed loans, with $26.3 million drawn against such commitments at December 31, 2012.

 

We also originate several types of consumer loans consisting of personal consumer loans, loans secured by savings accounts or certificates of deposit (share loans), and overdraft protection for checking accounts which is linked to statement savings accounts and has the ability to transfer funds from the statement savings account to the checking account when needed to cover overdrafts. Consumer loans totaled $161,000 and represented 0.04% of total loans at December 31, 2013 compared to $77,000, or 0.02%, of total loans at December 31, 2012.

 

 

35
Index

The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

   At December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009 
   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent 
                                         
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Real estate:                                                  
    Residential Real Estate:                                                  
       One- to four-family  $11,752    3.17%  $7,761    2.30%  $627    0.18%  $211    0.06%  $244    0.06 
       Multi-family(1)   188,923    50.89    178,644    52.88    189,253    52.93    190,042    51.15    201,059    51.30 
       Mixed-use(1)   50,467    13.60    41,895    12.40    51,229    14.33    55,244    14.87    59,779    15.25 
          Total residential real estate
           loans
   251,142    67.66    228,300    67.58    241,109    67.43    245,497    66.08    261,082    66.61 
                                                   
    Non-residential real estate (1)   81,985    22.09    82,312    24.37    83,602    23.38    100,925    27.16    105,194    26.84 
          Total real estate   333,127    89.75    310,612    91.95    324,711    90.81    346,422    93.24    366,276    93.45 
                                                   
Construction   6,568    1.77    841    0.25    9,065    2.54    12,913    3.48    15,121    3.86 
Commercial and industrial   31,345    8.44    26,274    7.78    23,725    6.64    12,140    3.27    10,400    2.65 
                                                   
Consumer:                                                  
    Overdraft lines of credit   32    0.01    34    0.01    44    0.01    48    0.01    60    0.02 
    Passbook   11        28    0.01    24    0.01    15        90    0.02 
    Consumer   118    0.03    15                             
        Total consumer   161    0.04    77    0.02    68    0.02    63    0.01    150    0.04 
Total loans   371,201    100.00%   337,804    100.00%   357,569    100.00%   371,538    100.00%   391,947    100.00 
                                                   
Net deferred loan costs   639         629         722         907         1,052      
Allowance for losses   (4,015)        (4,646)        (7,397)        (7,647)        (6,733)     
        Loans, net  $367,825        $333,787        $350,894        $364,798        $386,266      

 

(1) Includes equity lines of credit that we originate on properties on which we hold the first mortgage.

 

36
Index

The following table sets forth certain information at December 31, 2013 regarding the dollar amount of loans repricing or maturing during the periods indicated. The table does not include any estimate of prepayments which significantly shorten the average life of all loans and may cause our actual repayment experience to differ from that shown below. Demand loans having no stated maturity are reported as due in one year or less.

 

   At December 31, 2013 
       Non-   Commercial             
   Residential   Residential   and       Consumer     
   Real Estate   Real Estate   Industrial   Construction   and other   Total 
                         
   (In thousands) 
One year or less  $35,592   $11,389   $23,225   $4,639   $43   $74,888 
More than one year to five years   186,120    54,813    3,986    1,929    12    246,860 
More than five years   29,430    15,783    4,134        106    49,453 
Total  $251,142   $81,985   $31,345   $6,568   $161   $371,201 

 

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of all loans at December 31, 2013 that are due after December 31, 2014 and have either fixed or adjustable interest rates.

 

   Fixed Rates   Adjustable Rates   Total 
   (In thousands) 
Residential real estate:               
One- to four-family  $2,318   $9,399   $11,718 
Multi-family   8,629    156,198    164,827 
Mixed-use   2,007    36,998    39,005 
Non-residential real estate   7,063    63,533    70,596 
Construction   490    1,439    1,929 
Commercial and industrial   8,120        8,120 
Consumer   118        118 
Total  $28,745   $267,567   $296,313 

 

37
Index

The following table shows loan origination, purchase and sale activity during the periods indicated.

 

   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009 
                     
   (In thousands) 
Total loans at beginning of period  $337,804   $357,569   $371,538   $391,947   $364,335 
Loans originated:                         
  Residential real estate:                         
    One- to four-family   3,235    9,385    450         
    Multi-family   44,510    30,745    34,505    5,210    22,423 
    Mixed-use   14,947    5,863    1,550        7,922 
  Non-residential real estate   9,935    14,597    7,043    420    6,920 
  Construction   12,904    5,996             
  Commercial and industrial   4,950    5,701    8,728    2,558    3,026 
  Consumer   112    16            35 
     Total loans originated   90,593    72,303    52,276    8,188    40,326 
Construction loan participation purchased                   5,198 
Deduct:                         
  Loan principal repayments   57,091    83,579    62,527    25,979    17,583 
  Charge offs   105    8,489    1,375    2,618    2,446 
Total deductions   57,196    92,068    63,902    28,597    20,029 
Other increases (decreases), net           (2,343)       2,117 
Total loans at end of period  $371,201   $337,804   $357,569   $371,538   $391,947 

 

Securities. Our securities portfolio consists primarily of residential mortgage-backed securities and Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLB”) stock. Securities decreased by $3.6 million, or 29.4%, from $12.1 million at December 31, 2012, to $8.6 million at December 31, 2013. The decrease was primarily due to maturities and repayments of $3.5 million, partially offset by an increase in FHLB stock of $239,000, or 17.6%, to $1.6 million at December 31, 2013 from $1.4 million at December 31, 2012. The increase in FHLB stock was due to an increase in borrowings from the FHLB, which increased the required amount of FHLB stock. At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had no investments in a single company or entity that had an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of our consolidated equity.

 

The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair values of our securities portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

   At December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011 
                         
   Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair 
   Cost   Value   Cost   Value   Cost   Value 
   (In thousands) 
Securities available for sale:                              
  Mortgage-backed securities-                              
     residential  $110   $113   $125   $129   $145   $149 
                               
Securities held to maturity:                              
 Mortgage-backed securities -                              
    residential  $8,444   $8,738   $11,987   $12,561   $16,099   $16,662 
38
Index

The following table sets forth the stated final maturities and weighted average yields of debt securities at December 31, 2013. Certain mortgage-backed securities have adjustable interest rates and will re-price annually within the various maturity ranges. These re-pricing schedules are not reflected in the table below. At December 31, 2013, mortgage-backed securities with adjustable rates totaled $6.9 million.

 

       More than   More than         
   One Year   One Year to   Five Years to   More than     
   or Less   Five Years   Ten Years   Ten Years   Total 
       Weighted       Weighted       Weighted       Weighted       Weighted 
   Carrying   Average   Carrying   Average   Carrying   Average   Carrying   Average   Carrying   Average 
   Value   Yield   Value   Yield   Value   Yield   Value   Yield   Value   Yield 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Securities available for sale:                                                  
  Mortgage-backed                                                  
     securities  $    %  $    %  $24    2.08%  $89    2.27%  $113    2.23%
                                                   
Securities held to maturity:                                                  
  Mortgage-backed                                                  
     securities  $    %  $74    2.42%  $131    2.11%  $8,239    3.47%  $8,444    3.44%

 

39
Index

Deposits. Our primary source of funds is retail deposit accounts which are comprised of savings accounts, demand deposits and certificates of deposit held primarily by individuals and businesses within our primary market area and to a small extent, non-broker certificates of deposit gathered through two nationwide certificate of deposit listing services. The non-broker certificates of deposits were accepted from banks, credit unions, non-profit organizations and certain corporations in amounts greater than $75,000 and less than $250,000. Although we curtailed the use of the certificate of deposit listing services in 2010, we resumed the use of these services in 2011 by obtaining $10.0 million in non-broker certificates of deposits. In an effort to reduce reliance on these higher cost funds, the Company allowed these non-broker certificates of deposits to mature without renewal in 2012.

 

We resumed the use of these services in December 2013 by obtaining $9.7 million in non-broker certificates of deposits due to a need to increase liquidity to fund loan originations and to diversify the sources of funds. As a result, these non-broker certificates of deposits have increased to $9.7 million, or 3.0% of total deposits at December 31, 2013 compared to $746,000, or 0.2% of total deposits, at December 31, 2012.

 

Deposits increased by $7.1 million, or 2.2%, in the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in deposits was primarily attributable to efforts by the Company to increase liquidity to fund loan originations, to increase reliance on noninterest bearing demand deposits and long term certificates of deposits, and to decrease reliance on short term rate sensitive NOW and money market deposits. This resulted in increases of $5.4 million in noninterest bearing demand deposits, $3.5 million in certificates of deposits, and $752,000 in savings accounts, offset by a decrease of $2.5 million in NOW and money market deposit accounts.

 

The following table sets forth the balances of our deposit products at the dates indicated.

 

   At December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011 
   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent 
                         
   (Dollars in thousands) 
                         
NOW and money market deposit accounts  $60,334    18.55%  $62,868    19.80%  $115,411    32.60%
Savings accounts   85,156    26.19    84,404    26.50    80,548    22.80 
Noninterest bearing demand deposits   28,310    8.70    22,932    7.20    15,046    4.30 
Certificates of deposit   151,409    46.56    147,916    46.50    142,631    40.30 
                               
Total  $325,209    100.0%  $318,120    100.0%  $353,636    100.0%

 

The Company had $980,000 at December 31, 2013 and $981,000 at December 31, 2012 in Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) reciprocal certificates of deposits that were fully-insured brokered deposits as defined in the FDIC call report instructions. The CDARS certificates of deposits were obtained from one retail depositor and then transferred into the CDARS Network in order to obtain full FDIC insurance coverage for our customer. These types of deposits are known in the CDARS Networks as reciprocal deposits, which the Company considers as core deposits and not brokered deposits.

 

The following table indicates the amount of certificates of deposit with balances over $100,000 by time remaining until maturity as of December 31, 2013. We do not solicit jumbo certificates of deposit nor do we offer special rates for jumbo certificates. The minimum deposit to open a certificate of deposit ranges from $500 to $2,500.

 

   Certificates 
Maturity Period  of Deposit 
   (In thousands) 
Three months or less  $2,066 
Over three through six months   7,014 
Over six through twelve months   26,006 
Over twelve months   54,613 
Total  $89,699 

40
Index

Borrowings. We may utilize borrowings from a variety of sources to supplement our supply of funds for loans and investments and to meet deposit withdrawal requirements. Advances from the FHLB increased to $21.0 million as of December 31, 2013 from $15.0 million FHLB advances outstanding as of December 31, 2012.

 

The contractual maturities of FHLB advances at December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

       Weighted 
       Average 
   Amount   Interest Rate 
Advances maturing in:          
One year or less  $16,000    1.45%
After one to two years   2,000    0.68 
After two to three years   3,000    1.03 
   $21,000    1.32%

 

Stockholders’ Equity. Stockholders’ equity increased by $319,000, or 0.3%, to $104.2 million at December 31, 2013, from $103.8 million at December 31, 2012. The increase was primarily due to comprehensive net income of $1.3 million and $164,000 for ESOP shares earned for the period, partially offset by cash dividends declared of $602,000 and treasury stock purchase of $579,000.

 

On December 12, 2013, Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC, the Company’s majority stockholder, received notice from the Federal Reserve Board that it did not object to the waiver of dividends paid by the Company in the twelve months following MHC member approval of the dividend waiver, which occurred on November 12, 2013. See “Risk Factors—The amount of dividends we pay on our common stock, if any, may be limited by the ability of NorthEast Community Bancorp, MHC to waive receipt of dividends.”

 

Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012

 

Overview.

 

   2013   2012   % Change 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Net income (loss)  $1,137   $(2,514)   145.23%
Return on average assets   0.26%   (0.54)%   148.15 
Return on average equity   1.08%   (2.35)%   145.96 
Average equity to average assets   24.07%   22.81%   5.5 

 

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased by $3.7 million, or 145.2%, to $1.1 million from a net loss of $2.5 million in 2012. The increase was primarily the result of decreases in the provision for loan losses and non-interest expense, offset by decreases in net interest income and non-interest income and an increase in income taxes.

 

Net Interest Income. Net interest income decreased by $905,000, or 5.6%, to $15.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, from $16.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in net interest income resulted from a decrease of $1.5 million in interest income that exceeded a decrease of $571,000 in interest expense.

 

The decrease in interest income was due to decreases in the average balance and yield of our interest earning assets, primarily loans receivable, securities, and other interest-earning assets. In this regard, the average balance of our interest earning assets decreased by $42.9 million, or 9.9%, to $390.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $433.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

41
Index

The net interest spread increased by 19 basis points to 3.69% for the year ended December 31, 2013 from 3.50% for the year ended December 31, 2012. The net interest margin increased by 18 basis points to 3.94% for the year ended December 31, 2013 from 3.76% for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in the net interest rate spread and the net interest margin in 2013 compared to 2012 was due to an increase in the yield on our interest-earning assets coupled with a decrease in the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities.

 

The average yield on our interest-earning assets increased by 13 basis points to 4.76% for the year ended December 31, 2013 from 4.63% for the year ended December 31, 2012 and the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 6 basis points to 1.07% for the year ended December 31, 2013 from 1.13% for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in the yield on our interest earning assets was due to a decrease in other interest-earning assets, resulting in a shift in the composition of interest-earning assets whereby higher yielding loans receivable represented a larger percentage of total interest-earning assets for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities was due to our decision to reduce interest rates offered on our deposits.

 

Total interest income decreased by $1.5 million, or 7.4%, to $18.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $20.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Interest income on loans decreased by $1.3 million, or 6.7%, to $18.2 million for 2013 from $19.5 million for 2012 as a result of a decrease of 27 basis points in the average yield on loans to 5.26% for 2013 from 5.53% for 2012 and a decrease in the average balance of loans receivable. The average balance of loans receivable decreased by $6.5 million, or 1.8%, to $346.4 million at December 31, 2013 from $352.9 million at December 31, 2012. The decrease in the average balance and yield of our loans receivable was due to the pay-off of higher yielding mortgage loans and the refinancing and/or re-pricing to lower interest rates of mortgage loans in our loan portfolio.

 

Interest income on securities decreased by $155,000, or 32.0%, to $329,000 for 2013 from $484,000 for 2012 as a result of a decrease of 17 basis points in the average yield on securities to 2.91% for 2013 from 3.08% for 2012 and a decrease in the average balance of securities. The average balance of securities decreased by $4.4 million, or 28.0%, to $11.3 million at December 31, 2013 from $15.7 million at December 31, 2012. The decrease in the yield on our securities was due to the re-pricing of the yield of our adjustable rate investment securities and a decrease in the FHLB stock yield from 4.5% in 2012 to 4.2% in 2013. The decrease in the average balance on our securities was due to the principal repayments on investment securities.

 

Interest income on other interest-earning assets decreased by $21,000, or 61.8%, to $13,000 for 2013 from $34,000 for 2012 as a result of a decrease of 1 basis points in the average yield on other interest-earning assets to 0.04% for 2013 from 0.05% for 2012 and a decrease in the average balance of other interest-earning assets. The average balance of other interest-earning assets decreased by $32.0 million, or 49.7%, to $32.4 million at December 31, 2013 from $64.4 million at December 31, 2012. The decline in the yield was due to the maturity of higher yielding certificates of deposits at other financial institutions. The decrease in the average balance of other interest-earning assets was due to decreases in the average balance of cash equivalents to fund loan originations.

 

Total interest expense decreased by $571,000, or 15.2%, to $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Interest expense on deposits decreased by $254,000, or 7.9%, to $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. During this same period, the average interest cost of deposits remained the same at 1.01% for the year ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

The decrease in interest expense on deposits was due to a decrease of $26.0 million, or 8.2%, in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits to $292.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $318.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits was due to decreases in the average balance of our interest-bearing demand deposits and interest-bearing savings and club accounts, offset by increases in the average balance of our interest-bearing certificates of deposits. The decrease in the average balances of our interest-bearing demand deposits and interest-bearing savings and club accounts was due to our decision to reduce the interest rates offered on these deposits. The increase in the average balance of our interest-bearing certificates of deposit was due to offering competitive interest rates in connection with the opening of two new branches in Framingham and Quincy, Massachusetts during the latter part of the third quarter of 2012.

