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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015

OR

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

For the transition period from ______________ to _____________
 

Commission file number:  001-35352
 
   WELLESLEY BANCORP, INC.  
   (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)  
 
  Maryland       45-3219901  
  (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or        (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)  
  organization)          
 
  40 Central Street, Wellesley, Massachusetts       02482  
  (Address of principal executive offices)         (Zip Code)  
                                    
   (781) 235-2550  
   (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)  
 
  Not Applicable  
  (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)  

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ____     No   X   
 
As of May 1, 2015, there were 2,459,138 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
 
 
 

 
 
WELLESLEY BANCORP, INC.

Table of Contents

       
Page
No.
         
     
         
     
1
         
     
2
         
     
3
         
     
4
         
     
5
         
   
21
         
   
28
         
   
29
         
         
   
30
         
   
30
         
   
30
         
   
30
         
   
30
         
   
30
         
   
31
         
   
 
 
 

 
 
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.                       Financial Statements (Unaudited)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
   
March 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Assets
           
             
Cash and due from banks
  $ 2,877     $ 2,816  
Short-term investments
    18,192       16,455  
               Total cash and cash equivalents
    21,069       19,271  
                 
Certificates of deposit
    100       100  
Securities available for sale, at fair value
    55,328       52,681  
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock, at cost
    3,660       3,660  
Loans held for sale
    1,664       537  
                 
Loans
    450,875       448,084  
  Less allowance for loan losses
    (4,716 )     (4,738 )
Loans, net
    446,159       443,346  
                 
Bank-owned life insurance
    6,898       6,841  
Premises and equipment, net
    3,714       3,753  
Accrued interest receivable
    1,243       1,216  
Net deferred tax asset
    1,864       2,008  
Other assets
    1,946       1,702  
                 
               Total assets
  $ 543,645     $ 535,115  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
                 
Deposits:
               
  Noninterest-bearing
  $ 65,410     $ 58,859  
  Interest-bearing
    364,699       363,386  
      430,109       422,245  
Short-term borrowings
    4,000       2,000  
Long-term debt
    57,500       59,500  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    1,966       2,024  
               Total liabilities
    493,575       485,769  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders' equity:
               
  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized,
       none issued
    --       --  
  Common stock, $0.01 par value; 14,000,000 shares
       authorized, 2,459,138 shares issued and outstanding at
       March 31, 2015 and  December 31, 2014, respectively
    24       24  
  Additional paid-in capital
    23,575       23,419  
  Retained earnings
    27,425       27,027  
  Accumulated other comprehensive income
    555       417  
  Unearned compensation – ESOP
    (1,509 )     (1,541 )
               Total stockholders' equity
    50,070       49,346  
                 
               Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 543,645     $ 535,115  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
1

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

   
Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(Dollars in thousands
except per share data)
 
Interest and dividend income:
           
    Loans and loans held for sale
  $ 4,846     $ 4,355  
    Debt securities:
               
       Taxable
    239       148  
       Tax-exempt
    46       44  
    Short-term investments and certificates of deposit
    9       8  
    FHLB stock
    16       12  
              Total interest and dividend income
    5,156       4,567  
Interest expense:
               
    Deposits
    656       668  
    Short-term borrowings
    3       5  
    Long-term debt
    174       128  
             Total interest expense
    833       801  
                 
Net interest income
    4,323       3,766  
Provision for loan losses
    50       180  
Net interest income, after provision for loan losses
    4,273       3,586  
                 
Noninterest income:
               
    Customer service fees
    31       34  
    Gain on sales of securities, net
    --       16  
    Mortgage banking activities
    52       22  
    Income on bank-owned life insurance
    57       58  
    Wealth management fees
    95       112  
    Miscellaneous
    10       11  
            Total noninterest income
    245       253  
Noninterest expenses:
               
    Salaries and employee benefits
    2,331       1,873  
    Occupancy and equipment
    592       500  
    Data processing
    142       156  
    FDIC insurance
    93       68  
    Professional fees
    172       177  
    Advertising
    83       93  
    Other general and administrative
    361       317  
           Total noninterest expenses
    3,774       3,184  
                 
Income before income taxes
    744       655  
Provision for income taxes
    285       261  
                 
Net income
    459       394  
                 
Other comprehensive income:
               
    Net unrealized holding gains  on available-for-sale securities
    228       113  
    Reclassification adjustment for net gains on sales of securities recognized
       in noninterest income
    --       (16 )
    Income tax expense
    (90 )     (37 )
                 
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
    138       60  
                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 597     $ 454  
                 
Earnings per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.20     $ 0.17  
Diluted
  $ 0.20     $ 0.17  
Weighted average shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    2,306,684       2,289,257  
Diluted
    2,318,594       2,290,424  
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
2

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014
 
                             Accumulated              
                Additional            Other      Unearned      Total  
    Common Stock     Paid-in      Retained      Comprehensive      Compensation-      Stockholders’  
    Shares      Amount     Capital     Earnings     Income     ESOP     Equity  
                (Dollars in thousands)                    
                                           
Balance at December 31, 2013
    2,454,465     $ 24     $ 22,845     $ 25,423     $ 166     $ (1,669 )   $ 46,789  
                                                         
Comprehensive  income
    --       --       --       394       60       --       454  
Share based compensation-
    equity incentive plan
    --       --       120       --       --       --       120  
Issuance of stock under stock                                                        
option plan
    400       --       6       --       --       --       6  
 ESOP shares committed to be                                                        
allocated  (3,209)
    --       --       28       --       --       32       60  
                                                         
Balance at March 31, 2014
    2,454,865     $ 24     $ 22,999     $ 25,817     $ 226     $ (1,637 )   $ 47,429  

Balance at December 31, 2014
    2,459,138     $ 24     $ 23,419     $ 27,027     $ 417     $ (1,541 )   $ 49,346  
                                                         
Comprehensive  income
    --       --       --       459       138       --       597  
Dividends paid to common                                                        
stockholders ($0.025 per share)
    --       --       --       (61 )     --       --       (61 )
Share based compensation-                                                        
equity incentive plan
    --       --       127       --       --       --       127  
ESOP shares committed to be                                                        
allocated  (3,210)
    --       --       29       --       --       32       61  
                                                         
Balance at March 31, 2015
    2,459,138     $ 24     $ 23,575     $ 27,425     $ 555     $ (1,509 )   $ 50,070  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
    Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2015     2014  
    (In thousands)  
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 459     $ 394  
Adjustment to reconcile net income to net cash (used) provided by operating activities:
               
        Provision for loan losses
    50       180  
        Depreciation and amortization
    161       140  
        Net amortization of securities
    56       40  
        Gain on sales of securities, net
    --       (16 )
        Principal balance of loans sold
    6,315       4,261  
        Loans originated for sale
    (7,494 )     (4,781 )
        Accretion of net deferred loan fees
    (79 )     (75 )
        Income on bank-owned life insurance
    (57 )     (58 )
        Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
    54       (31 )
        ESOP expense
    61       60  
        Share-based compensation
    127       120  
        Net change in other assets and liabilities
    (327 )     (69 )
                 
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities
    (674 )     165  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
  Activity in securities available for sale:
               
        Maturities, prepayments and calls
    5,985       2,290  
        Purchases
    (8,460 )     (8,797 )
   Proceeds from sales of securities
    --       906  
  Loan originations, net of principal payments
    (2,732 )     (13,991 )
  Additions to premises and equipment
    (124 )     (93 )
                 
Net cash used by investing activities
    (5,331 )     (19,685 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
  Net increase in deposits
    7,864       24,250  
  Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings
    2,000       (5,000 )
        Repayments of long term debt
    (2,000 )     (2,000 )
        Proceeds from issuance of stock under option plan
    --       6  
  Cash dividends paid to common stockholders
    (61 )     --  
                 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    7,803       17,256  
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    1,798       (2,264 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning period
    19,271       19,067  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 21,069     $ 16,803  
                 
Supplementary information:
               
  Interest paid
  $ 833     $ 798  
  Income taxes paid
    190       150  
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 

WELLESLEY BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CONSOLIDATION
 
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Wellesley Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”),  and its wholly-owned subsidiary Wellesley Bank (the “Bank”), the principal operating entity, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Wellesley Securities Corporation, which engages in the business of buying, selling and dealing in securities exclusively on its own behalf; Wellesley Investment Partners, LLC, formed to provide investment management services for individuals, not-for-profit entities and businesses; and Central Linden, LLC, to hold, manage and sell foreclosed real estate.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information, and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
 
In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015, or for any other period.
 
