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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 


 

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

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

OR

 

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

 

Commission File Number: 1-14671

 


 

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   04-3444269

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

31 Court Street, Westfield, Massachusetts   01085
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number: (413) 568-9141

 


 

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

 

Title of each class


 

Name of each exchange on which registered


Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share   The American Stock Exchange

 

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

None

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

 

Indicate by check mark whether registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES x     NO ¨

 

The market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates was $113,143,489, which was computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. Solely for purposes of this calculation, the shares held by the directors and officers of the registrant are deemed to be affiliates.

 

As of March 6, 2005, there were 3,890,407 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

 

INDEX

 

          Page No.

PART I

    

Item1.

  

Business

   1

Item2.

  

Properties

   31

Item3.

  

Legal Proceedings

   32

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   32

PART II

    

Item 5.

  

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

   32

Item 6.

  

Selected Financial Data

   34

Item 7.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   36

Item 7A.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   47

Item 8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   53

Item 9.

  

Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   54

Item 9A.

  

Controls and Procedures

   54

PART III

    

Item 10.

  

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

   54

Item 11.

  

Executive Compensation

   57

Item 12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

   63

Item 13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

   65

Item 14.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

   65

PART IV

    

Item 15.

  

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

   66

SIGNATURES

   68


Table of Contents

PART I

 

Item 1. Business.

 

Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. (the “Corporation”) has no significant assets other than all of the outstanding shares of Woronoco Savings Bank (the “Bank”). Management of the Corporation and the Bank are substantially similar and the Corporation neither owns nor leases any property, but instead uses the premises, equipment and furniture of the Bank. Accordingly, the information set forth in this report for Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company’), including the consolidated financial statements and related financial data, relates primarily to the Bank.

 

The Bank, a Massachusetts stock savings bank, was organized in 1871. The Bank’s principal business consists of the acceptance of retail deposits from the general public and the investment of those deposits, together with funds generated from borrowings, retail operations, investment management and insurance services, into a broad line of lending products including one- to four-family, multi-family, commercial real estate, commercial business, construction and development and other types of consumer loans including home equity lines of credit and automobile loans. The Bank generally originates loans for investment. However, in recent years the Bank has sold a significant amount of fixed-rate residential loans as a result of the historically low interest rate environment. The Bank sells loans in the secondary market while generally retaining the servicing rights. The Bank also purchases one- to four family residential loans from time to time and invests in mortgage-backed securities and other permissible investments. The Bank’s revenues are derived from the generation of interest and fees on loans, interest and dividends on investment securities and fees from its retail banking operation, investment management and insurance services. The Bank’s primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and investments, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”) and proceeds from loan sales.

 

The Company’s internet website is www.woronoco.com. The Company makes available free of charge on or through its website, its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Merger Agreement

 

In December 2004, the Company announced a definitive agreement to merge with Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (the “merger agreement”), a Delaware corporation and the holding company for Berkshire Bank. Berkshire Bank is headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, with 11 branch offices serving communities throughout Berkshire County, and a representative office and one branch in New York. At December 31, 2004 Berkshire Hills Bancorp had total assets of $1.3 billion.

 

The acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Subject to regulatory and stockholder approval, stockholders of Woronoco Bancorp will have the right to elect to receive either $36.00 in cash or one share of Berkshire Hills Bancorp common stock in exchange for each share of Woronoco Bancorp common stock held by them, subject to pro-ration so that 75 percent of the outstanding Woronoco Bancorp common shares are converted into Berkshire Bancorp common stock in the merger and the balance are converted into the cash consideration. The merger is expected to close during the second quarter of 2005, and is subject to the approval of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. and Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. shareholders and applicable regulatory authorities.

 

Market Area

 

The Company is headquartered in Westfield, Massachusetts. The Company’s primary lending and deposit market areas include Hampden and Hampshire Counties in western Massachusetts and parts of northern Connecticut. The city of Westfield is largely suburban and is located in the Pioneer Valley near the intersection of U. S. Interstates 90 (the Massachusetts Turnpike) and 91. Interstate 90 is the major east-west highway that crosses Massachusetts. Interstate 91 is the major north-south highway that runs directly through the heart of New England. Westfield is located approximately 90 miles west of Boston, Massachusetts, 70 miles southeast of Albany, New York and 30 miles north of Hartford, Connecticut. Located in the region known as New England’s knowledge corridor, the Bank benefits from a concentration of more than 120,000 students at 32 higher education institutions including some of the most prestigious in the nation. Additional economic support is gained from the presence of large employers such as MassMutual, Big Y Foods, Bay State Health Systems, Hasbro Games, Friendly Ice Cream, Smith & Wesson, Solutia, N.E. Utilities, Yankee Candle and United Technologies. Other economic activity is provided by the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Massachusetts Air National Guard, Bradley International Airport, social service agencies and significant tourist attractions such as the Basketball Hall of Fame and Six Flags New England.

 

1


Table of Contents

Competition

 

The Company faces significant competition both in generating loans and in attracting deposits. The Company’s competition for loans comes principally from commercial banks, other savings banks, mortgage brokers, mortgage banking companies and insurance companies. Its most direct competition for deposits has historically come from savings and commercial banks. As of June 30, 2004, according to information presented on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s website, the Bank held 7% of the deposits in Hampden County, which was the seventh largest share of deposits out of 19 financial institutions in the county. Additionally, the Bank held greater than 1% of the deposits in Hampshire County, which was the eleventh largest share of deposits out of 17 financial institutions in the county. However, the Bank competes with super-regional banks, such as Fleet Bank, Banknorth, Sovereign Bank and Citizens Bank. These competitors have substantially greater resources and lending limits than the Bank and offer services that the Bank does not provide. In addition, the Company faces significant competition for deposits from non-bank institutions such as brokerage firms and insurance companies in such instruments as short-term money market funds, corporate and government securities funds, mutual funds, 401(k) plans and annuities.

 

The Company expects competition to continue to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the industry. Technological advances, for example, have lowered barriers to market entry, allowed banks to expand their geographic reach by providing services over the Internet and made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer products and services that traditionally have been provided by banks. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which permits affiliation among banks, securities firms and insurance companies, also has changed the competitive environment in which the Company conducts business. Competition has also increased as a result of the removal of restrictions on the interstate operations of financial institutions. The Company has also experienced significant competition from credit unions, which have applied for and received, in some cases, regulatory approval to expand beyond the traditional definition of a group to include, for instance, an entire community versus a particular company. In addition, credit unions are exempt from taxation. Such competitive advantages have placed increased pressure on the Company with respect to its loan and deposit pricing.

 

Lending Activities

 

Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio in dollar amounts and as a percentage of the respective portfolio at the dates indicated. Most of the Company’s loans, with the exception of certain purchased one- to four-family residential mortgage loans and home equity loans and lines of credit, are located in the Company’s primary market area.

 

    At December 31,

 
    2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 
    Amount

    Percent
of Total


    Amount

    Percent
of Total


    Amount

    Percent
of Total


    Amount

    Percent
of Total


    Amount

    Percent
of Total


 
    (Dollars In Thousands)  

Real estate loans:

                                                                     

One- to four-family

  $ 388,352     61.84 %   $ 279,889     55.20 %   $ 259,339     53.55 %   $ 235,964     53.35 %   $ 221,101     54.91 %

Multi-family

    36,436     5.80 %     41,178     8.12 %     34,090     7.04 %     33,821     7.65 %     33,529     8.33 %

Commercial

    63,132     10.05 %     61,342     12.10 %     53,486     11.05 %     36,221     8.19 %     29,257     7.27 %

Construction and development

    31,542     5.02 %     20,106     3.96 %     31,456     6.50 %     26,171     5.92 %     15,404     3.83 %
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total real estate loans

    519,462     82.71 %     402,515     79.38 %     378,371     78.14 %     332,177     75.11 %     299,291     74.34 %
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Consumer loans:

                                                                     

Home equity

    84,941     13.53 %     80,168     15.81 %     83,222     17.19 %     84,117     19.02 %     81,888     20.34 %

Automobile

    5,483     0.87 %     7,151     1.41 %     8,800     1.82 %     12,174     2.75 %     12,941     3.21 %

Other

    2,173     0.35 %     2,333     0.46 %     2,676     0.55 %     3,382     0.76 %     3,550     0.88 %
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total consumer loans

    92,597     14.75 %     89,652     17.68 %     94,698     19.56 %     99,673     22.53 %     98,379     24.43 %
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Commercial loans

    15,954     2.54 %     14,931     2.94 %     11,136     2.30 %     10,447     2.36 %     4,936     1.23 %
   


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


 

Total loans

    628,013     100.00 %     507,098     100.00 %     484,205     100.00 %     442,297     100.00 %     402,606     100.00 %
           

         

         

         

         

Less:

                                                                     

Unadvanced loan funds (1)

    (14,201 )           (6,673 )           (11,627 )           (13,070 )           (9,537 )      

Net deferred loan origination costs

    802             817             802             883             807        

Allowance for loan losses

    (3,651 )           (3,280 )           (3,156 )           (2,701 )           (2,590 )      
   


       


       


       


       


     

Loans, net

  $ 610,963           $ 497,962           $ 470,224           $ 427,409           $ 391,286        
   


       


       


       


       


     

(1) Includes committed but unadvanced loan amounts.

 

2


Table of Contents

Origination, Purchase, Sale and Servicing of Loans. The Company’s mortgage lending activities are conducted primarily by its salaried loan representatives operating at its ten full-service banking offices and its commissioned, offsite loan originators. All loans originated by the Company are underwritten in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures. The Company originates both adjustable-rate (“ARM”) and fixed-rate mortgage loans. The Company’s ability to originate fixed or ARM loans is dependent upon the relative customer demand for such loans, which is affected by the current and expected future level of interest rates. From time to time, the Company also purchases ARM loans from various financial institutions.

 

The Company has primarily been a portfolio lender, originating substantially all of its loans for investment. However, in recent years the Company has sold a significant amount of fixed-rate residential mortgages in the secondary market in order to improve, among other factors, interest rate risk and liquidity. The Company sold longer-term, low coupon, fixed-rate residential mortgages with outstanding balances totaling $14.1 million in 2004, $40.2 million in 2003 and $30.4 million in 2002. The Company utilized the proceeds from these sales to fund loan originations and to pay-down certain borrowings. The Company may sell and/or securitize a portion of its loans, mostly 30-year fixed-rate one- to four-family mortgage loans, in the future. Any loans originated for sale by the Company conform to the underwriting standards specified by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The Company generally retains the servicing rights on mortgage loans sold or securitized.

 

At December 31, 2004, the Company was servicing $75.2 million of conforming fixed-rate mortgage loans sold or securitized by the Company. Loan servicing includes collecting and remitting loan payments, accounting for principal and interest, contacting delinquent mortgagors, supervising foreclosures and property dispositions when there are unremedied defaults, making insurance and tax payments on behalf of the borrowers and generally administering the loans. The gross servicing fee income from loans sold is generally 25 basis points of the total balance of the loan being serviced. The Company also paid $644,000 to acquire the servicing rights associated with ARM loans purchased from various financial institutions in 2004. The outstanding balance of these purchased ARM loans was $122.0 million at December 31, 2004. The balance of mortgage servicing rights related to these loans, net of valuation allowances, was $1.3 million and $701,000 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, and is included in other assets. The fair value of these rights approximates carrying amounts. Amortization of mortgage servicing rights totaled $196,000, $192,000 and $67,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company originated $38.3 million, $95.1 million and $87.5 million of fixed-rate one- to four-family loans, respectively, of which $24.5 million, $59.8 million and $65.0 million, respectively, were retained by the Company. During these same periods, the Company also originated $32.1 million, $20.8 million and $32.7 million of adjustable-rate one- to four-family loans, respectively, all of which were retained by the Company. The Company recognizes, at the time of sale, the cash gain or loss on the sale of loans based on the difference between the net cash proceeds received and the carrying value of the loans sold. The Company also purchased $129.9 million of one-to four-family ARM loans in 2004. The Company has, from time to time, participated in loans, primarily multi-family, commercial real estate, construction and development and commercial business loans and, at December 31, 2004, had $7.9 million in loan participation interests.

 

3


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth the Company’s loan originations and purchases, sales and principal repayments for the periods indicated.

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
     (In Thousands)  

Loans, net, beginning of period

   $ 497,962     $ 470,224     $ 427,409  
    


 


 


Loans originated:

                        

Real estate

     104,877       142,169       155,428  

Consumer:

                        

Home equity

     34,217       34,971       30,840  

Automobile

     2,562       3,653       3,175  

Other

     2,055       2,157       2,276  
    


 


 


Total consumer

     38,834       40,781       36,291  

Commercial

     5,804       9,125       7,474  
    


 


 


Total loans originated

     149,515       192,075       199,193  
    


 


 


Real estate loans purchased

     129,854       34,033       —    
    


 


 


Principal repayments, unadvanced funds and other, net

     (152,190 )     (158,097 )     (125,946 )

Sale of mortgage loans, principal balance

     (14,111 )     (40,224 )     (30,385 )

Loan charge-offs, net

     (2 )     (49 )     (47 )

Transfers to REO

     (65 )     —         —    
    


 


 


Total deductions

     (166,368 )     (198,370 )     (156,378 )
    


 


 


Net loan activity

     113,001       27,738       42,815  
    


 


 


Loans, net, end of period

   $ 610,963     $ 497,962     $ 470,224  
    


 


 


 

Loan Maturity. The following table shows the remaining contractual maturity of the Company’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2004. The table does not include prepayments or scheduled principal amortization. Prepayments and scheduled principal amortization on loans totaled $158.0 million, $155.8 million and $136.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

     At December 31, 2004

 
    

One-to Four-

Family


  

Multi-

Family


   Commercial
Real Estate


   Construction
and
Development


   Home Equity
Loans


   Automobile

   Other
Consumer


   Commercial

   Total
Loans
Receivable


 
     (In Thousands)  

Amounts due:

                                                                

One year or less

   $ 96    $ —      $ 58    $ 15,288    $ 85    $ 318    $ 244    $ 155    $ 16,244  

After one year:

                                                                

More than one year to three years

     1,719      119      6,369      3,918      866      2,030      829      1,158      17,008  

More than three years to five years

     3,815      3,200      690      4,663      4,088      3,109      45      2,851      22,461  

More than five years to 10 years

     38,986      4,508      18,790      —        5,673      26      168      4,487      72,638  

More than ten years to 15 years

     102,738      4,234      5,189      2,076      3,840      —        141      —        118,218  

More than 15 years

     240,998      24,375      32,036      5,597      70,389      —        746      7,303      381,444  
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  


Total amount due

   $ 388,352    $ 36,436    $ 63,132    $ 31,542    $ 84,941    $ 5,483    $ 2,173    $ 15,954      628,013  
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

        

Less:

                                                                

Unadvanced loan funds

                                                             (14,201 )

Net deferred loan origination costs

                                                             802  

Allowance for loan losses

                                                             (3,651 )
                                                            


Loans, net

                                                           $ 610,963  
                                                            


 

4


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth at December 31, 2004, the dollar amount of gross loans receivable contractually due after December 31, 2005, and whether such loans have fixed interest rates or adjustable interest rates.

 

     Due After December 31, 2005

     Fixed

   Adjustable

   Total

     (In Thousands)

Real estate loans:

                    

One- to four-family

   $ 168,168    $ 220,088    $ 388,256

Multi-family and commercial real estate

     14,793      84,717      99,510

Construction and development

     2,457      13,797      16,254
    

  

  

Total real estate loans

     185,418      318,602      504,020
    

  

  

Consumer loans:

                    

Home equity

     14,434      70,422      84,856

Automobile

     5,165      —        5,165

Other

     1,642      287      1,929

Commercial loans

     4,136      11,663      15,799
    

  

  

Total loans

   $ 210,795    $ 400,974    $ 611,769
    

  

  

 

One- to Four-Family Loans. The Company currently offers both fixed-rate and ARM loans that are secured by one- to four-family residences located mainly in the Company’s primary market area. One- to four-family mortgage loan originations are generally obtained from the Company’s in-house and commissioned offsite loan originators, from existing or past customers, through advertising, and through referrals from local builders, real estate brokers and attorneys. The Company also purchases from time to time ARM loans from various financial institutions. At December 31, 2004, the Company’s one- to four-family mortgage loans totaled $388.4 million, or 61.8% of total loans. Of the one- to four-family mortgage loans outstanding at that date, 43.5% were fixed-rate mortgage loans and 56.5% were ARM loans.

 

The Company currently offers fixed-rate mortgage loans with terms of up to 30 years. The Company also currently offers a number of ARM loans with terms of up to 30 years and interest rates which adjust every one or three years from the outset of the loan or which adjust annually after a three-year, four-year, five-year or seven-year initial fixed period. The interest rates for the Company’s ARM loans are indexed to either the one-, three- or five-year Constant Maturity Treasury (“CMT”) Index. The Company’s ARM loans generally provide for periodic (not more than 2%) and overall (not more than 6%) caps on the increase or decrease in the interest rate at any adjustment date and over the life of the loan. The Company’s purchased ARM loans generally have terms of up to 30 years and interest rates that adjust annually after three and five years and provide for periodic (not more than 2%) and overall (not more than 6%) caps on the increase or decrease in the interest rate at any adjustment date and over the life of the loan. These purchased loans are generally serviced by the seller.

 

The origination or purchase of adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans, as opposed to fixed-rate residential mortgage loans, helps reduce the Company’s exposure to increases in interest rates. However, adjustable-rate loans generally pose credit risks not inherent in fixed-rate loans, primarily because as interest rates rise, the underlying payments of the borrower also rise, thereby increasing the potential for default. The Company attempts to minimize such risk, particularly on one-year adjustable-rate mortgages, by assuming a 200 basis point increase in the loan’s interest rate when evaluating a borrower’s creditworthiness. Periodic and lifetime caps on interest rate increases also help to reduce the risks associated with adjustable-rate loans but also limit the interest rate sensitivity of such loans.

 

All one- to four-family mortgage loans are underwritten according to the Company’s policies and secondary market underwriting guidelines. Generally, the Company originates one- to four-family residential mortgage loans in amounts up to 80% of the lower of the appraised value or the selling price of the property securing the loan and up to 100% of the lesser of the appraised value or selling price if private mortgage insurance is obtained. Mortgage loans originated by the Company generally include due-on-sale clauses that provide the Company with the contractual right to deem the loan immediately due and payable if a borrower transfers ownership of the property without the Company’s consent. The Company requires fire, casualty, title and flood insurance, if applicable, on all properties securing real estate loans made by the Company.

 

5


Table of Contents

In an effort to provide financing for first-time home buyers, the Company offers a first-time home buyer loan program. This program offers one- and two-family owner-occupied residential mortgage loans to qualified low-to-moderate income individuals. These loans are offered with initial five-year fixed-rates of interest which adjust annually thereafter with terms of up to 30 years. The program includes initially discounted rates, periodic (not more than 1%) and overall (not more than 4%) caps on the increase or decrease in the interest rate at any adjustment date and over the life of the loan and reduced loan origination fees and closing costs. These loans are originated using more liberal underwriting guidelines than the Company’s other one- to four-family mortgage loans. Such loans are originated in amounts of up to 95% of the lower of the property’s appraised value or the sale price. Private mortgage insurance is required for loans with loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratios of over 80%. The Company also offers first-time home buyer loans through the Federal Housing Authority and Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency programs.

 

Multi-Family and Commercial Real Estate Lending. The Company originates multi-family and commercial real estate loans that are generally secured by five or more unit apartment buildings and properties used for business purposes such as small office buildings, industrial facilities or retail facilities mainly located in the Company’s primary market area. The Company’s multi-family and commercial real estate underwriting policies provide that such real estate loans may be made in amounts of up to 80% of the appraised value of the property, 75% if the property is being refinanced, provided such loan complies with the Company’s current loans-to-one-borrower limit, which at December 31, 2004 was $9.0 million. The Company’s multi-family and commercial real estate loans may be made with terms of up to 25 years and are offered with interest rates that adjust periodically and are generally indexed to the prime rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal or the one-, three- or five-year CMT Index. In reaching its decision on whether to make a multi-family or commercial real estate loan, the Company considers the net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise, credit history and profitability and the value of the underlying property. In addition, with respect to commercial real estate rental properties, the Company will also consider the term of the lease and the quality of the tenants. The Company has generally required that the properties securing these real estate loans have debt service coverage ratios (the ratio of earnings before debt service to debt service) of at least 1.15x. Environmental impact surveys are generally required for commercial real estate loans. Generally, all multi-family and commercial real estate loans made to corporations, partnerships and other business entities require personal guarantees by the principals. The Company’s multi-family real estate loan portfolio at December 31, 2004 was $36.4 million, or 5.8% of total loans, and the Company’s commercial real estate loan portfolio at such date was $63.1 million, or 10.0% of total loans. The largest multi-family or commercial real estate loan in the Company’s portfolio at December 31, 2004 was a $6.7 million real estate loan secured by a 60,000 square foot medical office building in Springfield, Massachusetts. This loan was performing according to its terms at December 31, 2004.

 

The Company participates in commercial real estate loans, often community-based, with area lenders with whom the Company has a relationship. When determining whether to participate in such loans, the Company will underwrite its participation interest according to its own underwriting standards. At December 31, 2004, $5.7 million, or 9.1% of the commercial real estate loan portfolio, were participation loans.

 

Loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate properties generally involve larger principal amounts and a greater degree of risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Because payments on loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate properties are often dependent on successful operation or management of the properties, repayment of such loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. The Company seeks to minimize these risks through its underwriting standards.

 

Construction and Development Lending. The Company originates construction and development loans primarily to finance the construction of one- to four-family, owner-occupied residential real estate and commercial real estate properties located in the Company’s primary market area. Construction loans typically convert into permanent financing. Construction and development loans are generally offered to customers and experienced builders with whom the Company has an established relationship. Construction and development loans are typically offered with terms of up to 12 months; however, terms may be extended up to four years under certain circumstances. The maximum LTV limit applicable to such loans is 80% for contract sales and 75% for speculative properties. Construction loan proceeds are disbursed periodically in increments as construction progresses and as inspections by the Company’s lending officers or, on larger projects, independent architects or engineering firms, warrant. At December 31, 2004, the Company’s largest construction and development loan was a $4.3 million construction/permanent mortgage loan utilized to build a 73-room Hampton Inn in Hadley, Massachusetts. To date, $1.7 million has been disbursed and construction is 50% complete. At completion, the Company intends to sell a 49% participation in the permanent loan to another bank. At December 31, 2004, construction and development loans totaled $31.5 million, or 5.0%, of the Company’s total loans.

 

The Company originates land loans to local contractors and developers for the purpose of making improvements thereon, or for the purpose of holding or developing the land for sale. Such loans are secured by a lien on the property, are generally limited to 60% of the lower of the acquisition price or the appraised value of the land and have a term of up to four years with a floating interest

 

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rate based on the prime rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal. The Company’s land loans are generally secured by property in its primary market area. The Company requires title insurance and, if applicable, a hazardous waste survey.

 

The Company participates in construction and development loans, often community-based, with area lenders with whom the Company has a relationship. When determining whether to participate in such loans, the Company will underwrite its participation interest according to its own underwriting standards. At December 31, 2004, the Company had no participation loans in the construction and development loan portfolio.

 

Construction and development financing is generally considered to involve a higher degree of credit risk than long-term financing on improved, owner-occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan is dependent largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction compared to the estimated cost (including interest) of construction and other assumptions, including the estimated time to sell residential properties. If the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, the Company may be confronted with a project, when completed, having a value which is insufficient to assure full repayment.

 

Home Equity Lines of Credit and Loans. The Company offers home equity revolving lines of credit, substantially all of which are secured by second mortgages on owner-occupied one- to four-family residences located in the Company’s primary market area and, to a lesser extent, by properties in northern Connecticut and in Franklin County, Massachusetts. Home equity lines of credit have adjustable-rates of interest which adjust on a monthly basis. The adjustable-rate of interest charged on such loans is indexed to the prime rate as reported in The Wall Street Journal. Home equity lines of credit generally have an 18% lifetime limit on interest rates. Generally, the maximum LTV ratio on home equity lines of credit is 80% of the assessed value of the property less the outstanding balance of the first mortgage up to a maximum of $100,000. The underwriting standards employed by the Company for home equity lines of credit include a determination of the applicant’s credit history, an assessment of the applicant’s ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan and the value of the collateral securing the loan. The stability of the applicant’s monthly income may be determined by verification of gross monthly income from primary employment and, additionally, from any verifiable secondary income.

 

The home equity line of credit may be drawn down by the borrower for a period of ten years from the date of the loan agreement (the “draw period”). During the draw period, the borrower has the option of paying, on a monthly basis, either principal and interest or only the interest. Following the draw period, the borrower has fifteen years in which to pay back the line of credit (the “repayment period”). A borrower is precluded from accessing the home equity line of credit during the repayment period unless terms are renegotiated with the Company. A prepayment penalty may be assessed if the home equity line of credit is discharged within three years from the date of the note.

 

At any time during the draw period, all, or a portion of the outstanding balance of a home equity line of credit, may be converted to a fixed-rate, fixed-term home equity loan. The interest rate for the term loan is based on rates offered by the Company at the time the conversion request is received. Maturities offered on home equity term loans are five, ten and 15 years. When the term loan is repaid in full, the original principal balance becomes available under the home equity credit line. The Company also offers fixed-rate, fixed-term equity loans that are not tied to a line of credit. Repayment terms are the same as the aforementioned home equity term loans. At December 31, 2004, home equity loans and lines of credit totaled $84.9 million, or 13.5% of the Company’s total loans and 91.7% of consumer loans.

 

Automobile and Other Consumer Lending. The Company offers automobile loans with terms of up to 72 months and maximum loan-to-value ratios of 90% for new cars. For used cars, the maximum loan-to-value ratio is 90% of the lesser of the retail value shown in the NADA Used Car Guide or the purchase price, and the terms for used automobile loans range between 36 months (for older vehicles) to 60 months (for automobiles up to four years old). At December 31, 2004, automobile loans totaled $5.5 million, or 0.9% of the Company’s total loans and 5.9% of consumer loans. Other consumer loans at December 31, 2004 amounted to $2.2 million, or 0.4% of the Company’s total loans and 2.4% of consumer loans. These loans include education, second mortgages, collateral, motorcycle, boat, mobile home and unsecured personal loans. Motorcycle, boat and mobile home loans are generally made in amounts of up to 80% of the fair market value of the property securing the loan. Collateral loans are generally secured by a passbook account, a certificate of deposit, securities or life insurance. Unsecured personal loans generally have a maximum borrowing limitation of $5,000 and a maximum term of three years.

 

Loans secured by rapidly depreciable assets such as automobiles, motorcycles and boats, or that are unsecured, entail greater risks than one- to four-family mortgage loans. In such cases, repossessed collateral for a defaulted loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance, since there is a greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation of the underlying collateral. Further, collections on these loans are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability and, therefore, are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Finally, the application of

 

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various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans if a borrower defaults.

 

Commercial Lending. At December 31, 2004, the Company had $16.0 million in commercial loans which amounted to 2.5% of total loans. In addition, at such date, the Company had $6.0 million of unadvanced commercial lines of credit. The Company makes commercial business loans primarily in its market area to a variety of professionals, sole proprietorships and small businesses. The Company offers a variety of commercial lending products, including term loans for fixed assets and working capital, revolving lines of credit, letters of credit, and Small Business Administration guaranteed loans. Term loans are generally offered with initial fixed rates of interest for the first five years and with terms of up to 7 years. Business lines of credit have adjustable rates of interest and are payable on demand, subject to annual review and renewal. Business loans with adjustable rates of interest adjust on a monthly basis and are indexed to the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal.

 

In making commercial business loans, the Company considers the financial statements of the borrower, the Company’s lending history with the borrower, the debt service capabilities of the borrower, the projected cash flows of the business and the value of the collateral. Commercial business loans are generally secured by a variety of collateral, primarily equipment, assets and accounts receivable, and are supported by personal guarantees. Depending on the collateral used to secure the loans, commercial loans are made in amounts of up to 80% of the adjusted value of the collateral securing the loan. The Company generally does not make unsecured commercial loans. In addition, the Company participates in commercial business loans, often community-based, with area lenders with whom the Company has a relationship. When determining whether to participate in such loans, the Company will underwrite its participation interest according to its own underwriting standards. At December 31, 2004, $1.0 million, or 6.2% of the commercial loan portfolio, were participation loans.

 

Unlike mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment or other income, and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial loans are of higher risk and typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flows of the borrower’s business. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself. Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value. At December 31, 2004, the Company’s largest commercial loan relationship consisted of seven term loans totaling $3.7 million and a revolving line of credit for $250,000 to a fast food franchisee. These loans were performing according to their original terms at December 31, 2004.

 

Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. The lending policies and loan approval limits of the Company are established through the Executive Lending Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors. The Committee, in accordance with authority delegated by the Board of Directors, reviews and approves and/or ratifies all loans made or acquired, all changes in security pledged, rates of interest charged for loans, all purchases of loans, all foreclosures on mortgages of real estate and sale of property held in foreclosure, liquidation of secured assets and interim changes to the loan policy. In connection with one- to four-family mortgage loans, the Committee has authorized the following persons to approve the loans up to the amounts indicated: one vice president of loan servicing and one vice president of commercial lending may approve loans up to $150,000 and $359,650, respectively; the vice president of residential lending and all loan origination and underwriting officers may approve loans up to $359,650; and the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Vice President, Lending may approve loans up to $500,000.

 

With respect to consumer loans, the Committee has authorized the following persons to approve loans up to the amounts indicated: 3 assistant branch managers may approve secured and unsecured loans of up to $15,000 and $5,000, respectively; branch managers, loan origination and underwriting officers and the vice president of operations and two vice presidents may approve secured and unsecured loans of up to $30,000 and $10,000, respectively; and the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Vice President, Lending may approve loans up to $75,000 and $50,000, respectively.

 

The Committee has authorized the following individuals to approve home equity loans and lines of credit up to the amounts indicated: three lending vice presidents, an assistant vice president and loan origination and underwriting officers may approve loans up to $100,000; and the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Vice President, Lending may approve loans up to $200,000.

 

All one- to four-family and consumer loans in excess of these amounts must be approved by either the Executive Vice President, Lending, the Officers’ Loan Committee and/or the Committee. The Officers’ Loan Committee, which currently consists of five lending officers, is selected by the Committee and ratified by the Board of Directors. Specifically, all loans, commitments or other extensions of credit, which either alone or in the aggregate total up to $500,000 may be approved by the Executive Vice President, Lending. Those loan commitments or other extensions of credit, either alone or in the aggregate, which are greater than $500,000 but are less than $1.5 million must be approved by the Officers’ Loan Committee and those loans commitments or other extensions of credit, either alone or in the aggregate, which exceed $1.5 million must be approved by the Committee. Additionally, those loans less than $1.5 million must be ratified by the Committee. All loans, commitments and other extensions of credit which

 

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increase the total aggregate unsecured liability of a borrower to $150,000 or more must be approved by the Officers’ Loan Committee.

 

With respect to commercial loans, the Committee has authorized the following persons to approve loans up to the amounts indicated: the Vice President, Loan Servicing and Collection may approve commercial real estate loans, commercial secured and unsecured loans in amounts of up to $150,000, $100,000 and $20,000, respectively; the vice president/commercial lending officers may approve commercial real estate loans, commercial secured and unsecured loans in amounts of up to $300,000, $250,000 and $125,000, respectively; and the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Vice President, Lending may approve commercial real estate loans, commercial secured and unsecured loans in amounts of up to $500,000, $300,000 and $150,000, respectively.

 

All commercial loans in excess of these amounts must be approved by either the Officers’ Loan Committee and/or the Committee. Specifically, all loans, commitments or other extensions of credit, either alone or in the aggregate which exceed $500,000 or $1.5 million must be approved by the Officers’ Loan Committee and the Committee, respectively. Additionally, all loans, commitments and other extensions of credit which increase the total aggregate unsecured liability of a borrower to $150,000 or more must be approved by the Officers’ Loan Committee.

 

Delinquent Loans, Classified Assets and Real Estate Owned

 

Delinquent Loans. Reports listing all delinquent accounts are generated and reviewed by management and the Executive Lending Committee on a monthly basis and the Board of Directors performs a monthly review of all loans or lending relationships delinquent 90 days or more. The procedures taken by the Company with respect to delinquencies vary depending on the nature of the loan, the period and cause of delinquency and whether the borrower is habitually delinquent. When a borrower fails to make a required payment on a loan, the Company generally sends the borrower a written notice of non-payment after the loan is 15 days past due. The Company’s guidelines provide that telephone and written correspondence will be attempted to ascertain the reasons for delinquency and the prospects of repayment. When contact is made with the borrower at any time before foreclosure, the Company will offer to work out a repayment schedule with the borrower to avoid foreclosure. If payment is not then received or the loan not otherwise satisfied, additional letters and telephone calls generally are made. If the loan is still not brought current or satisfied and it becomes necessary for the Company to take legal action, which typically occurs after a loan is 90 days or more delinquent, the Company will demand the loan and then commence foreclosure proceedings against any real property that secured the loan or accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure. If a foreclosure action is instituted and the loan is not brought current, paid in full, or refinanced before the foreclosure sale, the property securing the loan generally is sold at foreclosure and, if purchased by the Company, becomes real estate owned.