42
Index

The interest expense of our interest-bearing demand deposits decreased by $278,000, or 55.9%, to $219,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $497,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in interest expense in our interest-bearing demand deposits was due to our decision to reduce the interest rates on interest-bearing demand deposits that resulted in a 19 basis point decrease in the average interest cost to 0.35% for the year ended December 31, 2013 from 0.54% for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in interest expense on our interest-bearing demand deposits was also due to a decrease of $29.9 million, or 32.5%, in the average balance of our interest-bearing demand deposits to $62.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $92.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

The interest expense of our interest-bearing savings and club deposits decreased by $113,000, or 20.3%, to $445,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $558,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in interest expense in our interest-bearing savings and club deposits resulted from our decision to reduce the interest rates on interest-bearing savings and club deposits that resulted in a 10 basis point decrease in the average interest cost to 0.54% for the year ended December 31, 2013 from 0.64% for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in interest expense on our interest-bearing savings and club deposits was also due to a decrease of $4.5 million, or 5.2%, in the average balance of our interest-bearing savings and club deposits to $83.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $87.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

The interest expense of our interest-bearing certificates of deposit increased by $137,000, or 6.3%, to $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in interest expense in our interest-bearing certificates of deposit was due to an increase of $8.4 million, or 6.1%, in the average balance of our interest-bearing certificates of deposit to $147.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $138.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase in the average balance of our interest-bearing certificates of deposit and the average interest cost was due to offering competitive interest rates in connection with the opening of two new branches in Framingham and Quincy, Massachusetts during the latter part of the third quarter of 2012. The average interest cost of certificates of deposits remained the same at 1.55% for the year ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 

Interest expense on borrowings decreased by $317,000, or 56.8%, to $241,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $558,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $8.9 million, or 56.0%, in the average balance of borrowed money to $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $16.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease was also due to a decrease of 5 basis points in the cost of borrowed money to 3.44% for the year ended December 31, 2013 from 3.49% for the year ended December 30, 2012 due primarily to the maturity and repayment of higher costing FHLB advances from 2012 to 2013 and the origination of new lower costing FHLB advances in the latter part of 2013.

 

Average Balances and Yields. The following table presents information regarding average balances of assets and liabilities, the total dollar amounts of interest income and dividends from average interest-earning assets, the total dollar amounts of interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, and the resulting annualized average yields and costs. The yields and costs for the periods indicated are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balances of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented. For purposes of this table, average balances have been calculated using average daily balances. Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans. Loan fees are included in interest income on loans. Interest income on loans and investment securities has not been calculated on a tax equivalent basis because the impact would be insignificant.

 

43
Index

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011 
       Interest           Interest           Interest     
   Average   and   Yield/   Average   and   Yield/   Average   and   Yield/ 
   Balance   Dividends   Cost   Balance   Dividends   Cost   Balance   Dividends   Cost 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Assets:                                             
Interest-earning assets:                                             
Loans  $346,449   $18,210    5.26%  $352,912   $19,510    5.53%  $369,188   $21,423    5.80%
Securities   11,305    329    2.91    15,704    484    3.08    20,781    687    3.31 
Other interest-earning assets   32,394    13    0.04    64,399    34    0.05    46,825    41    0.09 
Total interest-earning assets   390,148    18,552    4.76    433,015    20,028    4.63    436,794    22,151    5.07 
Allowance for loan losses   (4,305)             (5,785)             (7,768)          
Noninterest-earning assets   49,535              41,740              33,440           
Total assets  $435,378             $468,970             $462,466           
                                              
Liabilities and equity:                                             
Interest-bearing liabilities:                                             
Interest-bearing demand  $62,181   $219    0.35%  $92,110   $497    0.54%  $82,587   $698    0.85%
Savings and club accounts   82,976    445    0.54    87,505    558    0.64    62,093    424    0.68 
Certificates of deposit   147,307    2,287    1.55    138,895    2,150    1.55    167,603    3,425    2.04 
Total interest-bearing deposits   292,464    2,951    1.01    318,510    3,205    1.01    312,283    4,547    1.46 
                                              
Borrowings   7,033    241    3.43    15,971    558    3.49    23,034    630    2.74 
Total interest-bearing liabilities   299,497    3,192    1.07    334,481    3,763    1.13    335,317    5,177    1.54 
                                              
Noninterest-bearing demand   23,234              19,715              12,027           
Other liabilities   7,834              7,814              7,033           
Total liabilities   330,565              362,010              354,377           
                                              
Stockholders’ equity   104,813              106,960              108,089           
Total liabilities and                                             
            Stockholders’ equity  $435,378             $468,970             $462,466           
Net interest income       $15,360             $16,265             $16,974      
Interest rate spread             3.69%             3.50%             3.53%
Net interest margin             3.94%             3.76%             3.89%
Net interest-earning assets  $90,651             $98,534             $101,477           
Interest-earning assets to interest-bearing
     liabilities
   130.27%             129.46%             130.26%          

 

Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The net column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionately based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.

44
Index

 

   2013 Compared to 2012   2012 Compared to 2011 
   Increase (Decrease) Due to   Increase (Decrease) Due to 
   Volume   Rate   Net   Volume   Rate   Net 
   (In thousands) 
Interest and dividend income:                              
Loans receivable  $(353)  $(947)  $(1,300)  $(923)  $(990)  $(1,913)
Investment securities   (129)   (26)   (155)   (159)   (44)   (203)
Other interest-earning assets   (14)   (7)   (21)   12    (19)   (7)
Total interest-earning assets   (496)   (980)   (1,476)   (1,070)   (1,053)   (2,123)
                               
Interest expense:                              
Interest-bearing demand deposits   (134)   (144)   (278)   73    (274)   (201)
Savings accounts   (28)   (85)   (113)   164    (30)   134 
Certificates of deposit   131    5    137    (528)   (747)   (1,275)
Borrowings   (308)   (8)   (317)   (221)   149    (72)
Total interest-bearing liabilities   (339)   (232)   (571)   (512)   (902)   (1,414)
Net change in interest income  $(157)  $(748)  $(905)  $(558)  $(151)  $(709)

 

Provision for Loan Losses. We recorded a reduction to the allowance for loan losses of $554,000 and a provision for loan losses of $5.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. During 2013, we charged-off $105,000 against two non-performing non-residential mortgage loans to reduce the aggregate carry value to $2.8 million as of December 31, 2013. During 2012, we charged-off $8.5 million against 29 non-performing loans to reduce the aggregate carrying value to $11.2 million as of December 31, 2012. The primary reason for the decreased provision during 2013 was an improving economy and substantial improvements in the multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential real estate markets in the New York and Massachusetts regions and a decrease in our borrowers requesting assistance through modification of loan terms. We recorded recoveries of $27,000 and $115,000 during the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

 

The Company’s director of special assets continues to monitor our loan portfolio and reviews at least quarterly and, more frequently, if necessary all non-performing loans, potential non-performing loans, and restructured loans. An analysis of the changes in the allowance for loan losses is presented under “Risk Management – Analysis and Determination of the Allowance for Loan Losses.”

 

Noninterest Income. The following table shows the components of noninterest income for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

 

           % Change 
   2013   2012   2013/2012 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Other loan fees and service charges  $601   $1,080    (44.4)%
Loss on dispositions of premises and equipment   (1)   (9)   (88.9)
Earnings on bank owned life insurance   638    616    3.4 
Investment advisory fees   729    877    (16.9)
Other   22    15    57.1 
Total  $1,989   $2,579    (22.9)%

 

The decrease in noninterest income was primarily due to decreases of $479,000 in other loan fees and service charges, $148,000 in investment advisory fee income, and $8,000 in net loss on disposition of premises and equipment, offset by increases of $22,000 in earnings on bank owned life insurance and $8,000 in other non-interest income.

 

45
Index

The decrease in other loan fees and service charges was due to a decrease of $523,000 in mortgage broker fee income, offset by an increase of $51,000 in commercial and industrial loan fee income. The decrease in mortgage broker fee income was due to the elimination of the 1-4 family residential mortgage loan brokerage department and the termination of the related staff in January 2013. The decrease in investment advisory fee income was due to the termination in late 2012 of a staff member who specialized in insurance products.

 

Noninterest Expense. The following table shows the components of noninterest expense and the percentage changes for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

 

   Year Ended December 31,     
           % Change 
   2013   2012   2013/2012 
   (Dollars in thousands)     
Salaries and employee benefits  $8,224   $9,332    (11.9)%
Net occupancy expense of premises   1,469    1,323    11.0 
Equipment   637    759    (16.1)
Outside data processing   1,046    1,032    1.4 
Advertising   59    261    (77.4)
Impairment loss on goodwill   334    227    47.1 
REO expenses   425    36    1,080.6 
FDIC insurance premiums   392    367    6.8 
Service contracts   402    392    2.7 
Insurance   222    215    3.2 
Audit and accounting   440    288    52.6 
Directors compensation   461    405    13.9 
Telephone   392    345    13.7 
Office supplies and stationary   77    118    (34.7)
Director, officer, and employee expenses   332    725    (54.2)
Legal fees   630    826    (23.8)
Other   824    1,385    (40.5)
Total noninterest expenses  $16,366   $18,036    (9.3)

 

Non-interest expense decreased by $1.7 million, or 9.3%, to $16.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $18.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease resulted primarily from decreases of $1.1 million in salaries and employee benefits, $202,000 in advertising expense, and $122,000 in equipment expense, partially offset by increases of $389,000 in real estate expense, $146,000 in occupancy expense, $107,000 in impairment loss on goodwill, $25,000 in FDIC insurance expense, and $14,000 in outside data processing expense.

 

Salaries and employee benefits, which represented 50.3% of the Company’s non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2013, decreased by $1.1 million, or 11.9%, to $8.2 million in 2013 from $9.3 million in 2012. The decrease was due to a decrease in the number of full time equivalent employees to 102 at December 31, 2013 from 123 at December 31, 2012, offset by the staffing of the second New York loan production office that opened in January 2014. The decrease in full time equivalent employees was due to the Company’s efforts to control cost by reducing staff in various departments, including the mortgage brokerage department, the wealth management department, and branch operations during 2013. The decrease in salaries and employee benefits was also due to the resignation of the former chief financial officer in July 2013 that resulted in the forfeiture of certain benefits.

 

Advertising expense decreased by $202,000, or 77.4%, to $59,000 in 2013 from $261,000 in 2012 and equipment expense decreased by $122,000, or 16.1%, to $637,000 in 2013 from $759,000 in 2012 due to efforts to contain certain marketing and equipment costs. These expenses also decreased due to the opening of the Framingham and Quincy, Massachusetts branch offices in 2012 that resulted in additional marketing cost and the purchases of additional equipment in 2012 compared to no new branch office openings in 2013.

46
Index

Real estate owned expenses increased by $389,000 due to operating expenses related to two foreclosed properties of which one was sold in June 2013 resulting in a loss of $51,000.

 

Occupancy expense increased by $146,000, or 11.0%, to $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 due to the addition of the new Framingham and Quincy, Massachusetts branch offices in the latter part of 2012 and payment of arrearage cooperative assessments for the 23rd Street, New York branch office.

 

During the second quarter of 2013, the Company determined that an adjustment to the goodwill impairment of $227,000 previously recorded in 2012 was necessary. As a result, an additional impairment charge of $334,000 was recognized in 2013. The goodwill was recorded in connection with the Hayden Financial Group acquisition in 2007. The impairment was caused primarily by the expected decrease in other revenue from this division resulting from a reduction in personnel.

 

Outside data processing expense increased by $14,000, or 1.4%, to $1.05 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $1.03 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 due primarily to additional services provided in 2013 by the Company’s core data processing vendor as a result of the expansion of the Company’s facilities and services. FDIC insurance expense increased by $25,000, or 6.8%, to $392,000 in 2013 from $367,000 in 2012.

 

Other non-interest expense decreased by $919,000, or 19.6%, to $3.8 million in 2013 from $4.7 million in 2012 due mainly to decreases of $393,000 in directors, officers and employee expenses, $327,000 in recruitment expenses related to the hiring of additional personnel in the Company’s Headquarters and Massachusetts locations in 2012, $196,000 in legal fees, $141,000 in consulting services, $70,000 in regulatory assessments, $41,000 in office supplies, and $25,000 in donations, offset by increases of $152,000 in audit and accounting fees, $56,000 in directors compensation, $47,000 in telephone expenses, $11,000 in service contracts, and $7,000 in insurance expenses.

 

Provision for Income Taxes. Income taxes increased by $2.7 million, or 117.4%, to an expense of $400,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013 from a benefit of $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The increase resulted primarily from a $6.4 million increase in pre-tax income in 2013 compared to 2012. The effective tax rate was an expense of 26.0% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to a benefit of 47.8% for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Risk Management

 

Overview. Managing risk is an essential part of successfully managing a financial institution. Our most prominent risk exposures are credit risk, interest rate risk and operational risk. Credit risk is the risk of not collecting the interest and/or the principal balance of a loan or investment when it is due. Interest rate risk is the potential reduction of net interest income as a result of changes in interest rates. Operational risks include risks related to fraud, regulatory compliance, processing errors, technology and disaster recovery. Other risks that we face are market risk, liquidity risk and reputation risk. Market risk arises from fluctuations in interest rates that may result in changes in the values of financial instruments, such as available-for-sale securities, that are accounted for on a mark-to-market basis. Liquidity risk is the possible inability to fund obligations to depositors, lenders or borrowers. Reputation risk is the risk that negative publicity or press, whether true or not, could cause a decline in our customer base or revenue.

 

Credit Risk Management. Our strategy for credit risk management focuses on having well-defined credit policies and uniform underwriting criteria and providing prompt attention to potential problem loans. We underwrite each mortgage loan application on its merits, applying risk factors to ensure that each transaction is considered on an equitable basis.

 

When a borrower fails to make a required loan payment, we take a number of steps to attempt to have the borrower cure the delinquency and restore the loan to current status. When the ten day grace period expires and the payment has not been received, a late payment notice is mailed and telephone contact is initiated. Throughout the rest of the month that payment is due, the borrower is called several times. If the payment has not been received by the end of the month, the borrower is informed that the loan will be placed in foreclosure within two weeks. On the 45th day after payment is due, the loan is forwarded to the problem loan officer who will review the file and may authorize an acceleration letter. Once a foreclosure action has been instituted, a written agreement between the Bank and the debtor will be required to discontinue the foreclosure action. We may consider loan workout arrangements with certain borrowers under certain circumstances. If no satisfactory resolution to the delinquency is forthcoming, the note and mortgage may be sold prior to a foreclosure sale or the real property securing the loan would be sold at foreclosure.

47
Index

Non-performing loans and potential non-performing loans were reviewed on a regular basis by management’s Special Assets Group (“SAG”) since 2008. The Board authorized the SAG to address the increase in non-performing loans as a result of the economic and real estate collapse that began in 2008. The Board and Senior Management believe that individual attention for each troubled loan gives that loan the best opportunity of recovery or disposal at the least cost to the Bank. The SAG was comprised of the chief executive officer, a director of special assets who is a loan workout specialist, and one facilities officer specializing in building management.

 

In mid-2013, the SAG was disbanded due to a decrease in the level of problem loans. The director of special assets is now charged with the mandate to identify problem and potential problem loans in conjunction with the internal loan review process, to evaluate the loan and determine the cause of the problem and whether there is a realistic probability that the loan can be return to a performing status over a reasonable time frame, and to ascertain whether the borrower is willing and able to work with the Bank in an effort to save the loan and their investment.

 

Once it is determined that the borrower is willing and able to cooperate in the effort, the director of special assets will assume responsibility for the loan and devise a plan to correct the deficiencies. The plan may take the form of a short term forbearance agreement, a moderate or longer term restructure agreement or an A/B note and mortgage split. With the cooperation of the borrower, the director of special assets will implement the plan and monitor its progress to assure as timely a resolution as possible.

 

We believe the Bank’s and the borrower’s best interests are to work to keep a property viable and performing during difficult economic times, thereby helping to limit loan losses when there is a reasonable expectation that the property will be able to support the original debt once the current crisis has passed. A successful plan will ultimately return the loan to a performing status and the Plan will terminate when the loan is reclassified as performing.

 

Should a workable plan not be possible, the director of special assets is charged with disposing of the loan as quickly and cost effectively as possible. This may be accomplished through foreclosure, a sale of the note and mortgage or a short sale.

 

In connection with the above, the Bank has entered into short-term restructuring agreements with various borrowers.

 

At December 31, 2013, the Bank had fourteen restructured mortgage loans totaling $16.8 million, comprised of five multi-family mortgage loans totaling $5.5 million, one mixed-use mortgage loan totaling $897,000, and eight nonresidential mortgage loans totaling $10.4 million. Except for two nonresidential mortgage loans totaling $1.3 million that are non-performing and nonaccrual, each of the remaining twelve restructured loans was performing under the terms of the restructured agreements at December 31, 2013. Restructuring terms were generally consistent with market terms.