NOTE 2 – LOAN POLICIES
 
The loan portfolio consists of real estate, commercial and other loans to the Company’s customers in our primary market areas in eastern Massachusetts.  The ability of the Company’s debtors to honor their contracts is dependent upon the economy in general and the real estate and construction sectors within our markets.
 
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or pay-off, are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, and any deferred loan origination fees or costs.  Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance.  Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method.
 
Interest is generally not accrued on loans which are identified as impaired or loans which are ninety days or more past due.  Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan.  Interest income previously accrued on such loans is reversed against current period interest income.  Interest income on non-accrual loans is recognized only to the extent of interest payments received and is first applied to the outstanding principal balance when collectibility of principal is in doubt.  Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured through sustained payment performance for at least six months.

Allowance for loan losses
 
The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings.  Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of the loan balance is confirmed.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
 
The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management.  This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.  The allowance consists of general, allocated and unallocated components.
 
 
5

 

General component
The general component is based on the following loan segments: residential real estate, commercial real estate, construction, commercial, home equity lines of credit and other consumer.  Management considers a rolling average of historical losses for each segment based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment, generally 3 and 10 years.  This historical loss factor is adjusted for the following qualitative factors: levels/trends in delinquencies; trends in volume, concentrations and terms of loans; effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting standards and other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience/ability/depth of lending management and staff; and national and local economic trends and conditions.  There were no significant changes to the Company’s policies or methodology pertaining to the general component of the allowance during the first quarter of 2015.
 
The qualitative factor adjustments are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment.  Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows:
 
Residential real estate – The Company generally does not originate loans with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80 percent and does not originate subprime loans.  Most loans in this segment are collateralized by one- to four-family residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.  The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.
 
Commercial real estate – Loans in this segment are primarily income-producing properties in the Company’s primary market areas in eastern Massachusetts.  The underlying cash flows generated by the properties are adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy as evidenced by increased vacancy rates, which in turn, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.  Management typically obtains rent rolls annually and continually monitors the cash flows of these loans.
 
Construction – Loans in this segment primarily include speculative real estate development loans primarily on residential properties loans for which payment is derived from sale of the property. Credit risk is affected by cost overruns, time to sell at an adequate price, and market conditions.   Residential construction loans in this segment also include loans to build one-to-four family owner-occupied properties which are subject to the same credit quality factors as residential real estate.
 
Commercial – Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business.  Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business.  A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer spending, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.
 
Home equity lines of credit – Loans in this segment are collateralized by one-to-four family residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.  The Company generally does not hold a first mortgage position on homes that secure home equity lines of credit. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment.
 
Other consumer – Loans in this segment are generally unsecured and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower.
 
 
6

 
 
Allocated component
The allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired.  Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or, if the loan is collateral dependent, by the fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell.  An allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value) of the impaired loan are lower than the carrying value of that loan.  Large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.  Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify performing individual residential and consumer loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are subject to a troubled debt restructuring agreement.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.
 
The Company periodically may agree to modify the contractual terms of loans.  When a loan is modified and a concession is made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR").  All TDRs are initially classified as impaired.
 
Unallocated component
An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses.  The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio.

NOTE 3 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income.  Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income/loss.

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income and related tax effects are as follows:
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In thousands)
 
       
Unrealized holding gains on securities available for sale
  $ 900     $ 672  
Tax effect
    (345 )     (255 )
Net of tax amount
  $ 555     $ 417  
 
NOTE 4 RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-04, Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40). This Update clarifies when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company adopted this standard for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 with no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
 
7

 
 
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The amendments in this Update create Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. The core principle of Topic 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For public companies, this ASU is effective for annual reporting periods, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2016. On April 1, 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of this guidance by one year. Early application is not permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact to the consolidated financial statements of adopting this Update.
 
NOTE 5 – SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
 
The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale, with gross unrealized gains and losses, follows:

   
March 31, 2015
 
          Gross     Gross        
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
          (In thousands)        
                         
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
                       
   Government National Mortgage Association
  $ 6,528     $ 160     $ (9 )   $ 6,679  
   Government-sponsored enterprises
    10,473       312       (20 )     10,765  
SBA and other asset-backed securities
    12,470       255       (28 )     12,697  
State and municipal bonds
    5,936       174       (9 )     6,101  
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
    7,250       11       (2 )     7,259  
Corporate bonds
    11,771       68       (12 )     11,827  
                                 
    $ 54,428     $ 980     $ (80 )   $ 55,328  
 
   
December 31, 2014
 
          Gross      Gross        
     Amortized      Unrealized      Unrealized     Fair  
    Cost     Gains     Losses      Value  
          (In thousands)        
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
                       
   Government National Mortgage Association
  $ 5,812     $ 167     $ (4 )   $ 5,975  
   Government-sponsored enterprises
    10,806       233       (38 )     11,001  
SBA and other asset-backed securities
    12,761       171       (35 )     12,897  
State and municipal bonds
    5,706       171       (6 )     5,871  
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
    6,500       6       (10 )     6,496  
Corporate bonds
    10,424       42       (25 )     10,441  
                                 
    $ 52,009     $ 790     $ (118 )   $ 52,681  
 
 
8

 

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity at March 31, 2015 are as follows.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuer, in certain instances, has the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
   
 
 
      Amortized       Fair  
     
Cost
     
Value
 
     
(In thousands)
 
                 
Within 1 year
  $ 5,425     $ 5,448  
After 1 year to 5 years
    10,179       10,234  
After 5 years to 10 years
    6,329       6,410  
After 10 years
    3,024       3,095  
      24,957       25,187  
Mortgage- and asset-backed securities
    29,471       30,141  
                 
    $ 54,428     $ 55,328  

There were no sales of available-for-sale securities during the three months ended March 31, 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities amounted to $906 thousand with gross realized gains of $20 thousand and $4 thousand of gross realized losses.
 