 

Classified Assets. Federal regulations and the Company’s internal policies require that the Company utilize an internal asset classification system as a means of reporting problem and potential problem assets. The Company currently classifies problem and potential problem assets as “Substandard,” “Doubtful” or “Loss” assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 114 “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” An asset is considered Substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth, paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as Doubtful have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Assets classified as Loss are those considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as assets, without the establishment of a specific loss reserve, is not warranted. Assets which do not currently expose the Company to a sufficient degree of risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses are required to be designated “Special Mention.”

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 114, when the Company classifies one or more assets, or portions thereof, as Substandard or Doubtful, it is required to establish an allowance for loan losses in an amount deemed prudent by management unless the loss of principal appears to be remote. When the Company classifies one or more assets, or portions thereof, as Loss, it is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of the amount of the assets so classified or to charge off the loan in full.

 

Management of the Company and the Executive Lending Committee review and classify the assets of the Company on a monthly basis and the Board of Directors reviews the results of the reports on a monthly basis. The Company classifies its assets in accordance with the management guidelines described above.

 

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The following table sets forth the Company’s classified assets at December 31, 2004.

 

     Loss

    Doubtful

    Substandard

    Special Mention

 
     Number
of
Loans


   Principal
Balance


    Number of
Loans


   Principal
Balance


    Number
of
Loans


   Principal
Balance


    Number of
Loans


   Principal
Balance


 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Real estate loans:

                                                    

One- to four-family

   —      $ —       —      $ —       15    $ 1,423     9    $ 465  

Multi-family and commercial real estate

   —        —       —        —       1      226     —        —    
    
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


Total real estate loans

   —        —       —        —       16      1,649     9      465  
    
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


Consumer loans:

                                                    

Home equity

   —        —       —        —       5      48     7      286  

Automobile

   —        —       —        —       3      30     —        —    

Other

   —        —       —        —       6      6     —        —    

Commercial loans

   —        —       —        —       2      11     —        —    
    
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


Total loans

   —      $ —       —      $ —       32    $ 1,744     16    $ 751  
    
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


Total loans in each category to total assets

          0.00 %          0.00 %          0.19 %          0.08 %

 

At December 31, 2004, classified assets represented 0.41% of total loans.

 

At December 31, 2004, the Company had one loan, included in the multi-family and commercial real estate category and classified as Substandard, with a balance of $226,000. The loan is secured by a first mortgage on a five-family owner-occupied dwelling located in Ludlow Massachusetts. As of December 31, 2004, the account was current and paid as agreed for three months. Currently, the borrower provides the Company with monthly financial statements and the Company actively monitors the properties’ vacancy rates.

 

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The following table sets forth the delinquencies in the Company’s loan portfolio as of the dates indicated.

 

     December 31, 2004

    December 31, 2003

 
     60-89 Days

    90 Days or More

    60-89 Days

    90 Days or More

 
    

Number

of

Loans


   Principal
Balance of
Loans


   

Number

of

Loans


   Principal
Balance
of Loans


   

Number

of

Loans


   Principal
Balance of
Loans


   

Number

of

Loans


   Principal
Balance of
Loans


 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

One- to four- family

   1    $ 52     4    $ 462     9    $ 619     3    $ 388  

Multi-family and commercial real estate

   —        —       —        —       1      230     —        —    

Home equity

   —        —       —        —       —        —       —        —    

Other consumer

   7      34     —        —       8      12     1      29  

Commercial

   —        —       1      4     —        —       —        —    
    
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


Total loans

   8    $ 86     5    $ 466     18    $ 861     4    $ 417  
    
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


Delinquent loans to total loans (1)

          0.01 %          0.08 %          0.17 %          0.08 %
     December 31, 2002

    December 31, 2001

 
     60-89 Days

    90 Days or More

    60-89 Days

    90 Days or More

 
    

Number

of

Loans


   Principal
Balance of
Loans


   

Number

of

Loans


   Principal
Balance
of Loans


    Number
of
Loans


   Principal
Balance of
Loans


    Number
of
Loans


   Principal
Balance of
Loans


 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

One- to four- family

   4    $ 285     11    $ 1,034     10    $ 771     4    $ 243  

Multi-family and commercial real estate

   1      126     —        —       1      21     —        —    

Home equity

   4      194     2      58     1      27     1      11  

Other consumer

   8      22     2      14     8      18     7      290  

Commercial

   —        —       —        —       —        —       1      12  
    
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


Total loans

   17    $ 627     15    $ 1,106     20    $ 837     13    $ 556  
    
  


 
  


 
  


 
  


Delinquent loans to total loans (1)

          0.13 %          0.23 %          0.19 %          0.13 %

 

     December 31, 2000

 
     60-89 Days

    90 Days or More

 
     Number
of
Loans


   Principal
Balance
of Loans


    Number
of
Loans


   Principal
Balance of
Loans


 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

One- to four- family

   1    $ 100     1    $ 4  

Multi-family and commercial real estate

   1      50     2      235  

Home equity

   2      70     1      22  

Other consumer

   6      11     —        —    

Commercial

   —        —       —        —    
    
  


 
  


Total loans

   10    $ 231     4    $ 261  
    
  


 
  


Delinquent loans to total loans (1)

          0.06 %          0.07 %

(1) Total loans includes gross loans, less unadvanced loan funds, plus net deferred loan costs.

 

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Non-performing Assets and Impaired Loans. The following table sets forth information regarding non-accrual loans and real estate owned (“REO”). Non-accrual loans increased $49,000 to $466,000 at December 31, 2004 compared to $417,000 at December 31, 2003. The Company generally ceases the accrual of interest on loans 90 days or more past due. All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on non-accrual is reversed against income. For the year ended December 31, 2004, interest income totaling $21,000 would have been recorded if the non-accrual loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period. The Company did not recognize interest income on non-accrual loans during the year ended December 31, 2004. The Company has adopted SFAS No. 114,,as amended by SFAS No. 118 “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan – Income Recognition and Disclosures.” At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had no recorded investment in impaired loans. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had no REO. When the Company acquires property through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure, it is initially recorded at the lower of the recorded investment in the corresponding loan or the fair value of the related assets at the date of foreclosure, less costs to sell. Thereafter, if there is a further deterioration in value, the Company provides for a specific allowance and charges operations for the diminution in value. The Company repossesses other assets, including automobiles, in satisfaction of delinquent loan balances. Upon repossession, the Company records the collateral at the lower of the remaining loan balance or the fair value of the related asset at the date of repossession, less costs to sell. At December 31, 2004, the Company had repossessed three automobiles with estimated fair values totaling $66,000.

 

     At December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Non-accrual loans:

                                        

Real estate:

                                        

One- to four- family

   $ 462     $ 388     $ 1,034     $ 243     $ 4  

Multi-family and commercial

     —         —         —         —         235  

Home equity

     —         —         58       11       22  

Other consumer

     —         29       14       290       —    

Commercial

     4       —         —         12       —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total

     466       417       1,106       556       261  

Real estate owned, net (1)

     —         —         —         —         61  

Other repossessed assets

     66       —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total nonperforming assets

     532       417       1,106       556       322  

Troubled debt restructurings

     —         —         —         —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Troubled debt restructurings and total nonperforming assets

   $ 532     $ 417     $ 1,106     $ 556     $ 322  
    


 


 


 


 


Total nonperforming loans and troubled debt restructurings as a percentage of total loans (2) (3)

     0.08 %     0.08 %     0.23 %     0.13 %     0.07 %

Total nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings as a percentage of total assets (3)

     0.06 %     0.05 %     0.16 %     0.08 %     0.05 %

(1) REO balances are shown net of related loss allowances.

 

(2) Total loans includes loans, less unadvanced loan funds, plus net deferred loan costs.

 

(3) Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans, REO and other repossessed assets. Nonperforming loans consist of all loans 90 days or more past due and other loans which have been identified by the Company as presenting uncertainty with respect to the collectibility of interest or principal.

 

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Allowance for Loan Losses Management prepares a loan loss sufficiency analysis on a quarterly basis. The allowance for loan losses is maintained through the provision for loan losses, which is charged to operations. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at an amount that management considers adequate to cover estimated losses in the loan portfolio based on management’s on-going evaluation of the risks inherent in the loan portfolio, consideration of local and regional trends in delinquency and impaired loans, the amount of charge-offs and recoveries, the volume of loans, changes in risk selection, credit concentrations, existing loan-to-value ratios, national and regional economies and the real estate market in the Company’s primary lending area. Management believes that the current allowance for loan losses is sufficient to cover losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. The Company’s loan loss allowance determinations also incorporate factors and analyses which consider the principal loss associated with the loan. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

 

The loan loss allowance consists of a specific allowance for impaired loans and a general allowance for all other loans. All loans are considered in the evaluation, whether on an individual or group basis. Changes in the balances of problem and impaired loans affect the specific reserve, while changes in volume and concentrations of current performing loans affect the general reserve and the allocation of the allowance of the loan losses among loan types.

 

The specific allowance incorporates the results of measuring impairment for specifically identified non-homogeneous problem loans. In accordance with SFAS No. 114, the specific allowance reduces the carrying amount of the impaired loans to their estimated fair value. A loan is recognized as impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all interest and principal payments due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. A loan is not deemed to be impaired if there is a short delay in receipt of payment or if, during a longer period of delay, the Company expects to collect all amounts due including interest accrued at the contractual rate during the period of delay. Impairment can be measured based on present value of the expected future principal and interest cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the Company may measure impairment based on a loan’s observable market price or the fair market value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. Larger groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment, such as residential real estate mortgages, home equity loans and consumer and installment loans are not included within the scope of SFAS No. 114.

 

The general allowance is calculated by applying reserve percentages to outstanding loans by type and inherent risk, excluding loans for which a specific allowance has been determined. As part of this analysis, each quarter management prepares an allowance for loan losses summary worksheet in which the loan portfolio is categorized by risk characteristics such as loan type and loan grade. Changes in the mix of loans and the internal loan grades affect the amount of the general allowance. In determining the reserve percentages to apply to each loan category, management considers historical losses, peer group comparisons, industry data and loss percentages used by banking regulators for similarly graded loans. Reserve percentages may be adjusted for qualitative factors that, in management’s judgment, affect the collectibility of the portfolio as of the evaluation date.

 

Performing loan loss reserve percentages are also based on actual losses for the previous three years adjusted for qualitative factors, such as new loan products, credit quality trends (including trends in non-performing loans expected to result from existing conditions), collateral values, loan volumes and concentrations and specific industry conditions within portfolio segments that exist at the balance sheet date. These factors are intended to reduce the difference between estimated and actual losses and are designed to be self-correcting. Similarly, by basing the current performing loan reserve percentages on loss experience over the prior three years, the methodology is designed to take the Company’s recent loss experience into account.

 

The Company’s allowance methodology has been applied on a consistent basis. Based on this methodology, the Company believes that it has established and maintained the allowance for loan losses at adequate levels. However, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary if economic, real estate, loan growth and portfolio diversification and other conditions differ substantially from the current operating environment, resulting in estimated and actual losses differing substantially.

 

The Company determines the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances. These determinations can be reviewed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and the Commissioner of Banks for the Massachusetts Department of Banking, which can order the establishment of additional specific or general loss allowances. The FDIC, in conjunction with the other federal banking agencies, maintains an interagency policy statement on the allowance for loan and lease losses. The policy statement provides guidance for financial institutions on both the responsibilities of management for the assessment and establishment of adequate allowances and guidance for banking agency examiners to use in determining the adequacy of general valuation guidelines. Generally, the policy statement recommends that institutions have effective systems and controls to identify, monitor and address asset quality problems; that management has analyzed all significant factors that affect the collectibility of the portfolio in a reasonable manner; and that management has established acceptable allowance evaluation processes that meet the objectives set forth in the policy statement. While the Company believes that it has established an adequate allowance for loan

 

13


Table of Contents

losses, there can be no assurance that regulators, in reviewing the Company’s loan portfolio, will not request the Company to materially increase its allowance for loan losses, thereby negatively affecting the Company’s financial condition and earnings.

 

The following table sets forth activity in the Company’s allowance for loan losses for the periods set forth in the table.

 

     At or for the Year Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period

   $ 3,280     $ 3,156     $ 2,701     $ 2,590     $ 2,309  

Charged-off loans:

                                        

Real estate

     —         6       —         —         —    

Consumer

     123       142       116       117       108  

Commercial

     —         —         12       5       —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total charged-off loans

     123       148       128       122       108  
    


 


 


 


 


Recoveries on loans previously charged-off:

                                        

Real estate

     —         23       39       13       52  

Consumer

     61       57       37       25       37  

Commercial

     60       19       5       —         —    
    


 


 


 


 


Total recoveries

     121       99       81       38       89  
    


 


 


 


 


Net loans charged-off

     2       49       47       84       19  

Provision for loan losses

     373       173       502       195       300  
    


 


 


 


 


Allowance for loan losses, end of period

   $ 3,651     $ 3,280     $ 3,156     $ 2,701     $ 2,590  
    


 


 


 


 


Net loans charged-off to average loans, net

     0.00 %     0.01 %     0.01 %     0.02 %     0.01 %

Allowance for loan losses to total loans (1)

     0.59 %     0.65 %     0.67 %     0.63 %     0.66 %

Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans and troubled debt restructuring (2)

     783.48 %     786.57 %     285.35 %     485.79 %     992.34 %

Net loans charged-off to allowance for loan losses

     0.05 %     1.49 %     1.49 %     3.11 %     0.73 %

Recoveries to charge-offs

     98.37 %     66.89 %     63.28 %     31.15 %     82.41 %

(1) Total loans includes loans, less unadvanced loan funds, plus net deferred loan costs.

 

(2) Nonperforming loans consist of all loans 90 days or more past due and other loans which have been identified by the Company as presenting uncertainty with respect to the collectibility of interest or principal.

 

14


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth the Company’s percent of allowance for loan losses to total allowances and the percent of loans to total loans in each of the categories listed at the dates indicated. Management believes that the allowance can be allocated by category only on an approximate basis. These allocations are not necessarily indicative of future losses and do not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in any other loan category.

 

     For Year Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
     Amount

   % of
Allowance
in each
Category
to Total
Allowance


    Percent
of Loans
in each
Category
to Total
Loans


    Amount

   % of
Allowance
in each
Category
to Total
Allowance


    Percent
of Loans
in each
Category
to Total
Loans


    Amount

   % of
Allowance
in each
Category
to Total
Allowance


    Percent
of Loans
in each
Category
to Total
Loans


 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Real estate loans

   $ 2,864    78.44 %   82.71 %   $ 2,494    76.03 %   79.38 %   $ 2,336    74.02 %   78.14 %

Consumer loans

     565    15.48 %   14.75 %     574    17.50 %   17.68 %     667    21.13 %   19.56 %

Commercial loans

     222    6.08 %   2.54 %     212    6.47 %   2.94 %     153    4.85 %   2.30 %
    

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

Total allowance for loan losses

   $ 3,651    100.00 %   100.00 %   $ 3,280    100.00 %   100.00 %   $ 3,156    100.00 %   100.00 %
    

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

     For Year Ended December 31,

 
     2001

    2000

 
     Amount

   % of
Allowance
in each
Category
to Total
Allowance


    Percent
of Loans
in each
Category
to Total
Loans


    Amount

   % of
Allowance
in each
Category
to Total
Allowance


    Percent
of Loans
in each
Category
to Total
Loans


 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Real estate loans

   $ 2,035    75.35 %   75.11 %   $ 1,827    70.54 %   74.34 %

Consumer loans

     573    21.21 %   22.53 %     665    25.68 %   24.43 %

Commercial loans

     93    3.44 %   2.36 %     98    3.78 %   1.23 %
    

  

 

 

  

 

Total allowance for loan losses

   $ 2,701    100.00 %   100.00 %   $ 2,590    100.00 %   100.00 %
    

  

 

 

  

 

 

15


Table of Contents

Investment Activities

 

The Board of Directors establishes the investment policy and procedures of the Company. It is the general policy of the Company that all investment transactions be conducted in a safe and sound manner. The Company’s investment policy further provides that investment decisions be based upon a thorough analysis of each proposed investment to determine its quality, inherent risks, fit within the Company’s overall asset/liability management objectives, the effect on the Company’s risk-based capital and prospects for yield and/or appreciation. While general investment strategies are developed and authorized by the Board of Directors, the execution of specific investment actions and the day-to-day oversight of the Company’s investment portfolio rests with the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer. These officers are authorized to execute investment transactions of up to $5 million without the prior approval of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors if such transactions are within the scope of the Company’s established investment policy. On a monthly basis, the Board of Directors reviews and evaluates all investment activities for safety and soundness, adherence to the Company’s investment policy and assurance that authority levels are maintained.

 

Generally accepted accounting principles require that securities be categorized as either “held to maturity,” “trading securities” or “available for sale,” based on management’s intent as to the ultimate disposition of each security. Debt securities may be classified as “held to maturity” and reported in financial statements at amortized cost only if the reporting entity has the positive intent and ability to hold those securities to maturity. Securities that might be sold in response to changes in market interest rates, changes in the security’s prepayment risk, increases in loan demand or other similar factors cannot be classified as “held to maturity.” Debt and equity securities held for current resale are classified as “trading securities.” These securities are reported at fair value, and unrealized gains and losses on the securities would be included in earnings. Debt and equity securities not classified as either “held to maturity” or “trading securities” are classified as “available for sale.” These securities are reported at fair value, and unrealized gains and losses on the securities are excluded from earnings and reported, net of deferred taxes, as a separate component of equity.

 

The Company generally invests in securities with funds not employed for loan origination activity, to maintain liquidity at levels deemed appropriate by management, to enhance profitability within overall asset/liability management objectives and to provide a degree of high credit quality assets to the balance sheet. The Company has no investments classified as trading or held to maturity at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2004, the Company’s available-for-sale securities portfolio totaled $242.1 million, or 26.4% of assets.

 

Trading Account Securities. During the quarter ended December 31, 2002, the Company reclassified its common and preferred stock portfolio, except for a $110,000 equity investment in a bank service provider, from “available-for-sale” to “trading.” The shift in the portfolio classification resulted in the recognition of an unrealized loss of $2.1 million, which was previously reflected on the balance sheet in equity capital as a component of comprehensive income. This reclassification reflected a shift in the Company’s equity investment strategy. Historically, the Company invested in common and preferred stock as a means of diversifying its investment portfolio and mitigating interest rate risk. As a result of the equity market declines, a portion of the Company’s equity portfolio experienced sizable declines and impairment. After an analysis of the portfolio and the specific securities that comprise the portfolio, management determined that a large portion of the securities in the portfolio no longer met the Company’s investment criteria. Therefore, management intended to capitalize on short-term fluctuations in price to reduce the common and preferred stock portfolio. The trading securities portfolio was liquidated during the year ended December 31, 2003 as a result of favorable market conditions. The Company recognized net gains of $608,000 from trading activities.

 

Equity Securities Available-for-Sale. In conjunction with the Company’s senior executive retirement plans, the Company has invested $5.3 million in various mutual funds. The Company also has a $115,000 equity investment in a bank service provider.

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities Available-for-Sale. The Company purchases mortgage-backed securities to (1) achieve positive interest rate spreads with minimal administrative expense and (2) lower its credit risk as a result of the guarantees provided by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Ginnie Mae. Mortgage-backed securities typically represent a participation interest in a pool of single-family or multi-family mortgages, although the Company focuses its investments on mortgage-backed securities backed by one- to four-family mortgages. The issuers of such securities pool and resell the participation interests in the form of securities to investors such as the Company and guarantee the payment of principal and interest to investors. Mortgage-backed securities generally yield less than the loans that underlie such securities because of the cost of payment guarantees and credit enhancements. However, mortgage-backed securities are usually more liquid than individual mortgage loans and may be used to collateralize specific liabilities and obligations of the Company.

 

At December 31, 2004, mortgage-backed securities totaled $177.1 million, or 19.3% of assets and 20.2% of interest earning assets, all of which are classified as available-for-sale. At December 31, 2004, all mortgage-backed securities, except for a $48,000

 

16


Table of Contents

investment in a Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (“REMIC”), were backed by fixed-rate loans. The mortgage-backed securities portfolio had a stated rate of 4.98% at December 31, 2004. Investments in mortgage-backed securities involve a risk that actual prepayments may differ from estimated prepayments over the life of the security, which may require adjustments to the amortization of any premium or accretion of any discount relating to such instruments, thereby changing the net yield on such securities. There is also reinvestment risk associated with the cash flows from such securities or if such securities are redeemed by the issuer. In addition, the market value of such securities may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates.

 

Other Debt Securities Available-for-Sale. The Company currently has a portfolio of other debt securities, consisting of U.S. agency, municipal and trust preferred securities. At December 31, 2004, the Company’s total investment in U.S. agency securities was $5.2 million, consisting of a bond issued and guaranteed by the Federal Home Loan Bank. This bond has a maturity of 1.4 years and a yield of 4.76%. At December 31, 2004, the Company had a municipal bond portfolio totaling $32.3 million with a weighted average tax equivalent yield of 6.83%. The Company invested in these bonds to capitalize on the favorable income tax treatment, attractive yields and spreads, call protection for six to ten years, significant insurance coverage and excellent credit ratings. At December 31, 2004, the Company had a trust preferred portfolio totaling $22.0 million and a yield of 7.7%. Trust preferred securities are corporate debt securities issued by bank and savings and loan holding companies. The maximum investment in the trust preferred securities of any one corporation cannot exceed 5% of capital.

 

The following table sets forth at the dates indicated information regarding the amortized cost and market values of the Company’s investment securities.

 

     At December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

     Amortized
Cost


  

Fair

Value


   Amortized
Cost


  

Fair

Value


   Amortized
Cost


  

Fair

Value


     (In Thousands)

Trading account securities:

                                         

Preferred stocks

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 4,647    $ 4,647

Common stocks

     —        —        —        —        11,637      11,637
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total trading account securities

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 16,284    $ 16,284
    

  

  

  

  

  

Available-for-sale securities:

                                         

Equity securities:

                                         

Mutual funds

   $ 5,189    $ 5,308    $ 5,054    $ 5,114    $ —      $ —  

Common stocks

     115      115      115      115      110      110
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total equity securities

     5,304      5,423      5,169      5,229      110      110
    

  

  

  

  

  

Debt securities:

                                         

Mortgage-backed:

                                         

Freddie Mac

     64,572      64,282      66,723      66,702      9,186      9,785

Fannie Mae

     106,971      108,169      100,987      102,855      45,541      49,045

Ginnie Mae

     4,458      4,643      8,088      8,428      18,459      19,153

REMIC

     47      48      80      80      4,466      4,590
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total mortgage-backed securities

     176,048      177,142      175,878      178,065      77,652      82,573
    

  

  

  

  

  

Other:

                                         

U.S. agency

     5,047      5,159      5,081      5,369      28,207      29,135

Municipal bonds

     31,332      32,346      21,442      22,277      21,454      21,950

Trust preferred

     20,022      21,980      20,151      22,436      19,885      21,538
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total other debt securities

     56,401      59,485      46,674      50,082      69,546      72,623
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total debt securities

     232,449      236,627      222,552      228,147      147,198      155,196
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total available-for-sale securities (1)

   $ 237,753    $ 242,050    $ 227,721    $ 233,376    $ 147,308    $ 155,306
    

  

  

  

  

  


(1) Does not include investments in FHLB-Boston stock totaling $17.3 million at December 31, 2004, $15.4 million at December 31, 2003 and $13.8 million at December 31, 2002.

 

17


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth the Company’s securities activities for the periods indicated. This table does not include FHLB stock held by the Company.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
     (In Thousands)  

Equity securities available for sale:

                        

Equity securities, beginning of period

   $ 5,229     $ 110     $ 16,436  
    


 


 


Purchases

     135       5,059       6,020  

Sales

     —         —         (4,010 )

Increase in unrealized gain

     59       60       34  

Transfer of common and preferred stocks to trading

     —         —         (18,370 )
    


 


 


Net increase (decrease) in equity securities

     194       5,119       (16,326 )
    


 


 


Equity securities, end of period

   $ 5,423     $ 5,229     $ 110  
    


 


 


Debt securities available-for-sale:

                        

Mortgage-backed:

                        

Mortgage-backed securities, beginning of period

   $ 178,065     $ 82,573     $ 113,895  
    


 


 


Purchases

     45,048       161,130       —    

Repayments and prepayments

     (43,988 )     (62,035 )     (33,278 )

Net (amortization) accretion

     (890 )     (870 )     16  

(Decrease) increase in unrealized gain

     (1,093 )     (2,733 )     1,940  
    


 


 


Net (decrease) increase in mortgage-backed securities

     (923 )     95,492       (31,322 )
    


 


 


Mortgage-backed securities, end of period

     177,142       178,065       82,573  
    


 


 


U.S. agencies:

                        

U.S. agency securities, beginning of period

     5,369       29,135       8,393  
    


 


 


Purchases

     —         —         20,721  

Maturities

     —         (2,503 )     —    

Sales

     —         (20,591 )     —    

Net amortization

     (34 )     (32 )     (458 )

(Decrease) increase in unrealized gain

     (176 )     (640 )     479  
    


 


 


Net (decrease) increase in U.S. agency securities

     (210 )     (23,766 )     20,742  
    


 


 


U.S. agency securities, end of period

     5,159       5,369       29,135  
    


 


 


Municipal bonds:

                        

Municipal bonds, beginning of period

     22,277       21,950       17,398  
    


 


 


Purchases

     9,905       —         3,126  

Net amortization

     (15 )     (12 )     (11 )

Increase in unrealized gain

     179       339       1,437  
    


 


 


Net increase in municipal bonds

     10,069       327       4,552  
    


 


 


Municipal bonds, end of period

     32,346       22,277       21,950  
    


 


 


Trust preferred securities:

                        

Trust preferred securities, beginning of period

     22,436       21,538       19,586  
    


 


 


Purchases

     —         4,484       4,241  

Repayments and prepayments

     (32 )     (44 )     —    

Sales

     —         (4,132 )     (3,968 )

Net (amortization) accretion

     (97 )     (41 )     12  

(Decrease) increase in unrealized gain

     (327 )     631       1,667  
    


 


 


Net increase in trust preferred securities

     (456 )     898       1,952  
    


 


 


Trust preferred securities, end of period

     21,980       22,436       21,538  
    


 


 


Total debt securities, end of period

   $ 236,627     $ 228,147     $ 155,196  
    


 


 


Trading account securities:

                        

Trading account securities, beginning of period

   $ —       $ 16,284     $ —    
    


 


 


Sales

     —         (16,386 )     —    

Mark to market adjustments

     —         102       —    

Transfer of common and preferred stocks to trading

     —         —         18,370  

Recognition of unrealized loss associated with reclassification of common and preferred stocks to trading from available for sale

     —         —         (2,086 )
    


 


 


Net (decrease) increase in trading account securities

     —         (16,284 )     16,284  
    


 


 


Trading account securities, end of period

   $ —       $ —       $ 16,284  
    


 


 


 

18


Table of Contents

The table below sets forth information regarding the carrying value, weighted average yields and contractual maturities of the Company’s securities portfolio as of December 31, 2004.

 

     Less than One Year

  

More than One Year

to Five Years


    More than Five Years
to Ten Years


   

More than Ten

Years


    Total

 
     Carrying
Value


  

Weighted

Average
Yield


   Carrying
Value


   Weighted
Average
Yield


    Carrying
Value


   Weighted
Average
Yield


    Carrying
Value


   Weighted
Average
Yield


    Carrying
Value


   Weighted
Average
Yield


 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Available-for-sale securities:

                                                                

Debt securities:

                                                                

Mortgage-backed securities:

                                                                

Freddie Mac

   $  —      —      $ 10,214    3.68 %   $ 29,360    4.04 %   $ 24,708    4.57 %   $ 64,282    4.19 %

Fannie Mae

     —      —        16,083    7.43 %     42,703    4.31 %     49,383    4.55 %     108,169    4.88 %

Ginnie Mae

     —      —        —      —         —      —         4,643    6.41 %     4,643    6.41 %

REMICS

     —      —        —      —         —      —         48    3.04 %     48    3.04 %
    

       

        

        

        

      

Total mortgage-backed securities

     —      —        26,297    5.97 %     72,063    4.20 %     78,782    4.67 %     177,142    4.67 %

Other securities:

                                                                

U.S. agency

     —      —        5,159    4.76 %     —      —         —      —         5,159    4.76 %

Municipal bonds (1)

     —      —        —      —         —      —         32,346    6.83 %     32,346    6.83 %

Trust preferreds

     —      —        —      —         —      —         21,980    7.70 %     21,980    7.70 %
    

       

        

        

        

      

Total other debt securities

     —      —        5,159    4.76 %     —      —         54,326    7.18 %     59,485    6.97 %
    

       

        

        

        

      

Total debt securities

     —      —        31,456    5.78 %     72,063    4.20 %     133,108    5.69 %     236,627    5.25 %

Equity securities:

                                                                

Mutual funds

     —      —        —      —         —      —         —      —         5,308    —    

Common stocks

     —      —        —      —         —      —         —      —         115    —    
    

       

        

        

        

      

Total equity securities

     —      —        —      —         —      —         —      —         5,423    —    
    

       

        

        

        

      

Total available-for-sale securities (2)

   $ —           $ 31,456          $ 72,063          $ 133,108          $ 242,050       
    

       

        

        

        

      

(1) The yield on municipal bonds is presented in this table on a tax equivalent basis using a tax rate of 34%. The book yield for these instruments is 4.50%.

 

(2) Does not include $17.3 million of FHLB stock held by the Company.

 

Sources of Funds

 

General. Deposits, repayments and prepayments of loans, cash flows generated from operations and FHLB advances are the primary sources of the Company’s funds for use in lending, investing and for other general purposes.

 

Deposits. The Company offers a variety of consumer and commercial deposit accounts with a range of interest rates and terms. The Company’s deposit accounts consist of savings, retail checking/NOW accounts, commercial checking accounts, money market accounts, certificate of deposit accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts and other qualified retirement plan accounts. The Company also offers relationship-banking packages which reward customers for choosing Woronoco Savings Bank as their primary bank by offering preferred rates on deposits, free or reduced fees on products and services and other value-added benefits. The Company from time to time offers certificate of deposit accounts with balances in excess of $100,000 (jumbo certificates) and certificate of deposit accounts with special rates. The Company also utilizes brokered certificates of deposits as an alternative source of funds.

 

        At December 31, 2004, the Company’s deposits totaled $477.9 million, or 57.1% of total liabilities. The Company had a total of $124.5 million in retail certificates of deposit at December 31, 2004, including $94.3 million scheduled to mature in less than one year. At December 31, 2004 core deposits, consisting of savings, NOW, money market and demand accounts, represented approximately 54.0% of total deposits, retail certificates of deposits accounts represented 26.1% of total deposits and brokered certificates of deposits represented 19.9% of total deposits. At December 31, 2003, the Company’s deposits totaled $419.5 million, or 58.5% of total liabilities. The Company had a total of $134.4 million in retail certificates of deposit at December 31, 2003, including $95.7 million scheduled to mature in less than one year. At December 31, 2003 core deposits, consisting of savings, NOW, money market and demand accounts, represented approximately 55.5% of total deposits, retail certificates of deposits accounts represented 32.0% of total deposits and brokered certificates of deposits represented 12.5% of total deposits. Although a significant portion of the Company’s deposits are in core deposits, management monitors activity in this category and, based on historical experience and the Company’s current pricing strategy, believes it will continue to retain a large portion of such accounts. The Company is not limited with respect to the rates it may offer on deposit products.

 

The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in money market rates, prevailing interest rates and competition. The Company’s deposits are obtained predominantly from the areas in which its banking offices are located. The Company relies primarily on customer service, advertising, long-standing relationships with customers and relationship banking packages to attract and retain these deposits; however, market interest rates and rates offered by competing financial

 

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institutions affect the Company’s ability to attract and retain deposits. The Company uses traditional means of advertising its deposit products, including radio and print media. The Company also uses its website to attract deposits. While certificate accounts in excess of $100,000 are accepted by the Company, and may receive special rates, the Company does not actively solicit jumbo certificates as these accounts are more difficult to retain than core deposits. All Massachusetts savings banks are required to be members of the Deposit Insurance Fund, a private deposit insurer, which insures all deposits in member banks in excess of FDIC deposit insurance limits. Member banks are required to pay the assessments of the Fund.

 

The following table presents the deposit activity of the Company for the periods indicated.

 

     For the Year Ended December 31,

 
     2004

   2003

    2002

 
     (In Thousands)  

Increase before interest credited and effect of branch sales

   $ 51,447    $ 45,729     $ 34,383  

Sale of supermarket branch deposits

     —        (4,256 )     (8,929 )

Interest credited (1)

     6,935      7,350       9,136  
    

  


 


Net increase

   $ 58,382    $ 48,823     $ 34,590  
    

  


 



(1) Does not include escrow interest credited of $14,000, $12,000 and $12,000 for the periods ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2004, the Company had $28.2 million in retail certificate accounts in amounts of $100,000 or more, maturing as follows:

 

Maturity Period


   Amount

   Weighted
Average
Rate


 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Three months or less

   $ 7,410    2.50 %

Over three through six months

     5,455    2.26 %

Over six through 12 months

     9,341    2.91 %

Over 12 months

     5,992    2.81 %
    

      

Total

   $ 28,198    2.66 %
    

      

 

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The following table sets forth the distribution of the Company’s deposit accounts for the periods indicated.

