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EX-32.0 - EXHIBIT 32.0 - PRUDENTIAL BANCORP, INC.t1600788_ex32-0.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - PRUDENTIAL BANCORP, INC.t1600788_ex31-2.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - PRUDENTIAL BANCORP, INC.t1600788_ex31-1.htm
EX-23.1 - EXHIBIT 23.1 - PRUDENTIAL BANCORP, INC.t1600788_ex23-1.htm

 

 

 

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 SEPTEMBER 30, 2016
 
-or-
 
¨ Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
   
For the transition period from                      to                     

 

Commission File Number: 000-55084

 

PRUDENTIAL BANCORP, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

PENNSYLVANIA

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

46-2935427

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

  1834 WEST OREGON AVENUE 19145
  PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA (Zip Code)
  (Address of Principal Executive Offices)  

 

Registrant's telephone number: (including area code) (215) 755-1500

 

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 Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has  submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Date File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES 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 the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large Accelerated Filer  ¨   Accelerated Filer x
Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   Smaller Reporting Company  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). YES ¨ NO x

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant based on the closing price of $14.32 on March 31, 2016, the last business day of the Registrant's second quarter was approximately $103.2 million (8,060,799 shares issued and outstanding less approximately 847,000 million shares held by affiliates at $14.32 per share). Although directors and executive officers of the Registrant and certain employee benefit plans were assumed to be "affiliates" of the Registrant for purposes of the calculation, the classification is not to be interpreted as an admission of such status.

 

As of the close of business on December 6, 2016, there were 8,045,544 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

1.Portions of the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10-14 of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prudential Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

FORM 10-K INDEX

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2016

 

PART I   Page
   
Item 1.   Business 1
     
Item 1A.   Risk Factors 41
     
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments 50
     
Item 2.   Properties 51
     
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings 52
     
Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures 53
     
PART II  
   
Item 5.   Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 54
     
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data 57
     
Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 59
     
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 72
     
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 72
     
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 128
     
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures 128
     
Item 9B.   Other Information 130
     
PART III  
   
Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 130
     
Item 11.   Executive Compensation 130
     
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 130
     
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 131
     
Item 14.   Principal Accounting Fees and Services 131
     
PART IV  
   
Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 131
     
  Signatures  

 

 

 

 

Forward-looking Statements.

 

In addition to historical information, this Annual Report on Form 10-K includes certain "forward-looking statements" based on management's current expectations. Prudential Bancorp, Inc.’s (the “Company” or “Prudential Bancorp”) actual results could differ materially, as such term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, from management's expectations. These forward looking statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding management's current intentions, beliefs or expectations as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are not subject to the Company’s control. You are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause future results to vary from current management expectations include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government, changes in tax policies, rates and regulations of federal, state and local tax authorities, changes in interest rates, deposit flows, the cost of funds, demand for loan products, demand for financial services, competition, changes in the quality or composition of the Company's loan, investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolios, changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines and other economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the Company's operations, markets, products, services and fees.

 

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results that occur subsequent to the date such forward-looking statements are made.

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

General

 

Prudential Bancorp is a Pennsylvania corporation that was incorporated in June 2013. It is the successor corporation to Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania (“Old Prudential Bancorp”), the former stock holding company for Prudential Savings Bank (the “Bank” or “Prudential Savings” and conducts business as “Prudential Bank”), a Pennsylvania-chartered, FDIC-insured savings bank, after the completion in October 2013 of the mutual-to-stock conversion of Prudential Mutual Holding Company (the “MHC”), the former mutual holding company for the Bank.

 

The mutual-to-stock conversion was completed on October 9, 2013. In connection with the conversion, Prudential Bancorp sold 7,141,602 shares of common stock at $10.00 per share in a public offering. In addition 2,403,207 shares were issued in exchange for the outstanding shares of common stock of Old Prudential Bancorp held by shareholders other than the MHC. Each share of Old Prudential Bancorp’s common stock owned by the public was exchanged for 0.9442 shares of Prudential Bancorp common stock. Gross proceeds from the conversion and offering were approximately $71.4 million. Upon completion of the offering and the exchange, 9,544,809 shares of common stock of Prudential Bancorp were issued and outstanding.

 

 1 

 

 

Financial information as of and for the year ended September 30, 2013 presented in this annual report is derived from the consolidated financial statements of Old Prudential Bancorp

 

Prudential Bancorp’s business activity primarily consists of the ownership of the Bank’s common stock, and to a lesser degree the management of the offering proceeds it retained. Prudential Bancorp does not own or lease any property. Instead, it uses the premises, equipment and other property of the Bank. Accordingly, the information set forth in this annual report, including the consolidated financial statements and related financial data, relates primarily to the Bank. As a bank holding company, Prudential Bancorp is subject to the regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve Board”).

 

The Company’s results of operations are primarily dependent on the results of the Bank. As of September 30, 2016, the Company, on a consolidated basis, had total assets of approximately $559.5 million, total deposits of approximately $389.2 million, and total stockholders’ equity of approximately $114.0 million.

 

The Bank is a community-oriented savings bank headquartered in South Philadelphia which was originally organized in 1886 as a Pennsylvania-chartered building and loan association known as “The South Philadelphia Building and Loan Association No. 2.” The Bank grew through a number of mergers with other mutual institutions with the last merger being with Continental Savings and Loan Association in 1983. The Bank converted to a Pennsylvania-chartered savings bank in August 2004. The banking office network currently consists of the headquarters and main office and five full-service branch offices. Five of the banking offices are located in Philadelphia (Philadelphia County) and one is in Drexel Hill in neighboring Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The Bank maintains ATMs at all of the banking offices. We also provide on-line and mobile banking services.

 

We are primarily engaged in attracting deposits from the general public and using those funds to invest in loans and securities. The Company’s principal sources of funds are deposits, repayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities, maturities and calls of investment securities and interest-bearing deposits, funds provided from operations and funds borrowed from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. These funds are primarily used for the origination of various loan types including single-family residential mortgage loans, construction and land development loans, non-residential or commercial real estate mortgage loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, commercial business loans and consumer loans. We are an active originator of residential home mortgage loans in the market area, including loans in excess of $417,000 (which are referred to as “jumbo loans”). Traditionally, the Bank focused on originating long-term single-family residential mortgage loans for portfolio. Although we had been involved in construction lending, beginning in fiscal 2003, we began to significantly increase our involvement in construction and land development lending. However, due to the recession and the decline in real estate values, we curtailed our construction lending activities starting in 2008. In view of the modest minor improvement’s in the local economy, the Company has returned to lend locally in construction and land development loans within it’s general market area. Construction and land development loans increased from $14.9 million or 5.7% of the total loan portfolio at September 30, 2012 to $21.8 million or 6.2% of the total loan portfolio at September 30, 2016. The Company also increased its commercial real estate loans from $19.3 million or 7.4% of the total loan portfolio at September 30, 2012 to $79.9 million or 22.7% of the total loan portfolio at September 30, 2016. See “-Asset Quality”.

 

 2 

 

 

The investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolio increased by $34.8 million to $178.7 million at September 30, 2016 from $143.9 million at September 30, 2015. This increase was primarily due to the purchase of $49.6 million of mortgage-backed securities, $25.5 million in corporate debt and $30.5 million of U.S. government agency obligations investment securities. Also contributing to the increase was the improvement in the unrealized value of the available for sale portfolio. This increase was partially offset by the $53.7 million received from called securities, $11.6 million from in sales and $4.3 million in principal payments. The Company recorded approximately $418,000 in gains from the sale of mortgage-backed securities. At September 30, 2016, the investment and mortgage-backed securities had an aggregate net unrealized gain of $1.5 million compared with the unrealized gain of $27,000 as of September 30, 2015, which was primarily due to recent decreases in the yield on longer term U.S. treasury bond yields which resulted in an improvement in the fair value of our available-for-sale securities.

 

At September 30, 2016, the Company’s non-performing assets totaled $16.5  million or 2.9% of total assets as compared to $14.8 million or 3.0% of total assets at September 30, 2015, of which was primarily due to the placement on non-accrual of the entire amount of the Company’s largest loan relationship totaling $12.3 million and consisting of nine loans. Non-performing assets at September 30, 2016 included five construction loans aggregating $10.3 million, 18 one-to-four family residential loans aggregating $3.4 million, one single-family residential investment property loan totaling $1.4 million and three commercial real estate loans aggregating $1.5 million. At September 30, 2016, the Company had eleven loans aggregating $8.2 million that were classified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). Three of such loans aggregating $5.7 million as of September 30, 2016 were classified as non-performing as a result of not achieving a sufficiently long payment history, under the restructured terms, to justify returning the loans to performing (accrual) status. Two of these three loans totaling $4.3 million (which are part of the Company’s largest relationship referenced above) are over 90 days past due resulting from the discontinuation of funding by the Company due to the re-negotiation of the project’s cash flows and the other residential loan of approximately $1.4 million has made all of its required payment to date, but the Company has not changed the loan to a performing status. The remaining eight TDRs have performed in accordance with the terms of their revised agreements. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had reviewed $19.4 million of loans for possible impairment of which $14.6 million was deemed classified as substandard compared to $16.8 million reviewed for possible impairment and $12.4 million of which was classified substandard as of September 30, 2015. The allowance for loan losses totaled $3.2 million, or 0.9% of total loans and 20.59% of total non-performing loans at September 30, 2016. See “-Asset Quality”.

 

The executive offices are located at 1834 West Oregon Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Company’s telephone number is (215) 755-1500.

 

Proposed Merger with Polonia Bancorp

 

On June 2, 2016, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Polonia Bancorp, Inc. (“Polonia Bancorp” or “Polonia”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Polonia Bancorp will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”) and Polonia Bancorp’s wholly owned subsidiary, Polonia Bank, a federally chartered savings bank, will merge with and into the Bank.

 

At the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of Polonia Bancorp common stock will be converted into the right to receive, at the election of the Polonia Bancorp shareholder (subject to certain conditions, including conditions relating to pro-ration): (i) 0.7591 of a share of Company common stock (the “Exchange Ratio”) or (ii) $11.28 in cash (the “Per Share Cash Consideration” and collectively with the Exchange Ratio, the “Merger Consideration”), subjected to adjustment as described below. The election of shares of Company stock or cash will be subject to proration such that 50% of the issued and outstanding shares of Polonia Bancorp common stock will be exchanged for Company common stock and 50% will be exchanged for cash. Options to purchase Polonia Bancorp common stock outstanding at the effective time of the Merger will fully vest and be exchanged for a cash payment equal to the difference, if positive, between the Per Share Cash Consideration under the Merger Agreement and the corresponding exercise price of such option.

 

 3 

 

 

The Merger Consideration is subject to adjustment in certain limited situations. In the event that Polonia Bancorp Consolidated Stockholders’ Equity, as calculated in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, is less than $37.4 million as of the Final Statement Date, as defined in the Merger Agreement, then the Exchange Ratio and the Per Share Cash Consideration will be adjusted downward to reflect the amount of the difference between $37.4 million and the Polonia Bancorp Consolidated Stockholders’ Equity as of the Final Statement Date. The Merger Consideration is subject to potential upward adjustment to reflect the after-tax impact of certain recoveries experienced by Polonia Bancorp, if any, achieved prior to the Final Statement Date as specified in the Merger Agreement. In such situation, the Exchange Ratio and the Per Share Cash Consideration, as they may have been adjusted downward as noted above, will be correspondingly adjusted to reflect the amount of such after-tax recoveries.

 

Market Area and Competition

 

The primary market area is Philadelphia, in particular South Philadelphia and Center City, as well as Delaware County. We also conduct business in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery Counties which, along with Delaware County, comprise the suburbs of Philadelphia. We also make loans in contiguous counties in southern New Jersey and to a lesser extent, the entire Mid-Atlantic region.

 

We face substantial competition from other financial institutions in our service area, especially from many local community banks, as well as many local credit unions. Competition among financial institutions is based upon a number of factors, including the quality of services rendered, interest rates offered on deposit accounts, interest rates charged on loans and other credit services, service charges, the convenience of banking facilities, locations and hours of operation and, in the case of loans to larger commercial borrowers, applicable lending limits. Many of the financial institutions with which we compete have greater financial resources than we do, and offer a wider range of deposit and lending products.

 

We believe that an attractive niche exists serving small to medium sized business customers not adequately served by our larger competitors, and we will seek opportunities to build commercial relationships to complement our retail strategy. We believe small to medium-sized businesses will continue to respond in a positive manner to the attentive and highly personalized service we provide.

 

Lending Activities

 

General. At September 30, 2016, the net loan portfolio totaled $344.9 million or 61.6% of total assets. The Company has changed its lending philosophy and started to originate and maintain loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate which comprise 26.2% of the loan portfolio. Management believes it has the expertise to underwrite these types of loans which management believes will add to earnings while reducing interest rate risk due to the generally shorter contractual maturity of such loans. The Company still holds $233.5 million of residential real estate loans collateralized by one- to- four family, also known as “single-family”, homes secured by properties located, in substantially all cases, in the Company’s market area.

 

The types of loans that we may originate are subject to federal and state banking laws and regulations. Interest rates charged by us on loans are affected principally by the demand for such loans and the supply of money available for lending purposes and the rates offered by competitors. These factors are, in turn, affected by general and economic conditions, the monetary policy of the federal government, including the Federal Reserve Board, legislative tax policies and governmental budgetary matters.

 

 4 

 

 

Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table shows the composition of the loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated.

   September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012 
   Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   %   Amount   % 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Real estate loans:                                                  
One- to four-family residential (1)  $233,531    66.36%  $259,163    78.40%  $282,637    85.47%  $270,791    87.81%  $222,793    84.65%
Multi-family residential   12,478    3.55%   6,249    1.90%   7,174    2.17%   5,716    1.85%   5,051    1.92%
Commercial real estate   79,859    22.69%   25,799    7.80%   16,113    4.87%   19,506    6.33%   19,333    7.35%
Construction and land development   21,839    6.21%   38,953    11.78%   22,397    6.77%   11,356    3.68%   14,873    5.65%
Total real estate loans   347,707    98.81%   330,164    99.89%   328,321    99.28%   307,369    99.67%   262,050    99.56%
Commercial business   99    0.03%   0    0.00%   1,976    0.60%   588    0.19%   632    0.24%
Leasses   3,286    0.93%   0    0.00%   0    0.00%   0    0.00%   0    0.00%
Consumer   799    0.23%   392    0.11%   399    0.12%   438    0.14%   523    0.20%
Total loans   351,891    100.00%   330,556    100.00%   330,696    100.00%   308,395    100.00%   263,205    100.00%
Less:                                                  
Undisbursed portion of loans in process   5,371         17,097         9,657         1,676         1,629      
Deferred loan costs   (1,697)        (2,104)        (2,449)        (2,151)        (989)     
Allowance for loan losses   3,269         2,930         2,425         2,353         1,881      
Net loans  $344,948        $312,633        $321,063        $306,517        $260,684      

 

 

(1)Includes home equity loans totaling $3.8 million, $4.1 million, $5.0 million, $6.2 million and $8.1 million as of September 30, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Also includes line of credits totaling $7.4 million, $8.5 million,, $10.0 million, $9.5 million and $11.7 million , as of September 30, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively .

 

 5 

 

 

Contractual Terms to Final Maturities. The following table shows the scheduled contractual maturities of loans as of September 30, 2016, before giving effect to net items. Demand loans, loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity, and overdrafts are reported as due in one year or less. The amounts shown below do not take into account loan prepayments.

 

   One-to-Four           Construction                 
   Family   Multi-family   Commercial   and Land   Commercial             
   Residential   Residential   Real Estate   Development   Business   Leases   Consumer   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
Amounts due after September 30, 2016 in:                                        
One year or less  $5,537   $-   $2,490   $6,091   $99   $263   $102   $14,582 
After one year through two years   7,938    -    1,877    10,227    -    733    15    20,790 
After two years through three years   6,334    335    9    5,521    -    1,356    80    13,635 
After three years through five years   11,014    2,615    5,366    -    -    934    314    20,243 
After five years through ten years   50,624    9,300    52,363    -    -    -    288    112,575 
After ten years through fifteen years   48,160    62    4,177    -    -    -    -    52,399 
After fifteen years   103,924    166    13,577    -    -    -    -    117,667 
Total  $233,531   $12,478   $79,859   $21,839   $99   $3,286   $799   $351,891 

 

The following table shows the dollar amount of all loans due after one year from September 30, 2016, as shown in the table above, which have fixed interest rates or which have floating or adjustable interest rates.

 

       Floating or     
   Fixed-Rate   Adjustable-Rate   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
             
One- to four-family residential (1)  $160,820   $67,174   $227,994 
Multi-family residential   10,987    1,491    12,478 
Commercial real estate   61,755    15,614    77,369 
Construction and land development   15,748    -    15,748 
Leases   3,023    -    3,023 
Consumer   697    -    697 
Total  $253,030   $84,279   $337,309 

 

 

(1)Includes home equity loans and lines of credit.

 

The Bank originates construction and development loans and commercial real estate loans with fixed rates and shorter contractual maturities (than is generally the case for residential mortgage loans). To a lesser extent five, seven and 10 year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage loans, consisting primarily of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans are also originated for retention in the portfolio. The interest rate is initially fixed for a specified period (five, seven or 10 years) and then converts to an adjustable interest rate which adjusts each year thereafter for the remainder of the loan term. The seven and 10 year adjustable-rate mortgages have artificially low initial interest rates at the date of origination commonly known as “teaser rates.” Most of the “hybrid” loans are originated in connection with the origination of jumbo residential mortgage loans.

 

 6 

 

 

Loan Originations. The Bank’s lending activities are subject to underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by our board of directors and management. Loan originations are obtained through a variety of sources, including existing customers as well as new customers obtained from referrals and local advertising and promotional efforts. Consumer loan applications are taken at any of our offices while loan applications for all other types of loans, including home equity and home equity line of credits, are taken only at our main office. All loan applications are processed and underwritten centrally at our main office.

 

Single-family residential mortgage loans are generally written on standardized documents used by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC” or “Freddie Mac”) and Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA” or “Fannie Mae”). Property valuations of loans secured by real estate are undertaken by independent third-party appraisers approved by the board of directors and are reviewed internally before acceptance. At both September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, the Company had no real estate loans that would be considered subprime loans, which we define as mortgage loans advanced to borrowers who do not qualify for loans bearing market interest rates because of problems with their credit history.  The Bank does not originate and has not in the past originated subprime loans. 

 

We also purchase participation interests in larger balance loans, typically commercial real estate loans, from other financial institutions in our market area. Such participations are reviewed for compliance, are underwritten independently in accordance with our underwriting criteria and are approved before they are purchased by the Management Loan Committee and one of the following: the President’s Committee, the Executive Committee or the full board, based upon the amount of participation being purchased. Generally, loan purchases have been without any recourse to the seller. However, we actively monitor the performance of such loans through the receipt of regular updates, including inspection reports, from the lead lender regarding the loan’s performance, discussing the loan with the lead lender on a regular basis and receiving copies of updated financial statements of the borrower from the lead lender. These loans are subjected to regular internal reviews in accordance with our loan policy.

 

The Bank typically holds a 100% interest in construction and land development loans. The Bank has in the past and currently reserves the option to sell participation interests. We generally have sold participation interests in loans only when a loan would exceed the Bank’s internal and/or legal loans to one borrower limits. With respect to the sale of participation interests in such loans, we have received commitments to purchase such participation interests prior to the time the loan is closed. See “-Lending Activities - Construction and Land Development Lending.”

 

As part of the Bank’s loan policy, we are permitted, to make loans to one borrower and related entities in an aggregate amount of up to 15% of the capital accounts of the Bank which consist of the aggregate of its capital, surplus, undivided profits, capital securities and allowance for loan losses. At September 30, 2016, the Bank’s internal “guidance” limit is $10.0 million to one borrower as a threshold. The Bank is permitted to exceed in certain situations subject to the approval of the Board of Directors subject to the overall legal/regulatory lending limit which was calculated to be $15.5 million at September 30, 2016. At September 30, 2016, our three largest loans to one borrower and related entities amounted to $14.4 million, $12.2 million and $7.8 million. As of this date, the largest relationship of $14.4 million consisted of five construction loans with a disbursed balance totaling $10.3 million ($2.1 million available in loans in process), two commercial real estate loans totaling $1.3 million and three residential mortgages totaling $711,000. The second largest relationship of $12.2 million was a participation loan to fund the acquisition of a six-story, 38-unit condominium project with retail space on the first floor located in Brooklyn, New York. The third relationship totaling $7.8 million consists of two loans consisting of: one loan in the amount of $6.5 million secured by a 40-unit building used for student housing and a second loan in the amount of $1.3 million secured by a nine-unit student housing building, both located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For more information regarding these loans, see -Lending Activities - Construction and Land Development Lending.”

 

 7 

 

 

The following table shows our total loans originated, purchased, sold and repaid during the periods indicated.

 

   Year Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   (In Thousands) 
Loan originations (1)               
One- to four-family residential  $12,269   $14,825   $39,660 
Multi-family residential   7,936    57    3,272 
Commercial real estate   57,630    21,644    5,936 
Construction and land development   4,742    23,659    17,461 
Commercial business   99    153    2,191 
Leases   3,725    -    - 
Consumer   863    154    114 
Total loan originations   87,264    60,492    68,634 
Loans purchased   -    -    - 
Total loans originated and purchased   87,264    60,492    68,634 
Loans transferred to real estate owned   581    869    83 
Loan principal repayments   53,965    67,105    53,554 
Total loans sold and principal repayments   54,546    67,974    53,637 
Decrease due to other items, net (2)   (403)   (948)   (451)
Net increase (decrease) in loan portfolio  $32,315   $(8,430)  $14,546 

 

 

(1)Includes loan participations with other lenders.

 

(2)Other items consist of the undisbursed portion of loans in process, deferred fees and the allowance for loan losses. The 2016 balance consisted of the $225,000 provision for loan losses recorded to the allowance and the $177,000 amortization of net loan fees. The 2015 balance consisted of the $735,000 provision for loan losses recorded to the allowance and the $214,000 amortization of net loan fees. The 2014 balance consisted of a $240,000 provision for loan losses recorded to the allowance and the $211,000 amortization of net loan fees.

 

One-to-Four Family Residential Mortgage Lending. A prudent lending activity continues to be the origination or purchase of loans secured by first mortgages on one-to-four family residential properties located in the Company’s market area. Our single-family residential mortgage loans are obtained through the lending department and branch personnel and to a lessor extend through correspondents. The balance of such loans increased, on a dollar basis, from $222.8 million or 84.7% of total loans at September 30, 2012 to $233.5 million, or 66.4% of total loans at September 30, 2016. The percentage of total loans such loans represented has decreased as our focus has shifted to the origination of commercial real estate loans.

 

Single-family residential mortgage loans generally are underwritten on terms and documentation conforming to guidelines issued by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. We have retained for portfolio a substantial portion of the single-family residential mortgage loans that we historically originate, including our jumbo residential mortgage loans, only selling certain long-term, fixed-rate loans bearing interest rates below certain levels established by the board. During fiscal year ended 2016, the Company sold five single-family residential loans servicing released totaling $450,000 for a gain $11,000 We service all loans that we have originated and retained. We currently offer adjustable-rate mortgage and balloon loans, which are structured as shorter term fixed-rate loans (generally 10 years or less) followed by a final payment of the full amount of the principal due at the maturity date. Due to the interest rate environment, originations of such loans have been limited in recent years. However, in recent periods we have offered “hybrid” adjustable-rate loans in order to increase the interest-rate sensitivity of the single-family residential mortgage loan portfolio, which loans have been more attractive to customers than traditional adjustable-rate loans since the initial interest rate is initially fixed for a specified period. At September 30, 2016, $67.2 million, or 29.5%, of our one-to-four family residential loan portfolio consisted of adjustable-rate loans. We also originate fixed-rate, fully amortizing mortgage loans with maturities of 15, 20 or 30 years, for resale in the secondary market.

 

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While continuing to operate in the historically low current interest rate environment and to assist in the implementation of our asset/liability management policy, we have placed an emphasis on the origination of single-family mortgage loans to be sold in the secondary markets.

