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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20529

FORM 10-Q

     
x   Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange
Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004

     
o   Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange
Act of 1934

For the transition period from ___ to ___

Commission File Number 000-32955


LSB Corporation

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)


     
     Massachusetts
  04-3557612
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
     
30 Massachusetts Avenue, North Andover, MA
(Address of principal executive offices)
  01845
(Zip Code)


(978) 725-7500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


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

Yes x No o


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

Yes o No x


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

       
Class
  Outstanding as of October 31, 2004
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share   4,324,942 shares

 


LSB CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

INDEX

         
    Page
       
       
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    4  
    5  
    6  
    7-9  
       
       
    11  
    12  
    12  
    13  
    13  
       
    14  
    15  
    15  
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    18  
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    20  
    20  
       
    21  
    21  
    21  
    21  
    22  
    22  
    23  
    24  
 EX-31.1 Section 302 CEO Certification
 EX-31.2 Section 302 CFO Certification
 EX-32.1 Section 906 CEO Certification
 EX-32.2 Section 906 CFO Certification

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PART 1 — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

LSB CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)

                 
    September 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (In Thousands, Except Share Data)
ASSETS
Assets:
               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 9,136     $ 7,872  
Federal funds sold
    128       889  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total cash and cash equivalents
    9,264       8,761  
 
Investment securities held to maturity (market value of $200,402 in 2004 and $184,592 in 2003)
    200,608       184,286  
Investment securities available for sale (amortized cost of $60,418 in 2004 and $48,571 in 2003)
    60,234       48,592  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
    7,694       6,593  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses
    212,529       207,283  
Bank premises and equipment
    3,549       2,875  
Accrued interest receivable
    2,896       2,552  
Deferred income tax asset
    2,756       3,519  
Other assets
    1,459       1,647  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total assets
  $ 500,989     $ 466,108  
 
   
 
     
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
               
Interest bearing deposits
  $ 281,006     $ 258,430  
Non-interest bearing deposits
    20,675       14,110  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    102,132       78,866  
Other borrowed funds
    31,750       52,000  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    3,662       2,486  
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
    618       450  
Other liabilities
    3,649       4,764  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities
    443,492       411,106  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $.10 par value per share:
               
5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
           
Common stock, $.10 par value per share;
               
20,000,000 shares authorized; 4,539,242 and 4,454,262 shares issued at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively, and 4,319,942 and 4,234,962 shares outstanding at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively
    454       445  
Additional paid-in capital
    58,793       58,350  
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
    1,112       (1,055 )
Treasury stock, at cost (219,300 shares)
    (2,758 )     (2,758 )
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
    (104 )     20  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity
    57,497       55,002  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 500,989     $ 466,108  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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LSB CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)

                                 
    Three months ended   Nine months ended
    September 30,
  September 30,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
            (In Thousands, Except Share Data)        
Interest and dividend income:
                               
Loans
  $ 3,242     $ 3,381     $ 9,797     $ 11,069  
Investment securities held to maturity
    1,680       1,176       5,058       3,353  
Investment securities available for sale
    489       367       1,375       1,323  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    69       45       141       140  
Other interest and dividend income
    8       8       20       68  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest and dividend income
    5,488       4,977       16,391       15,953  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Interest expense:
                               
Deposits
    964       1,013       2,662       3,259  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    1,025       1,117       3,187       3,502  
Other borrowed funds
    103       31       351       105  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    4       4       10       14  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total interest expense
    2,096       2,165       6,210       6,880  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net interest income
    3,392       2,812       10,181       9,073  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Provision (credit) for loan losses
                (300 )      
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net interest income after provision (credit) for loan losses
    3,392       2,812       10,481       9,073  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Non-interest income:
                               
Loan servicing fees
    19       233       162       53  
Deposit account fees
    236       183       668       526  
Gains (losses) on sales of mortgage loans
    (5 )     143       64       457  
Lawsuit judgment collected
                2,275        
Other income
    98       99       281       285  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total non-interest income
    348       658       3,450       1,321  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Non-interest expense:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    1,655       1,417       4,904       4,488  
Occupancy and equipment expenses
    219       159       658       581  
Professional expenses
    141       187       472       550  
Data processing expenses
    237       186       670       547  
Other expenses
    454       468       1,261       1,295  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total non-interest expenses
    2,706       2,417       7,965       7,461  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income before income tax expense
    1,034       1,053       5,966       2,933  
Income tax expense
    337       399       2,126       1,094  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income
  $ 697     $ 654     $ 3,840     $ 1,839  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Average shares outstanding
    4,312,649       4,214,501       4,293,362       4,211,435  
Average diluted shares outstanding
    4,482,075       4,412,909       4,452,403       4,378,550  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.16     $ 0.16     $ 0.89     $ 0.44  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.16     $ 0.15     $ 0.86     $ 0.42  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

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LSB CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 AND 2003
(UNAUDITED)

                                                 
                                    Accumulated    
            Additional                   Other   Total
    Common   Paid-In   (Accumulated   Treasury   Comprehensive   Stockholders’
    Stock
  Capital
  Deficit)
  Stock
  Income
  Equity
    (In Thousands, Except Share Data)
Balance at December 31, 2002
  $ 439     $ 57,845     $ (3,168 )   $ (1,736 )   $ 679     $ 54,059  
Net income
                1,839                   1,839  
Other comprehensive income:
                                               
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale (tax effect $318)
                            (617 )   $ (617 )
 
                                           
 
 
Total comprehensive income
                                            1,222  
Exercise of stock options
    5       270                         275  
Dividends declared and paid ($0.36 per share)
                (1,515 )               (1,515 )
Purchase of 82,800 shares of Treasury Stock, at cost
                            (1,022 )           (1,022 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2003
  $ 444     $ 58,115     $ (2,844 )   $ (2,758 )   $ 62     $ 53,019  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
                                                 