 

At December 31, 2012, the Bank had eleven restructured mortgage loans totaling $13.4 million, comprised of five multi-family mortgage loans totaling $5.5 million, one mixed-use mortgage loan totaling $916,000, and five nonresidential mortgage loans totaling $7.0 million. Except for two nonresidential mortgage loans totaling $1.2 million that were non-performing and nonaccrual, each of the remaining ten restructured loans were performing under the terms of the restructured agreements at December 31, 2012. Restructuring terms were generally consistent with market terms.

 

48
Index

Management reports to the board of directors monthly regarding the amount of loans past-due more than 30 days.

 

Analysis of Non-performing and Classified Assets. We generally consider repossessed assets and loans that are 90 days or more past due to be non-performing assets. It is generally our policy to continue to accrue interest on past-due loans and loans in foreclosure as long as management determines that these loans are well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, the accrual of interest ceases and the allowance for any uncollectible accrued interest is established and charged against operations. Typically, payments received on a nonaccrual loan are applied to interest only if collection of principal is reasonably assured.

 

Real estate that we acquire as a result of a foreclosure action or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is classified as foreclosed real estate until it is sold. When property is acquired, it is initially recorded at the lower of the unpaid principal balance of the loan or the fair value minus estimated cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Holding costs and declines in fair value after acquisition of the property result in charges against income.

 

 

 

 

49
Index

  

The following table provides information with respect to our nonperforming assets at the dates indicated.

 

   At December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Nonaccrual loans:                         
Residential real estate:                         
One- to four-family  $   $   $   $   $ 
Multi-family       1,477    4,229    2,219    5,806 
Mixed-use   2,210        722         
Non-residential real estate   2,372    2,480    6,634    5,457    14,344 
Construction           7,661    11,575     
Commercial and industrial   84                 
Consumer and other loans                    
Total   4,666    3,957    19,246    19,251    20,150 
                          
Accruing loans past due 90 days or                         
   more:                         
Residential real estate:                         
One- to four-family                    
Multi-family           1,192    2,555     
Mixed-use                    
Non-residential real estate                    
Construction                    
Commercial and industrial                    
Consumer and other loans                    
Total           1,192    2,555     
Total non-performing loans   4,666    3,957    20,438    21,806    20,150 
                          
Foreclosed real estate   3,985    4,271    620    933    636 
Total non-performing assets   8,651    8,228    21,058    22,739    20,786 
                          
Performing troubled debt restructurings   15,535    12,236    14,039    30,893    13,175 
Nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings   1,269    1,197    1,435         
Total troubled debt restructurings   16,804    13,433    15,474    30,893    13,175 
Less nonaccrual troubled debt                         
   restructuring in total nonaccrual loans   1,269    1,197    1,435         
                          
Troubled debt restructurings and
    total non-performing assets
  $24,186   $20,464   $35,097   $53,632   $33,961 
                          
Total non-performing loans to total loans   1.26%   1.17%   5.72%   5.87%   5.14%
Total non-performing assets to total assets   1.89%   1.85%   4.30%   4.88%   3.94%
Total non-performing assets and
     troubled debt restructurings to total assets
   5.28%   4.61%   7.17%   11.51%   6.44%

 

50
Index

Other than disclosed in the above table and in the classified assets table below, management believes that there are no other loans at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 that we have serious doubts about the ability of the borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms.

 

Troubled debt restructurings occur when we grant borrowers concessions that we would not otherwise grant but for economic or legal reasons pertaining to the borrower’s financial difficulties. These concessions may include, but are not limited to, modifications of the terms of the debt, the transfer of assets or the issuance of any equity interest by the borrower to satisfy all or part of the debt, or the substitution or addition of borrower(s). Generally, we will not upgrade the internal classification of a troubled debt restructuring until the borrower has demonstrated the ability to make principal and interest payments under the restructure terms for at least six consecutive months.

 

The nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2013 consisted of seven loans in the aggregate, comprised of one mixed-use mortgage loan, four non-residential mortgage loans, and two commercial and industrial loans. Non-performing loans increased by $709,000, or 17.9% to $4.7 million at December 31, 2013 from $4.0 million at December 31, 2012. The increase was due to the addition of one mixed-use mortgage loan totaling $2.2 million, one non-residential mortgage loan totaling $314,000, and two commercial and industrial loans totaling $84,000. These were offset by the satisfaction of two multi-family mortgage loans totaling $196,000 and the conversion from non-performing to performing status of four mortgage loans totaling $1.8 million.

 

The nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2012 consisted of nine loans in the aggregate, comprised of five multi-family mortgage loans and four non-residential mortgage loans. Non-performing loans decreased by $16.5 million, or 80.6%, to $4.0 million at December 31, 2012 from $20.4 million at December 31, 2011. The decrease in non-performing loans was due to the satisfaction of eight nonaccrual and one accruing mortgage loans totaling $5.5 million, the conversion from non-performing to performing status of five mortgage loans totaling $8.9 million, the foreclosure into real estate owned of two non-residential mortgage loans totaling $4.3 million (net of charge-offs of $700,000), and charge-offs of $3.0 million against four non-performing loans. These were offset by the addition of seven mortgage loans totaling $2.4 million that became non-performing at December 31, 2012.

 

The one nonaccrual mixed-use mortgage loan totaled $2.2 million at December 31, 2013, consist primarily of the following:

 

(1)An outstanding balance of $2.2 million secured by three separate buildings with 25 apartment units and office spaces. We classified this loan as substandard. The Company intends to request the Court to appoint a receiver to collect the rents, maintain the properties, and eventually sell the properties subject to the mortgage.

 

The four nonaccrual non-residential real estate loans, net of charge-offs of $931,000, totaled $2.4 million at December 31, 2013 consist primarily of the following mortgage loans:

 

  (1) An outstanding balance of $824,000, net of a charge-off of $371,000, secured by a gasoline service station and car wash.  We classified this loan as substandard.  The Company has commenced a foreclosure action and has applied to the Court to appoint a receiver.  We are evaluating the options currently available to us.

 

  (2) An outstanding balance of $789,000, net of charge-off of $234,000, secured by a medical office building.  We classified this loan as substandard.  The Company has commenced a foreclosure action and the Court has appointed a receiver.  Subsequent to December 31, 2013, the Company entered into an Assignment of Bid Agreement with a real estate investor known to the Bank.

 

  (3) An outstanding balance of $445,000, net of charge-offs of $400,000, secured by a strip shopping center and warehouse. We classified this loan as substandard.  The property was severely damaged by fire and the Company and borrower are currently suing the insurance company and the borrower’s insurance agent as part of the Company’s collection efforts. The borrower is making monthly escrow payments.

 

51
Index

  (4) An outstanding balance of $314,000, secured by a building housing auto repair and auto rental facilities.  We classified this loan as substandard.  The Company has commenced a foreclosure action, but the borrower filed for bankruptcy protection on March 18, 2014.  We are evaluating the options currently available to us.

 

We are in the process of foreclosing on the above-mentioned first, second, and fourth nonaccrual non-residential mortgage loans. Based on recent fair value analyses of these properties, the Company does not expect any losses beyond the amounts already charged off.

 

Interest income that would have been recorded for the year ended December 31, 2013 had nonaccruing loans been performing in accordance with their original terms amounted to approximately $160,000. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Bank recognized interest income of approximately $98,000 on the non-accrual loans.

 

At December 31, 2013, we owned one foreclosed property with a net balance of $4.0 million consisting of an office building located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. We have begun marketing the New Jersey office building for sale.

 

Federal regulations require us to review and classify our assets on a regular basis. In addition, the NYDFS has the authority to identify problem assets and, if appropriate, require them to be classified. There are three classifications for problem assets: substandard, doubtful and loss. “Substandard assets” must have one or more defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. “Doubtful assets” have the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values questionable, and there is a high possibility of loss. An asset classified “loss” is considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as an asset of the institution is not warranted. The regulations also provide for a “special mention” category, described as assets which do not currently expose us to a sufficient degree of risk to warrant classification but do possess credit deficiencies or potential weaknesses deserving our close attention. We recognize a loss as soon as a reasonable determination of that loss can be made. We directly charge, against earnings, that portion of the asset that is determined to be uncollectible. If an accurate determination of the loss is impossible, for any reason, we will establish an allowance in an amount sufficient to absorb the most probable loss expected. In cases where a reasonable determination of a loss cannot be made, we will adjust our allowance to reflect a potential loss until a more accurate determination can be made.

 

The following table shows the aggregate amounts of our classified assets at the dates indicated.

 

   At December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011 
   (In thousands) 
             
Special mention assets  $5,612   $3,058   $4,259 
Substandard assets   12,536    13,872    24,146 
Doubtful and loss assets            
Total classified assets  $18,148   $16,930   $28,405 

 

The increase in classified assets was due to the addition of one mixed-use loan with a balance of $2.2 million. On the basis of management’s review of assets, we classified $5.6 million of our assets at December 31, 2013 as special mention compared to $3.1 million classified as special mention at December 31, 2012. In addition, we classified $12.5 million as substandard at December 31, 2013 compared to $13.9 million at December 31, 2012.

 

52
Index

The increase in special mention assets was due to the addition of six commercial and industrial loans totaling $3.8 million that were newly classified as special mention and four commercial and industrial loans totaling $1.8 million that were reclassified from substandard to special mention, offset by four multi-family mortgage loans, one mixed-use mortgage loan, and one non-residential mortgage loan totaling $3.0 million that were performing and no longer considered to be potential risk for non-performance and one multi-family mortgage loan totaling $89,000 that was paid-off.

 

The decrease in substandard assets was due to two multi-family mortgage loans totaling $3.8 million that were performing and no longer considered to be potential risk for non-performance, three commercial and industrial loans totaling $1.9 million that were performing and reclassified from substandard to special mention, and one multi-family mortgage loan and one commercial and industrial loan totaling $353,000 that were paid-off, offset by two non-residential and one mixed-use mortgage loans totaling $4.6 million that were newly classified as substandard.

 

The substandard loans at December 31, 2013 consisted of nine loans in the aggregate – one mixed-use mortgage loan and eight non-residential mortgage loans. See the nonaccrual loan discussion above for a description of the material nonaccrual loans that are classified as substandard, comprised of the one mixed-use substandard mortgage loan and three of the eight substandard non-residential mortgage loans.

 

The five substandard non-residential mortgage loans that were not described in the above-mentioned nonaccrual section consisted of (1) three mortgage loans that were current, had an outstanding balance of $5.9 million, net of charge-offs of $2.4 million, and were secured by a hotel as of December 31, 2013, (2) a mortgage loan that was current, had an outstanding balance of $2.0 million and was secured by an office building as of December 31, 2013, and (3) a mortgage loan that was current, had an outstanding balance of $314,000 and was secured by an industrial and warehouse building as of December 31, 2013.

 

Troubled Debt Restructured Loans. There were four loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring during 2013.

 

The multi-family mortgage loan that was modified had an original interest rate of 6.75% with an amortization of 25 years. The Company reduced the interest rate and converted the monthly payments to interest only for twenty months and then amortizing for 30 years, with a balloon payment after approximately five and one-half years from the modification date. This loan was paid-off on October 8, 2013.

 

Two non-residential mortgage loans that were modified had an original interest rate of 6.25% with an amortization of 25 years. The Company reduced the interest rate and converted the monthly payments to interest only for twenty months and then amortizing for 30 years, with a balloon payment after approximately five and one-half years from the modification date.

 

One non-residential mortgage loan that was modified had an original interest rate of 4.75% with an amortization of 30 years. The Company reduced the interest rate and converted the monthly payments to interest only for nineteen months and then amortizing for 30 years, with a balloon payment after two years from the modification date.

 

As of December 31, 2013, none of the loans that were modified during the previous twelve months had defaulted in 2013.

 

53
Index

The following tables show the activity in troubled debt restructured loans for the period indicated:

 

       Non-       Commercial         
   Residential   residential       and         
   Real Estate   Real Estate   Construction   Industrial   Consumer   Total 
                         
Balance at December 31,                              
2012  $6,444   $6,989   $   $   $   $13,433 
Additions   307    3,262                3,569 
Repayments   (385)   (13)               (398)
Amortization of TDR                              
     reserves   53    147                200 
Loans removed from                              
     TDR status                        
Charge-offs                        
Balance at December 31,                              
2013  $6,419   $10,385   $   $   $   $16,804 
Related allowance  $   $   $   $   $   $ 

 

There were no charge offs of loans classified as troubled debt restructurings during 2013.

 

Additions for the period consist of the aforementioned four mortgage loans that were modified, and real estate taxes and similar items paid to protect the collateral position of the Company. One of the modified mortgage loan paid-off on October 8, 2013.

 

There were four loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring during 2012.

 

The first multi-family mortgage loan had an original interest rate of 6.75% with an amortization of 30 years that was modified to interest only payments at a rate of 4% for five years and then amortizing for 30 years, with a balloon payment due after approximately ten years from the modification date.

 

The second multi-family mortgage loan had an original interest rate of 6.25% with an amortization of 30 years that was modified to interest only payments at a rate of 3% for the first year and 4% for the second year and then amortizing for 30 years, with a balloon payment due after five years from the modification date.

 

The third multi-family mortgage loan had an original interest rate of 5.625% with an amortization of 15 years that was modified to amortizing for 30 years at a rate of 4.625% with a balloon payment due after ten years from the modification date.

 

The non-residential mortgage loan was originally a purchased construction loan participation with an original blended interest rate of 8.06% and interest only payments that was modified to an interest rate of 5% for two years with interest only payments and a balloon payment due after two years.

 

As of December 31, 2012, except for one non-residential mortgage loan totaling $755,000 that defaulted on its modified terms in 2012 and now is in foreclosure, none of the loans that were modified during the previous twelve months had defaulted in the preceding twelve month period ended December 31, 2012.

 

54
Index

The following tables show the activity in troubled debt restructured loans for the period indicated:

               Commercial         
   Residential   Nonresidential       and         
   Real Estate   Real Estate   Construction   Industrial   Consumer   Total 
                         
Balance at December 31,                              
2011  $9,886   $10,139   $   $   $   $20,025 
   Additions   1,885    7,790                9,675 
   Repayments   (525)   (1,814)               (2,339)
Loans removed from                              
     TDR status   (1,781)   (2,018)               (3,799)
Charge-offs   (3,021)   (3,287)               (6,308)
Transferred to REO       (3,821)               (3,821)
Balance at December 31,                              
2012  $6,444   $6,989   $   $   $   $13,433 
   Related allowance  $   $   $   $   $   $ 

 

There were charge offs of $6.3 million during 2012.

 

Additions for the period consist of four aforementioned mortgage loans that were modified, and real estate taxes and similar items paid to protect the collateral position of the Company.

 

Delinquencies. The following table provides information about delinquencies in our loan portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

   At December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011 
   30-59   60-89   30-59   60-89   30-59   60-89 
   Days   Days   Days   Days   Days   Days 
   Past Due   Past Due   Past Due   Past Due   Past Due   Past Due 
   (In thousands) 
                         
Residential real estate:                              
One- to four-family  $   $   $   $   $   $ 
Multi-family               89        545 
Mixed-use       2,210                 
Non-residential real estate           1,259             
Construction                        
Commercial and industrial                        
Consumer and other loans                        
Total  $   $2,210   $1,259   $89   $   $545 

 

The delinquent loan at December 31, 2013 consisted of one mixed-use mortgage loan that the Company has classified as nonaccrual and substandard.

 

Analysis and Determination of the Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable credit losses in the loan portfolio. We evaluate the need to establish allowances against losses on loans on a quarterly basis. When additional allowances are necessary, a provision for loan losses is charged to earnings. The recommendations for increases or decreases to the allowance are presented by management to the board of directors.

 

55
Index

Prior to the fourth quarter of 2012, our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses consisted of: (1) a specific allowance on identified impaired loans, if appropriate; and (2) a general valuation allowance on the remainder of the loan portfolio. Although the amount of each element of the allowance was determined separately, the entire allowance for loan losses was available for the entire portfolio. During the fourth quarter of 2012 we adjusted our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses to eliminate the use of a specific allowance on identified impaired loans and immediately charge off any identified impairment on such loans. Currently, our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses consists solely of a general valuation allowance on the loan portfolio.

 

We establish a general allowance for pools of loans by loan class to recognize the inherent losses associated with lending activities. This general valuation allowance is determined by segregating the loans by loan category and assigning a historical loss factor. The historical loss factors are adjusted for qualitative factors that, in management’s judgment, affect the collectability of the portfolio as of the evaluation date. These qualitative factors may include changes in existing general economic and business conditions affecting our primary lending areas and the national economy, legal and regulatory issues, policies and procedures in underwriting standards, staff lending experience, recent loss experience in particular segments of the portfolio, collateral value, loan volumes and concentration, classified asset trends, delinquency trends and risk rating trends. These loss factors are subject to ongoing evaluation to ensure their relevance in the current economic environment.