 

We underwrite one- to-four family residential mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios of up to 95%, provided that the borrower obtains private mortgage insurance on loans that exceed 80% of the appraised value or sales price, whichever is less, of the secured property. We also require that title insurance, hazard insurance and, if appropriate, flood insurance be maintained on all properties securing real estate loans. A licensed appraiser appraises all properties securing one-to-four family first mortgage loans. Our mortgage loans generally include due-on-sale clauses which provide us with the contractual right to deem the loan immediately due and payable in the event the borrower transfers ownership of the property.

 

Our single-family residential mortgage loans also include home equity loans and lines of credit, which amounted to $3.8 million and $7.4 million, respectively, at September 30, 2016. The unused portion of home equity lines was $3.5 million at such date. Our home equity loans are fully amortizing and have terms to maturity of up to 20 years. While home equity loans also are secured by the borrower’s residence, we generally obtain a second mortgage position on these loans. Our lending policy provides that our home equity loans have loan-to-value ratios, when combined with any first mortgage, of 80% or less at time of origination, although the preponderance of our home equity loans have combined loan-to-value ratios of 75% or less at time of origination. We also offer home equity revolving lines of credit with interest tied to the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus a stipulated margin. Generally, we have a second mortgage on the borrower’s residence as collateral on our home equity lines. In addition, our home equity lines generally have loan-to-value ratios (combined with any loan secured by a first mortgage) of 75% or less at time of origination. Our customers may apply for home equity lines as well as home equity loans at any banking office. While there has been decline in some collateral values due to the continued weak real estate market, we believe our conservative underwriting guidelines have minimized our exposure in that regard.

 

Construction and Land Development Lending. We have maintained our emphasis on construction and land development loans originations because construction loans have shorter terms to maturity, provide an attractive yield and generally have either higher fixed interest rates or adjustable interest rates. We have focused our construction lending on making loans to developers and homebuilders with whom we have long-standing relationships within our primary market area to acquire, develop and build single-family residences or condominium projects. Our construction loans include, to a lesser extent, loans for the construction of multi-family residential or mixed-use properties. At September 30, 2016, our construction and loan development loans amounted to $21.8 million, or 6.2% of our total loan portfolio. This amount includes $5.4 million of undisbursed loans in process. The average size of our construction and land development loans, excluding loans to our largest lending relationship, was approximately $630,000 at September 30, 2016. Our construction loan portfolio has modestly increased since September 30, 2012 when construction loans amounted to $14.9 million or 5.65% of our total loan portfolio as compared to $21.8 million or 6.2% of our total loan portfolio at September 30, 2016.

 

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Loans to finance the construction of condominium projects or single-family homes and subdivisions are generally offered to experienced builders in our primary market area with whom we have an established relationship. Residential construction and development loans are offered with terms of up to 36 months although typically the terms are 12 to 24 months. The maximum loan-to-value limit applicable to these loans is 75% of the appraised post construction value and the policy does not require amortization of the principal during the term of the loan. We often establish interest reserves and obtain personal and corporate guarantees as additional security on the construction loans. Interest reserves are used to pay the monthly interest payments during the development phase of the loan and are treated as an addition to the loan balance. Interest reserves pose an additional risk to the Company if it does not become aware of deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition before the interest reserve is fully utilized. In order to help monitor the risk, financial statements and tax returns are obtained from borrowers on an annual basis. Additionally, construction loans are reviewed at least annually pursuant to a third party loan review. Construction loan proceeds are disbursed periodically in increments as construction progresses and as inspection by approved appraisers or loan inspectors warrants. Construction loans are negotiated on an individual basis but typically have floating rates of interest based upon the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus a stipulated margin. Additional fees may be charged as funds are disbursed. In addition to interest payments during the term of the construction loan, we typically require that payments to reduce the principal outstanding be made as units are completed and released. Generally such principal payments must be equal to 110% of the amount attributable to the acquisition and development of the lot plus 100% of the amount attributable to construction of the individual home. We permit a pre-determined limited number of model homes to be constructed on an unsold or “speculative” basis. All other units must be pre-sold before we will disburse funds for construction. Construction loans also include loans to acquire land and loans to develop the basic infrastructure, such as roads and sewers. The majority of the construction loans are secured by properties located in the Philadelphia metropolitan statistical area.

 

Set forth below is a brief description of the two largest construction loan or loan relationships.

 

As of September 30, 2016, we had extended five construction and land development loans to a local developer aggregating $10.3 million with a total exposure of $14.4 million. As a part of the workout the Bank extended two construction loans in the amount of $5.4 million in November 2014. This loan is being used to develop a 169 unit mixed townhome and condominium single-family residential community. Currently 12 units are approximately 70% completed with land improvements pertaining to these units being preformed. As of September 30, 2016, construction stopped, resulting from law suits filed by both the borrower and  the Company . The Company believes that the project will resume upon the determination of the courts anticipates the proceeds on unit sales will be used to pay down the borrower’s remaining obligation. As a result of the extension of the additional construction loans, the Board determined to grant an exception to the Bank’s internal loans-to-one borrower limit. As of September 30, 2015, a total of $1.5 million has been disbursed. A third loan is a $3.6 million construction and land development loan to purchase land for the future development of 39 single-family residential real estate units. The loan is a variable-rate loan indexed to the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus a margin with a floor of 5.5%. During 2011, a new appraisal revealed that the market value of the collateral had substantially decreased in value. The borrower subsequently agreed to provide additional collateral to secure this loan resulting in a revised loan-to-value ratio of 73%. This loan had its maturity extended to December 2016 and was classified as a trouble debt restructured loan. The fourth loan is a $2.4 million construction and land development loan containing 25 residential lots and one fully constructed unit. The loan is a variable-rate loan indexed to the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus a margin with a floor of 6.0% where the maturity date of July 2016 has passed. A foreclosure complaint is being filed. The remaining construction and land development loan has an outstanding balance of $1.3 million and is secured by the 169 residential lots in the referenced mixed town homes and condominium project noted above. All five construction and land development loans are classified “substandard” and considered to be in a work-out situation as part of the borrower’s total relationship.

 

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The second largest construction loan was in the amount of $2.6 million of which $1.1 million has been disbursed as of September 30, 2016. This loan was originated February 2016. The proceeds were used to acquire and develop five single family residential properties located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

 

Construction 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 depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction compared to the estimated costs, including interest, of construction and other assumptions. Additionally, if the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, we may be confronted with a project, when completed, having a value less than the loan amount. We have attempted to minimize these risks by generally concentrating on residential construction loans in our market area to contractors with whom we have established lending relationships and by selling, with respect to larger construction and land development loans, participation interests in order to reduce our exposure.

 

Multi-Family Residential and Commercial Real Estate Loans. At September 30, 2016, multi-family residential and commercial real estate loans amounted in the aggregate to $92.3 million or 26.2% of the total loan portfolio.

 

The commercial real estate and multi-family residential real estate loan portfolio consists primarily of loans secured by small office buildings, strip shopping centers, small apartment buildings and other properties used for commercial and multi-family purposes located in the Company’s market area. At September 30, 2016, the average commercial and multi-family real estate loan size was approximately $888,000. The largest multi-family residential or commercial real estate loan at September 30, 2016 was a $12.2 million fixed-rate loan secured by 38-unit luxury condominium building located in Brooklyn, New York with retail space on the first floor. This loan recently closed and has not been required to make its first scheduled payment. The second largest multi-family residential or commercial real estate loan at September 30, 2016 was a $6.5 million fixed-rate loan used to develop a nine unit apartment building for student housing located in Philadelphia, PA. Substantially all of the properties securing the multi-family residential and commercial real estate loans are located in the Company’s primary lending area.

 

Although terms for commercial real estate and multi-family loans vary, our underwriting standards generally allow for terms up to 15 years with loan-to-value ratios of not more than 75%. Most of the loans are structured with balloon payments of 10 years or less and amortization periods of up to 25 years. Interest rates are either fixed or adjustable, based upon designated market indices such as the Wall Street Journal prime rate plus a margin or, with respect to our multi-family residential loans, the Average Contract Interest Rate for previously occupied houses as reported by the Federal Housing Finance Board. In addition, fees are charged to the borrower at the origination of the loan.

 

Commercial real estate and multi-family real estate lending involves different risks than single-family residential lending. These risks include larger loans to individual borrowers and loan payments that are dependent upon the successful operation of the project or the borrower’s business. These risks can be affected by supply and demand conditions in the project’s market area of rental housing units, office and retail space and other commercial space. We attempt to minimize these risks by limiting loans to proven businesses, only considering properties with existing operating performance which can be analyzed, using conservative debt coverage ratios in our underwriting, and periodically monitoring the operation of the business or project and the physical condition of the property.

 

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Various aspects of commercial and multi-family loan transactions are evaluated in an effort to mitigate the additional risk in these types of loans. In our underwriting procedures, consideration is given to the stability of the property’s cash flow history, future operating projections, current and projected occupancy levels, location and physical condition. Generally, we impose a debt service ratio (the ratio of net cash flows from operations before the payment of debt service to debt service) of not less than 120%. We also evaluate the credit and financial condition of the borrower, and if applicable, the guarantor. With respect to loan participation interests we purchase, we underwrite the loans as if we were the originating lender. Appraisal reports prepared by independent appraisers are reviewed by us prior to the closing of the loan.

 

During the past year, the Company has shifted its emphasis to originate and portfolio more multi-family and commercial real estate loans, due to their higher yield and shorter duration. Although some delinquencies have existed with respect to these types of loans in our portfolio, no losses have been incurred over the past several years.

 

Consumer Lending Activities. We offer various types of consumer loans such as loans secured by deposit accounts and unsecured personal loans. Consumer loans are originated primarily through existing and walk-in customers and direct advertising. At September 30, 2016, $799,000, or 0.2% of the total loan portfolio consisted of consumer loans.

 

Consumer loans generally have higher interest rates and shorter terms than residential loans. However, consumer loans have additional credit risk due to the type of collateral securing the loan or in some cases the absence of collateral.

 

Commercial Business Loans. At September 30, 2016, commercial business loans consisted of one loan that amounted to $99,000. The Bank re-classed its one commercial business loan upon an impairment review and prepared an impairment review as of September 30, 2016. Management has determined no impairment was necessary. The Bank anticipates being able to originate commercial business loans during fiscal year 2017.

 

Commercial business loans are made to small to mid-sized businesses in our market area primarily to provide working capital. Small business loans may have adjustable or fixed rates of interest and generally have terms of three years or less but may be as long as 15 years. Our commercial business loans have historically been underwritten based on the creditworthiness of the borrower and generally require a debt service coverage ratio of at least 120%. In addition, we generally obtain personal guarantees from the principals of the borrower with respect to commercial business loans and frequently obtain real estate as additional collateral.

 

Leases. The Company purchases small business equipment leases through a relationship with a local Lender specializing in originating such loans. These leases are purchased based on remaining cash flow’s present value on an agreed upon yield. This Lender provides the servicing for leases purchased.

 

Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. Our Board of Directors establishes the Bank’s lending policies and procedures. Our various lending policies are reviewed at least annually by our management team and the Board in order to consider modifications as a result of market conditions, regulatory changes and other factors.

 

The Company maintains separate loan approval committees with tiered levels of approvals. Management Loan Committee, comprised of Chief Operating Officer (“COO”), Chief Lending Officer (“CLO”), Chief Credit Officer (“CCO”), Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and the Controller has lending approval authority up to $2.5 million. The next tier in the approval process, with an approval range of $2.5 million to $5.0 million, is the President’s Loan committee, comprised of the Chief Executive Officer (”CEO”) and the COO. Level three of approval authority in the range of $5.0 million to $10.0 million is the Executive Committee, comprised of two rotating board of director members and the CEO. All loans in excess of $10.0 million must be presented to the full board of directors for approval. All loans submitted to the top tiers of approval must be recommended for approval by the Management Loan Committee. For single-family residential loans originated for sale in the secondary market are processed through underwriting software and are reviewed for approval by two senior officers in the lending department.

 

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Asset Quality

 

General. One of our key objectives has been, and continues to be, maintaining a high level of asset quality. In addition to maintaining credit standards for new originations which we believe are prudent, we are proactive in our loan monitoring, collection and workout processes in dealing with delinquent or problem loans. We have also retained an independent, third party to undertake periodic reviews of the credit quality of a random sample of new loans as well as all of our major loans on at least an annual basis.

 

Reports listing all delinquent accounts are generated and reviewed by management on a monthly basis. These reports include information regarding all loans 30 days or more delinquent as to principal and/or interest and all real estate owned properties and are provided to the Board of Directors. The procedures we take with respect to delinquencies vary depending on the nature of the loan, period and cause of delinquency and whether the borrower is habitually delinquent. When a borrower fails to make a required payment on a loan, we take a number of steps to have the borrower cure the delinquency and restore the loan to current status. We generally send the borrower a written notice of non-payment after the loan is first past due. Our guidelines provide that telephone, written correspondence and/or face-to-face contact will be attempted to ascertain the reasons for delinquency and the prospects of repayment. When contact is made with the borrower at any time prior to foreclosure, we will attempt to obtain full payment, work out a repayment schedule with the borrower to avoid foreclosure or, in some instances, accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure. In the event 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 us to take legal action, which typically occurs after a loan is 90 days or more delinquent, we will commence foreclosure proceedings against any real property that secures the loan. If a foreclosure action is instituted and the loan is not brought current, paid in full, or refinanced before foreclosure sale, the property securing the loan generally is sold at foreclosure and, if purchased by us, becomes real estate owned. Since there has not been a significant increase in recent years in the one-to-four family residential loans that are 90 days past due, the Company was not adversely impacted by any recent government programs related to the foreclosure process.

 

On loans where the collection of principal or interest payments is doubtful, the accrual of interest income ceases (“non-accrual” loans). On loans 90 days or more past due as to principal and/or interest payments, our policy is to discontinue accruing additional interest and reverse any interest previously accrued. On occasion, this action may be taken earlier if the financial condition of the borrower raises significant concern with regard to his/her ability to service the debt in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement. Interest income is not accrued on these loans until the borrower’s financial condition and payment record demonstrate an ability to service the debt.

 

Property acquired by the Bank through foreclosure is initially recorded at the lower of cost, which is the carrying value of the loan, or fair value at the date of acquisition, which is fair value of the related assets at the date of foreclosure, less estimated costs to sell. Thereafter, if there is a further deterioration in value, we charge earnings for the diminution in value. The Bank’s policy is to obtain an appraisal on real estate subject to foreclosure proceedings prior to the time of foreclosure if the property is located outside the Company’s market area or consists of other than single-family residential property. We obtain re-appraisals on a periodic basis, generally on at least an annual basis, on foreclosed properties. We also conduct inspections on foreclosed properties.

 

 13 

 

 

We account for our impaired loans in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. An impaired loan generally is one for which it is more likely than not, based on current information, that the lender will not collect all the amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan. Large groups of smaller balance, homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Loans collectively evaluated for impairment include smaller balance commercial real estate loans, residential real estate loans and consumer loans. These loans are evaluated as a group because they have similar characteristics and performance experience. Larger commercial real estate, construction and land development and commercial business loans are individually evaluated for impairment on at least a quarterly basis by management . All loans classified as substandard as part of the loan review process or due to delinquency status are evaluated for potential impairment. There were $19.4 million of loans evaluated for impairment as of September 30, 2016 (of which $12.3 million are related to the Bank’s largest borrower), consisting of $10.3 million of construction and land development loans, $5.6 million of one-to-four family residential loans, $3.2 million of commercial real estate loans, a $335,000 multi-family loan and a $99,000 commercial business loan. Although no specific allocations were applied to these loans, there were partial charge-offs of $311,000. As of September 30, 2016, there were five loans totaling $2.6 million designated as special mention loans consisting of three single-family residential loans aggregating $1.7 million, and two commercial real estate loans aggregating $943,000. As of September 30, 2015 there were eight loans totaling $3.4 million designated as special mention loans, consisting of five single-family residential loans aggregating $2.1 million, two commercial real estate loans aggregating $965,000 and a multi-family residential loan totaling $351,000.

 

Federal regulations and our policies require that we utilize an internal asset classification system as a means of reporting problem and potential problem assets. We have incorporated an internal asset classification system, consistent with Federal banking regulations, as a part of our credit monitoring system. We currently classify problem and potential problem assets as “special mention”, “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss” assets. An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the insured institution 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 insured institution to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses are required to be designated “special mention.”

 

When an insured institution classifies one or more assets, or portions thereof, as “substandard” or “doubtful,” it is required that a general valuation allowance for loan losses be established for loan losses in accordance with established methodology. General valuation allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent losses associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allocations, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When an insured institution classifies one or more assets, or portions thereof, as “loss,” it is required to charge off such amount.

 

Our allowance for loan losses includes a portion which is allocated by type of loan, based primarily upon our periodic reviews of the risk elements within the various categories of loans. The specific components relate to certain impaired loans. The general components cover non-classified loans and are based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors in response to changes in risk and market conditions. Our management believes that, based on information currently available, the allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which covers all known and inherent losses that are both probable and reasonably estimable at each reporting date. However, actual losses are dependent upon future events and, as such, further additions to the level of the allowance for loan losses may become necessary.

 

 14 

 

 

We review and classify assets on no less frequently than a quarterly basis and the Board of Directors is provided with reports on our classified and criticized assets. We classify assets in accordance with the management guidelines described above. At September 30, 2016 and 2015, we had no assets classified as “doubtful” or “loss” and $14.6 million and $12.4 million, respectively, of assets classified as “substandard.” In addition, there were $2.6 million and $3.4 million of loans designated as “special mention” as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. There was one loan totaling $1.4 million classified as non-performing included in the loans classified “special mention” as of September 30, 2016. See –“Construction and Land Development Lending”. For a discussion of our largest lending relationship which was classified as substandard during fiscal 2014 and designated as non-performing during fiscal 2016,”see also -“Non-Performing Loans and Real Estate Owned.”

 

Delinquent Loans. The following table shows the delinquencies in the loan portfolio as of the dates indicated.

 

   September 30, 2016   September 30, 2015 
   30-89   90 or More Days   30-89   90 or More Days 
   Days Overdue   Overdue   Days Overdue   Overdue 
   Number   Principal   Number   Principal   Number   Principal   Number   Principal 
   of Loans   Balance   of Loans   Balance   of Loans   Balance   of Loans   Balance 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                                 
One- to-four family residential   8   $1,860    17   $2,767    7   $1,462    13   $2,032 
Multi-family residential   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   -    -    1    1,346    2    504    1    181 
Construction and land development   -    -    5    10,288    -    -    -    - 
Commercial business   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Consumer   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Total delinquent loans   8   $1,860    23   $14,401    9   $1,966    14   $2,213 
Delinquent loans to total net loans   0.54%        4.17%        0.63%        0.71%     
Delinquent loans to total loans   0.53%        4.09%        0.59%        0.67%     

 

Non-Performing Loans and Real Estate Owned. The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing loans and real estate owned. The Company’s general policy is to cease accruing interest on loans which are 90 days or more past due and to reverse all accrued interest. At September 30, 2016, all of the loans listed as 90 or more days past due in the table above were in non-accrual status. At September 30, 2016, the Company had eleven loans aggregating $8.2 million that were classified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). As of September 30, 2016, eight of the TDRs were performing in accordance with their restructured terms. Three of such loans aggregating $5.7 million as of September 30, 2016 were classified as non-performing of which two totaling $5.0 million are related to our largest lending relationship and the remaining one for $700,000 remained on non-accrual status as a result of not achieving a sufficiently sustained payment history under the restructured terms to justify returning the loan to performing (accrual) status.

 

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The following table shows the amounts of non-performing assets (defined as non-accruing loans, accruing loans 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest and real estate owned) at the dates indicated.

 

   September 30,
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Non-accruing loans:                         
One- to four-family residential  $4,244(1)  $3,547(1)  $5,002(1)  $4,259(1)  $12,904 
Multi-family residential   -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   1,346(1)   1,589(1)   877(1)   2,375(1)   597 
Construction and land development   10,288(1)   8,796    -    -    517 
Commercial business   -    -    -    -    - 
Consumer   -    -    -    -    - 
Total non-accruing loans   15,878    13,932    5,879    6,634    14,018 
Accruing loans 90 days or more past due:                         
One- to four-family residential   -    -    -    -    - 
Multi-family residential   -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial real estate   -    -    -    -    - 
Construction   -    -    -    -    - 
Commercial business   -    -    -    -    - 
Consumer   -    -    -    -    - 
Total accruing loans 90 days or more past due   -    -    -    -    - 
Total non-performing loans (2)   15,878    13,932    5,879    6,634    14,018 
Real estate owned, net (3)   581    869    360    406    1,972 
Total non-performing assets  $16,459   $14,801   $6,239   $7,040   $15,990 
                          
Total non-performing loans as a percentage of loans,   4.56%   4.21%   1.83%   2.16%   5.38%
                          
Total non-performing loans as a  percentage of total assets   2.84%   2.86%   1.12%   1.09%   2.86%
                          
Total non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets   2.94%   3.04%   1.19%   1.16%   3.26%

 

 

 

(1)Includes at: (i) September 30, 2016, $5.7 million of troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) that were classified non-performing consisting of a $3.6 million construction and land development loan, a $1.4 million one-to-four family loan and a $729,000 commercial real estate loan; (ii) September 30, 2015, $5.8 million of TDRs that were classified non-performing consisting of a $3.6 million construction and land development loan, a $1.4 million one-to-four family loan and a $737,000 commercial real estate loan; (iii) September 30, 2014, $2.4 million of TDRs that were classified non-performing consisting of a $1.5 million one-to-four family loan and a $877,000 commercial real estate loan, (iv) at September 30, 2013, $2.1 million of TDRs consisting of a one-to-four family loan in the amount of $157,000 and five commercial real estate loans totaling $1.9 million; and (v) September 30, 2012, $8.1 million of TDRs consisting of five loans to the same borrower related to a 133-unit condominium project that was resolved in fiscal 2013.

(2)Non-performing loans consist of non-accruing loans plus accruing loans 90 days or more past due.

(3)Real estate owned balances are shown net of related loss allowances and consist solely of real property.

 

 16 

 

 

Interest income on non-accrual loans is recognized on the cash basis until either the loan is paid-in full or the Bank determines after a significant payment history has been achieved to warrant the involved loan being classified as a performing loan and being returned to accruing status. There was $175,000 of such interest recognized during fiscal 2016 while there was $605,000 of such interest recognized for non-accrual loans for fiscal 2015. Approximately $412,000 in additional interest income would have been recognized during the year ended September 30, 2016 if these loans had been performing during fiscal 2016.

 

At September 30, 2016, the Company’s non-performing assets totaled $16.5 million or 2.9% of total assets as compared to $14.8 million or 3.0% of total assets at September 30, 2015. All of the increase was due to the placement on non-accrual of the entire amount of the Company’s largest loan relationship totaling $12.3 million and consisting of nine loans. Non-performing assets at September 30, 2016 included five construction loans aggregating $10.3 million, 17 one-to-four-family residential loans aggregating $2.9 million, one single-family residential investment property loan totaling $1.4 million and two commercial real estate loans aggregating $1.3 million. Non-performing assets also included at September 30, 2016 two real estate properties consisting of one single-family residential property totaling $374,000 and a commercial real estate property totaling $207,000. At September 30, 2016, the Company had 11 loans aggregating $8.2 million that were classified as TDRs. Three of such loans aggregating $5.7 million as of September 30, 2016 were classified as non-performing as a result of not achieving a sufficiently long payment history, under the restructured terms, to justify returning the loans to performing (accrual) status. Two of these three loans totaling $4.3 million (which are part of the Company’s largest relationship referenced above) are over 90 days past due resulting from the discontinuation of funding by the Company of the development project due to the re-negotiation of the project’s future direction to completion. The third loan, consisting of a residential loan of approximately $1.4 million, has made all of its required payments to date, but the Company has not returned the loan to performing status due to concerns with regard to the borrower’s ability to make remaining payments due. The remaining eight TDRs have performed in accordance with the terms of their revised agreements. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had reviewed $19.4 million of loans for possible impairment of which $14.6 million was deemed classified as substandard compared to $16.8 million reviewed for possible impairment and $12.4 million of which was classified substandard as of September 30, 2015.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. We maintain the allowance at a level believed, to the best of management’s knowledge, to cover all known and inherent losses in the portfolio that are both probable and reasonable to estimate at each reporting date. Management reviews the allowance for loan losses on no less than a quarterly basis in order to identify those inherent losses and to assess the overall collection probability for the loan portfolio. For each primary type of loan, we establish a loss factor reflecting an estimate of the known and inherent losses in such loan type using both a quantitative analysis as well as consideration of qualitative factors. Management’s evaluation process includes, among other things, an analysis of delinquency trends, non-performing loan trends, the level of charge-offs and recoveries, prior loss experience, total loans outstanding, the volume of loan originations, the type, size and geographic concentration of our loans, the value of collateral securing the loan, the borrower’s ability to repay and repayment performance, the number of loans requiring heightened management oversight, local economic conditions and industry experience.