                    Retained           Accumulated    
            Additional   Earnings/           Other   Total
    Common   Paid-In   (Accumulated   Treasury   Comprehensive   Stockholders’
    Stock
  Capital
  Deficit)
  Stock
  Income (loss)
  Equity
    (In Thousands, Except Share Data)
Balance at December 31, 2003
  $ 445     $ 58,350     $ (1,055 )   $ (2,758 )   $ 20     $ 55,002  
Net income
                3,840                   3,840  
Other comprehensive income:
                                               
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale (tax effect $81)
                            (124 )   $ (124 )
 
                                           
 
 
Total comprehensive income
                                            3,716  
Exercise of stock options
    9       443                         452  
Dividends declared and paid ($0.39 per share)
                (1,673 )                 (1,673 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2004
  $ 454     $ 58,793     $ 1,112     $ (2,758 )   $ (104 )   $ 57,497  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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LSB CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

                 
    Nine months ended
    September 30,
    2004
  2003
    (In Thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 3,840     $ 1,839  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Credit for loan losses
    (300 )      
Gains on sales of mortgage loans
    (64 )     (457 )
Net amortization of investment securities
    1,276       1,688  
Loss on sale of investment securities available for sale
          14  
Depreciation of premises and equipment
    318       316  
Loans originated for sale
    (3,596 )     (20,622 )
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans
    3,998       22,580  
Increase in accrued interest receivable
    (344 )     (63 )
Decrease in deferred income tax asset
    844       884  
Decrease in other assets
    188       259  
Increase in advance payments by borrowers
    168       20  
Decrease in other liabilities
    (1,115 )     (12 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    5,213       6,446  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Proceeds from sale of mortgage-backed securities available for sale
          5,684  
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities held to maturity
    14,800       164,900  
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available for sale
    14,585       7,000  
Purchases of investment securities held to maturity
    (47,353 )     (198,338 )
Purchases of mortgage-backed securities held to maturity
          (38,118 )
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
    (30,102 )     (16,712 )
Purchase of mutual fund available for sale
          (1,000 )
Purchases of mortgage-backed securities available for sale
          (14,775 )
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    (1,101 )      
Principal payments of securities held to maturity
    15,148       39,369  
Principal payments of securities available for sale
    3,477       13,483  
(Increase) decrease in loans, net
    (5,284 )     35,886  
Purchases of Bank premises and equipment
    (992 )     (74 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (36,822 )     (2,695 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net increase in deposits
    29,141       1,066  
Additions to Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    38,345        
Payments on Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    (15,079 )     (11,891 )
Net increase (decrease) in agreements to repurchase securities
    1,176       (1,945 )
Net decrease (increase) in other borrowed funds
    (20,250 )     2,529  
Treasury stock purchased
          (1,022 )
Dividends paid
    (1,673 )     (1,515 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    452       275  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    32,112       (12,503 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    503       (8,752 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    8,761       16,769  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 9,264     $ 8,017  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest on deposits
  $ 2,660     $ 3,242  
Interest on borrowed funds
    3,551       3,678  
Income taxes
    3,295       368  
Supplemental Schedule of non-cash activities:
               
Net change in valuation of investment securities available for sale
    (205 )     (935 )
 
   
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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LSB CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
(UNAUDITED)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

LSB Corporation (the “Corporation” or the “Company”) is a Massachusetts corporation and the holding company of its wholly-owned subsidiary Lawrence Savings Bank (the “Bank”) a state-chartered Massachusetts savings bank. The Corporation was organized by the Bank on July 1, 2001 to be a bank holding company and to acquire all of the capital stock of the Bank.

The Corporation is supervised by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”), and it is also subject to the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Division of Banks, while the Bank is subject to the regulations of, and periodic examination by, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Massachusetts Division of Banks. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Bank Insurance Fund of the FDIC up to $100,000 per account, as defined by the FDIC, and the Depositors Insurance Fund (“DIF”) for customer deposit amounts in excess of $100,000. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of LSB Corporation and its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary, Lawrence Savings Bank, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Shawsheen Security Corporation, Shawsheen Security Corporation II, Pemberton Corporation, and Spruce Wood Realty Trust. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company has one reportable operating segment. Certain amounts in prior periods have been re-classified to conform to the current presentation.

The Corporation’s Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Accordingly, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the balance sheets and statements of income. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates and judgments. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change relate to the allowance for loan losses, income taxes and mortgage servicing rights.

The interim results of consolidated income are not necessarily indicative of the results for any future interim period or for the entire year. These interim Consolidated Financial Statements do not include all disclosures associated with annual financial statements and, accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the annual Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

2. STOCK OPTIONS

The Corporation measures compensation cost for stock-based plans using the intrinsic value method. The intrinsic value method measures compensation cost, if any, as the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the grant date over the exercise price. All options granted have an exercise price equivalent to the fair market value at the date of grant and, accordingly, no compensation cost has been recorded. If the fair value based method of accounting for stock options had been used, the Company’s net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts for the three months and nine months ended September 30, presented in the table which follows:

                                 
    Three months ended
  Nine months ended
    9/30/04
  9/30/03
  9/30/04
  9/30/03
    (In Thousands, Except Share Data)
Net income:
                               
As Reported
  $ 697     $ 654     $ 3,840     $ 1,839  
Less: Pro forma stock based compensation cost (net of taxes)
    (78 )     (44 )     (286 )     (133 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Pro forma
  $ 619     $ 610     $ 3,554     $ 1,706  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
                               
As Reported
  $ 0.16     $ 0.16     $ 0.89     $ 0.44  
Pro forma
    0.14       0.14       0.83       0.41  
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
As Reported
  $ 0.16     $ 0.15     $ 0.86     $ 0.42  
Pro forma
    0.14       0.14       0.80       0.39  

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants in 2004: expected volatility of 28.9%, expected average life of 8 years, and risk-free interest rates of 3.4% and expected dividend yield of 3.08%.