 

At December 31, 2013, our allowance for loan losses was $4.0 million and represented 1.08% of total gross loans. At December 31, 2012, our allowance for loan losses was $4.6 million and represented 1.38% of total gross loans. At December 31, 2011, our allowance for loan losses was $7.4 million and represented 2.07% of total gross loans. The primary reason for the reduction in allowance for loan losses from 2012 to 2013 was due to an improving economy and substantial improvements in the multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential real estate markets in the New York and Massachusetts regions, a decrease in our borrowers requesting assistance through modification of loan terms, and charge-offs of $105,000 against two non-performing non-residential mortgage loans. This was offset by recoveries of $27,000 from one mixed-use mortgage loan and one non-residential mortgage loan.

 

The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by loan category at the dates indicated.

 

   At December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011 
           % of           % of           % of 
       % of   Loans in       % of   Loans in       % of   Loans in 
       Allowance   Category       Allowance   Category       Allowance   Category 
       to Total   to Total       to Total   to Total       to Total   to Total 
   Amount   Allowance   Loans   Amount   Allowance   Loans   Amount   Allowance   Loans 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Residential real estate:                                             
One- to four-family  $29    0.7%   3.2%  $19    0.4%   2.3%  $    %   0.2%
Multi-family   2,266    56.4    50.9    2,910    62.6    52.8    3,390    45.8    52.9 
Mixed-use   261    6.5    13.6    287    6.2    12.4    391    5.3    14.3 
Non-residential real                                             
   estate   896    22.3    22.1    996    21.5    24.5    1,596    21.6    23.4 
Construction   97    2.4    1.8            0.2    1,724    23.3    2.5 
Commercial and                                             
   industrial   456    11.4    8.4    434    9.3    7.8    296    4.0    6.7 
Consumer                                    
Unallocated   10    0.3                             
Total allowance for                                             
   loan losses  $4,015    100.0%   100.0%  $4,646    100.0%   100.0%  $7,397    100.0%   100.0%

 

56
Index

   At December 31, 
   2010   2009 
           % of           % of 
       % of   Loans in       % of   Loans in 
       Allowance   Category       Allowance   Category 
       to Total   to Total       to Total   to Total 
   Amount   Allowance   Loans   Amount   Allowance   Loans 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Residential real estate:                              
One- to four-family  $    %   0.1%  $    %   0.1%
Multi-family   3,450    45.1    51.1    3,350    49.8    51.3 
Mixed-use   474    6.2    14.9    598    8.9    15.3 
Non-residential real estate   1,560    20.4    27.1    2,495    37.0    26.8 
Construction   2,083    27.2    3.5    186    2.8    3.9 
Commercial and industrial   80    1.1    3.3    104    1.5    2.6 
Consumer                        
Unallocated                        
Total allowance for loan losses  $7,647    100.0%   100.0%  $6,733    100.0%   100.0%

 

Although we believe that we use the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and our results of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the determinations. Furthermore, while we believe we have established our allowance for loan losses in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, there can be no assurance that the NYDFS or FDIC, in reviewing our loan portfolio, will not request us to increase our allowance for loan losses. The NYDFS or FDIC may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses based on judgments different from ours. In addition, because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, there can be no assurance that increases will not be necessary should the quality of any loans deteriorate as a result of the factors discussed above. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may adversely affect our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

57
Index

 

Analysis of Loan Loss Experience. The following table sets forth an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011   2010   2009 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
                     
Allowance at beginning of period  $4,646   $7,397   $7,647   $6,733   $1,865 
Provision for loan losses   (554)   5,623    1,113    3,487    7,314 
                          
Charge offs:                         
Residential real estate:                         
One- to four-family       (59)            
Multi-family       (4,035)   (1,358)   (1,211)   (857)
Mixed-use       (278)            
Non-residential real estate   (105)   (2,374)   (17)   (1,407)   (1,589)
Construction       (1,715)            
Commercial and industrial       (28)            
Consumer                    
Total charge-offs   (105)   (8,489)   (1,375)   (2,618)   (2,446)
                          
Recoveries:                         
Residential real estate:                         
One- to four-family                    
Multi-family       115    12    45     
Mixed-use   24                 
Non-residential real estate   4                 
Construction                    
Commercial and industrial                    
Consumer                    
Total recoveries   28    115    12    45     
Net charge-offs   (77)   (8,374)   (1,363)   (2,573)   (2,446)
                          
Allowance at end of period  $4,015   $4,646   $7,397   $7,647   $6,733 
                          
Allowance to non-performing loans   86.05%   117.41%   36.19%   35.07%   33.41%
Allowance to total loans outstanding
   at the end of the period
   1.08%   1.38%   2.07%   2.06%   1.72%
Net charge-offs to average
   loans outstanding during the period
   0.03%   2.37%   0.37%   0.67%   0.62%

 

Interest Rate Risk Management. 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 adversely affect our earnings while decreases in interest rates may beneficially affect 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 re-price to market interest rates in three to five years; purchasing securities that typically re-price 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 re-pricing 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, president, chief financial officer, chief retail banking officer, and three chief lending officers, 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.

 

58
Index

Our goal is to manage asset and liability positions to moderate the effects of interest rate fluctuations on net interest income and net income.

 

Net Portfolio Value Analysis. We use a net portfolio value analysis prepared by an independent third party to review our level of interest rate risk. This analysis measures interest rate risk by computing changes in the 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 the 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 100 to 500 basis point increase or 100 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.

 

The following table presents the change in the net portfolio value of the Bank at December 31, 2013 that would occur in the event of an immediate change in interest rates based on certain assumptions, with no effect given to any steps that we might take to counteract that change.

 

                    Net Portfolio Value
    Net Portfolio Value     as % of
    (Dollars in thousands)     Portfolio Value of Assets
Basis Point (“bp”)   $   $   %     NPV      
Change in Rates   Amount   Change   Change     Ratio     Change
                           
500   $  96,867    (19,613)    (16.8) %    22.90 %   (197) bp
400      100,857    (15,623)    (13.4)      23.35     (152) bp
300      104,476    (12,004)    (10.3)      23.70     (117) bp
200      108,699    (7,781)    (6.7)      24.19      (68) bp
100      112,869    (3,611)    (3.1)      24.61     ( 26) bp
0      116,480              24.87       
(100)      122,372    5,892    5.1      25.57        70  bp

 

We use 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 re-pricing, 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.

 

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.

 

59
Index

We regularly adjust our investments in liquid assets based upon our assessment of: (1) expected loan demand; (2) expected deposit flows; (3) yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities; and (4) the objectives of our asset/liability management 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. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $31.5 million at December 31, 2013 and consist primarily of deposits at other financial institutions (predominantly the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York) and miscellaneous cash items. Securities classified as available-for-sale provide an additional source of liquidity. Total securities classified as available-for-sale were $113,000 at December 31, 2013 and $129,000 at December 31, 2012.

 

At December 31, 2013, we had $68.0 million in loan commitments outstanding. At December 31, 2013, this consisted of $30.1 million in unused commercial and industrial loan lines of credit, $22.1 million of real estate loan origination commitments, $10.6 million in construction loans in process, $5.0 million in unused real estate equity lines of credit, $280,000 in stand-by letters of credit, and $131,000 in unused consumer lines of credit. Certificates of deposit due within one year of December 31, 2013 totaled $63.0 million. This represented 41.6% of certificates of deposit at December 31, 2013. We believe the large percentage of certificates of deposit that mature within one year reflects customers’ hesitancy to invest their funds for long periods in the current low 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 December 31, 2013. We believe, however, based on past experience, that a significant portion of our certificates of deposit will remain with us. We have the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates offered.

 

Our primary investing activities are the origination of loans and the purchase of securities. Our primary financing activities consist of activity in deposit accounts. At December 31, 2013, we had the ability to borrow $70.8 million, net of $21.0 million in outstanding advances, from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. Deposit flows are affected by the overall level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by us and our local competitors and other factors. We generally manage the pricing of our deposits to be competitive and to maintain or increase our core deposit relationships depending on our level of real estate loan and commercial loan commitments outstanding. Occasionally, we offer promotional rates on certain deposit products to attract deposits or to lengthen repricing time frames.

 

The Company is a separate legal entity from the Bank and must provide for its own liquidity. In addition to its operating expenses, the Company is responsible for paying any dividends declared to its shareholders. The amount of dividends that the Bank may declare and pay to the Company, is subject to the restrictions imposed by New York State law and FDIC regulation, as previously discussed under “Regulation and Supervision – Regulation of the Bank – New York State Law” and “Regulation and Supervision – FDIC Regulation – Dividend Limitations.” The Company’s liquidity may depend, in part, upon its receipt of dividends from the Bank because the Company has no source of income other than earnings from the investment of the net proceeds from its initial public offering. At December 31, 2013, the Company had liquid assets of $12.5 million.

 

60
Index

The following table presents our primary investing and financing activities during the periods indicated.

 

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012   2011 
   (In thousands) 
Investing activities:               
Loans disbursed or closed  $(90,593)  $(72,303)  $(52,276)
Loan principal repayments   57,091    83,579    62,527 
Proceeds from maturities and principal
    repayments of securities
   3,493    4,052    4,699 
Purchases of securities           (984)
Purchases of certificates of deposit   (1,992)        
Maturities of certificates of deposit   249    2,241    348 
Purchase of bank owned life insurance       (2,500)    
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment   32         
Purchases of premises and equipment   (138)   (4,103)   (2,828)
                
Financing activities:               
Increase (decrease) in deposits   7,089    (35,516)   26,806 
Proceeds from FHLB-NY advances   16,000        10,000 
Repayment of FHLB-NY advances   (10,000)   (5,000)   (15,000)

 

Capital Management. We are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the NYDFS, the FDIC and the Federal Reserve, 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 December 31, 2013, we exceeded all of our regulatory capital requirements. We are considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.

 

The capital from our initial public offering increased our liquidity and capital resources. In addition, the sale of our First Avenue branch office building in the second quarter of 2007 further increased our capital in 2007. Over time, the initial level of liquidity will be reduced as net proceeds from the stock offering and the sale of the branch office building are used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of lending activities. Our financial condition has been enhanced by the capital from the offering, resulting in increased net interest-earning assets. However, the large increase in equity resulting from the capital raised in the offering and the branch office building sale will, initially, have an adverse impact on our return on equity. From time to time, we may consider capital management tools such as cash dividends and common stock repurchases.

 

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 and lines of credit. For information about our loan commitments and unused lines of credit, see Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We currently have no plans to engage in hedging activities in the future.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we engaged in no off-balance sheet transactions reasonably likely to have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices

 

The financial statements and related financial data presented in this Form 10-K have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The primary impact of inflation on our operations is reflected in increased operating costs. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates generally have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than do general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.

 

61
Index

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The information required by this item is included herein beginning on page F-1.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

On August 12, 2013, the Company dismissed ParenteBeard LLC as its independent certifying accountant. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved the dismissal. For information concerning the change in the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the information contained under the section captioned “Item 2 —Ratification of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in Northeast Community Bancorp’s Proxy Statement for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”) is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The reports of ParenteBeard LLC on the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2012 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. During the two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and through the subsequent interim period preceding August 12, 2013, there were: (1) no disagreements between the Company and ParenteBeard LLC on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of ParenteBeard LLC would have caused them to make reference thereto in their reports on the Company’s financial statements for such years, and (2) no reportable events within the meaning set forth in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

On August 13, 2013, the Company engaged BDO USA, LLP its independent certifying accountant. The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved the engagement.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

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

 

(b)Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

 

Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s audited Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

(c)Changes to Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

 

 

62
Index

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Directors

 

For information concerning Northeast Community Bancorp’s directors, the information contained under the section captioned “Item 1—Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Executive Officers

 

For information relating to officers of Northeast Community Bancorp, the section captioned “Item 1—Election of Directors” in the Proxy Statement, and Part I, Item 1, “Business—Executive Officers of the Registrant” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, are incorporated by reference.

 

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

 

For information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, the information contained under the section captioned “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Disclosure of Code of Ethics

 

Northeast Community Bancorp has adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, a copy of which can be found in the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.necommunitybank.com.

 

Corporate Governance

 

For information regarding the audit committee and its composition and the audit committee financial expert, the section captioned “Corporate Governance and Board Matters” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The information regarding executive compensation is set forth under the section captioned “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS

 

(a)Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

 

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement.

 

(b)Security Ownership of Management

 

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement.

 

(c)Changes in Control

 

Management of Northeast Community Bancorp knows of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person or securities of Northeast Community Bancorp, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the registrant.

 

63
Index

(d)Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

None.

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The information relating to certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is set forth under the sections captioned “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Corporate Governance and Board Matters – Director Independence” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The information relating to the principal accountant fees and services is set forth under the section captioned “Ratification of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

64
Index

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(1)The financial statements required in response to this item are incorporated by reference from Item 8 of this report.

 

(2)All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not required or applicable, or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

 

(3)Exhibits

 

3.1Amended and Restated Charter of Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. (1)
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws of Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. (2)
4.1Specimen Stock Certificate of Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. (1)
10.1Northeast Community Bank Employee Severance Compensation Plan (1)
10.2Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. Employment Agreement for Kenneth A. Martinek (1)*
10.3Northeast Community Bank Employment Agreement for Kenneth A. Martinek (1)*
10.4Northeast Community Bank Directors’ Retirement Plan (1)*
10.5Northeast Community Bank Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan (1)*
10.6Northeast Community Bank Executive Incentive Deferral Plan (3)*
10.7Northeast Community Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended, and Participation Agreement with Kenneth A. Martinek (4)*
10.8Participation Agreement under the Northeast Community Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Jose M. Collazo* (5)
10.9Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. Employment Agreement for Jose M. Collazo*
10.10Northeast Community Bank Employment Agreement for Jose M. Collazo*
21.0List of Subsidiaries
31.1Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32.0Section 1350 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
101.0The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

*Management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
(1)Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, initially filed with the SEC on March 12, 2006.
(2)Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 26, 2012.
(3)Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.
(4)Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010.
(5)Incorporated here by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarter Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended June 30, 2012.

 

65
Index

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
     
     
Date: March 31, 2014 By: /s/ Kenneth A. Martinek
    Kenneth A. Martinek
    Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Name Title       Date
     
     
/s/ Kenneth A. Martinek Chief Executive Officer March 31, 2014
Kenneth A. Martinek and Director  
  (principal executive officer)  
     
/s/ Jose Collazo President, Chief Operating Officer March 31, 2014
Jose Collazo and Director  
     
     
/s/ Donald S. Hom Executive Vice President and March 31, 2014
Donald S. Hom Chief Financial Officer  
  (principal accounting and  
     financial officer)  
     
/s/ Diane B. Cavanaugh Director March 31, 2014
Diane B. Cavanaugh    
     
     
/s/ Arthur M. Levine Director March 31, 2014
Arthur M. Levine    
     
     
/s/ Eugene M. Magier Director March 31, 2013
Eugene M. Magier    
     
     
/s/ Charles A. Martinek Director March 31, 2014
Charles A. Martinek    
     
     
/s/ John F. McKenzie Director March 31, 2014
John F. McKenzie    
     
     
/s/ Linda M. Swan Director March 31, 2014
Linda M. Swan    
     
     
/s/ Harry (Jeff) A.S. Read Director March 31, 2014
Harry (Jeff) A.S. Read    
     
     
/s/ Kenneth H. Thomas Director March 31, 2014
Kenneth H. Thomas    

 

 
Index

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The internal control process has been designed under our supervision to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, utilizing the 1992 framework established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 is effective.

 

Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that accurately and fairly reflect, in reasonable detail, transactions and dispositions of assets; and provide reasonable assurances that: (1) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States; (2) receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and (3) unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements are prevented or timely detected.