Information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, follows:
 
    Less Than Twelve Months     Over Twelve Months  
     Gross            Gross        
     Unrealized      Fair      Unrealized      Fair  
    Losses     Value     Losses     Value  
          (In thousands)        
                         
March 31, 2015
                       
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
                       
   Government National Mortgage Association
  $ (9 )   $ 1,845     $ --     $ --  
   Government-sponsored enterprises
    --       --       (20 )     786  
SBA and other asset-backed securities
    (23 )     1,012       (5 )     1,762  
State and municipal bonds
    (6 )     948       (3 )     296  
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
    (2 )     998       --       --  
Corporate bonds
    (4 )     3,744       (8 )     987  
                                 
    $ (44 )   $ 8,558     $ (36 )   $ 3,831  
                                 
December 31, 2014
                               
Residential mortgage-backed securities:
                               
   Government National Mortgage Association
  $ (4 )   $ 867     $ --     $ --  
   Government-sponsored enterprises
    (4 )     508       (34 )     805  
SBA and other asset-backed securities
    (4 )     1,009       (31 )     1,297  
State and municipal bonds
    (1 )     101       (5 )     546  
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
    (10 )     3,490       --       --  
Corporate bonds
    (25 )     6,719       --       --  
                                 
    $ (48 )   $ 12,694     $ (70 )   $ 2,648  
                                 

 
9

 
 
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluations. At March 31, 2015, various debt securities have unrealized losses with aggregate depreciation of 0.64% from their aggregate amortized cost basis. These unrealized losses relate principally to the effect of interest rate changes on the fair value of debt securities and not an increase in credit risk of the issuers. As the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2015.
 
NOTE 6 – LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

A summary of the balances of loans is as follows:
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Real estate loans:
           
    Residential – fixed
  $ 17,379     $ 20,651  
    Residential – variable
    208,196       212,621  
    Commercial
    100,025       94,699  
    Construction
    76,979       72,668  
      402,579       400,639  
                 
Commercial loans:
               
    Secured
    18,510       18,991  
    Unsecured
    53       62  
      18,563       19,053  
                 
Consumer loans:
               
    Home equity lines of credit
    29,505       28,153  
    Other
    297       292  
      29,802       28,445  
                 
       Total loans
    450,944       448,137  
                 
Less:
               
    Allowance for loan losses
    (4,716 )     (4,738 )
    Net deferred loan origination fees
    (69 )     (53 )
                 
       Loans, net
  $ 446,159     $ 443,346  
 
 
10

 
 
The following table summarizes the changes in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:

     Residential      Commercial                  Home      Other              
    Real Estate     Real Estate     Construction     Commercial   Equity     Consumer     Unallocated     Total  
                      (In thousands)                        
                                             
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
                                               
                                                 
Allowance at December 31, 2014
  $ 1,710     $ 1,056     $ 1,273     $ 428     $ 224     $ 4     $ 43     $ 4,738  
Provision (credit) for loan losses
    (168 )     15       71       (11 )     (18 )     --       161       50  
Loans charged off
    (17 )     (55 )     --       --       --       --       --       (72 )
                                                                 
Allowance at March 31, 2015
  $ 1,525     $ 1,016     $ 1,344     $ 417     $ 206     $ 4     $ 204     $ 4,716  
                                                                 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
                                                               
                                                                 
Allowance at December 31, 2013
  $ 1,351     $ 887     $ 1,305     $ 426     $ 213     $ 7     $ 24     $ 4,213  
Provision (credit) for loan losses
    74       134       2       (36 )     (5 )     (1 )     12       180  
                                                                 
Allowance at March 31, 2014
  $ 1,425     $ 1,021     $ 1,307     $ 390     $ 208     $ 6     $ 36     $ 4,393  
 
Additional information pertaining to the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:

    Residential     Commercial                 Home     Other              
    Real Estate     Real Estate     Construction     Commercial   Equity     Consumer     Unallocated     Total  
                      (In thousands)                      
                                                 
March 31, 2015
                                               
                                                 
Allowance related to impaired loans
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Allowance related to non-impaired loans
    1,525       1,016       1,344       417       206       4       204       4,716  
                                                                 
            Total allowance
  $ 1,525     $ 1,016     $ 1,344     $ 417     $ 206     $ 4     $ 204     $ 4,716  
                                                                 
Impaired loan balances
  $ 1,489     $ 3,251     $ --     $ 19     $ 146     $ --     $ --     $ 4,905  
Non-impaired loan balances
    224,086       96,774       76,979       18,544       29,359       297       --       446,039  
                                                                 
            Total loans
  $ 225,575     $ 100,025     $ 76,979     $ 18,563     $ 29,505     $ 297     $ --     $ 450,944  
                                                                 
       
December 31, 2014
                                                               
                                                                 
Allowance related to impaired loans
  $ --     $ 51     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ 51  
Allowance related to non-impaired loans
    1,710       1,005       1,273       428       224       4       43       4,687  
                                                                 
            Total allowance
  $ 1,710     $ 1,056     $ 1,273     $ 428     $ 224     $ 4     $ 43     $ 4,738  
                                                                 
Impaired loan balances
  $ 1,521     $ 3,356     $ --     $ 22     $ 146     $ --     $ --     $ 5,045  
Non-impaired loan balances
    231,751       91,343       72,668       19,031       28,007       292       --       443,092  
                                                                 
            Total loans
  $ 233,272     $ 94,699     $ 72,668     $ 19,053     $ 28,153     $ 292     $ --     $ 448,137  
 
 
11

 
 
The following is a summary of past due and non-accrual loans at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
                            Past Due 90        
                            Days or More        
    30-59 Days     60-89 Days     Past Due 90     Total     and Still     Non-accrual  
    Past Due     Past Due     Days or More     Past Due     Accruing     Loans  
                (In thousands)              
                                     
March 31, 2015
                                   
                                     
Residential real estate
  $ 218     $ --     $ --     $ 218     $ --     $ 1,299  
Commercial real estate
    --       --       690       690       --       3,251  
Home equity lines of credit
    117       --       --       117       --       19  
Other consumer loans
    --       --       --       --       --       146  
                                                 
            Total
  $ 335     $ --     $ 690     $ 1,025     $ --     $ 4,715  
                                                 
       
December 31, 2014
                                               
                                                 
Residential real estate
  $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ --     $ 1,313  
Commercial real estate
    832       --       759       1,591       --       3,356  
Commercial
    --       --       --       --       --       22  
Home equity lines of credit
    --       --       --       --       --       146  
                                                 
             Total
  $ 832     $ --     $ 759     $ 1,591     $ --     $ 4,837  
 
The following is a summary of impaired loans at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
    March 31, 2015     December 31, 2014  
           Unpaid                  Unpaid        
     Recorded      Principal      Related      Recorded      Principal      Related  
    Investment     Balance     Allowance     Investment     Balance     Allowance  
                (In thousands)              
                                     
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance:
                                   
Residential real estate
  $ 1,489     $ 1,489     $ --     $ 1,521     $ 1,521     $ --  
Commercial real estate
    3,251       3,251       --       2,597       2,597       --  
Commercial
    19       19       --       22       22       --  
Home equity lines of credit
    146       146       --       146       146       --  
          Total
    4,905       4,905       --       4,286       4,286       --  
                                                 
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
                                               
Commercial real estate
    --       --       --       759       759       51  
                                                 
          Total impaired loans
  $ 4,905     $ 4,905     $ --     $ 5,045     $ 5,045     $ 51  

 
12

 
 
Additional information pertaining to impaired loans follows:

       
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
               
Interest
               
Interest
 
   
Average
   
Interest
   
Income
   
Average
   
Interest
   
Income
 
   
Recorded
   
Income
   
Recognized
   
Recorded
   
Income
   
Recognized
 
   
Investment
   
Recognized
   
on Cash Basis
   
Investment
   
Recognized
   
on cash basis
 
   
(In thousands)
 
       
Residential real estate
  $ 1,502     $ 20     $ 20     $ 424     $ 4     $ 3  
Commercial real estate
    3,279       45       39       5,258       64       53  
Commercial
    21       --       --       31       4       --  
Home equity lines of credit
    146       1       1       427       --       1  
                                                 
     Total
  $ 4,948     $ 66     $ 60     $ 6,140     $ 72     $ 57  
 
No additional funds are committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans.
 