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3. DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN

The Company provides pension benefits for its employees through membership in the Savings Bank Employees’ Retirement Association (the “Plan”). The Plan is a multiple-employer, non-contributory, defined benefit plan. Bank employees become eligible after attaining 21 years of age and completing one year of service. Additionally, benefits become fully vested after three years of eligible service. The Company’s annual contribution to the Plan is based upon standards established by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. The contribution is based on an actuarial method intended to provide not only for benefits attributable to service date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future. The Company expects to contribute approximately $372 thousand during the Plan Year ending at October 31, 2004.

Net pension cost components for the three months and nine months ended September 30, follow:

                                 
    Three months ended
  Nine months ended
    9/30/04
  9/30/03
  9/30/04
  9/30/03
    (In Thousands)
Service cost
  $ 104     $ 89     $ 311     $ 266  
Interest cost
    106       102       317       306  
Expected return on plan assets
    (122 )     (107 )     (364 )     (319 )
Net amortization and deferrals
    (1 )     (1 )     (3 )     (3 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 87     $ 83     $ 261     $ 250  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

4. CONTINGENCIES

The Bank was awarded a $4.2 million judgment against a debtor in 1997. The judgment was appealed and the Bank prevailed in this matter in Appeals Court. On February 13, 2002, the defendant filed bankruptcy under Chapter 7 (liquidation). Post-judgment interest accrues from the date of the judgment to February 13, 2002 and approximates $1.9 million.

Bids of approximately $3.3 million for the major assets were approved by the Bankruptcy Court on October 14, 2003. The net amount to be received by the Bank after taxes and bankruptcy expenses is not known at this time. However, it is not likely that the full $4.2 million judgment and post-judgment interest of $1.9 million will be collected.

On June 15, 2004 the Company reported in a press release the receipt of $2.5 million on a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge’s Order on the Trustee’s Motion for authorization to make an interim distribution to the Bank. The $2.5 million distribution has been received and was recorded as income by the Bank on June 15, 2004. The Bank has agreed to return any of the interim distribution as would be necessary to pay additional taxes imposed on the bankruptcy estate in the event reserves set aside for expenses and taxes are insufficient. The Company first reported the Bankruptcy Trustee’s Motion seeking authorization from the U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for an interim distribution to creditors in a press release dated February 26, 2004. The diluted earnings per share impact of the interim distribution is approximately $0.35 per share based on average dilutive shares outstanding during the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

It is management’s opinion the timing and final amount to be collected in this matter can not be determined at this time. Accordingly, no recognition beyond the amount of the interim distribution has been recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements at September 30, 2004.

5. RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

In December 2003, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) issued Statement of Position 03-3 (“SOP 03-3”): “Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer”. SOP 03-3 requires loans acquired through a transfer, such as a business combination, where there are differences in expected cash flows and contractual cash flows due in part to credit quality be recognized at their fair value. The excess of contractual cash flows over expected cash flows is not to be recognized as an adjustment of yield, loss accrual, or valuation allowance. Valuation allowances can not be created nor “carried over” in the initial accounting for loans acquired in a transfer. However, valuation allowances for non-impaired loans acquired in a business combination can be carried over. This SOP is effective for loans acquired after December 31, 2004, with early adoption encouraged. The Company does not believe the adoption of SOP 03-3 will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

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5. RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS (Continued)

Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 105 — “Application of Accounting Principles to Loan Commitments”. In March 2004, the SEC issued SAB No. 105. SAB No. 105 summarizes the views of the SEC regarding the application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) to loan commitments for mortgage loans that will be held for sale accounted for as derivatives. The guidance requires that the measurement of fair value of such loan commitments include only the difference between the guaranteed interest rate in the loan commitment and a market interest rate; future cash flows related to servicing the loan or the customer relationship should not be recorded as a part of the loan commitment derivative. SAB No. 105 is effective for sold loan commitments accounted for as derivatives entered into beginning April 1, 2004. The Company adopted this SAB on April 1, 2004. The adoption of SAB No. 105 did not have an impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations as the Company already was valuing loan commitments to be accounted for as derivatives consistent with this guidance.

Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue 03-1. “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments”. In June 2004, the FASB’s EITF issued EITF Issue 03-1. EITF 03-1 contains new guidance on other-than-temporary impairments of investment securities. The guidance dictates when impairment is deemed to exist, provides guidance on determining if impairment is other than temporary, and directs how to calculate impairment loss. Issue 03-1 also details expanded annual disclosure rules. Implementation guidance for EITF 03-1 is currently being debated by FASB in regards to final guidance and effective date with a comment period that ended October 29, 2004. EITF 03-1, as issued, was originally effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004. The Company does not believe the adoption of EITF 03-1 will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Company has made forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as amended) in this report that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the Company and projected or anticipated benefits or events related to other future developments involving the Company or the industry in which it operates. When verbs in the present tense such as “believes”, “expects”, “seeks”, “anticipates”, “continues”, “attempts”, or similar expressions are used, forward-looking statements are being made. Stockholders should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Corporation’s control and could materially affect actual results, performance or achievements. Stockholders should note that many factors, some of which are discussed elsewhere in this report and in the documents which we incorporate by reference in this report, could affect the future financial results of the Company and could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in or incorporated by reference in this report. Without limitation, those factors include fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, government regulations and economic conditions and competition, as well as, possible infrastructure disruptions due to weather, terrorist activity, computer capacity overload or other factors in the geographic and business areas in which the Company conducts its operations. As a result of such risks and uncertainties, the Company’s actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation to publicly release revisions to any such forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