 

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm, BDO USA, LLP, is not required to issue an opinion on our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 
Index

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition of Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary at December 31, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 


/s/ BDO, USA, LLP

 

New York, New York
March 31, 2014

F-1
Index

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition of Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended. The consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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



/s/ ParenteBeard LLC

 

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
April 12, 2013

F-2
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

 

   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In thousands, except share and 
   per share amounts) 
ASSETS
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions  $3,794   $2,821 
Interest-bearing deposits   27,737    46,421 
Cash and cash equivalents   31,531    49,242 
Certificates of deposit   2,142    399 
Securities available-for-sale   113    129 
Securities held-to-maturity (fair value of $8,739 and $12,561, respectively)   8,444    11,987 
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses of $4,015 and $4,646
    respectively
   367,825    333,787 
Premises and equipment, net   12,234    12,898 
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost   1,594    1,355 
Bank owned life insurance   20,490    19,852 
Accrued interest receivable   1,267    976 
Goodwill   749    1,083 
Intangible assets   345    406 
Real estate owned   3,985    4,271 
Other assets   7,506    7,839 
Total assets  $458,225   $444,224 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:          
Deposits:          
Non-interest bearing  $28,310   $22,932 
Interest bearing   296,899    295,188 
Total deposits   325,209    318,120 
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance   3,987    3,516 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances   21,000    15,000 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   3,861    3,739 
Total liabilities   354,057    340,375 
Stockholders’ equity:          
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued        
Common stock, $0.01 par value;
     19,000,000 shares authorized; 13,225,000 shares issued;
     outstanding:  12,566,952 and 12,644,752 shares, respectively
   132    132 
Additional paid-in capital   57,083    57,178 
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) shares   (3,111)   (3,370)
Retained earnings   54,428    53,893 
Treasury stock – at cost, 658,048 and 580,248 shares, respectively   (4,291)   (3,712)
Accumulated comprehensive loss   (73)   (272)
Total stockholders’ equity   104,168    103,849 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $458,225   $444,224 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-3
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In thousands, except per share amounts) 
INTEREST INCOME:          
Loans  $18,210   $19,510 
Interest-earning deposits   13    34 
Securities – taxable   329    484 
           
Total Interest Income   18,552    20,028 
INTEREST EXPENSE:          
Deposits   2,951    3,205 
Borrowings   241    558 
Total Interest Expense   3,192    3,763 
Net Interest Income   15,360    16,265 
           
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES   (554)   5,623 
           
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses   15,914    10,642 
NON-INTEREST INCOME:          
Other loan fees and service charges   601    1,080 
Loss on disposition of equipment   (1)   (9)
Earnings on bank owned life insurance   638    616 
Investment advisory fees   729    877 
Other   22    15 
Total Non-Interest Income   1,989    2,579 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:          
Salaries and employee benefits   8,224    9,332 
Occupancy expense   1,469    1,323 
Equipment   637    759 
Outside data processing   1,046    1,032 
Advertising   59    261 
Impairment loss on goodwill   334    227 
Real estate owned expense   425    36 
FDIC insurance premiums   392    367 
Other   3,780    4,699 
Total Non-Interest Expenses   16,366    18,036 
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR          
     INCOME TAXES   1,537    (4,815)
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES   400    (2,301)
NET INCOME (LOSS)  $1,137   $(2,514)
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC          
     AND DILUTED  $0.09   $(0.20)
           
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES
      OUTSTANDING – BASIC
   12,316    12,295 
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE  $0.12   $0.09 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-4
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In thousands) 
Net Income (Loss)  $1,137   $(2,514)
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale arising during the year:   (1)    
Defined benefit pension:          
      Reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
          
    Amortization of prior service cost (1)
   21    21 
    Amortization of actuarial loss (1)
   36     
Actuarial gains (losses) arising during period
   275    (320)
Total   331    (299)
Income tax (expense) benefit (2)   (132)   121 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)   199    (178)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)  $1,336   $(2,692)

 

(1)Amounts are included in salaries and employees benefits in the audited consolidated statements of income (loss) as part of net periodic pension cost. See Note 15 for further information.

 

(2)Amounts are included in provision (benefit) for income taxes in the audited consolidated statements of income (loss).

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-5
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Years Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012

 

 

   Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid- in
Capital
   Unearned
ESOP Shares
   Retained
Earnings
   Treasury
Stock
   Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   Total Equity 
   (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) 
Balance - January 1, 2012  $132   $57,292   $(3,629)  $57,076   $(3,712)  $(94)  $107,065 
                                    
Net loss               (2,514)           (2,514)
Other comprehensive loss                       (178)   (178)
Cash dividend declared ($0.09  per share)               (669)           (669)
ESOP shares earned       (114)   259                145 
                                    
Balance - December 31, 2012  $132   $57,178   $(3,370)  $53,893   $(3,712)  $(272)  $103,849 
                                    
Net income               1,137            1,137 
Other comprehensive income                       199    199 
Purchase of 77,800 shares of treasury stock
  treasury stock
                   (579)       (579)
Cash dividend declared ($0.12  per share)               (602)           (602)
ESOP shares earned       (95)   259                164 
                                    
Balance  - December 31, 2013  $132   $57,083   $(3,111)  $54,428   $(4,291)  $(73)  $104,168 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-6
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

   Years Ended 
   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In thousands) 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:          
Net income (loss)  $1,137   $(2,514)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
      operating activities:
          
Net amortization of securities premiums and discounts, net   66    80 
Provision for loan losses   (554)   5,623 
Depreciation   756    681 
Impairment loss on goodwill   334    227 
Net amortization of deferred loan fees and costs   142    182 
Amortization of intangible assets   61    60 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)   211    (161)
Loss on sale of real estate owned   51     
Earnings on bank owned life insurance   (638)   (616)
Loss on dispositions of premises and equipment   1    9 
ESOP compensation expense   164    145 
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable   (291)   523 
(Increase) decrease in other assets   (10)   (1,823)
Increase (decrease)  in accounts payable and accrued expenses   304    (1,776)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities   1,734    640 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:          
Net (increase) decrease in loans   (33,626)   7,031 
Principal repayments on securities available-for-sale   16    20 
Principal repayments on securities held-to-maturity   3,477    4,032 
Proceeds from maturities of certificates of deposit   249    2,241 
Purchases of certificates of deposit   (1,992)    
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned   399     
Capitalized cost on real estate owned   (164)     
Dispositions of premises and equipment   45    42 
Net (purchases) redemption of FHLB of NY stock   (239)   278 
Purchases of premises and equipment   (138)   (4,103)
Purchase of bank owned life insurance       (2,500)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities   (31,973)   7,041 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:          
Net increase (decrease) in deposits   7,089    (35,516)
Proceeds from FHLB of NY advances   16,000     
Repayment of FHLB of NY advances   (10,000)   (5,000)
Purchase of treasury stock   (579)    
Increase in advance payments by borrowers for
     taxes and insurance
   471    163 
Cash dividends paid   (453)   (669)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities   12,528    (41,022)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents   (17,711)   (33,341)
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning   49,242    82,583 
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Ending  $31,531   $49,242 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-7
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In Thousands) 
Supplementary Cash Flows Information:          
Income taxes paid  $200   $2,397 
Interest paid  $3,193   $3,763 
           
Supplementary Disclosure of Non-Cash Investing
     and Financing Activities:
          
Real estate owned received in settlement of loans  $   $4,271 
Real estate owned transferred to premises and equipment  $   $620 
Dividends declared and not paid  $149   $ 

 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-8
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a description of the Company’s business and significant accounting and reporting policies:

Nature of Business

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Federally-chartered corporation that was organized to be a mid-tier holding company for Northeast Community Bank (the “Bank”) in conjunction with the Bank’s reorganization from a mutual savings bank to a mutual holding company structure on July 5, 2006. The Bank is a New York State-chartered savings bank and completed its conversion from a federally-chartered savings bank effective as of the close of business on June 29, 2012. The Company’s primary activity is the ownership and operation of the Bank.

The Bank is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits and investing those funds into mortgage and commercial loans. When demand for loans is low, the Bank invests in debt securities. Currently the Bank conducts banking operations from its headquarters in White Plains, New York, its four full service branches in New York City, New York, its four full service branches in the Boston, Massachusetts suburban area, and its loan production offices in Massachusetts and New York, gathering deposits and lending from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to southern New Hampshire.

The Bank also offers investment advisory and financial planning services under the name Hayden Wealth Management Group, a division of the Bank, through a networking arrangement with a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor.

New England Commercial Properties LLC (“NECP”), a New York limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank, was formed in October 2007 to facilitate the purchase or lease of real property by the Bank. New England Commercial Properties, LLC currently owns one non-residential property located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

NECB Financial Services Group, LLC (“NECB Financial”), a New York limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank, was formed in the third quarter of 2012 as a complement to Hayden Wealth Management Group. NECB Financial has not conducted any business.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, the Bank, NECP, and NECB Financial (collectively the “Company”) and have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements, in conformity with U.S. GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain recorded amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.

The most significant estimate pertains to the allowance for loan losses. The borrowers’ abilities to meet contractual obligations and collateral value are the most significant assumptions used to arrive at the estimate. The risks associated with such estimates arise when unforeseen conditions affect the borrowers’ abilities to meet the contractual obligations of the loan and result in a decline in the value of the supporting collateral. Such unforeseen changes may have an adverse effect on the consolidated results of operations and financial position of the Company.

In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Additionally, the Company is exposed to significant changes in market interest rates. Such changes could have an adverse effect on consolidated earnings and consolidated financial position, particularly in those situations in which the maturities or re-pricing of assets are different than the maturities or re-pricing of the supporting liabilities.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from depository institutions and interest-bearing deposits in other banks, all with original maturities of three months or less.

F-9
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Certificates of Deposit

Certificates of deposit are carried at cost which approximates fair value and have maturities of less than one year.

Securities

The Company is required to classify its securities among three categories: held to maturity, trading, and available for sale. Management determines the appropriate classification at the time of purchase. Held to maturity securities are those debt securities which management has the intent and the Company has the ability to hold to maturity and are reported at amortized cost (unless there is other than temporary impairment). Trading securities are those debt and equity securities which are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Available for sale securities are those debt and equity securities which are neither held to maturity securities nor trading securities and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of the related income tax effect, excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The Company did not have trading securities in its portfolio during 2013 or 2012.

If the fair value of a security is less than its amortized cost, the security is deemed to be impaired. Management evaluates all securities with unrealized losses quarterly to determine if such impairments are temporary or other-than-temporary. Temporary impairments on available for sale securities are recognized, on a tax-effected basis, through other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”) with offsetting adjustments to the carrying value of the security and the balance of related deferred taxes. Temporary impairments on held to maturity securities are not recorded in the consolidated financial statements; however, information concerning the amount and duration of unrealized losses on held to maturity securities is disclosed.

 

Other-than-temporary impairments on debt securities that the Company has decided to sell, or will, more likely than not, be required to sell prior to the full recovery of fair value to a level equal to or exceeding amortized cost, are recognized in earnings. If either of these conditions regarding the likelihood of sale apply for a debt security, the other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated into credit-related and noncredit-related components. Credit-related impairment generally represents the amount by which the present value of the cash flows that are expected to be collected on a debt security fall below its amortized cost. The noncredit-related component represents the remaining portion of the impairment not otherwise designated as credit-related. The Company recognizes credit-related other-than-temporary impairments in earnings. Noncredit-related other-than-temporary impairments on debt securities are recognized in OCI. Premiums and discounts on all securities are amortized/accreted to maturity by use of the level-yield method. Gain or loss on sales of securities is based on the specific identification method.

Loans

Loans are stated at unpaid principal balances plus net deferred loan origination fees and costs less an allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans receivable is recorded on the accrual basis. An allowance for uncollected interest is established on loans where management has determined that the borrowers may be unable to meet contractual principal and/or interest obligations or where interest or principal is 90 days or more past due, unless the loans are well secured and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual, an allowance for uncollected interest is established and charged against current income. Thereafter, interest income is not recognized unless the financial condition and payment record of the borrower warrant the recognition of interest income. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time (generally six months) and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt. Interest on loans that have been restructured is accrued according to the renegotiated terms. Net loan origination fees and costs are deferred and amortized into income over the contractual lives of the related loans by use of the level yield method. Past due status of loans is based upon the contractual due date.

Allowance for Loan Losses

 

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a reduction to loans. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses, and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. All, or part, of the principal balance of loans receivable are charged off to the allowance as soon as it is determined that the repayment of all, or part, of the principal balance is highly unlikely.  

 

F-10
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

 

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level considered adequate to provide for losses that can be reasonably anticipated. Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance. The allowance is based on the Company’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors.

 

This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

 

Risk characteristics associated with the types of loans we underwrite are as follows:

 

Multi-family, Mixed-use and Non-residential Real Estate Loans. Loans secured by multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential real estate generally have larger balances and involve a greater degree of risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Of primary concern in multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential real estate lending is the current and potential cash flow of the property and the borrower’s demonstrated ability to operate that type of property. Payments on loans secured by income properties often depend on successful operation and management of the properties. As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject to a greater extent than residential real estate loans to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy.

 

Commercial and Industrial Loans. Unlike residential mortgage loans, which are generally made on the basis of a borrower’s ability to make repayment from the operation and cash flow from the real property whose value tends to be more ascertainable, commercial and industrial loans are of higher risk and tend to be made on the basis of a borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial and industrial loans may depend substantially on the success of the business itself. Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value.

 

Construction Loans. Construction financing is generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk of loss than long-term financing on improved, occupied real estate due to (1) the increased difficulty and costs of monitoring the loan; and (2) the increased difficulty of working out loan problems. We have sought to minimize this risk by limiting the amount of construction loans outstanding at any time and by spreading the loans among multi-family, mixed-use and non-residential projects.

 

Consumer Loans. We offer personal loans, loans secured by passbook savings accounts, certificates of deposit accounts or statement savings accounts, and overdraft protection for checking accounts. We do not believe these loans represent a significant risk of loss to the Company.

 

The allowance consists of specific and general reserves. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. For loans that are classified as impaired, a specific allowance is established or a partial charge-off is taken when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company discontinued the use of specific allowances. If an impairment is identified, the Company now charges off the impaired portion immediately. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment records, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis.

 

The Company does not evaluate individual 1-4 family residential real estate and consumer loans for impairment, unless such loans are part of a larger relationship that is impaired, or are classified as a troubled debt restructuring. The estimated fair values of substantially all of the Company’s impaired loans are measured based on the estimated fair value of the loan’s collateral or discounted cash flows.

F-11
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

 

For loans secured by real estate, estimated fair values are determined primarily through in-house or third-party appraisals. When a real estate secured loan becomes impaired, a decision is made regarding whether an updated certified appraisal of the real estate is necessary. This decision is based on various considerations, including the age of the most recent appraisal, the loan-to-value ratio based on the original appraisal and the condition of the property. Appraised values might be discounted to arrive at the estimated selling price of the collateral, which is considered to be the estimated fair value. The discounts also include estimated costs to sell the property.

 

For loans secured by non-real estate collateral, such as accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, estimated fair values are determined based on the borrower’s financial statements, inventory reports, accounts receivable aging or equipment appraisals or invoices. Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets.

 

The general component covers pools of loans by loan class including loans not considered impaired, as well as smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential real estate and consumer loans. These pools of loans are evaluated for loss exposure based upon historical loss rates, adjusted for qualitative factors. These qualitative risk factors include:

 

1.Changes in policies and procedures in underwriting standards and collections.
2.Changes in economic conditions.
3.Changes in nature and volume of lending.
4.Experience of origination team.
5.Changes in past due loan volume and severity of classified assets.
6.Quality of loan review system.
7.Collateral values in general throughout lending territory.
8.Concentrations of credit.
9.Competition, legal and regulatory issues.

 

Each factor is assigned a value to reflect improving, stable or declining conditions based on management’s best judgment using relevant information available at the time of the evaluation. Adjustments to the factors are supported through documentation of changes in conditions in a narrative accompanying the allowance for loan loss calculation.

 

The allowance calculation methodology includes further segregation of loan classes into risk rating categories. The borrower’s overall financial condition, repayment sources, guarantors and value of collateral, if appropriate, are evaluated annually for commercial loans or when credit deficiencies arise, such as delinquent loan payments, for commercial, residential and consumer loans. Credit quality risk ratings include regulatory classifications of pass, special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss.  Loans criticized as special mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention.  If uncorrected, the potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects.  Loans classified substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt.  They include loans that are inadequately protected by the current sound net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any.

 

Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified substandard with the added characteristic that collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of current conditions and facts, is highly improbable.  Loans classified as a loss are considered uncollectible and are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Loans not classified are rated pass.

 

The allowance calculation for each pool of loans is also based on the loss factors that reflect the Company’s historical charge-off experience adjusted for current economic conditions applied to loan groups with similar characteristics or classifications in the current portfolio. To help ensure that risk ratings are accurate and reflect the present and future capacity of borrowers to repay a loan as agreed, the Company has a structured loan rating process which allows for a periodic review of its loan portfolio and the early identification of potential impaired loans. Such system takes into consideration, among other things, delinquency status, size of loans, type of collateral and financial condition of the borrowers.