 

 17 

 

 

The carrying value of loans is periodically evaluated and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. The establishment of the allowance for loan losses is significantly affected by management judgment and uncertainties and there is a likelihood that different amounts would be reported under different conditions or assumptions. Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require us to make additional provisions for estimated loan losses based upon judgments that differ from those of management. As of September 30, 2016, our allowance for loan losses of $3.3 million was 0.9% of total loans receivable and 20.6% of non-performing loans.

 

Charge-offs on loans totaled $11,000 and $384,000 for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The charge-offs during fiscal 2016 and 2015 were primarily the result of the decline in the collateral value on certain collateral dependent loans which are classified as substandard. Management took a prudent approach in writing down all substandard loans to the net realizable value of the applicable underlying collateral.

 

Management will continue to monitor and modify the allowance for loan losses as conditions dictate. No assurances can be given that the level of allowance for loan losses will cover all of the inherent losses on our loans or that future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses will not be necessary if economic and other conditions differ substantially from the economic and other conditions used by management to determine the current level of the allowance for loan losses.

 

 18 

 

 

The following table shows changes in the allowance for loan losses during the periods presented.

 

   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Total loans outstanding at end of period  $351,891   $330,556   $330,696   $308,395   $263,205 
Average loans outstanding   327,877    323,398    319,126    278,582    242,781 
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period   2,930    2,424    2,353    1,881    3,364 
Provision (recovery) for loan losses   225    735    240    (500)   725 
Charge-offs:                         
One-to-four family residential   11    384    215    154    1,905 
Multi-family residential and commercial real estate   -    -    -    -    - 
Construction and land development   -    -    -    -    303 
Commercial business   -    -    -    -    - 
Consumer   -    -    -    -    - 
Total charge-offs   11    384    215    154    2,208 
Recoveries on loans previously charged off   125    155    46    1,126    - 
Allowance for loan losses, end of period  $3,269   $2,930   $2,424   $2,353   $1,881 
                          
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans   0.94%   0.93%   0.75%   0.77%   0.71%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of non-performing loans   20.59%   21.03%   41.24%   35.47%   13.42%
Ratio of net charge-offs during the period to average loans outstanding during the period   -0.03%   0.07%   0.05%   NM*    0.91%

 

 

* Not meaningful.

 

 19 

 

 

The following table shows how the allowance for loan losses is allocated by type of loan at each of the dates indicated.

 

   September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012 
       Loan       Loan       Loan       Loan       Loan 
       Category       Category       Category       Category       Category 
   Amount   as a %   Amount   as a %   Amount   as a %   Amount   as a %   Amount   as a % 
   of   of Total   of   of Total   of   of Total   of   of Total   of   of Total 
   Allowance   Loans   Allowance   Loans   Allowance   Loans   Allowance   Loans   Allowance   Loans 
     
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
One-to-four family residential  $1,624    66.40%  $1,636    78.40%  $1,663    85.47%  $1,384    87.81%  $830    84.65%
Multi-family residential   137    3.50%   66    1.90%   66    2.17%   22    1.85%   7    1.92%
Commercial real estate   859    22.70%   231    7.80%   122    4.87%   70    6.33%   125    7.35%
Construction and land development   318    6.20%   725    11.80%   323    6.77%   653    3.68%   745    5.65%
Commercial business   1    0.00%   -    0.00%   15    0.60%   4    0.19%   3    0.24%
Leases   21    0.90%   -    0.00%   -    0.00%   -    0.00%   -    0.00%
Consumer   10    0.30%   4    0.10%   4    0.12%   2    0.14%   1    0.20%
Unallocated   299    -    268    -    231    -    218    -    170    0.00%
Total allowance for loan losses  $3,269    100.00%  $2,930    100.00%  $2,424    100.00%  $2,353    100.00%  $1,881    100.00%

 

The aggregate allowance for loan losses increased by $339,000 from September 30, 2015 to September 30, 2016, due to a provision of $225,000 and a net recovery of $114,000 recorded during the period. During the year ended September 30, 2016, we recorded a provision in the amount of $225,000 primarily due to the increase in the level of commercial real estate loans. Fluctuations in the allowance may occur based on management’s consideration of the known and inherent losses in the loan portfolio that are reasonably estimable as well as current qualitative and quantitative risk factors at the time of the analysis.

 

Investment Activities

 

General. We invest in securities in accordance with policies approved by our board of directors. The investment policy designates the President, Chief Financial Officer and Controller as the Investment Committee, which is authorized by the board to make the Bank’s investments consistent with the investment policy. The Board of Directors of the Bank reviews all investment activity on a monthly basis.

 

The investment policy is designed primarily to manage the interest rate sensitivity of the assets and liabilities, to generate a favorable return without incurring undue interest rate and credit risk, to complement the lending activities and to provide and maintain liquidity. The current investment policy generally permits investments in debt securities issued by the U.S. government and U.S. agencies, municipal bonds, and corporate debt obligations, as well as investments in preferred and common stock of government agencies and government sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (federal agency securities) and, to a lesser extent, other equity securities. Securities in these categories are classified as “investment securities” for financial reporting purposes. The policy also permits investments in mortgage-backed securities, including pass-through securities issued and guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae as well as collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) issued or backed by securities issued by these government sponsored agencies.

 

 20 

 

 

Ginnie Mae is a government agency within the Department of Housing and Urban Development which is intended to help finance government-assisted housing programs. Ginnie Mae securities are backed by loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration, or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The timely payment of principal and interest on Ginnie Mae securities is guaranteed by Ginnie Mae and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Freddie Mac is a private corporation chartered by the U.S. Government. Freddie Mac issues participation certificates backed principally by conventional mortgage loans. Freddie Mac guarantees the timely payment of interest and the ultimate return of principal on participation certificates. Fannie Mae is a private corporation chartered by the U.S. Congress with a mandate to establish a secondary market for mortgage loans. Fannie Mae guarantees the timely payment of principal and interest on Fannie Mae securities. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

 

Investments in mortgage-backed securities involve the risk that actual prepayments will be greater than 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 in the event such securities are redeemed by the issuer. In addition, the market value of such securities may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates. Further, privately issued mortgage-backed securities and CMOs also have a higher risk of default due to adverse changes in the creditworthiness of the issuer. Management’s practice is generally to not invest in such securities. See further discussion in Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 herein.

 

The Company has portfolio corporate debt securities with an investment grade rating from one of the three largest rating agencies, Standard and Poors, Moody’s and Fitch. In purchasing these types of securities, the Company looks for known publically trading entities along with utilizing the credit department to underwrite each issuing entity as if it were a direct commercial loan. The mortgage-backed securities consist both of mortgage pass-through and collateralized mortgage obligations guaranteed Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. At September 30, 2014, the Company had sold the remaining portfolio of non-agency securities.

 

At September 30, 2016, the investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolio amounted to $178.7 million or 31.9% of total assets at such date. The largest component of the securities portfolio as of September 30, 2016 consisted of mortgage-backed securities which amounted to $98.0 million or 54.9% of the securities portfolio at September 30, 2016. In addition, we invest in U.S Government and agency obligations and to a significantly lesser degree, other securities.

 

The securities are classified at the time of acquisition as available for sale, held to maturity or trading. Securities classified as held to maturity must be purchased with the intent and ability to hold that security until its final maturity, and can be sold prior to maturity only under rare circumstances. Held to maturity securities are accounted for based upon the amortized cost of the security. Available for sale securities can be sold at any time based upon needs or market conditions. Available for sale securities are accounted for at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses on these securities, net of income tax provisions, reflected as accumulated other comprehensive income. At September 30, 2016, we had $40.0 million of investment and mortgage-backed securities classified as held to maturity, $138.7 million of investment and mortgage-backed securities classified as available for sale and no securities classified as trading securities.

 

 21 

 

 

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolios at the dates indicated.

 

   September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair 
   Cost   Value   Cost   Value   Cost   Value 
     
   (In Thousands) 
Mortgage-backed securities - U.S. Government agencies  $97,289   $98,506   $69,917   $71,047   $85,906   $81,994 
U.S. Government and agency obligations   54,487    54,793    73,917    73,254    54,190    54,845 
Corporate debt securities   25,411    26,053    -    -    -    - 
Total debt securities   177,187    179,352    143,834    144,301    140,096    136,839 
FHLMC preferred stock   6    42    6    59    6    70 
Total investment and mortgage-backed securities  $177,193   $179,394   $143,840   $144,360   $140,102   $136,909 

 

The following tables set forth the amortized cost of investment and mortgage-backed securities which mature during each of the periods indicated and the weighted average yields for each range of maturities at September 30, 2016. The Company did not hold any tax-exempt bonds as of September 30, 2016.

 

   Amounts at September 30, 2016 Which Mature In 
           Over One       Over Five                     
       Weighted   Year   Weighted   Years   Weighted   Over   Weighted       Weighted 
   One Year   Average   Through   Average   Through   Average   Ten   Average       Average 
   or Less   Yield   Five Years   Yield   Ten Years   Yield   Years   Yield   Total   Yield 
                                         
   (Dollars in Thousands)         
Bonds and other debt securities:                                                  
U.S. Government and agency obligations  $-    -   $1,999    5.50%  $8,000    2.35%  $44,487    2.35%  $54,487    2.62%
Mortgage-backed securities   -    -    4    1.89%   88    4.62%   97,197    2.38%   97,289    2.38%
Corporate debt securities   -    -    2,060    2.97%   22,361    3.37%   991    2.38%   25,411    3.29%
Total  $-    -   $4,063    4.21%  $30,449    3.10%  $142,675    2.37%  $177,187    2.59%

 

 22 

 

 

The following table sets forth the purchases and principal repayments of our mortgage-backed securities at amortized cost during the periods indicated.

 

   At or For the 
   Year Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Mortgage-backed securities at beginning of period  $69,917   $54,190   $41,550 
Purchases   49,639    24,865    23,085 
Sale of mortgage-backed securities available for sale   (11,560)   -    (1,779)
Other than temporary impairment of securities (1)   -    -    (16)
Maturities and repayments   (10,768)   (9,372)   (8,936)
Amortizations of premiums and discounts, net   61    234    286 
Mortgage-backed securities at end of period  $97,289   $69,917   $54,190 
Weighted average yield at end of period   2.38%   2.44%   2.67%

 

 

(1)Impairment primarily relates to non-agency mortgage-backed securities received in the redemption in kind of an investment in a mutual fund. The Company sold the remaining mortgage-backed securities received in the redemption in kind as of September 30, 2014.

 

Sources of Funds

 

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

 

Deposits. We offer a variety of deposit accounts with a range of interest rates and terms. Deposits consist of checking, both interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing, money market, savings and certificate of deposit accounts. At September 30, 2016, 42.5% of the funds deposited with Prudential Savings were in core deposits, which are deposits other than certificates of deposit.

 

The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in money market rates, prevailing interest rates and competition. Deposits are obtained predominantly from the areas where the branch offices are located. We have historically relied primarily on customer service and long-standing relationships with customers to attract and retain these deposits; however, market interest rates and rates offered by competing financial institutions significantly affect the Company’s ability to attract and retain deposits. The interest rates offered on deposits are competitive in the market place.

 

The Bank uses traditional means of advertising its deposit products, including broadcast and print media and generally does not solicit deposits from outside its market area.

 

At September 30, 2016, jumbo CDs (certificate of deposit of $100,000 or more) amounted to $88.6 million, of which $86.9 million are scheduled to mature within twelve months subsequent to such date. At September 30, 2016, the weighted average remaining period until maturity of the certificate of deposit accounts was 14.1 months. During fiscal 2016, jumbo CDs from government agencies and other financial institutions were utilized to fund growth.

 

 23 

 

 

The following table shows the distribution of, and certain other information relating to, deposits by type of deposit, as of the dates indicated.

 

   September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   Amount   % of Total
Deposits
   Amount   % of Total
Deposits
   Amount   % of Total
Deposits
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Certificate accounts:                              
Less than 1.00%  $111,678    28.69%  $64,717    17.73%  $74,146    18.96%
1.00% - 1.99%   98,921    25.42%   86,203    23.61%   79,474    20.33%
2.00% - 2.99%   13,117    3.37%   45,121    12.36%   48,105    12.30%
3.00% - 3.99%   -    -    -    -    10,914    2.79%
Total certificate accounts  $223,716    57.48%  $196,041    53.70%  $212,639    54.38%
                               
Transaction accounts:                              
Savings   71,145    18.28%   70,355    19.27%   73,275    18.73%
Checking:                              
Interest-bearing   3,804    0.98%   2,293    0.63%   2,327    0.60%
Non-interest-bearing   34,984    8.99%   35,649    9.76%   38,119    9.75%
Money market   55,552    14.27%   60,736    16.64%   64,665    16.54%
Total transaction accounts  $165,485    42.52%  $169,033    46.30%  $178,386    45.62%
Total deposits  $389,201    100.00%  $365,074    100.00%  $391,025    100.00%

 

The following table shows the average balance of each type of deposit and the average rate paid on each type of deposit for the periods indicated.

 

   Year Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   Average Balance   Interest
Expense
   Average Rate
Paid
   Average Balance   Interest
Expense
   Average Rate
Paid
   Average Balance   Interest
Expense
   Average Rate
Paid
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Savings  $73,030   $83    0.11%  $75,203   $208    0.28%  $80,432   $262    0.33%
Interest-bearing checking and money market accounts   90,782    165    0.18%   98,324    323    0.33%   100,303    348    0.35%
Certificate accounts   211,517    2,613    1.24%   207,391    2,899    1.40%   203,083    2,791    1.37%
Total interest-bearing  deposits   375,329   $2,861    0.76%   380,918   $3,430    0.90%   383,818   $3,401    0.89%
                                              
Non-interest-bearing deposits   2,851              2,241              2,498           
Total deposits  $378,180         0.76%  $383,159         0.90%  $386,316         0.88%

 

 24 

 

 

The following table shows the deposit cash flows during the periods indicated.

 

   Year Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   (In Thousands) 
Deposits made  $364,745   $296,394   $345,125 
Withdrawals   (343,535)   (325,584)   (499,938)
Interest credited   2,917    3,239    3,090 
Total increase (decrease) in deposits  $24,127   $(25,951)  $(151,723)

 

The following table presents, by various interest rate categories and maturities, the amount of certificates of deposit at September 30, 2016.

 

   Maturing in the 12 Months Ending September 30, 
Certificates of Deposit  2017   2018   2019   Thereafter   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
Less than 1.00%  $101,980   $5,730   $-   $-   $107,710 
1.00% - 1.99%   20,672    33,894    20,534    27,789    102,889 
2.00% - 2.99%   13,117    -    -    -    13,117 
Total certificate accounts  $135,769   $39,624   $20,534   $27,789   $223,716 

 

The following tables show the maturities of our certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more at September 30, 2016, by time remaining to maturity.

 

       Weighted 
Quarter Ending:  Amount   Avg Rate 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
December 31, 2016  $31,461    0.81%
March 31, 2017   32,915    0.87%
June 30, 2017   15,827    0.85%
September 30, 2017   8,403    0.99%
After September 30, 2017   34,144    1.62%
Total certificates of deposit with balances of $100,000 or more  $122,750    1.07%

 

Borrowings. From time to time we utilize advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh as an alternative to retail deposits to fund the operations as part of the operating and liquidity strategy. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation. These FHLB advances are collateralized primarily by certain mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities and secondarily by an investment in capital stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. There are no specific credit covenants associated with these borrowings. FHLB advances are made pursuant to several different credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities. The maximum amount that the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh will advance to member institutions, including the Bank, fluctuates from time to time in accordance with the policies of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. At September 30, 2016, the Company had $35.6 million in outstanding advances with the FHLB, and in addition had the ability to obtain additional advances in the amount of $180.2 million. The Bank utilized the FHLB advances to fund an investment leverage strategy along with funding growth in the loan and investment portfolios.

 

 25 

 

 

The following table shows certain information regarding borrowings at or for the dates indicated:

 

   At or For the Year Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
FHLB advances:               
Average balance outstanding  $20,000   $162   $340 
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the period   8,975    340    340 
Balance outstanding at end of period   20,000    0    340 
Average interest rate during the period   1.17%   0.00%   0.00%
Weighted average interest rate at end of period   1.23%   0.00%   0.00%

 

The Company had two FHLB interest-free advances made under a community housing program in which matured during fiscal 2015.

 

 26 

 

 

Subsidiaries

 

The Company has only one direct subsidiary: Prudential Savings Bank. The Bank’s sole subsidiary as of September 30, 2016 was PSB Delaware, Inc. (“PSB”), a Delaware-chartered corporation established to hold investment securities. As of September 30, 2016, PSB had assets of $119.3 million primarily consisting of mortgage-backed and investment securities. We may consider the establishment of one or more additional subsidiaries in the future.

 

Employees

 

At September 30, 2016, we had 59 full-time employees, and four part-time employees. None of such employees are represented by a collective bargaining group, and we believe that the Company’s relationship with its employees is good.

 

REGULATION

General

 

Prudential Savings Bank is a Pennsylvania-chartered savings bank and is subject to extensive regulation and examination by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (the “Department”) and by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), and is also subject to certain requirements established by the Federal Reserve Board. The federal and state laws and regulations which are applicable to banks regulate, among other things, the scope of their business, their investments, their reserves against deposits, the payment of dividends, the timing of the availability of deposited funds and the nature and amount of and collateral for certain loans. There are periodic examinations by the Department and the FDIC to test the Bank’s 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 regulation, whether by the Department, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board or the Congress could have a material adverse impact on Prudential Bancorp and the Bank and their respective operations.

 

Federal law provides the federal banking regulators, including the FDIC and the Federal Reserve Board, with substantial enforcement powers. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease-and-desist or removal orders, and to initiate injunctive actions against banking organizations and institution-affiliated parties, as defined. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. Other actions or inactions may provide the basis for enforcement action, including misleading or untimely reports filed with regulatory authorities.

 

Prudential Bancorp is a registered as bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act and is subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve Board and by the Department. Prudential Bancorp files annually a report of its operations with, and is subject to examination by, the Federal Reserve Board and the Department. This regulation and oversight is generally intended to ensure that Prudential Bancorp limits its activities to those allowed by law and that it operates in a safe and sound manner without endangering the financial health of the Bank.

 

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In connection with the reorganization completed in October 2013, Prudential Bancorp registered its common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Prudential Bancorp is subject to the proxy and tender offer rules, insider trading reporting requirements and restrictions, and certain other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Prudential Bancorp’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “PBIP.” The Nasdaq Stock Market listing requirements impose additional requirements on us, including, among other things, rules relating to corporate governance and the composition and independence of our board of directors and various committees of the board, such as the audit committee.

 

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

 

2010 Regulatory Reform

 

On July 21, 2010, the President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”). The Dodd-Frank Act imposes new restrictions and an expanded framework of regulatory oversight for financial institutions, including depository institutions. The law also established an independent federal consumer protection bureau within the Federal Reserve Board. The following discussion summarizes significant aspects of the new law that may affect the Bank and Prudential Bancorp. Not all of the regulations implementing these changes have been promulgated, so we cannot determine the full impact on our business and operations at this time.

 

The following aspects of the financial reform and consumer protection act are related to the operations of the Bank:

 

A new independent consumer financial protection bureau was established, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) within the Federal Reserve Board, empowered to exercise broad regulatory, supervisory and enforcement authority with respect to both new and existing consumer financial protection laws. Smaller financial institutions, like the Bank, are subject to the supervision and enforcement of their primary federal banking regulator with respect to the federal consumer financial protection laws.

 

Tier 1 capital treatment for “hybrid” capital items like trust preferred securities eliminated subject to various grandfathering and transition rules.

 

The prohibition on payment of interest on demand deposits was repealed.

 

Deposit insurance on most accounts increased to $250,000.

 

The deposit insurance assessment base calculation now equals the depository institution’s total assets minus the sum of its average tangible equity during the assessment period.

 

The minimum reserve ratio of the Deposit Insurance Fund increased to 1.35 percent of estimated annual insured deposits or assessment base; however, the FDIC is directed to “offset the effect” of the increased reserve ratio for insured depository institutions with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion.

 

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The following aspects of the financial reform and consumer protection act are related to the operations of Prudential Bancorp:

 

The Federal Deposit Insurance Act was amended to direct federal regulators to require depository institution holding companies to serve as a source of strength for their depository institution subsidiaries.

 

The SEC is authorized to adopt rules requiring public companies to make their proxy materials available to shareholders for nomination of their own candidates for election to the board of directors.

 

Public companies are now required to provide their shareholders with a non-binding vote: (i) at least once every three years on the compensation paid to executive officers, and (ii) at least once every six years on whether they should have a “say on pay” vote every one, two or three years.

 

A separate, non-binding shareholder vote is now required regarding golden parachutes for named executive officers when a shareholder vote takes place on mergers, acquisitions, dispositions or other transactions that would trigger the parachute payments.

 

Securities exchanges are now required to prohibit brokers from using their own discretion to vote shares not beneficially owned by them for certain “significant” matters, which include votes on the election of directors and executive compensation matters.

 

Stock exchanges are prohibited from listing the securities of any issuer that does not have a policy providing for (i) disclosure of its policy on incentive compensation payable on the basis of financial information reportable under the securities laws, and (ii) the recovery from current or former executive officers, following an accounting restatement triggered by material noncompliance with securities law reporting requirements, of any incentive compensation paid erroneously during the three-year period preceding the date on which the restatement was required that exceeds the amount that would have been paid on the basis of the restated financial information.

 

Disclosure in annual proxy materials will be required concerning the relationship between the executive compensation paid and the financial performance of the issuer.

 

Item 402 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC will be amended to require companies to disclose the ratio of the Chief Executive Officer’s annual total compensation to the median annual total compensation of all other employees, commencing with fiscal years starting after January 1, 2017.

 

Regulation of Prudential Savings Bank

 

Pennsylvania Banking Law. The Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965 (the “Banking Code”) contains detailed provisions governing the organization, location of offices, rights and responsibilities of directors, officers, employees and members, as well as corporate powers, savings and investment operations and other aspects of the Bank and its affairs. The Banking Code delegates extensive rulemaking power and administrative discretion to the Department so that the supervision and regulation of state-chartered savings banks may be flexible and readily responsive to changes in economic conditions and in savings and lending practices.

 

One of the purposes of the Banking Code is to provide savings banks with the opportunity to be competitive with each other and with other financial institutions existing under other Pennsylvania laws and other state, federal and foreign laws. A Pennsylvania savings bank may locate or change the location of its principal place of business and establish an office anywhere in Pennsylvania, with the prior approval of the Department.

 

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The Department generally examines each savings bank not less frequently than once every two years. Although the Department may accept the examinations and reports of the FDIC in lieu of its own examination, the present practice is for the Department to alternate conducting examinations with the FDIC. The Department may order any savings bank to discontinue any violation of law or unsafe or unsound business practice and may direct any director, trustee, officer, attorney or employee of a savings bank engaged in an objectionable activity, after the Department has ordered the activity to be terminated, to show cause at a hearing before the Department why such person should not be removed.

 

Insurance of Accounts. The deposits of the Bank are insured to the maximum extent permitted by the Deposit Insurance Fund and are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. The Dodd-Frank Act increased deposit insurance on most accounts to $250,000. As insurer, the FDIC is authorized to conduct examinations of, and to require reporting by, insured institutions. It also may prohibit any insured institution from engaging in any activity determined by regulation or order to pose a serious threat to the FDIC. The FDIC also has the authority to initiate enforcement actions against savings institutions.