EXECUTIVE LEVEL OVERVIEW

The Company’s financial results are dependent on the following areas of the income statement: net interest income, provision for loan losses, non-interest income, non-interest expense and provision for income taxes. Net interest income is the primary earnings of the Company and the main focus of management. Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on loans and investment securities and interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Deposits and borrowings have short durations and the cost of these funds do not necessarily rise and fall in tandem with loans and investment securities. There are many risks involved in managing net interest income including, but not limited to credit risk, interest rate risk and duration risk. These risks have a direct impact on the level of net interest income. The Company manages these risks through its internal credit and underwriting function, a credit review by an outside firm and the Asset and Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) meetings on a regular basis. The credit review process reviews loans for underwriting and grading of loan quality while ALCO reviews the liquidity, interest rate risk, duration risk and allocation of capital resources. Loan quality has a direct impact on the amount of provisions for loan losses the Company reports.

Non-interest income includes various fees. Maintenance of customers’ loan and deposit accounts generate various amounts of fee income depending on the product selected. The Company generates gains on sales of mortgage loans and receives fee income from servicing loans sold. Non-interest income is primarily impacted by the volume of customer transactions, which could change in response to changes in interest rates, pricing and competition.

Non-interest expenses include various expenses of the Company which generally are directly related to business volume and are controlled by a budget process.

Provisions for income taxes are directly related to earnings or implemented tax strategies of the Company. Changes in the statutory tax rates and the earnings of the Company, the Bank and its subsidiaries, would effect the amount of income taxes reported.

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

OVERVIEW

The Company has maintained risk assets below 1% of total assets for the past several years. The Company maintains its commitment to servicing the banking needs of the local community in the Merrimack Valley area of Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. The Company had total assets of $501.0 million at September 30, 2004 compared to $466.1 million at December 31, 2003. The increase in asset size at September 30, 2004 from December 31, 2003 is mainly attributable to an increase of $28.0 million in investment securities, $5.2 million in loan growth and $1.1 million in Federal Home Loan Bank stock. The funding for these assets came from an increase in deposits of $29.1 million and borrowed funds of $4.2 million during 2004.

INVESTMENTS

The investment securities portfolio totaled $260.8 million or 52.1% of total assets at September 30, 2004, compared to $232.9 million, or 50.0% of total assets at December 31, 2003, an increase of $28.0 million from year-end. The change in mix in the investment securities portfolio was the result of maturities of U.S. Government Agency obligations, maturities and payments on Asset-backed securities and payments on mortgage-backed securities. Purchases and reinvested funds were in U.S. Government Agency Obligations and Asset-backed securities. The increase in investment securities was the result of the utilization of funds from deposit and borrowed funds growth.

The following table reflects the components and carrying values of the investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

                 
    9/30/04
  12/31/03
    (In Thousands)
Investment securities held to maturity (at amortized cost):
               
US Government Agency obligations
  $ 102,231     $ 94,798  
Mortgage-backed securities
    32,928       39,467  
Asset-backed securities
    48,221       32,735  
Corporate obligations
    15,640       15,662  
Municipal obligations
    1,588       1,624  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total investment securities held to maturity
  $ 200,608     $ 184,286  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Investment securities available for sale (at market value):
               
US Treasury obligations
  $ 4,870     $ 4,795  
US Government Agency obligations
    41,230       21,479  
Mortgage-backed securities
    4,981       6,862  
Asset-backed securities
    4,869       8,091  
Corporate obligations
    3,148       6,228  
Mutual Funds
    975       969  
Equity securities
    161       168  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total investment securities available for sale
  $ 60,234     $ 48,592  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total investment securities portfolio
  $ 260,842     $ 232,878  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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LOANS

The following table reflects the loan portfolio at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

                 
    9/30/04
  12/31/03
    (In Thousands)
Residential mortgage loans
  $ 59,426     $ 57,017  
Loans held for sale
          338  
Equity loans
    8,999       10,236  
Construction loans
    11,601       16,040  
Commercial real estate loans
    124,576       112,503  
Commercial loans
    11,444       14,805  
Consumer loans
    622       564  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total loans
    216,668       211,503  
Allowance for loan losses
    (4,139 )     (4,220 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total loans, net
  $ 212,529     $ 207,283  
 
   
 
     
 
 

Total loans increased to $216.7 million or 43.2% of total assets at September 30, 2004 from $211.5 million or 45.4% of total assets at December 31, 2003. The residential mortgage loan balances have increased slightly compared to year-end 2003, however, the refinancing activity of existing mortgages and sales into the secondary market has slowed during the first nine months of 2004. Construction loans have declined $4.4 million due to the completion of some projects which have been transferred into the commercial real estate portfolio. Commercial real estate loans have increased $12.1 million due to increased borrowers’ demand for this type of loan and the completion of $4.4 million in construction loans transferred to commercial real estate loans as mentioned above.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003:

                                 
    Three months ended
  Nine months ended
    9/30/04
  9/30/03
  9/30/04
  9/30/03
    (In Thousands)
Beginning balance
  $ 4,168     $ 4,176     $ 4,220     $ 4,167  
Provision (credit) charged to operations
                (300 )      
Recoveries on loans previously charged-off
    2       33       258       42  
Loans charged-off
    (31 )           (39 )      
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Ending balance
  $ 4,139     $ 4,209     $ 4,139     $ 4,209  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

In the nine months ended 2004, the Bank recognized $253 thousand of the interim distribution from a prior year legal judgment as a recovery to the allowance for loan losses on amounts previously charged off. In conjunction with this, the Bank also recorded a credit provision for loan losses of $300 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.