F-12
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

 

Loans whose terms are modified are classified as troubled debt restructurings if the Company grants such borrowers concessions and it is deemed that those borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty. Concessions granted under a troubled debt restructuring generally involve a temporary reduction in interest rate or an extension of a loan’s stated maturity date at a below market rate. Adversely classified, non-accrual troubled debt restructurings may be returned to accrued status if principal and interest payments, under the modified terms, are current for six consecutive months after modification. All troubled debt restructured loans are classified as impaired.

 

Based on management’s comprehensive analysis of the loan portfolio, management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate as of December 31, 2013.

 

Concentration of Risk

The Company’s lending activity is concentrated in loans secured by multi-family and non-residential real estate located primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The Company also had deposits in excess of the FDIC insurance limit at other financial institutions. At December 31, 2013, such deposits totaled $26.3 million held by the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, $1.1 million held by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and $421,000 held by JP Morgan Chase. Generally, deposits in excess of $250,000 are not insured by the FDIC.

Premises and Equipment

Land is stated at cost. Buildings and improvements, leasehold improvements and furnishings and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization computed on the straight-line method over the following useful lives:

   
  Years
Buildings 30 - 50
Building improvements 10 - 50
Leasehold improvements 1 - 15
Furnishings and equipment 3 - 5

 

Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations in the years incurred.

 

Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”)

The Company owns life insurance on the lives of certain of its officers. The cash surrender value is recorded as an asset and the change in cash surrender value is included in non-interest income and is tax-exempt. The BOLI is invested in a General Account Portfolio and a Yield Portfolio account and is managed by an independent investment firm. The BOLI can be liquidated, if necessary, with tax consequences. However, the Company intends to hold these policies and, accordingly, the Company has not provided for deferred income taxes on the earnings from the increase in cash surrender value.

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Stock

Federal law requires a member institution of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) system to hold stock of its district FHLB according to a predetermined formula. The stock is carried at cost.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets at December 31, 2013 and 2012, totaled $345,000 and $406,000, respectively, and consist of the value of customer relationships acquired in a business combination completed by the Company in November 2007. The Company is amortizing these assets, using the straight-line method, over the remaining useful life of 11.7 years. Amortization expense is included in other non-interest expenses. The Company evaluates the remaining useful life of intangible assets on an annual basis to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining useful life. If the estimate of an intangible asset’s remaining useful life is changed, the Company will amortize the remaining carrying value of the intangible asset prospectively over the revised remaining useful life. The Company reviews intangible assets subject to amortization for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. If intangible assets are found to be impaired, the amount recognized for impairment is equal to the difference between the carrying value and fair value. The fair value is estimated based upon the present value of discounted future cash flows or other reasonable estimates of fair value. No impairment charges were recorded in 2013 or 2012.

F-13
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Goodwill

Goodwill at December 31, 2013 and 2012, totaled $749,000 and $1.1 million, respectively, and consists of goodwill acquired in the business combination completed by the Company in November 2007. The Company tests goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year for impairment, or more frequently if certain indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. The Company utilizes a two-step approach. The first step requires a comparison of the carrying value of the reporting unit to the fair value of the unit. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit through internal analyses and external valuation, which utilizes an income approach based on the present value of future cash flows. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, impairment exists and the Company will perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test, if necessary, compares the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with its carrying value.

The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner that the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined. The Company allocates the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit, including identifiable intangible assets, as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Any excess of the value of a reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of goodwill. Impairment charges of $334,000 and $227,000 were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The impairments were caused primarily by the expected decrease in other revenue from this division resulting from a reduction in personnel.

Real Estate Owned

Real estate owned is carried at the lower of cost or fair value of the related property, as determined by current appraisals less estimated costs to sell. Foreclosed real estate is initially recorded at the lower of the unpaid principal balance of the loan or the fair value minus estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Write-downs on these properties, which occur after the initial transfer from the loan portfolio, are recorded as operating expenses. Costs of holding such properties are charged to expense in the current period. Gains, to the extent allowable, and losses on the disposition of these properties are reflected in current operations.

Income Taxes

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. Income taxes are allocated to the Company, Bank, NECP, and NECB Financial based upon their respective income or loss included in the consolidated income tax return. The Company, the Bank, NECP, and NECB Financial file combined or separate state and city income tax returns depending on the particular requirements of each jurisdiction.

Federal, state and city income tax expense has been provided on the basis of reported income. The amounts reflected on the tax returns differ from these provisions due principally to temporary differences in the reporting of certain items for financial reporting and income tax reporting purposes. The tax effect of these temporary differences is accounted for as deferred taxes applicable to future periods. Deferred income tax expense or (benefit) is determined by recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. The realization of deferred tax assets is assessed and a valuation allowance provided, when necessary, for that portion of the asset, which is not more likely than not to be realized.

F-14
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Income Taxes (Continued)

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in its consolidated financial statements in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company has not identified any significant income tax uncertainties through the evaluation of its income tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and has not recognized any liabilities for tax uncertainties as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company’s policy is to recognize income tax related interest and penalties in income tax expense; such amounts were not significant during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The tax years subject to examination by federal, state, and city taxing authorities are 2010 through 2013.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company records in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of related deferred income taxes, unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities and the prior service cost and actuarial gains and losses related to the Outside Directors Retirement Plan (“DRP”) that have not yet been recognized in expense.

Gains and losses on the sale of securities, if any, and a portion of the prior service cost and actuarial losses of the DRP are reclassified to non-interest income upon the sale of the related securities or upon the recognition of a security impairment loss.

At December 31, 2013, accumulated other comprehensive loss totaled $73,000 and included $2,000 of unrealized gains on available for sale securities net of $1,000 of related deferred income taxes and $126,000 in prior service cost and actuarial losses of the DRP net of $52,000 of related deferred income taxes. At December 31, 2012, accumulated other comprehensive loss totaled $272,000 and included $4,000 of unrealized gains on available for sale securities net of $2,000 of related deferred income taxes and $459,000 in prior service cost and actuarial losses of the DRP net of $185,000 of related deferred income taxes.

Net Income Per Common Share

Basic net income 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. 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 basic net income per common share until they are committed to be released.

Off-Balance-Sheet Financial Instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into off-balance-sheet financial instruments consisting of commitments to extend credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated statement of financial condition when funded.

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued.

 

Note 2 – Mutual Holding Company Reorganization and Regulatory Matters

On July 5, 2006, the Bank reorganized from a mutual savings bank to a mutual holding company structure. In the reorganization, the Company sold 5,951,250 shares of its common stock to the public and issued 7,273,750 shares of its common stock to Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC (“MHC”).

The MHC, which owned 57.9% of the Company’s common stock as of December 31, 2013, must hold at least 50.1% of the Company’s stock so long as the MHC exists.

F-15
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 2 – Mutual Holding Company Reorganization and Regulatory Matters (Continued)

Due to the conversion of the Bank to a New York State-chartered savings bank on June 29, 2012, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the New York State Department of Financial Services (“NYS”) are now the Bank’s primary regulator replacing the OCC. The FDIC regulations impose limitations upon all capital distributions, including cash dividends, by savings institutions such as the Bank. Under these regulations, an application to and a prior approval of the FDIC are required before any capital distribution if (1) the institution does not meet the criteria for “expedited treatment” of applications under FDIC regulations; (2) total capital distributions for the calendar year exceed net income for that year plus the amount of retained net income for the preceding two years; (3) the institution would be undercapitalized following the distribution; or (4) the distribution would otherwise be contrary to statute, regulation or agreement with the FDIC. If an application is not required, the Bank would still be required to provide the FDIC with prior notification. The Company’s ability to pay dividends, should any be declared, may depend on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Company.

The Federal Reserve Board, as regulatory agency for the MHC, has adopted an interim final rule which requires the MHC to notify the Federal Reserve Board if it proposes to waive receipt of dividends from the Company. In addition, the interim final rule also requires that the MHC obtain the approval of a majority of the eligible votes of members of the MHC (generally Bank depositors) before it can waive dividends. For a grandfathered company such as the MHC that waived dividends prior to December 1, 2009, the Federal Reserve Board may not object to a dividend waiver request if the board of directors of the mutual holding company expressly determines that a waiver of the dividend is consistent with its fiduciary duties to members and the waiver would not be detrimental to the safe and sound operation of the savings association subsidiaries of the holding company. The Federal Reserve Board’s interim final rule regarding dividend waiver requests is subject to comment and there can be no assurances as to the timing of changes to the interim final rule, if any, the form of the final dividend waiver regulations or the effect of such regulations on the MHC’s ability to waive dividends. Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC has waived receipt of all dividends from Northeast Community Bancorp in prior years, except in 2012 when Northeast Community Bancorp, MHC received $218,000 in dividends from Northeast Community Bancorp.

Dividends declared by the Company in 2013 and 2012 and waived by the MHC totaled approximately $873,000 and $463,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, total dividends waived by the MHC aggregated $5,237,000.

The Bank is required to maintain certain levels of capital in accordance with the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA), FDIC, and NYS regulations. Under these capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weightings and other factors.

Under the FDIC regulations, the Bank must have: (1) tangible capital equal to 1.5% of tangible assets, (2) core capital equal 3% of tangible assets, and (3) total (risk-based) capital equal to 8% of risk-weighted assets. Tangible capital consists generally of stockholders’ equity less most intangible assets. Core capital consists of tangible capital plus certain intangible assets such as qualifying purchased mortgage-servicing rights. Risk-based capital consists of core capital plus the general allowance for loan losses.

Under the prompt corrective action rule issued by the federal banking authorities, an institution must have a leverage ratio of 4% or greater, a tier 1 capital ratio of 4% or greater and a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater in order to be considered adequately capitalized. The Bank was in compliance with these requirements at December 31, 2013.

F-16
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 2 – Mutual Holding Company Reorganization and Regulatory Matters (Continued)

The following table presents information about the Bank’s capital levels at the dates presented:

   Actual   For Capital Adequacy
Purposes
   To be Well Capitalized
under Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
As of December 31, 2013:                              
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)  $83,496    > 24.17%  $> 27,638    > 8.00%  $> 34,547    > 10.00%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   79,481    > 23.01    > 13,819    > 4.00    > 20,728    > 6.00 
Core (Tier 1) capital (to adjusted total assets)   79,481    > 18.05    > 17,610    > 4.00    > 22,013    > 5.00 
Tangible capital (to adjusted total assets)   79,481    > 18.05    > 6,604    > 1.50    >     >  
                               
As of December 31, 2012:                              
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)  $81,560    > 25.38%  $> 25,709    > 8.00%  $> 32,137    > 10.00%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   77,536    > 24.13    > 12,855    > 4.00    > 19,282    > 6.00 
Core (Tier 1) capital (to adjusted total assets)   77,536    > 18.39    > 16,869    > 4.00    > 21,086    > 5.00 
Tangible capital (to adjusted total assets)   77,536    > 18.39    > 6,326    > 1.50    >     >  

Based on the most recent notification by the FDIC, the Bank was categorized as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There have been no conditions or events that have occurred since notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

Note 3 - Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments are commitments to extend credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

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

   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In Thousands) 
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:          
Commitments to extend credit  $22,142   $20,111 
Construction loans in process   10,643    5,155 
Stand-by letters of credit   193    280 
Commitments to fund unused lines of credit:          
Commercial and industrial lines   30,054    30,403 
Multi-family real estate equity lines   5,011    7,112 
Consumer lines   131    135 
           
   $68,174   $63,196 

 

F-17
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 3 - Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk (Continued)

Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower.

 

 

Note 4 - Securities Available for Sale

   December 31, 2013 
       Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
   (In thousands) 
  Mortgage-backed securities – residential:                    
     Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation  $63   $2   $   $65 
     Federal National Mortgage Association   47    1        48 
   $110   $3   $   $113 

 

 

                 
   December 31, 2012 
   (In thousands) 
  Mortgage-backed securities – residential:                    
     Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation  $76   $2   $   $78 
     Federal National Mortgage Association   49    2        51 
   $125   $4   $   $129 

 

There were no sales of securities available for sale during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Contractual final maturities of mortgage-backed securities were as follows:

 

   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   Amortized Cost   Fair Value   Amortized Cost   Fair Value 
   (In Thousands) 
Due after five but within ten years  $24   $24   $   $ 
Due after ten years   86    89    125    129 
   $110   $113   $125   $129 

 

The maturities shown above are based upon contractual final maturity. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities due to scheduled monthly repayments and due to the underlying borrowers having the right to prepay their obligations.

F-18
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 5 - Securities Held to Maturity

 

   December 31, 2013 
       Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized     
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Fair Value 
   (In Thousands) 
Mortgage-backed securities - residential:                    
Government National Mortgage Association  $6,426   $215   $   $6,641 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation   238    7        245 
Federal National Mortgage Association   155    6        161 
Collateralized mortgage obligations - GSE   1,624    67        1,691 
Other   1            1 
                     
   $8,444   $295   $   $8,739 

 

 

   December 31, 2012 
       Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized     
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Fair Value 
   (In Thousands) 
Mortgage-backed securities - residential:                    
Government National Mortgage Association  $9,044   $442   $   $9,486 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation   267    9        276 
Federal National Mortgage Association   215    8        223 
Collateralized mortgage obligations - GSE   2,460    115        2,575 
Other   1            1 
   $11,987   $574   $   $12,561 

 

Contractual final maturities of mortgage-backed securities were as follows:

 

   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   Amortized       Amortized     
   Cost   Fair Value   Cost   Fair Value 
   (In Thousands) 
Due after one but within five years  $74   $76   $49   $51 
Due after five but within ten years   131    137    182    189 
Due after ten years   8,239    8,526    11,756    12,321 
                     
   $8,444   $8,739   $11,987   $12,561 

 

The maturities shown above are based upon contractual final maturity. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities due to scheduled monthly repayments and due to the underlying borrowers having the right to prepay their obligations.

F-19
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 6 - Loans Receivable and the Allowance for Loan Losses

   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In Thousands) 
Residential real estate:          
One-to-four family  $11,752   $7,761 
Multi-family   188,923    178,644 
Mixed-use   50,467    41,895 
Total residential real estate   251,142    228,300 
Non-residential real estate   81,985    82,312 
Construction   6,568    841 
Commercial and industrial   31,345    26,274 
Consumer   161    77 
           
Total Loans   371,201    337,804 
           
Allowance for loan losses   (4,015)   (4,646)
Deferred loan costs, net   639    629 
           
Net Loans  $367,825   $333,787 

 

Loans serviced for the benefit of others totaled approximately $6,623,000 and $6,730,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The value of mortgage servicing rights was not material at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

The Company had no loans to related parties at December 31, 2013 and 2012. In addition, the Company did not originate any loans to related parties in 2013 and 2012.

F-20
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 6 - Loans Receivable and the Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following is an analysis of the allowance for loan losses and related information concerning loan balances (in thousands):

As of and For the Year Ended December 31, 2013:

 

    Residential
Real Estate
   Non-
residential
Real
Estate
   Construction   Commercial
and
Industrial
   Consumer   Unallocated   Total 
Allowance for loan losses:                                   
Beginning balance  $3,216   $996   $   $434   $   $   $4,646 
Charge-offs       (105)                   (105)
Recoveries   24    4                    28 
Provision   (684)   1    97    22        10    (554)
Ending balance  $2,556   $896   $97   $456   $   $10   $4,015 
Ending balance:  individually evaluated for impairment  $   $   $   $   $   $   $ 
                                    
Ending balance:  collectively evaluated for impairment  $2,556   $896   $97   $456   $   $10   $4,015 
                                    
Loans receivable:                                   
Ending balance  $251,142   $81,985   $6,568   $31,345   $161   $   $371,201 
                                    
Ending balance:  individually evaluated for impairment  $8,629   $11,488   $   $   $   $   $20,117 
                                    
Ending balance:  collectively evaluated for impairment  $242,513   $70,497   $6,568   $31,345   $161   $   $351,084 

 

F-21
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 6 - Loans Receivable and the Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following is an analysis of the allowance for loan losses and related information concerning loan balances (in thousands):

As of and For the Year Ended December 31, 2012:

 

    Residential
Real Estate
   Non-
residential
Real
Estate
   Construction   Commercial
and
Industrial
   Consumer   Unallocated   Total 
Allowance for credit losses:                                   
Beginning balance  $3,781   $1,596   $1,724   $296   $   $   $7,397 
Charge-offs   (4,372)   (2,374)   (1,715)   (28)           (8,489)
Recoveries   115                        115 
Provision   3,692    1,774    (9)   166            5,623 
Ending balance  $3,216   $996   $   $434   $   $   $4,646 
Ending balance:  individually evaluated for impairment  $   $   $   $   $   $   $ 
                                    
Ending balance:  collectively evaluated for impairment  $3,216   $996   $   $434   $   $   $4,646 
                                    
Loan receivables:                                   
Ending balance  $228,300   $82,312   $841   $26,274   $77   $   $337,804 
                                    
Ending balance:  individually evaluated for impairment  $10,272   $8,272   $   $2,152   $   $   $20,696 
                                    
Ending balance:  collectively evaluated for impairment  $218,028   $74,040   $841   $24,122   $77   $   $317,108 

 

F-22
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 6 - Loans Receivable and the Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following is an analysis of our impaired loans.