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
     Balance

   Percent
of Total
Deposits


    Balance

   Percent
of Total
Deposits


    Balance

   Percent
of Total
Deposits


 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Demand

   $ 33,251    6.95 %   $ 28,121    6.70 %   $ 22,388    6.04 %

Savings

     86,535    18.11 %     83,768    19.97 %     77,120    20.81 %

Money market

     78,108    16.35 %     60,179    14.35 %     47,500    12.82 %

NOW

     60,333    12.63 %     60,802    14.49 %     66,944    18.06 %

Brokered deposits

     95,084    19.90 %     52,232    12.45 %     43,205    11.66 %

Certificates of deposit

     124,544    26.06 %     134,371    32.04 %     113,493    30.61 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

Total deposits

   $ 477,855    100.00 %   $ 419,473    100.00 %   $ 370,650    100.00 %
    

  

 

  

 

  

 

The following table presents by various rate categories, the amount of certificate accounts, including brokered certificates, outstanding at the dates indicated and the periods to maturity of the certificate accounts outstanding at December 31, 2004.

 

     Period to Maturity from December 31, 2004

    
     Less
than
One
Year


   One
to
Two
Years


   Two
to
Three
Years


   Over
Three
Years


   Total at
December
31, 2004


   At December 31,

                  2003

   2002

     (Dollars in Thousands)

Certificate accounts:

                                                

0 to 4.00%

   $ 112,256    $ 36,571    $ 15,215    $ 9,872    $ 173,914    $ 139,467    $ 98,612

4.01% to 5.00%

     13,152      225      4,879      12,564      30,820      38,093      24,930

5.01% to 6.00%

     6,235      —        8,659      —        14,894      9,043      33,156
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 131,643    $ 36,796    $ 28,753    $ 22,436    $ 219,628    $ 186,603    $ 156,698
    

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Borrowed Funds. As part of its operating strategy, the Company utilizes advances from the FHLB as an alternative to retail deposits to fund its operations. By utilizing FHLB advances, which possess varying stated maturities, the Company can meet its liquidity needs without otherwise being dependent upon retail deposits, which have no stated maturities (except for certificates of deposit), are interest rate sensitive and may be withdrawn from the Company at any time. These FHLB advances are collateralized primarily by the Company’s first mortgage loans on owner-occupied residential property and mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and secondarily by the Company’s investment in capital stock of the FHLB. FHLB advances are made under several different credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities. Certain advances are callable at the option of the FHLB in 2005 and 2006. At December 31, 2004, the Company had $343.8 million in outstanding advances from the FHLB compared to $280.6 million at December 31, 2003. The Company has additional borrowing capacity of $114.3 million at December 31, 2004. The maximum amount that the FHLB will advance to member institutions, including the Company, fluctuates from time-to-time in accordance with the policies of the FHLB. The Company also utilizes repurchase agreements for funding purposes.

 

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The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s FHLB advances at or for the periods ended on the dates indicated:

 

     At or For the Year Ended
December 31,


 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

FHLB advances:

                        

Average balance outstanding

   $ 316,388     $ 269,466     $ 254,138  
    


 


 


Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the period

   $ 343,798     $ 306,372     $ 264,000  
    


 


 


Balance outstanding at end of period

   $ 343,798     $ 280,598     $ 253,000  
    


 


 


Weighted average interest rate during the period

     4.06 %     4.63 %     4.97 %
    


 


 


Weighted average interest rate at end of period

     3.98 %     4.15 %     4.92 %
    


 


 


 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances in the amount of $131.3 million, $32.0 million, $56.0 million mature within one year at a weighted average rate of 4.08%, 1.29% and 3.96% at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Bank also has an available line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLB”) at an interest rate that adjusts daily. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, there were no amounts outstanding on this line of credit. Borrowings under the line are limited to 2% of the Bank’s total assets.

 

The Bank also maintains a line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Commercial loans with a principal balance of $11.9 million, $1.5 million and $1.9 million were pledged at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, as security for this line of credit. In addition, the Bank pledged municipal securities with a total amortized cost of $26.0 million and a market value of $27.0 million at December 31, 2004. The Bank had no securities pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank at December 31, 2003 and 2002 under this line of credit. No amounts were outstanding as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 under this line of credit.

 

Financial Services

 

The Company offers a variety of non-deposit investment products and services to individuals through its partnership with Infinex Financial Group and Infinex Insurance Agency. These financial products and services are offered through a Financial Services Consultant, who receives compensation from the Bank based upon volume of sales. The Company receives commission income from a profit sharing arrangement it has with Infinex. The Company offers stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, permanent life insurance, term life insurance, long term care insurance, and disability insurance to its customers. All products are recommended and sold only by qualified and licensed personnel.

 

While the Company retained its trust powers, its focus has shifted to growing the investment management services portion of its business through the promotion of non-deposit products and services available through Infinex. At December 31, 2004, the Financial Services Department (including all trust and investment management services accounts) was managing 339 accounts with assets of $21.3 million, in aggregate, of which the largest relationship totaled $3.4 million, or 16.0% of the Financial Services Departments total assets at December 31, 2004.

 

Subsidiary Activities

 

The Bank has five wholly-owned subsidiaries, each of which is chartered in Massachusetts. Walshingham Enterprises, Inc. was established in July 1983 to acquire and hold other real estate owned. Woronoco Security Corporation was established in November 1996 to acquire and hold investment securities of a type that are permissible for banks to hold under applicable law. Court Street Security Corporation and Little River Security Corporation were established in 1999 for the same purpose. Woronoco Security Corporation, Court Street Security Corporation and Little River Security Corporation qualify as “securities corporations” for Massachusetts tax purposes. Income earned by a qualifying securities corporation is generally entitled to special Massachusetts income tax treatment. Woronoco Insurance Group, Inc. was established in 2000 to offer a complete line of property and casualty

 

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Table of Contents

insurance and various life insurance and group life products and services. The results of operations of all of the Bank’s subsidiaries are consolidated in the results and operations of the Company.

 

Woronoco Bancorp is the parent company for WRO Funding Corporation. WRO Funding Corporation was incorporated in Massachusetts in 1999. WRO Funding Corporation provided a loan of $4.6 million to the Woronoco Savings Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust, which was used to purchase 8%, or 479,908 shares, of the Company’s outstanding common stock in the open market.

 

Segment Reporting

 

The Company offers a complete line of property and casualty insurance and various life insurance and group life products and services through Woronoco Insurance Group, Inc. Woronoco Insurance Group has a team of licensed insurance brokers operating at its two full service insurance offices in Westfield and Longmeadow. The Company entered into the insurance business in 2000, with the purchase of Agan Insurance Agency, Inc., in an effort to offer a full array of risk management products and services and to develop full relationships with customers. The Company acquired the net assets of Keyes & Mattson Insurance Agency, Inc. in November 2001 and Colton Insurance Agency, Inc. in September 2004.

 

Prior to the acquisitions of the Agan, Keyes and Mattson and Colton insurance agencies, the Company’s chief decision-makers monitored the revenue streams of the various products and services, while the Company’s operations were managed and financial performance was evaluated on a company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the Company’s operations were considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment. Subsequent to the acquisitions of the insurance agencies, the Company’s operations continue to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment, except for Woronoco Insurance Group, Inc., which is evaluated on a stand-alone basis.

 

Information about reportable segments, and reconciliation of such information to the consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, follows (in thousands):

 

     Banking

   Insurance

   

Intersegment

Elimination


    Consolidated
Totals


2004

                             

Net interest and dividend income

   $ 20,988    $ —       $ —       $ 20,988

Other revenue - external customers

     4,259      1,479       —         5,738

Other revenue - from other segments

     —        9       (9 )     —  

Depreciation and amortization

     892      42       —         934

Provision for loan losses

     373      —         —         373

Profit (loss)

     2,505      83       (5 )     2,583

Assets

     914,742      3,787       (234 )     918,295

2003

                             

Net interest and dividend income

   $ 20,059    $ —       $ —       $ 20,059

Other revenue - external customers

     3,596      1,256       —         4,852

Other revenue - from other segments

     —        6       (5 )     1

Depreciation and amortization

     929      32       —         961

Provision for loan losses

     173      —         —         173

Profit (loss)

     6,172      118       (3 )     6,287

Assets

     794,082      2,558       (588 )     796,052

2002

                             

Net interest and dividend income

   $ 20,890    $ —       $ —       $ 20,890

Other revenue - external customers

     2,689      814       —         3,503

Other revenue - from other segments

     —        4       (4 )     —  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,034      34       —         1,068

Provision for loan losses

     502      —         —         502

Profit (loss)

     5,039      (114 )     (3 )     4,922

Assets

     703,634      2,382       (380 )     705,636

 

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Table of Contents

Employees

 

The Company had approximately 176 full-time equivalent employees as of December 31, 2004.

 

Regulation and Supervision

 

General

 

As a savings and loan holding company, the Company is required to file reports with, and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations, of the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”). As a savings bank chartered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Bank is subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, as its primary regulator, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, as the deposit insurer. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System and, with respect to deposit insurance, of the Bank Insurance Fund managed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Bank must file reports with the Commissioner and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation concerning its activities and financial condition in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other savings institutions. The Commissioner and/or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation conduct periodic examinations to test the Bank’s safety and soundness and compliance with various regulatory requirements. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution can engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Any change in such regulatory requirements and policies, whether by the Commissioner, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the Company, the Bank and their operations. Certain regulatory requirements applicable to the Bank and to the Company are referred to below or elsewhere herein. The description of statutory provisions and regulations applicable to savings institutions and their holding companies set forth in this Form 10-K does not purport to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on the Bank and the Company.

 

Massachusetts Banking Laws and Supervision

 

Massachusetts savings banks are regulated and supervised by the Commissioner. The Commissioner is required to regularly examine each state-chartered bank. The approval of the Commissioner is required to establish or close branches, to merge with another bank, to form a holding company, to issue stock or to undertake many other activities. Any Massachusetts bank that does not operate in accordance with the regulations, policies and directives of the Commissioner may be sanctioned. The Commissioner may suspend or remove directors or officers of a bank who have violated the law, conducted a bank’s business in a manner that is unsafe, unsound or contrary to the depositors’ interests, or been negligent in the performance of their duties. In addition, the Commissioner has the authority to appoint a receiver or conservator if it is determined that the bank is conducting its business in an unsafe or unauthorized manner and under certain other circumstances.

 

All Massachusetts-chartered savings banks are required to be members of the Deposit Insurance Fund, a private deposit insurer, which insures all deposits in member banks in excess of FDIC deposit insurance limits. Member banks are required to pay the assessments of the Fund. In addition, the Mutual Savings Central Fund acts as a source of liquidity to its members in supplying them with low-cost funds, and purchasing qualifying obligations from them.

 

The powers that Massachusetts-chartered savings banks can exercise under these laws are summarized below.

 

Payment of Dividends. A savings bank may only pay dividends on its capital stock if such payment would not impair the bank’s capital stock. No dividends may be paid to stockholders of a bank if such dividends would reduce stockholders’ equity of the bank below the amount of the liquidation account required by the Massachusetts conversion regulations.

 

Lending Activities. A Massachusetts-chartered savings bank may make a wide variety of mortgage loans. Fixed-rate loans, adjustable-rate loans, variable-rate loans, participation loans, graduated payment loans, construction and development loans, condominium and co-operative loans, second mortgage loans and other types of loans may be made in accordance with applicable regulations. Commercial loans may be made to corporations and other commercial enterprises with or without security. Consumer and personal loans may also be made with or without security. Loans to individual borrowers generally must be limited to 20% of the total of a bank’s capital accounts and stockholders’ equity. A savings bank may lend additional amounts up to 100% of the savings bank’s earnings account if secured by collateral meeting the requirements of Massachusetts banking laws.

 

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Table of Contents

Investments Authorized. Massachusetts-chartered savings banks have broad investment powers under Massachusetts law, including so-called “leeway” authority for investments that are not otherwise specifically authorized. The investment powers authorized under Massachusetts law are restricted by federal law to permit, in general, only investments of the kinds that would be permitted for national banks. The Bank has authority to invest in all of the classes of loans and investments that are permitted by its existing loan and investment policies.

 

Parity Regulation. A Massachusetts bank may engage in any activity or offer any product or service if the activity, product or service is engaged in or offered in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and has been authorized for national banks, federal thrifts or state banks in a state other than Massachusetts; provided that the activity is permissible under applicable federal and Massachusetts law and subject to the same limitations and restrictions imposed on the national bank, federal thrift or out-of-state bank that had previously been granted the power.

 

Assessments. Savings banks are required to pay assessments to the Commissioner to fund operations. Assessments paid by the Bank for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 totaled $59,068.

 

Loans to Executives. Massachusetts banking laws limit the amount of credit a savings bank may extend to its officers, directors or trustees. Such loans must receive the prior approval of the savings bank’s board of directors.

 

Federal Regulations

 

Capital Requirements. Under FDIC regulations, federally insured state-chartered banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve System (“state non-member banks”), such as the Bank, are required to comply with minimum leverage capital requirements. For an institution determined by the FDIC to not be anticipating or experiencing significant growth and to be in general a strong banking organization, rated composite 1 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System (the “Rating System”) established by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council, the minimum capital leverage requirement is a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total assets of 3%. For all other institutions, the minimum leverage capital ratio is not less than 4%. Tier 1 capital is the sum of common stockholders’ equity, noncumulative perpetual preferred stock (including any related surplus) and minority investments in certain subsidiaries, less intangible assets (except for certain servicing rights and credit card relationships) and a percentage of certain nonfinancial equity investments.

 

The Bank must also comply with FDIC risk-based capital guidelines. The FDIC guidelines require state non-member banks to maintain certain levels of regulatory capital in relation to regulatory risk-weighted assets. The ratio of regulatory capital to regulatory risk-weighted assets is referred to as the Bank’s “risk-based capital ratio.” Risk-based capital ratios are determined by allocating assets and specified off-balance sheet items to four risk-weighted categories ranging from 0% to 100%, with higher levels of capital being required for the categories perceived as representing greater risk. For example, under the FDIC’s risk-weighting system, cash and securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government are given a 0% risk weight, loans secured by one- to four-family residential properties generally have a 50% risk weight and commercial loans have a risk weighting of 100%.

 

State non-member banks must maintain a minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8%, of which at least one-half must be Tier 1 capital. Total capital consists of Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 or supplementary capital items, which include allowances for loan losses in an amount of up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, cumulative preferred stock, a portion of the net unrealized gain on equity securities and other capital instruments. The includable amount of Tier 2 capital cannot exceed the amount of the institution’s Tier 1 capital.

 

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (“FDICIA”) required each federal banking agency to revise its risk-based capital standards for insured institutions to ensure that those standards take adequate account of interest-rate risk, concentration of credit risk, and the risk of nontraditional activities, as well as to reflect the actual performance and expected risk of loss on multi-family residential loans. The FDIC, along with the other federal banking agencies, has adopted a regulation providing that the agencies will take into account the exposure of a bank’s capital and economic value to changes in interest rate risk in assessing a bank’s capital adequacy. Banks with specified amounts of trading activity may be subject to adjustments to its risk-based capital requirement to ensure adequate capital to support market risk.

 

As a savings and loan holding company regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision, the Company is not, under current law, subject to any separate regulatory capital requirements.

 

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Table of Contents

The following is a summary of the Bank’s regulatory capital at December 31, 2004:

 

GAAP Capital to Total Assets

   8.02 %

Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets

   12.96 %

Tier I Leverage Ratio

   7.54 %

Tier I to Risk-Weighted Assets

   12.28 %

 

Standards for Safety and Soundness. The federal banking agencies adopted regulations and Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness (the “Guidelines”) to implement safety and soundness standards. The Guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the Guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard.

 

Investment Activities

 

Under federal law, all state-chartered FDIC insured banks, including savings banks, have generally been limited to activities such as principal and equity investments of the type and in the amount authorized for national banks, notwithstanding state law. The FDIC and FDICIA permit certain exceptions to these limitations. For example, state chartered banks, such as the Bank, may, with FDIC approval, continue to exercise grandfathered state authority to invest in common or preferred stocks listed on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq National Market and in the shares of an investment company registered under federal law. In addition, the FDIC is authorized to permit such institutions to engage in state authorized activities or investments that do not meet this standard (other than non-subsidiary equity investments) for institutions that meet all applicable capital requirements if it is determined that such activities or investments do not pose a significant risk to the BIF. All non-subsidiary equity investments, unless otherwise authorized or approved by the FDIC, must have been divested by December 19, 1996, under a FDIC-approved divestiture plan, unless such investments were grandfathered by the FDIC. The Bank received grandfathering authority from the FDIC in February 1993 to invest in listed stocks and/or registered shares. The maximum permissible investment was 100% of Tier 1 capital, as specified by the FDIC’s regulations, or the maximum amount permitted by Massachusetts Banking Law, whichever is less. Such grandfathering authority may be terminated upon the FDIC’s determination that such investments pose a safety and soundness risk to the Bank or if the Bank converts its charter, other than a mutual to stock conversion, or undergoes a change in control. As of December 31, 2004, the Bank had no securities held under such grandfathering authority. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 requires that any state bank which invests in a subsidiary that engages in activities only permissible for a “financial subsidiary” of a national bank must meet certain conditions, including being well-capitalized and deducting such investment for regulatory capital purposes.

 

Interstate Banking and Branching

 

Beginning June 1, 1997, the Interstate Banking Act permitted the responsible federal banking agencies to approve merger transactions between banks located in different states, regardless of whether the merger would be prohibited under the law of the two states. The Interstate Banking Act also permitted a state to “opt in” to the provisions of the Interstate Banking Act before June 1, 1997, and permitted a state to “opt out” of the provisions of the Interstate Banking Act by adopting appropriate legislation before that date. Accordingly, beginning June 1, 1997, the Interstate Banking Act permitted a bank, such as the Bank, to acquire an institution by merger in a state other than Massachusetts unless the other state had opted out of the Interstate Banking Act. The Interstate Banking Act also authorizes de novo branching into another state if the host state enacts a law expressly permitting out of state banks to establish such branches within its borders.

 

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action

 

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

 

The FDIC has adopted regulations to implement the prompt corrective action legislation. An institution is deemed to be “well capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% or greater and a leverage ratio of 5% or greater. An institution is “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4% or greater and generally a leverage ratio of 4% or greater. An institution is “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4%, or generally a leverage ratio of less than 4% (3% or less for institutions with the highest examination rating). An institution is deemed to be “significantly

 

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undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 3%, or a leverage ratio of less than 3%. An institution is considered to be “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets that is equal to or less than 2%. As of December 31, 2004, the Bank was a “well capitalized” institution.

 

“Undercapitalized” banks must adhere to growth, capital distribution (including dividend) and other limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. No savings bank may pay a dividend that would cause it to be “undercapitalized.” A bank’s compliance with such plan is required to be guaranteed by any company that controls the undercapitalized institution in an amount equal to the lesser of 5% of the institution’s total assets when deemed undercapitalized or the amount necessary to achieve the status of adequately capitalized. If an “undercapitalized” bank fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.” “Significantly undercapitalized” banks must comply with one or more of a number of additional restrictions, including but not limited to an order by the FDIC to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets and cease receipt of deposits from correspondent banks or dismiss directors or officers, and restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits, compensation of executive officers and capital distributions by the parent holding company. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions must comply with additional sanctions including, under to a narrow exception, the appointment of a receiver or conservator within 270 days after it obtains such status.

 

Transactions with Affiliates

 

Under current federal laws, transactions between depository institutions and their affiliates are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. In a holding company context, at a minimum, the parent holding company of a savings institution and any companies which are controlled by such parent holding company are affiliates of the savings institution. Generally, Section 23A limits the extent to which a savings bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to 10% of such savings bank’s capital stock and surplus, and contains an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to 20% of capital stock and surplus. The term “covered transaction” includes, among other things, the making of loans or other extensions of credit to an affiliate and the purchase of assets from an affiliate. Section 23A also establishes specific collateral requirements for loans or extensions of credit to, or guarantees, acceptances on letters of credit issued on behalf of an affiliate. Section 23B requires that covered transactions and a broad list of other specified transactions be on terms substantially the same, or no less favorable, to the savings institution or its subsidiary as similar transactions with nonaffiliates.

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 generally prohibits loans by the Bank to its executive officers and directors. However, there is an exemption for loans by the Bank to its executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking laws. Federal law restricts an institution with respect to loans to directors, executive officers, and principal stockholders (“insiders”). Loans to insiders and their related interests may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such persons and affiliated entities, the institution’s total capital and surplus. Loans to insiders above specified amounts must receive the prior approval of the board of directors. Further, loans to directors, executive officers and principal shareholders must be made on terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other persons, except that such insiders may receive preferential loans made under a benefit or compensation program that is widely available to the Bank’s employees and does not give preference to the insider over the employees. Federal law places additional limitations on loans to executive officers.

 

Enforcement

 

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

 

The FDIC has authority under federal law to appoint a conservator or receiver for an insured bank under limited circumstances. The FDIC is required, with certain exceptions, to appoint a receiver or conservator for an insured state non-member bank if that bank was “critically undercapitalized” on average during the calendar quarter beginning 270 days after the date on which the institution became “critically undercapitalized.” See “—Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action.” The FDIC may also appoint itself as conservator or receiver for an insured state non-member institution under specific circumstances on the basis of the institution’s financial condition or upon the occurrence of other events, including: (1) insolvency; (2) substantial dissipation of assets or earnings through violations of law or unsafe or unsound practices; (3) existence of an unsafe or unsound condition to transact business; and (4) insufficient capital, or the incurring of losses that will deplete substantially all of the institution’s capital with no reasonable prospect of replenishment without federal assistance.

 

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Insurance of Deposit Accounts

 

The FDIC has adopted a risk-based insurance assessment system. The FDIC assigns an institution to one of three capital categories based on the institution’s financial information consisting of (1) well capitalized, (2) adequately capitalized or (3) undercapitalized, and one of three supervisory subcategories within each capital group. The supervisory subgroup to which an institution is assigned is based on a supervisory evaluation provided to the FDIC by the institution’s primary federal regulator and information which the FDIC determines to be relevant to the institution’s financial condition and the risk posed to the deposit insurance funds. An institution’s assessment rate depends on the capital category and supervisory category to which it is assigned. Assessment rates for insurance fund deposits currently range from 0 basis points for the strongest institution to 27 basis points for the weakest. Bank Insurance Fund members are also required to assist in the repayment of bonds issued by the Financing Corporation in the late 1980s to recapitalize the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. Effective January 1, 2000, full pro rata sharing of the payments between Bank Insurance Fund and Savings Association Insurance Fund members commenced. The FDIC is authorized to raise the assessment rates. The FDIC has exercised this authority several times in the past and may raise insurance premiums in the future. If the FDIC takes such action, it could have an adverse effect on the earnings of the Bank.

 

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

 

The Bank, as a member of the Depositor Insurance Fund, is also subject to its assessments. See “- Massachusetts Banking Laws and Supervision.”

 

Federal Reserve System

 

The Federal Reserve Board regulations require depository institutions to maintain non-interest-earning reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily NOW and regular checking accounts). The Federal Reserve Board regulations generally require that reserves be maintained against aggregate transaction accounts as follows: for that portion of transaction accounts aggregating $47.6 million or less (which may be adjusted by the Federal Reserve Board) the reserve requirement is 3%; and for amounts greater than $47.6 million, the reserve requirement is 10% (which may be adjusted by the Federal Reserve Board between 8% and 14%) against that portion of total transaction accounts in excess of $47.6 million. The first $7.0 million of otherwise reservable balances (which may be adjusted by the Federal Reserve Board) are exempted from the reserve requirements. The Bank is in compliance with the foregoing requirements.

 

Community Reinvestment Act

 

Under the Community Reinvestment Act, as implemented by FDIC regulations, a state non-member bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with its safe and sound operation to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. The Community Reinvestment Act neither establishes specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor limits an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community. The Community Reinvestment Act requires the FDIC, in connection with its examination of an institution, to assess the institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to consider such record when it evaluates applications made by such institution. The Community Reinvestment Act requires public disclosure of an institution’s Community Reinvestment Act rating. The Bank’s latest Community Reinvestment Act rating received from the FDIC was “Satisfactory.”

 

The Bank is also subject to similar obligations under Massachusetts law, which has an additional CRA rating category. The Massachusetts Community Reinvestment Act requires the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner to consider a bank’s Massachusetts Community Reinvestment Act rating when reviewing a bank’s application to engage in certain transactions, including mergers, asset purchases and the establishment of branch offices or automated teller machines, and provides that such assessment may serve as a basis for the denial of such application. As of March 30, 2005, banks which have been assigned a rating of “outstanding” or “high satisfactory” performance in meeting community needs are eligible for an alternative community reinvestment examination procedure, which seeks to effect cost reductions for banks. The Bank’s latest Massachusetts Community Reinvestment Act rating received from the Massachusetts Division of Banks was “High Satisfactory.”

 

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Federal Home Loan Bank System

 

The Bank is a member of the FHLB System, which consists of 12 regional FHLBs. The FHLB provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. The Bank, as a member of the FHLB, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB in an amount equal to at least 1% of the aggregate principal amount of its unpaid residential mortgage loans and similar obligations at the beginning of each year, or 1/20 of its advances (borrowings) from the FHLB, whichever is greater. The Bank was in compliance with this requirement with an investment in FHLB stock at December 31, 2004 of $17.3 million. At December 31, 2004, the Bank had $343.8 million in FHLB advances.

 

Holding Company Regulation

 

Federal law allows a state savings bank that qualifies as a “qualified thrift lender” (“QTL”), discussed below, to elect to be treated as a savings association for purposes of the savings and loan holding company provisions of federal law. Such election results in its holding company being regulated as a savings and loan holding company by the OTS rather than as a bank holding company by the Federal Reserve Board. The Bank has made such election and the Company is a non-diversified unitary savings and loan holding company within the meaning of federal law. As such, the Company is registered with the OTS and must adhere to the OTS’ regulations and reporting requirements. In addition, the OTS may examine and supervise the Company and the OTS has enforcement authority over the Company and its non-savings institution subsidiaries. Among other things, this authority permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the subsidiary savings institution. Additionally, the Bank is required to notify the OTS at least 30 days before declaring any dividend to the Company. By regulation, the OTS may restrict or prohibit the Bank from paying dividends.

 

As a unitary savings and loan holding company, the Company is generally not restricted under existing laws as to the types of business activities in which it may engage. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 expanded the authority of bank holding companies to affiliate with other financial services companies such as insurance companies and investment banking companies. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, however, provided that unitary savings and loan holding companies may only engage in activities permitted to financial holding companies under that Act and those authorized for multiple savings and loan holding companies. Unitary savings and loan holding companies existing prior to May 4, 1999, such as the Company, were grandfathered as to the unrestricted activities. Upon any non-supervisory acquisition by the Company of another savings association as a separate subsidiary, the Company would become a multiple savings and loan holding company. Federal law limits the activities of a multiple savings and loan holding company and its non-insured institution subsidiaries primarily to activities permissible for bank holding companies under Section 4(c)(8) of the Bank Holding Company Act, provided the prior approval of the OTS is obtained, to other activities authorized by OTS regulation and to those permitted for financial holding companies. Multiple savings and loan holding companies are generally prohibited from acquiring or retaining more than 5% of a non-subsidiary company engaged in activities other than those permitted by applicable federal law.

 

The HOLA prohibits a savings and loan holding company from, directly or indirectly, acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of another savings association or savings and loan holding company or from acquiring such an institution or company by merger, consolidation or purchase of its assets, without prior written approval of the OTS. In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings associations, the OTS considers the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the company and institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the insurance funds, the convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.

 

The OTS is prohibited from approving any acquisition that would result in a multiple savings and loan holding company controlling savings institutions in more than one state, except: (1) interstate supervisory acquisitions by savings and loan holding companies; and (2) the acquisition of a savings institution in another state if the laws of the state of the target savings institution specifically permit such acquisitions.

 

To be regulated as a savings and loan holding company by the OTS (rather than as a bank holding company by the Federal Reserve Board), the Bank must qualify as a QTL. To qualify as a QTL, the Bank must maintain compliance with the test for a “domestic building and loan association,” as defined in the Code, or with a Qualified Thrift Lender Test (“QTL Test”). Under the QTL Test, a savings institution is required to maintain at least 65% of its “portfolio assets” (total assets less: (1) specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets; (2) intangibles, including goodwill; and (3) the value of property used to conduct business) in certain “qualified thrift investments” (primarily residential mortgages and related investments, including certain mortgage-backed and related securities) in at least 9 months out of each 12 month period. As of December 31, 2004, the Bank maintained in excess of 77% of its portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments. The Bank also met the QTL test in each of the prior 12 months and, therefore, met the QTL test.

 

Acquisition of the Company. Under the Federal Change in Bank Control Act, a notice must be submitted to the Office of Thrift Supervision if any person (including a company), or group acting in concert, seeks to acquire “control” of a savings and loan holding company. Under certain circumstances, a change of control may occur, and prior notice is required, upon the acquisition of

 

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10% or more of the Company’s outstanding voting stock, unless the Office of Thrift Supervision has found that the acquisition will not result in a change of control of the Company. Under the Change in Bank Control Act, the Office of Thrift Supervision has 60 days from the filing of a complete notice to act, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the anti-trust effects of the acquisition. Any company that acquires control would then be subject to regulation as a savings and loan holding company.

 

Massachusetts Holding Company Regulation. In addition to the federal holding company regulations, a bank holding company organized or doing business in Massachusetts must comply with Massachusetts law. The term “bank holding company,” for the purposes of Massachusetts law, is defined generally to include any company which, directly or indirectly, owns, controls or holds with power to vote more than 25% of the voting stock of each of two or more banking institutions, including commercial banks and state co-operative banks, savings banks and savings and loan associations and national banks, federal savings banks and federal savings and loan associations. In general, a holding company controlling, directly or indirectly, only one banking institution is not deemed to be a bank holding company for the purposes of Massachusetts law. Under Massachusetts law, the prior approval of the Board of Bank Incorporation is required before: any company may become a bank holding company; any bank holding company acquires direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting stock of, or all or substantially all of the assets of, a banking institution; or any bank holding company merges with another bank holding company. Although the Company is not a bank holding company for purposes of Massachusetts law, any future acquisition of ownership, control, or the power to vote 25% of more of the voting stock of another banking institution or bank holding company would cause it to become such. The Company has no current plan or arrangement to acquire ownership or control, directly or indirectly, of 25% or more of the voting stock of another banking institution.

 

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Item 2. Properties.

 

The Company currently conducts its business through the Bank’s main office located in Westfield, Massachusetts and nine other banking offices, the Bank’s four stand-alone ATMs and Woronoco Insurance Group’s two offices. The Company believes that the Bank’s and Woronoco Insurance Group’s facilities are adequate to meet the present and immediately foreseeable needs of the Company.

 

Location


  

Leased,
Licensed
or

Owned


  

Original
Year

Leased,
Licensed

or Acquired


  

Date of Lease/

License
Expiration


   

Net Book Value
of Property

or Leasehold

Improvements

at December 31,
2004


                     (In thousands)

Main/Executive Office:

                      

31 Court Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

   Owned    1951    —       $ 4,136

Banking Offices:

                      

44 Little River Road

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

   Owned    1971    —         209

185 College Highway

Southwick, Massachusetts 01077

   Owned    1988    —         406

74 Lamb Street

South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075

   Owned    1995    —         392

608 College Highway

Southwick, Massachusetts 01077

   Leased    1977    2007 (1)     43

1353-1359 Springfield Street

Feeding Hills, Massachusetts 01013

   Leased    1994    2024 (1)     268

1339 Memorial Drive

Chicopee, Massachusetts 01020

   Leased    2003    2023 (2)     242

72 Shaker Road

East Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01028

   Owned    2000    —         1,356

431 Center Street

Ludlow, Massachusetts 01056

   Owned    2000    —         1,165

138 Longmeadow Street

Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01106

   Leased    2004    2019 (3)     7

Insurance Agency Properties:

                      

136-140 Elm Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

   Leased    2004    2010 (8)     101

138 Longmeadow Street

Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01106

   Leased    2004    2019 (3)     0

Other Properties:

                      

2-16 Central Street (4) (5)

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

   Owned    1990    —         —  

119 Winsor Street (4)

Ludlow, Massachusetts 01056

   Owned    1997    —         402

127 North Elm Street (6)

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085

   Leased    1998    2008       1

98 Lower Westfield Road (7)

Holyoke, Massachusetts 01040

   Leased    2000    2010       —  

475 Southampton Road (6)

Westfield, MA 01085

   Leased    2003    2008 (8)     —  

577 Western Avenue (9)

Westfield, Massachusetts 01040

   Licensed    2003    2008 (10)     —  
                    

Total

                   $ 8,728
                    


(1) The Company has an option to renew this lease for four additional five-year periods.
(2) The Company has an option to renew this lease for two additional ten-year periods.
(3) The Company has an option to renew this lease for two additional five-year periods.
(4) The properties consist of vacant office space, which is currently being utilized for various bank operations.
(5) Net book value of the property is included in the net book value for the Bank’s main office.
(6) Consists of a stand-alone ATM located at a Dunkin’ Donuts establishment.
(7) Consists of a stand-alone ATM located at the entrance to the Holyoke Mall.
(8) The Company has an option to renew this lease for an additional five-year period.
(9) Consists of a stand-alone ATM located at Westfield State College.
(10) The Company has an option to renew this license for two additional five-year periods.