The balance of the allowance for loan losses reflects management’s assessment of losses and is based on a review of the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio. The Company considers many factors in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Collateral value on a loan by loan basis, trends of loan delinquencies on a portfolio segment level, risk classification identified in the Company’s regular review of individual loans, and economic conditions are primary factors in establishing allowance levels. Management believes the allowance level is adequate to absorb estimated credit losses associated with the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses reflects information available to management at the end of each period.

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RISK ASSETS

Risk assets consist of non-performing loans and other real estate owned. Non-performing loans consist of both a) loans 90 days or more past due, and b) loans placed on non-accrual because full collection of the principal balance is in doubt. Other real estate owned (OREO) is comprised of foreclosed properties where the Company has formally received title or has possession of the collateral. Properties are carried at the lower of the investment in the related loan or the estimated fair value of the property or collateral less selling costs. Fair value of such property or collateral is determined based upon independent appraisals and other relevant factors. Management periodically reviews property values and makes adjustments as required. Gains from sales of properties, net operating expenses and any subsequent provisions to increase the allowance for losses on real estate acquired by foreclosure are charged to other real estate owned expenses. Losses are charged to the allowance.

Total risk assets were $247 thousand at September 30, 2004. This represents an increase of $245 thousand from December 31, 2003. These changes were primarily attributable to an increase in non-performing loans to $247 thousand at September 30, 2004 from zero at December 31, 2003 and $22 thousand at September 30, 2003. The Company had no impaired loans at September 30, 2004, December 31, 2003 and September 30, 2003.

The following table summarizes the Company’s risk assets at September 30, 2004, December 31, 2003 and September 30, 2003:

                         
    9/30/04
  12/31/03
  9/30/03
    (Dollars in Thousands)
Non-performing loans
  $ 247     $     $ 22  
Other real estate owned
          2       4  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total risk assets
  $ 247     $ 2     $ 26  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Risk assets as a percent of total assets
    0.05 %     0.00 %     0.01 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

The following table shows the allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans at September 30, 2004, December 31, 2003 and September 30, 2003:

                         
    9/30/04
  12/31/03
  9/30/03
    (Dollars in Thousands)
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 4,139     $ 4,220     $ 4,209  
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans
    1.91 %     2.00 %     2.05 %

The allowance for loan losses has remained fairly consistent at approximately $4.1 million at the end of September 30, 2004, and $4.2 million at December 31, 2003 and September 30, 2003. However, the allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans has decreased to 1.91% at September 30, 2004 down from 2.00% at December 31, 2003, due to an increase in total loans outstanding at September 30, 2004 compared to December 31, 2003.

DEPOSITS

Total interest bearing deposits amounted to $281.0 million at September 30, 2004 compared to $258.4 million at December 31, 2003, an increase of $22.6 million. The change from December 31, 2003 is due primarily to increases in certificates of deposit, money market investment and retirement accounts. All other deposit categories experienced slight increases.

The following table reflects the components of interest bearing deposits at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

                 
    9/30/04
  12/31/03
    (In Thousands)
NOW and Super NOW accounts
  $ 36,347     $ 36,108  
Savings accounts
    45,330       44,324  
Money market investment accounts
    82,106       76,148  
Certificates of deposit
    88,013       74,184  
Retirement accounts
    29,210       27,666  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total interest bearing deposits
  $ 281,006     $ 258,430  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 AND 2003

OVERVIEW

The Company reported net income of $697 thousand or $0.16 diluted earnings per share and $654 thousand or $0.15 diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The net income increase of $43 thousand was due primarily to an increase in net interest income of $580 thousand or 20.6% to $3.4 million compared to the same period in 2003. Higher average investment security balances for the three months ended 2004 compared to 2003 resulted in a rise of $385 thousand to interest income coupled with a rise in yields on investment securities contributing $265 thousand to interest income for the same periods. This was offset by a decrease in non-interest income of $310 thousand and non-interest expenses increasing by $289 thousand.

NET INTEREST INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 increased by $580 thousand or 20.6% to $3.4 million from $2.8 million, respectively. The net interest rate spread increased to 2.59% for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 versus 2.34% for the same quarter of 2003. Interest income in the third quarter of 2004 experienced an increase due to higher average investment securities balances, higher average loan balances and higher yields on investment securities from the third quarter of 2003 all of which contributed in total $745 thousand to interest income. The increase was partially offset by declining yields on loans. Interest expense decreased due to lower rates paid on deposits and borrowed funds, by $280 thousand. Partially offsetting this decline, higher average balances for deposit and borrowed funds increased interest expense by $211 thousand.

The following table presents the components of net interest income and net interest rate spread for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003:

                                 
    Income/Expense
  Yield/Rate
    Three Months Ended
    9/30/04
  9/30/03
  9/30/04
  9/30/03
    (Dollars in Thousands)
Interest income and average yield:
                               
Loans
  $ 3,242     $ 3,381       6.01 %     6.44 %
Investments, mortgage-backed securities and other earning assets
    2,246       1,596       3.50       3.00  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
    5,488       4,977       4.65       4.71  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Interest expense and average rate paid:
                               
Deposits
    964       1,013       1.38       1.50  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    1,025       1,117       4.16       4.99  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other borrowed funds
    107       35       1.40       1.80  
 
   
 
     
 
                 
Total
    2,096       2,165       2.06       2.37  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net interest income
  $ 3,392     $ 2,812                  
 
   
 
     
 
                 
Net interest rate spread
                    2.59 %     2.34 %
 
                   
 
     
 
 
Net interest margin
                    2.87 %     2.66 %
 
                   
 
     
 
 

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INTEREST INCOME

Interest income for the third quarter of 2004 was $5.5 million as compared to $5.0 million for the same quarter of 2003. The increase of $511 thousand in interest income is primarily due to an increase of $745 thousand resulting from higher average investment security balances, higher average loan balances and higher yields on investment securities. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in loan yields resulting in a decrease to interest income of $234 thousand.