 

Impaired Loans for the Year Ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands)

 

2013  Recorded
Investment
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Related
Allowance
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:                         
Residential real estate-Multi-family  $8,629   $9,259   $   $9,507   $469 
Non-residential real estate   11,488    14,739        10,748    87 
Commercial and industrial               1,167    49 
Subtotal   20,117    23,998        21,422    605 
                          
With an allowance recorded:                         
Residential real estate-Multi-family                    
Non-residential real estate                    
Commercial and industrial                    
Subtotal                    
                          
Total:                         
Residential real estate-Multi-family   8,629    9,259        9,507    469 
Non-residential   11,488    14,739        10,748    87 
Commercial and industrial               1,167    49 
Total  $20,117   $23,998   $   $21,422   $605 

 

Impaired Loans for the Year Ended December 31, 2012 (in thousands)

 

2012  Recorded
Investment
   Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   Related
Allowance
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Interest
Income
Recognized
 
With no related allowance recorded:                         
Residential real estate-Multi-family  $10,272   $11,742   $   $10,876   $496 
Non-residential real estate   8,272    11,345        11,322    1,439 
Construction               3,067     
Commercial and industrial   2,152    2,179        1,130    126 
Subtotal   20,696    25,266        26,395    2,061 
                          
With an allowance recorded:                         
Residential real estate-Multi-family                    
Non-residential real estate                    
Commercial and industrial                    
Subtotal                    
                          
Total:                         
Residential real estate-Multi-family   10,272    11,742        10,876    496 
Non-residential   8,272    11,345        11,322    1,439 
Construction               3,067     
Commercial and industrial   2,152    2,179        1,130    126 
Total  $20,696   $25,266   $   $26,395   $2,061 

 

F-23
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 6 - Loans Receivable and the Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following table sets forth the composition of our nonaccrual loans at the dates indicated.

 

Loans Receivable on Nonaccrual Status as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands)

 

   2013   2012 
         
Residential real estate  $2,210   $1,477 
Non-residential real estate   2,372    2,480 
Commercial and industrial loans   84     
Total  $4,666   $3,957 

 

During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized interest income of approximately $98,000 and $102,000, respectively, on the non-accrual loans. Interest income that would have been recorded had the loans been on the accrual status would have amounted to approximately $253,000 and $153,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company is not committed to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans have been placed on the non-accrual status.

 

The following table provides information about delinquencies in our loan portfolio at the dates indicated.

 

Age Analysis of Past Due Loans as of December 31, 2013 (in Thousands)

    30-59 Days
Past Due
   60 – 89
Days Past
Due
   Greater
Than 90
Days
   Total Past
Due
   Current   Total Loans
Receivable
   Recorded
Investment
> 90 Days
and
Accruing
 
                             
Residential real estate:                                   
One- to four-family  $   $   $   $   $11,752   $11,752   $ 
Multi-family                   188,923    188,923     
Mixed-use       2,210        2,210    48,257    50,467     
Non-residential real estate           2,372    2,372    79,613    81,985     
Construction loans                   6,568    6,568     
Commercial and industrial loans                   31,345    31,345     
Consumer                   161    161     
Total loans  $   $2,210   $2,372   $4,582   $366,619   $371,201   $ 

F-24
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 6 - Loans Receivable and the Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

Age Analysis of Past Due Loans as of December 31, 2012 (in Thousands)

    30-59 Days
Past Due
   60 – 89
Days Past
Due
   Greater
Than 90
Days
   Total Past
Due
   Current   Total Loans
Receivable
   Recorded
Investment
> 90 Days
and
Accruing
 
                             
Residential real estate:                                   
One- to four-family  $   $   $   $   $7,761   $7,761   $ 
Multi-family       89    1,266    1,355    177,289    178,644     
Mixed-use                   41,895    41,895     
Non-residential real estate    1,259        1,221    2,480    79,832    82,312     
Construction loans                   841    841     
Commercial and industrial loans                   26,274    26,274     
Consumer                   77    77     
Total loans  $1,259   $89   $2,487   $3,835   $333,969   $337,804   $ 

 

The following tables provide certain information related to the credit quality of our loan portfolio.

Credit Quality Indicators as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands)

 

Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade

 

    Residential
Real Estate
   Non-residential
Real Estate
   Construction   Commercial
and Industrial
   Consumer   Total 
Grade:                              
Pass  $248,932   $71,659   $6,568   $25,733   $161   $353,053 
Special Mention               5,612        5,612 
Substandard   2,210    10,326                12,536 
Total  $251,142   $81,985   $6,568   $31,345   $161   $371,201 

 

Credit Quality Indicators as of December 31, 2012 (in thousands)

 

Credit Risk Profile by Internally Assigned Grade

 

    Residential
Real Estate
   Non-residential
Real Estate
   Construction   Commercial
and Industrial
   Consumer   Total 
Grade:                              
Pass  $221,794   $74,040   $841   $24,122   $77   $320,874 
Special Mention   2,553    505                3,058 
Substandard   3,953    7,767        2,152        13,872 
Total  $228,300   $82,312   $841   $26,274   $77   $337,804 

F-25
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 6 - Loans Receivable and the Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The following table shows the breakdown of loans modified in troubled debt restructuring during the year ended December 31, 2013:

 

   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 
   2013 
       Recorded   Recorded 
       Investment   Investment 
   Number of   Prior to   After 
(dollars in thousands)  Modifications   Modification   Modification 
Real estate loans:               
Multi-family   1   $307   $307 
Non-residential   3    3,253    3,253 
Total   4   $3,560   $3,560 

 

The multi-family mortgage loan had an original interest rate of 6.75% with an amortization of 25 years. The Company reduced the interest rate and converted the monthly payments to interest only for twenty months and then amortizing for 30 years, with a balloon payment after approximately five and one-half years from the modification date. This loan was paid-off on October 8, 2013.

Two non-residential mortgage loans had an original interest rate of 6.25% with an amortization of 25 years. The Company reduced the interest rate and converted the monthly payments to interest only for twenty months and then amortizing for 30 years, with a balloon payment after approximately five and one-half years from the modification date.

One non-residential mortgage loan had an original interest rate of 4.75% with an amortization of 30 years. The Company reduced the interest rate and converted the monthly payments to interest only for nineteen months and then amortizing for 30 years, with a balloon payment after two years from the modification date.

As of December 31, 2013, none of the loans that were modified during the previous twelve months had defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2013.

The following table shows the breakdown of loans modified during the year ended December 31, 2012:

 

   Twelve Months Ended December 31, 
   2012 
       Recorded   Recorded 
       Investment   Investment 
   Number of   Prior to   After 
(dollars in thousands)  Modifications   Modification   Modification 
Real estate loans:               
Multi-family   3   $3,638   $3,326 
Non-residential   1    6,000    5,705 
Total   4   $9,638   $9,031 

 

The first multi-family mortgage loan had an original interest rate of 6.75% with an amortization of 30 years that was modified to interest only payments at a rate of 4% for five years and then amortizing for 30 years, with a balloon payment due after approximately ten years from the modification date.

The second multi-family mortgage loan had an original interest rate of 6.25% with an amortization of 30 years that was modified to interest only payments at a rate of 3% for the first year and 4% for the second year and then amortizing for 30 years, with a balloon payment due after five years from the modification date.

The third multi-family mortgage loan had an original interest rate of 5.625% with an amortization of 15 years that was modified to amortizing for 30 years at a rate of 4.625% with a balloon payment due after ten years from the modification date.

F-26
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 6 - Loans Receivable and the Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued)

The non-residential mortgage loan was originally a purchased construction loan participation with an original blended interest rate of 8.06% and interest only payments that was modified to an interest rate of 5% for two years with interest only payments and a balloon payment due after two years.

As of December 31, 2012, except for one non-residential mortgage loan totaling $755,000 that defaulted on its modified terms in 2012 and now is in foreclosure, none of the four other loans that were modified during the previous twelve months had defaulted in the preceding twelve month period ended December 31, 2012.

Note 7 - Premises and Equipment, Net

   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In Thousands) 
Land  $2,415   $2,415 
Buildings and improvements   13,233    13,162 
Leasehold improvements   638    631 
Furnishings and equipment   6,666    6,746 
           
Total   22,952    22,954 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization   (10,718)   (10,056)
           
   $12,234   $12,898 

 

 

Note 8 - Accrued Interest Receivable, Net

   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In Thousands) 
Loans  $1,531   $1,286 
Securities   25    35 
Total   1,556    1,321 
Allowance for uncollected interest   (289)   (345)
   $1,267   $976 

 

Note 9 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets at December 31 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

   2013   2012 
Goodwill  $749   $1,083 
Customer relationships intangible   345    406 
Total  $1,094   $1,489 

 

F-27
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 9 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Continued)

 

The Company recognized impairment losses of $334,000 in 2013 and $227,000 in 2012, resulting in a write-down of goodwill to $749,000 as of December 31, 2013 and $1,083,000 as of December 31, 2012.  The impairment was caused primarily by the expected decrease in other revenue from this division resulting from a reduction in personnel.  The net amount of intangible assets was $345,000 at December 31, 2013 and $406,000 at December 31, 2012.  Amortization expense of intangible assets was $61,000 in 2013 and $60,000 in 2012.  Scheduled amortization for each of the next five years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

2014 $  61
2015    61
2016    61
2017    61
2018    61
Thereafter    40

 

 

Note 10 - Real Estate Owned (“REO”)

The Company owned one foreclosed property valued at approximately $3,985,000 at December 31, 2013 consisting of an office building located in New Jersey. The property was acquired through a foreclosure in a prior year. Further declines in real estate values may result in impairment charges in the future. Routine holding costs are charged to expense as incurred and improvements to real estate owned that enhance the value of the real estate are capitalized. REO expense amounted to $425,000 in 2013.

The Company held two foreclosed properties valued at approximately $4,271,000 at December 31, 2012 consisting of an office building located in New Jersey and a restaurant located in New York. The restaurant was sold in June 2013, resulting in a loss of $51,000 included in REO expense. REO expense amounted to $36,000 in 2012.

F-28
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 11 – Deposits

 

   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   Amount   Weighted
Average Interest
Rate
   Amount   Weighted
Average Interest
Rate
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Demand deposits:                    
Non-interest bearing  $28,310    0.00%  $22,932    0.00%
NOW and money market   60,334    0.36%   62,868    0.33%
Total   88,644    0.24%   85,800    0.24%
                     
Savings accounts   85,156    0.55%   84,404    0.53%
                     
Certificates of deposit maturing in:                    
One year or less   62,987    1.07%   70,160    1.03%
After one to two years   23,303    1.25%   25,857    1.49%
After two to three years   20,225    2.14%   9,004    1.79%
After three to four years   36,329    2.35%   15,099    2.41%
After four years   8,565    1.80%   27,796    2.49%
                     
Total   151,409    1.59%   147,916    1.57%
                     
Total deposits  $325,209    0.95%  $318,120    0.94%

 

As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, certificates of deposits equal to or in excess of $100,000 totaled approximately $89,699,000 and $81,213,000, respectively.

The Company had $980,000 at December 31, 2013 and $981,000 at December 31, 2012 in Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) reciprocal certificates of deposits that were fully-insured brokered deposits as defined in the FDIC call report instructions. The CDARS certificates of deposits were obtained from one retail depositor and then transferred into the CDARS Network in order to obtain full FDIC insurance coverage for our customer. These types of deposits are known in the CDARS Network as reciprocal deposits, which the Company considers as core deposits and not brokered deposits.

Interest expense on deposits consists of the following:

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In Thousands) 
Demand deposits  $219   $497 
Savings accounts   445    558 
Certificates of deposit   2,287    2,150 
           
Total  $2,951   $3,205 

 

F-29
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 12 – Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB”) Advances

   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   Amount   Weighted
Average Interest
Rate
   Amount   Weighted
Average Interest
Rate
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Advances maturing in:                    
One year or less  $16,000    1.45%  $10,000    3.70%
After one to two years   2,000    0.68%   5,000    3.64%
After two to three years   3,000    1.03%       0.00%
                     
Total  $21,000    1.32%  $15,000    3.68%

 

At December 31, 2013, none of the above advances were subject to early call or redemption features.

 

At December 31, 2013, the advances were secured by a pledge of the Company’s investment in the capital stock of the FHLB and a blanket assignment of the Company’s otherwise unpledged qualifying mortgage loans.

 

At December 31, 2013, the Company had the ability to borrow $70.8 million, net of $21.0 million in outstanding advances, from the FHLB.

Note 13 - Income Taxes

The Bank qualifies as a savings institution under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and was, therefore, prior to January 1, 1996, permitted to deduct from taxable income an allowance for bad debts based upon eight percent of taxable income before such deduction, less certain adjustments. Retained earnings at December 31, 2013 and 2012, include approximately $4.1 million of such bad debt deductions which, in accordance with U.S. GAAP is considered a permanent difference between the book and income tax basis of loans receivable, and for which deferred income taxes have not been provided. If such amount is used for purposes other than for bad debt losses, including distributions in liquidation, it will be subject to income tax at the then current rate.

The components of income taxes are summarized as follows:

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In Thousands) 
Current tax expense (benefit)  $189   $(2,140)
Deferred tax expense (benefit)   211    (161)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)  $400   $(2,301)

F-30
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 13 - Income Taxes (Continued)

The following table presents a reconciliation between the reported income taxes and the income taxes, which would be computed by applying the existing federal income tax rate of 34% to income before taxes:

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (Dollars In Thousands) 
Federal income tax at statutory rates  $523   $(1,637)
State and city tax, net of federal income tax effect   132    (423)
Non-taxable income on bank owned life insurance   (217)   (210)
Other   (38)   (31)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)  $400   $(2,301)
Effective Income Tax Rate   26.0%   (47.8)%

 

The tax effects of significant items comprising the net deferred tax asset are as follows:

 

   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In Thousands) 
Deferred tax assets:          
Allowance for loan losses  $1,742   $2,077 
State operating loss carryover   320    354 
Reserve for uncollected interest   116     
Depreciation   95    172 
Benefit plans   1,387    1,354 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - DRP   52    185 
Goodwill   15     
Other   54    67 
Total Deferred Tax Assets   3,781    4,209 
Deferred tax liability:          
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale   1    2 
Goodwill       84 
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities   1    86 
Net Deferred Tax Asset, Included in Other Assets  $3,780   $4,123 

F-31
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 14 - Other Non-Interest Expenses

The following is an analysis of other non-interest expenses:

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In Thousands) 
Legal fees  $630   $826 
Directors compensation   461    405 
Audit and accounting   440    288 
Service contracts   402    392 
Telephone   392    345 
Consulting expense   378    519 
Other   350    443 
Director, officer, and employee expenses   332    725 
Insurance   222    215 
Recruiting expense   96    423 
Office supplies and stationary   77    118 
Total  $3,780   $4,699 

 

Note 15 - Benefits Plans

Outside Director Retirement Plan (“DRP”)

The DRP is an unfunded non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering all non-employee directors meeting eligibility requirements as specified in the plan document. The following table sets forth the funded status of the DRP and components of net pension periodic expense measured as of December 31:

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012 
         
   (Dollars In Thousands) 
Projected benefit obligation – beginning  $1,202   $801 
Service cost   73    49 
Interest cost   41    51 
Actuarial loss (gain)   (278)   301 
Prior service cost   3     
           
Projected benefit obligation – ending  $1,041   $1,202 
           
Funded status – accrued liability included in accounts payable and accrued expenses  $1,041   $1,202 
Accumulated benefit obligation  $983   $1,137 
           
Discount rate   4.45%   4.62%
Salary increase rate   2.00%   2.00%

F-32
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 15 - Benefits Plans (Continued)

Net periodic pension expense:          
Service cost  $73   $49 
Interest cost   41    51 
Actuarial loss recognized   36     
Prior service cost recognized   21    21 
           
Total net periodic pension expense included in other non-interest expenses  $171   $121 
           
Discount rate   4.45%   4.62%
Salary increase rate   2.00%   2.00%

Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service as appropriate, are expected to be paid for the years ended December 31 as follows (in thousands):

2014  $62 
2015   94 
2016   94 
2017   94 
2018   94 
2019 to 2023   575 

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”)

The SERP is a non-contributory defined benefit plan that covers certain officers of the Company.