 

The Dodd Frank Act raises the minimum reserve ratio of the Deposit Insurance Fund from 1.15% to 1.35% and requires the FDIC to offset the effect of this increase on insured institutions with assets of less than $10 billion (small institutions). In March 2016, the FDIC adopted a rule to accomplish this by imposing a surcharge on larger institutions commencing when the reserve ratio reaches 1.15% and ending when it reaches 1.35%. The reserve ratio reached 1.15% effective as of June 30, 2016. This surcharge period begin effective July 1, 2016 and is expected to end by December 31, 2018. Small institutions will receive credits for the portion of their regular assessments that contributed to growth in the reserve ratio between 1.15% and 1.35%. The credits will apply to reduce regular assessments by 2.0 basis points for quarters when the reserve ratio is at least 1.38%.

 

Effective July 1, 2016 the FDIC adopted changes that eliminated its risk-based premium system. The FDIC assesses deposit insurance premiums on the assessment base of a depository institution, which is its average total assets reduced by the amount of its average tangible equity. For a small institution (one with assets of less than $10 billion) that has been federally insured for at least five years, effective July 1, 2016, the initial base assessment rate ranges from 3 to 30 basis points, based on the institution’s CAMELS composite and component ratings and certain financial ratios: its leverage ratio; its ratio of net income before taxes to total assets; its ratio of nonperforming loans and leases to gross assets; its ratio of other real estate owned to gross assets; its brokered deposits ratio (excluding reciprocal deposits if the institution is well capitalized and has a CAMELS composite rating of 1 or 2); its one year asset growth ratio (which penalizes growth adjusted for mergers in excess of 10%); and its loan mix index (which penalizes higher risk loans based on historical industry charge off rates).  The initial base assessment rate is subject to downward adjustment (not below 1.5%) based on the ratio of unsecured debt the institution has issued to its assessment base, and to upward adjustment (which can cause the rate to exceed 30 basis points) based on its holdings of unsecured debt issued by other insured institutions. Institutions with assets of $10 billion or more are assessed using a scorecard method. In addition, all institutions with deposits insured by the FDIC are required to pay assessments to fund interest payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation, a mixed-ownership government corporation established to recapitalize a predecessor to the Deposit Insurance Fund. These assessments will continue until the Financing Corporation bonds mature in 2019.

 

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The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured depository institution, including the Bank, if it determines after a hearing that the institution has engaged or is engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, order or any condition imposed by an agreement with the FDIC. It also may suspend deposit insurance temporarily during the hearing process for the permanent termination of insurance, if the institution has no tangible capital. If insurance of accounts is terminated, the accounts at the institution at the time of the termination, less subsequent withdrawals, shall continue to be insured for a period of six months to two years, as determined by the FDIC. Management is not aware of any existing circumstances which could result in termination of the Bank’s deposit insurance.

 

Recent Regulatory Capital Regulations. In July of 2013 the respective U.S. federal banking agencies issued final rules implementing Basel III and the Dodd-Frank Act capital requirements to be fully-phased in on a global basis on January 1, 2019. The new regulations establish a new tangible common equity capital requirement, increase the minimum requirement for the current Tier 1 risk-weighted asset (“RWA”) ratio, phase out certain kinds of intangibles treated as capital and certain types of instruments and change the risk weightings of certain assets used to determine required capital ratios. The new common equity Tier 1 capital component requires capital of the highest quality – predominantly composed of retained earnings and common stock instruments. For community banks, such as the Bank, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% became effective on January 1, 2015. The new capital rules also increased the current minimum Tier 1 capital ratio from 4.0% to 6.0% beginning on January 1, 2015. In addition, in order to make capital distributions and pay discretionary bonuses to executive officers without restriction, an institution must also maintain greater than 2.5% in common equity attributable to a capital conservation buffer to be phased in from January 1, 2016 until January 1, 2019. The new rules also increase the risk weights for several categories of assets, including an increase from 100% to 150% for certain acquisition, development and construction loans and more than 90-day past due exposures. The new capital rules maintain the general structure of the prompt corrective action rules (described below), but incorporate the new common equity Tier 1 capital requirement and the increased Tier 1 RWA requirement into the prompt corrective action framework.

 

Regulatory Capital Requirements. Federally insured state-chartered non-member banks and savings banks are required to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital. Current FDIC capital standards require these institutions to satisfy a common equity Tier 1 capital requirement, a leverage capital requirement and a risk-based capital requirement. The common equity Tier 1 capital component generally consists of retained earnings and common stock instruments and must equal at least 4.5% of risk-weighted assets. Leverage capital, also known as “core” capital, must equal at least 3.0% of adjusted total assets for the most highly rated state-chartered non-member banks and savings banks. Core capital generally consists of common stockholders’ equity (including retained earnings). An additional cushion of at least 100 basis points is required for all other savings associations, which effectively increases their minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio to 4.0% or more. Under the FDIC’s regulations, the most highly-rated banks are those that the FDIC determines are strong banking organization and are rated composite 1 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System. Under the risk-based capital requirement, “total” capital (a combination of core and “supplementary” capital) must equal at least 8.0% of “risk-weighted” assets. The FDIC also is authorized to impose capital requirements in excess of these standards on individual institutions on a case-by-case basis.

 

In determining compliance with the risk-based capital requirement, a savings bank is allowed to include both core capital and supplementary capital in its total capital, provided that the amount of supplementary capital included does not exceed the savings bank’s core capital. Supplementary capital generally consists of general allowances for loan losses up to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, together with certain other items. In determining the required amount of risk-based capital, total assets, including certain off-balance sheet items, are multiplied by a risk weight based on the risks inherent in the type of assets. The risk weights range from 0% for cash and securities issued by the U.S. Government or unconditionally backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government to 100% for loans (other than qualifying residential loans weighted at 80%) and repossessed assets.

 

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Savings banks must value securities available for sale at amortized cost for regulatory capital purposes. This means that in computing regulatory capital, savings banks should add back any unrealized losses and deduct any unrealized gains, net of income taxes, on debt securities reported as a separate component of capital, as defined by generally accepted accounting principles.

 

At September 30, 2016, the Bank exceeded all of its regulatory capital requirements, with Tier 1, Tier 1 common equity, Tier 1 (to risk-weighted assets) and total risk-based capital ratios of 20.41%, 38.57%, 38.57% and 39.70%, respectively.

 

Any savings bank that fails any of the capital requirements is subject to possible enforcement action by the FDIC. Such action could include a capital directive, a cease and desist order, civil money penalties, the establishment of restrictions on the institution’s operations, termination of federal deposit insurance and the appointment of a conservator or receiver. The FDIC’s capital regulations provide that such actions, through enforcement proceedings or otherwise, could require one or more of a variety of corrective actions.

 

Department Capital Requirements. The Bank is also subject to more stringent Department capital guidelines. Although not adopted in regulation form, the Department utilizes capital standards requiring a minimum of 6% leverage capital and 10% risk-based capital. The components of leverage and risk-based capital are substantially the same as those defined by the FDIC. At September 30, 2016, Prudential Savings’s capital ratios exceeded each of its capital requirements.

 

Prompt Corrective Action. The following table shows the amount of capital associated with the different capital categories set forth in the prompt corrective action regulations.

 

  Total Tier 1 Tier 1 Tier 1
Capital Category Risk-Based
Capital
Risk-Based
Capital
Common Equity
Capital
Leverage
Capital
Well capitalized 10% or more 8% or more 6.5% or more 5% or more
Adequately capitalized 8% or more 6% or more 4.5% or more 4% or more
Undercapitalized Less than 8% Less than 6% Less than 4.5% Less than 4%
Significantly undercapitalized Less than 6% Less than 4% Less than 3% Less than 3%

 

In addition, an institution is “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%. Under specified circumstances, a federal banking agency may reclassify a “well capitalized” institution as adequately capitalized and may require an adequately capitalized institution or an undercapitalized institution to comply with supervisory actions as if it were in the next lower category (except that the FDIC may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized).

 

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An institution generally must file a written capital restoration plan which meets specified requirements within 45 days of the date that the institution receives notice or is deemed to have notice that it is undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized or critically undercapitalized. A federal banking agency must provide the institution with written notice of approval or disapproval within 60 days after receiving a capital restoration plan, subject to extensions by the agency. An institution which is required to submit a capital restoration plan must concurrently submit a performance guaranty by each company that controls the institution. In addition, undercapitalized institutions are subject to various regulatory restrictions, and the appropriate federal banking agency also may take any number of discretionary supervisory actions.

 

At September 30, 2016, the Bank was deemed to be a “well capitalized” institution for purposes of the prompt corrective action regulations and as such is not subject to the above mentioned restrictions.

 

The table below sets forth the Company and the Bank’s capital position relative to its respective regulatory capital requirements at September 30, 2016.

 

           Well Capitalized 
           Under Prompt 
       Required for Capital   Corrective Action 
   Actual   Adequacy Purposes(1)   Provisions 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                         
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)                              
Company  $113,205    20.41%   N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Bank   100,552    18.15   $22,157    4.0   $27,697    5.0%
Tier 1 Common (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Company   113,205    38.57    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Bank   100,552    34.36    13,171    4.5    19,024    6.5 
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Company   113,205    38.57    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Bank   100,552    34.36    17,559    6.0    23,415    8.0 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Company   116,512    39.70    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Bank   103,859    35.49    23,415    8.0    29,268    10.0 

 

(1)The Company is not subject to the regulatory capital ratios imposed by Basel III on bank holding companies because the Company was deemed to be a small bank holding company as of September 30, 2016.

 

Activities and Investments of Insured State-Chartered Banks and Savings Banks. The activities and equity investments of FDIC-insured, state-chartered banks and savings banks are generally limited to those that are permissible for national banks. Under regulations dealing with equity investments, an insured state bank or savings bank generally may not directly or indirectly acquire or retain any equity investment of a type, or in an amount, that is not permissible for a national bank. An insured state bank is not prohibited from, among other things:

 

acquiring or retaining a majority interest in a subsidiary;

 

investing as a limited partner in a partnership the sole purpose of which is direct or indirect investment in the acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction of a qualified housing project, provided that such limited partnership investments may not exceed 2% of the bank’s total assets;

 

acquiring up to 10% of the voting stock of a company that solely provides or reinsures directors’, trustees’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage or bankers’ blanket bond group insurance coverage for insured depository institutions; and

 

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acquiring or retaining the voting shares of a depository institution if certain requirements are met.

 

The FDIC has adopted regulations pertaining to the other activity restrictions imposed upon insured state-chartered banks and savings banks and their subsidiaries. Pursuant to such regulations, insured state banks and savings banks engaging in impermissible activities may seek approval from the FDIC to continue such activities. State banks and savings banks not engaging in such activities but that desire to engage in otherwise impermissible activities either directly or through a subsidiary may apply for approval from the FDIC to do so; however, if such bank fails to meet the minimum capital requirements or the activities present a significant risk to the FDIC insurance funds, such application will not be approved by the FDIC. Pursuant to this authority, the FDIC has determined that investments in certain majority-owned subsidiaries of insured state-chartered banks and savings banks do not represent a significant risk to the deposit insurance funds. Investments permitted under that authority include real estate activities and securities activities.

 

Restrictions on Capital Distributions. Under federal rules, an insured depository institution may not pay any dividend if payment would cause it to become undercapitalized or if it is already undercapitalized. In addition, federal regulators have the authority to restrict or prohibit the payment of dividends for safety and soundness reasons. The FDIC also prohibits an insured depository institution from paying dividends on its capital stock or interest on its capital notes or debentures (if such interest is required to be paid only out of net profits) or distributing any of its capital assets while it remains in default in the payment of any assessment due the FDIC. The Bank is currently not in default in any assessment payment to the FDIC. Pennsylvania law also restricts the payment and amount of dividends, including the requirement that dividends be paid only out of accumulated net earnings.

 

Incentive Compensation. Guidelines adopted by the federal banking agencies pursuant to the FDIA prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director or principal stockholder.

 

In January 2010, the FDIC announced that it would seek public comment on whether banks with compensation plans that encourage risky behavior should be charged higher deposit assessment rates than such banks would otherwise be charged. The comment period ended in February 2010. As of September 30, 2016, a final rule has not been adopted.

 

In June 2010, the federal banking agencies issued comprehensive guidance on incentive compensation policies (the “Incentive Compensation Guidance”) intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The Incentive Compensation Guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization’s incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors. Any deficiencies in compensation practices that are identified may be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect its ability to make acquisitions or perform other actions. The Incentive Compensation Guidance provides that enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements or related risk-management control or governance processes pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.

 

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In April 2011, the federal banking agencies and the SEC jointly published proposed rulemaking designed to implement provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act prohibiting incentive compensation arrangements that would encourage inappropriate risk taking. Those proposed regulations apply only to a financial institution or its holding company with $1 billion or more of assets. In June 2016, the federal banking agencies and the SEC published a new proposed rule to implement these provsions.

 

The scope and content of the U.S. banking regulators’ policies on incentive compensation are continuing to develop. It cannot be determined at this time whether a final rule will be adopted and whether compliance with such a final rule will adversely affect the ability of Prudential Bancorp and the Bank to hire, retain and motivate their key employees.

 

Privacy Requirements. Federal law places limitations on financial institutions like the Bank regarding the sharing of consumer financial information with unaffiliated third parties. Specifically, these provisions require all financial institutions offering financial products or services to retail customers to provide such customers with the financial institution’s privacy policy and provide such customers the opportunity to “opt out” of the sharing of personal financial information with unaffiliated third parties. The Bank currently has a privacy protection policy in place and believes such policy is in compliance with applicable regulations.

 

Anti-Money Laundering. Federal anti-money laundering rules impose various requirements on financial institutions to prevent the use of the U.S. financial system to fund terrorist activities. These provisions include a requirement that financial institutions operating in the United States have anti-money laundering compliance programs, due diligence policies and controls to ensure the detection and reporting of money laundering. Such compliance programs supplement existing compliance requirements, also applicable to financial institutions, under the Bank Secrecy Act and the Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulations. The Bank has established policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the federal anti-money laundering provisions.

 

UDAP and UDAAP. Recently, banking regulatory agencies have increasingly used a general consumer protection statute to address “unethical” or otherwise “bad” business practices that may not necessarily fall directly under the purview of a specific banking or consumer finance law. The law of choice for enforcement against such business practices has been Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (the “FTC Act”), which is the primary federal law that prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices, referred to as UDAP, and unfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce. “Unjustified consumer injury” is the principal focus of the FTC Act. Prior to the Dodd- Frank Act, there was little formal guidance to provide insight to the parameters for compliance with UDAP laws and regulations. However, UDAP laws and regulations have been expanded under the Dodd-Frank Act to apply to “unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices,” referred to as UDAAP, which have been delegated to the CFPB for supervision. The CFPB has published its first Supervision and Examination Manual that addresses compliance with and the examination of UDAAP. The potential reach of the CFPB’s broad new rulemaking powers and UDAAP authority on the operations of financial institutions offering consumer financial products or services, including the Bank is currently unknown.

 

Community Reinvestment Act. All insured depository institutions have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act and related regulations to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. An institution’s failure to comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act could result in restrictions on its activities. The Bank received a “satisfactory” Community Reinvestment Act rating in its most recently completed examination.

 

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Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, which is one of 11 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. Each Federal Home Loan Bank serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region. It is funded primarily from proceeds from the sale of consolidated obligations of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. It makes loans to members (i.e., advances) in accordance with policies and procedures established by the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank.

 

As a member, the Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh in an amount in accordance with the Federal Home Loan Bank’s capital plan and sufficient to ensure that the Federal Home Loan Bank remains in compliance with its minimum capital requirements. At September 30, 2016, the Bank was in compliance with this requirement.

 

Federal Reserve Board System. The Federal Reserve Board requires all depository institutions to maintain non-interest bearing reserves at specified levels against their transaction accounts, which are primarily checking and NOW accounts, and non-personal time deposits. The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve Board may be used to satisfy the liquidity requirements that are imposed by the Department. At September 30, 2016, the Bank was in compliance with these reserve requirements.

 

Regulation of Prudential Bancorp

 

Bank Holding Company Act Activities and Other Limitations. Under the Bank Holding Company Act, Prudential Bancorp must obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before it may acquire control of another bank or bank holding company, merge or consolidate with another bank holding company, acquire all or substantially all of the assets of another bank or bank holding company, or acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting shares of any bank or bank holding company if, after such acquisition, Prudential Bancorp would directly or indirectly own or control more than 5% of such shares.

 

Federal statutes impose restrictions on the ability of a bank holding company and its nonbank subsidiaries to obtain extensions of credit from its subsidiary bank, on the subsidiary bank’s investments in the stock or securities of the holding company, and on the subsidiary bank’s taking of the holding company’s stock or securities as collateral for loans to any borrower. A bank holding company and its subsidiaries are also prevented from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with any extension of credit, lease or sale of property, or furnishing of services by the subsidiary bank.

 

A bank holding company is required to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary banks and may not conduct its operations in an unsafe or unsound manner. In addition, it has been the policy of the Federal Reserve Board that a bank holding company should stand ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital to its subsidiary banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and should maintain the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks. A bank holding company’s failure to meet its obligations to serve as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks will generally be considered by the Federal Reserve Board to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice or a violation of the Federal Reserve Board regulations, or both. The Dodd-Frank Act included a provision that directs federal regulators to require depository institution holding companies to serve as a source of strength for their depository institution subsidiaries. To date, no regulations have been promulgated to implement that provision.

 

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Non-Banking Activities. The business activities of Prudential Bancorp, as a bank holding company, are restricted by the Bank Holding Company Act. Under the Bank Holding Company Act and the Federal Reserve Board’s bank holding company regulations, bank holding companies may only engage in, or acquire or control voting securities or assets of a company engaged in:

 

banking or managing or controlling banks and other subsidiaries authorized under the Bank Holding Company Act; and

 

any Bank Holding Company Act activity the Federal Reserve Board has determined to be so closely related that it is incidental to banking or managing or controlling banks.

 

The Federal Reserve Board has determined by regulation that certain activities are closely related to banking including operating a mortgage company, finance company, credit card company, factoring company, trust company or savings association; performing certain data processing operations; providing limited securities brokerage services; acting as an investment or financial advisor; acting as an insurance agent for certain types of credit-related insurance; leasing personal property on a full-payout, non-operating basis; providing tax planning and preparation services; operating a collection agency; and providing certain courier services. Moreover, as discussed below, certain other activities are permissible for a bank holding company that becomes a financial holding company.

 

Financial Holding Companies. Bank holding companies may also engage in a broad range of activities under a type of financial services company known as a “financial holding company.” A financial holding company essentially is a bank holding company with significantly expanded powers. Financial holding companies are authorized by statute to engage in a number of financial activities previously impermissible for bank holding companies, including securities underwriting, dealing and market making; sponsoring mutual funds and investment companies; insurance underwriting and agency; and merchant banking activities. The Federal Reserve Board and the Department of the Treasury are also authorized to permit additional activities for financial holding companies if the activities are “financial in nature” or “incidental” to financial activities. A bank holding company may become a financial holding company if each of its subsidiary banks is well capitalized, well managed, and has at least a “satisfactory” Community Reinvestment Act rating. A financial holding company must provide notice to the Federal Reserve Board within 30 days after commencing activities previously determined by statute or by the Federal Reserve Board and Department of the Treasury to be permissible. Prudential Bancorp has not submitted notices to the Federal Reserve Board of its intent to be deemed a financial holding company. However, it is not precluded from submitting a notice in the future should it wish to engage in activities only permitted to financial holding companies.

 

Regulatory Capital Requirements. The Federal Reserve Board has adopted capital adequacy guidelines pursuant to which it assesses the adequacy of capital in examining and supervising a bank holding company and in analyzing applications to it under the Bank Holding Company Act. The Federal Reserve Board’s capital adequacy guidelines for bank holding company, on a consolidated basis, are similar to those imposed on the Bank by the FDIC. See “-Regulation of Prudential Savings Bank - Capital Requirements.” Moreover, certain of the bank holding company capital requirements promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board in 2013 became effective as of January 1, 2015. Those requirements establish four minimum capital ratios that Prudential Bancorp had to comply with as of that date as set forth in the table below. However, in May 2015, amendments to the Federal Reserve Board’s small bank holding company policy statement (the “SBHC Policy”) became effective which increased the asset threshold to qualify to utilize the provisions of the SBHC Policy from $500 million to $1.0 billion. Bank holding companies which are subject to the SBHC Policy are not subject to compliance with the regulatory capital requirements set forth in the table below until they exceed $1.0 billion in assets. As a consequence, as of June 30, 2015, Prudential Bancorp was not required to comply with the requirements set forth below until such time that its consolidated total assets exceed $1.0 billion or the Federal Reserve Board determines that Prudential Bancorp is no longer deemed to be a small bank holding company. However, if Prudential Bancorp had been subject to the requirements, it would have been in compliance with such requirements.

 

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Capital Ratio   Regulatory Minimum
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital   4.5%
Tier 1 Leverage Capital   4.0%
Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital   6.0%
Total Risk-Based Capital   8.0%

 

The leverage capital requirement is calculated as a percentage of total assets and the other three capital requirements are calculated as a percentage of risk-weighted assets. For a more detailed discussion of the 2013 capital rules, see “Recent Regulatory Capital Regulations” under “Regulation of Prudential Savings Bank” above.

 

Restrictions on Dividends and Repurchases. Prudential Bancorp’s ability to declare and pay dividends may depend in part on dividends received from the Bank. The Banking Code regulates the distribution of dividends by savings banks and states, in part, that dividends may be declared and paid out of accumulated net earnings, provided that the bank continues to meet its surplus requirements. In addition, dividends may not be declared or paid if the Bank is in default in payment of any assessment due the FDIC.

 

A Federal Reserve Board policy statement on the payment of cash dividends states that a bank holding company should pay cash dividends only to the extent that the holding company’s net income for the past year is sufficient to cover both the cash dividends and a rate of earnings retention that is consistent with the holding company’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve Board’s policy statement also provides that it would be inappropriate for a company experiencing serious financial problems to borrow funds to pay dividends. Furthermore, under the federal prompt corrective action regulations, the Federal Reserve Board may prohibit a bank holding company from paying any dividends if the holding company’s bank subsidiary is classified as “undercapitalized.” See “-Regulation of Prudential Savings Bank - Prompt Corrective Action” above.

 

Section 225.4(b)(1) of Regulation Y promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board requires that a bank holding company that is not well capitalized or well managed, or that is subject to any unresolved supervisory issues, provide prior notice to the Federal Reserve Board for any repurchase or redemption of its equity securities for cash or other value that would reduce by 10 percent or more the bank holding company’s consolidated net worth aggregated over the preceding 12-month period. The Federal Reserve Bank may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice or would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve Board order or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve Board.

 

Federal Securities Laws. Prudential Bancorp’s common stock is registered with the SEC under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Prudential Bancorp is subject to the proxy and tender offer rules, insider trading reporting requirements and restrictions, and certain other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

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The Sarbanes-Oxley Act. As a public company, Prudential Bancorp is subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 which addresses, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information. As directed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer are required to certify that our quarterly and annual reports do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. The rules adopted by the SEC under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have several requirements, including having these officers certify that: they are responsible for establishing, maintaining and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting; they have made certain disclosures to our auditors and the audit committee of the Board of Directors about our internal control over financial reporting; and they have included information in our quarterly and annual reports about their evaluation and whether there have been changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could materially affect internal control over financial reporting.

 

Volcker Rule Regulations. Regulations adopted by the federal banking agencies to implement the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act commonly referred to as the Volcker Rule became effective on April 1, 2014 with full compliance being phased in over a period ending on July 21, 2015. The regulations contain prohibitions and restrictions on the ability of financial institutions holding companies and their affiliates to engage in proprietary trading and to hold certain interests in, or to have certain relationships with, various types of investment funds, including hedge funds and private equity funds. Prudential Bancorp is in compliance with the various provisions of the Volcker Rule regulations.

 

Limitations on Transactions with Affiliates. Transactions between insured financial institutions and any affiliate are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. An affiliate of an insured financial institution is any company or entity which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the insured financial institution. In a bank holding company context, the bank holding company of an insured financial institution (such as Prudential Bancorp) and any companies which are controlled by such holding company are affiliates of the insured financial institution. Generally, Section 23A limits the extent to which the insured financial institution or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of such institution’s capital stock and surplus, and contains an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus. Section 23B applies to “covered transactions” as well as certain other transactions and requires that all transactions be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the insured financial institution, as those provided to a non-affiliate. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans to, purchase of assets from and issuance of a guarantee to an affiliate and similar transactions. Section 23B transactions also include the provision of services and the sale of assets by an insured financial institution to an affiliate.