Yields on loans were 6.01% and 6.44% for the quarters ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The impact to interest income due to lower loan yields was a decrease of $234 thousand. Higher average loan balances of $214.5 million versus $208.2 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, increased interest income by $95 thousand.

The following table lists the components of loan interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003:

                 
    Three months ended
    9/30/04
  9/30/03
    (In Thousands)
Residential mortgage loans
  $ 779     $ 793  
Loans held for sale
    1       23  
Equity loans
    117       127  
Construction loans
    181       259  
Commercial real estate loans
    1,952       1,906  
Commercial loans
    201       263  
Consumer loans
    11       10  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total loan interest income
  $ 3,242     $ 3,381  
 
   
 
     
 
 

Yields on investment securities were 3.50% and 3.00% for the quarters ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, increasing interest income by $265 thousand. Higher average investment securities balances of $255.0 million during the third quarter of 2004 versus $211.3 million for the same period in 2003 increased interest income by $385 thousand.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense for the third quarter of 2004 totaled $2.1 million, a decrease of $69 thousand from the same quarter of 2003. This decrease is primarily due to lower rates paid on interest bearing liabilities, which decreased interest expense by $280 thousand. Higher average balances of interest bearing liabilities increased interest expense by $211 thousand.

Rates on deposits were 1.38% and 1.50% for the quarters ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. This decrease resulted in interest expense decreasing by $83 thousand. Average deposit balances were $277.0 million for the third quarter of 2004 versus $267.2 million for the same period in 2003, which resulted in a $34 thousand increase to interest expense.

The following table lists the components of deposit interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003:

                 
    Three months ended
    9/30/04
  9/30/03
    (In Thousands)
NOW and Super NOW accounts
  $ 11     $ 10  
Savings deposit accounts
    40       48  
Money market investment accounts
    249       211  
Certificates of deposit
    447       510  
Retirement accounts
    217       234  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total deposit interest expense
  $ 964     $ 1,013  
 
   
 
     
 
 

Rates on FHLB advances were 4.16% and 4.99% for the third quarters of 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease in rates paid on FHLB advances decreased interest expense by $178 thousand. The average balances of FHLB advances increased to $98.1 million in the third quarter 2004 from $89.9 million for the third quarter of 2003, which resulted in an increase in interest expense of $86 thousand.

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Rates on repurchase agreements and other borrowed funds (which includes FHLB advances less than 90 days) were 1.40% and 1.80% for the third quarters of 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease in rates paid on these interest bearing liabilities resulted in interest expense decreasing by $19 thousand. The average balance increased to $30.4 million in 2004 from $4.6 million in 2003 which increased interest expense by $91 thousand.

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

The provision for loan losses was zero for the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The absence of a provision for loan losses was based on management’s assessment of the adequacy of the allowance based on an evaluation of the Bank’s loan portfolio and the level of non-performing loans. The balance of the allowance for loan losses has remained fairly consistent at $4.1 million and $4.2 million at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. The coverage of the allowance for loan losses has decreased slightly to 1.91% at September 30, 2004 from 2.00% at December 31, 2003 due to the loan growth during 2004.

NON-INTEREST INCOME

Non-interest income was $348 thousand and $658 thousand for the quarters ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease was primarily attributable to loan fee income decreasing by $214 thousand in 2004 versus 2003. The decrease in loan fees for the third quarter of 2004 can be attributed to a decrease of $81 thousand in prepayment penalties and late charges on commercial real estate loans and to a decrease in net fair value on mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) resulting in a $33 thousand increase to the valuation allowance in 2004 compared to a decrease in the valuation allowance of $102 thousand in the third quarter of 2003. Deposit account fees increased $53 thousand to $236 thousand in the third quarter of 2004 due to an increase in NOW account fees of $45 thousand attributable to a new service the Company offered in 2004. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in gains on sales of mortgage loans declining to a loss of $5 thousand from gains of $143 thousand in the third quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively, due to a reduction in loan sales.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Non-interest expense totaled $2.7 million compared to $2.4 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Salaries and employee benefits increased by $238 thousand in the third quarter 2004 compared to the third quarter in 2003 mainly due to normal salary increases and the addition to headcount for the new Salem, New Hampshire branch, which opened on June 14, 2004. Occupancy and equipment expenses totaled $219 thousand in 2004, an increase of $60 thousand over 2003 mainly due to higher rent expense and depreciation expense in the third quarter of 2004. Professional expenses decreased to $141 thousand in the third quarter 2004 compared to $187 thousand in the same period in 2003 primarily due to a reduction in legal expenses. Data processing expenses increased to $237 thousand in the third quarter of 2004 compared to $186 thousand in the same quarter in 2003 due to an increase in service bureau charges associated with telecommunication improvements.

INCOME TAXES

The Company reported an income tax expense of $337 thousand for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 or an effective income tax rate of 32.6%. This compares to an income tax expense of $399 thousand for the quarter ended September 30, 2003 or effective income tax rate of 37.9%. The decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2004 from 2003 is due to a reduction in state income tax expense as a result of lower earnings at the Bank due to expenses associated with marketing the new branch and higher data processing expenses incurred during the third quarter 2004 not incurred in 2003.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 AND 2003

OVERVIEW

The Bank reported net income of $3.8 million or $0.86 diluted earnings per share and $1.8 million or $0.42 diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. During the first nine months of 2004, net interest income increased by $1.1 million or 12.2% as compared to the same period in 2003. The company received $2.5 million on a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge’s Order on the Trustee’s Motion for authorization to make an interim distribution in a case in which the company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Lawrence Savings Bank (the “Bank”) is a secured creditor. The Bank recognized $253 thousand of the interim distribution as a recovery to the allowance for loan losses on amounts previously charged-off and the remaining $2.3 million as a lawsuit judgment collected in non-interest income. Partially offsetting these amounts for the nine months ended 2004 were a decrease in non-interest income of $146 thousand, an increase in non-interest expense of $504 thousand and an increase in the provision for income taxes of approximately $1.0 million, primarily attributable to the recognition of the lawsuit judgment collected.