Under the SERP, each of these individuals will be entitled to receive upon retirement an annual benefit paid in monthly installments equal to 50% of his average base salary in the three-year period preceding retirement. Each individual may also retire early and receive a reduced benefit upon the attainment of certain age and years of service combination. Additional terms related to death while employed, death after retirement, disability before retirement and termination of employment are fully described within the plan document. The benefit payment term is the greater of 15 years or the executives remaining life. No benefits are expected to be paid during the next ten years.

The former Chief Financial Officer, who resigned and left the Company effective July 24, 2013, is no longer participating in the SERP. In connection with his resignation, the Company reversed $221,000 in accrued liability and expenses and $88,000 in deferred taxes and tax expenses. As a result, during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, income of $143,000 and expenses of $285,000, respectively, were recorded for this plan and are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations under Salaries and Employee Benefits. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, a liability for this plan of $1,799,000 and $1,942,000, respectively, is included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition under Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses.

401(k) Plan

The Company maintains a 401(k) plan for all eligible employees. Participants are permitted to contribute from 1% to 15% of their annual compensation up to the maximum permitted under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company provided no matching contribution in 2013 and 2012.

F-33
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 15 - Benefits Plans (Continued)

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”)

In conjunction with the Company’s initial public stock offering, the Bank established an ESOP for all eligible employees (substantially all full-time employees). The ESOP borrowed $5,184,200 from the Company and used those funds to acquire 518,420 shares of Company common stock at $10.00 per share. The loan from the Company carries an interest rate of 8.25% and is repayable in twenty annual installments through 2025. Each year, the Bank makes discretionary contributions to the ESOP equal to the principal and interest payment required on the loan from the Company. The ESOP may further pay down the principal balance of the loan by using dividends paid, if any, on the shares of Company common stock it owns. The balance remaining on the ESOP loan was $3,846,000 and $4,031,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Shares purchased with the loan proceeds serve as collateral for the loan and are held in a suspense account for future allocation among ESOP participants. As the loan principal is repaid, shares will be released from the suspense account and become eligible for allocation. The allocation among plan participants will be as described in the ESOP governing document.

ESOP shares initially pledged as collateral were recorded as unearned ESOP shares in the stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated statement of financial condition. Thereafter, on a monthly basis over a 240 month period, approximately 2,160 shares are committed to be released and compensation expense is recorded equal to the shares committed to be released multiplied by the average closing price of the Company’s stock during that month. ESOP expense during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, totaled approximately $164,000 and $145,000, respectively. Dividends on unallocated shares, which totaled approximately $40,000 and $44,000 during 2013 and 2012, respectively, are recorded as a reduction of the ESOP loan. Dividends on allocated shares, which totaled approximately $22,000 and $18,000 during 2013 and 2012, respectively, are charged to retained earnings.

ESOP shares are summarized as follows:

   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
Allocated shares   181,447    155,526 
Shares committed to be released   25,921    25,921 
Unearned shares   311,052    336,973 
           
Total ESOP Shares   518,420    518,420 
           
Fair value of unearned shares  $2,433,000   $1,786,000 

 

 

Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Commitments

Rentals under operating leases for certain branch offices and land amounted to $576,000 and $478,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the minimum rental commitments under all non-cancelable leases with initial or remaining terms of more than one year are as follows (in thousands):

Year ending December 31,     
2014  $394 
2015   236 
2016   147 
2017   98 
2018   77 
Thereafter   1,074 
   $2,026 

F-34
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

Other

On October 31, 2011, a complaint was filed by Stilwell Value Partners IV, L.P. (“Stilwell”) in the Supreme Court of New York, New York County (the "Court"), against the Company, NorthEast Community Bancorp MHC (the "MHC") and each of the directors of the Company and the MHC. The complaint alleged that the directors had breached their fiduciary duties by not expanding the Company board to allow for disinterested consideration of a "second-step" conversion of the MHC.  As relief, the complaint requested, among other things, that the Company’s board of directors be increased by at least three new members, that such new members be given sole responsibility to determine whether the Company should engage in a second-step conversion, and that the Court order the Company to engage in a second-step conversion. A motion to dismiss the Complaint was filed on December 14, 2011. On September 27, 2012, the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss and dismissed the complaint granting Stilwell leave to file an amended complaint within 20 days. On December 14, 2012, Stilwell filed an amended complaint, alleging that the directors had breached their fiduciary duties by not voting to authorize a second step conversion or permitting disinterested consideration by new, independent board members of a second step conversion. Stilwell asserted claims against the MHC, as majority shareholder of the Company, for breach of fiduciary duty and for aiding and abetting the directors’ alleged breach of fiduciary duty. The Company filed a motion to dismiss on February 1, 2013. Stilwell filed his opposition on March 8, 2013, and the Company filed its reply brief on March 29, 2013. The Court held a hearing on the motion on June 12, 2013. On October 23, 2013, the Court denied the motion to dismiss, holding the Court could not say that Stilwell had not alleged a viable claim, and thus the Court allowed the lawsuit against the Company’s directors and the MHS to proceed. The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the case.

The Company is also subject to claims and litigation that arise primarily in the ordinary course of business. Based on information presently available and advice received from legal counsel representing the Company in connection with such claims and litigation, it is the opinion of management that the disposition or ultimate determination of such claims and litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

Note 17 - Fair Value Disclosures

The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. The Company’s securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company has to record at fair value other assets and liabilities on a non-recurring basis, such as securities held to maturity, impaired loans and other real estate owned. U.S. GAAP has established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation methods used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

  Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.
     
  Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
     
  Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported with little or no market activity).

F-35
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 17- Fair Value Disclosures (continued)

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. For financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, the fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy used are as follows:

 

       (Level 1)   (Level 2)     
       Quoted Prices   Significant     
       in Active   Other   (Level 3) 
       Markets for   Observable   Significant 
Description  Total   Identical Assets   Inputs   Unobservable Inputs 
December 31, 2013  (In Thousands) 
Recurring:                    
  Mortgage-backed securities - residential:                    
     Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation  $65   $   $65   $ 
     Federal National Mortgage Association   48        48     
                Total   113        113     
 Nonrecurring:                    
     Impaired loans   789            789 
                     
December 31, 2012:                    
Recurring:                    
Mortgage-backed securities - residential:                    
     Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation  $78   $   $78   $ 
     Federal National Mortgage Association   51        51     
                Total   129        129     
Nonrecurring:                    
     Impaired loans   10,515            10,515 
     Real estate owned   4,271            4,271 

 

A loan is considered impaired when, based upon current information and events; it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all scheduled payments in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan.  Impaired loans that are collateral dependent are written down to fair value through the establishment of specific reserves, a component of the allowance for loan losses or through partial charge-offs, and as such are carried at the lower of cost or the fair value.  Estimates of fair value of the collateral are determined based on a variety of information, including available valuations from certified appraisers for similar assets, present value of discounted cash flows and inputs that are estimated based on commonly used and generally accepted industry liquidation advance rates and estimates and assumptions developed by management. The appraisals may be adjusted by management for estimated liquidation expenses and qualitative factors such as economic conditions.  If real estate is not the primary source of repayment, present value of discounted cash flows and estimates using generally accepted industry liquidation advance rates are utilized.  The range of liquidation expenses and other appraisal adjustments of the impaired loans at December 31, 2013 was 3.0% and at December 31, 2012 was 6.4% to 63.0%.  Due to the multitude of assumptions, many of which are subjective in nature, and the varying inputs and techniques used by appraisers, the Company recognizes that valuations could differ across a wide spectrum of valuation techniques employed and accordingly, fair value estimates for impaired loans are classified as Level 3.

For other real estate owned, fair value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying properties which generally include various Level 3 inputs which are not identifiable.  The appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative reasons and estimated liquidation expenses.  Management’s assumptions may include consideration of location and occupancy of the property and current economic conditions.  Subsequently, as these properties are actively marketed, the estimated fair values may be periodically adjusted through incremental subsequent write-downs to reflect decreases in estimated values resulting from sales price observations and the impact of changing economic and market conditions.

F-36
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 17 - Fair Value Disclosures (Continued)

At December 31, 2012 to account for the aforementioned factors, adjustments to appraisal values for real estate owned ranged from 6.8% to 50.0%.

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 year-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 year-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 following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2013 and 2012:

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Certificates of Deposit and Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable

For these short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Securities

Fair values for securities available for sale and held to maturity are determined utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayments speeds, credit information and the security’s terms and conditions, among other things.

Loans

Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. The total loan portfolio is first divided into performing and non-performing categories. Performing loans are then segregated into adjustable and fixed rate interest terms. Fixed rate loans are segmented by type, such as construction, other loans secured by real estate, commercial and industrial loans, and consumer. Certain types, such as commercial and industrial loans and consumer loans, are further segmented by maturity and type of collateral.

For performing loans, fair value is calculated by discounting scheduled future cash flows through estimated maturity using a market rate that reflects the credit and interest-rate risks inherent in the loans. The discounted value of the cash flows is reduced by a credit risk adjustment based on internal loan classifications.

For non-performing loans, fair value is calculated by discounting the estimated future cash flows from the remaining carrying value at a market rate.

For impaired loans which the Company has measured and recorded 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, or discounted cash flows based upon the expected proceeds.  These assets are typically included as Level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.  

 

FHLB of New York Stock

The carrying amount of the FHLB of New York stock approximates its fair value, and considers the limited marketability of this security. 

F-37
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 17 - Fair Value Disclosures (Continued)

Deposit Liabilities

The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest-bearing demand deposits, money market accounts, interest checking accounts, and savings accounts is equal to the amount payable on demand. Certificates of deposits are segregated by type, size, and remaining maturity. The fair value of certificates of deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is based on rates currently offered in the market.

FHLB of New York Advances

The fair value of the FHLB advances is estimated based on the discounted value of future contractual payments. The discount rate is equivalent to the estimated rate at which the Company could currently obtain similar financing.

Off-Balance-Sheet Financial Instruments

The fair value of commitments to extend credit is estimated based on an analysis of the interest rates and fees currently charged to enter into similar transactions, considering the remaining terms of the commitments and the credit-worthiness of the potential borrowers. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the estimated fair values of these off-balance-sheet financial instruments were immaterial.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair value of our financial instruments are as follows:

           Fair Value at 
           December 31, 2013 
           Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
(In thousands)  Carrying
Amount
   Fair Value
Estimate
   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Financial Assets                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $31,531   $31,531   $31,531   $   $ 
Certificates of deposit   2,142    2,142        2,142     
Securities available for sale   113    113        113     
Securities held to maturity   8,444    8,739        8,739     
Loans receivable   367,825    374,820            374,820 
FHLB of New York stock   1,594    1,594        1,594     
Accrued interest receivable   1,267    1,267        1,267     
                          
Financial Liabilities                         
Deposits   325,209    328,654        328,654     
FHLB of New York advances   21,000    21,016        21,016     
Accrued interest payable   2    2        2     

F-38
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 17 - Fair Value Disclosures (Continued)

           Fair Value at 
           December 31, 2012 
           Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
(In thousands)  Carrying
Amount
   Fair Value
Estimate
   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
Financial Assets:                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $49,242   $49,242   $49,242   $   $ 
Certificates of deposit   399    399        399     
Securities available for sale   129    129        129     
Securities held to maturity   11,987    12,561        12,561     
Loans receivable   333,787    350,420            350,420 
FHLB of New York stock   1,355    1,355        1,355     
Accrued interest receivable   976    976        976     
                          
Financial Liabilities:                         
Deposits   318,120    321,236        321,236     
FHLB of New York advances   15,000    15,256        15,256     
Accrued interest payable   2    2        2     

 

Note 18 – Parent Company Only Financial Information

The following are the condensed financial statements for Northeast Community Bancorp (Parent company only) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the years then ended.

Condensed Statements of Financial Condition

 

   December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In Thousands) 
Assets          
Cash and due from banks  $12,492   $14,039 
Certificates of deposits   1,046    299 
Investment in subsidiary   86,957    85,511 
ESOP loan receivable   3,847    4,031 
Other assets   8    12 
Total Assets  $104,350   $103,892 
           
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  $182   $43 
Total Liabilities   182    43 
           
Total Stockholders’ Equity   104,168    103,849 
           
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity  $104,350   $103,892 

 

F-39
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 18 – Parent Company Only Financial Information (Continued)

Condensed Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In Thousands) 
Interest income – interest- earning deposits  $6   $12 
Interest income – ESOP loan   332    348 
Operating expenses   (260)   (276)
           
Income before Income Tax Expense and Equity in Undistributed Earnings of Subsidiary   78    84 
           
Income tax expense   24    35 
           
Income before Equity in Undistributed Earnings (Loss) of Subsidiary   54    49 
           
Equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiary   1,083    (2,563)
           
Net Income (Loss)  $1,137   $(2,514)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)  $1,336   $(2,692)

 

F-40
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 18 – Parent Company Only Financial Information (Continued)

 

Statements of Cash Flow

 

   Years Ended December 31, 
   2013   2012 
   (In Thousands) 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities          
Net income (loss)  $1,137   $(2,514)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
Equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiary   (1,083)   2,563 
Decrease (increase) in other assets   4    (12)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities   (10)   (114)
           
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities   48    (77)
           
Cash Flows from Investing Activities          
Repayment of ESOP loan   184    170 
Net maturity (purchases) of certificates of deposit   (747)   1,245 
           
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities   (563)   1,415 
           
Cash Flows from Financing Activities          
Cash dividends paid   (453)   (669)
Purchase of treasury stock   (579)    
           
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities   (1,032)   (669)
           
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents   (1,547)   669 
           
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning   14,039    13,370 
           
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Ending  $12,492   $14,039 

 

Note 19 – Related Party Transactions

In the normal course of business, the Company entered into deposit transactions with members of the Board of Directors and management. These transactions are entered into under the same terms as those for non-related parties and are considered immaterial to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In addition, one member of the Board of Directors provides consulting services related to bank branching and the Community Reinvestment Act and another member of the Board of Directors provides legal services to the Company. Fees paid for the consulting and legal services totaled $60,000 and $2,600, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $90,000 and $1,664, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2012.

F-41
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 20 – Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income Components
  Amount Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
      Affected Line Item in the
Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
   December 31, 2013       
   (In Thousands)       
Amortization of defined benefit pension items:            
Prior service costs  $21   (1)  Salary and employee benefits
Unrecognized loss   36   (1)  Salary and employee benefits
    57       Total before tax
    (22)      Income tax benefit
Total reclassifications for the period  $35       Net of tax

 

(1)These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. (See Note 15 for additional details).

 

 

Note 21 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2012-02, Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. Similar to ASU 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 250) - Testing Goodwill for Impairment. ASU 2012-02 addresses the growing cost and complexity of performing an analysis to evaluate indefinite-lived intangible assets (other than goodwill) for impairment. This ASU introduces qualitative factors which would simplify the analysis if facts and circumstances make it more-likely-than-not that impairment would not exist. Rather than requiring a purely quantitative impairment test, the ASU provides entities with the option to first examine qualitative factors to make this determination. Factors to be considered would include, but are not limited to:

 

·Increases in interest rates, salaries, or other operating expenses, which would have a negative impact on future earnings or cash flows;

 

·Recent financial performance and cash flow trends;

 

·Aspects of the legal and regulatory environment which are expected to impact future cash flows, such as the Dodd-Frank Act;

 

·Management turnover;

 

·Economic and industry conditions.

 

Entities are required by the guidance to consider both positive and negative impacts of such factors before determining whether it is more-likely-than-not (i.e. greater than 50% probability) that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. It should be noted that the qualitative portion of the analysis is optional for all issuers.

 

This ASU is effective for impairment tests performed during fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, and may be early adopted if the entity’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal or interim period have not yet been issued. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2013. The adoption had no material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

F-42
Index

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 21 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)

ASU 2013-02: Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) – Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The objective of this ASU is to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. This ASU requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income, by component, on the respective line items in the income statement if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. Reclassifications that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period are required to be cross-referenced to other U.S. GAAP disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. This is the case when a portion of the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income is reclassified to a balance sheet account rather than directly to income or expense in the same reporting period. For example, some portion of net periodic pension cost is immediately reported in net income, but other portions may be capitalized to an asset balance such as fixed assets or inventory. An entity with significant defined benefit pension costs reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income but not to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period should identify the amount of each pension cost component reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and make reference to the relevant pension cost disclosure that provides greater detail about these reclassifications.

 

The amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements. However, the amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income.

 

The provisions of this ASU are effective for public entities prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2013. The adoption had no material effect on the Company’s financial statements.

F-43