 

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

 

The Company is not involved in any pending legal proceedings other than routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business. Such routine legal proceedings, in the aggregate, are believed by management to be immaterial to the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

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

 

None

 

PART II

 

Item 5. Market for the Company’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

  (a) The Company’s common stock is listed on the American Stock Exchange (the “AMEX”) under the symbol “WRO.” The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices of the common stock for the past two years, as reported by AMEX, and the dividends paid. For information relating to restrictions on the Company’s declaration of dividends, see “Item I. Business – Regulation and Supervision.”

 

     Dividend

   High

   Low

2004

                    

First Quarter

   $ 0.1900    $ 39.50    $ 34.19

Second Quarter

   $ 0.1975    $ 36.90    $ 27.90

Third Quarter

   $ 0.2000    $ 40.10    $ 33.75

Fourth Quarter

   $ 0.2025    $ 38.85    $ 32.75

2003

                    

First Quarter

   $ 0.1500    $ 22.40    $ 21.01

Second Quarter

   $ 0.1550    $ 29.51    $ 21.10

Third Quarter

   $ 0.1700    $ 29.00    $ 25.45

Fourth Quarter

   $ 0.1725    $ 40.00    $ 28.00

 

  (b) As of March 6, 2005, the Company had approximately 1,539 holders of record of the Company’s common stock.

 

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(c) The following table provides information regarding the Company’s purchases of its equity securities during the three months ended December 31, 2004.

 

Period


  

(a)

Total Number
of Shares
(or Units)
Purchased


   (b)
Average Price
Paid Per
Share
(or Unit)


  

(c)

Total Number of
Shares
(or Units)
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (1)


  

(d)

Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or Units) that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs


October 1 - 31, 2004

   300    $ 39.04    300    8,527

November 1 - 30, 2004 (2)

   10,657      36.05    —      8,527

December 1 - 31, 2004

   —        —      —      8,527

Total

   10,957    $ 36.13    300    NA

 

(1) The Company has purchased all shares in open market purchases pursuant to a repurchase plan announced on November 2, 2001. In accordance with this plan, the Company was authorized to purchase up to 373,952 shares, from time to time, subject to market conditions. This plan will continue until it is completed or terminated by the Board of Directors. No repurchase plans expired during the three months ended December 31, 2004. The Company has no repurchase plans that it has elected to terminate prior to expiration or under which it does not intend to make further purchases.

 

 

(2) The Company purchased 10,657 shares from certain participants in the Company’s stock-based compensation plan. These shares were sold by the participants in the plan to satisfy the tax liability associated with the vesting of applicable awards in October 2004. The Company acquired the stock at fair market value based upon the last trade on October 27, 2004.

 

 

(d) The following table sets forth information, as of December 31, 2004, about Company common stock that may be issued upon exercise of options under the Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. 1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan, the Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. 2001 stock option plan and the Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. 2004 Equity Compensation Plan. The Company’s stockholders approved each of the plans.

 

Plan Category


  

Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights

(a)


  

Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants

and rights

(b)


  

Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
column (a))

(c)


Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

   327,618    $ 18.57    24,410

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   —        —      —  

Total

   327,618    $ 18.57    24,410

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

 

We have derived the following selected consolidated financial and other data of the Company in part from our consolidated financial statements and notes appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

     At December 31,

     2004

    2003

   2002

   2001

    2000

     (In Thousands)

Selected Financial Data:

                                    

Total assets

   $ 918,295     $ 796,052    $ 705,636    $ 668,006     $ 642,460

Cash and cash equivalents

     22,805       26,294      27,801      27,209       25,368

Loans, net

     610,963       497,962      470,224      427,409       391,286

Loans held for sale

     —         —        —        —         14,313

Trading securities

     —         —        16,284      —         —  

Other debt securities available-for-sale

     59,485       50,082      72,623      45,377       18,191

Mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale

     177,142       178,065      82,573      113,895       143,563

Equity securities available-for-sale

     5,423       5,229      110      16,436       14,979

Deposits

     477,855       419,473      370,650      336,060       325,255

Short-term borrowings

     140,554       42,466      56,235      44,041       136,031

Long-term debt

     212,528       248,598      197,000      205,000       105,000

Total stockholders’ equity

     81,411       78,743      74,410      69,849       70,759

Other real estate owned, net

     —         —        —        —         61

Nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings

     532       417      1,106      556       322
     For the Years Ended December 31,

     2004

    2003

   2002

   2001

    2000

     (In Thousands)

Selected Operating Data:

                                    

Interest and dividend income

   $ 40,772     $ 39,304    $ 41,650    $ 42,315     $ 40,406

Interest expense

     19,784       19,245      20,760      23,320       23,809
    


 

  

  


 

Net interest and dividend income

     20,988       20,059      20,890      18,995       16,597

Provision for loan losses

     373       173      502      195       300
    


 

  

  


 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     20,615       19,886      20,388      18,800       16,297

Non-interest income

     6,283       6,903      3,342      4,172       4,268

Non-interest expenses

     23,203 (1)     17,947      17,057      16,260       14,375
    


 

  

  


 

Income before provision for income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     3,695       8,842      6,673      6,712       6,190

Provision for income taxes

     1,112 (2)     2,555      1,751      2,303       2,106
    


 

  

  


 

Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle

     2,583       6,287      4,922      4,409       4,084

Cumulative effect of change in accounting for derivative instruments, net of tax benefit of $92

     —         —        —        (161 )     —  
    


 

  

  


 

Net income

   $ 2,583     $ 6,287    $ 4,922    $ 4,248     $ 4,084
    


 

  

  


 

 

(1) Includes the impact of merger-related charges totaling $4.0 million.

 

(2) Includes the impact of a $1.3 million tax benefit recognized in connection with merger-related charges totaling $4.0 million.

 

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     At or For the Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 

Selected Operating Ratios and Other Data:

                                        

Performance Ratios:

                                        

Average tax equivalent yield on interest-earning assets

     5.08 %     5.59 %     6.39 %     7.00 %     7.39 %

Average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities

     2.67 %     2.96 %     3.46 %     4.26 %     4.87 %

Average tax equivalent interest rate spread

     2.41 %     2.63 %     2.93 %     2.74 %     2.52 %

Tax equivalent net interest margin

     2.65 %     2.90 %(3)     3.25 %     3.14 %     3.04 %

Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities

     109.81 %     109.97 %     109.78 %     110.48 %     111.94 %

Net interest income after provision for loan losses to non-interest expenses

     88.85 %(1)     110.80 %     119.53 %     115.62 %     113.37 %

Non-interest expenses as a percent of average assets

     2.71 %(1)     2.37 %     2.44 %     2.54 %     2.48 %

Return on average assets

     0.30 %(2)     0.85 %(4)     0.70 %     0.66 %     0.70 %

Return on average equity

     3.21 %(2)     8.43 %(4)     6.78 %     5.94 %     5.49 %

Ratio of average equity to average assets

     9.39 %     10.07 %     10.37 %     11.17 %     12.83 %

Efficiency ratio (5)

     84.29 %(1)     70.02 %(3)     70.96 %(6)     73.68 %     73.76 %

Dividend payout ratio

     109.72 %     36.58 %     31.71 %     26.32 %     24.56 %

Regulatory Capital Ratios:

                                        

Leverage capital

     8.41 %     9.33 %     9.64 %     10.17 %     10.81 %

Total risk-based capital

     14.36 %     15.86 %     15.77 %     15.39 %     17.74 %

Asset Quality Ratios:

                                        

Nonperforming loans and troubled debt restructurings as a percent of total loans

     0.08 %     0.08 %     0.23 %     0.13 %     0.07 %

Nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings as a percent of total assets

     0.06 %     0.05 %     0.16 %     0.08 %     0.05 %

Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans

     0.59 %     0.65 %     0.67 %     0.63 %     0.66 %

Allowance for loan losses as a percent of nonperforming loans and troubled debt restructurings

     783.48 %     786.57 %     285.35 %     485.79 %     992.34 %

Net loans charged-off to average interest- earning loans

     0.00 %     0.01 %     0.01 %     0.02 %     0.01 %

Other Data:

                                        

Dividends declared per share

   $ 0.7900     $ 0.6475     $ 0.4700     $ 0.3175     $ 0.2250  

Banking offices at end of period

     10       9       10       12       11  

(1) Includes the impact of merger-related charges totaling $4.0 million.
(2) Includes the impact of merger-related charges totaling $4.0 million and the associated tax benefit of $1.3 million.
(3) Excludes effect of negative adjustment to mortgage-backed securities interest income of $197,000.
(4) Excludes effect of negative adjustment to mortgage-backed securities interest income of $197,000 and the related tax benefit of $57,000.
(5) The efficiency ratio represents the ratio of non-interest expenses divided by the sum of tax equivalent net interest income and non-interest income. This ratio excludes gains (losses) on trading activities, investment securities, property, loans and other, net.
(6) Excludes the effect of the $644,000 pension termination gain.

 

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Table of Contents

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the “Selected Financial Data” and the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto, each appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

General

 

The Company’s results of operations are dependent primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on the Company’s interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and the interest expense on its interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. The Company also generates non-interest income such as gains on securities and loan sales, fees from deposit and trust and investment management services, insurance commissions and other fees. The Company’s non-interest expenses primarily consist of employee compensation and benefits, occupancy and equipment expense, marketing expenses, data processing, professional services and other general and administrative expenses. The Company’s results of operations are also significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, government policies and actions of regulatory agencies.

 

Merger Agreement

 

In December 2004, the Company announced a definitive agreement to merge with Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (the “merger agreement”), a Delaware corporation and the holding company for Berkshire Bank. Berkshire Bank is headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, with 11 branch offices serving communities throughout Berkshire County, and a representative office and one branch in New York. At December 31, 2004, Berkshire Hills Bancorp had total assets of $1.3 billion.

 

The acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Subject to regulatory and stockholder approval, stockholders of Woronoco Bancorp will have the right to elect to receive either $36.00 in cash or one share of Berkshire Hills Bancorp common stock in exchange for each share of Woronoco Bancorp common stock held by them, subject to pro-ration so that 75 percent of the outstanding Woronoco Bancorp common shares are converted into Berkshire Hills Bancorp common stock in the merger and the balance are converted into the cash consideration. The merger is expected to close during the second quarter of 2005, and is subject to the approval of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. and Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. shareholders and bank regulatory authorities.

 

In connection with the merger agreement. Cornelius D. Mahoney, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Woronoco Bancorp; Debra L. Murphy, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Woronoco Bancorp; and Agostino J. Calheno, Executive Vice President of Woronoco Bancorp, each entered into a letter agreement with Woronoco Bancorp and Woronoco Savings Bank under which each person’s employment agreement was terminated in exchange for the right to receive certain cash payments. In accordance with the agreements, Mr. Mahoney, Ms. Murphy and Mr. Calheno received a payment of $2,000,000, $500,000 and $500,000, respectively, in December 2004 and are due an additional amount of up to $2,329,000, $1,294,000 and $1,276,000, respectively, shortly after the effective time of the merger. The letter agreements also provide that following each executive’s termination of employment, the Company will provide continued medical and dental benefits for a period of three years, or if those benefits are not available, a cash payment equal to their estimated cost. The letter agreements limit all payments and benefits to the executive (whether under the letter agreement or otherwise) so that no such payments or benefits will be non-deductible under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition to the 2004 payments totaling $3,000,000, the Company recorded $94,000 of related benefits and professional services costs aggregating $905,000.

 

Mr. Mahoney, Ms. Murphy, and Mr. Calheno also entered into a restrictive covenant agreement with Berkshire Hills Bancorp under which each person agreed not to compete with Berkshire Hills Bancorp, solicit the customers or employees of Berkshire Hills Bancorp or disclose or otherwise use any confidential information of Berkshire Hills Bancorp. In exchange for each executive’s continued compliance with these covenants, each of Mr. Mahoney, Ms. Murphy and Mr. Calheno will be entitled to receive payments of $1,400,000, $675,000 and $675,000, respectively, over a period of three years following the closing date of the merger. The restrictive covenant agreements limit all payments and benefits to the executive (whether under the restrictive covenant agreement or otherwise) so that no such payments or benefits will be non-deductible under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of

 

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Table of Contents

1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and is including this statement for purposes of these safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company, are generally identified by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions. The Company’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain.

 

Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company include, but are not limited to: changes in interest rates, general economic conditions, legislative/regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board, the quality or composition of the loan or investment portfolios, demand for loan products, deposit flows, competition, demand for financial services in the Company’s market area and accounting principles and guidelines. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.

 

The Company does not undertake – and specifically disclaims any obligation – to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

 

Management Strategy

 

The Company, through its wholly-owned community-oriented savings bank, offers a wide variety of financial products and services. The primary objectives of the Company’s strategic plan are to improve its profitability and enhance shareholder value while maintaining a strong capital position, sound asset quality and a reasonable level of interest rate and credit risk. To accomplish these objectives, the Company has sought to:

 

    Provide superior service, competitive rates and attractive products to increase loan and deposit balances, including commercial accounts

 

    Control credit risk by emphasizing the origination of single-family, owner-occupied residential mortgage loans and consumer loans, consisting primarily of home equity loans and lines of credit

 

    Originate high quality, multi-family and commercial real estate and commercial business loans which increase the yields earned on its overall loan portfolio, without incurring unnecessary risk

 

    Expand its lending and deposit base through the establishment and/or expansion of full-service banking offices

 

    Control interest rate risk by selectively utilizing off-balance sheet hedging transactions such as interest rate swaps, caps and floors and by selling longer-term fixed-rate one- to four- family mortgages in the secondary market

 

    Implement various capital management strategies, particularly dividends and stock repurchases, to enhance stockholder value

 

    Explore opportunities to expand its existing fee-based businesses and to diversify its product lines to include a full range of products and services in order to become less dependent upon net interest income

 

    Examine opportunities to leverage the potential capabilities of the internet and other technologies, including internet banking

 

As part of the Company’s continuing efforts to improve its community banking franchise and enhance shareholder value, the Company’s board of directors and its senior management have regularly reviewed the Company’s strategic alternatives and have continually assessed various opportunities, including continuing as an independent institution, growing internally and through branch acquisitions or acquiring and/or affiliating with other financial institutions.

 

The Company continued to focus on these key strategies in 2004. In the fourth quarter, the Company announced the establishment of a full service branch in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. The financial center accommodates residential mortgage and commercial loan personnel, as well as offices for the investment services staff and Woronoco Insurance Group, Inc. In addition, the Company announced the opening of a new expanded facility in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. The new branch allows representatives

 

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Table of Contents

of the Bank’s insurance subsidiary, investment division, residential mortgage and commercial lending staff to meet with customers. The Company will continue to evaluate opportunities to establish and/or expand full-service facilities in attractive locations.

 

The Company sold approximately $14.1 million of long-term fixed rate residential mortgages during 2004, resulting in a net gain of $294,000. The Company continues to experience a significant amount of refinancing volume, particularly in lower coupon fixed-rate products. These sales will help reduce the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk while improving liquidity. The Company will continue to evaluate the sale of additional longer-term fixed rate mortgages in 2005.

 

In an effort to enhance shareholder value, the Company continues with its current capital management strategies, which include a share repurchase program and the payment of cash dividends. In November 2001, the Company announced its sixth repurchase plan, under which up to 10% of the remaining shares outstanding, or approximately 374,000 shares, will be purchased in open market purchases from time to time, subject to market conditions. Through December 31, 2004, the Company has acquired approximately 365,425 shares at an average cost of $22.79. In January 2005, the Company announced a dividend of $0.2025 per share, payable on March 4, 2005 to stockholders of record as of February 10, 2005.

 

The Company continues to demonstrate success in growing its non-interest income base while reducing its dependence on net interest income. In 2004, non-interest income, excluding gains on sales of loans, was 22.2% of total income. In 2003, non-interest income as a percentage of total income was 19.5%, excluding the impact of net gains on sales of loans, securities and branches, net trading account gains and an FHLB prepayment penalty. These results reflect increased revenues from products and services associated with insurance and banking. Woronoco Insurance Group, Inc. continued to attract new customers in 2004 as a result of successful marketing and business development efforts. These efforts contributed to an increase of 18% in commission income. The Company also benefited from growth in banking fees as a result of increases in core deposit balances and transaction volumes and a larger mortgage servicing portfolio. The Company will continue to evaluate and implement opportunities to grow the non-interest income base.

 

The Company’s Internet banking products continue to attract new customers and exceed the Company’s expectations. As of December 31, 2004, in excess of 18% of the Company’s consumer and business checking account customers were using online banking to transfer funds, complete balance and transaction history inquiries and download financial information to financial management software. Approximately 50% of our online banking customers have also chosen to use the Online Link bill payment service. Several enhancements were introduced during the past two years including an online loan application process for residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans and other unsecured consumer loans as well as the ability to view images of cancelled checks and directly interface with financial management software. The Company also offers an Internet-based cash management product for business customers. The product enables businesses to transfer funds, initiate wire transfers and make payments through the Automated Clearing House (ACH).

 

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Table of Contents

Analysis of Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income represents the difference between income on interest-earning assets and expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends on the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rate earned or paid on them.

 

Average Balance Sheet. The following table sets forth information relating to the Company for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. The average yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of interest-earning assets or interest-bearing liabilities, respectively, for the periods shown. Average balances are derived from average daily balances. The yields and costs include fees which are considered adjustments to yields. Loan interest and yield data does not include any accrued interest from nonaccruing loans.

 

     For the Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
     Average
Balance


   Interest

    Average
Yield/
Rate


    Average
Balance


   Interest

    Average
Yield/
Rate


    Average
Balance


   Interest

    Average
Yield/
Rate


 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Interest-earning assets: (1)

                                                               

Investments:

                                                               

Mortgage-backed securities

   $ 176,886    $ 7,745     4.38 %   $ 152,484    $ 7,043 (2)   4.62 %(2)   $ 99,271    $ 6,432     6.48 %

U.S. Government and agency securities

     5,277      241     4.57 %     10,493      417     3.97 %     26,751      958     3.58 %

Equity securities

     43,992      2,140     4.86 %     36,339      1,949     5.36 %     50,796      3,047     6.00 %

State and municipal securities (3)

     24,284      1,614     6.65 %     22,056      1,479     6.71 %     20,974      1,486     7.08 %

Trading securities

     —        —       —         7,896      476     6.03 %     —        —       —    

Loans: (4)

                                                               

Residential real estate loans

     387,640      19,825     5.11 %     306,350      18,251     5.96 %     290,519      19,258     6.63 %

Commercial real estate loans

     67,159      4,404     6.56 %     68,836      4,697     6.82 %     54,359      4,153     7.64 %

Consumer loans

     90,041      4,446     4.94 %     90,686      4,855     5.35 %     96,496      5,877     6.09 %

Commercial loans

     15,689      859     5.48 %     12,978      775     5.97 %     11,086      753     6.79 %
    

  


       

  


       

  


     

Loans, net

     560,529      29,534     5.27 %     478,850      28,578     5.97 %     452,460      30,041     6.64 %

Other

     2,728      47     1.72 %     7,375      62     0.84 %     9,034      191     2.11 %
    

  


       

  


       

  


     

Total interest-earning assets

     813,696      41,321     5.08 %     715,493      40,004     5.59 %     659,286      42,155     6.39 %
           


              


       

  


     

Noninterest-earning assets

     42,396                    41,656                    40,279               
    

                

                

              

Total assets

   $ 856,092                  $ 757,149                  $ 699,565               
    

                

                

              

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                                               

Deposits:

                                                               

Money market accounts

   $ 68,855    $ 827     1.20 %   $ 57,022    $ 697     1.22 %   $ 40,408    $ 807     2.00 %

Savings accounts (5)

     87,420      488     0.56 %     82,466      619     0.75 %     77,438      938     1.21 %

NOW accounts

     60,060      237     0.39 %     62,690      362     0.58 %     64,997      710     1.09 %

Certificates of deposit (6)

     200,061      5,240     2.62 %     174,079      5,014     2.88 %     163,444      5,678     3.47 %
    

  


       

  


       

  


     

Total interest-bearing deposits

     416,396      6,792     1.63 %     376,257      6,692     1.78 %     346,287      8,133     2.35 %

Borrowings

     324,611      12,992     4.00 %     274,361      12,553     4.58 %     254,291      12,627     4.97 %
    

  


       

  


       

  


     

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     741,007      19,784     2.67 %     650,618      19,245     2.96 %     600,578      20,760     3.46 %
    

  


 

 

  


 

 

  


 

Demand deposits

     30,013                    25,458                    21,649               

Other noninterest-bearing liabilities

     4,723                    4,804                    4,780               
    

                

                

              

Total liabilities

     775,743                    680,880                    627,007               

Total stockholders’ equity

     80,349                    76,269                    72,558               
    

                

                

              

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 856,092                  $ 757,149                  $ 699,565               
    

                

                

              

Net interest-earning assets

   $ 72,689                  $ 64,875                  $ 58,708               
    

                

                

              
                                                                 
           


              


              


     

Tax equivalent net interest income/ interest rate spread (7)

            21,537     2.41 %            20,759 (2)   2.63 %(2)            21,395     2.93 %
                   

                

                

Tax equivalent net interest margin as a percentage of interest-earning assets (8)

                  2.65 %                  2.90 %(2)                  3.25 %
                   

                

                

Ratio of interest earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities

                  109.81 %                  109.97 %                  109.78 %
                   

                

                

Less: tax equivalent adjustment (3)

            (549 )                  (503 )                  (505 )      
           


              


              


     

Net interest income as reported on income statement

          $ 20,988                  $ 20,256 (2)                $ 20,890        
           


              


              


     

(1) Includes related assets available-for-sale and unamortized discounts and premiums.
(2) Excludes effect of negative adjustment to mortgage-backed securities interest income of $197,000.
(3) State and municipal securities income and net interest income are presented on a tax equivalent basis using a tax rate of 34%. The tax equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax equivalent net interest income to agree to the amount reported in the income statement.
(4) Amount is net of deferred loan origination costs, unadvanced loan funds, allowance for loan losses and includes nonaccrual loans. The Company records interest income on nonaccruing loans on a cash basis.
(5) Savings accounts include mortgagors’ escrow deposits.
(6) Certificates of deposit include brokered deposits.
(7) Tax equivalent net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(8) Tax equivalent net interest margin represents tax equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

 

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Table of Contents

Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table presents the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected the Company’s tax equivalent interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to: (i) changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate); (ii) changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume); and (iii) the net change. The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.

 

     Year Ended
December 31, 2004
Compared to
December 31, 2003


    Year Ended
December 31, 2003
Compared to
December 31, 2002


 
     Increase (Decrease)
Due to


          Increase (Decrease)
Due to


       
     Volume

    Rate

    Net

    Volume

    Rate

    Net

 
     (Dollars in Thousands)  

Interest-earning assets:

                                                

Mortgage-backed securities

   $ 1,082     $ (380 )   $ 702     $ 2,803     $ (2,192 )   $ 611  

U.S. Government and agency securities

     (231 )     55       (176 )     (636 )     95       (541 )

Equity securities

     384       (193 )     191       (800 )     (298 )     (1,098 )

State and municipal securities

     148       (13 )     135       75       (82 )     (7 )

Trading securities

     (238 )     (238 )     (476 )     476       —         476  

Loans:

                                                

Residential real estate loans

     4,396       (2,822 )     1,574       1,012       (2,019 )     (1,007 )

Commercial real estate loans

     (112 )     (181 )     (293 )     1,022       (478 )     544  

Consumer loans

     (35 )     (374 )     (409 )     (340 )     (682 )     (1,022 )

Commercial loans

     154       (70 )     84       121       (99 )     22  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total loans

     4,403       (3,447 )     956       1,815       (3,278 )     (1,463 )

Other

     (55 )     40       (15 )     (30 )     (99 )     (129 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total interest-earning assets

   $ 5,493     $ (4,176 )   $ 1,317     $ 3,703     $ (5,854 )   $ (2,151 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                                

Deposits:

                                                

Money market accounts

   $ 142     $ (12 )   $ 130     $ 266     $ (376 )   $ (110 )

Savings accounts (1)

     35       (166 )     (131 )     58       (377 )     (319 )

NOW accounts

     (14 )     (111 )     (125 )     (24 )     (324 )     (348 )

Certificates of deposit (2)

     706       (480 )     226       352       (1,016 )     (664 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total interest-bearing deposits

     869       (769 )     100       652       (2,093 )     (1,441 )

Borrowings

     2,159       (1,720 )     439       971       (1,045 )     (74 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total interest-bearing liabilities

     3,028       (2,489 )     539       1,623       (3,138 )     (1,515 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


(Decrease) increase in net interest income

   $ 2,465     $ (1,687 )   $ 778     $ 2,080     $ (2,716 )   $ (636 )
    


 


 


 


 


 



(1) Includes interest on mortgagors’ escrow deposits.

 

(2) Includes interest on brokered deposits.

 

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Table of Contents

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

Total assets rose $122.2 million, or 15.4%, to $918.3 million at December 31, 2004, from $796.1 million at December 31, 2003. The growth in assets was primarily attributable to growth in net loans. Net loans increased by $113.0 million, or 22.7%, to $611.0 million at December 31, 2004, from $498.0 million at December 31, 2003, primarily reflecting origination volume totaling $149.5 million and purchases of $129.9 million in adjustable-rate, one-to four-family residential mortgages. The Company’s level of loan closings was strong as a result of several factors including sales activities, a strong housing market, a stable local economy and a historically low interest rate environment. Management believes the loan purchases will enhance net interest income as a result of positive interest rate spreads and will position the balance sheet for expected future interest rate increases. These factors were somewhat mitigated by prepayments and normal amortization totaling $152.1 million due primarily to the lower interest rate environment and the sale of $14.1 million of longer-term, fixed rate, one-to four-family residential loans. The loan sales should help reduce the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk while improving liquidity. The Company will continue to evaluate the sale of additional longer-term, lower coupon, fixed rate mortgages in 2005.

 

Asset growth was funded primarily with deposits and FHLB advances. Total deposits grew $58.4 million, or 13.9%, to $477.9 million at December 31, 2004 compared to $419.5 million at December 31, 2003 reflecting increases in core deposits and brokered deposits, somewhat offset by lower certificates of deposit balances. Core deposits, excluding certificates of deposit and brokered deposits, rose $25.3 million, or 10.9%, to $258.2 million at December 31, 2004 from $232.9 million at December 31, 2003. The growth in core deposits was mainly attributable to the success of several strategies designed to attract and retain customers, including the active promotion of several relationship banking packages. Brokered deposits, which the Company utilizes from time to time as an alternative funding source and to reduce dependence on FHLB advances when the interest rates on the brokered deposits are competitive compared to other funding vehicles, totaled $95.1 million at December 31, 2004, an increase of $42.9 million from December 31, 2003. FHLB advances increased $63.2 million, or 22.5%, to $343.8 million at December 31, 2004 from $280.6 million at December 31, 2003.

 

Total stockholders’ equity increased $2.7 million, or 3.4%, to $81.4 million at December 31, 2004 from $78.7 million at December 31, 2003 reflecting net income of $2.6 million, a reduction of $2.1 million in unearned compensation resulting from continued vesting in stock benefit plans, treasury share reissuances totaling $3.0 million in connection with the exercise of stock options and tax benefit adjustments in the amount of $2.5 million related to the vesting of stock awards and stock option exercises. These items were offset by cash dividends of $2.7 million, the repurchase of 54,387 shares of stock at a cost of $1.9 million, shares purchased in connection with the Company’s 2004 equity compensation plan at an aggregate cost of $1.9 million and a decrease of $836,000 in net unrealized gains on securities available for sale.

 

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003

 

General. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company reported net income of $2.6 million, or $0.72 per diluted share, compared to net income of $6.3 million, or $1.77 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2003. The 2004 results included merger-related expenses totaling $4.0 million, net gains of $294,000 from loan sales and the associated net tax benefit of $1.2 million. In 2003, the Company recognized net gains of $1.2 million from loan sales, $608,000 from trading activities, $580,000 from security sales and $183,000 from the sale of a supermarket branch, a $539,000 penalty for the prepayment of certain FHLB advances and the related net tax expense of $759,000. Several factors influenced the 2004 financial results including growth in average loans, investment securities and lower-costing core deposits and expansion in fee income and insurance commissions, somewhat offset by net interest margin compression and higher provision for loan losses and non-interest expenses.

 

Net Interest Income. Net interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, totaled $21.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $778,000, or 3.7%, from $20.8 million for the same period in 2003 reflecting growth in average earning assets of $98.2 million, or 13.7%, partially offset by contraction in net interest margin. Net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis, declined 25 basis points to 2.65% for the year ended December 31, 2004 from 2.90% for the same period in 2003 primarily attributable to a decrease in the tax equivalent yield on interest-earning assets, somewhat offset by lower rates paid on deposits and FHLB advances and an increase in lower cost core deposits.

 

Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income, on a tax equivalent basis, increased $1.3 million, or 3.3%, to $41.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $40.0 million in 2003 largely reflecting growth in average interest-earning assets, somewhat mitigated by a lower tax equivalent yield on interest-earning assets. Average interest-earning assets totaled $813.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $715.5 million for the same period last year, representing an increase of $98.2 million, or 13.7%. Average loans increased $81.7 million, or 17.1%, primarily due to strong origination and refinancing volume and purchases of one-to four-family adjustable-rate mortgages, somewhat mitigated by amortization and prepayments of existing loans and sales of longer-term, fixed-rate residential mortgages. Average mortgage-backed securities rose $24.4 million, or

 

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16.0%, mainly attributable to additional purchases, somewhat offset by principal payments. Average equity securities expanded $7.7 million, or 21.1%, principally reflecting purchases of FHLB stock and mutual funds. Average U.S. Government and agency securities balances fell $5.2 million as a result of sales in 2003. The reduction of $7.9 million in average trading securities reflects the liquidation of the portfolio during 2003 as a result of favorable market conditions. The tax equivalent yield on interest-earning assets declined 51 basis points to 5.08% for the year ended December 31, 2004, largely attributable to lower market rates of interest. The lower interest rate environment led to significant levels of loan prepayments and refinancings as well as accelerated cash flows and premium amortization in the existing mortgage-backed securities portfolio. The proceeds from these activities were used to support loan growth and to purchase investment securities at lower yields. In addition, a portion of the Company’s existing interest-sensitive assets repriced to reduced rates.

 

Interest Expense. Total interest expense increased $539,000, or 2.8%, to $19.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $19.2 million in 2003 resulting primarily from growth in average interest-bearing liabilities, offset to some extent by lower rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest-bearing liabilities totaled $741.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, representing an increase of $90.4 million, or 13.9%, from $650.6 million for the same period in 2003 due to an increase in core interest-bearing deposits, which exclude retail and brokered certificates of deposit, and borrowings. Average core interest-bearing deposits grew $14.2 million, or 7.0%, to $216.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, primarily attributable to increased balances in relationship banking accounts, promotional activities, attractive products and competitive pricing. Average certificates of deposit balances rose $26.0 million, or 14.9%, to $200.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 due in large part to the issuance of additional brokered deposits in 2004 to support balance sheet expansion. Average borrowings increased $50.3 million, or 18.3%, to $324.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 resulting from an increase in FHLB advances to fund asset growth and higher sweep account balances associated with a new customer relationship. The rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities declined 29 basis points to 2.67% for the year ended December 31, 2004 from 2.96% in 2003, reflecting the lower interest rate environment, which led to reduced rates paid for new interest-bearing liabilities as well as the repricing of certain deposits and FHLB advances, mitigated to some extent by higher rates paid on certain products associated with relationship banking packages.

 

Provision for Loan Losses. The Company’s provision for loan losses increased by $200,000 to $373,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $173,000 for the same period in 2003. The primary factors contributing to the higher provision in 2004 include purchases of adjustable-rate residential loans totaling $129.9 million in 2004 compared to $34.0 million in 2003, a large reduction in loan sales from $40.2 million in 2003 to $14.1 million in 2004 and an increase of $49,000 in non-performing loans in 2004 compared to a decrease of $689,000 in 2003. These items were somewhat offset by a reduction in net charge-offs from $49,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $2,000 in 2004.

 

Non-interest Income. Total non-interest income declined $620,000, or 9.0%, to $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $6.9 million for the same period in 2003. The 2004 results included gains from loan sales totaling $294,000. In 2003, the Company recognized net gains of $1.2 million from loan sales, $608,000 from trading activities, $580,000 from security sales and $183,000 from the sale of a supermarket branch as well as a $539,000 penalty for the prepayment of certain FHLB advances. Fee income increased $663,000, or 18.4%, to $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 from $3.6 million for the comparable period in 2003 reflecting expansion in core deposit balances and transaction volume and a larger mortgage servicing portfolio. Insurance commissions totaled $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $1.3 million in the same period last year, an increase of $223,000, or 17.8%, mainly resulting from new customers gained as a result of successful business development efforts. Other income totaled $251,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $19,000 in 2003 due in large part to revenue recognized in 2004 in connection with rental property and bank-owned life insurance. Gain on sales of loans declined $906,000 to $294,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $1.2 million for the same period in 2003 reflecting a large reduction in loan sales from $40.2 million in 2003 to $14.1 million in 2004. In 2003, the Company realized net trading gains of $608,000 related to sales of certain securities.