There were no troubled debt restructurings recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
There were no troubled debt restructurings that defaulted during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, and for which default was within one year of the restructure date.

Credit Quality Information

The Company utilizes an eleven-grade internal loan rating system for commercial real estate, construction and commercial loans. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company revised its internal loan rating system from the previously employed system. Key changes included in the revised system were to eliminate the use of the “31” rating and to replace it with a “4” rating.  Subsequent ratings in the scale were nominally raised one grade with no substantive change in their credit quality.
 
Loans rated 1-4:  Loans in these categories are considered “pass” rated loans with low to average risk.
 
Loans rated 5:  Loans in this category are considered “special mention.”  These loans are starting to show signs of potential weakness and are being closely monitored by management.
 
Loans rated 6:  Loans in this category are considered “substandard.”  Generally, a loan is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligors and/or the collateral pledged.  There is a distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the weakness is not corrected.
 
Loans rated 7:  Loans in this category are considered “doubtful.”  Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, highly questionable and improbable.
 
Loans rated 8:  Loans in this category are considered uncollectible (“loss”) and of such little value that their continuance as loans is not warranted.
 
Loans rated 9:  Loans in this category only include commercial loans under $25 thousand with no other outstandings or relationships with the Company.
 
Loans rated 10:  Loans in this category include loans which otherwise require rating but which have not been rated, or loans for which the Company’s loan policy does not require rating.
 
Loans rated 11:  Loans in this category include credit commitments/relationships that cannot be rated due to a lack of financial information or inaccurate financial information.  If, within 60 days of the assignment of an 11 rating, information is still not available to allow a standard rating, the credit will be rated 6.
 
 
13

 
 
On an annual basis, or more often if needed, the Company formally reviews the ratings on all commercial real estate, construction and commercial loans.  During each calendar year, the Company engages an independent third party to review a significant portion of loans within these segments.  Management uses the results of these reviews as part of its annual review process.  On a monthly basis, the Company reviews the residential real estate and consumer loan portfolio for credit quality primarily through the use of delinquency reports
 
The following table presents the Company’s loans by risk rating:
 
    March 31, 2015   December 31, 2014
     Commercial                        Commercial                
    Real Estate     Construction     Commercial     Total     Real Estate     Construction     Commercial   Total
                      (In thousands)                
                                             
Loans rated 1 -4
  $ 90,995     $ 76,979     $ 17,347     $ 185,321     $ 85,496     $ 72,668     $ 17,802   $ 175,966  
Loans rated  5
    5,976       --       999       6,975       6,054       --       1,022     7,076  
Loans rated  6
    2,364       --       217       2,581       2,390       --       229     2,619  
Loans rated  7
    690       --       --       690       759       --       --     759  
                                                                 
     Total
  $ 100,025     $ 76,979     $ 18,563     $ 195,567     $ 94,699     $ 72,668     $ 19,053   $ 186,420  

NOTE 7 – FAIR VALUES OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
 
Fair value hierarchy
 
The Company groups its assets generally measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.
 
Level 1 – Valuation is based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets for identical assets and liabilities.  Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources.
 
Level 2 – Valuation is based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets and liabilities.  Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources.
 
Level 3 – Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities.  Level 3 assets include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as those for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
 
Transfers between levels are recognized at the end of a reporting period, if applicable.
 
Determination of fair value
 
The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures.  Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices.  However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques.  Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.  Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.
 
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair value disclosures:
 
Cash, cash equivalents and certificates of deposit:  The carrying amounts approximate fair values based on the short-term nature of the assets.
 
 
14

 
 
Securities available for sale:  Fair value measurements are obtained from a third-party pricing service and are not adjusted by management.  All securities are measured at fair value in Level 2 based on pricing models that consider standard input factors such as observable market data, benchmark yields, interest rate volatilities, broker/dealer quotes, credit spreads and new issue data.
 
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock:  The carrying value of FHLB stock is deemed to approximate fair value, based on the redemption provisions of the FHLB of Boston.
 
Loans held for sale:  Fair values are based on commitments in effect from investors or prevailing market prices.
 
Loans, net:  For variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values.  Fair values for other loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using market interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality.  Fair values for impaired loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses or underlying collateral values, where applicable.
 
Deposits:  The fair values disclosed for non-certificate deposit accounts are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts).  Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies market interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.
 
Short-term borrowings:  The carrying amount of short-term borrowings approximates fair value based on the short-term nature of the liabilities.
 
Long-term debt: The fair values of long-term debt are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the current incremental borrowing rates in the market for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
 
Accrued interest: The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value.
 
Forward loan sale commitments and derivative loan commitments: The fair value of forward loan sale commitments and derivative loan commitments are based on fair values of the underlying mortgage loans, including servicing values as applicable. The fair value of derivative loan commitments also considers the probability of such commitments being exercised.
 
Off-balance sheet instruments: Fair values for off-balance-sheet lending commitments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing.  The fair values of these instruments are considered immaterial.
 
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
 
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are summarized below.

   
March 31, 2015
 
                       Total Fair  
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
 Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Assets
                       
Securities available for sale
  $ --     $ 55,328     $ --     $ 55,328  
Forward loan sale commitments
    --       23       --       23  
                                 
            Total assets
  $ --     $ 55,351     $ --     $ 55,351  
                                 
Liabilities
                               
Derivative loan commitments
  $ --     $ 8     $ --     $ 8  
 
 
15

 
 
   
December 31, 2014
 
                       Total Fair  
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
 Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Assets
                       
Securities available for sale
  $ --     $ 52,681     $ --     $ 52,681  
Forward loan sale commitments
    --       8       --       8  
                                 
            Total assets
  $ --     $ 52,689     $ --     $ 52,689  
                                 
Liabilities
                               
Derivative loan commitments
  $ --     $ 5     $ --     $ 5  

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis

The Company may also be required, from time to time, to measure certain other financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a non-recurring basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  These adjustments to fair value usually result from application of lower-of-cost-or-market (LOCOM) accounting or write-downs of individual assets.  The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy used to determine each adjustment and the carrying value of the related individual assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

   
March 31, 2015
   
December 31, 2014
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loans held for sale
  $ --     $ --     $ 1,664     $ --     $ --     $ 537  
Impaired loans
    --       --       690       --       --       708  
    $ --     $ --     $ 2,354     $ --     $ --     $ 1,245  
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Three Months Ended
 
    March 31, 2015     March 31, 2014  
   
Total Gains (Losses)
   
Total Gains (Losses)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loans held for sale
  $ (6 )   $ (8 )

Loans held for sale (LHFS) are evaluated for losses associated with the application of LOCOM accounting. At March 31, 2015, a rise in market interest rates above contractual loan rates from the time LHFS were recorded is reflected as a reduction in the carrying value of the asset and a loss is recognized in current period earnings. Losses applicable to certain impaired loans are estimated using the appraised value of the underlying collateral considering discounting factors and adjusted for selling costs.  The loss is not recorded directly as an adjustment to current earnings, but rather as a component in determining the overall adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  Adjustments to the estimated fair value of impaired loans may result in increases or decreases to the provision for loan losses.