 

In addition, Sections 22(g) and (h) of the Federal Reserve Act place restrictions on loans to executive officers, directors and principal stockholders. Under Section 22(h), loans to a director, an executive officer and to a greater than 10% stockholder of an insured financial institution, and certain affiliated interests of either, may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such person and affiliated interests, the insured financial institution’s loans to one borrower limit (generally equal to 15% of the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus). Section 22(h) also requires that loans to directors, executive officers and principal stockholders be made on terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other persons unless the loans are made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that (i) is widely available to employees of the institution and (ii) does not give preference to any director, executive officer or principal stockholder, or certain affiliated interests of either, over other employees of the insured financial institution. Section 22(h) also requires prior board approval for certain loans. In addition, the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by an insured financial institution to all insiders cannot exceed the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus. Furthermore, Section 22(g) places additional restrictions on loans to executive officers. At September 30, 2016, the Bank was in compliance with the above restrictions.

 

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TAXATION

 

Federal Taxation

 

General. Prudential Bancorp and the Bank are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations with some exceptions listed below. The following discussion of federal, state and local income taxation is only intended to summarize certain pertinent income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the applicable tax rules. As of September 30, 2016, the Internal Revenue Service had concluded an audit of the Company’s tax returns for the year ended September 30, 2010 and no adverse findings were noted. The federal and state income tax returns for taxable years through September 30, 2013 have been closed for purposes of examination by the Internal Revenue Service or the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

 

Prudential Bancorp files a consolidated federal income tax return with the Bank and its subsidiary, PSB. Accordingly, any cash distributions made by Prudential Bancorp to its shareholders will be treated as cash dividends and not as a non-taxable return of capital to shareholders for federal and state tax purposes.

 

Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, Prudential Bancorp and the Bank report income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and file their federal income tax return on a fiscal year basis.

 

Bad Debt Reserves. The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 eliminated the use of the reserve method of accounting for bad debt reserves by savings associations, effective for taxable years beginning after 1995. Prior to that time, the Bank was permitted to establish a reserve for bad debts and to make additions to the reserve. These additions could, within specified formula limits, be deducted in arriving at taxable income. As a result of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, savings associations must use the specific charge-off method in computing their bad debt deduction beginning with their 1996 federal tax return. In addition, federal legislation required the recapture over a six year period of the excess of tax bad debt reserves at December 31, 1995 over those established as of December 31, 1987.

 

Taxable Distributions and Recapture. Prior to the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, bad debt reserves created prior to January 1, 1988 were subject to recapture into taxable income if the Bank failed to meet certain thrift asset and definitional tests. New federal legislation eliminated these savings association related recapture rules. However, under current law, pre-1988 reserves remain subject to recapture should the Bank make certain non-dividend distributions or cease to maintain a bank charter.

 

At September 30, 2016, the total federal pre-1988 reserve was approximately $6.6 million. The reserve reflects the cumulative effects of federal tax deductions by the Bank for which no federal income tax provisions have been made.

 

Alternative Minimum Tax. The Internal Revenue Code imposes an alternative minimum tax at a rate of 20% on a base of regular taxable income plus certain tax preferences. The alternative minimum tax is payable to the extent such alternative minimum tax income is in excess of the regular income tax. Net operating losses, of which the Bank has none, can offset no more than 90% of alternative minimum taxable income. Certain payments of alternative minimum tax may be used as credits against regular tax liabilities in future years. The Bank has not been subject to the alternative minimum tax.

 

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Corporate Dividends Received Deduction. Prudential Bancorp may exclude from its income 100% of dividends received from the Bank as a member of the same affiliated group of corporations. The corporate dividends received deduction is 80% in the case of dividends received from corporations which a corporate recipient owns less than 80%, but at least 20% of the distribution corporation. Corporations which own less than 20% of the stock of a corporation distributing a dividend may deduct only 70% of dividends received.

 

State and Local Taxation

 

Pennsylvania Taxation. Prudential Bancorp is subject to the Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax and the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax. The Corporation Net Income Tax rate for 2016 is 9.99% and is imposed on unconsolidated taxable income for federal purposes with certain adjustments. In general, the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax is a property tax imposed on a corporation’s capital stock value at a statutorily defined rate, such value being determined in accordance with a fixed formula based upon average net income and net worth.

 

Prudential Savings is subject to tax under the Pennsylvania Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax Act, as amended to include thrift institutions having capital stock. Pursuant to the Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax, the tax rate is 11.50%. The Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax exempts Prudential Savings from other taxes imposed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for state income tax purposes and from all local taxation imposed by political subdivisions, except taxes on real estate and real estate transfers. The Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax is a tax upon net earnings, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles with certain adjustments. The Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax, in computing income according to generally accepted accounting principles, allows for the deduction of interest earned on state and federal obligations, while disallowing a percentage of a thrift’s interest expense deduction in the proportion of interest income on those securities to the overall interest income of Prudential Savings. Net operating losses, if any, thereafter can be carried forward three years for Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax purposes.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

In analyzing whether to make or to continue on investment in our securities, investors should consider, among other factors, the following risk factors.

 

Our non-performing assets expose us to increased risk of loss

 

At September 30, 2016, we had total non-performing assets of $16.5 million, or 2.94% of total assets as compared to $14.8 million or 3.04% of total assets as of September 30, 2015. Our non-performing assets adversely affect our net income in various ways. We do not accrue interest income on non-accrual loans and no interest income is recognized until the loan is performing and the financial condition of the borrower supports recording interest income on a cash basis. We must reserve for probable losses, which are established through a current period charge to income in the provision for loan losses, and from time to time, write down the value of properties in our other real estate owned portfolio to reflect changing market values. Additionally, there are legal fees associated with the resolution of problem assets as well as carrying costs such as taxes, insurance and maintenance related to our other real estate owned. Further, the resolution of non-performing assets requires the active involvement of management, which can distract us from the overall supervision of operations and other income-producing activities of Prudential Savings. Finally, if our estimate of the allowance for loan losses is inaccurate, we will have to increase the allowance accordingly. At September 30, 2016, our allowance for loan losses amounted to $3.3 million, or 0.9% of total loans and 20.6% of non-performing loans, compared to $2.9 million, or 0.9% of total loans and 21.0% of non-performing loans at September 30, 2015.

 

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Higher loan losses could require us to increase our allowance for loan losses through a charge to earnings

 

When we loan money we incur the risk that our borrowers will not repay their loans. We reserve for loan losses by establishing an allowance through a charge to earnings. The amount of this allowance is based on our assessment of loan losses inherent in our loan portfolio. The process for determining the amount of the allowance is critical to our financial results and condition. It requires subjective and complex judgments about the future, including forecasts of economic or market conditions that might impair the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans. We might underestimate the loan losses inherent in our loan portfolio and have loan losses in excess of the amount reserved. We might increase the allowance because of changing economic conditions. For example, in a rising interest rate environment, borrowers with adjustable-rate loans could see their payments increase. There may be a significant increase in the number of borrowers who are unable or unwilling to pay their loans, resulting in our charging off more loans and increasing our allowance. In addition, when real estate values decline, the potential severity of loss on a real estate-secured loan can increase significantly, especially in the case of loans with high combined loan-to-value ratios. The continued weakness in the national economy and the economies of the areas in which our loans are concentrated could result in an increase in loan delinquencies, foreclosures or repossessions, resulting in the increased charge-off amounts and the need for additional loan loss provisions in future periods. In addition, our determination as to the amount of our allowance for loan losses is subject to review by our primary regulators, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, as part of their examination process, which may result in the establishment of an additional provision based upon the judgment of such agencies after a review of the information available at the time of its examination. Our allowance for loan losses amounted to 0.9% of total loans and 20.6% of non-performing loans at September 30, 2016. Our allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2016 may not be sufficient to cover future loan losses. A large loss could deplete the allowance and require an increased provision to replenish the allowance, which would negatively affect earnings.

 

Our existing residential mortgage loans exposes us to lending risks, and the geographic concentration of our loan portfolio and lending activities makes us vulnerable to a downturn in the local economy.

 

At September 30, 2016, $233.5 million, or 66.4 % of our loan portfolio, was secured by one-to-four family real estate. One-to-four family residential mortgage lending is generally sensitive to regional and local economic conditions that significantly impact the ability of borrowers to meet their loan payment obligations, making loss levels difficult to predict. The decline in residential real estate values as a result of the downturn in our local housing market that occurred in recent years in many cases reduced the value of the real estate collateral securing these types of loans. Declines in real estate values could cause some of our residential mortgages loans to be inadequately collateralized, which would expose us to a greater risk of loss if we seek to recover on defaulted loans by selling the real estate collateral. Real estate values are affected by various factors, including supply and demand, changes in general or regional economic conditions, interest rates, governmental rules or policies and natural disasters. Future weakness in economic conditions also could result in reduced loan demand and a decline in loan originations. In particular, a significant decline in real estate values would likely lead to a decrease in new construction, commercial real estate and residential mortgage loan originations and increased delinquencies and defaults in our real estate loan portfolio.

 

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Our increased emphasis on originating construction and commercial real estate loans may expose us to increased lending risks.

 

At September 30, 2016, $21.8 million, or 6.2%, of our loan portfolio consisted of construction loans, including loans for the acquisition and development of property, and $80.0 million, or 22.7%, of our loan portfolio consisted of commercial real estate loans. Construction financing is generally considered to involve a higher degree of credit risk than long-term financing on improved, owner-occupied residential real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction compared to the estimated costs, including interest, of construction and other assumptions. Additionally, if the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, we may be confronted with a project, when completed, having a value less than the loan amount. We have attempted to minimize these risks by generally concentrating on residential construction loans in our market area to contractors with whom we have established lending relationships and by selling, with respect to larger construction and land development loans, participation interests in order to reduce our exposure. Likewise, commercial real estate loans generally expose a lender to a greater risk of loss than one-to-four family residential loans. Repayment of commercial real estate loans generally is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the property or business to cover operating expenses and debt service. Commercial real estate loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. Changes in economic conditions that are out of the control of the borrower and lender could impact the value of the security for the loan, the future cash flow of the involved property, or the marketability of a construction project with respect to loans originated for the acquisition and development of property. Additionally, any decline in real estate values may be more pronounced with respect to commercial real estate properties than residential properties. Also, many of construction borrowers have more than one loan outstanding with us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a residential mortgage loan.

 

In recent periods, a majority of our non-performing assets have related to construction loans. At September 30, 2016, five construction loans aggregating $10.3 million were considered non-performing and on non-accrual status. All of these construction loans were related to a loan relationship consisting of nine loans with a total principal balance outstanding of $12.3 million, all of which was deemed non-performing as of such date. In addition, non-performing assets at September 30, 2016 included two commercial real estate loans aggregating $1.3 million and two single-family residential loans aggregating $711,000 related to the same borrower.

 

We have a high concentration of loans secured by real estate in our market area; adverse economic conditions in our market area have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our financial condition and result of operations

 

Substantially all of our loans are to individuals, businesses and real estate developers in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, Pennsylvania and neighboring areas in southern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey and our business depends significantly on general economic conditions in these market areas. Severe declines in housing prices and property values have been particularly acute in our primary market areas in recent years. A deterioration in economic conditions or a prolonged weakness in the economic recovery in our primary market areas could result in the following consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business:

 

Loan delinquencies may increase;
Problem assets and foreclosures may increase;
Demand for our products and services may decline;
The carrying value of our other real estate owned may decline further; and
Collateral for loans made by us, especially real estate, may continue to decline in value, in turn reducing a customer’s borrowing power, and reducing the value of assets and collateral associated with our loans.

 

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The Company’s credit standards and its on-going credit assessment processes might not protect it from significant credit losses.

 

The Company assumes credit risk by virtue of making loans and extending loan commitments and letters of credit. We manage our credit risk through a program of underwriting standards, the review of certain credit decisions and a continuous quality assessment process of credit already extended. Our exposure to credit risk is managed through the use of consistent underwriting standards that emphasize local lending while avoiding highly leveraged transactions as well as excessive industry and other concentrations. The Company’s credit administration function employs risk management techniques to help ensure that problem loans and leases are promptly identified. While these procedures are designed to provide us with the information needed to implement policy adjustments where necessary and to take appropriate corrective actions, there can be no assurance that such measures will be effective in avoiding undue credit risk.

 

A significant percentage of our assets is invested in securities which typically have a lower yield than our loan portfolio.

 

Our results of operations are substantially dependent on our net interest income. At September 30, 2016, $193.0 million or 34.5 % of our assets was invested in investment securities, cash and amounts due from banks. These investments yield substantially less than the loans we hold in our portfolio. The weighted average yield on such assets for the year ended September 30, 2016 was 2.47% as compared to 3.93% for loans. Accordingly, our net interest margin is lower than it would have been if a higher proportion of our interest-earning assets consisted of loans. In addition, at September 30, 2016, $138.7 million, or 77.6% of our investment securities, are classified as available for sale and reported at fair value with unrealized gains or losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income, which affects our reported equity. Accordingly, given the material size of the investment securities portfolio classified as available for sale and due to possible mark-to-market adjustments of that portion of the portfolio resulting from market conditions, we may experience greater volatility in the value of reported equity. Moreover, given that we actively manage our investment securities portfolio classified as available for sale, we may sell securities which could result in a realized loss, thereby reducing our net income.

 

While we intend to invest a greater proportion of our assets in loans with the goal of increasing our net interest income, we may not be able to increase originations of loans that are acceptable to us.

 

Our success depends on hiring and retaining certain key personnel.

 

Our performance largely depends on the talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. We rely on key personnel to manage and operate our business, including major revenue generating functions such as loan and deposit generation, as well as operational functions such as regulatory compliance and information technology. The loss of key staff may adversely affect our ability to maintain and manage these functions effectively, which could negatively affect our revenues. In addition, loss of key personnel could result in increased recruiting and hiring expenses, which could cause a decrease in our net income. Our continued ability to compete effectively depends on our ability to attract new employees and to retain and motivate our existing employees.

 

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Higher interest rates would hurt our profitability

 

Management is unable to predict fluctuations of market interest rates, which are affected by many factors, including inflation, recession, unemployment, monetary policy, domestic and international disorder and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets, and investor and consumer demand. Our primary source of income is net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income generated by our interest-earning assets (consisting primarily of single-family residential loans) and the interest expense generated by our interest-bearing liabilities (consisting primarily of deposits). The level of net interest income is primarily a function of the average balance of our interest-earning assets, the average balance of our interest-bearing liabilities, and the spread between the yield on such assets and the cost of such liabilities. These factors are influenced by both the pricing and mix of our interest-earning assets and our interest-bearing liabilities which, in turn, are impacted by such external factors as the local economy, competition for loans and deposits, the monetary policy of the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve Board (the “FOMC”), and market interest rates. The FOMC has indicated it is likely that the federal funds rate will be increased within the next year, possibly as early as the end of December 2016.

 

A sustained increase in market interest rates could adversely affect our earnings. A significant portion of our loans have fixed interest rates (or, if adjustable, are initially fixed for periods of five to 10 years) and longer terms than our deposits and borrowings. Our net interest income could be adversely affected if the rates we pay on deposits and borrowings increase more rapidly than the rates we earn on loans. As a result of our historical focus on the origination of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, which focus has been emphasized in recent years due to asset quality issues experienced by our construction and land development lending activities, the majority of our loans have fixed interest rates. In addition, a large percentage of our investment securities and mortgage-backed securities have fixed interest rates and are classified as held to maturity. As is the case with many banks and savings institutions, our emphasis on increasing the development of core deposits, those with no stated maturity date, has resulted in our interest-bearing liabilities having a shorter duration than our assets. As of September 30, 2016, 48.3% of our loan portfolio had maturities of 10 years or more. Furthermore, at such date, only $87.2 million or 25.0% of the loans due after September 30, 2016 bear adjustable interest rates. At September 30, 2016, 42.5% of our deposits had no stated maturity date and 62.5% consisted of certificates of deposit with maturities of one year or less. This imbalance can create significant earnings volatility because interest rates change over time and are currently at historical low levels. As interest rates increase, our cost of funds will increase more rapidly than the yields on the bulk of our interest-earning assets. In addition, the market value of our fixed-rate assets for example, our investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolios, would decline if interest rates increase. For example, we estimate that as of September 30, 2016, a 200 basis point increase in interest rates would have resulted in our net portfolio value declining by approximately $47.7 million or 9.1%. Net portfolio value is the difference between incoming and outgoing discounted cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts.

 

Changes in laws and regulations and the cost of regulatory compliance with new laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations and/or increase our costs of operations.

 

The Company and Prudential Savings are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the FDIC. Such regulation and supervision governs the activities in which an institution and its holding company may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of insurance funds and the depositors and borrowers of Prudential Savings rather than for holders of our common stock. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on our operations, the classification of our assets and determination of the level of our allowance for loan losses. These regulations, along with the currently existing tax, accounting, securities, insurance, monetary laws, rules, standards, policies, and interpretations control the methods by which financial institutions conduct business, implement strategic initiatives and tax compliance, and govern financial reporting and disclosures. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation or supervisory action, may have a material impact on our operations. Further, changes in accounting standards can be both difficult to predict and involve judgment and discretion in their interpretation by us and our independent accounting firms. These changes could materially impact, potentially even retroactively, how we report our financial condition and results of our operations as could our interpretation of those changes.

 

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The Dodd-Frank Act is significantly changing the current bank regulatory structure and affects the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act requires various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new implementing rules and regulations, and to prepare numerous studies and reports for Congress. The federal agencies are given significant discretion in drafting the implementing rules and regulations, and consequently, many of the details and much of the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act may not be known for many months or years.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit "unfair, deceptive or abusive" acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks with $10 billion or less in assets continue to be examined for compliance with the consumer laws by their primary bank regulators.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act requires minimum leverage (Tier 1) and risk-based capital requirements for bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies that are no less than those applicable to banks, which could limit our ability to borrow at the holding company level and invest the proceeds from such borrowings as capital in Prudential Savings Bank, and will exclude certain instruments that previously have been eligible for inclusion by bank holding companies as Tier 1 capital, such as trust preferred securities.

 

The full impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on our business will not be known until all of the regulations implementing the statute are adopted and implemented. As a result, we cannot at this time predict the extent to which the Dodd-Frank Act will impact our business, operations or financial condition. However, compliance with these new laws and regulations may require us to make changes to our business and operations and will likely result in additional costs and divert management’s time from other business activities, any of which may adversely impact our results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.

 

We have become subject to more stringent capital requirements, which may adversely impact our return on equity, require us to raise additional capital, or constrain us from paying dividends or repurchasing shares.

 

In July 2013, the federal banking agencies approved a new rule that has substantially amended regulatory risk-based capital rules. The final rule implements the regulatory capital reforms from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“Basel III”) and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

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The final rule includes new minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios, which were effective for us on January 1, 2015, and refines the definition of what constitutes “capital” for calculating these ratios. The new minimum capital requirements are: (i) a new common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (ii) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 6% (increased from 4%); (iii) a total capital ratio of 8% (unchanged from prior rules); and (iv) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%. The final rule also requires unrealized gains and losses on certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings to be included for calculating regulatory capital requirements unless a one-time opt-out is exercised. Prudential Savings elected to opt out of the requirement under the final rule to include certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings for calculating its regulatory capital requirements. The final rule also establishes a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5%, and, when fully phased in, will result in the following minimum ratios: (i) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (ii) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 8.5%, and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. The new capital conservation buffer requirement begin being phased-in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and will increase each year until fully implemented in January 2019. An institution will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that can be utilized for such actions.

 

We have analyzed the effects of these new capital requirements on a fully phased-in basis, and we believe that we meet all of these new requirements, including the full 2.5% capital conservation buffer, as if these new requirements had been in effect as of September 30, 2016.

 

The application of more stringent capital requirements could, among other things, result in lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital, and result in regulatory actions if we were to be unable to comply with such requirements. Furthermore, the imposition of liquidity requirements in connection with the implementation of Basel III could result in our having to lengthen the term of our funding, restructure our business models, and/or increase our holdings of liquid assets. Implementation of changes to asset risk weightings for risk-based capital calculations, items included or deducted in calculating regulatory capital and/or additional capital conservation buffers could result in management modifying its business strategy, and could limit our ability to make distributions, including paying dividends or repurchasing shares. Specifically, beginning in 2016, Prudential Savings ability to pay dividends is limited if it does not have the capital conservation buffer required by the new capital rules, which may further limit our ability to pay dividends to stockholders.

 

Proposed and final regulations could restrict our ability to originate and sell loans.

 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has issued a rule designed to clarify for lenders how they can avoid legal liability under the Dodd-Frank Act, which would hold lenders accountable for ensuring a borrower’s ability to repay a mortgage. Loans that meet this “qualified mortgage” definition will be presumed to have complied with the new ability-to-repay standard. Under the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule, a “qualified mortgage” loan must not contain certain specified features, including:

 

excessive upfront points and fees (those exceeding 3% of the total loan amount, less “bona fide discount points” for prime loans);
interest-only payments;
negative amortization; and
terms of longer than 30 years.

 

Also, to qualify as a “qualified mortgage,” a loan must be made to a borrower whose total monthly debt-to-income ratio does not exceed 43%. Lenders must also verify and document the income and financial resources relied upon to qualify the borrower on the loan and underwrite the loan based on a fully amortizing payment schedule and maximum interest rate during the first five years, taking into account all applicable taxes, insurance and assessments.

 

 47 

 

 

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act requires the regulatory agencies to issue regulations that require securitizes of loans to retain “not less than 5% of the credit risk for any asset that is not a qualified residential mortgage.” The regulatory agencies have issued a final rule to implement this requirement. The final rule provides that the definition of “qualified residential mortgage” includes loans that meet the definition of qualified mortgage issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

 

The final rule could have a significant effect on the secondary market for loans and the types of loans we originate, and restrict our ability to make loans. Similarly, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule on qualified mortgages could limit our ability or desire to make certain types of loans or loans to certain borrowers, which could limit our growth or profitability.

 

We are a community bank and our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business

 

We are a community bank, and our reputation is one of the most valuable components of our business. A key component of our business strategy is to rely on our reputation for customer service and knowledge of local markets to expand our presence by capturing new business opportunities from existing and prospective customers in our current market and contiguous areas. As such, we strive to conduct our business in a manner that enhances our reputation. This is done, in part, by recruiting, hiring and retaining employees who share our core values of being an integral part of the communities we serve, delivering superior service to our customers and caring about our customers and associates. If our reputation is negatively affected by the actions of our employees, by our inability to conduct our operations in a manner that is appealing to current or prospective customers, or otherwise, our business and, therefore, our operating results may be materially adversely affected.

 

Strong competition within our market area could hurt our profits and slow growth

 

We face intense competition in making loans, attracting deposits and hiring and retaining experienced employees. This competition has made it more difficult for us to make new loans and attract deposits. Price competition for loans and deposits sometimes results in us charging lower interest rates on our loans and paying higher interest rates on our deposits, which reduces our net interest income. Competition also makes it more difficult and costly to attract and retain qualified employees. Some of the institutions with which we compete have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we have and may offer services that we do not provide. We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to compete successfully in our market area.

 

The fair value of our investment securities can fluctuate due to market conditions outside of our control

 

As of September 30, 2016, the fair value of our investment securities portfolio was approximately $179.4 million. We have historically taken a conservative investment strategy, with concentrations of securities that are backed by government sponsored enterprises. Factors beyond our control can significantly influence the fair value of securities in our portfolio and can cause potential adverse changes to the fair value of these securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, rating agency actions in respect of the securities, defaults by the issuer or with respect to the underlying securities, and changes in market interest rates and continued instability in the capital markets. Any of these factors, among others, could cause other-than-temporary impairments and realized and/or unrealized losses in future periods and declines in other comprehensive income, which could have a material adverse effect on us. The process for determining whether impairment of a security is other-than-temporary usually requires complex, subjective judgments about the future financial performance and liquidity of the issuer and any collateral underlying the security in order to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the security.

 

 48 

 

 

If the Company fails to maintain an effective system of internal controls, it may not be able to accurately report its financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, current and potential shareholders could lose confidence in the Company’s financial reporting, which could harm its business and the trading price of its common stock.