 

Non-interest Expenses. Non-interest expenses rose $5.3 million, or 29.3%, to $23.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 largely reflecting merger-related charges of $4.0 million and growth in salaries and benefits, offset to some extent by lower professional services costs. Merger-related charges included executive severance payments totaling $3.0 million in connection with the termination of employment agreements, payroll taxes of $94,000 related to the executive severance payments and professional services costs aggregating $905,000. Salaries and benefits increased $1.6 million, or 15.7%, to $11.5 million in 2004 mainly as a result of additional staffing costs for new full-service branches in Chicopee and Longmeadow, increased benefit costs associated with the Company’s higher stock price in 2004 compared to 2003, the new equity compensation plan approved in 2004 and standard wage increases. Professional services expenses declined $269,000, or 19.1%, to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 largely resulting from consulting costs incurred in 2003 in connection with employee benefit plans, an information technology audit and a new deposit service initiated in 2003.

 

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Income Taxes. The Company’s income tax expense decreased $1.4 million to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared to $2.6 million in 2003 mainly attributable to lower pretax income, partially offset by an increase in the effective tax rate. The Company’s effective tax rate rose to 30.1% in 2004 compared to 28.9% in 2003, primarily resulting from non-deductible merger-related expenses incurred in 2004 and a lower dividends-received exclusion, mitigated to some extent by a higher benefit for tax-exempt securities.

 

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002

 

General. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company reported net income of $6.3 million, or $1.77 per diluted share, compared to net income of $4.9 million, or $1.38 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2002. Several factors influenced the 2003 results including growth in loans, securities available for sale and core deposits, expansion in non-interest income and lower provision for loan losses, offset somewhat by a decrease in net interest income and higher non-interest expenses.

 

Net Interest Income. Net interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, totaled $20.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, a decrease of $636,000, or 3.0%, from $21.4 million for the same period in 2002 reflecting contraction in net interest margin, partially offset by growth in average earning assets of $56.2 million, or 8.5%. Net interest margin, on a tax equivalent basis, declined 35 basis points to 2.90% for the year ended December 31, 2003 from 3.25% for the same period in 2002 primarily attributable to a decrease in the tax equivalent yield on interest-earning assets, somewhat offset by lower rates paid on deposits and FHLB advances and an increase in lower cost core deposits.

 

Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income, on a tax equivalent basis, decreased $2.2 million, or 5.1%, to $40.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $42.2 million in 2002 largely reflecting a lower tax equivalent yield on interest-earning assets, somewhat mitigated by growth in average interest-earning assets. The tax equivalent yield on interest-earning assets declined 80 basis points to 5.59% for the year ended December 31, 2003 largely attributable to lower market rates of interest. The lower interest rate environment led to significant levels of loan prepayments and refinancings as well as accelerated cash flows and premium amortization in the existing mortgage-backed securities portfolio. The proceeds from these activities were used to support loan growth and to purchase investment securities at lower yields. In addition, a portion of the Company’s existing interest-sensitive assets repriced to reduced rates. Average interest-earning assets totaled $715.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $659.3 million for the same period last year, representing an increase of $56.2 million, or 8.5%. Average mortgage-backed securities grew $53.2 million, or 53.6%, principally due to purchases of securities partially offset by normal amortization and prepayments in the existing portfolio. Average loans increased $26.4 million, or 5.8%, primarily reflecting strong origination volume in the residential real estate, commercial real estate, commercial and home equity portfolios and refinancing activity in the residential and commercial mortgage categories, partially offset by sales of fixed-rate residential mortgages as well as amortization and prepayments of the existing loan portfolio. Average trading securities increased $7.9 million resulting from the transfer of $16.3 million of equity securities from available-for-sale to trading in the fourth quarter of 2002. However, all of the trading securities were sold in 2003. Average agency security balances fell $16.3 million, or 60.8%, mainly attributable to sales of certain securities. The decrease of $14.5 million, or 28.5%, in average equity securities was largely a result of the transfer of $16.3 million in securities from available-for-sale to trading in the fourth quarter of 2002.

 

Interest Expense. Total interest expense decreased $1.6 million, or 7.3%, to $19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $20.8 million in 2002 resulting primarily from lower rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, somewhat offset by growth in average interest-bearing liabilities. The rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities declined 50 basis points to 2.96% for the year ended December 31, 2003 from 3.46% in 2002 reflecting the lower interest rate environment, which led to reduced rates paid for new interest-bearing liabilities as well as the repricing of certain deposits and FHLB advances, mitigated to some extent by higher rates paid on certain products associated with relationship banking packages. Interest-bearing liabilities totaled $650.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, representing an increase of $50.0 million, or 8.3%, from $600.6 million for the same period in 2002 due to an increase in core interest-bearing deposits, which exclude retail and brokered certificates of deposit, and borrowings. Average core interest-bearing deposits grew $19.3 million, or 10.6%, to $202.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, primarily attributable to increased balances in relationship banking accounts, promotional activities, attractive products and competitive pricing, somewhat offset by the sale of deposits in connection with the sale of supermarket branches in the fourth quarter of 2002 and first quarter of 2003. Average borrowings increased $20.1 million, or 7.9%, to $274.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 resulting from an increase in FHLB advances to fund asset growth and higher sweep account balances associated with a new customer relationship.

 

Provision for Loan Losses. The Company’s provision for loan losses decreased by $329,000 to $173,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $502,000 for the same period in 2002. The primary factors contributing to the lower provision in 2003 include significant loan sales and the reclassification of several residential one- to four-family mortgage loans to higher credit grades as a result of payments on delinquent balances, slightly mitigated by changes to loan concentrations including increases in

 

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commercial and commercial mortgage loans. At December 31, 2003, the Company’s allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total non-performing loans and troubled debt restructurings was 787%, compared to 285% at December 31, 2002. At December 31, 2003, the Company’s allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 0.65% compared to 0.67% at December 31, 2002.

 

Non-interest Income. Total non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2003 included net gains of $1.2 million from loan sales, $608,000 from trading activities, $580,000 from sales of securities available for sale and $183,000 from the sale of a supermarket branch, as well as a $539,000 penalty for the prepayment of certain FHLB advances. In 2002, the Company recognized gains of $1.2 million from the sale of mortgage loans, a net gain of $815,000 from the sale of two supermarket branches, write-downs of certain equity securities totaling $486,000 and a $2.1 million loss associated with the reclassification of certain equity securities from “available-for-sale” to “trading.” Excluding these items, non-interest income would have increased $1.3 million, or 37.2%, to $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $3.6 million for the same period in 2002, primarily resulting from growth in fee income and insurance commissions. Fee income increased $907,000, or 33.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2003 mainly due to expanded core deposit balances and transaction volumes and new services introduced in 2003. Insurance commissions rose $442,000, or 54.3%, to $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 primarily reflecting growth in accounts as a result of successful business development efforts and a change in the accounting method used to recognize income. In 2002, subsequent to the acquisition of Keyes & Mattson Insurance Agency, Inc., the Company changed the revenue recognition method from cash to accrual basis resulting in a significant reduction in commission income. The impact of this change in accounting methods had no effect on revenue recognition in 2003.

 

Non-interest Expenses. Non-interest expenses rose $890,000, or 5.2%, to $17.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 largely reflecting growth in salaries and benefits, professional services and data processing costs, somewhat offset by lower occupancy and equipment and marketing. Salaries and benefits increased $740,000, or 8.1%, to $9.9 million in 2003 mainly as a result of a $644,000 pension termination gain recorded in 2002, standard wage increases and higher stock-related benefit plans associated with an increase in the Company’s average share price. Professional services expenses rose $341,000, or 32.0%, principally as a result of consulting costs associated with employee benefit plans, an information technology audit and a new deposit service introduced in the second quarter of 2003, as well as increased expenses related to the directors’ retirement plan. Data processing costs grew $94,000, or 9.9%, to $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 resulting primarily from increases in loan and deposit accounts and transaction volumes. Occupancy and equipment expenditures declined $168,000, or 7.5%, largely reflecting the sale of supermarket branches in 2002 and 2003. Marketing costs decreased $126,000, or 15.9%, principally due to less promotional activity.

 

Income Taxes. The Company’s income tax expense increased $804,000 to $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $1.8 million in 2002 mainly attributable to expansion in pretax income and the effective tax rate. The Company’s effective tax rate rose to 28.9% in 2003 compared to 26.2% in 2002, primarily resulting from lower deductions associated with municipal income and dividends received.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity and funding strategies are the responsibility of the Company’s Asset Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”). The ALCO is responsible for establishing liquidity targets and implementing strategies to meet desired goals. Liquidity is measured by the Company’s ability to raise cash within 30 days at a reasonable cost and with a minimum of loss. The Bank’s primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and investment securities and borrowings from the FHLB-Boston. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit outflows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition.

 

The primary source of funding for the Corporation is dividends from the Bank. These funds have been used to pay dividends and to repurchase the Corporation’s common stock. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends and other capital distributions to the Corporation is generally limited by Massachusetts banking regulations and regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Additionally, the Massachusetts Banking Commissioner and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation may prohibit the payment of dividends by the Bank to the Corporation that are otherwise permissible by regulation for safety and soundness reasons.

 

The primary investing activities of the Company are the origination of one-to four-family mortgage loans and consumer loans, primarily home equity loans and lines of credit, and, to a lesser extent, the origination of other types of loans, purchases of one-to four-family ARM loans and investments in mortgage-backed, debt and equity securities. During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company’s loan originations totaled $149.5 million, $192.1 million and $199.2 million, respectively. The Company purchased one-to four-family ARM loans totaling $129.9 million and $34.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Company did not purchase loans in 2002. At December 31, 2004, 2003 and

 

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2002, the Company’s investments in mortgage-backed, other debt and equity securities totaled $242.1 million, $233.4 million and $155.3 million, respectively. The Company had no investments in trading securities at December 31, 2004 and 2003 while at December 31, 2002, it held trading securities totaling $16.3 million.

 

These activities are funded primarily by principal and interest payments on loans and investment securities, deposit growth, the utilization of FHLB advances and proceeds from loan sales. The Company experienced net increases in total deposits during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 of $58.4 million, $48.8 million and $34.6 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the increase in deposits includes the Company’s net issuance of brokered deposits totaling $42.9 million, $9.8 million and $12.9 million, respectively. The deposit balances in 2003 were also affected by the sale of $4.3 million in deposits in connection with the sale of a supermarket branch. In 2002 the Company sold $8.9 million in deposits in connection with the sale of two supermarket branches. Deposit flows are affected by the overall level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by the Company and its local competitors, as well as other factors. The Company closely monitors its liquidity position on a daily basis. If the Company requires funds beyond its ability to generate them internally, it has additional FHLB borrowing capacity of $114.3 million at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2004, the Company had $343.8 million of outstanding FHLB borrowings.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, the Company sold $14.1 million, $40.2 million and $30.4 million of residential mortgages, respectively. The Company normally originates fixed and adjustable rate loans for its portfolio. However, an analysis of the Company’s interest rate profile and the low rates at which these loans were originated led management to determine that these particular assets should be sold and the proceeds redeployed. The sale of these loans reduced the amount of high quality collateral available to be pledged as security for borrowings in the secondary market. The Company will continue to evaluate the sale of additional longer-term, lower coupon, fixed-rate residential mortgages in 2005.

 

Outstanding commitments for all loans totaled $15.0 million at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2004, the Company also had $88.8 million of unadvanced funds on lines of credit and $20.0 million of commitments to purchase one- to four-family ARM loans. Management of the Company anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet its current loan commitments. Retail certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less from December 31, 2004 totaled $94.3 million. The Company relies primarily on competitive rates, customer service, and long-standing relationships with customers to retain deposits. From time to time, the Company will also offer competitive special products to its customers to increase retention and to attract new deposits. Based upon the Company’s experience with deposit retention and current retention strategies, management believes that, although it is not possible to predict future terms and conditions upon renewal, a significant portion of such deposits will remain with the Company.

 

At December 31, 2004, the Bank exceeded all of the regulatory capital requirements to be considered adequately capitalized, with a Tier 1 risk-based capital level of $67.5 million, or 7.54% of adjusted average assets, which is above the required level of $35.8 million, or 4.00%, and total risk-based capital of $71.2 million, or 12.96% of adjusted assets, which is above the required level of $44.0 million, or 8.00%.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The information relating to Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, specifically standby letters of credit, is incorporated herein by reference to Note 11 “Off-Balance Sheet Activities” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Payments Due Under Contractual Obligations

 

The following table sets forth information relating to the Company’s payments due under contractual obligations at December 31, 2004 (in thousands).

 

     Payments due by period

     Total

   < 1 yr

   1-3 yrs

   3-5 yrs

   > 5 yrs

Long-term debt (1)

   $ 288,528    $ 83,869    $ 75,228    $ 39,212    $ 90,219

Capital lease obligations

     —        —        —        —        —  

Operating lease obligations (2)

     9,635      560      1,099      1,071      6,905

Purchase obligations (3)

     20,000      20,000      —        —        —  

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the company’s balance sheet under GAAP

     —        —        —        —        —  
    

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 318,163    $ 104,429    $ 76,327    $ 40,283    $ 97,124
    

  

  

  

  


(1) Consists of FHLB advances with an original maturity of greater than one year. Certain advances are callable in 2005 and 2006 at the option of the FHLB.

 

(2) Includes lease payments associated with certain branch and ATM facilities. The Company has the right to extend the periods of certain agreements.

 

(3) Reflects commitments to purchase ARM loans. These commitments expire in January 2005.

 

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto presented herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which generally require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollar amounts without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of the Company’s operations. Unlike industrial companies, nearly all of the assets and liabilities of the Company are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on the Company’s performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.

 

Impact of New Accounting Standards

 

In March 2004, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 105, Application of Accounting Principles to Loan Commitments, which provides guidance regarding loan commitments that are accounted for as derivative instruments. In this SAB, the SEC determined that an interest rate lock commitment should generally be valued at zero at inception. The rate locks will continue to be adjusted for changes in value resulting from changes in market interest rates. This SAB did not have any effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

On September 30, 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 03-1-1 delaying the effective date of paragraphs 10-20 of EITF 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments”, which provides guidance for determining the meaning of “other-than-temporarily impaired” and its application to certain debt and equity securities within the scope of SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, and investments accounted for under the cost method. The guidance requires that investments which have declined in value due to credit concerns or solely due to changes in interest rates must be recorded as other-than-temporarily impaired unless the Company can assert and demonstrate its intention to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery of fair value up to or beyond the cost of the investment which might mean maturity. The delay of the effective date of EITF 03-1 will be superceded concurrent with the final issuance of proposed FSP Issue 03-1-a. Proposed FSP Issue 03-1-a is intended to provide implementation guidance with respect to all securities analyzed for impairment under paragraphs 10-20 of EITF 03-1. Management continues to closely monitor and evaluate how the provisions of EITF 03-1 and proposed FSP Issue 03-1-a will affect the Company.

 

In December 2004, the FASB published FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“FAS 123(R)” or the “Statement”). FAS 123(R) requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions, including grants of employee stock options, be recognized in financial statements. That cost will be measured based on the fair value of the equity or

 

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liability instruments issued. FAS 123(R) covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including stock options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights, and employee share purchase plans. FAS 123(R) is a replacement of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and its related interpretive guidance.

 

The effect of the Statement will be to require entities to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock options based on the grant-date fair value of the award, and to recognize the cost over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award. FAS 123(R) permits entities to use any option-pricing model that meets the fair value objective in the Statement.

 

The Company will be required to apply FAS 123(R) as of the beginning of its first interim period that begins after June 15, 2005, which will be the quarter ending September 30, 2005.

 

FAS 123(R) allows two methods for determining the effects of the transition: the modified prospective transition method and the modified retrospective method of transition. Under the modified prospective transition method, an entity would use the fair value based accounting method for all employee awards granted, modified, or settled after the effective date. As of the effective date, compensation cost related to the nonvested portion of awards outstanding as of that date would be based on the grant-date fair value of those awards as calculated under the original provisions of Statement No. 123; that is, an entity would not remeasure the grant-date fair value estimate of the unvested portion of awards granted prior to the effective date of FAS 123(R). An entity will have the further option to either apply the Statement to only the quarters in the period of adoption and subsequent periods, or apply the Statement to all quarters in the fiscal year of adoption. Under the modified retrospective method of transition, an entity would revise its previously issued financial statements to recognize employee compensation cost for prior periods presented in accordance with the original provisions of Statement No. 123. The Company has not yet completed its study of the transition methods or made any decisions about how it will adopt FAS 123(R). Information pertaining to the potential impact of this Statement on the Company’s financial statements is incorporated herein by reference to Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

 

The Company’s financial statements reflect the selection and application of accounting policies that require management to make significant estimates and judgments. The information pertaining to the Company’s significant accounting policies is incorporated herein by reference to Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and in the discussion under “Allowance for Loan Losses” contained in the Form 10-K.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Management of Interest Rate Risk and Market Risk Analysis

 

The principal objective of the Company’s interest rate risk management is to evaluate the interest rate risk inherent in certain balance sheet accounts, determine the level of appropriate risk given the Company’s business strategy, operating environment, capital and liquidity requirements and performance objectives, and manage the risk consistent with approved guidelines. Through such management, the Company seeks to reduce the vulnerability of its operations to changes in interest rates. The Company maintains an ALCO responsible for reviewing its asset/liability policies and interest rate risk position on a quarterly basis. The ALCO reports trends and the interest rate risk position to the Board of Directors each quarter.

 

The extent of the movement of interest rates is an uncertainty that could have a negative impact on the earnings of the Company. Rising interest rates could cause the cost of liabilities to rise faster than the yield on assets. Conversely, the Company’s interest rate spread and margin could be negatively affected in a declining interest rate environment if prepayments were to increase and the Company was to reinvest such proceeds at a lower rate. The Company’s spread and margin would also be negatively impacted if deposit interest rates did not decline commensurate with asset yields in such a declining interest rate environment. Similarly, spreads and margins would contract in a so-called flat- or inverse-yield curve environment, in which traditional spreads between short- and long-term interest rates were to be compressed or become negative.

 

In recent years, the Company has utilized the following strategies to manage interest rate risk: (1) emphasizing the origination of (a) adjustable rate mortgages with terms of up to 30 years and interest rates which adjust every one or three years from the outset of the loan or which adjust annually after a five year or seven year initial fixed period; (b) shorter-term adjustable-rate

 

47


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loans, such as home equity loans and lines of credit; and (c) multi-family and commercial real estate loans; (2) selling longer-term fixed-rate loans; (3) emphasizing core deposit growth by offering deposit products with a variety of interest rates; (4) preparing and monitoring income simulation models, static gap and asset/liability funding matrix reports; and (5) selectively utilizing off-balance sheet derivatives and hedging instruments, such as interest rate swaps, caps and floors.

 

On-balance sheet derivatives and hedging instruments

 

The Company recognizes derivatives as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” The Company utilizes various derivative instruments for asset/liability management and other purposes. These transactions involve both credit and market risk. The notional amounts are amounts on which calculations and payments are based. Notional amounts do not represent direct credit exposures. Direct credit exposure is limited to the net difference between the calculated amounts to be received and paid, if any.

 

Interest rate swap agreements

 

The Company uses an interest rate swap agreement to hedge a portfolio of variable rate, home equity lines of credit. These loans expose the Company to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates. If interest rates decrease, interest income decreases. Conversely, if interest rates increase, interest income increases. During 2002, management believed it prudent to limit the variability of a portion of these interest receipts and entered into an interest rate swap agreement. The terms of the interest rate swap agreement call for the Company to receive fixed interest rate payments and remit variable rate interest rate payments. The interest rate swap is designated as a cash flow hedge.

 

At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the information (dollars in thousands) pertaining to the outstanding interest rate swap agreement used to hedge variable rate loans was as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Notional amount

   $ 5,000     $ 5,000  

Pay rate (based upon the prime rate)

     5.00 %     4.00 %

Receive rate

     7.64 %     7.64 %

Maturity in years

     2.3       3.3  

Unrealized gain relating to interest rate swap

   $ 167     $ 340  

 

The Company also uses interest rate swap agreements to hedge a portfolio of brokered certificates of deposit. These agreements are designated as fair value hedges since they are used to convert the cost of the brokered certificates of deposit from a fixed to a variable rate. Since the hedge relationship is estimated to be 100% effective (gain or loss on the swap agreements will completely offset the gain or loss on the certificates of deposit) there is no impact on the statement of income or on comprehensive income. The application of SFAS No. 133 results in an adjustment to the balance sheet to reflect the swap and the certificates of deposit at fair value.

 

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At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the information (dollars in thousands) pertaining to the outstanding interest rate swap agreements used to hedge a portfolio of brokered certificates of deposit was as follows:

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Notional amount

   $ 20,000     $ 20,000  

Weighted average pay rate

     2.14 %     1.16 %

Weighted average receive rate

     4.13 %     4.25 %

Weighted average maturity in years

     9.1       8.6  

Unrealized loss relating to interest rate swaps

   $ (351 )   $ (286 )

 

These agreements provide for the Company to make payments of a variable rate determined by a specified index (three- or six-month LIBOR) in exchange for receiving payments at a fixed rate.

 

A $10 million swap outstanding at December 31, 2003 was called in 2004. All swaps outstanding at December 31, 2004 are callable by the counter party to the agreement in April 2005 and semi-annually thereafter.

 

Income simulation analysis. The Company uses income simulation modeling in order to analyze its interest rate risk under various scenarios. The income simulation model is designed to measure the performance of the Company’s net interest income based upon potential changes in interest rates over a select period of time. The model consists of current data related to cash flow characteristics, repricing opportunities, maturities and current rates for all interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. In addition, management makes certain assumptions associated with prepayment speeds, maturities for non-certificate deposits, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, and reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows. The model does not include assumptions about future changes to the structure of the balance sheet or actions the Company may take to mitigate projected risks. The income simulation model is produced for several interest rate environments including a flat rate scenario (i.e. no change in current interest rates) over a twelve month period. A second and third model is produced in which a gradual increase of 200 basis points and a decrease of 100 basis points occur over a twelve month period. Other models are produced, as appropriate, to simulate the flattening or steepening of the yield curve. Under these scenarios, assets subject to repricing or prepayment are adjusted to account for faster or slower prepayment assumptions. The resultant changes in net interest income are then measured against the flat rate scenario. At December 31, 2004 the model projects net interest income expansion of 0.80% in the down 100 basis points scenario for the next twelve months. In comparison, the model projected a reduction of 0.96% at December 31, 2003. In an up 200 basis points environment, the model forecasts net interest income contraction of 5.28% and 1.81%, respectively, at December 31, 2004 and 2003. The variability calculated in these models is well within the guidelines established by the Company’s interest rate risk policy.

 

The preceding income simulation analysis does not represent a forecast of net interest income and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results. These hypothetical estimates are based upon numerous assumptions including: the nature and timing of interest rate levels including the yield curve shape, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows, and others. Also, as market conditions vary from those assumed in the income simulation models, the actual results will differ reflecting prepayment/refinancing levels likely deviating from those assumed, the varying impact of interest rate changes on caps and floors embedded in adjustable rate loans, early withdrawal of deposits, changes in product preferences, and other internal/external variables.

 

Gap analysis. The matching of assets and liabilities may be analyzed by examining the extent to which such assets and liabilities are “interest rate sensitive” and by monitoring a bank’s interest rate sensitivity “gap.” 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. The interest rate sensitivity gap is defined as the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within a specific time period and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within that same time period. At December 31, 2004, the Company’s one-year gap position, the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within one year and interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within one year, as a percentage of total assets, was negative 10.74% compared to positive 6.84% at December 31, 2003. A gap is considered negative when the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive assets. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest rate sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities. Accordingly, during a period of falling interest rates, an institution with a negative gap position would expect the downward repricing of its interest-bearing liabilities at a faster rate than its interest-earning assets as

 

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compared to an institution with a positive gap which, consequently, may tend to positively affect the growth of its net interest income. Conversely, during a period of rising interest rates, an institution with a negative gap position would be in a worse position to invest in higher yielding assets which, consequently, may result in the cost of its interest-bearing liabilities increasing at a rate faster than its yield on interest-earning assets and negatively affect the growth of its net interest income.

 

The following table sets forth the amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at December 31, 2004, which are anticipated by the Company, based upon certain assumptions, to reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown (the “Gap Table”). The table sets forth an approximation of the projected repricing of assets and liabilities at December 31, 2004, on the basis of contractual maturities, anticipated prepayments, and scheduled rate adjustments for selected time intervals. For loans on residential properties, adjustable-rate loans, and fixed-rate loans, actual repricing and maturity dates were used. The mortgage-backed securities portfolio was assumed to prepay at a rate of between 9.34% and 39.48% annually. The stratification of savings deposits (including NOW, savings and money market accounts) is based on management’s philosophy of repricing core deposits in response to changes in the general interest rate environment. Prepayment rates can have a significant impact on the Company’s estimated gap. While the Company believes such assumptions to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that assumed prepayment rates will approximate actual future loan prepayment activity.

 

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Table of Contents
     At December 31, 2004

     1 Year or Less

    More than
1 Year to
2 Years


    More than
2 Years to
3 Years


    More than
3 Years to
4 Years


    More than
4 Years to
5 Years


    More than
5 Years


    Total
Amount


   Fair
Value (3)


     Balance

    Average
Rate


    Balance

    Average
Rate


    Balance

    Average
Rate


    Balance

    Average
Rate


    Balance

    Average
Rate


    Balance

    Average
Rate


          
     (Dollars in Thousands)

Interest-earning assets (1):

                                                                                                 

Mortgage-backed securities

   $ 43,075     4.57 %   $ 36,215     4.67 %   $ 30,220     4.84 %   $ 22,781     4.01 %   $ 13,079     4.14 %   $ 30,678     4.14 %   $ 176,048    $ 177,142

Debt securities

     129     5.10 %     17,305     6.93 %     4,101     6.37 %     1,093     6.92 %     3,762     7.96 %     30,011     6.91 %     56,401      59,485

Equity securities

     —       —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       —         5,304     2.37 %     5,304      5,423

FHLB stock

     17,339     3.50 %     —       —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       —         17,339      17,339

Loans, net

     217,139     5.32 %     88,508     5.07 %     69,262     5.24 %     58,755     4.99 %     103,272     4.55 %     74,027     5.90 %     610,963      613,216

Other

     5,944     1.94 %     —       —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       —         5,944      5,944
    


       


       


       


       


       


       

  

Total interest-
earning assets

   $ 283,626           $ 142,028           $ 103,583           $ 82,629           $ 120,113           $ 140,020           $ 871,999    $ 878,549
    


       


       


       


       


       


       

  

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                                                                                                 

Savings accounts

   $ 6,175     0.50 %   $ —       —       $ —       —       $ —       —       $ —       —       $ 80,360     0.62 %   $ 86,535    $ 86,535

Money market accounts

     78,108     1.37 %     —       —         —       —         —       —         —       —         —       —         78,108      78,108

NOW accounts

     8,735     1.04 %     —       —         —       —         —       —         —       —         51,598     0.27 %     60,333      60,333

Certificates of deposit

     135,783     2.44 %     34,339     2.79 %     27,096     4.02 %     9,858     4.25 %     3,036     4.13 %     9,516     4.00 %     219,628      219,073

Borrowings

     153,439     3.85 %     28,081     3.79 %     44,283     3.35 %     18,779     2.86 %     18,500     2.91 %     90,000     4.90 %     353,082      358,285
    


       


       


       


       


       


       

  

Total interest-
bearing liabilities

   $ 382,240           $ 62,420           $ 71,379           $ 28,637           $ 21,536           $ 231,474           $ 797,686    $ 802,334
    


       


       


       


       


       


       

  

Interest-rate sensitivity gap (2)

   $ (98,614 )         $ 79,608           $ 32,204           $ 53,992           $ 98,577           $ (91,454 )         $ 74,313       
    


       


       


       


       


       


       

      

Cumulative interest-rate sensitivity gap

   $ (98,614 )         $ (19,006 )         $ 13,198           $ 67,190           $ 165,767           $ 74,313                     
    


       


       


       


       


       


                  

Cumulative interest sensitivity gap as a percentage of total assets

     (10.74 %)           (2.07 %)           1.44 %           7.32 %           18.05 %           8.09 %                   

Cumulative interest sensitivity gap as a percentage of total interest earning assets

     (11.31 %)           (2.18 %)           1.51 %           7.71 %           19.01 %           8.52 %                   

Cumulative interest-earning assets as a percentage of cumulative interest-bearing liabilities

     74.20 %           95.73 %           102.56 %           112.34 %           129.28 %           109.32 %                   

(1) Interest-earning assets are included in the period in which the balances are expected to be redeployed and/or repriced as a result of anticipated prepayments and contractual maturities.
(2) Interest sensitivity gap represents the difference between net interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.
(3) The fair values of securities available for sale, including mortgage-backed securities, are based on quoted market prices.

The fair values of performing loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses and interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. Fair values for non-performing loans are estimated using underlying collateral values, where applicable.

The fair values of non-certificate deposit accounts is equal to the carrying amount. Fair values for certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

The fair values for FHLB advances are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based upon the Company's current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

 

51


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Shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the Gap Table. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Additionally, some assets, such as adjustable-rate loans, have features which restrict changes in interest rates both on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Further, if interest rates changed, prepayment and early withdrawal levels would likely deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table. Finally, it would become more difficult for borrowers to repay their adjustable-rate loans if interest rates increased.

 

52


Table of Contents

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-1

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003

   F-2

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

   F-5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-6 – F-54

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-55 – F-56

 

53


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Woronoco Bancorp, Inc.

Westfield, Massachusetts

 

We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

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

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 3, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

WOLF & COMPANY, P.C.