There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

 
16

 

Summary of fair values of financial instruments
 
The estimated fair values, and related carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments are outlined in the table below.  Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from disclosure requirements.  Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented herein may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.
 
 
    Carrying                          
    Amount     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
                (In thousands)              
                               
March 31, 2015                              
Financial assets:
                             
    Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 21,069     $ 21,069     $ --     $ --     $ 21,069  
    Certificates of deposit
    100       100       --       --       100  
    Securities available for sale
    55,328       --       55,328       --       55,328  
    FHLB stock
    3,660       --       --       3,660       3,660  
    Loans held for sale
    1,664       --       1,664       --       1,664  
    Loans, net
    446,159       --       --       443,946       443,946  
    Accrued interest receivable
    1,243       --       --       1,243       1,243  
    Forward loan sale commitments
    23       --       23       --       23  
                                         
Financial liabilities:
                                       
    Deposits
  $ 430,109     $ --     $ --     $ 430,400     $ 430,400  
    Short-term borrowings
    4,000       --       4,000       --       4,000  
    Long-term debt
    57,500       --       57,705       --       57,705  
    Accrued interest payable
    61       --       --       61       61  
    Derivative loan commitments
    8       --       8       --       8  
       
December 31, 2014
 
Financial assets:
                             
    Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 19,271     $ 19,271     $ --     $ --     $ 19,271  
    Certificates of deposit
    100       100       --       --       100  
    Securities available for sale
    52,681       --       52,681       --       52,681  
    FHLB stock
    3,660       --       --       3,660       3,660  
    Loans held for sale
    537       --       537       --       537  
    Loans, net
    443,346       --       --       441,720       441,720  
    Accrued interest receivable
    1,216       --       --       1,216       1,216  
    Forward loan sale commitments
    8       --       8       --       8  
                                         
Financial liabilities:
                                       
    Deposits
  $ 422,245     $ --     $ --     $ 422,731     $ 422,731  
    Short-term borrowings
    2,000       --       2,000       --       2,000  
    Long-term debt
    59,500       --       59,504       --       59,504  
    Accrued interest payable
    61       --       --       61       61  
    Derivative loan commitments
    5       --       5       --       5  
                                         
 
NOTE 8 EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

The Bank maintains an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”) to provide eligible employees the opportunity to own Company stock.  This plan is a tax-qualified retirement plan for the benefit of all Company employees.  Contributions are allocated to eligible participants on the basis of compensation, subject to federal tax limits.

The Company granted a loan to the ESOP for the purchase of shares of the Company’s common stock on the closing date of the Company’s mutual to stock conversion in 2012.  As of March 31, 2015, the ESOP held 191,674 shares, or 7.79%, of the common stock outstanding on that date.  The loan obtained by the ESOP from the Company to purchase common stock is payable annually over 15 years at the rate of 3.25% per annum.  The loan can be prepaid without penalty.  Loan payments are expected to be funded by cash contributions from the Bank.  The loan is secured by the shares purchased, which are held in a suspense account for allocation among participants as the loan is repaid.  Cash dividends paid on allocated shares will be distributed to participants and cash dividends paid on unallocated shares will be used to repay the outstanding debt of the ESOP.  Shares used as collateral to secure the loan are released and available for allocation to eligible employees as the principal and interest on the loan is paid.
 
 
17

 

Shares held by the ESOP include the following:

   
March 31, 2015
 
       
Allocated
    37,616  
Committed to be allocated
    3,210  
Unallocated
    150,848  
         
      191,674  

The fair value of unallocated shares was approximately $2.9 million at March 31, 2015.

Total compensation expense recognized in connection with the ESOP for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $61 thousand and $60 thousand, respectively.

NOTE 9 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

Under the Company’s 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”), the Company may grant stock options to its directors and employees in the form of incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options for up to 240,751 shares of its common stock. The exercise price of each stock option shall not be less than the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant, and the maximum term of each option is ten years from the date of each award.  The vesting period is five years from the date of grant, with vesting at 20% per year.

A restricted stock award (the “award”) is a grant of shares of Company common stock for no consideration, subject to a vesting schedule or the satisfaction of market conditions or performance criteria. Under the Equity Incentive Plan, the Company may also grant stock awards to management, employees and directors for up to 96,286 shares. Awarded shares are held in reserve for each grantee by the Company’s transfer agent, and will be issued from previously authorized but unissued shares upon vesting. The fair value of the stock awards, based on the market price at the grant date, will be recognized over the five year vesting period.
 
Stock Options

A summary of option activity under the Equity Incentive Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is presented below:
 
                      Weighted        
                      Average        
             
Weighted 
      Remaining         
              Average       Contractual     Aggregate  
Options    
Shares
      Exercise Price       Term     Intrinsic Value  
     
(In thousands)
             
(In years)
    (In thousands)  
                               
Outstanding at beginning of period
    214     $ 15.84       8.02        
          Granted
    --       --       --        
          Exercised
    --       --       --        
          Forfeited
    (1 )     17.45       --        
                               
Outstanding at end of period
    213       15.84       7.77     $ 623  
Options exercisable at end of period
    76     $ 15.38       7.52     $ 257  
 
 
18

 
 
For the three months ended March  31, 2015 and 2014, share based compensation expense applicable to the stock options was $47 thousand and $51 thousand, respectively. The recognized tax benefit related to this expense was $9 thousand for both periods.

Unrecognized compensation expense for non-vested stock options totaled $564 thousand as of March 31, 2015, which will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 2.77 years.

Stock Awards

There was no activity in the non-vested stock awards under the Equity Incentive Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, compensation expense applicable to the stock awards was $80 thousand and $69 thousand, respectively. The recognized tax benefit related to this expense was $32 thousand and $27 thousand, respectively.

Unrecognized compensation expense for non-vested restricted stock totaled $803 thousand as of March 31, 2015, which will be recognized over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 2.90 years.
 
NOTE 10 EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance.  Under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan, stock awards granted contain non-forfeitable dividend rights. Accordingly, these shares are considered outstanding for computation of basic earnings per share.  Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options and are determined using the treasury stock method.

Earnings per common share have been computed as follows:

      Three Months       Three Months  
      Ended        Ended  
     
March 31, 2015
     
March 31, 2014
 
     
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                 
Net income applicable to common stock
  $ 459     $ 394  
                 
Average number of common shares outstanding
    2,459,138       2,454,549  
Less: Average unallocated ESOP shares
    (152,454 )     (165,292 )
Average number of common shares outstanding used to                
calculate basic earnings per common share
    2,306,684       2,289,257  
                 
Effect of dilutive  of stock options
    11,910       1,167  
                 
Average number of common shares outstanding used to                
calculate diluted earnings per common share
    2,318,594       2,290,424  
                 
Earnings per common share:
               
   Basic
  $ 0.20     $ 0.17  
   Diluted
  $ 0.20     $ 0.17  

Options for 6,601 shares and 1,026 were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Anti-dilutive shares are common stock equivalents with exercise prices in excess of the average market value of the Company’s stock for the periods presented.
 
 
19

 
 
NOTE 11 – STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN
 
On October 1, 2012, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 96,286 shares, or approximately 4.0% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. At March 31, 2015, the Company had repurchased and retired 40,535 shares.
 
NOTE 12 – DIVIDENDS DECLARED
 
On February 18, 2015, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.025 per share on the Company’s common stock. The dividend was paid on March 18, 2015 to stockholders of record on March 4, 2015.
 