 

The Company has established a process to document and evaluate its internal controls over financial reporting in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related regulations, which require annual management assessments of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. In this regard, management has, among other things, dedicated internal resources and engaged outside consultants to (i) assess and document the adequacy of internal controls over financial reporting, (ii) take steps to improve control processes, where appropriate, (iii) validate through testing that controls are functioning as documented and (iv) implement a continuous reporting and improvement process for internal control over financial reporting. Although the Company’s management and audit committee believe that its system of internal controls is effective, the Company cannot be certain that these measures will ensure that the Company implements and maintains adequate controls over its financial processes and reporting in the future. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm the Company’s operating results or cause the Company to fail to meet its reporting obligations. If the Company fails to correct any issues in the design or operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, or fails to prevent fraud, current and potential shareholders could lose confidence in the Company’s financial reporting, which could harm its business and the trading price of its common stock.

 

The Company is subject to a variety of operational risks, including reputational risk, legal and compliance risk, and the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders.

 

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

 

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

 

 49 

 

 

The Company relies on other companies to provide key components of its business infrastructure.

 

Third parties provide key components of the Company’s business infrastructure, for example, system support and network access. While the Company has selected these third party vendors carefully, it does not control their actions. Any problems caused by these third parties, including those resulting from their failure to provide services for any reason or their poor performance of services, could adversely affect the Company’s ability to deliver products and services to its customers and otherwise conduct its business. Replacing these third party vendors could also entail significant delay and expense.

 

The Company’s operations may be adversely affected by cyber security risks.

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company collects and stores sensitive data, including proprietary business information and personally identifiable information of our customers and employees in systems and on networks. In some cases, this confidential or proprietary information is collected compiled, processed, transmitted or stored by third parties on our behalf. The secure processing, maintenance and use of this information is critical to operations and our business strategy. The Company has invested in accepted technologies, and continually reviews processes and practices that are designed to protect our networks, computers and data from damage or unauthorized access. Despite these security measures, the Company’s computer systems and infrastructure or those of third parties used by us to compile, process or store such information may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance, or other disruptions. A breach of any kind could compromise systems and the information stored there could be accessed, damaged or disclosed. A breach in security could result in legal claims, regulatory penalties, disruption in operations, and damage to the Company’s reputation, which could adversely affect our business.

 

Our ability to successfully compete may be reduced if we are unable to make technological advances.

 

The banking industry is experiencing rapid changes in technology. In addition to improving customer services, effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. As a result, our future success will depend in part on our ability to address our customers’ needs by using technology. We cannot assure you that we will be able to effectively develop new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products to our customers. Many of our competitors have far greater resources than we have to invest in technology.

 

Federal Reserve Board policy could limit our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders.

 

The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares of common stock by bank holding companies. In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. These regulatory policies could affect our ability to pay dividends, repurchase shares of common stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

 

Combining the Prudential Bancorp and Polonia Bancorp in connection with the pending merger may be more difficult, costly or time-consuming than expected.

 

Prudential Bancorp and Polonia Bancorp have historically operated and, until the effective time of the merger, will continue to operate, independently. The success of the merger will depend, in part, on the Company's ability to successfully combine the businesses of Prudential Bancorp and Polonia Bancorp. To realize these anticipated benefits, after the effective time of the merger, Prudential Bancorp expects to integrate Polonia's business into its own. It is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of each company's ongoing businesses or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect the combined company's ability to maintain relationships with clients, customers, depositors and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of the merger. The loss of key employees could adversely affect the Company's ability to successfully conduct its business in the markets in which Polonia Bancorp now operates, which could have an adverse effect on Prudential Bancorp's financial results and the value of its common stock. If Prudential Bancorp experiences difficulties with the integration process, the anticipated benefits of the merger may not be realized fully or at all, or may take longer to realize than expected. As with any merger of financial institutions, there also may be business disruptions that cause Polonia Bancorp or the Company to lose current customers or cause current customers to remove their accounts from Polonia Bancorp or Prudential Bancorp and move their business to competing financial institutions. Integration efforts between the two companies will also divert management attention and resources. These integration matters could have an adverse effect on each of Polonia Bancorp and the Company during this transition period and for an undetermined period after consummation of the merger.

 

Prudential Bancorp may fail to realize the cost savings estimated for the merger with Polonia Bancorp.

 

Prudential Bancorp estimates that it will achieve cost savings from the merger when the two companies have been fully integrated. While the Company continues to be comfortable with these expectations as of the date of the Annual Report on Form l0-K for the year ended September 30, 2016, it is possible that the estimates of the potential cost savings could turn out to be incorrect.

 

The actual integration may result in additional and unforeseen expenses, and the anticipated benefits of the integration plan may not be realized. Actual growth and cost savings, if achieved, may be lower than what Prudential Bancorp expects and may take longer to achieve than anticipated. If the Company is not able to adequately address integration challenges, Prudential Bancorp may be unable to successfully integrate the Company's and Polonia Bancorp’s operations or to realize the anticipated benefits of the integration of the two companies. 

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

Not applicable.

 

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Item 2. Properties

 

We currently conduct business from our main office and five banking offices. The following table sets forth the net book value of the land, building and leasehold improvements and certain other information with respect to our offices at September 30, 2016.

 

Description/Address  Leased/Owned  Date of
Lease
Expiration
  Net Book Value
of Property and
Leasehold
Improvements
   Amount of
Deposits
 
         (In Thousands) 
Main Office  Owned  N/A  $236   $251,575 
1834 Oregon Avenue                
Philadelphia, PA 19145-4725                
                 
Broad Street Financial Center  Owned  N/A   117    41,733 
1722 South Broad Street                
Philadelphia, PA 19145-2388                
                 
Pennsport Financial Center  Owned  N/A   27    37,753 
238A Moore Street                
Philadelphia, PA 19148-1925                
                 
Old City Financial Center  Leased  May-19   0    10,177 
28 North 3rd Street                
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2108                
                 
Drexel Hill Financial Center  Leased  Sep-21   120    28,612 
1270 Township Line Road                
Drexel Hill, PA 19026-3105                
                 
Center City Financial Center  Leased  Oct-22   197    19,351 
1500 JFk Boulevard                
Philadelphia, PA 19103-5125                
                 
Total        $697   $389,201 

 

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

A putative shareholder derivative and class action lawsuit, Parshall v. Eugene Andruczyk et al., was initially filed in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, Case No. 423219-v, on July 21, 2016. The lawsuit names as defendants the directors of Polonia Bancorp, Polonia Bancorp Bancorp and Prudential Bancorp. The lawsuit alleges a breach of fiduciary duty by approving the merger agreement for inadequate merger consideration and the inclusion of preclusive deal protection measures in the merger agreement and that the registration statement as filed on July 22, 2016 failed to disclose material information related to the transaction. The lawsuit also alleges that Prudential Bancorp aided and abetted the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. A second putative class action lawsuit, captioned Baron v. Eugene Andruczyk et al., No. V424400, was filed in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland on August 29, 2016. The lawsuit names as defendants the directors of Polonia Bancorp and Polonia Bancorp. The lawsuit alleges a breach of fiduciary duty by failing to disclose material information related to the transaction in the registration statement as filed on July 22, 2016. The relief sought includes preliminary and permanent injunction against the consummation of the merger, rescission or rescissory damages if the merger is completed, costs and attorney’s fees.

 

On October 6, 2016, solely to avoid the costs of protracted litigation and any potential delay of the merger, Polonia Bancorp, Prudential Bancorp and the Polonia Bancorp director defendants entered into a memorandum of understanding with the respective plaintiffs regarding the settlement of the two lawsuits. Pursuant to the memorandum of understanding, Prudential Bancorp and Polonia Bancorp filed with the SEC and made publicly available to shareholders of Polonia Bancorp certain supplemental disclosures, Polonia Bancorp agreed to waive the prohibition in the nondisclosure agreements entered into by Polonia Bancorp with potential interested parties with respect to a party subject thereto being prohibited from asking Polonia Bancorp to waive the standstill provisions that require such party to refrain from pursuing various actions that relate to acquisition of control of Polonia Bancorp without the prior written consent of the Polonia Bancorp board of directors during the specified time period, Prudential Bancorp agreed to waive the enforcement of the provision in the merger agreement prohibiting Polonia Bancorp from waiving the foregoing restriction contained in the nondisclosure agreements, and the parties agreed to provide each other with customary mutual releases concerning the claims related to the merger agreement and the merger, including the initiation and the prosecution of any litigation, subject to approval of the Circuit Court.

 

If the Circuit Court approves the settlement contemplated in the memorandum of understanding, both the Parshall lawsuit and the Baron lawsuit will be dismissed with prejudice, and all claims that were or could have been brought challenging any aspect of the merger, the merger agreement, and any disclosure made in connection therewith will be released and barred. Under the terms of the memorandum, counsel for the plaintiffs have reserved the right to seek an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses. The defendants have reserved the right to contest the amount of any fee and expense petition that plaintiffs may pursue. The amount of any fees and expense awarded, if any, will ultimately be determined and approved by the court, and will not affect the amount of merger consideration to be paid by Prudential Bancorp. Polonia Bancorp or its successor or insurer will pay any fees and expenses potentially awarded by the court. In the memorandum, the parties also have agreed to negotiate in good faith to prepare a stipulation of settlement to be filed with the court and other documentation as may be required to effectuate the settlement. Pursuant to the memorandum of understanding, plaintiffs’ counsel is permitted to conduct reasonable confirmatory discovery as plaintiffs’ counsel believes in good faith is reasonably appropriate and necessary and as agreed to by the parties to confirm the fairness and reasonableness of the terms of the Settlement. There can be no assurance that the parties ultimately will enter into a stipulation of settlement or that the court will approve the settlement even if the parties were to enter into such stipulation. The proposed settlement contemplated by the memorandum of understanding will become void in the event that the parties do not enter into such stipulation or the Circuit Court does not approve the settlement.

 

 52 

 

 

Prudential Bancorp and the other defendants deny all of the allegations in the lawsuits and believe the disclosures previously included in the proxy statement provided to the Polonia Bancorp shareholders and the provisions of the nondisclosure agreements and the merger agreement are appropriate under the law. Nevertheless, Prudential Bancorp and the other defendants agreed to settle the putative class action lawsuits in order to avoid the costs, disruptions and distraction of further litigation.

 

Prudential Bancorp and the other defendants have vigorously denied, and continue to vigorously deny, that they have committed or aided and abetted in the commission of any violation of law or engaged in any of the wrongful acts that were alleged in the lawsuits, and expressly maintain that, to the extent applicable, they diligently and scrupulously complied with their fiduciary and other legal burdens and entered into the memorandum of understanding solely to eliminate the burden and expense of further litigation and to put the claims that were or could have been asserted to rest.

 

In addition, Prudential Bancorp is involved in various legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business. Management of the Company, based on discussions with litigation counsel, does not believe that such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of Prudential Bancorp. There can be no assurance that any of the outstanding legal proceedings to which the Company is a party will not be decided adversely to the Company's interests and have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and operations of the Company.

 

Item 4.          Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

(a)       Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ) under the symbol “PBIP”. At December 1, 2016, there were approximately 275 registered shareholders of record, not including the number of persons or entities whose stock is held in nominee or "street" name through various brokerage firms and banks.

 

The following table shows the quarterly high and low trading prices of our stock, reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market, and the amount of cash dividends declared per share for each of the quarters in fiscal 2016 and 2015:

 

   Stock Price   Cash
dividends
 
Quarter ended:  High   Low   per share 
September 30, 2016  $15.15   $13.95   $0.03 
June 30, 2016   15.42    13.80    0.03 
March 31, 2016   16.20    13.83    0.03 
December  31, 2015   15.60    14.29    0.03 

 

   Stock Price   Cash
dividends
 
Quarter ended :  High   Low   per share 
September 30, 2015  $15.10   $14.27   $0.03 
June 30, 2015   14.74    12.69    0.18 
March 31, 2015   12.64    12.15    0.03 
December 31, 2014   12.49    12.03    0.03 

___________________________________

 

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The following graph compares the cumulative total return of the Company common stock with the cumulative total return of the SNL Mid-Atlantic Thrift Index and the Nasdaq Stock Market (US Companies). The graph assumes that $100 was invested on September 30, 2011. Prices prior to October 17, 2013 are for Old Prudential Bancorp, Inc. and have been adjusted for the .9442 exchange ratio applied as part of the mutual to-stock conversion. Cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of all dividends.

 

 

 

   Period Ending 
Index  09/30/11   09/30/12   09/30/13   09/30/14   09/30/15   09/30/16 
Prudential Bancorp, Inc.   100.00    112.60    196.18    221.52    266.40    269.87 
NASDAQ Composite   100.00    130.53    160.26    193.28    201.01    234.02 
SNL Mid-Atlantic Thrift   100.00    132.45    154.27    170.68    200.31    220.65 

 

(b)Not applicable

 

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(c)       The Company’s repurchases of equity shares for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016 were follows:

 

Period  Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
Per Share
   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs (1)
  

 

Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
Plans or Programs (1)

 
July 1 - 31, 2016   15,690(2)  $14.56    536,239    223,761 
August 1 - 31, 2016   1,849(2)  $14.42    538,088    221,912 
September 1  - 30, 2016   7,338(2)  $14.47    545,426    214,574 
    24,877                

 

(1)   On July 15, 2015, the Company announced the Board of Directors had approved a second stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 850,000 shares of common stock, approximately 10% of the Company’s outstanding shares upon completion of the first repurchase program.

 

(2)   Reflects shares repurchased directly from participants upon exercises by participants of stock options. No other repurchases were effected.

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

Set forth below is selected financial and other data of Prudential Bancorp. Reference is made to the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in Item 8 which provide additional information.

 

   At September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Selected Financial and Other Data:                         
Total assets  $559,480   $487,189   $525,483   $607,897   $490,504 
Cash and cash equivalents   12,440    11,272    45,382    158,984    81,273 
Investment and mortgage-backed securities:                         
Held-to-maturity   39,971    66,384    80,840    83,732    63,110 
Available-for-sale   138,694    77,483    57,817    41,781    65,975 
Loans receivable, net   344,948    312,633    321,063    306,517    260,684 
Deposits   389,201    365,074    391,025    542,748    425,602 
FHLB advances   50,638    -    340    340    483 
Non-performing loans   15,878    13,932    5,880    6,634    14,018 
Non-performing assets   16,459    14,801    6,240    7,040    15,990 
Total stockholders’ equity, substantially restricted   114,002    117,001    129,425    59,912    59,831 
Banking offices   6    7    7    7    7 
                          
   Year Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012 
   (Dollars in Thousands, except per share data) 
Selected Operating Data:                         
Total interest income  $17,483   $16,680   $16,465   $16,773   $18,979 
Total interest expense   3,326    3,430    3,401    4,344    5,779 
Net interest income   14,157    13,250    13,064    12,429    13,200 
Provision (recovery) for loan losses   225    735    240    (500)   725 
Net interest income after provision (recovery) for loan losses   13,932    12,515    12,824    12,929    12,475 
Total non-interest income   1,337    3,008    1,111    1,774    3,068 
Total non-interest expense   11,290    13,175    11,465    11,250    11,668 
Income (loss) before income taxes   3,979    2,348    2,470    3,453    3,875 
Income tax expense (benefit)   1,259    116    690    1,698    1,282 
Net income  $2,720   $2,232   $1,780   $1,755   $2,593 
Basic earnings  per share  $0.37   $0.27   $0.20   $0.18   $0.27 
Diluted earnings  per share  $0.36   $0.27   $0.19   $0.18   $0.27 
Dividends paid per common share  $0.12   $0.27   $0.06    0.00   $0.00 
                          
Selected Operating Ratios(1):                         
                          
Average yield earned on interest-earning assets   3.40%   3.38%   3.28%   3.60%   3.96%
Average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities   0.80    0.90    0.89    1.04    1.33 
Average interest rate spread(2)   2.60    2.49    2.39    2.56    2.63 
Net interest margin(2)   2.75    2.69    2.61    2.67    2.76 
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities   124.28    128.72    130.51    111.15    110.29 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses to non-interest expense   123.40    94.99    111.85    114.92    106.92 
Total non-interest expense to total average assets   2.11    3.42    2.21    2.25    2.33 
Efficiency ratio(3)   72.87    81.04    80.88    79.21    71.72 
Return on average assets   0.51    0.58    0.34    0.35    0.52 
Return on average equity   2.36    2.37    1.38    3.00    4.43 
Average equity to average total assets   21.55    24.39    24.79    11.92    11.71 

 

(Footnotes on next page)

 

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At or For the

Year Ended September 30,

 
   2016   2015   2014   2013   2012 
Asset Quality Ratios(4):                         
Non-performing loans as a percent of total loans receivable(5)   4.60%   4.21%   1.83%   2.16%   5.38%
Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets(5)   2.94    3.04    1.19    1.16    3.26 
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of non-performing loans   20.59    21.03    41.24    35.47    13.42 
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans   0.94    0.93    0.75    0.77    0.71 
Net charge-offs to average loans receivable   -0.03    0.07    0.05    -0.35    0.88 
                          
Capital Ratios(4):                         
Tier 1 leverage ratio                         
Company   20.41%   23.73%   22.39%   12.54%   11.73%
Bank   18.15    19.50    17.95    11.81    10.95 
                          
Tier 1 common risk-based capital ratio                         
Company   38.57    50.63    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Bank   34.36    41.66    N/A    N/A    N/A 
                          
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio                         
Company   38.57    50.63    57.21    26.69    27.51 
Bank   34.36    41.65    40.52    25.15    25.69 
Total risk-based capital ratio                         
Company   39.70    51.98    58.28    27.72    28.39 
Bank   35.49    43.00    41.59    26.18    26.57 

 

 

 

(1)With the exception of end of period ratios, all ratios are based on average monthly balances during the indicated periods.

 

(2)Average interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield earned on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin represents net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.

 

(3)The efficiency ratio represents the ratio of non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.

 

(4)Asset quality ratios and capital ratios are end of period ratios, except for net charge-offs to average loans receivable.

 

(5)Non-performing assets generally consist of all loans on non-accrual, loans which are 90 days or more past due as to principal or interest, and real estate acquired through foreclosure or acceptance of a deed in-lieu of foreclosure. Non-performing assets and non-performing loans also include loans classified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) due to being recently restructured and placed on non-accrual in connection with such restructuring. The TDRs in most cases are performing in accordance with their restructured terms. It is the Company’s policy to cease accruing interest on all loans which are 90 days or more past due as to interest or principal.

 

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

 

Overview

 

At September 30, 2016, we had total assets of $559.5 million, including net loans of $344.9 million and $178.7 million of investment and mortgage-backed securities, total deposits of $389.2 million and total stockholders’ equity of $114.0 million.

 

The Company conducts community banking activities by accepting deposits and making loans in our market area. Our lending products consist of residential mortgage loans, including loans for sale in the secondary market, along with commercial real estate and multi-family and to a lesser extent construction loans. The Company also originates commercial business and consumer loans in an effort to maintain strong customer relationships.

 

Despite the challenging current market and economic conditions, the Company continues to maintain capital substantially in excess of regulatory requirements.

 

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis section is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of Prudential Bancorp. The results of operations of Prudential Bancorp are primarily dependent on the results of the Bank. The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

In reviewing and understanding financial information for Prudential Bancorp, you are encouraged to read and understand the significant accounting policies used in preparing our financial statements. These policies are described in Note 2 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 hereof. The accounting and financial reporting policies of Prudential Bancorp conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and to general practices within the banking industry. Accordingly, the financial statements require certain estimates, judgments and assumptions, which are believed to be reasonable, based upon the information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well as contingent assets and contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the periods presented. The following accounting policies comprise those that management believes are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results. These policies require numerous estimates or economic assumptions that may prove inaccurate or may be subject to variations which may significantly affect our reported results and financial condition for the period or in future periods.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that the collectability in full of the principal of a loan is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that management considers adequate to provide for estimated losses and impairments based upon an evaluation of known and inherent losses in the loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonable to estimate. Loan impairment is evaluated based on the fair value of collateral or estimated net realizable value. It is the policy of management to provide for losses on unidentified loans in its portfolio in addition to criticized and classified loans.

 

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Management monitors its allowance for loan losses at least quarterly and makes adjustments to the allowance through the provision for loan losses as economic conditions and other pertinent factors indicate. The quarterly review and adjustment of the qualitative factors employed in the allowance methodology and the updating of historic loss experience allow for timely reaction to emerging conditions and trends.  In this context, a series of qualitative factors are used in a methodology as a measurement of how current circumstances are affecting the loan portfolio. Included in these qualitative factors are:

 

·Levels of past due, classified, criticized and non-accrual loans, troubled debt restructurings and loan modifications;
·Nature and volume of loans;
·Changes in lending policies and procedures, underwriting standards, collections, charge-offs and recoveries and for commercial loans, the level of loans being approved with exceptions to lending policy;
·Experience, ability and depth of management and staff;
·National and local economic and business conditions, including various market segments;
·Quality of the Company’s loan review system and degree of Board oversight;
·Concentrations of credit and changes in levels of such concentrations; and
·Effect of external factors on the level of estimated credit losses in the current portfolio.

 

In determining the allowance for loan losses, management has established both specific and general pooled allowances. Values assigned to the qualitative factors and those developed from historic loss experience provide a dynamic basis for the calculation of reserve factors for both pass-rated loans (general pooled allowance) and for criticized and classified loans. The amount of the specific allowance is determined through a loan-by-loan analysis of certain large dollar commercial real estate loans. Loans not individually reviewed are evaluated as a group using reserve factor percentages based on historical loss experience and the qualitative factors described above. In determining the appropriate level of the general pooled allowance, management makes estimates based on internal risk ratings, which take into account such factors as debt service coverage, loan-to-value ratios and external factors. Estimates are periodically measured against actual loss experience.

 

This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates including, among others, exposure at default, the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, value of collateral, estimated losses on our commercial, construction and residential loan portfolios and historical loss experience. All of these estimates may be susceptible to significant change.

 

While management uses the best information available to make loan loss allowance evaluations, adjustments to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic and other conditions or changes in accounting guidance. In addition, the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the FDIC, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review our allowance for loan losses. The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the FDIC may require the recognition of adjustments to the allowance for loan losses based on their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examinations. To the extent that actual outcomes differ from management’s estimates, additional provisions to the allowance for loan losses may be required that would adversely affect earnings in future periods.

 

Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities Available for Sale.  Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, securities are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy, although there were no securities with that classification as of September 30, 2016 or 2015. 

 

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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. The Company determines whether the unrealized losses are temporary in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  The evaluation is based upon factors such as the creditworthiness of the issuers/guarantors, the underlying collateral, if applicable, and the continuing performance of the securities. In addition the Company also considers the likelihood that the security will be required to be sold by a regulatory agency, our internal intent not to dispose of the security prior to maturity and whether the entire cost basis of the security is expected to be recovered. In determining whether the cost basis will be recovered, management evaluates other facts and circumstances that may be indicative of an other-than-temporary impairment condition. This includes, but is not limited to, an evaluation of the type of security, length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, and near-term prospects of the issuer.

 

In addition, certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The Company measures impaired loans, FHLB stock and properties serving as collateral for loans or bank properties transferred into real estate owned at fair value on a non-recurring basis.  

 

Valuation techniques and models utilized for measuring financial assets and liabilities are reviewed and validated by the Company at least quarterly.

 

Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company records deferred income taxes that reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Management exercises significant judgment in the evaluation of the amount and timing of the recognition of the resulting tax assets and liabilities. The judgments and estimates required for the evaluation are updated based upon changes in business factors and the tax laws. If actual results differ from the assumptions and other considerations used in estimating the amount and timing of tax recognized, there can be no assurance that additional expenses will not be required in future periods. 

 

In evaluating our ability to recover deferred tax assets, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results and our forecast of future taxable income. In determining future taxable income, we make assumptions for the amount of taxable income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require us to make judgments about our future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates we use to manage our business. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require us to record an additional valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. An increase in the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in the period and could have a significant impact on our future earnings.

 

U.S. GAAP prescribes a minimum probability threshold that a tax position must meet before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The Company recognizes, when applicable, interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes in the consolidated income statement.  Assessment of uncertain tax positions requires careful consideration of the technical merits of a position based on management's analysis of tax regulations and interpretations.  Significant judgment may be involved in the assessment of the tax position.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Information regarding recent accounting pronouncements is included in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Item 8 hereto.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments, Contractual Obligations and Other Off Balance Sheet Arrangements.