 

Boston, Massachusetts

March 3, 2005

 

F-1


Table of Contents

 

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 
     (In thousands, except
share data)
 

ASSETS

        

Cash and due from banks

   $ 16,861     $ 18,110  

Interest-bearing deposits

     1,044       1,069  

Federal funds sold

     4,900       7,115  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents

     22,805       26,294  

Securities available for sale, at fair value

     242,050       233,376  

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost

     17,339       15,373  

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses ($3,651 at

                

December 31, 2004 and $3,280 at December 31, 2003)

     610,963       497,962  

Premises and equipment, net

     10,363       10,131  

Accrued interest receivable

     3,413       3,156  

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

     3,221       1,835  

Net deferred tax asset

     72       —    

Cash surrender value of life insurance

     5,107       6,143  

Other assets

     2,962       1,782  
    


 


     $ 918,295     $ 796,052  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

        

Deposits

   $ 477,855     $ 419,473  

Mortgagors’ escrow accounts

     2,078       1,825  

Short-term borrowings

     140,554       42,466  

Long-term debt

     212,528       248,598  

Net deferred tax liability

     —         551  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     3,869       4,396  
    


 


Total liabilities

     836,884       717,309  
    


 


Commitments and contingencies (notes 11 and 13)

                

Stockholders’ equity:

                

Preferred stock ($.01 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding)

     —         —    

Common stock ($.01 par value; 16,000,000 shares authorized; 5,998,860 shares issued)

     60       60  

Additional paid-in capital

     64,247       60,337  

Unearned compensation

     (3,657 )     (3,087 )

Retained earnings

     47,123       48,365  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     2,793       3,731  

Treasury stock, at cost (2,165,151 shares at December 31, 2004 and 2,366,886 shares at December 31, 2003)

     (29,155 )     (30,663 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     81,411       78,743  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 918,295     $ 796,052  
    


 


 

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

 

F-2


Table of Contents

 

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

   2003

    2002

 
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Interest and dividend income:

                       

Loans, including fees

   $ 29,534    $ 28,578     $ 30,041  

Interest and dividends on securities:

                       

Taxable interest

     7,986      7,263       7,390  

Tax exempt interest

     1,065      976       981  

Dividends

     2,140      1,949       3,047  

Trading account securities

     —        476       —    

Federal funds sold

     18      47       136  

Other

     29      15       55  
    

  


 


Total interest and dividend income

     40,772      39,304       41,650  
    

  


 


Interest expense:

                       

Deposits

     6,792      6,692       8,133  

Short-term borrowings

     924      2,004       678  

Long-term debt

     12,068      10,549       11,949  
    

  


 


Total interest expense

     19,784      19,245       20,760  
    

  


 


Net interest and dividend income

     20,988      20,059       20,890  

Provision for loan losses

     373      173       502  
    

  


 


Net interest income, after provision for loan losses

     20,615      19,886       20,388  
    

  


 


Non-interest income:

                       

Fee income

     4,259      3,596       2,689  

Insurance commissions

     1,479      1,256       814  

Gain (loss) on sales, disposition and impairment of securities, net

     —        580       (136 )

Net gain (loss) on trading account activities

     —        608       (2,086 )

Gain on sales of loans, net

     294      1,200       1,198  

Gain on sale of supermarket branches

     —        183       815  

Penalty for prepayment of FHLB advances

     —        (539 )     —    

Miscellaneous

     251      19       48  
    

  


 


Total non-interest income

     6,283      6,903       3,342  
    

  


 


Non-interest expenses:

                       

Salaries and employee benefits

     11,450      9,899       9,159  

Occupancy and equipment

     2,179      2,067       2,235  

Marketing

     594      667       793  

Professional services

     1,139      1,408       1,067  

Data processing

     1,083      1,046       952  

Merger-related

     3,999      —         —    

Other general and administrative

     2,759      2,860       2,851  
    

  


 


Total non-interest expenses

     23,203      17,947       17,057  
    

  


 


Income before income taxes

     3,695      8,842       6,673  

Provision for income taxes

     1,112      2,555       1,751  
    

  


 


Net income

   $ 2,583    $ 6,287     $ 4,922  
    

  


 


Earnings per share:

                       

Basic

   $ 0.76    $ 1.90     $ 1.48  

Diluted

   $ 0.72    $ 1.77     $ 1.38  

 

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

 

F-3


Table of Contents

 

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

     Common
Stock


   Additional
Paid-in
Capital


   Unearned
Compensation


    Shares
Issuable
Under Stock
Awards
Plan


    Retained
Earnings


    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income


    Treasury
Stock


    Total

 
     (In thousands, except share data)  

Balance at December 31, 2001

   $ 60    $ 58,294    $ (4,834 )   $ —       $ 41,439     $ 1,497     $ (26,607 )   $ 69,849  

Comprehensive income:

                                                              

Net income

     —        —        —         —         4,922       —         —         4,922  

Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of reclassification adjustment adjustment and tax effects

     —        —        —         —         —         3,454       —         3,454  

Net gain on derivative instruments

     —        —        —         —         —         271       —         271  
                                                          


Total comprehensive income

                                                           8,647  
                                                          


Decrease in unearned compensation

     —        422      883       —         —         —         —         1,305  

Adjustment for tax benefit related to vesting of stock awards and stock option exercises

     —        304      —         —         —         —         —         304  

Reissuance of treasury shares in connection with stock option exercises (67,455 shares)

     —        —        —         —         (159 )     —         833       674  

Cash dividends paid ($0.47 per share)

     —        —        —         —         (1,561 )     —         —         (1,561 )

Treasury stock purchased (237,054 shares)

     —        —        —         —         —         —         (4,808 )     (4,808 )
    

  

  


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2002

     60      59,020      (3,951 )     —         44,641       5,222       (30,582 )     74,410  

Comprehensive income:

                                                              

Net income

     —        —        —         —         6,287       —         —         6,287  

Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of reclassification adjustment adjustment and tax effects

     —        —        —         —         —         (1,421 )     —         (1,421 )

Net loss on derivative instruments

     —        —        —         —         —         (70 )     —         (70 )
                                                          


Total comprehensive income

                                                           4,796  
                                                          


Decrease in unearned compensation

     —        705      864       —         —         —         —         1,569  

Adjustment for tax benefit related to vesting of stock awards and stock option exercises

     —        598      —         —         —         —         —         598  

Treasury stock reissued in connection with stock option exercises (144,046 shares)

     —        14      —         —         (429 )     —         1,835       1,420  

Cash dividends paid ($0.65 per share)

     —        —        —         —         (2,134 )     —         —         (2,134 )

Treasury stock purchased (79,741 shares)

     —        —        —         —         —         —         (1,916 )     (1,916 )
    

  

  


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2003

     60      60,337      (3,087 )     —         48,365       3,731       (30,663 )     78,743  

Comprehensive income:

                                                              

Net income

     —        —        —         —         2,583       —         —         2,583  

Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of reclassification adjustment adjustment and tax effects

     —        —        —         —         —         (836 )     —         (836 )

Net loss on derivative instruments

     —        —        —         —         —         (102 )     —         (102 )
                                                          


Total comprehensive income

                                                           1,645  
                                                          


Decrease in unearned compensation

     —        1,079      990       —         —         —         —         2,069  

Adjustment for tax benefit related to vesting of stock awards and stock option exercises

     —        2,451      —         —         —         —         —         2,451  

Granting of stock awards in connection with

                                                              

Company’s 2004 Equity Compensation Plan

     —        —        (1,560 )     1,560       —         —         —         —    

Shares purchased in connection with the Company’s 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (50,000 shares)

     —        —        —         (1,560 )     (338 )     —         —         (1,898 )

Treasury stock reissued in connection with stock option exercises (256,122 shares)

     —        380      —         —         (803 )     —         3,416       2,993  

Cash dividends paid ($0.79 per share)

     —        —        —         —         (2,684 )     —         —         (2,684 )

Treasury stock purchased (54,387 shares)

     —        —        —         —         —         —         (1,908 )     (1,908 )
    

  

  


 


 


 


 


 


Balance at December 31, 2004

   $ 60    $ 64,247    $ (3,657 )   $ —       $ 47,123     $ 2,793     $ (29,155 )   $ 81,411  
    

  

  


 


 


 


 


 


 

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

 

F-4


Table of Contents

 

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 
     (In thousands)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Net income

   $ 2,583     $ 6,287     $ 4,922  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                        

Provision for loan losses

     373       173       502  

Net amortization of investments

     1,037       955       444  

Depreciation and amortization

     934       961       1,068  

Amortization of other intangible assets

     56       54       50  

Amortization of mortgage servicing rights

     196       192       67  

Employee stock ownership plan expense

     1,473       1,079       816  

Stock-based incentive plan expense

     596       490       489  

Deferred tax (benefit) provision

     (30 )     888       (431 )

(Gain) loss on sales, disposition and impairment of securities, net

     —         (580 )     136  

Proceeds from sales of trading securities

     —         16,892       —    

Net (gain) loss on trading activities

     —         (608 )     2,086  

Gain on sales of loans, net

     (294 )     (1,200 )     (1,198 )

Gain on sale of other real estate owned

     (21 )     —         —    

Gain on sale of supermarket branches, net of expenses

     —         (183 )     (815 )

Loans originated and held for sale

     (14,111 )     (40,224 )     (30,385 )

Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale

     14,264       40,917       31,035  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                        

Accrued interest receivable

     (257 )     229       (349 )

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     1,924       (161 )     (1,439 )

Other, net

     (276 )     1,865       (1,875 )
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     8,447       28,026       5,123  
    


 


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                        

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale

     —         25,303       8,618  

Purchases of securities available for sale

     (55,089 )     (170,673 )     (37,821 )

Principal payments on securities available for sale

     44,020       62,079       33,277  

Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale

     —         2,503       —    

Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     (1,966 )     (1,578 )     (45 )

Loan purchases

     (129,854 )     (34,033 )     —    

Loans originations and principal collections, net

     16,257       6,182       (42,692 )

Additions to premises and equipment

     (1,166 )     (837 )     (450 )

Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment, net

     —         99       201  

Purchase of bank-owned life insurance

     —         (3,000 )     —    

Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate

     86       —         —    

Payment to purchase insurance agency

     (1,380 )     —         —    
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (129,092 )     (113,955 )     (38,912 )
    


 


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                        

Net increase in deposits, excluding deposits sold

     58,382       53,079       43,520  

Sale of supermarket branch deposits, net of premium and expenses

     —         (4,084 )     (8,105 )

Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings

     22,088       (27,769 )     (19,806 )

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     46,775       81,580       24,000  

Repayments of long-term debt

     (6,845 )     (15,982 )     —    

Net increase in mortgagors’ escrow accounts

     253       228       467  

Cash dividends paid

     (2,684 )     (2,134 )     (1,561 )

Treasury stock purchased

     (1,908 )     (1,916 )     (4,808 )

Shares purchased in connection with the Company’s 2004 equity compensation plan

     (1,898 )     —         —    

Reissuance of treasury stock in connection with stock option exercises

     2,993       1,420       674  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     117,156       84,422       34,381  
    


 


 


Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (3,489 )     (1,507 )     592  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     26,294       27,801       27,209  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 22,805     $ 26,294     $ 27,801  
    


 


 


Supplemental cash flow information:

                        

Interest paid on deposits

   $ 6,935     $ 7,350     $ 9,136  

Interest paid on borrowings

     12,924       12,633       12,561  

Income taxes paid

     1,341       2,504       2,130  

Transfer of long-term debt to short-term borrowings

     76,000       14,000       32,000  

 

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

 

F-5


Table of Contents

 

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of presentation and consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Woronoco Savings Bank (the “Bank”) and WRO Funding Corporation (collectively, the “Company”). The accounts of the Bank include all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of estimates

 

In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. A material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relates to the determination of the allowance for loan losses.

 

Business

 

The Company provides a variety of financial services, including trust and financial management services, and various deposit and lending products to individuals and small businesses through its ten offices in western Massachusetts. Its primary deposit products are checking, savings, money market and term certificate accounts and its primary lending products are residential, commercial mortgage, consumer and home equity loans.

 

Through the Bank’s subsidiary, Woronoco Insurance Group, Inc., the Company also offers a full line of property and casualty insurance products and various life insurance and group life, group health and accident insurance products for individuals and commercial clients.

 

F-6


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

 

Business (concluded)

 

Prior to the acquisitions of Colton Insurance Agency, Inc. in 2004, Keyes & Mattson Insurance Agency in 2001 and Agan Insurance Agency in 2000 (collectively Woronoco Insurance Group, Inc.), the Company’s chief decision-makers monitored the revenue streams of the various products and services, while the Company’s operations were managed and financial performance was evaluated on a company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the Company’s operations were considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment. Subsequent to the acquisitions of the insurance agencies, the Company’s operations continue to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment, except for Woronoco Insurance Group, Inc. which is evaluated on a stand-alone basis.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and balances due from banks, interest-bearing deposits and federal funds sold, all of which mature within ninety days.

 

Securities

 

Securities not classified as “held to maturity” or “trading” are classified as “available for sale” and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income.

 

Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. Declines in the fair value of available for sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

 

Trading activities

 

Securities that are held principally for resale in the near term are recorded in the trading assets account at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. Interest and dividends are included in net interest income. Quoted market prices are used to determine the fair value of trading instruments.

 

F-7


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Loans

 

The Company originates mortgage, commercial and consumer loans for its customers. From time to time, the Company also purchases mortgage loans from various financial institutions. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is represented by mortgage loans in the Company’s primary market area. The ability of the Company’s debtors to honor their contracts is dependent upon the real estate and general economic conditions in this area.

 

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, purchased loan premiums or discounts and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs and premiums on purchased loans, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method.

 

The accrual of interest on all loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

 

All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

 

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. Impaired loans are generally maintained on a non-accrual basis. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and commercial real estate loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

 

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential real estate loans for impairment disclosures.

 

F-8


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

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 a 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 and is based upon management’s periodic review of the risks inherent in its loan portfolio, consideration of trends in delinquency and impaired loans, the amount of charge-offs and recoveries, volume of loans, changes in risk selection, credit concentrations, national and regional economies and the real estate market in the Company’s primary lending area. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

 

The allowance consists of a specific allowance for identified problem and impaired loans and a general allowance for current performing loans. All loans are considered in the evaluation, whether on an individual or group basis. Changes in the balances of problem and impaired loans affect the specific allowance, while changes in volume and concentrations of current performing loans affects the general allowance and the allocation of the allowance of the loan losses among loan types.

 

For loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market value) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience, peer group comparisons, industry data and loss percentages used by banking regulators for similarly graded loans adjusted for qualitative factors.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Servicing

 

Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through sale or purchase of financial assets. For sales of mortgage loans, a portion of the cost of originating the loan is allocated to the servicing right based on relative fair value. For purchased loans, a portion of the premium paid to acquire the loan is allocated to the servicing right based on relative fair value. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts. Capitalized and purchased servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into other income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount.

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

The Company recognizes derivatives as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”

 

Interest rate swaps

 

The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to hedge various exposures or to modify interest rate characteristics of various balance sheet accounts. Derivatives that are used as part of the asset/liability management process are linked to specific assets or liabilities and have high correlation between the contract and the underlying item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedge period. Interest rate swaps are contracts in which a series of interest rate flows are exchanged over a prescribed period. The notional amount on which the interest rate payments are based is not exchanged. Most interest rate swaps involve the exchange of fixed and floating interest payments. By entering into the swap, the principal amount of the debt would remain unchanged but the interest payment streams would change.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Derivative financial instruments (concluded)

 

Interest rate swaps (concluded)

 

The Company utilizes interest rate swaps to convert a portion of its fixed-rate liabilities to a variable rate (fair value hedge) and to convert a portion of its variable-rate mortgage loans to a fixed rate (cash flow hedge). The gain or loss on a derivative designated and qualifying as a fair value hedging instrument, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item, is recognized currently in earnings in the same accounting period. The gain or loss on a derivative designated and qualifying as a cash flow hedging instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument, if any, is recognized currently in earnings.

 

Premises and equipment

 

Land is carried at cost. Buildings, improvements and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the terms of the leases, if shorter.

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

 

The Company recorded goodwill of $3,157 and intangible assets of $220 in connection with the acquisitions of the Colton, Keyes & Mattson and Agan insurance agencies. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis. The Company has not recorded goodwill impairment losses for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

The intangible assets consist of non-competition agreements and customer lists and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over three years. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 amounted to $56, $50 and $29, respectively. The accumulated amortization at December 31, 2004 and 2003 was $135 and $79, respectively.

 

The Company recorded $1,371 of goodwill and $70 of intangible assets in connection with the acquisition of Colton Insurance Agency, Inc. in 2004. The Company is amortizing intangible assets over three years and recognized $6 of expense in 2004.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Transfers of financial assets

 

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

 

Income taxes

 

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. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted accordingly through the provision for income taxes. The Bank’s base amount of its federal income tax reserve for loan losses is a permanent difference for which there is no recognition of a deferred tax liability. However, the loan loss allowance maintained for financial reporting purposes is a temporary difference with allowable recognition of a related deferred tax asset, if it is deemed realizable.

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Stock compensation plans

 

SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” encourages all entities to adopt a fair value based method of accounting for employee stock compensation plans, whereby compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. However, it also allows an entity to continue to measure compensation cost for those plans using the intrinsic value based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” whereby compensation cost is the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the stock at the grant date (or other measurement date) over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. Stock options issued under the Company’s stock option plans have no intrinsic value at the grant date, and under Opinion No. 25 no compensation cost is recognized for them.

 

At December 31, 2004, the Company has three stock-based compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 16. The Company has continued with the accounting methodology in Opinion No. 25 and, as a result, has provided pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share, as if the fair value based method of accounting had been applied. Under SFAS 123(R) “Share-Based Payment”, the Company will be required to change its accounting method for its stock-based compensation plans. For additional information see “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” contained herein.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Stock compensation plans (concluded)

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to stock-based employee compensation.

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Net income, as reported

   $ 2,583     $ 6,287     $ 4,922  

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for vested options, net of related tax effects

     (837 )     (526 )     (352 )
    


 


 


Pro forma net income

   $ 1,746     $ 5,761     $ 4,570  
    


 


 


Earnings per share:

                        
    


 


 


Basic-as reported

   $ 0.76     $ 1.90     $ 1.48  
    


 


 


Basic-pro forma

   $ 0.51     $ 1.74     $ 1.37  
    


 


 


Diluted-as reported

   $ 0.72     $ 1.77     $ 1.38  
    


 


 


Diluted-pro forma

   $ 0.49     $ 1.62     $ 1.28  
    


 


 


 

Employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”)

 

Compensation expense is recognized as ESOP shares are committed to be released and is calculated based upon the average market price for the current year. Allocated and committed-to-be-released ESOP shares are considered outstanding for earnings per share calculations based on debt service payments. Other ESOP shares are excluded from earnings per share calculations. Dividends declared on allocated ESOP shares are charged to retained earnings. Dividends declared on unallocated ESOP shares are used to satisfy debt service. The value of unearned shares to be allocated to ESOP participants for future services not yet performed is reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Marketing

 

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

 

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 reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options and certain stock awards and are determined using the treasury stock method.

 

Earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 have been computed based upon the following:

 

     Years Ended December 31,

     2004

   2003

   2002

Net income applicable to common stock

   $ 2,583    $ 6,287    $ 4,922
    

  

  

Average number of common shares outstanding

     3,418,866      3,312,890      3,327,388

Effect of dilutive potential common shares

     160,852      232,957      236,866
    

  

  

Average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share

     3,579,718      3,545,847      3,564,254
    

  

  

 

For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2002, options for 46,000 and 42,722 shares of common stock, respectively, were anti-dilutive and therefore not included in the earnings per share calculation. No options were anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

F-15


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

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 equity section of the consolidated balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income (loss).

 

The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effects are as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Unrealized holding (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities

   $ (1,358 )   $ (1,763 )   $ 3,471  

Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in income

     —         (580 )     (350 )
    


 


 


Net unrealized (losses) gains

     (1,358 )     (2,343 )     3,121  

Reclassification adjustment for impairment losses realized in income

     —         —         486  

Reclassification adjustment for losses related to transfer of equity securities from available-for-sale to trading

     —         —         2,086  
    


 


 


Net unrealized (losses) gains

     (1,358 )     (2,343 )     5,693  

Tax effect

     522       922       (2,239 )
    


 


 


       (836 )     (1,421 )     3,454  
    


 


 


Change in fair value of derivatives used for cash flow hedges

     (173 )     (74 )     414  

Tax effect

     71       4       (143 )
    


 


 


       (102 )     (70 )     271  
    


 


 


Other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ (938 )   $ (1,491 )   $ 3,725  
    


 


 


 

F-16


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) (concluded)

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), included in stockholders’ equity, are as follows:

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Net unrealized gain on securities available-for-sale

   $ 4,297     $ 5,655  

Tax effect

     (1,603 )     (2,125 )
    


 


Net-of-tax amount

     2,694       3,530  
    


 


Net unrealized gain on derivatives used for cash flow hedges

     167       340  

Tax effect

     (68 )     (139 )
    


 


Net-of-tax amount

     99       201  
    


 


     $ 2,793     $ 3,731  
    


 


 

Recent accounting pronouncements

 

In March 2004, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 105, Application of Accounting Principles to Loan Commitments, which provides guidance regarding loan commitments that are accounted for as derivative instruments. In this SAB, the SEC determined that an interest rate lock commitment should generally be valued at zero at inception. The rate locks will continue to be adjusted for changes in value resulting from changes in market interest rates. This SAB did not have any effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (concluded)

 

Recent accounting pronouncements (continued)

 

On September 30, 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 03-1-1 delaying the effective date of paragraphs 10-20 of EITF 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments”, which provides guidance for determining the meaning of “other-than-temporarily impaired” and its application to certain debt and equity securities within the scope of SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, and investments accounted for under the cost method. The guidance requires that investments which have declined in value due to credit concerns or solely due to changes in interest rates must be recorded as other-than-temporarily impaired unless the Company can assert and demonstrate its intention to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery of fair value up to or beyond the cost of the investment which might mean maturity. The delay of the effective date of EITF 03-1 will be superceded concurrent with the final issuance of proposed FSP Issue 03-1-a. Proposed FSP Issue 03-1-a is intended to provide implementation guidance with respect to all securities analyzed for impairment under paragraphs 10-20 of EITF 03-1. Management continues to closely monitor and evaluate how the provisions of EITF 03-1 and proposed FSP Issue 03-1-a will affect the Company.

 

In December 2004, the FASB published FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123(R)” or the “Statement”). SFAS 123(R) requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions, including grants of employee stock options, be recognized in financial statements. That cost will be measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. SFAS 123(R) covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including stock options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights, and employee share purchase plans. SFAS 123(R) is a replacement of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and its related interpretive guidance.

 

The effect of the Statement will be to require entities to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock options based on the grant-date fair value of the award, and to recognize the cost over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award. SFAS 123(R) permits entities to use any option-pricing model that meets the fair value objective in the Statement.

 

F-18


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (concluded)

 

Recent accounting pronouncements (concluded)

 

The Company will be required to apply SFAS 123(R) as of the beginning of its first interim period that begins after June 15, 2005, which will be the quarter ending September 30, 2005.

 

SFAS 123(R) allows two methods for determining the effects of the transition: the modified prospective transition method and the modified retrospective method of transition. Under the modified prospective transition method, an entity would use the fair value based accounting method for all employee awards granted, modified, or settled after the effective date. As of the effective date, compensation cost related to the nonvested portion of awards outstanding as of that date would be based on the grant-date fair value of those awards as calculated under the original provisions of Statement No. 123; that is, an entity would not remeasure the grant-date fair value estimate of the unvested portion of awards granted prior to the effective date of SFAS 123(R). An entity will have the further option to either apply the Statement to only the quarters in the period of adoption and subsequent periods, or apply the Statement to all quarters in the fiscal year of adoption. Under the modified retrospective method of transition, an entity would revise its previously issued financial statements to recognize employee compensation cost for prior periods presented in accordance with the original provisions of Statement No. 123. The Company has not yet completed its study of the transition methods or made any decisions about how it will adopt SFAS 123(R). Information pertaining to the potential impact of this Statement on the Company’s financial statements is incorporated herein by reference to Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Stock Compensation Plans.”

 

F-19


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

2. AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

 

In December 2004, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the holding company for Berkshire Bank. Berkshire Bank is headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, with 11 branch offices serving communities throughout Berkshire County, and a representative office and one branch in New York. At December 31, 2004, Berkshire Hills Bancorp had total assets of $1.3 billion.

 

The acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, stockholders of Woronoco Bancorp will have the right to elect to receive either $36.00 in cash or one share of Berkshire Hills Bancorp common stock in exchange for each share of Woronoco Bancorp common stock held by them, subject to pro-ration so that 75 percent of the outstanding Woronoco Bancorp common shares are converted into Berkshire Hills Bancorp common stock in the merger and the balance are converted into the cash consideration. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2005, and is subject to the approval of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. and Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. shareholders and applicable regulatory authorities. In connection with the merger agreement, the Company recorded $3,999 of merger-related charges, consisting of executive severance payments and associated benefits totaling $3,094 and professional services costs aggregating $905.

 

3. RESTRICTIONS ON CASH AND AMOUNTS DUE FROM BANKS

 

The Company is required to maintain average balances on hand or with the Federal Reserve Bank. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, these reserve balances amounted to $5,114 and $5,145, respectively.

 

F-20


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

4. SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available for sale, with gross unrealized gains and losses, follows:

 

     December 31, 2004

     Amortized
Cost


   Gross
Unrealized
Gains


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


    Fair Value

Debt securities:

                            

U.S. agencies

   $ 5,047    $ 112    $ —       $ 5,159

Municipal bonds

     31,332      1,032      (18 )     32,346

Mortgage-backed

     176,048      2,150      (1,056 )     177,142

Trust preferred

     20,022      1,958      —         21,980
    

  

  


 

Total debt securities

     232,449      5,252      (1,074 )     236,627

Mutual funds

     5,189      178      (59 )     5,308

Marketable equity securities

     115      —        —         115
    

  

  


 

Total securities

   $ 237,753    $ 5,430    $ (1,133 )   $ 242,050
    

  

  


 

 

     December 31, 2003

     Amortized
Cost


   Gross
Unrealized
Gains


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


    Fair Value

Debt securities:

                            

U.S. agencies

   $ 5,081    $ 288    $ —       $ 5,369

Municipal bonds

     21,442      835      —         22,277

Mortgage-backed

     175,878      3,032      (845 )     178,065

Trust preferred

     20,151      2,285      —         22,436
    

  

  


 

Total debt securities

     222,552      6,440      (845 )     228,147

Mutual funds

     5,054      94      (34 )     5,114

Marketable equity securities

     115      —        —         115
    

  

  


 

Total securities

   $ 227,721    $ 6,534    $ (879 )   $ 233,376
    

  

  


 

 

All of the Company’s mortgage-backed and agency securities were issued by government-sponsored entities at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

F-21


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE (continued)

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity at December 31, 2004 follows:

 

     December 31, 2004

     Amortized
Cost


   Fair Value

Over 1 year through 5 years

   $ 5,047    $ 5,159

Over 10 years

     51,354      54,326
    

  

       56,401      59,485

Mortgage-backed securities

     176,048      177,142
    

  

     $ 232,449    $ 236,627
    

  

 

At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company has pledged securities available for sale with an amortized cost of $41,697 and $15,609, respectively, and a fair value of $43,643 and $16,792, respectively, as collateral against its treasury tax and loan account, liquidity line of credit, interest rate swap agreements and repurchase agreements.

 

Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale during the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 amounted to $25,303 and $8,618, respectively. Gross realized gains of $611 and $592, and gross realized losses of $31 and $242, were realized during the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The tax provision applicable to these net realized gains and losses amounted to $168 and $92, respectively. There were no sales of securities during the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE (concluded)

 

Information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2004 and 2003, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, follows:

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2003

     Less Than Twelve
Months


   Twelve Months and
Over


   Less Than Twelve
Months


     Gross
Unrealized
Losses


   Fair
Value


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


   Fair
Value


   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


   Fair
Value


Securities Available for Sale

                                         

Debt securities:

                                         

Municipal bonds

   $ 18    $ 2,591    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  

Mortgage-backed

     289      53,984      767      41,791      845      77,082
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total debt securities

     307      56,575      767      41,791      845      77,082

Mutual funds

     59      4,272      —        —        34      4,178
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total temporarily-impaired securities

   $ 366    $ 60,847    $ 767    $ 41,791    $ 879    $ 81,260
    

  

  

  

  

  

 

As of December 31, 2003, there were no securities with gross unrealized losses for a period of over twelve months.

 

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation.

 

At December 31, 2004 and 2003, debt securities and bond mutual funds with gross unrealized losses have aggregate depreciation equal to approximately 1% from the Company’s amortized cost basis. The number of debt securities and bond mutual funds with gross unrealized losses held by the Company at December 31, 2004 and 2003 totaled 39 and 19, respectively. All holdings are investment grade with a majority being issued or guaranteed by a federal government agency. Management believes that the current unrealized loss position on all of these securities is the result of the current interest rate environment. As the bond market has been in a prolonged low interest rate cycle, market anticipation is that rates may increase in the near future which in turn causes lower valuations on current holdings. As management has the ability to hold these debt securities and bond mutual funds for the foreseeable future, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

5. LOANS AND SERVICING

 

A summary of the balances of loans follows:

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Residential mortgage

   $ 424,788     $ 321,067  

Home equity loans and lines of credit

     84,941       80,168  

Commercial real estate

     63,132       61,342  

Construction

     31,542       20,106  

Consumer

     7,656       9,484  

Commercial

     15,954       14,931  
    


 


Total loans

     628,013       507,098  

Net deferred loan origination costs

     802       817  

Unadvanced loan funds

     (14,201 )     (6,673 )

Allowance for loan losses

     (3,651 )     (3,280 )
    


 


Loans, net

   $ 610,963     $ 497,962  
    


 


 

An analysis of the allowance for loan losses follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 3,280     $ 3,156     $ 2,701  

Provision for loan losses

     373       173       502  

Recoveries

     121       99       81  

Loans charged-off

     (123 )     (148 )     (128 )
    


 


 


Balance at end of period

   $ 3,651     $ 3,280     $ 3,156  
    


 


 


 

F-24


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

LOANS AND SERVICING (concluded)

 

At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had no impaired loans and had nonaccrual loans amounting to $466 and $417, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company’s average recorded investment in impaired loans was $6 and $46, respectively. The Company had no average recorded investment in impaired loans for the year ended December 31, 2004. The Company recognized on an accrual basis $1 of interest income on impaired loans for the year ended December 31, 2002. For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 the Company did not recognize interest income from impaired loans.

 

There were no loans past-due ninety days or more for which interest was still accruing at December 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

The Company has sold mortgage loans in the secondary mortgage market and has retained the servicing responsibility and receives fees for the services provided. Loans sold and serviced for others amounted to $75,159 and $76,372 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. All loans serviced for others were sold without recourse provisions and are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. There were no loans held for sale at December 31, 2004 or 2003.

 

A summary of the activity in the balances of mortgage servicing rights follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ 701     $ 520     $ 250  

Purchased mortgage servicing rights

     644       —         —    

Capitalized mortgage servicing rights

     126       373       337  

Amortization

     (196 )     (192 )     (67 )
    


 


 


Balance at end of period

   $ 1,275     $ 701     $ 520  
    


 


 


 

The balances of mortgage servicing rights are included in other assets. The fair values of all mortgage servicing rights approximate carrying amounts.

 

F-25


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

6. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

 

A summary of the cost and accumulated depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment and their estimated useful lives follows:

 

     December 31,

   

Estimated

Useful Lives


     2004

    2003

   

Banking premises:

                    

Land

   $ 1,110     $ 1,110      

Buildings and improvements

     10,250       9,890     5 -40 years

Equipment

     7,354       6,548     3 -10 years
    


 


   
       18,714       17,548      

Less accumulated depreciation

                    

and amortization

     (8,351 )     (7,417 )    
    


 


   
     $ 10,363     $ 10,131      
    


 


   

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 amounted to $934, $961 and $1,068, respectively.

 

7. DEPOSITS

 

A summary of deposit balances, by type, is as follows:

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2003

Non-interest-bearing demand

   $ 33,251    $ 28,121

NOW

     60,333      60,802

Money market

     78,108      60,179

Regular savings

     86,535      83,768
    

  

Total non-certificate accounts

     258,227      232,870
    

  

Certificate accounts less than $100,000

     191,430      157,229

Certificate accounts of $100,000 or more

     28,198      29,374
    

  

Total certificate accounts

     219,628      186,603
    

  

     $ 477,855    $ 419,473
    

  

 

At December 31, 2004 certificate accounts include $95,084 in brokered certificates of deposit with a weighted-average rate of 3.46%.

 

At December 31, 2003 certificate accounts include $52,232 in brokered certificates of deposit with a weighted-average rate of 4.02%.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

DEPOSITS (concluded)

 

A summary of certificate accounts, by maturity, is as follows:

 

     December 31, 2004

    December 31, 2003

 
     Amount

    Weighted
Average
Rate


    Amount

    Weighted
Average
Rate


 

Within 1 year

   $ 131,643     2.46 %   $ 95,651     2.37 %

After 1 year to 3 years

     65,549     3.25 %     57,693     3.01 %

After 3 years to 5 years

     3,073     4.25 %     13,545     5.00 %

After 5 years

     19,363 (1)   4.12 %     19,714 (2)   4.25 %
    


       


     
     $ 219,628     2.87 %   $ 186,603     2.96 %
    


       


     

(1) Includes $19,363 of brokered deposits callable on April 15 and April 24, 2005.
(2) Includes $19,714 of brokered deposits callable on March 25 and April 24, 2004.

 

8. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

 

Short-term borrowings consist of the following:

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2003

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

   $ 131,270    $ 32,000

Repurchase agreements

     9,284      10,466
    

  

     $ 140,554    $ 42,466
    

  

 

F-27


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS (continued)

 

Federal Home Loan Bank

 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances mature within one year at a weighted average rate of 4.08% and 1.29% at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Bank also has an available line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (the “FHLB”) at an interest rate that adjusts daily. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, there were no amounts outstanding on this line of credit. Borrowings under the line are limited to 2% of the Bank’s total assets. All borrowings from the FHLB are secured by a blanket lien on qualified collateral, defined principally as 75% of the carrying value of first mortgage loans on owner-occupied residential property and 90% of the carrying value of mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies.

 

As a member of the FHLB, the Bank is eligible to borrow amounts up to the level of qualified collateral maintained.

 

Repurchase agreements

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are summarized as follows:

 

     Years Ended
December 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Balance at year-end

   $ 9,284     $ 10,466  

Average amount outstanding during year

     8,223       4,895  

Interest expense incurred during year

     137       67  

Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end

     14,301       10,466  

Weighted average interest rate during the year

     1.67 %     1.37 %

Weighted average interest rate on year-end balances

     2.66 %     1.38 %

 

Mortgage-backed securities, with a market value of $12,813 and $12,437 and an amortized cost of $11,970 and $11,498 are pledged to secure the repurchase agreements at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The securities pledged to secure the repurchase agreements are under the Company’s control.

 

F-28


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS (concluded)

 

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

 

The Company maintains a line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Commercial loans with a principal balance of $11,858 and $1,453 were pledged at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, as security for this line of credit. In addition, the Bank pledged municipal securities with a market value of $27,032 and an amortized cost of $26,033 at December 31, 2004. The Bank had no securities pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank at December 31, 2003 under this line of credit. No amounts were outstanding as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 under this line of credit.

 

9. LONG-TERM DEBT

 

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

     December 31, 2004

    December 31, 2003

 
     Amount

   Weighted
Average
Rate


    Amount

   Weighted
Average
Rate


 

Fixed-rate FHLB advances maturing:

                          

2005

   $ —      —       $ 76,000    5.36 %

2006

     20,000    4.32 %     20,000    4.32 %

2007

     41,000    3.39 %     18,000    4.29 %

2008 (a)

     37,829    2.52 %     44,598    2.48 %

2009 (a)

     23,424    3.06 %     —      —    

2010

     20,000    4.78 %     20,000    4.78 %

2011

     70,000    4.93 %     70,000    4.93 %

2014 (a)

     275    2.50 %     —      —    
    

  

 

  

Total FHLB advances

   $ 212,528    3.92 %   $ 248,598    4.51 %
    

  

 

  


(a) Includes amortizing advances requiring monthly principal and interest payments of $618, $91 and $1 in 2008, 2009, and 2014, respectively.