 
20

 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
 
Safe Harbor Statement for Forward-Looking Statements

This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  These statements are not historical facts; rather they are statements based on the Company’s current expectations regarding its business strategies and their intended results and its future performance.  Forward-looking statements are preceded by terms such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends” and similar expressions.
 
 Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance.  Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause or contribute to the Company’s actual results, performance and achievements being materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.  Factors that may cause or contribute to these differences include, without limitation, general economic conditions, including changes in market interest rates and changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; legislative and regulatory changes; the quality and composition of the loan and investment securities portfolio; loan demand; deposit flows; competition; and changes in accounting principles and guidelines.  Additional factors that may affect our results are discussed in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the section titled “Item 1A.–Risk Factors.”  These factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.  Except as required by applicable law or regulation, the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

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.

Allowance for Loan Losses.  The allowance for loan losses is the amount estimated by management as necessary to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet 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: the likelihood of default; the loss exposure at default; the amount and timing of future cash flows on impaired loans; the value of collateral; and the 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 at least quarterly 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 collectibility 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 or other conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluation.  In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may 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 adversely affect earnings.

Deferred Tax Assets.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled.  Management reviews deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis to identify any uncertainties pertaining to realization of such assets.  In determining whether a valuation allowance is required against deferred tax assets, management assesses historical and forecasted operating results, including a review of eligible carry-forward periods, tax planning opportunities and other relevant considerations.  We believe the accounting estimate related to the valuation allowance is a critical estimate because the underlying assumptions can change from period to period.  For example, tax law changes or variances in future projected operating performance could result in a change in the valuation allowance.  Should actual factors and conditions differ materially from those used by management, the actual realization of net deferred tax assets could differ materially from the amounts recorded in the financial statements.  If we were not able to realize all or part of our deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the related valuation allowance would be charged to income tax expense in the period such determination was made and could have a negative impact on earnings.  In addition, if actual factors and conditions differ materially from those used by management, we could incur penalties and interest imposed by taxing authorities.  A valuation allowance was not required for the five-year charitable carry-forward created primarily by the contribution of 157,477 shares of the Company’s common stock to the Wellesley Charitable Foundation as part of the mutual to stock conversion.  Based on historical income it is expected that there will be sufficient income to be able to deduct the entire amount of the contribution over future years.
 
 
21

 
 
Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

General.  Assets increased $8.5 million, or 1.6%, from $535.1 million at December 31, 2014 to $543.6 million at March 31, 2015.  Asset growth was primarily the result of an increase in net loans of $2.8 million, or 0.6%, an increase of $2.6 million, or 5.0%, in securities available for sale, and an increase of $1.8 million, or 9.3%, in cash and cash equivalents.

Loans.  Net loans totaled $446.2 million at March 31, 2015, an increase of $2.8 million, as compared to December 31, 2014. Commercial loans increased $5.3 million to $100.00 million at March 31, 2015, as we remain focused on growing this portion of our portfolio. As construction activity generally increases in spring, our construction loans increased $4.3 million and totaled $77.0 million at March 31, 2015, as compared to $72.7 million at December 31, 2014.  Partially offsetting these increases, residential real estate loans decreased $7.7 million, or 3.3%, to $225.6 million, as compared to $233.3 million at March 31, 2014.  We have expanded our residential lending activity through the addition of commissioned loan originators, the expansion of our CRA assessment area and recent opening of offices in Wellesley Lower Falls and Boston. Adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans decreased $4.4 million, or 2.1%, to $208.2 million while fixed-rate residential loans decreased $3.3 million or 15.8%. Residential loan originations of $20.6 million in the quarter were offset by loan payoffs and amortizations of $28.3 million as declining interest rates led to increased refinancing activity among our borrowers. At March 31, 2015, loans past due 30-59 days have decreased $497 thousand and loans past due 90 days or more decreased $69 thousand as fewer customers are experiencing payment difficulties, allowing balances to be brought current.   Substantially all delinquent loans are secured by real estate collateral with values exceeding outstanding loan principal.

Securities.  Securities increased from $52.7 million at December 31, 2014 to $55.3 million at March 31, 2015, as excess liquid funds were invested in GSE and corporate issues.

Deposits.  Deposits increased $7.9 million, or 1.9%, from $422.2 million at December 31, 2014 to $430.1 million at March 31, 2015.  Demand deposits and NOW accounts increased $13.7 million primarily due to new account openings in both commercial and non-commercial accounts, and the movement of funds into our premium priced relationship savings account.  Business money market deposit accounts increased $2.3 million, and savings increased $3.0 million across a broad mix of customers. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease of $11.3 million in certificate of deposit accounts as the differential between rates paid on term certificates and non-term accounts narrowed.

Borrowings.  We use borrowings from a variety of sources to supplement our supply of funds for loans and securities.  Long-term debt, consisting entirely of FHLB advances, decreased $2.0 million, or 3.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2015.  The decrease in long-term FHLB advances was due to paying off certain advances at maturity.  Short-term borrowings consist entirely of advances from the FHLB with initial maturities less than one year.  Balances of short-term borrowings  increased $2.0 million, or 100.0%, since December 31, 2014 as we utilize these funds to balance uneven patterns of loans demand and deposit flows.

Stockholders’ Equity.  Stockholders’ equity increased $724 thousand, or 1.5%, from $49.3 million at December 31, 2014 to $50.1 million at March 31, 2015, primarily as a result of net income for the quarter of $459 thousand, share based compensation related to the equity incentive plan of $127 thousand, and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

Overview.  Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $459 thousand compared to net income of $394 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  The $65 thousand increase in net income was primarily due to an increase of $557 thousand, or 14.8%, in net interest income and a decrease in the provision for loan losses of $130 thousand, offset by an increase in non-interest expense of $590 thousand.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $4.3 million, as compared to $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  The increase in net interest income was primarily due to increases in the average balances of loans, partially offset by declines in yields on loans.
 
 
22

 
 
Interest and dividend income increased $589 thousand, or 12.9%, from $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 to $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.  The average balance of interest-earning assets increased 15.3%, while the average rate earned on these assets decreased by 9 basis points (bp).  The decline in yield partially offset the improvement in interest income attributable to asset growth.  Interest and fees on loans increased $491 thousand, or 11.3%, due to a 13.4% increase in the average balance of loans partially offset by an 8 bp decrease in the average rate earned on loans.  Contributing to the increase in loan income was the increase in commercial real estate and construction loan balances during the period. Interest income from taxable securities increased $91 thousand, or 61.5%, due to an increase in the average balances for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the prior year, as well as an increase in the average rate earned on these securities of 17 bp as compared to the prior year period.

The increase in interest expense was primarily due to an increase in average balances of deposits and long-term debt.  The average balance of interest-bearing deposits increased $41.5 million, or 12.8%, in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014, while the average rate paid on interest bearing deposits decreased 10 bp.  The rate paid on savings accounts decreased 7 bp primarily due to a lower rate structure for these accounts than in the prior year.  The average balance of savings accounts increased $44.3 million to $122.3 million, as compared to the prior year.   The cost of term certificates of deposit decreased $100 thousand to $334 thousand as balances in both our retail products and deposits generated through a national certificate of deposit clearinghouse have declined as compared to last year.  Growth in business checking and MMDA accounts and other non-commercial checking and savings products has allowed us to fund our balance sheet at lower cost than through term certificates. The average balance of long-term FHLB advances increased from $43.3 million to $58.2 million, while rates paid on long-term FHLB advances increased from 1.20% to 1.21%.  The average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 8 bp from the comparative three-month period.  Interest expense on short-term borrowings totaled $3 thousand in the three month period ended March 31, 2015, as compared to $5 thousand in the three months ended March 31, 2014.