 

Derivative financial instruments include futures, forwards, interest rate swaps, option contracts, and other financial instruments with similar characteristics. To remain competitive in our local lending area and to support the Company’s asset/liability positioning, on occasion the Bank enters into interest rate swaps contract to control it’s funding costs.

 

In addition, these instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Commitments to extend credit generally have fixed expiration dates and may require additional collateral from the borrower if deemed necessary. Commitments to extend credit are not recorded as an asset or liability by us until the instrument is exercised.

 

Commitments

 

The following table summarizes our outstanding commitments to originate loans and to advance additional amounts pursuant to outstanding letters of credit, lines of credit and undisbursed construction loans at September 30, 2016.

 

   Total   Amount of Commitment Expiration - Per Period 
   Amounts   Less than   1-3   3-5   After 5 
   Committed   1 Year   Years   Years   Years 
   (In Thousands) 
Letters of credit  $1,905   $294   $-   $1,611   $- 
Lines of credit (1)   3,271    900    -    -    2,371 
Undisbursed portions of loans in process   5,371    3,729    -    1,642    - 
Commitments to originate loans   9,877    9,877    -    -    - 
Total commitments  $20,424   $14,800   $-   $3,253   $2,371 

 

 

(1)The majority of available lines of credit consist of home equity lines of credit.

 

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Contractual Cash Obligations

 

The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations at September 30, 2016.

 

       Payments Due By Period 
       Less than   1-3   3-5   After 5 
   Total   1 Year   Years   Years   Years 
   (In Thousands) 
Certificates of deposit  $223,716   $135,769   $60,158   $27,789   $- 
Advances from FHLB   30,638    -    25,011    5,627    - 
Total long-term debt   254,354    135,769    85,169    33,416    - 
Short-term borrowings, FHLB   20,000    20,000    -    -    - 
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance   1,748    1,748    -    -    - 
Operating lease obligations   3,340    349    775    797    1,419 
Total contractual obligations  $279,442   $157,866   $85,944   $34,213   $1,419 

 

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Average Balances, Net Interest Income, and Yields Earned and Rates Paid. The following table shows for the periods indicated the total dollar amount of interest from average interest-earning assets and the resulting yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates, and the net interest margin. Tax-exempt income and yields have not been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis. All average balances are based on monthly balances. Management does not believe that the monthly averages differ significantly from what the daily averages would be.

 

   Year Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
           Average           Average           Average 
   Average       Yield/   Average       Yield/   Average       Yield/ 
   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate   Balance   Interest   Rate 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Interest-earning assets:                                             
Investment securities  $57,433   $1,550    2.69%  $81,110   $2,066    2.55%  $87,466   $2,199    2.51%
Mortgage-backed securities   114,709    2,973    2.58%   62,321    1,799    2.89%   46,240    1,411    3.05%
Loans receivable (1)   327,877    12,909    3.93%   323,398    12,760    3.95%   319,126    12,737    3.99%
Other interest-earning assets   13,103    51    0.39%   26,471    55    0.21%   48,542    118    0.24%
Total interest-earning assets   513,122    17,483    3.40%   493,300    16,680    3.38%   501,374    16,465    3.28%
Non-interest-earning assets   21,622              21,078              18,162           
Total assets  $534,744             $514,378             $519,536           
Interest-bearing liabilities:                                             
Savings accounts  $73,030   $83    0.11%  $75,203   $208    0.28%  $78,364   $262    0.33%
Checking and money market accounts   90,782    165    0.18%   98,324    323    0.33%   100,303    348    0.35%
Certificate accounts   211,517    2,613    1.23%   207,391    2,899    1.40%   203,083    2,791    1.37%
Total deposits   375,329    2,861    0.76%   380,918    3,430    0.90%   381,750    3,401    0.89%
FHLB advances   35,585    465    1.30%   162    -    0.00%   340    -    0.00%
Total interest-bearing liabilities   410,914    3,326    0.81%   381,080    3,430    0.90%   382,090    3,401    0.89%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities   6,618              5,662              6,605           
Total liabilities   417,532              386,742              388,695           
Stockholders' Equity   115,243              125,478              128,773           
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $532,775             $512,220             $517,468           
Net interest-earning assets  $102,208             $112,220             $119,284           
                                              
Net interest income, interest rate spread       $14,157    2.60%       $13,250    2.48%       $13,064    2.39%
Net interest margin (2)             2.75%             2.69%             2.61%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities             124.87%             129.45%             131.22%

 

_______________________

(1)Includes nonaccrual loans during the respective periods. Calculated net of deferred fees and discounts, loans in process and allowance for loan losses.
(2)Equals net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

 

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Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table shows the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities affected our interest income and expense during the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in rate, which is the change in rate multiplied by prior year volume, and (2) changes in volume, which is the change in volume multiplied by prior year rate. The combined effect of changes in both rate and volume has been allocated proportionately to the change due to rate and the change due to volume.

 

   2016 vs. 2015   2015 vs. 2014 
   Increase (Decrease) Due to       Increase (Decrease) Due to     
           Rate/   Total
Increase
           Rate/   Total
Increase
 
   Rate   Volume   Volume   (Decrease)   Rate   Volume   Volume   (Decrease) 
   (In Thousands) 
Interest income:                                        
Investment securities  $117   $(603)  $(30)  $(516)  $29   $(160)  $(2)  $(133)
Mortgage-backed securities   (188)   1,512    (150)   1,174    (76)   491    (27)   388 
Loans receivable, net   (62)   177    34    149    (146)   171    (2)   23 
Other interest-earning assets   48    (28)   (24)   (4)   (17)   (54)   8    (63)
Total interest income   (85)   1,058    (170)   803    (210)   448    (23)   215 
Interest expense:                                        
Savings accounts   (119)   (6)   4    (121)   (45)   (10)   2    (53)
Checking  and money market accounts (interest-bearing and non-interest bearing)   (147)   (25)   12    (160)   (18)   (8)   -    (26)
Certificate accounts   (344)   58    -    (286)   48    59    1    108 
Total deposits   (610)   27    16    (567)   (15)   41    3    29 
FHLB advances   2    -    461    463    -    -    -    - 
Total interest expense   (608)   27    477    (104)   (15)   41    3    29 
Increase (decrease) in net interest income  $523   $1,031   $(647)  $907   $(195)  $407   $(26)  $186 

 

Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015

 

At September 30, 2016, the Company had total assets of $559.5 million, as compared to $487.2 million at September 30, 2015, an increase of 14.8%. At September 30, 2016, net loans receivable increased to $344.9 million from $312.6 million at September 30, 2015. The increase in net loans receivable was primarily due to a $60.3 million increase in commercial and multi-family real estate, the purchase of short-term small equipment leases aggregating $3.3 million, partially offset by a $25.6 million reduction in the balance of one-to-four family loans combined with a $5.4 million reduction related to construction and land development loans. During fiscal 2016, the Company increased its available-for-sale investment securities portfolio by $61.2 million, while experiencing a $26.4 million reduction in investment securities held-to-maturity, primarily due to securities being called, the proceeds of which were primarily reinvested in available-for-sale securities.

 

Total liabilities increased by $75.3 million to $445.5 million at September 30, 2016, from $370.2 million at September 30, 2015. Total deposits increased $24.1 million, consisting primarily of short-term certificates of deposit. At September 30, 2016, the Company had FHLB advances outstanding of $50.6 million with variable maturities of which $35.0 million was used to fund the Company’s investment leverage strategy and the remaining $15.6 million was used for loan growth and purchase of investment securities.

 

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Total stockholders’ equity decreased by $3.0 million to $114.0 million at September 30, 2016 from $117.0 million at September 30, 2015. The decrease was primarily due to the $7.0 million expended in the acquisition of treasury stock in connection with the Company’s previously announced stock repurchase program. During fiscal year 2016, the Company repurchased 445,881 shares under its current program with 214,574 shares remaining; however, only very limited repurchases have been effected since early March 2016 due to the pending merger with Polonia. Also contributing to the decrease was payment of cash dividends aggregating $895,000. These decreases were partially offset by $2.7 million in net income earned during fiscal 2016 combined with a $780,000 after-tax increase in the unrealized gain on the available-for-sale securities portfolio and the fair value of interest rate swaps.

 

General.

 

2016 vs. 2015. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized net income of $2.7 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $2.2 million, or $0.27 per diluted share for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. Increased profitability for the year ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to an increase in net interest income, gains recognized on the sale of mortgage-backed securities and a reduction in the provision for loan losses recorded during the fiscal 2016. In addition, the Company reduced its non-interest expenses by approximately $1.9 million (including the effect of expenses related to the merger with Polonia) resulting from a comprehensive expense reduction program which began at the beginning of the fiscal 2016. Profitability for the year ended September 30, 2015 primarily reflected the $2.1 million aggregate gain realized on the sale of three branch offices as well as a $138,000 gain on the sale of a SBA loan, partially offset by a provision for loan losses of $735,000 and increased non-interest expense primarily related to salaries and benefits expense.

 

2015 vs 2014. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, the Company recognized net income of $2.2 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $1.8 million, or $0.19 per diluted share for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. Profitability for the year ended September 30, 2015 primarily reflected the $2.1 million aggregate gain from the sale of three branch offices as well as a $138,000 gain on the sale of a SBA loan, partially offset by a provision for loan losses of $735,000 and increased non-interest expense primarily related to salaries and benefits expense.

 

Net Interest Income.

 

2016 vs. 2015. For the year ended September 30, 2016, net interest income increased to $14.2 million as compared to $13.3 million for fiscal year 2015. The increase reflected an $803,000 or 4.8% increase in interest income combined with a decrease of $104,000 or 3.0% in interest paid on deposits and borrowings. The increase in interest income reflected the $19.8 million, or 4.8%, increase in average interest earning assets, primarily consisting of increases of $4.5 million and $28.7 million, respectively, in loans and investment securities available for sale. During the year ended September 30, 2016, the Company expanded its investment strategy to include purchases of investment grade corporate bonds with a carrying value of approximately $26.1 million as of September 30, 2016. The Company’s borrowings from the FHLB also increased during the year ended September 30, 2016 as a result of the leverage strategy implemented during the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company had an average balance of borrowings of $35.6 million with a weighted average yield of 1.30% during the year ended September 30, 2016, an increase of $35.4 million from the level of average borrowings during the same period in 2015. The total weighted average cost of funds decreased 10 basis points to 0.80% for the year ended September 30, 2016, from 0.90% for fiscal year 2015.

 

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2015 vs. 2014. For the year ended September 30, 2015, net interest income increased $183,000 or 1.4% to $13.2 million as compared to $13.1 million for fiscal 2014. Interest income increased $215,000 or 1.3%, partially offset by a $29,000 or 0.9% increase in interest expense. The increase in interest income resulted from a 10 basis point increase to 3.38% in the weighted average yield earned on interest-earning assets partially offset by an $8.1 million or 1.6% decrease to $493.3 million in the average balance of interest-earning assets for the year ended September 30, 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014. The increase in the weighted average yield earned reflected in part the reduction of cash and cash equivalents resulting from use of such funds for the purchase of treasury stock and to fund the outflow of higher costing deposits as well as and the redeployment of principal repayments received on loans and investment securities into mortgage-backed securities.

 

Provision for Loan Losses.

 

2016 vs. 2015. The Company established provisions for loan losses of $225,000 during the year ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to the increase in the level of commercial real estate loans. For the year ended September 30, 2015, the Company established provisions for loans losses of $735,000 during the year ended September 30, 2015 primarily due to the increase in the level of commercial real estate and construction loans outstanding, charge-offs incurred during fiscal 2015 and the previously disclosed classification of a $10.3 million loan workout relationship as non-performing. The Company believes that the allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2016 was sufficient to cover all inherent and known losses associated with the loan portfolio at such date.

 

The allowance for loan losses totaled $3.3 million, or 0.9% of total loans and 20.6% of total non-performing loans at September 30, 2016 as compared to $2.9 million, or 0.9% of total loans and 21.0% of total non-performing loans at September 30, 2015.

 

2015 vs. 2014. The Company established provisions for loan losses of $735,000 during the year ended September 30, 2015 primarily due to the increase in the level of commercial real estate and construction loans outstanding, charge-offs incurred during fiscal 2015 and the previously disclosed classification of a $10.3 million loan workout relationship as non-performing. For the year ended September 30, 2014, the Company established provisions for loans losses of $240,000. During the year ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded charge-offs totaling $384,000 and recoveries of $155,000.

 

The allowance for loan losses totaled $2.9 million, or 0.9% of total loans and 21.0% of total non-performing loans at September 30, 2015 as compared to $2.4 million, or 0.8% of total loans and 41.2% of total non-performing loans at September 30, 2014.

 

Non-interest Income.

 

2016 vs. 2015. With respect to the year ended September 30, 2016, non-interest income amounted to $1.3 million compared with $3.0 million for fiscal 2015. The primary reason for the difference in non-interest income between fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 was in fiscal 2015 the Company recorded an aggregate gain of $2.1 million from the sale of three former branch locations. During fiscal 2016, the Company recorded a $418,000 gain from the sale of mortgage-back securities classified available for sale (“AFS”) while there were no securities gains recognized during fiscal 2016.

 

2015 vs. 2014. With respect to the year ended September 30, 2015, non-interest income amounted to $3.0 million compared with $1.1 million for fiscal 2014. The primary reason for the difference in non-interest income between fiscal 2015 as compared to fiscal 2014 was in fiscal 2015 the Company recorded an aggregate gain of $2.1 million from the sale of three former branch locations. During fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a $416,000 gain from the sale of mortgage-back securities classified AFS while there were no securities gains recognized during fiscal 2015.

 

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Non-interest Expense.

 

2016 vs. 2015. For the year ended September 30, 2016, non-interest expense decreased $1.9 million to $11.3 million compared to fiscal 2015. The decrease for the year ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to a cost reduction strategy that began in the beginning of this fiscal year. Major component included in this strategy was a reduction in compensation and benefits of approximately $1.5 million, reduction in professional services of approximately $303,000, partially offset by small increases in general administrative expenses. Also the Company recorded $300,000 of merger-related costs during fiscal 2016.

 

2015 vs. 2014. For the year ended September 30, 2015, non-interest expense increased $1.7 million to $13.2 million compared to fiscal 2014. The increase for the year ended September 30, 2015 was primarily due to increases in salary and employee benefit expense in large part due to the implementation of the shareholder-approved new equity incentive plan combined with the one-time charges amounting to approximately $210,000 associated with a staff reduction effected in connection with the implementation of a comprehensive plan to reduce expenses. Part of the plan included implementation of a reorganization plan which will reduce the workforce by more than 10%.

 

Income Tax Expense.

 

2016 vs. 2015. For the year ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded income tax expense of $1.3 million as compared to $116,000 for fiscal 2015. The Company’s tax obligation for the year ended September 30, 2015 was greatly reduced due its ability to utilize its prior period capital loss carryforwards to offset the entire amount of the gains it recorded relating to the sale of its Center City, Snyder and Drexel Hill branch offices.

 

2015 vs. 2014. For the year ended September 30, 2015, the Company recorded income tax expense of $116,000 as compared to $690,000 for fiscal 2014. The Company’s tax obligation for the year ended September 30, 2015 was greatly reduced due its ability to utilize its prior period capital loss carryforwards to offset the entire amount of the gains it recorded relating to the sale of its of previous mentioned branch offices.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity is the ability to maintain cash flows that are adequate to fund operations and meet other obligations on a timely and cost effective basis in various market conditions. The ability of the Company to meet its current financial obligations is a function of balance sheet structure, the ability to liquidate assets and the availability of alternative sources of funds. To meet the needs of the clients and manage the risk of the Company, the Company engages in liquidity planning and management.

 

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Our primary sources of funds are from deposits, scheduled principal and interest payments on loans, loan prepayments and the maturity of loans, mortgage-backed securities and other investments, and other funds provided from operations. While scheduled payments from the amortization of loans and mortgage-backed securities and maturing investment securities are relatively predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments can be greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. We also maintain excess funds in short-term, interest-bearing assets that provide additional liquidity. At September 30, 2016, our cash and cash equivalents amounted to $12.4 million. In addition, our available for sale investment and mortgage-backed securities amounted to an aggregate of $138.7 million at September 30, 2016.

 

We use our liquidity to fund existing and future loan commitments, to fund maturing certificates of deposit and demand deposit withdrawals, to invest in other interest-earning assets, and to meet operating expenses. At September 30, 2016, we had certificates of deposit maturing within the next 12 months amounting to $135.8 million. We anticipate that a significant portion of the maturing certificates of deposit will be redeposited with us unless we determine to lower rates to below competition in order to facilitate the reduction of higher cost deposits during periods when there is excess cash on hand or in order to satisfy our asset/liability goals. There were no deposits as of September 30, 2016 requiring the pledging of collateral.

 

In addition to cash flows from loan and securities payments and prepayments as well as from sales of available for sale securities, we have significant borrowing capacity available to fund liquidity requirements should the need arise. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had $180.2 million of available borrowing capacity along with a line of credit has also been established with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. In addition, the Bank has the ability to generate brokered certificates of deposit.

 

We anticipate that we will continue to have sufficient funds and alternative funding sources to meet our current commitments.

 

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

 

The consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes, and related financial data of Prudential Bancorp presented in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, in Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the changes in purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of operations. Most of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature; therefore, the impact of interest rates has a greater impact on our performance than 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.

 

Exposure to Changes in Interest Rates

 

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 the 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. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest rate sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities. A gap is considered negative when the amount of interest rate sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of interest rate sensitive assets. During a period of rising interest rates, a negative gap would tend to affect adversely net interest income while a positive gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income. Conversely, during a period of falling interest rates, a negative gap would tend to result in an increase in net interest income while a positive gap would tend to affect adversely net interest income.

 

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The table on the next page sets forth the amounts of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at September 30, 2016, which we expect, based upon certain assumptions, to reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown (the “GAP Table”). Except as stated below, the amounts of assets and liabilities shown which reprice or mature during a particular period were determined in accordance with the earlier of term to repricing or the contractual maturity of the asset or liability. The table sets forth an approximation of the projected repricing of assets and liabilities at September 30, 2016, on the basis of contractual maturities, anticipated prepayments, and scheduled rate adjustments within a three-month period and subsequent selected time intervals. The loan amounts in the table reflect principal balances expected to be redeployed and/or repriced as a result of contractual amortization and anticipated prepayments of adjustable-rate loans and fixed-rate loans, and as a result of contractual rate adjustments on adjustable-rate loans. Annual prepayment rates for adjustable-rate and fixed-rate single-family and multi-family residential and commercial mortgage loans are assumed to range from 6.5% to 28.9%. The annual prepayment rate for mortgage-backed securities is assumed to range from 0.8% to 22.1%. Money market deposit accounts, savings accounts and interest-bearing checking accounts are assumed to have annual rates of withdrawal, or “decay rates,” based on information from an internal analysis of our accounts up to a maximum of ten years.

 

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       More than   More than   More than         
   3 Months   3 Months   1 Year   3 Years   More than   Total 
   or Less   to 1 Year   to 3 Years   to 5 Years   5 Years   Amount 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Interest-earning assets(1):                              
Investment and mortgage-backed securities  $4,253   $13,397   $38,893   $24,222   $97,900   $178,665 
Loans receivable(2)   42,294    45,356    105,777    61,211    90,310    344,948 
Other interest-earning assets (3)   12,460    498    -    1,335    -    14,293 
Total interest-earning assets  $59,007   $59,251   $144,670   $86,768   $188,210   $537,906 
                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:                              
Savings accounts  $1,858   $5,807   $9,359   $9,022   $45,099   $71,145 
Checking and money market accounts   3,226    9,679    16,004    12,948    47,903    89,760 
Certificate accounts   49,807    89,813    60,158    23,938    -    223,716 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   778    2,351    26,028    21,481         50,638 
Real estate tax escrow accounts   1,748    -    -    -    -    1,748 
Total interest-bearing liabilities  $57,417   $107,650   $111,549   $67,389   $93,002   $437,007 
                               
Interest-earning assets less interest-bearing liabilities  $1,590   ($48,399)  $33,121   $19,379   $95,208   $100,899 
                               
Cumulative interest-rate sensitivity gap(4)  $1,590   ($46,809)  ($13,688)  $5,691   $100,899      
                               
Cumulative interest-rate gap as a percentage of total assets at September 30, 2016   0.28%   -8.37%   -2.45%   1.02%   18.03%     
                               
Cumulative interest-earning assets as a percentage of cumulative interest-bearing liabilities at September 30, 2016   102.77%   71.64%   95.05%   101.65%   123.09%     

 

 

 

(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, scheduled rate adjustments and contractual maturities.

 

(2)For purposes of the gap analysis, loans receivable includes non-performing loans, gross of the allowance for loan losses, undisbursed loan funds, unamortized discounts and deferred loan fees.

 

(3)Includes FHLB stock.

 

(4)Interest-rate sensitivity gap represents the difference between total interest-earning assets and total interest-bearing liabilities.

 

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing 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, certain 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, in the event of a change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels would likely deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table. Finally, the ability of many borrowers to service their adjustable-rate loans may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase.

 

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Net Portfolio Value Analysis. Our interest rate sensitivity also is monitored by management through the use of a model which generates estimates of the changes in our net portfolio value (“NPV”) over a range of interest rate scenarios. NPV is the present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts. The NPV ratio, under any interest rate scenario, is defined as the NPV in that scenario divided by the market value of assets in the same scenario. The following table sets forth our NPV as of September 30, 2016 and reflects the changes to NPV as a result of immediate and sustained changes in interest rates as indicated.

 

Change in        
Interest Rates      NPV as % of Portfolio 
In Basis Points  Net Portfolio Value   Value of Assets 
(Rate Shock)  Amount   $ Change   % Change   NPV Ratio   Change 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                     
300  $89,125   $(40,563)   -31.28%   18.22%   -4.97%
200  $102,112   $(27,576)   -21.26%   19.98%   -3.21%
100  $116,389   $(13,299)   -10.25%   21.73%   -1.46%
Static  $129,688   $-    ---    23.19%   --- 
(100)  $130,782   $1,094    0.84%   22.87%   -0.32%
(200)  $132,597   $2,909    2.24%   22.76%   -0.43%
(300)  $141,948   $12,260    9.45%   23.95%   0.76%

 

At September 30, 2015, the Company’s NPV was $131.1 million or 27.1% of the market value of assets. Following a 200 basis point increase in interest rates, the Company’s “post shock” NPV would have been $107.4 million or 24.3% of the market value of assets, a decline of approximately 18.1%. The change in the NPV ratio or Company’s sensitivity measure was a decrease of 276 basis points.

 

As is the case with the GAP Table, certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodology used in the above interest rate risk measurements. Modeling changes in NPV require the making of certain assumptions which may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the models presented assume that the composition of our interest sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and also assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration to maturity or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the NPV model provides an indication of interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such model is not intended to and does not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on net interest income and will differ from actual results.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

 

See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Exposure to Changes in Interest Rates.”

 

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Prudential Bancorp, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2016. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of Prudential Bancorp, Inc.’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 financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the 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 Prudential Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Prudential Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013 and our report dated December 14, 2016, we expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

/s/ SR Snodgrass, PC.

Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

December 14, 2016

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Prudential Bancorp, Inc.

 

We have audited Prudential Bancorp Inc. and subsidiary’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in 2013. Prudential Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary’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 included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Prudential Bancorp, Inc.'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, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included 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 (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (b) 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 (c) 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.

 

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, Prudential Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by COSO in 2013.

 

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We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary as of September 30, 2016 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and our report dated December 14, 2016, expressed an unqualified opinion.