 

Certain FHLB advances are callable in 2005 and 2006. All borrowings from the FHLB are secured by a blanket lien on qualified collateral, defined principally as 75% of the carrying value of first mortgage loans on owner-occupied residential property and 90% of the carrying value of mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies.

 

As a member of the FHLB, the Bank is eligible to borrow amounts up to the level of qualified collateral maintained.

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

10. INCOME TAXES

 

Allocation of federal and state income taxes between current and deferred portions, before the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, is as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Current tax provision:

                        

Federal

   $ 1,000     $ 1,461     $ 1,815  

State

     142       206       367  
    


 


 


       1,142       1,667       2,182  
    


 


 


Deferred tax (benefit) provision:

                        

Federal

     96       915       (432 )

State

     (126 )     (27 )     1  
    


 


 


       (30 )     888       (431 )
    


 


 


     $ 1,112     $ 2,555     $ 1,751  
    


 


 


 

The reasons for the differences between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rates are summarized as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Statutory rate

   34.0 %   34.0 %   34.0 %

Increase (decrease) resulting from:

                  

State taxes, net of federal tax benefit

   0.3     1.3     3.6  

Dividends received deduction

   —       (1.3 )   (2.8 )

Tax-exempt interest

   (9.8 )   (3.8 )   (5.0 )

Nondeductible merger-related expenses

   7.6     —       —    

Other, net

   (2.0 )   (1.3 )   (3.6 )
    

 

 

Effective tax rates

   30.1 %   28.9 %   26.2 %
    

 

 

 

F-30


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

INCOME TAXES (continued)

 

The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) are as follows:

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Deferred tax assets:

                

Federal

   $ 1,893     $ 1,890  

State

     653       493  
    


 


       2,546       2,383  
    


 


Deferred tax liabilities:

                

Federal

     (2,035 )     (2,419 )

State

     (439 )     (515 )
    


 


       (2,474 )     (2,934 )
    


 


Net deferred tax asset (liability)

   $ 72     $ (551 )
    


 


 

The tax effects of each type of income and expense item that gave rise to deferred taxes are as follows:

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale

   $ (1,603 )   $ (2,125 )

Net unrealized gain from cash flow hedge

     (68 )     (139 )

Charitable contribution carryforward

     —         460  

Depreciation

     (92 )     (8 )

Deferred income

     (655 )     (662 )

Allowance for loan losses

     1,493       1,342  

Employee benefit plans

     1,040       541  

Other

     (43 )     40  
    


 


Net deferred tax asset (liability)

   $ 72     $ (551 )
    


 


 

F-31


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

INCOME TAXES (concluded)

 

A summary of the change in the net deferred tax asset (liability) is as follows:

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Balance at beginning of period

   $ (551 )   $ (589 )   $ 1,362  

Deferred tax benefit (provision)

     30       (888 )     431  

Deferred tax effects of net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale

     522       922       (2,239 )

Deferred tax effect of net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge

     71       4       (143 )
    


 


 


Balance at end of period

   $ 72     $ (551 )   $ (589 )
    


 


 


 

There was no valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

The federal income tax reserve for loan losses at the Company’s base year is $1,551. If any portion of the reserve is used for purposes other than to absorb loan losses, approximately 150% of the amount actually used, limited to the amount of the reserve, would be subject to taxation in the fiscal year in which used. As the Company intends to use the reserve to absorb only loan losses, a deferred tax liability of approximately $636 has not been provided.

 

11. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ACTIVITIES

 

Credit-related financial instruments

 

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

 

The Company’s exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amount of these commitments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ACTIVITIES (continued)

 

Credit-related financial instruments (concluded)

 

The following financial instruments were outstanding whose contract amounts represent credit risk:

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2003

Commitments to grant loans:

             

Fixed-rate

   $ 4,982    $ 2,454

Variable-rate

     10,067      5,958

Unadvanced funds on lines of credit

     88,762      84,536

Standby letters of credit

     1,312      1,238

 

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The commitments for lines of credit may expire without being drawn upon, therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. These financial instruments are generally collateralized by real estate or other business assets.

 

Unfunded commitments under commercial lines-of-credit, revolving credit lines and overdraft protection agreements are commitments for possible future extensions of credit to existing customers. These lines-of-credit are uncollateralized and usually do not contain a specified maturity date and may not be drawn upon to the total extent to which the Company is committed.

 

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These letters of credit are primarily issued to support borrowing arrangements and are generally written for one year terms. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. Standby letters of credit are collateralized by real estate and deposit accounts. The fair value of standby letters of credit is immaterial.

 

As of December 31, 2004, the Company has committed to purchase $20,000 of adjustable rate residential mortgage loans.

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ACTIVITIES (concluded)

 

Lease commitments

 

Pursuant to the terms of non-cancelable lease agreements in effect at December 31, 2004, future minimum operating lease commitments pertaining to banking premises are as follows:

 

2005

   $ 560

2006

     560

2007

     539

2008

     531

2009

     540

Thereafter

     6,905
    

     $ 9,635
    

 

Annual real estate taxes assessed to the leased premises will be added to the basic rental scheduled above. The leases contain options to extend for periods from five to ten years. The cost of such rentals is not included above.

 

Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 amounted to $345, $237 and $304, respectively.

 

12. ON-BALANCE SHEET DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company utilizes various derivative instruments primarily for asset/liability management. These transactions involve both credit and market risk. The notional amounts are amounts on which calculations and payments are based. Notional amounts do not represent direct credit exposures. Direct credit exposure is limited to the net difference between the calculated amounts to be received and paid, if any.

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

ON-BALANCE SHEET DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (continued)

 

Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)

 

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

 

The Company uses an interest rate swap agreement to hedge a portfolio of variable rate home equity lines of credit. These loans expose the Company to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates. If interest rates decrease, interest income decreases. Conversely, if interest rates increase, interest income increases. During 2002, management believed it prudent to limit the variability of a portion of these interest receipts and entered into an interest rate swap agreement. The terms of the interest rate swap agreement call for the Company to receive fixed interest rate payments and remit variable rate interest rate payments. The interest rate swap is designated as a cash flow hedge.

 

At December 31, 2004 and 2003 the information pertaining to the outstanding interest rate swap agreement used to hedge variable rate loans was as follows:

 

     Years Ended
December 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Notional amount

   $ 5,000     $ 5,000  

Pay rate (based upon the prime rate)

     5.00 %     4.00 %

Receive rate

     7.64 %     7.64 %

Maturity in years

     2.3       3.3  

Unrealized gain relating to interest rate swap

   $ 167     $ 340  

 

The Company also uses interest rate swap agreements to hedge a portfolio of brokered certificates of deposit. These agreements are designated as fair value hedges since they are used to convert the cost of the brokered certificates of deposit from a fixed to a variable rate. Since the hedge relationship is estimated to be 100% effective (gain or loss on the swap agreements will completely offset the gain or loss on the certificates of deposit) there is no impact on the statement of income. The application of SFAS No. 133 results in an adjustment to the balance sheet to reflect the swap and the certificates of deposit at fair value.

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

ON-BALANCE SHEET DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (concluded)

 

Derivative Financial Instruments (concluded)

 

Interest Rate Swap Agreements (concluded)

 

At December 31, 2004 and 2003 the information pertaining to the outstanding interest rate swap agreements used to hedge brokered certificates of deposit was as follows:

 

     December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

 

Notional amount

   $ 20,000     $ 20,000  

Weighted average pay rate

     2.14 %     1.16 %

Weighted average receive rate

     4.13 %     4.25 %

Weighted average maturity in years

     9.1       8.6  

Unrealized loss relating to interest rate swaps

   $ (351 )   $ (286 )

 

These agreements provide for the Company to make payments of a variable rate determined by a specified index (three or six-month LIBOR) in exchange for receiving payments at a fixed rate.

 

A $10 million swap outstanding at December 31, 2003 was called in 2004. All swaps outstanding at December 31, 2004 are callable by the counter party to the agreement in April 2005 and semi-annually thereafter.

 

F-36


Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

13. OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Employment and change in control agreements

 

Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. entered into a five-year employment agreement with its President and Chief Executive Officer and three-year employment agreements with certain other executives. The Bank entered into three-year employment agreements with its President and Chief Executive Officer and certain other executives. These agreements generally provide for a base salary and the continuation of certain benefits currently received. The Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. and Bank employment agreements renew on a daily and annual basis, respectively. Under certain specified circumstances, the employment agreements require certain payments to be made for certain reasons other than cause, including a “change in control” as defined in the agreement. However, such employment may be terminated for cause, as defined, without incurring any continuing obligations.

 

On December 16, 2004 and in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, Cornelius D. Mahoney, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Woronoco Bancorp; Debra L. Murphy, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Woronoco Bancorp; and Agostino J. Calheno, Executive Vice President of Woronoco Bancorp, each entered into a letter agreement with Woronoco Bancorp and Woronoco Savings Bank under which each person’s employment agreement was terminated in exchange for the right to receive certain cash payments. In accordance with the agreements, Mr. Mahoney, Ms. Murphy and Mr. Calheno received a payment of $2,000, $500 and $500, respectively, in December 2004 and are due an additional amount of up to $2,329, $1,294 and $1,276, respectively, shortly after the effective time of the merger. The December 2004 payments are included in merger-related expenses totaling $3,999 for the year ended December 31, 2004. The letter agreements also provide that following each executive’s termination of employment, the Company will provide continued medical and dental benefits for a period of three years, or if those benefits are not available, a cash payment equal to their estimated cost. The letter agreements limit all payments and benefits to the executive (whether under the letter agreement or otherwise) so that no such payments or benefits will be non-deductible under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (concluded)

 

On December 16, 2004 and in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, each of Mr. Mahoney, Ms. Murphy, and Mr. Calheno, entered into a restrictive covenant agreement with Berkshire Hills Bancorp under which each person agreed not to compete with Berkshire Hills Bancorp, solicit the customers or employees of Berkshire Hills Bancorp or disclose or otherwise use any confidential information of Berkshire Hills Bancorp. In exchange for each executive’s continued compliance with these covenants, each of Mr. Mahoney, Ms. Murphy and Mr. Calheno will be entitled to receive payments of $1,400, $675 and $675, respectively, over a period of three years following the closing date of the merger. The restrictive covenant agreements limit all payments and benefits to the executive (whether under the restrictive covenant agreement or otherwise) so that no such payments or benefits will be non-deductible under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

The Bank has also entered into three-year change in control agreements with certain officers, none of whom are covered by an employment agreement. The change in control agreements are renewable on an annual basis and generally provide a severance payment and the continuation of certain benefits currently received following a “change in control” as defined in the agreements.

 

Legal claims

 

Various legal claims arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the claims that existed at December 31, 2004 will have no material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

14. MINIMUM REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

 

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to savings and loan holding companies.

 

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, that the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject.

 

As of December 31, 2004, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Company categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following tables. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

MINIMUM REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS (concluded)

 

The Company’s and Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 are also presented in the table.

 

     Actual

    Minimum for
Capital
Adequacy
Purposes


    Minimum to be
Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
Corrective Action
Provisions


 
     Amount

   Ratio

    Amount

   Ratio

    Amount

   Ratio

 

As of December 31, 2004:

                                       

Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets

                                       

Company

   $ 78,975    14.4 %     N/A    N/A       N/A    N/A  

Bank

   $ 71,187    13.0 %   $ 43,958    8.0 %   $ 54,948    10.0 %

Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets

                                       

Company

   $ 75,270    13.7 %     N/A    N/A       N/A    N/A  

Bank

   $ 67,482    12.3 %   $ 21,979    4.0 %   $ 32,969    6.0 %

Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets

                                       

Company

   $ 75,270    8.4 %     N/A    N/A       N/A    N/A  

Bank

   $ 67,482    7.5 %   $ 35,778    4.0 %   $ 44,723    5.0 %

As of December 31, 2003:

                                       

Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets

                                       

Company

   $ 76,414    15.9 %     N/A    N/A       N/A    N/A  

Bank

   $ 65,200    13.5 %   $ 38,504    8.0 %   $ 48,130    10.0 %

Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets

                                       

Company

   $ 73,107    15.2 %     N/A    N/A       N/A    N/A  

Bank

   $ 61,893    12.9 %   $ 19,252    4.0 %   $ 28,878    6.0 %

Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets

                                       

Company

   $ 73,107    9.3 %     N/A    N/A       N/A    N/A  

Bank

   $ 61,893    7.9 %   $ 31,327    4.0 %   $ 39,159    5.0 %

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

15. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

Defined contribution plan

 

The Bank has a 401(k) plan, where each employee reaching the age of 21 and having completed at least 1,000 hours of service in one twelve-month period, beginning with such employee’s date of hire, automatically becomes a participant in the plan. The plan provides for voluntary contributions by participating employees up to 75% of their compensation, subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws. The Bank makes matching contributions up to 100% of the first 3% of compensation and also contributes 3% of compensation for all participating employees. Total 401(k) plan expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 amounted to $359, $319 and $339, respectively.

 

Directors’ retirement plan

 

Under terms of a plan approved in 2002, directors are eligible to participate in the plan upon election to the Board of Directors. The purpose of the plan is to provide a benefit upon termination of service or death. The plan provides for benefits based upon years of service. Directors having completed 5 years of service are eligible for the annual retirement benefit upon termination of service, other than for cause. The plan has no assets at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Total expenses incurred under this plan for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 amounted to $193, $243 and $165, respectively.

 

Under the terms of a predecessor plan, directors were eligible to participate in the plan upon election to the Board of Directors and the retirement benefits vested over a 10-year period. The retirement benefit for any plan year was determined by the performance of related insurance contracts, as defined in the plan. The Company paid a one-time premium to the insurer. The change in the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies was recorded as a reduction to directors’ life insurance expense. The plan has been terminated and replaced with the new plan; however, benefits will continue to be paid out to certain participants of this plan who are not covered by the new plan. The expenses incurred under the predecessor plan for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 were $116 and $19, respectively. There were no expenses incurred in 2004 in connection with this plan.

 

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WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

 

Supplemental executive retirement plan

 

Under terms of a plan approved in 2002, certain executives of the Company are eligible for supplemental retirement plan benefits. The plan provides benefits for the executives upon retirement for a period of 20 years. The executives will receive supplemental retirement benefits based upon average annual compensation and years of service. The executives are eligible to receive reduced benefits for early retirement or termination of employment due to good cause or disability. Benefits are payable to the beneficiaries of the executives upon death. The plan has no assets at December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Total expenses incurred under this plan for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $352, $314 and $212, respectively.

 

The Bank also has a plan to provide benefits to certain executives that would have been provided under the ESOP, but were not provided as a result of the limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. The Bank recognized expenses for the plan years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 totaling $372, $350 and $163, respectively. The Company purchased 8,788 and 13,507 shares in 2004 and 2003, respectively, for the benefit of the executives. These shares are held in a Rabbi trust account and are consolidated in the Company’s financial statements.

 

On December 16, 2004 and in connection with the execution of the merger agreement, the executives agreed to amend their supplemental retirement agreements and the supplemental executive retirement plan to eliminate the change in control provisions contained therein and with respect to the supplemental executive retirement plan to provide that no additional benefits shall accrue for periods after December 31, 2004.

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

16. STOCK–BASED INCENTIVE PLANS AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

 

Stock-based incentive plans

 

Stock options

 

Under the Company’s 1999 Stock-Based Incentive, 2001 Stock Option and 2004 Equity Compensation Plans, the Company may grant options to its directors, officers and employees for up to 599,886, 202,915 and 70,000 shares of common stock, respectively. Both incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options may be granted under the plans. The exercise price of each option equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant and an option’s maximum term is ten years. Options granted under the 1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan vest at 20% per year. Options granted under the 2001 Stock Option and 2004 Equity Compensation Plans vest at the rate determined by the Compensation Committee at the date of grant.

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s stock option plans for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 is presented below:

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

     Shares

   

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


   Shares

   

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


   Shares

   

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


Fixed Options:

                                            

Outstanding at beginning of year

     523,423     $ 13.01      596,969     $ 11.21      594,695     $ 9.91

Granted

     66,000       35.42      73,500       21.71      93,222       18.96

Exercised

     (256,122 )     11.69      (144,046 )     9.86      (67,455 )     9.95

Forfeited

     (5,683 )     12.40      (3,000 )     19.27      (23,493 )     12.37
    


        


        


     

Outstanding at end of year

     327,618     $ 18.57      523,423     $ 13.01      596,969     $ 11.21
    


        


        


     

Options exercisable at year-end

     254,600     $ 18.43      315,710     $ 12.27      273,767     $ 9.73

Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year

   $ 12.89            $ 4.57            $ 5.62        

 

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN (continued)

 

Stock-based incentive plans (continued)

 

Stock options (concluded)

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

 

Dividend yield

   1.92 %   2.14 %   2.31 %

Expected life in years

   10     10     10  

Expected volatility

   29.97 %   14.26 %   13.82 %

Risk-free interest rate

   4.36 %   4.00 %   3.92 %

 

Information pertaining to stock options outstanding at December 31, 2004 is as follows:

 

     Options Oustanding

   Options Exercisable

Exercise Price


  

Number

Outstanding


  

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Life


  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


  

Number

Exercisable


  

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price


$9.69

   114,193    4.8 years    $ 9.69    114,193    $ 9.69

  9.69

   14,000    5.3 years      9.69    11,000      9.69

11.88

   9,816    5.8 years      11.88    6,544      11.88

13.50

   4,987    6.0 years      13.50    2,175      13.50

17.90

   23,900    7.0 years      17.90    5,600      17.90

18.97

   10,000    7.2 years      18.97    4,000      18.97

20.25

   10,000    7.3 years      20.25    4,000      20.25

21.10

   32,722    7.9 years      21.10    13,088      21.10

22.00

   17,000    8.1 years      22.00    3,000      22.00

21.60

   36,000    8.1 years      21.60    36,000      21.60

37.25

   46,000    9.1 years      37.25    46,000      37.25

31.20

   9,000    9.4 years      31.20    9,000      31.20
    
              
      

Outstanding at end of year

   327,618    6.8 years    $ 18.57    254,600    $ 18.43
    
              
      

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN (continued)

 

Stock-based incentive plans (concluded)

 

Stock awards

 

Under the Company’s 1999 Stock-Based Incentive and 2004 Equity Compensation Plans, the Company may grant stock awards to its directors, officers and employees for up to 239,954 and 50,000 shares of common stock, respectively. The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for stock awards. Awards granted under the 1999 Stock-Based Incentive Plan vest at 20% per year. Awards granted under the 2004 Equity Compensation Plan vest at the rate determined by the Compensation Committee at the date of grant. The fair market value of the stock allocations, based on the market price at date of grant, is recorded as unearned compensation. Unearned compensation is amortized over the periods to be benefited. The Company recorded compensation cost related to the stock awards of $611 in 2004, $490 in 2003 and $489 in 2002.

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s stock awards granted is presented below. As of December 31, 2004, 237,526 shares were 100% vested.

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2004

   2003

   2002

 

Balance, beginning of year

     237,944      237,944      239,954  

Granted

     52,010      —        —    

Canceled

     —        —        (2,010 )
    

  

  


Balance, end of year

     289,954      237,944      237,944  
    

  

  


Weighted-average fair value of stock awards granted during the year

   $ 36.68    $ —      $ —    

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN (continued)

 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

 

The Bank has established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”) for the benefit of each employee that has reached the age of 21 and has completed at least 1,000 hours of service in the previous twelve-month period. As part of the Bank’s conversion from mutual to stock ownership, Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. invested in a subsidiary, WRO Funding Company. WRO Funding Company used the proceeds from the investment to fund a loan to the Woronoco Savings Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust (the “Trust”), which used the proceeds from the loan to purchase 8%, or 479,908 shares, of the Company’s outstanding stock in the open market. The loan bears interest equal to 7.75% and provides for quarterly payments of principal and interest. Under the ESOP’s change in control provision, the Trust would be instructed to use proceeds from the sale of stock to payoff the outstanding ESOP loan balance and to distribute the remaining plan assets to current participants.

 

At December 31, 2004, the remaining principal balance is payable as follows:

 

Years Ending December 31,


    

2005

   $ 395

2006

     426

2007

     460

2008

     497

2009

     537

Thereafter

     393
    

     $ 2,708
    

 

The Bank has committed to make contributions to the ESOP sufficient to support the debt service of the loan. The loan is secured by the shares purchased by First Bankers Trust Company (“Trustee”), which are held in a suspense account for allocation among the participants as the loan is paid. Total compensation expense applicable to the ESOP amounted to $1,473, $1,088 and $823 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN (concluded)

 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (concluded)

 

Shares held by the ESOP include the following:

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2003

Allocated

   174,988    141,185

Committed to be released

   41,022    41,022

Unallocated

   233,266    274,288
    
  
     449,276    456,495
    
  

 

Cash dividends received on allocated shares are allocated to participants and cash dividends received on shares held in suspense are applied to repay the outstanding debt of the ESOP. The fair value of unallocated shares at December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 was $8,556 and $9,943, respectively.

 

17. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has granted loans to officers, directors and their affiliates amounting to approximately $1,606 and $926 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

An analysis of the activity of these loans is as follows:

 

     Years Ended
December 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 926     $ 1,197  

Additions

     1,155       219  

Repayments

     (475 )     (490 )
    


 


Balance at end of year

   $ 1,606     $ 926  
    


 


 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

18. RESTRICTIONS ON DIVIDENDS, LOANS AND ADVANCES

 

Federal and state banking regulations place certain restrictions on dividends paid and loans or advances made by the Bank to Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. The total amount of dividends that may be paid at any date is generally limited to the Bank’s retained earnings. Loans or advances are limited to 10% of the Bank’s capital stock and surplus on a secured basis. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Bank’s retained earnings available for the payment of dividends was $27,229 and $26,696, respectively. Funds available for loans or advances by the Bank to Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. amounted to $7,119 and $6,520 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. In addition, dividends paid by the Bank to Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements.

 

In accordance with Massachusetts conversion regulations, the Bank established a liquidation account for eligible account holders in the amount of approximately $33 million. In the event of a liquidation of the Bank, the eligible account holders will be entitled to receive their pro-rata share of the net worth of the Bank prior to conversion. However, as qualifying deposits of the eligible account holders are reduced, the liquidation account is reduced in an amount proportionate to the reduction in the qualifying deposits accounts.

 

19. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be exchanged between willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation. 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. SFAS 107 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

 

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair value disclosures for financial instruments:

 

Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amounts of cash and short-term instruments approximate fair values.

 

Securities available for sale: Fair values for securities available for sale are based on quoted market prices.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank stock: The carrying value of Federal Home Loan Bank stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.

 

Loans receivable: Fair values for performing loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. Fair values for non-performing loans are estimated using underlying collateral values, where applicable.

 

Accrued interest: The carrying amounts of accrued interest approximate fair value.

 

Cash surrender value of life insurance: The carrying amounts of cash surrender value of life insurance approximate fair value.

 

Deposit liabilities and mortgagors’ escrow accounts: The fair values of non-certificate deposit liabilities and mortgagors’ escrow accounts are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date, which is their carrying amounts. Fair values for certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank advances: The fair values of the Company’s borrowings are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

 

Repurchase agreements: The carrying amounts of repurchase agreements, which are overnight borrowings, approximate their fair values.

 

Derivative financial instruments: Fair values for derivative financial instruments, for other-than-trading purposes, are based upon quoted market prices, except in the case of certain swaps where pricing models are used.

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (concluded)

 

Off-balance sheet instruments: Fair values of off-balance sheet, credit-related financial instruments are immaterial.

 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:

 

     December 31,

     2004

   2003

    

Carrying

Amount


  

Fair

Value


  

Carrying

Amount


  

Fair

Value


Financial assets:

                           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 22,805    $ 22,805    $ 26,294    $ 26,294

Securities available for sale

     242,050      242,050      233,376      233,376

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

     17,339      17,339      15,373      15,373

Loans, net

     610,963      613,216      497,962      510,062

Accrued interest receivable

     3,413      3,413      3,156      3,156

Cash surrender value of life insurance

     5,107      5,107      6,143      6,143

Financial liabilities:

                           

Deposits

     477,855      477,300      419,473      421,886

Mortgagors’ escrow accounts

     2,078      2,078      1,825      1,825

Short-term borrowings

     140,554      141,811      42,466      42,469

Long-term debt

     212,528      216,474      248,598      261,456

Derivative financial instruments:

                           

Assets

     167      167      340      340

Liabilities

     351      351      286      286

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

 

 

20. QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

 

Following is the quarterly financial information of the Company for 2004 and 2003:

 

     2004

    2003

    

First

Quarter


  

Second

Quarter


  

Third

Quarter


  

Fourth

Quarter


   

First

Quarter


   

Second

Quarter


  

Third

Quarter


   

Fourth

Quarter


Interest and dividend income

   $ 9,746    $ 9,839    $ 10,407    $ 10,780     $ 10,037     $ 9,724    $ 9,798     $ 9,745

Interest expense

     4,584      4,771      5,078      5,351       4,748       4,911      4,879       4,707
    

  

  

  


 


 

  


 

Net interest and dividend income

     5,162      5,068      5,329      5,429       5,289       4,813      4,919       5,038

Provision for loan losses

     150      47      103      73       —         76      28       69

Gain on sales, dispositions and impairment of securities, net

     —        —        —        —         404       11      165       —  

Net (loss) gain on trading activities

     —        —        —        —         (564 )     1,194      (118 )     96

Gain on sales of loans, net

     80      —        135      79       403       382      154       261

Gain on sales of branches, net

     —        —        —        —         183       —        —         —  

Penalty for prepayment of FHLB advances

     —        —        —        —         (539 )     —        —         —  

Fees and other non-interest income

     1,533      1,514      1,390      1,552       1,129       1,093      1,210       1,439

Non-interest expenses

     4,584      4,609      4,825      9,185 (1)     4,530       4,433      4,423       4,561

Income tax provision (benefit)

     608      562      551      (609 )     493       866      557       639
    

  

  

  


 


 

  


 

Net income (loss)

   $ 1,433    $ 1,364    $ 1,375    ($ 1,589 )   $ 1,282     $ 2,118    $ 1,322     $ 1,565
    

  

  

  


 


 

  


 

Earnings (loss) per share:

                                                          

Basic

   $ 0.42    $ 0.40    $ 0.40    ($ 0.46 )   $ 0.39     $ 0.64    $ 0.40     $ 0.47

Diluted

   $ 0.40    $ 0.38    $ 0.38    ($ 0.46 )   $ 0.37     $ 0.59    $ 0.37     $ 0.43

 

(1) Includes merger-related charges in the amount of $3,999.

 

21. CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT COMPANY

 

Financial information pertaining to Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. is as follows:

 

     December 31,

BALANCE SHEETS


   2004

   2003

Assets

             

Cash and cash equivalents due from Woronoco Savings Bank

   $ 4,230    $ 6,187

Investment in common stock of Woronoco Savings Bank

     73,623      67,529

Investment in common stock of WRO Funding Corporation

     3,830      3,693

Other assets

     461      1,444
    

  

Total assets

   $ 82,144    $ 78,853
    

  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

             

Accrued expenses

   $ 733    $ 110

Other liabilities

     —        —  
    

  

Total liabilities

     733      110

Stockholders’ equity

     81,411      78,743
    

  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 82,144    $ 78,853
    

  

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF PARENT COMPANY (concluded)

 

     Years Ended December 31,

 

STATEMENTS OF INCOME


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Income:

                        

Dividends from Woronoco Savings Bank

   $ —       $ 6,900     $ 2,340  

Dividends from WRO Funding Corporation

     —         1,800       —    
    


 


 


Total income

     —         8,700       2,340  

Operating expenses

     1,528       499       474  

Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries

     (1,528 )     8,201       1,866  

Applicable income tax provision (benefit)

     221       (170 )     (161 )
    


 


 


(Loss) income before equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiaries

     (1,749 )     8,371       2,027  

Equity in undistributed net income (loss) of Woronoco Savings Bank

     4,195       (436 )     2,772  

Equity in undistributed net income (loss) of WRO Funding Corporation

     137       (1,648 )     123  
    


 


 


Net income

   $ 2,583     $ 6,287     $ 4,922  
    


 


 


     Years Ended December 31,

 

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                        

Net income

   $ 2,583     $ 6,287     $ 4,922  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                        

Equity in undistributed net (income) loss of Woronoco Savings Bank

     (4,195 )     436       (2,772 )

Equity in undistributed net (income) loss of WRO Funding Corporation

     (137 )     1,648       (123 )

Other, net

     1,608       41       694  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     (141 )     8,412       2,721  
    


 


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                        

Investment in Woronoco Savings Bank

     (217 )     (208 )     (167 )
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (217 )     (208 )     (167 )
    


 


 


Cash flows from financing activities

                        

Treasury stock purchased

     (1,908 )     (1,916 )     (4,808 )

Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock

     2,993       1,420       674  

Dividends paid

     (2,684 )     (2,134 )     (1,561 )
    


 


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (1,599 )     (2,630 )     (5,695 )
    


 


 


Net change in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,957 )     5,574       (3,141 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     6,187       613       3,754  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 4,230     $ 6,187     $ 613  
    


 


 


 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

22. SEGMENT REPORTING

 

The Company provides a variety of financial services, including trust and financial management services, and various deposit and lending products to individuals and small businesses through its ten offices in western Massachusetts. Its primary deposit products are checking, savings, money market and term certificate accounts and its primary lending products are residential, commercial mortgage, consumer and home equity loans.

 

Through the Bank’s subsidiary, Woronoco Insurance Group, Inc., the Company also offers a full line of property and casualty insurance products and various life insurance and group life, group health and accident insurance products for individuals and commercial clients.

 

Prior to the acquisitions of the Agan, Keyes and Mattson and Colton insurance agencies, the Company’s chief decision-makers monitored the revenue streams of the various products and services, while the Company’s operations were managed and financial performance was evaluated on a company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the Company’s operations were considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment. Subsequent to the acquisitions of the insurance agencies, the Company’s operations continue to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment, except for Woronoco Insurance Group, Inc., which is evaluated on a stand-alone basis.

 

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Table of Contents

WORONOCO BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (concluded)

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

SEGMENT REPORTING (concluded)

 

Information about reportable segments, and reconciliation of such information to the consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, follows:

 

     Banking

   Insurance

   

Intersegment

Elimination


   

Consolidated

Totals


2004

                             

Net interest and dividend income

   $ 20,988    $ —       $ —       $ 20,988

Other revenue - external customers

     4,259      1,479       —         5,738

Other revenue - from other segments

     —        9       (9 )     —  

Depreciation and amortization

     892      42       —         934

Provision for loan losses

     373      —         —         373

Profit (loss)

     2,505      83       (5 )     2,583

Assets

     914,742      3,787       (234 )     918,295

2003

                             

Net interest and dividend income

   $ 20,059    $ —       $ —       $ 20,059

Other revenue - external customers

     3,596      1,256       —         4,852

Other revenue - from other segments

     —        6       (5 )     1

Depreciation and amortization

     929      32       —         961

Provision for loan losses

     173      —         —         173

Profit (loss)

     6,172      118       (3 )     6,287

Assets

     794,082      2,558       (588 )     796,052

2002

                             

Net interest and dividend income

   $ 20,890    $ —       $ —       $ 20,890

Other revenue - external customers

     2,689      814       —         3,503

Other revenue - from other segments

     —        4       (4 )     —  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,034      34       —         1,068

Provision for loan losses

     502      —         —         502

Profit (loss)

     5,039      (114 )     (3 )     4,922

Assets

     703,634      2,382       (380 )     705,636

 

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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Woronoco Bancorp, Inc.

Westfield, Massachusetts

 

We have audited management’s assessment, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Woronoco Bancorp Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, management’s assessment that Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also in our opinion, Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. and our report dated March 3, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion.

 

WOLF & COMPANY, P.C.

 

Boston, Massachusetts

March 3, 2005

 

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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

 

Disclosure controls and procedures

 

The Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In addition, based on that evaluation, no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting

 

The Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Management used the Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 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 internal control over financial reporting was effective. Management’s assessment of the efffectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by its independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report in Item 8.

 

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

 

Information about Directors

 

JOSEPH P. KEENAN, M.D., 56, has been a self-employed physician for over 20 years in Westfield, Massachusetts. He was also the Vice President of Coldwell Banker Keenan and Molta Assoc., the largest locally-owned real estate company in Western Massachusetts, from 1990 until 2002. He has been a Director of Woronoco Bancorp since its formation in 1998. He has served as a Trustee/Director of Woronoco Savings since 1991.

 

CARMEN J. MASCARO, 69, was the Corporate Treasurer with Enesco Group, Inc., formerly known as Stanhome Inc., a global marketer of quality branded gifts, collectibles and home accents, from 1993 until his retirement in 1999. He was an Enesco employee for 28 years. He joined Woronoco Bancorp and Woronoco Savings as a Director in 2000 and had served as a Corporator of Woronoco Savings from 1994 through 1999.

 

RICHARD L. POMEROY, 77, was the president of Pomeroy Insurance, Inc., an insurance company in Westfield, Massachusetts, prior to his retirement in 1987. Mr. Pomeroy has been a Director of Woronoco Bancorp since its formation in 1998. He has served as a Trustee/Director of Woronoco Savings since 1986.