 
23

 
 
 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.  Average balances have been calculated using daily balances.  Loan fees are included in interest income on loans and are insignificant.  Yields are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis.  Any adjustments necessary to present yields on a tax-equivalent basis are insignificant.

      For the Three Months Ended March 31  
          2015                 2014        
    Average     Interest     Average     Average     Interest     Average  
    Outstanding     Earned/     Yield/     Outstanding     Earned/     Yield/  
    Balance     Paid     Rate (1)     Balance     Paid     Rate (1)  
                 (Dollars in thousands)              
                                     
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Short-term investments
  $ 17,225     $ 9       0.21 %   $ 17,493     $ 8       0.19 %
Certificates of deposit
    100       --       0.22       100       --       0.22  
Debt securities:
                                               
   Taxable
    47,025       239       2.06       31,928       148       1.89  
   Tax-exempt
    5,950       46       3.10       4,890       44       3.63  
Total loans and loans held for sale
    449,827       4,846       4.37       396,748       4,355       4.45  
FHLB stock
    3,659       16       1.78       3,176       12       1.48  
Total interest-earning assets
    523,786       5,156       3.99 %     454,335       4,567       4.08 %
Allowance for loan losses
    (4,768 )                     (4,272 )                
Total interest-earning assets less allowance
for loan losses
    519,018                       450,063                  
Noninterest-earning assets
    18,408                       17,391                  
Total assets
  $ 537,426                     $ 467,454                  
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Regular savings accounts
  $ 122,287       200       0.66 %   $ 77,990       141       0.73 %
NOW checking accounts
    28,729       22       0.31       24,562       22       0.36  
Money market accounts
    77,654       100       0.52       56,791       71       0.50  
Certificates of deposit
    137,714       334       0.98       165,525       434       1.17  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    366,384       656       0.73       324,868       668       0.83  
Short-term borrowings
    3,452       3       0.39       5,844       5       0.31  
Long-term debt
    58,233       174       1.21       43,322       128       1.20  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    428,069       833       0.79 %     374,034       801       0.87 %
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
    58,131                       44,863                  
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
    1,885                       1,341                  
Total liabilities
    488,085                       420,238                  
Stockholders’ equity
    49,341                       47,216                  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 537,426                     $ 467,454                  
Net interest income
          $ 4,323                     $ 3,766          
Net interest rate spread (2)
                    3.20 %                     3.21 %
Net interest-earning assets (3)
  $ 95,718                     $ 80,302                  
Net interest margin (4)
                    3.35 %                     3.36 %
Average total interest-earning assets to average total interest-bearing liabilities
    122.36 %                     121.47 %                

(1)
Ratios for the three month periods have been annualized.
(2)
Represents the difference between the weighted average yield on average interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(3)
Represents total average interest-earning assets less total average interest-bearing liabilities.
(4)
Represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets.

 
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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 total increase (decrease) 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 proportionally based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Compared to
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
   
Increase (Decrease) Due to
   
Total Increase (Decrease)
 
   
Volume
   
Rate
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                 
Short-term investments
  $ --     $ 1     $ 1  
Certificates of deposit
    --       --       --  
Debt securities:
                       
   Taxable
    76       15       91  
   Tax-exempt
    5       (3 )     2  
Total loans and loans held for sale
    570       (79 )     491  
FHLB stock
    2       2       4  
Total interest-earning assets
    653       (64 )     589  
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                       
Regular savings accounts
    71       (12 )     59  
NOW checking accounts
    2       (2 )     --  
Money market accounts
    27       2       29  
Certificates of deposit
    (69 )     (31 )     (100 )
Total interest-bearing deposits
    31       (43 )     (12 )
Short-term borrowings
    (3 )     1       (2 )
Long-term debt
    45       1       46  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    73       (41 )     32  
                         
Increase (decrease) in net interest income
  $ 580     $ (23 )   $ 557  
                         

Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses was $50 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $180 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  In the 2015 period, the lower provision reflects sustained improvement in regional economic factors and stronger collateral values in residential real estate, offset by growth in the loan portfolio, specifically commercial real estate loans.
 
 
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Analysis of Loan Loss Experience.  The following table sets forth an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2015
   
2014
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 4,738     $ 4,213  
Provision for loan losses
    50       180  
Charge-offs:
               
Residential loans
    (17 )     --  
Commercial loans
    (55 )     --  
Total charge-offs
    (72 )     --  
Recoveries
    --       --  
Net charge-offs
    (72 )     --  
Balance at end of period
  $ 4,716     $ 4,393  
Allowance for loan losses to                
nonperforming loans at end of period
    100.02 %     125.41 %
Allowance for loan losses to total loans                
at end of period
    1.05 %     1.09 %
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding                 
during the period
    0.02 %     0.00 %

Noninterest Income.  Noninterest income totaled $245 thousand, a decrease of $8 thousand, or 3.2% from the prior year. Wealth management fees decreased $17 thousand from the comparable 2014 period due primarily to changes in the fee structures for managed accounts offset by a $30 thousand increase in mortgage banking activities as more loans were originated for sale compared to the prior year.

  Noninterest Expenses.  Noninterest expenses increased $590 thousand to $3.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014.  Factors that contributed to the increase in noninterest expenses during the 2015 period were increased salary and employee benefits expense of $458 thousand resulting from increased staffing levels in support of compliance and operations in our wealth management subsidiary and additional retail and support staff supporting the Company’s growth.   Occupancy and equipment fees increased $92 thousand related to the relocation of our wealth management offices to new facilities in November 2014.

  Income Taxes.  An income tax provision of $285 thousand was recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 compared to a provision of $261 thousand in the comparable 2014 quarter.  The effective tax rate for the 2015 three-month period was 38.3%, compared with 39.8% for the 2014 three-month period. The change in rates is due to the relative mix of tax exempt income and tax preference items recognized by the Company as a percentage of pre-tax income.

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

Management regularly adjusts our investments in liquid assets based upon an 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 interest-rate risk and investment policies.

  Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, and securities available for sale.  The level of these assets depends on our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period.  At March 31, 2015, cash and cash equivalents, which include short-term investments, totaled $21.1 million.  Securities classified as available-for-sale, whose aggregate market value of $55.3 million exceeds cost, and $1.7 million in loans held for sale provide additional sources of liquidity.
 
 
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  At March 31, 2015, we had $4.0 million in short-term borrowings outstanding, represented entirely by FHLB advances, and $57.5 million in long-term debt, also consisting entirely of FHLB advances. At March 31, 2015, we had a total of $59.9 million in unused borrowing capacity from the FHLB.  Short-term borrowings are generally used to fund temporary cash needs due to the timing of loan originations and deposit gathering activities.  Long-term debt is generally used to provide for longer-term funding needs of the Company, including the match funding of loans originated for portfolio.  At March 31, 2015, we also had the ability to borrow $5.0 million from the Co-operative Central Bank on an unsecured basis, and $9.7 million from the Federal Reserve Bank under a collateralized borrowing program, none of which was outstanding at that date.

At March 31, 2015, we had $79.9 million in loan commitments outstanding, which included $34.1 million in unadvanced funds on construction loans, $23.9 million in unadvanced home equity lines of credit, $12.7 million in unadvanced commercial lines of credit, and $9.5 million in new loan originations.