NET INTEREST INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 increased by $1.1 million or 12.2% to $10.2 million from $9.1 million, for the corresponding period in 2003. The net interest rate spread increased slightly to 2.64% from 2.55%. The rates paid on interest bearing liabilities decreased more rapidly than the yield on interest bearing assets. The following table presents the components of net interest income and net interest spread:

                                 
    Income/Expense
  Yield/Rate
    Nine Months Ended
    9/30/04
  9/30/03
  9/30/04
  9/30/03
    (Dollars in Thousands)
Interest income and average yield:
                               
Loans
  $ 9,797     $ 11,069       6.07 %     6.65 %
Investments, mortgage-backed securities and other earning assets
    6,594       4,884       3.51       3.31  
 
   
 
     
 
                 
Total
    16,391       15,953       4.69       5.08  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Interest expense and average rate paid:
                               
Deposits
    2,662       3,259       1.32       1.64  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    3,187       3,502       4.56       5.12  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other borrowed funds
    361       119       1.14       2.81  
 
   
 
     
 
                 
Total
    6,210       6,880       2.05       2.53  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net interest income
  $ 10,181     $ 9,073                  
 
   
 
     
 
                 
Net interest rate spread
                    2.64 %     2.55 %
 
                   
 
     
 
 
Net interest margin
                    2.91 %     2.89 %
 
                   
 
     
 
 

INTEREST INCOME

Interest income for the first nine months of 2004 was $16.4 million as compared to $16.0 million for the same period of 2003. The increase in interest income of $438 thousand is due mainly to higher average investment security balances and higher yields on investment securities contributing $1.4 million and $310 thousand, respectively, to interest income. Partially offsetting these increases were lower yields on loans and lower average loan balances decreasing interest income by $1.3 million in total.

Yields on loans were 6.07% and 6.65% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The impact on interest income due to lower yields was a reduction of $959 thousand. Lower average loan balances of $215.7 million in 2004 versus $222.6 million in 2003 resulted in interest income decreasing by $313 thousand.

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The following table lists the components of loan interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003:

                 
    Nine months ended
    9/30/04
  9/30/03
    (In Thousands)
Residential mortgage loans
  $ 2,325     $ 2,589  
Loans held for sale
    21       107  
Equity loans
    374       424  
Construction loans
    578       894  
Commercial real estate loans
    5,848       5,977  
Commercial loans
    618       1,046  
Consumer loans
    33       32  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total loan interest income
  $ 9,797     $ 11,069  
 
   
 
     
 
 

Yields on investment securities increased to 3.51% for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. This compares to yields on investment securities of 3.31% for the same period in 2003. This resulted in interest income increasing by $310 thousand. Higher average investment securities balances of $250.9 million in 2004 versus $197.6 million in 2003 resulted in interest income increasing by $1.4 million.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense for the first nine months of 2004 and 2003 was $6.2 million and $6.9 million, respectively. The decrease of $670 thousand in interest expense is primarily due to lower rates paid on deposits, FHLB advances, and other interest bearing liabilities, which decreased interest expense by $1.1 million. Interest expense increased $407 thousand due to higher average balances for deposits, FHLB advances balances, and other borrowings.

Rates on deposits were 1.32% and 1.64% for the first nine months of 2004 and 2003 respectively. This decrease resulted in interest expense decreasing by $628 thousand. Average deposit balances were $269.4 million in 2004 up from $266.3 million in 2003, which increased interest expense by $31 thousand.

The following table lists the components of deposit interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003:

                 
    Nine months ended
    9/30/04
  9/30/03
    (In Thousands)
NOW and Super NOW accounts
  $ 30     $ 30  
Savings deposit accounts
    122       161  
Money market investment accounts
    725       678  
Certificates of deposit
    1,149       1,664  
Retirement accounts
    636       726  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total deposit interest expense
  $ 2,662     $ 3,259  
 
   
 
     
 
 

Rates on FHLB advances were 4.56% and 5.12% resulting in interest expense decreasing by $373 thousand in 2004 from 2003. The average balances of these interest bearing liabilities increased to $93.4 million in 2004 from $91.7 million in 2003, resulting in an increase to interest expense of $58 thousand.

Rates paid on repurchase agreements and other borrowed funds were 1.14% and 2.81% for the first nine months of 2004 and 2003, respectively. This rate decrease resulted in a decrease of $76 thousand in interest expense. The average balances of repurchase agreements and other borrowed funds increased to $42.2 million in 2004 compared to $5.0 million in 2003 resulting in an increase of $318 thousand in interest expense.

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PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

The Company recognized a credit provision for loan losses in the amount of $300 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 due to the $253 thousand recovery to the allowance for loan losses and the continued low level of non-performing loans. The Company made no provision for loan losses in 2003. The absence of a provision for loan losses in 2003 was due to the overall asset quality of the Company and low level of delinquent loans.