 

ANN V. SCHULTZ, 70, is a retired Vice President of Woronoco Savings. Ms. Schultz has been a Director of Woronoco Bancorp since its formation in 1998. She has served as a Trustee/Director of Woronoco Savings since 1991.

 

WILLIAM G. AIKEN, 64, has been a pharmacy manager of Brooks Pharmacy since January 2004. Prior to that, he had been a pharmacy manager with Super Foodmart Pharmacy and Big Y since September 1997. Mr. Aiken has been a Director of Woronoco Bancorp since its formation in 1998. He has served as a Trustee/Director of Woronoco Savings since 1983.

 

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JOHN B. DAVIES, 55, was appointed Executive Vice President of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1994 and is currently an Agent Emeritus providing high net worth counseling with a focus on tax efficiency and intergenerational transfers of wealth to clients nationwide. He joined Woronoco Bancorp and Woronoco Savings Bank as Director in 2002 and had served as a corporator of Woronoco Savings Bank from 1998 until March 1999.

 

NORMAN H. STOREY, 58, has been a real estate broker with and the owner of Storey Real Estate for over 35 years. In addition, Mr. Storey was a reserve police officer for over 30 years until his retirement in 2002 and Justice of the Peace for the past ten years within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Mr. Storey has been a Director of Woronoco Bancorp since its formation in 1998. He has served as a Trustee/Director of Woronoco Savings since 1987.

 

FRANCIS J. EHRHARDT, 77, is a commercial real estate manager and has been a general contractor in Massachusetts since 1975. Mr. Ehrhardt has been a Director of Woronoco Bancorp since its formation in 1998. He has served as a Trustee/Director of Woronoco Savings since 1979.

 

CORNELIUS D. MAHONEY, 60, joined Woronoco Savings Bank in 1975 after five years at First Hawaiian Bank, Honolulu, Hawaii. He became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank in 1986 and Chairman of the Board in 1999. He is a past Chairman of America’s Community Bankers, a past Chairman of the Massachusetts Bankers Association and a former Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. Mr. Mahoney holds an M.B.A. from Western New England College. He was a member of the Thrift Institution Advisory Council to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and was Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Westfield State College. Mr. Mahoney has been a Director of Woronoco Bancorp since its formation in 1998. He has served as a Trustee/Director of Woronoco Savings since 1985.

 

D. JEFFREY TEMPLETON, 63, is the owner and President of The Mosher Company, Inc., located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, a manufacturer of buffing and polishing compounds, abrasive slurries and a distributor of related grinding, polishing and lapping machinery. Mr. Templeton has been a Director of Woronoco Bancorp since its formation in 1998. He has served as a Trustee/Director of Woronoco Savings since 1988.

 

Information about Executive Officers

 

Certain executive officers of the Bank also serve as executive officers of the Corporation. The day-to-day management duties of the executive officers of the Corporation and the Bank relate primarily to their duties as to the Bank. The executive officers of the Corporation currently are as follows:

 

Name


   Age

  

Position


Cornelius D. Mahoney

   60    Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

Agostino J. Calheno

   54    Executive Vice President

Debra L. Murphy

   48    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Robert W. Thomas

   60    Senior Vice President—Business Development of the Bank

Susan L. DeFeo

   49    Senior Vice President—Retail Banking of the Bank

Mark A. Roberts

   41    Vice President—Finance of the Bank

Richard A. Bellico

   57    Vice President—Lending of the Bank

Theresa Fox

   39    Vice President—Retail Banking of the Bank

 

The executive officers are elected annually and hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified or until they are removed or replaced.

 

Biographical Information

 

Cornelius D. Mahoney has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank since 1986 and Chairman of the Board since 1999. Mr. Mahoney joined the Bank in 1975.

 

Agostino J. Calheno is Executive Vice President of the Corporation and Executive Vice President of Lending and Chief Credit Officer of the Bank. Mr. Calheno joined the Bank in 1992.

 

Debra L. Murphy is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation and the Bank. Ms. Murphy has been with the Bank since 1988.

 

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Robert W. Thomas is Senior Vice President of Business Development at the Bank. Mr. Thomas has been with the Bank since 1995.

 

Susan L. Defeo is Senior Vice President of Retail Banking at the Bank. Ms. DeFeo has been with the Bank since 1986.

 

Mark A. Roberts is Vice President of Finance at the Bank. Mr. Roberts has been with the Bank since 1999.

 

Richard A. Bellico is Vice President of Lending at the Bank. Mr. Bellico has been with the Bank since 1993.

 

Theresa Fox is Vice President of Retail Banking at the Bank. Ms. Fox has been with the Bank since 1987.

 

Identification of the Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert

 

The Audit Committee, consisting of Joseph P. Keenan, Carmen J. Mascaro and Ann V. Schultz, meets periodically with the independent registered public accounting firm and management to review accounting, auditing, internal audit and financial reporting matters. This committee met four times during the year ended December 31, 2004. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent in accordance with the listing standards of the American Stock Exchange. The Board of Directors has determined that Carmen J. Mascaro is an audit committee financial expert under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee acts under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors.

 

SEC Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

The executive officers and directors of the Company and any person who owns more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, are required by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership of the Company’s stock with the SEC and the AMEX and to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

 

Based solely on our review of copies of reports we have received, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that, during 2004, its executive officers and directors complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them.

 

Adoption of Code of Ethics

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct that is designed to promote the highest standards of ethical conduct by the Company’s directors, executive officers and employees. The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct requires that the Company’s directors, executive officers and employees avoid conflicts of interest, comply with all laws and other legal requirements, conduct business in an honest and ethical manner and otherwise act with integrity and in the Company’s best interest. Under the terms of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, directors, executive officers and employees are required to report any conduct that they believe in good faith to be an actual or apparent violation of the Code.

 

As a mechanism to encourage compliance with the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, the Company has established procedures to receive, retain and treat complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters. These procedures ensure that individuals may submit concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters in a confidential and anonymous manner. The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct also prohibits the Company from retaliating against any director, executive officer or employee who reports actual or apparent violations of the Code. A copy of the code of ethics is available, without charge, upon written request to Terry J. Bennett, Corporate Secretary, Woronoco Bancorp, Inc., 31 Court Street, Westfield, Massachusetts 01085.

 

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Item 11. Executive Compensation.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following information is furnished for the chief executive officer and for the four other highest paid executive officers of Woronoco Savings who received salary and bonus of $100,000 or more during the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

     Year

        Long-Term
Compensation


   All Other
Compensation
($)(3)


        Annual Compensation
(1)


   Awards

  

Name and Principal Positions


      Salary ($)

   Bonus ($)

   Restricted
Stock
Awards
($) (2)


   Securities
Underlying
Options/
SARs (#)


  

Cornelius D. Mahoney
President, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer

   2004
2003
2002
   $
 
 
350,000
325,962
306,654
   $
 
 
85,000
81,250
70,380
   $
 
 
390,000
—  
—  
   20,000
3,600
—  
   $
 
 
2,299,409
219,073
111,468

Agostino J. Calheno
Executive Vice
President - Lending

   2004
2003
2002
   $
 
 
165,375
157,803
150,144
   $
 
 
35,000
31,500
27,000
   $
 
 
245,250
—  
—  
   5,500
3,600
—  
   $
 
 
647,370
146,881
61,960

Debra L. Murphy
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

   2004
2003
2002
   $
 
 
165,375
157,803
150,144
   $
 
 
35,000
31,500
27,000
   $
 
 
245,250
—  
—  
   5,500
3,600
—  
   $
 
 
636,506
130,777
62,057

Robert W. Thomas
Senior Vice President

   2004
2003
2002
   $
 
 
104,200
100,739
96,775
   $
 
 
15,000
10,000
10,000
   $
 
 
65,343
—  
—  
   2,300
1,500
1,000
   $
 
 
65,808
57,926
34,390

Susan L. DeFeo
Senior Vice President

   2004
2003
2002
   $
 
 
106,639
101,757
96,818
   $
 
 
16,000
15,000
10,000
   $
 
 
127,929
—  
—  
   3,100
1,500
1,000
   $
 
 
65,808
58,056
34,429

 

(1) Does not include the aggregate amount of perquisites and other personal benefits, which was less than 10% of the total annual salary and bonus reported.
(2) Reflects the value of the shares as of the grant date.
(3) Consists of employer contributions to Woronoco Savings’ 401(k) plan of $12,300, $12,300, $12,300, $12,300 and $12,300, employee stock ownership plan allocations with a market value of $53,512, $53,512, $53,512, $53,508 and $53,508 and supplemental executive retirement plan allocations with a market value of $219,729, $81,558, $70,694, $0 and $0 for Messrs. Mahoney and Calheno and Ms. Murphy, Mr. Thomas and Ms. DeFeo, respectively. Also includes merger-related severance payments of $2,000,000, $500,000 and $500,000 for Messrs Mahoney and Calheno and Ms. Murphy, respectively, $12,120 attributable to the benefit of Mr. Mahoney pursuant to a bank owned life insurance policy and the reimbursement of $1,748 in income taxes for Mr. Mahoney in connection with a split-dollar life insurance arrangement.

 

The number and value of all unvested shares of restricted stock held by each named executive officer as of December 31, 2004 is as follows based on the closing price of $36.68 for the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2004:

 

     Number of
Unvested
Shares


   Value of
Unvested
Shares


Mr. Mahoney

   12,500    $ 458,500

Mr. Calheno

   7,500      275,100

Ms. Murphy

   7,500      275,100

Mr. Thomas

   2,000      73,360

Ms. DeFeo

   4,000      146,720

 

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Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year

 

The following table lists all options granted to named executive officers during 2004 and contains certain information about the potential value of those options based upon certain assumptions as to the appreciation of the Company’s common stock over the life of the option.

 

Name


   Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
Granted
(#)(1)


   % of Total
Options
Granted
to
Employees
in Fiscal
Year


    Exercise
or Base
Price
Per
Share


   Expiration Date

  

Potential
Realizable

Value at
Assumed

Annual Rate
of

Stock Price

Appreciation
for

Options (2)


  
                          5%

   10%

Cornelius D. Mahoney

   15,000    22.7 %   $ 37.25    January 30, 2014    $ 298,965    $ 751,017

Cornelius D. Mahoney

   5,000    7.6       31.20    June 7, 2014      134,121      293,253

Agostino J. Calheno

   2,500    3.8       37.25    January 30, 2014      49,828      125,169

Agostino J. Calheno

   3,000    4.5       31.20    June 7, 2014      80,472      175,952

Debra L. Murphy

   2,500    3.8       37.25    January 30, 2014      49,828      125,169

Debra L. Murphy

   3,000    4.5       31.20    June 7, 2014      80,472      175,952

Robert W. Thomas

   1,500    2.3       37.25    January 30, 2014      29,897      75,102

Robert W. Thomas

   800    1.2       31.20    June 7, 2014      21,459      46,920

Susan L. DeFeo

   1,500    2.3       37.25    January 30, 2014      29,897      75,102

Susan L. DeFeo

   1,600    2.4       31.20    June 7, 2014      42,919      93,841

(1) All options granted to executive officers in 2004 were fully exercisable on the date of grant.
(2) The dollar gains under these columns result from calculations required by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and are not intended to forecast future price appreciation of Woronoco Bancorp common stock. It is important to note that options have value only if the price of Woronoco Bancorp common stock increases above the exercise price shown in the table during the effective option period. In order for the executive to realize the potential values set forth in the 5% and 10% columns in the table, the price per share of the Company’s common stock would be approximately $57.18 and $87.32, respectively, as of the expiration date of the options granted January 30, 2004 and $58.02 and $89.85, respectively, as of the expiration date of the options granted June 7, 2004.

 

Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Certain Information Regarding Outstanding Options

 

The following table provides certain information regarding the exercise of options during 2004 and certain information with respect to the number of shares of the Company’s common stock represented by outstanding options held by the named executive officers as of December 31, 2004.

 

     Shares
Acquired
on
Exercise
(#)


   Value
Realized ($)


   Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options at Fiscal Year-End
(#)


   Value of Unexercised In-
the-Money Options at Fiscal
Year-End ($)(1)


Name


             Exercisable

   Unexercisable

   Exercisable

   Unexercisable

Cornelius D. Mahoney

   102,283    $ 2,631,685    15,000    —      $ —      $ —  

Agostino J. Calheno

   53,617      1,340,787    2,500    —        —        —  

Debra L. Murphy

   57,617      1,452,163    2,500    —        —        —  

Robert W. Thomas

   —        —      9,000    1,800      178,255      28,884

Susan L. DeFeo

   700      12,000    6,100    1,800      89,746      28,884

(1) Value of unexercised in-the-money stock options equals the market value of shares covered by in-the-money options on December 31, 2004, less the option exercise price. Options are in-the-money if the market value of shares covered by the options is greater than the exercise price.

 

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Employment and Change in Control Agreements

 

Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. entered into a five-year employment agreement with its President and Chief Executive Officer and three-year employment agreements with certain other executives. The Bank entered into three-year employment agreements with its President and Chief Executive Officer and certain other executives. These agreements generally provide for a base salary and the continuation of certain benefits currently received. The Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. and Bank employment agreements renew on a daily and annual basis, respectively. Under certain specified circumstances, the employment agreements require certain payments to be made for certain reasons other than cause, including a “change in control” as defined in the agreement. However, such employment may be terminated for cause, as defined, without incurring any continuing obligations.

 

On December 16, 2004 and in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, Cornelius D. Mahoney, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Woronoco Bancorp; Debra L. Murphy, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of WoronocoBancorp; and Agostino J. Calheno, Executive Vice President of Woronoco Bancorp, each entered into a letter agreement with Woronoco and Woronoco Savings Bank under which each person’s employment agreement was terminated in exchange for the right to receive certain cash payments. In accordance with the agreements, Mr. Mahoney, Ms. Murphy and Mr. Calheno received a payment of $2,000,000, $500,000 and $500,000, respectively, in December 2004 and are due an additional amount of up to $2,329,000, $1,294,000 and $1,276,000, respectively, shortly after the effective time of the merger. The letter agreements also provide that following each executive’s termination of employment, the Company will provide continued medical and dental benefits for a period of three years, or if those benefits are not available, a cash payment equal to their estimated cost. The letter agreements limit all payments and benefits to the executive (whether under the letter agreement or otherwise) so that no such payments or benefits will be non-deductible under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

On December 16, 2004 and in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, each of Mr. Mahoney, Ms. Murphy, and Mr. Calheno, entered into a restrictive covenant agreement with Berkshire Hills Bancorp under which each person agreed not to compete with Berkshire Hills Bancorp, solicit the customers or employees of Berkshire Hills Bancorp or disclose or otherwise use any confidential information of Berkshire Hills Bancorp. In exchange for each executive’s continued compliance with these covenants, each of Mr. Mahoney, Ms. Murphy and Mr. Calheno will be entitled to receive payments of $1,400,000, $675,000 and $675,000, respectively, over a period of three years following the closing date of the merger. The restrictive covenant agreements limit all payments and benefits to the executive (whether under the restrictive covenant agreement or otherwise) so that no such payments or benefits will be non-deductible under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

The Bank has also entered into three-year change in control agreements with certain officers, none of whom are covered by an employment agreement. The change in control agreements are renewable on an annual basis and generally provide a severance payment and the continuation of certain benefits currently received following a “change in control” as defined in the agreements.

 

Supplemental executive retirement plan and agreements

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The Bank maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement known as the supplemental executive retirement plan (the “SERP”) to provide benefits to eligible individuals (designated by the Board of Directors of the Bank or its affiliates) that cannot be provided under the ESOP as a result of Internal Revenue Code limitations (i.e., the annual excess benefit portion of the SERP). In addition to providing for annual benefits lost under the ESOP, the SERP also makes up benefits lost in the event of a change in control of the Company or the Bank prior to the complete repayment of the ESOP loan and to participants who retire prior to the complete repayment of the ESOP loan. Generally, upon the retirement of an eligible individual or upon a change in control of the Bank or the Company before complete repayment of the ESOP loan, the SERP provides the individual with a benefit equal to what the individual would have received under the ESOP and the annual excess benefit portion of the SERP had he or she participated in the ESOP throughout the term of the loan less the benefits actually provided under the ESOP and the annual excess benefit portion of the SERP on behalf of such individual. An individual’s benefits under the SERP generally become payable upon the participant’s retirement, upon a change in control of the Bank or the Company, or as determined under the ESOP. Currently, Messrs. Mahoney and Calheno and Ms. Murphy participate in the SERP.

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreements. The Bank maintains a Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement with each of Messrs. Mahoney and Calheno and Ms. Murphy. The agreements provide that upon termination of service on or after attaining age 65, each executive will receive a supplemental retirement benefit. The supplemental retirement benefits equal a percentage (75% in the case of Mr. Mahoney and 65% in the cases of Mr. Calheno and Ms. Murphy) of his or her final average compensation, reduced by certain amounts payable with respect to the 401(k) plan, the former pension plan and social security, multiplied by a factor related to the executive’s years of service (up to a maximum of 20 years of service) with the Bank. The agreements also provide for reduced supplemental retirement benefits if any of the executives voluntarily terminate employment, other than on account of death, disability or in connection with a change in control, prior to attaining age 65 but after having attained

 

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age 55. If the executive dies or becomes disabled prior to terminating employment, the agreements provide that the executive will receive the benefit he or she would have received had he or she terminated employment at age 65. Upon the executive’s termination of employment for good reason following a change in control, the agreements provide for a benefit determined by imputing the years of service and compensation the executive would have earned through age 65.

 

On December 16, 2004 and in connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, the executives agreed to amend their supplemental retirement agreements and the supplemental executive retirement plan to eliminate the change in control provisions contained therein and with respect to the supplemental executive retirement plan to provide that no additional benefits shall accrue for periods after December 31, 2004.

 

Directors’ Compensation

 

Directors’ Fees. The Bank provides all non-employee directors of the Bank with an annual retainer of $10,000 and a fee of $700 for each regular monthly and special meetings attended. Members of Board committees of the Bank receive a fee of $350 for each meeting attended. In addition, each committee chairperson receives an annual retainer of $2,000. The Company does not pay separate fees for service on its Board of Directors.

 

Option Grant. On January 30, 2004, all non-employee directors of the Company received stock options to acquire 1,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $37.25, the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. On June 7, 2004, the Company granted all non-employee directors stock options to acquire 660 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $31.20, the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The options were fully exercisable on the date of grant.

 

Directors’ Retirement Plan. The Bank maintains a retirement plan for non-employee directors. The plan provides that upon a director’s retirement at or after attaining age 65, the director will receive a benefit of $1,000 multiplied by the director’s years of service (up to a maximum of 15 years of service), paid annually over a ten-year period. If a director terminates service with the Board prior to age 65, but after having completed five years of service, a benefit of $1,000 multiplied by the director’s years of service will be paid in annual installments over a ten-year period. If a change in control occurs, each director shall be treated as having retired at age 65 with 15 years of service.

 

Personnel & Compensation Committee

 

During 2004, the Personnel & Compensation Committee, which consisted of William G. Aiken, Francis J. Ehrhardt and D. Jeffrey Templeton, oversaw and made recommendations to the full Board of Directors on certain compensation matters. This committee met five times during the year ended December 31, 2004. Each member of the Personnel & Compensation Committee was independent in accordance with the listing standards of the American Stock Exchange.

 

Under rules established by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company is required to provide certain data and information in regard to the compensation and benefits provided to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the other executive officers of the Company. The disclosure requirements for the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers include the use of tables and a report explaining the rationale and considerations that led to fundamental compensation decisions affecting those individuals. In fulfillment of this requirement, the Company’s Personnel & Compensation Committee, at the direction of the Board of Directors, has prepared the following report for inclusion in this proxy statement.

 

Compensation Policies. The Company does not pay direct cash compensation to the executive officers of the Company. However, the Company’s executives are also executives of the Bank and are compensated by the Bank. The members of the Personnel & Compensation Committee are three non-employee members of the Board of Directors. The compensation decision for senior officers is developed with the assistance of Thomas Warren & Associates Inc. (“Warren”), a Massachusetts-based company that specializes in compensation analysis, salary administration programs and appraisal systems.

 

All decisions by the Personnel & Compensation Committee relating to compensation affecting senior officers of the Bank are reviewed and approved by the full Board of Directors. The committee meets at least annually to review and make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other senior management members. The decisions made by the Personnel & Compensation Committee as to executive compensation are discretionary. However, a written performance review is prepared and includes an assessment of performance against certain goals. Set forth below are certain considerations taken into account in determining compensation for executive officers.

 

Base Salaries. In determining base salaries for the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers, the Committee reviews compensation surveys prepared by Warren to ensure that base salaries are competitive with financial institutions similar in

 

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size, locale and profile in order that the Bank attract and retain highly skilled personnel. The Bank utilizes the services of Warren to provide an ongoing, independent analysis to ensure the appropriateness of executive compensation.

 

Bonus Awards. Bonus compensation for executive officers generally consists of cash awards. The committee grants cash bonuses to senior management in consultation with Warren, based upon awards given at comparable institutions, the profitability and long-term planning goals of the Company and other factors regarding individual performance and accomplishments.

 

Stock-Based Compensation. The Company maintains the Stock-Based Incentive Plan and the Option Plan under which executive officers may receive grants and awards of common stock and options to purchase common stock of the Company. The Personnel & Compensation Committee believes that stock ownership is a significant incentive in building stockholder value and aligning the interests of employees with stockholders. The value of this component of compensation increases as the common stock of the Company appreciates in value.

 

Compensation of the Chief Executive Officer. The full Board of Directors, excluding the Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and establishes an annual salary level and bonus. The Board of Directors authorized a base salary for the Chief Executive Officer for the year 2004 of $350,000, which represented a 7.4% increase from the base salary provided in 2003. The salary was based on the overall performance of the Bank, the complexity of its operations, long term planning benchmarks and the tenure of Mr. Mahoney, who has been with the Bank for almost 30 years and its Chief Executive Officer since 1985. The Board also approved a bonus of $85,000 paid in 2004 for 2004 performance. In arriving at these amounts, the Board considered input from Warren and the Personnel & Compensation Committee.

 

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Stock Performance Graph

 

The following graph sets forth a five year comparison of the cumulative total stockholder returns for the following: (1) the Corporation’s common stock; (2) the American Stock Exchange Index (US Companies); and (3) the American Stock Exchange Savings Institutions Index (US Savings Institutions; SIC 6030-6039). The graph assumes that $100 was invested at the close of business on December 31, 1999 and assumes the reinvestment of all dividends.

 

LOGO

 

     Period Ended

     12/31/99

   12/29/00

   12/31/01

   12/31/02

   12/31/03

   12/31/04

Woronoco Bancorp, Inc.

   $ 100.00    $ 137.00    $ 192.60    $ 238.60    $ 409.60    $ 424.10

American Stock Exchange Index

     100.00      92.80      86.30      70.60      95.50      110.40

American Stock Exchange Savings Institutions Index

     100.00      115.60      149.20      193.00      282.60      334.20

 

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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

  (a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

 

The following table provides information as of March 6, 2005, with respect to persons believed by the Company to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. A person may be considered to own any shares of common stock over which he or she has, directly or indirectly, sole or shared voting or investing power.

 

Name and Address


  

Number of Shares

Owned


    Percent of
Common
Stock
Outstanding


 

Woronoco Savings Bank Employee Stock

Ownership Plan and Trust

31 Court Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085-3562

   449,276 (1)   11.5 %

Third Avenue Management LLC

767 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10017

   390,800 (2)   10.0 %

Woronoco Savings Charitable Foundation

31 Court Street

Westfield, Massachusetts 01085-3562

   369,360 (3)   9.5 %

Wellington Management Company, LLP

75 State Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

   276,300 (4)   7.1 %

 

(1) Includes 233,266 shares that have not been allocated to participants’ accounts. Under the terms of the ESOP, the ESOP trustee will vote shares allocated to participants’ accounts in the manner directed by the participants. The ESOP trustee, subject to its fiduciary responsibilities, will vote unallocated shares and allocated shares for which no timely voting instructions are received in the same proportion as shares for which the trustee has received proper voting instructions from participants.
(2) Based on information disclosed in a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 15, 2005.
(3) The foundation’s gift instrument requires that all shares of common stock held by the foundation must be voted in the same ratio as all other shares of Company common stock on all proposals considered by stockholders of the Company.
(4) Based on information disclosed in a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2005.

 

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  (b) Security Ownership of Management

 

The following table provides information about the shares of Company common stock that may be considered to be owned by each director of the Company, by the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table and by all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group as of March 6, 2005. A person may be considered to own any shares of common stock over which he or she has, directly or indirectly, sole or shared voting or investment power. Unless otherwise indicated, each of the named individuals has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.

 

Name


   Number of Shares
Owned
(excluding options)
(1)(2)(3)


    Number of Shares
That May Be
Acquired Within
60 Days By
Exercising
Options


   Percent of
Common Stock
Outstanding
(4)


 

William G. Aiken

   11,307     21,621    *  

Agostino J. Calheno

   108,704     2,500    2.86 %

John B. Davies

   2,013     11,804    *  

Susan L. DeFeo

   34,994     3,600    *  

Francis J. Ehrhardt

   12,802     14,076    *  

Joseph P. Keenan

   29,128     1,000    *  

Cornelius D. Mahoney

   161,679     15,000    4.52 %

Carmen J. Mascaro

   15,852     5,260    *  

Debra L. Murphy

   121,814 (5)   2,500    3.19 %

Richard L. Pomeroy

   9,807     5,260    *  

Ann V. Schultz

   10,807     5,260    *  

Norman H. Storey

   15,307     19,621    *  

D. Jeffrey Templeton

   11,728     21,621    *  

Robert W. Thomas

   36,503     2,300    *  

All Executive Officers and

Directors as a Group (18 persons)

   616,020     157,927    19.12 %

* Less than 1% of shares outstanding.

 

(1) Includes unvested shares of restricted stock awards held in trust as part of the Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. 2004 Equity Compensation Plan, with respect to which participants have voting but not investment power as follows: Messrs. Aiken, Davies, Ehrhardt, Keenan, Mascaro, Pomeroy, Storey and Templeton and Ms. Schultz—1,650 shares; Mr. Calheno—7,500 shares; Ms. DeFeo—4,000 shares; Mr. Mahoney—12,500 shares; Ms. Murphy—7,500 shares; and Mr. Thomas—2,000 shares.
(2) Includes shares held under the ESOP, with respect to which each individual has voting but not investment power as follows: Mr. Calheno—9,237 shares; Ms. DeFeo—7,134 shares; Mr. Mahoney—9,407 shares; Ms. Murphy—9,232 shares; and Mr. Thomas—7,424 shares.
(3) Includes shares held in trust in the Woronoco Savings 401(k) Plan, with respect to which each individual has investment but not voting power as follows: Mr. Calheno—5,164 shares; Ms. DeFeo—2,700 shares; Mr. Mahoney—9,925 shares; and Ms. Murphy—8,807 shares.
(4) Based on 3,890,407 shares of Company common stock outstanding and entitled to vote as of March 6, 2005, plus for each person, the number of shares such person may acquire within 60 days by exercising stock options.
(5) Includes 1,200 shares held by Ms. Murphy’s daughter.

 

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  (c) Other than the Merger Agreement with Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., management of the Company knows of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person of securities of the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of the Registrant.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

 

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 generally prohibits loans by the Company to its executive officers and directors. However, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act contains a specific exemption from such prohibition for loans by the Bank to its executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking regulations. Federal regulations require that all loans or extensions of credit to executive officers and directors must be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with the general public and must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features. In addition, loans made to a director or executive officer in excess of the greater of $25,000 or 5% of the Bank’s capital and surplus (up to a maximum of $500,000) must be approved in advance by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors.

 

The Bank currently makes loans to its executive officers and directors on the same terms and conditions offered to the general public. The Bank’s policy provides that all loans made by the Bank to its executive officers and directors be made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and may not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

 

The Company intends that all transactions in the future between the Company and its executive officers, directors, holders of 10% or more of the shares of any class of its common stock and affiliates thereof, will contain terms no less favorable to the Company than could have been obtained by it in arms length negotiations with unaffiliated persons and will be approved by a majority of independent outside directors of the Company not having any interest in the transaction.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

The following table sets forth the fees billed to the Company for the year ending December 31, 2004 and 2003 by Wolf & Company, P.C.:

 

     2004

   2003

Audit fees(1)

   $ 192,500    $ 105,875

Audit related fees(2)

     32,750      18,100

Tax fees(3)

     40,450      34,000

All other fees(4)

     0      46,868
    

  

Total

   $ 265,700    $ 204,843
    

  


(1) Includes fees for financial statement audit and the audit of internal control over financial reporting.
(2) Consists of benefit plan audits and due diligence assistance.
(3) Consists of tax filing and tax related compliance and other advisory services.
(4) Consists of review of information technology function.

 

The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by Wolf & Company, P.C. is compatible with maintaining Wolf & Company, P.C.’s independence. The Audit Committee will consider on a case-by-case basis and, if appropriate, approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the Company’s independent auditors. Alternatively, the Audit Committee may adopt a policy for pre-approval of audit and permitted non-audit services by the Company’s independent auditor.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statements Schedules.

 

(a) 1. Financial Statements

 

The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are filed as part of this document under Item 8:

 

  - Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

  - Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2004 and 2003

 

  - Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

  - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

  - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

 

  - Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(a) 2. Financial Statement Schedules

 

Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.

 

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(a) 3. Exhibits Required by Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K

 

Exhibit

Number


    
2.0    Agreement and Plan of Merger (1)
3.1    Certificate of Incorporation of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. (2)
3.2    Amended Bylaws of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. (3)
4.0    Stock Certificate of Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. (2)
10.1    Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. 1999 Stock Based Incentive Plan (4)
10.2    Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. 2001 Stock Option Plan (5)
10.3    Woronoco Bancorp, Inc. 2004 Equity Compensation Plan (6)
10.4    Agreement, dated December 16, 2004, between Woronoco Bancorp, Inc., Woronoco Savings Bank and Cornelius D. Mahoney (1)
10.5    Agreement, dated December 16, 2004, between Woronoco Bancorp, Inc., Woronoco Savings Bank and Agostino J. Calheno (1)
10.6    Agreement, dated December 16, 2004, between Woronoco Bancorp, Inc., Woronoco Savings Bank and Debra L. Murphy (1)
10.7    Amendment to Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement and Woronoco Savings Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (1)
10.8    Supplemental Retirement Plan Agreement between Woronoco Savings Bank and Cornelius D. Mahoney (7)
10.9    Supplemental Retirement Plan Agreement between Woronoco Savings Bank and Agostino J. Calheno (7)
10.10    Supplemental Retirement Plan Agreement between Woronoco Savings Bank and Debra L. Murphy (7)
10.11    Woronoco Savings Bank Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (2)
10.12    Woronoco Savings Bank Directors’ Retirement Plan (7)
10.13    Change in Control Agreement between Woronoco Savings Bank and Robert W. Thomas (8)
10.14    Change in Control Agreement between Woronoco Savings Bank and Susan L. DeFeo (9)
10.15    Woronoco Savings Bank Employee Severance Compensation Plan (2)
11.0    Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings
21.0    Subsidiaries Information Incorporated Herein By Reference to Part 1 – Subsidiaries
23.0    Consent of Wolf & Company, P.C.
31.0    Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
32.0    Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

(1) Incorporated by reference into this document from the Exhibits filed with the Form 8-K on December 14, 2004.
(2) Incorporated by reference into this document from the Exhibits filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1, and any amendments thereto, Registration No. 333-67255.
(3) Incorporated by reference into this document from the Exhibit filed with the Form 10-Q on November 14, 2002.
(4) Incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement for the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed on March 20, 2000.
(5) Incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement for the 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed on March 12, 2001.
(6) Incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement for the 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed on March 22, 2004.
(7) Incorporated by reference into this document from the Exhibits filed with the Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2002.
(8) Incorporated by reference into this document from the Exhibits filed with the Form 10-K filed on March 19, 2002.
(9) Incorporated by reference into this document from the Exhibits filed with the Form 10-K filed on March 19, 2003.

 

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CONFORMED

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

Woronoco Bancorp, Inc.

 

By:  

/s/ Cornelius D. Mahoney

                                                     March 15, 2005
   

Cornelius D. Mahoney

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

           

 

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

 

Name


  

Title


 

Date


/s/ Cornelius D. Mahoney

   Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)   March 15, 2005

Cornelius D. Mahoney

    

/s/ Debra L. Murphy

   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal accounting and financial officer)   March 15, 2005

Debra L. Murphy

    

/s/ William G. Aiken

   Director   March 15, 2005

William G. Aiken

    

/s/ John D. Davies

   Director   March 15, 2005

John D. Davies

    

/s/ Francis J. Ehrhardt

   Director   March 15, 2005

Francis J. Ehrhardt

    

/s/ Joseph P. Keenan

   Director   March 15, 2005

Joseph P. Keenan

    

/s/ Carmen J. Mascaro

   Director   March 15, 2005

Carmen J. Mascaro

    

 

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/s/ Richard L. Pomeroy

   Director   March 15, 2005

Richard L. Pomeroy

    

/s/ Norman H. Storey

   Director   March 15, 2005

Norman H. Storey

    

/s/ Ann V. Schultz

   Director   March 15, 2005

Ann V. Schultz

    

/s/ D. Jeffrey Templeton

   Director   March 15, 2005

D. Jeffrey Templeton

    

 

69