Term certificates of deposit due within one year of March 31, 2015 amounted to $91.9 million, or 69.7% of total term certificates.  This total decreased $14.4 million from December 31, 2014. Balances of term certificates maturing in more than one year increased $3.2 million.  Balances of term certificates that mature within one year reflect customer preferences for greater liquidity of personal funds, while longer-dated certificates reflect a willingness among customers to accept current interest rates for extended time periods.  If maturing deposits are not renewed, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including new term certificates and other 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 existing funds.  Management believes, however, based on past experience that a significant portion of our term certificates will be renewed.  We have the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates offered.

The Company is a separate legal entity from the Bank and will have to provide for its own liquidity to pay its operating expenses and other financial obligations.  The Company’s primary source of income will be dividends received from the Bank and earnings from investment of net proceeds from the offering retained by the Company.  Massachusetts banking law and FDIC regulations limit distributions of capital.  In addition, the Company is subject to the policy of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve Board”) that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the Company appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition.  At March 31, 2015, the Company had $1.5 million of liquid assets as represented by cash and cash equivalents on an unconsolidated basis.

Capital Management.  The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, including a risk-based capital measure.  The Company is also subject to similar capital requirements set by the Federal Reserve Board.  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.   In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board released its final rules, which will implement the Basel III regulatory capital reforms from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act.  These rules became effective January 1, 2015 for community banks and will increase both the quality and quantity of capital held by banks.  At March 31, 2015, the Bank was well-capitalized under the January 1, 2015 rules. The final rule implements strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments and improves the methodology for calculating risk-weighted assets to enhance risk sensitivity.  Consistent with the international Basel framework, the final rule includes a new minimum capital requirement of common equity Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.5% and a common equity Tier I capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets. The capital conservation buffer 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.  In addition, the final rule raises the minimum ratio of Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets requirement from 4% to 6% and includes a minimum leverage ratio of 4% for all banking organizations. Management believes the Bank’s capital levels will be characterized as “well-capitalized” upon full implementation of the new rules.
 
We strive to manage our capital for maximum shareholder benefit.  The capital from our stock offering significantly increased our liquidity and capital resources.  Over time, the initial level of liquidity has been reduced as net proceeds from the stock offering were used for general corporate purposes, including the funding of lending activities.  Our financial condition and results of operations were enhanced by the capital from the offering, resulting over time in increased net interest-earning assets and net income.  However, the large increase in equity resulting from the capital raised in the offering has had an adverse impact on our return on equity.  To help us better manage our capital, we may use such tools as common share repurchases and cash dividends as regulations permit.

 
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of operations, we engage in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with 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 Liquidity Management herein.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company did not engage in any off-balance sheet transactions reasonably likely to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Qualitative Aspects of Market Risk

One significant risk affecting the financial condition and operating results of the Company and the Bank is interest rate risk.  We manage the interest rate sensitivity of our interest-bearing liabilities and interest-earning assets in an effort to minimize the adverse effects of changes in the interest rate environment.  Deposit accounts typically react more quickly to changes in market interest rates than mortgage loans because of the shorter maturities of deposits.   As a result, sharp increases in interest rates may 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 adjustable-rate loans for retention in our loan portfolio; selling in the secondary market substantially all newly originated conforming longer-term fixed rate residential mortgage loans, promoting core deposit products; adjusting the maturities of borrowings and adjusting the investment portfolio mix and duration.  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, which includes members of management, 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.

Quantitative Aspects of Market Risk

We analyze our interest rate sensitivity position to manage the risk associated with interest rate movements through the use of interest income and equity simulations.  The matching of assets and liabilities may be analyzed by examining the extent to which such assets and liabilities are “interest sensitive.” An asset or liability is said to be interest rate sensitive within a specific time period if it will mature or reprice within that time period.

Our goal is to manage asset and liability positions to moderate the effects of interest rate fluctuations on net interest income and the present value of our equity.  Interest income and equity simulations are completed quarterly and presented to the Asset/Liability Committee and the Board of Directors.  The simulations provide an estimate of the impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income and the present value of our equity under a range of assumptions.  The simulation incorporates assumptions regarding the potential timing in the repricing of certain assets and liabilities when market rates change and the changes in spreads between different market rates.  The simulation analysis incorporates management’s current assessment of the risk that pricing margins will change adversely over time due to competition or other factors.

Simulation analysis is only an estimate of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time.  We continually review the potential effect changes in interest rates could have on the repayment of rate sensitive assets and funding requirements of rate sensitive liabilities.

 
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The table below sets forth an approximation of our exposure as a percentage of estimated net interest income for the next 12 month period using interest income and equity simulations.  The simulations use projected repricing of assets and liabilities at March 31, 2015 on the basis of contractual maturities, anticipated repayments and scheduled rate adjustments.  Prepayment rates can have a significant impact on the simulations.  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 would increase if prepayments accelerated.  While we believe such assumptions to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that assumed prepayment rates will approximate actual future mortgage-backed security and loan repayment activity.

The following table reflects the estimated effects of changes in interest rates on the present value of our equity at March 31, 2015 and on our projected net interest income from March 31, 2015 through March 31, 2016.
 
                                  Over the Next 12 Months  
         
As of March 31, 2015
     
Ending March 31, 2016
 
         
Present Value of Equity
   
Projected Net Interest Income
 
  Basis Point (“bp”)                                                
  Change in Rates     
$Amount 
     
$Change 
     
%Change 
     
$ Amount 
     
$ Change 
     
% Change
 
                                                     
                                                     
  300 bp   $ 59,355     $ (9,896 )     (14.29 ) %   $ 15,550     $ (1,739 )     (10.06 )%
  200       62,662       (6,589 )     (9.51 )     16,126       (1,163 )     (6.73 )
  100       65,566       (3,685 )     (5.32 )     16,684       (605 )     (3.50 )
  0       69,251       --       --       17,289       --       --  
  (100 )     74,544       5,293       7.64       17,249       (40 )     (0.23 )

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

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

In addition, based on that evaluation, no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
29

 
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

The Company is not involved in any pending legal proceedings other than routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business.  The Company’s management believes that such routine legal proceedings, in the aggregate, are immaterial to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

For information regarding the Company’s risk factors, see Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2015.  As of March 31, 2015, the risk factors of the Company have not changed materially from those disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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

On October 1, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to 96,286 shares of the Company’s common stock. The repurchase plan will continue until it is completed or terminated by the Company’s Board of Directors. At March 31, 2015, the Company had repurchased and retired 40,535 shares. No shares of common stock were repurchased by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.  Other Information

Not applicable.

 
30

 
 
Item 6.  Exhibits
 
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Wellesley Bancorp, Inc. (¹)
   
3.2
Bylaws of Wellesley Bancorp, Inc. (²)
   
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
   
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
   
32.0
Section 1350 Certification
   
101.¹
The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
     
 
(1)
Incorporated herein by reference to the exhibits to Wellesley Bancorp, Inc.’s Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-176764), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 7, 2011.
(2)
Incorporated herein by reference to the exhibits to Wellesley Bancorp, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-176764), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 9, 2011.
 
 
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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.
 
 
 
  WELLESLEY BANCORP, INC.  
     
     
       
Dated:           May 12, 2015  
By:
/s/ Thomas J. Fontaine  
    Thomas J. Fontaine  
    President and Chief Executive Officer  
    (principal executive officer)  


     
       
Dated:           May 12, 2015
By:
/s/ Gary P. Culyer  
    Gary P. Culyer  
    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer  
    (principal accounting and financial officer)  
 
 

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