NON-INTEREST INCOME

Excluding the previously discussed interim distribution from the lawsuit, non-interest income decreased by $146 thousand to $1.2 million and $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, as a result of a $393 thousand decrease in gains on loan sales for the nine months ended 2004 compared to 2003 due to a lower level of loan sales in 2004. Partially offsetting this decrease were increases in loan fee income of $109 thousand and an increase of $142 thousand in deposit account fees due to a new service offered to customers in 2004.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Non-interest expense increased $504 thousand to $8.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $7.5 million in 2003. The increase in non-interest expense is attributable to an increase in salaries and employee benefits to $4.9 million in 2004 up by $416 thousand over the same period in 2003 due to normal salary increases and an increase in headcount due to the new Salem, New Hampshire branch. Occupancy and equipment expenses have risen by $77 thousand to $658 thousand for the first nine months in 2004 from $581 thousand in 2003 due to an increase in rent expense associated with the new branch and other occupancy costs. Professional expenses declined to $472 thousand for the nine months in 2004 from $550 thousand over the same period in 2003 as the Bank’s legal expenses have decreased. Data processing expense increased by $123 thousand to $670 thousand from $547 thousand resulting from an increase in service bureau charges due to the Bank upgrading its telecommunications network. In other expenses, marketing expense increased to $172 thousand in 2004 from $60 thousand in 2003, due to increased advertising for the new Salem, New Hampshire branch and promotions of an expanded consumer checking account line.

INCOME TAXES

The Bank reported an income tax expense of $2.1 million and $1.1 million for the first nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively, representing an effective tax rate of 35.6% and 37.3%, respectively. The increase in the provision for income taxes of $1.0 million was primarily attributable to the previously mentioned lawsuit recovery. The decrease in the effective income tax rate is due to a reduction in state tax expense as a result of higher marketing expenses and data processing expenses at the Bank.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company’s primary source of funds is cash dividends from its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lawrence Savings Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank paid dividends to the Company in the amount of $3.6 million and $500 thousand during the first nine months of 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Company made cash payments of dividends to shareholders in the amount of $1.7 million and $1.5 million in the first nine months of 2004 and 2003, respectively.

The Bank’s primary sources of funds include collections of principal payments and repayments on outstanding loans, increases in deposits, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLB”) and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The Bank has a line of credit of $6.8 million with the FHLB. The Bank also has a $5 million unsecured Federal funds line of credit.

The FHLB requires member banks to maintain qualified collateral for its advances. Collateral is comprised of the Bank’s investments in FHLB stock, its residential mortgage portfolio and the portion of the investment portfolio which meets FHLB qualifying collateral requirements and have been designated as such. The Bank’s borrowing capacity at the FHLB at September 30, 2004 was $192.2 million, of which $133.9 million has been borrowed.

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At September 30, 2004, the Company’s stockholders’ equity was $57.5 million as compared to $55.0 million at December 31, 2003. The change during the first nine months of 2004 occurred due to net income of $3.8 million and $452 thousand from the exercise of stock options. Stockholders’ equity was reduced by the declaration of cash dividends to shareholders of $1.7 million and a $124 thousand decrease in the market value of investment securities available for sale, net of taxes. The Company’s leverage ratio at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 was 11.78% and 12.11%, respectively. The Company’s and the Bank’s total risk based capital ratios were 19.94% and 19.11% at September 30, 2004, respectively, compared with 20.50% and 20.25% at December 31, 2003, respectively. The Company exceeds all regulatory minimum capital ratio requirements set forth by the FRB, and the Bank exceeds all minimum capital ratio requirements as defined by the FDIC.

ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

The response is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the sub-caption “Interest Rate Sensitivity” of the caption “MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS” on pages 19 and 20 of the LSB Corporation’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.

ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”), have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities.

During the period covered by this quarterly report, there were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect the internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings incidental to its business. Other than the following matter, management does not believe resolution of such litigation will have a material effect on the financial condition and operating results of the Company.

The Bank was awarded a $4.2 million judgment against a debtor in 1997. The judgment was appealed and the Bank prevailed in this matter in Appeals Court. On February 13, 2002, the defendant filed bankruptcy under Chapter 7 (liquidation). Post-judgment interest accrues from the date of the judgment to February 13, 2002 and approximates $1.9 million. However, collectibility of post-judgment interest in addition to the $4.2 million award has not yet been determined.

Bids of approximately $3.3 million for the major assets of the debtor were approved by the Bankruptcy Court on October 14, 2003. The net amount to be received by the Bank after taxes and bankruptcy expenses is not known at this time. However, it is not likely that the full $4.2 million judgment and post-judgment interest of $1.9 million will be collected.

On June 15, 2004 the Company reported in a press release the receipt of $2.5 million on a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge’s Order on the Trustee’s Motion for authorization to make an interim distribution to the Bank. The $2.5 million distribution has been received and recorded as income by the Bank on June 15, 2004. The Bank has agreed to return any of the interim distribution as would be necessary to pay additional taxes imposed on the bankruptcy estate in the event reserves set aside for expenses and taxes are insufficient. The Company first reported the Bankruptcy Trustee’s Motion seeking authorization from the U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for an interim distribution to creditors in a press release dated February 26, 2004. The diluted earnings per share impact of the interim distribution is approximately $0.35 per share based on average dilutive shares outstanding during the quarter ended June 30, 2004.

It is management’s opinion the timing and final amount to be collected can not be determined at this time. Accordingly, no recognition beyond the interim distribution has been recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements at September 30, 2004.

For further information, please refer to the discussion under the caption “CONTINGENCIES” on page 41 of the Corporation’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

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ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

     a.  Exhibits.

          Please see the Exhibit Index attached hereto.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  LSB CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
 
 
November 12, 2004  /s/ Paul A. Miller
 
  Paul A. Miller   
  President and
Chief Executive Officer 
 
 
         
     
November 12, 2004  /s/ John E. Sharland
 
  John E. Sharland   
  Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer 
 
 

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LSB CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q For Quarter Ended September 30, 2004

EXHIBIT INDEX

             
        Page
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002     25  
 
           
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002     26  
 
           
32.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as added by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002     27  
 
           
32.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as added by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002     28  

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