 

/s/ SR Snodgrass, PC

Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

December 14, 2016

 

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PRUDENTIAL BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

   September 30, 
   2016   2015 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
ASSETS          
           
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions  $1,965   $2,150 
Interest-bearing deposits   10,475    9,122 
           
Total cash and cash equivalents   12,440    11,272 
           
Certificate of deposits   1,853    - 
Investment and mortgage-backed securities available for sale (amortized cost— September 30, 2016, $137,222; September 30, 2015, $77,456)   138,694    77,483 
Investment and mortgage-backed securities held to maturity (fair value— September 30, 2016, $40,700; September 30, 2015, $66,877)   39,971    66,384 
Loans receivable—net of allowance for loan losses (September 30, 2016, $3,269; September 30, 2015, $2,930)   344,948    312,633 
Accrued interest receivable   1,928    1,665 
Real estate owned   581    869 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock—at cost   2,463    369 
Office properties and equipment—net   1,344    1,492 
Bank owned life insurance (BOLI)   13,055    12,722 
Deferred income taxes, net   569    975 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   1,634    1,325 
TOTAL ASSETS  $559,480   $487,189 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY          
           
LIABILITIES:          
Deposits:          
Non-interest-bearing  $3,804   $2,293 
Interest-bearing   385,397    362,781 
Total deposits   389,201    365,074 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank -Short Term   20,000    - 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank   30,638    - 
Accrued interest payable   1,403    1,291 
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance   1,748    1,670 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   2,488    2,153 
           
Total liabilities   445,478    370,188 
           
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:          
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued   -    - 
Common stock, $.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized; 9,544,809 issued and 8,045,544 outstanding at September 30, 2016; 9,544,809 issued and 8,449,625 outstanding  at September 30, 2015   95    95 
Additional paid-in capital   95,713    95,286 
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") shares   (4,550)   (4,926)
Treasury stock, at cost: 1,499,265 shares  at September 30, 2016 and 1,095,184 shares at September 30, 2015   (21,098)   (14,691)
Retained earnings   43,044    41,219 
Accumulated other comprehensive income   798    18 
           
Total stockholders' equity   114,002    117,001 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  $559,480   $487,189 

________________________________________

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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PRUDENTIAL BANCORP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

   Years Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts) 
INTEREST INCOME:               
Interest and fees on loans  $12,909   $12,760   $12,737 
Interest on mortgage-backed securities   2,494    1,799    1,411 
Interest and dividends on investments   1,979    2,003    2,199 
Interest on interest-bearing deposits   101    118    118 
                
Total interest income   17,483    16,680    16,465 
                
INTEREST EXPENSE:               
Interest on deposits   2,861    3,430    3,401 
Interest on short-term borrowings   95    -    - 
Interest on long-term borrowings   370    -    - 
                
Total interest expense   3,326    3,430    3,401 
                
NET INTEREST INCOME   14,157    13,250    13,064 
                
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES   225    735    240 
                
NET INTEREST  INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES   13,932    12,515    12,824 
                
NON-INTEREST INCOME:               
Fees and other service charges   464    368    385 
Gain on sale of mortgage-backed securities available for sale   418    -    416 
Other-than-temporary impairment losses   -    -    (16)
Gain on sale of loans   11    138    - 
Gain on sale of office properties   -    2,064    - 
Earnings from BOLI   333    344    258 
Other   111    94    68 
                
Total non-interest income   1,337    3,008    1,111 
                
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:               
Salaries and employee benefits   6,518    7,996    6,741 
Data processing   456    413    432 
Professional services   1,075    1,378    1,190 
Office occupancy   670    701    477 
Depreciation   325    304    320 
Director compensation   424    354    330 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation premiums   396    314    258 
Real estate owned expense   19    22    146 
Advertising   103    165    186 
Merger related expenses   300    -    - 
Other   1,004    1,528    1,385 
                
Total non-interest expenses   11,290    13,175    11,465 
                
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   3,979    2,348    2,470 
                
INCOME TAXES:               
Current   1,275    461    690 
Deferred benefit   (16)   (345)   - 
                
Total   1,259    116    690 
                
NET INCOME  $2,720   $2,232   $1,780 
                
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE  $0.37   $0.27   $0.20 
                
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE  $0.36   $0.26   $0.19 
                
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE  $0.12   $0.27   $0.06 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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PRUDENTIAL BANCORP, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

   Years Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
             
   (Dollars in thousands) 
Net income  $2,720   $2,232   $1,780 
                
Unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities   1,801    1,471    918 
Tax effect   (612)   (500)   (312)
Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income   (418)   -    (416)
Tax effect   142    -    138 
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on interest rate swaps   (202)   -    - 
Tax effect   69    -    - 
Reclassification adjustment for other than temporary impairment losses on debt securities   -    -    16 
Tax effect   -    -    (5)
Total Other Comprehensive Income   780    971    339 
                
Comprehensive Income  $3,500   $3,203   $2,119 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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PRUDENTIAL BANCORP, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

                       Accumulated     
       Additional   Unearned           Other   Total 
   Common   Paid-In   ESOP   Treasury   Retained   Comprehensive   Stockholders' 
   Stock   Capital   Shares   Stock   Earnings   Income (Loss)   Equity 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
BALANCE, OCTOBER 1, 2013  $118   $55,276   $(2,565)  $(31,625)  $40,000   $(1,292)  $59,912 
                                    
Net income                       1,780         1,780 
Other comprehensive income                            339    339 
Dividends paid ($0.06 per share)                       (571)        (571)
Second-step conversion offering   (23)   38,725         31,625              70,327 
Tax benefit from stock compensation plans        79                        79 
Stock option expense        138                        138 
Recognition and Retention Plan expense        121                        121 
Purchase of ESOP Shares (285,664)             (3,089)                  (3,089)
ESOP shares committed to be released (32,064 shares)        37    352                   389 
                                    
BALANCE, September 30, 2014   95    94,376    (5,302)   -    41,209    (953)   129,425 
                                    
Net income                       2,232         2,232 
Other comprehensive income                            971    971 
Dividends paid ($0.27 per share)                       (2,222)        (2,222)
Tax benefit from stock compensation plans        201                        201 
Purchase of treasury stock (1,095,184 shares)                  (14,691)             (14,691)
Stock option expense        343                        343 
Recognition and Retention Plan expense        275                        275 
ESOP shares committed to be released (32,064 shares)        91    376                   467 
BALANCE, September 30, 2015   95    95,286    (4,926)   (14,691)   41,219    18    117,001 
                                    
Net income                       2,720         2,720 
Other comprehensive income                            780    780 
Dividends paid ($0.12 per share)                       (895)        (895)
Tax benefit from stock                                   
compensation plans        217                        217 
Purchase of treasury stock (445,881 shares)                  (7,047)             (7,047)
Stock option expense        395                        395 
Recognition and Retention Plan expense        305                        305 
Acquired shares for Recognition and Retension (41,800 shares)        (640)        640              - 
ESOP shares committed to be released (35,516 shares)        150    376                   526 
                                    
BALANCE, September 30, 2016  $95   $95,713   $(4,550)  $(21,098)  $43,044   $798   $114,002 

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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PRUDENTIAL BANCORP, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES OF CASH FLOW

 

   Years Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:               
Net income  $2,720   $2,232   $1,780 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:               
Provision for loan losses   225    735    240 
Depreciation   325    304    320 
Net accretion of premiums/discounts   (151)   (244)   (282)
Earnings on BOLI   (333)   (344)   (258)
Accretion of deferred loan fees   177    214    211 
Compensation expense of ESOP   526    467    389 
Gain on sale of investment and mortgage-backed securities   (418)   -    (416)
Gain on sale of office properties   -    (2,064)   - 
Gain on sale of real estate owned   (56)   -    - 
Gain on sale of loans   (11)   (138)   - 
Proceeds from the sale of loans held for sale   461    2,538    - 
Originations of loans held for sale   (450)   (2,400)   - 
Impairment charge on investment and mortgage-backed securities   -    -    16 
Share-based compensation expense   700    571    259 
Deferred income tax expense   (16)   (345)   - 
Changes in assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash:               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   335    186    216 
Accrued interest payable   112    (195)   (180)
Prepaid expenses and other assets   (597)   911    1,338 
Accrued interest receivable   (263)   83    43 
Net cash provided by operating activities   3,286    2,511    3,676 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:               
Purchase of investment and mortgage-backed securities held to maturity   (30,500)   -    (10,977)
Purchase of investment and mortgage-backed securities available for sale   (49,639)   (24,865)   (22,669)
Purchase of corporate debt bonds   (25,495)   -    - 
Principal collected on loans   53,965    67,105    53,554 
Principal payments received on investment and mortgage-backed securities:               
Held-to-maturity   56,988    14,506    13,922 
Available for sale   4,348    6,865    4,543 
Loans originated or acquired   (87,264)   (60,492)   (68,634)
Purchase certificate of deposits   (2,351)   -    - 
Redemption of certificates of deposits   498    -    - 
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock   (2,094)   -    (40)
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock   -    852    - 
Proceeds from sale of mortgage-backed securities   11,560    -    3,237 
Proceeds from sale of real estate owned   925    360    129 
Proceeds from the sale of office property   -    2,259    - 
Purchase of bank owned life insurance   -    -    (5,000)
Purchases of equipment   (177)   (659)   (126)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities   (69,236)   5,931    (32,061)

 

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PRUDENTIAL BANCORP, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES OF CASH FLOW continued.

 

   Year Ended September 30, 2016 
   2016   2015   2014 
   (Dollars in thousands) 
             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:               
Net (decrease) increase in demand deposits, NOW accounts, and savings accounts   (3,548)   (9,353)   (4,389)
Net increase (decrease) in certificates of deposit   27,675    (16,598)   (1,659)
Funds (redemption) held in escrow related to second-step offering   -    -    (145,675)
Net Increase from FHLB short-term borrowings   20,000    -    - 
Proceeds from FHLB long-term borrowings   33,245    -    - 
Repayment of borrowing from Federal Home Loan Bank   (2,607)   (340)   - 
Issuance of common stock from second-step conversion   -    -    38,702 
Cancellation of treasury stock   -    -    31,625 
Purchase treasury stock   (7,047)   (14,691)   - 
Cash dividends paid   (895)   (2,201)   (571)
Increase (decrease) increase in advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance   78    430    (240)
Purchase of stock for ESOP   -    -    (3,089)
Tax benefit related to stock compensation   217    201    79 
Net cash provided by (used in) in financing activities   67,118    (42,552)   (85,217)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   1,168    (34,110)   (113,602)
                
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of year   11,272    45,382    158,984 
                
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of year  $12,440   $11,272   $45,382 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:               
Interest paid on deposits and advances from Federal               
Home Loan Bank  $3,214   $3,625   $3,581 
                
Income taxes paid  $600   $475   $- 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH ITEMS:               
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans  $581   $869   $83 

 

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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PRUDENTIAL BANCORP, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015

 

1.NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Prudential Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Pennsylvania corporation that was incorporated in June 2013 to be the successor corporation of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania (“Old Prudential Bancorp”), the former stock holding company for Prudential Savings Bank (the “Bank”), a Pennsylvania-chartered, FDIC-insured savings bank with seven full service branches in the Philadelphia area. As of September 30, 2013, the Company was in organization and had not commenced operations; accordingly, the financial statements included as of and for the year ended September 30, 2013 are of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania. The Bank‘s primary federal banking regulator is the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Bank is principally in the business of attracting deposits from its community through its branch offices and investing those deposits, together with funds from borrowings and operations, primarily in single-family residential loans. The Bank’s sole subsidiary as of September 30, 2015 was PSB Delaware, Inc. (“PSB”), a Delaware-chartered corporation established to hold certain investments. As of September 30, 2016, PSB had assets of $119.4 million primarily consisting of investment and mortgage-backed securities.

 

The Company’s primary market area is Philadelphia, in particular South Philadelphia and Center City, as well as Delaware County. The Company also conducts business in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery Counties which, along with Delaware County, comprise the suburbs of Philadelphia. We also make loans in contiguous counties in southern New Jersey.

 

The second step conversion of the MHC was completed on October 9, 2013. In connection with the conversion, the Company issued an aggregate of 9,544,809 shares of common stock through a public offering and the exchange of Old Prudential Bancorp’s common stock owned by the public other than the MHC which was exchanged for 0.9442 shares of the Company’s common stock for each share of Old Prudential Bancorp. Share amounts and per share data in the consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the exchange.

 

2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Consolidation –The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Bank.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial StatementsThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates and assumptions in the consolidated financial statements are recorded in the allowance for loan losses, the fair value of financial instruments, other than temporary impairment of securities and valuation of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash EquivalentsFor purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from depository institutions and interest-bearing deposits with original maturities of less than 90 days.

 

Investment Securities and Mortgage-Backed SecuritiesManagement classifies and accounts for debt and equity securities as follows:

 

Held to Maturity—Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as held to maturity and are carried at their remaining unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized premiums or unaccreted discounts. Premiums are amortized and discounts are accreted using the interest method over the estimated remaining term of the underlying security.

 

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Available for Sale—Debt and equity securities that will be held for indefinite periods of time, including securities that may be sold in response to changes in market interest or prepayment rates, needs for liquidity, and changes in the availability and the yield of alternative investments, are classified as available for sale. These assets are carried at fair value. Fair value is determined using public market prices, dealer quotes, and prices obtained from independent pricing services that may be derivable from observable and unobservable market inputs. Unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and are reported net of tax as a separate component of stockholders’ equity until realized. Realized gains or losses on the sale of investment and mortgage-backed securities are reported in earnings as of the trade date and determined using the adjusted cost of the specific security sold.

 

Other-than-temporary impairment —Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. For all securities that are in an unrealized loss position for an extended period of time and for all securities whose fair value is significantly below amortized cost, Management performs an evaluation of the specific events attributable to the market decline of the security. Management considers the length of time and extent to which the security’s market value has been below cost as well as the general market conditions, industry characteristics, and the fundamental operating results of the issuer to determine if the decline is other-than-temporary. Management also considers as part of the evaluation its intention whether or not to sell the security until its market value has recovered to a level at least equal to the amortized cost. When management determines that a security’s unrealized loss is other-than-temporary, a realized loss is recognized in the period in which the decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary. The write-down is measured based on the fair value of the security at the time the Company determines the decline in value is other-than-temporary.

 

Loans ReceivableLending consists of various loan types including single-family residential mortgage loans, construction and land development loans, non-residential or commercial real estate mortgage loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, commercial business loans, and consumer loans and the loans are stated at their unpaid principal balances net of unamortized net fees/costs.  Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balance adjusted for unearned income, the allowance for loan losses and any unamortized deferred fees or costs.

 

Loan Origination and Commitment FeesManagement defers loan origination and commitment fees, net of certain direct loan origination costs. The balance is accreted into income as a yield adjustment over the life of the loan using the level-yield method.

 

Interest on LoansManagement recognizes interest on loans on the accrual basis. Income recognition is discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days or more delinquent. Any interest previously accrued is deducted from interest income. Such interest ultimately collected is credited to income when loans are no longer 90 days or more delinquent.

 

Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses represents the amount which management estimates is adequate to provide for probable losses inherent in its loan portfolio as of the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition date. The allowance method is used in providing for loan losses. Accordingly, all loan losses are charged to the allowance, and all recoveries are credited to it. The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to operations. The provision for loan losses is based on management’s periodic evaluation of individual loans, economic factors, past loan loss experience, changes in the composition and volume of the portfolio, and other relevant factors, both qualitative and quantitative. The estimates used in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, including the amounts and timing of future cash flows expected on impaired loans, are particularly susceptible to changes in the near term.

 

Impaired loans are loans for which it is not probable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements. Management individually evaluates such loans for impairment and does not aggregate loans by major risk classifications. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status and collateral value. The amount of impairment for impaired loans is determined by the difference between the present value of the expected cash flows related to the loans, using the original interest rate, and their recorded value, or as a practical expedient in the case of collateralized loans, the difference between the fair value of the collateral and the recorded amount of the loans. When foreclosure is probable, impairment is measured based on the fair value of the collateral.

 

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Mortgage loans and consumer loans are comprised of large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans which are evaluated for impairment collectively. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays, which are defined as less than 90 days, generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower including the length of the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.

 

Real Estate OwnedReal estate acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure is recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition, less estimated selling costs, establishing a new basis. Costs related to the development and improvement of real estate owned properties are capitalized and those relating to holding the properties are charged to expense. After foreclosure, a valuation is periodically performed by management and a write-down is recorded, if necessary, by a charge to operations if the carrying value of a property exceeds its estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB”) Stock – FHLB stock is classified as a restricted equity security because ownership is restricted and there is no established market for its resale.  FHLB stock is carried at cost and is evaluated for impairment when certain conditions warrant further consideration.

 

The Company is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and as such, is required to maintain a minimum investment in stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank that varies with the level of advances outstanding with the Federal Home Loan Bank.  The stock is bought from and sold to the Federal Home Loan Bank based upon its $100 par value.  The stock does not have a readily determinable fair value and as such is classified as restricted stock, carried at cost and evaluated for impairment by management.  The stock’s value is determined by the ultimate recoverability of the par value rather than by recognizing temporary declines. The determination of whether the par value will ultimately be recovered is influenced by criteria such as the following: (a) the significance of the decline in net assets of the Federal Home Loan Bank as compared to the capital stock amount and the length of time this situation has persisted; (b) commitments by the Federal Home Loan Bank to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance; (c) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on the customer base of the Federal Home Loan Bank; and (d) the liquidity position of the Federal Home Loan Bank.

 

The Federal Home Loan Bank continues to report net income, continues to declare quarter cash dividends and had its Aaa bond rating affirmed by Moody’s and AA+ rating affirmed by Standard and Poor’s during 2015 and remain unchanged as of September 30, 2016.With consideration given to these factors, management concluded that the stock was not impaired at September 30, 2016 or 2015.

 

Office Properties and EquipmentLand is carried at cost. Office properties and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of the assets. The costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as they are incurred, and renewals and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their useful lives. The estimated useful life is generally 10-39 years for buildings and 1-7 years for furniture and equipment.

 

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance—The Company funds the policy premiums for the lives of certain officers and directors of the Bank. The bank owned life insurance policies (“BOLI”) provide an attractive tax-exempt return to the Company and is being used by the Company to fund various employee benefit plans and arrangements. The BOLI is recorded at its cash surrender value.

 

Dividend Payable – Upon declaration of a dividend, a payable is established with a corresponding reduction to retained earnings at the declaration date. There was no dividend payable as of September 30, 2016 or 2015. The Company paid $895,000, $2.2 million and $571,000 in cash dividends during the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015and 2014, respectively.

 

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Employee Stock Ownership Plan – The Bank established an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) for substantially all of its full-time employees. Shares of the Company’s common stock purchased by the ESOP are held in a suspense account until released for allocation to participants as the loans are repaid. Shares released are allocated to each eligible participant based on the ratio of each such participant’s compensation, as defined in the ESOP, to the total compensation of all eligible plan participants in the ESOP. As the unearned shares are released from suspense, the Company recognizes compensation expense equal to the fair value of the ESOP shares during the periods in which they become committed to be released. To the extent that the fair value of the ESOP shares released differs from the cost of such shares, the difference is recorded to equity as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital. Effective October 2016, the Board of directors have approved the termination of the ESOP plan effective December 31, 2016.

 

Share-Based Compensation – The Company accounts for stock-based compensation issued to employees, directors, and where appropriate non-employees, in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Under fair value provisions, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the appropriate vesting period using the straight-line method. The amount of stock-based compensation recognized at any date must at least equal the portion of the grant date fair value of the award that is vested at that date and as a result it may be necessary to recognize the expense using a ratable method. Determining the fair value of stock-based awards at the date of grant requires judgment, including estimating the expected term of the stock options and the expected volatility of the Company’s stock. In addition, judgment is required in estimating the amount of stock-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. If actual results differ significantly from these estimates or different key assumptions were used, it could have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding stock-based compensation.

 

Treasury Stock – Common stock held in treasury is accounted for using the cost method, which treats stock held in treasury as a reduction to total stockholders’ equity. On July 15, 2015, the Company approved a second stock repurchase program covering up to 850,000 shares or approximately 10% of its issued and outstanding shares of common stock. The Company has completed its first repurchase program of 950,000 shares covered by the program at an average cost of $13.18. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had purchased 1,499,265 shares of common stock at an average price of $14.07. The shares may be purchased in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time depending upon market conditions and other factors over a one-year period or such longer period of time as may be necessary to complete such repurchases.

 

Comprehensive Income—Management presents in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income those amounts arising from transactions and other events which currently are excluded from the statements of operations and are recorded directly to stockholders’ equity. For the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the components of comprehensive income were net income, unrealized holding (loss) gain, net of income tax (benefit) expense, on available for sale securities and reclassifications related to realized gains on sale of securities recognized in earnings, net of tax, unrealized holdings (loss)gain, net of tax, on the fair value of interest rate swaps and realized losses due to other than temporary impairment, net of tax. Reclassifications are made to avoid double counting in comprehensive income items which are displayed as part of net income for the period.

 

Income Taxes— Management records deferred income taxes that reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Management exercises significant judgment in the evaluation of the amount and timing of the recognition of the resulting tax assets and liabilities. The judgments and estimates required for the evaluation are updated based upon changes in business factors and the tax laws. If actual results differ from the assumptions and other considerations used in estimating the amount and timing of tax recognized, there can be no assurance that additional expense will not be required in future periods. 

 

In evaluating the Company’s ability to recover deferred tax assets, management considers all available positive and negative evidence, including past operating results and forecast of future taxable income. In determining future taxable income, management makes assumptions for the amount of taxable income, the reversal of temporary differences and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require management to make judgments about future taxable income and are consistent with the plans and estimates the Company uses to manage the business. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require management to record an additional valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets. An increase in the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in the period and could have a significant impact on our future earnings.

 

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Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of LiabilitiesManagement recognizes the financial and servicing assets it controls and the liabilities it has incurred, and will derecognize financial assets when control has been surrendered, and derecognize liabilities when extinguished. Servicing assets and other retained interests in the transferred assets are measured by allocating the previous carrying amount between the assets sold, if any, and retained interests, if any, based on their relative fair values at the date of transfer.

 

Interest Rate Swap Agreement-For asset/liability management purposes, the Company uses interest rate swap agreements to hedge various exposures or to modify interest rate characteristics of the balance sheet accounts. Interest rate swaps are contracts in which a series of interest rate flow is exchanged over a prescribed period. The notional amount on which the interest payments are based is not exchanged. These swap agreements are derivative instruments and generally convert a portion of the Company’s variable-rate debt to a fixed rate (cash flow hedge) and convert a portion of its fixed rate loans to a variable rate (fair value hedge).

 

The gain or loss on a derivative designated and qualifying as a fair value hedging instrument, as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged, is recognized currently in earnings in the same accounting period. The effective portion of the gain or loss on a derivative designated and qualifying as a cash flow hedging instrument is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument, if any, is recognized currently in earnings.

 

For cash flow hedges, the net settlement (upon close-out or termination) that offsets changes in the value of the hedged debt is deferred and amortized into net interest income over the life of the hedged debt. For fair value hedges, the net settlement (upon close-out or termination) that offsets changes in the value of the loans adjusts the basis of the loans and is deferred and amortized to loan interest income over the life of the loans. The portion, if any, of the net settlement amount that did not offset changes in the value of the hedged asset or liability is recognized immediately in noninterest income.

 

Interest rate derivative financial instruments receive hedge accounting treatment only if they are designated as a hedge and are expected to be, and are, effective in substantially reducing interest rate risk arising from the assets and liabilities identified as exposing the Company to risk. Those derivative financial instruments that do not meet specified hedging criteria would be recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in income. If periodic assessment indicates derivatives no longer provide an effective hedge, the derivative contracts would be closed out and settled, or classified as a trading activity.

 

Advertising CostsAdvertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $103,000, $165,000 and $186,000 for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (a new revenue recognition standard). The Update’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, this update specifies the accounting for certain costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and expands disclosure requirements for revenue recognition. This Update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures. The amendments in this Update change the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions to secured borrowing accounting. For repurchase financing arrangements, the amendments require separate accounting for a transfer of a financial asset executed contemporaneously with a repurchase agreement with the same counterparty, which will result in secured borrowing accounting for the repurchase agreement. The amendments also require enhanced disclosures. The accounting changes in this Update are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning after December 15, 2014. An entity is required to present changes in accounting for transactions outstanding on the effective date as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Earlier application is prohibited. The disclosure for certain transactions accounted for as a sale is required to be presented for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and the disclosure for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions accounted for as secured borrowings is required to be presented for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014, and for interim periods beginning after March 15, 2015. The disclosures are not required to be presented for comparative periods before the effective date. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments when the Terms of an Award Provide that a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period. The amendments require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Earlier adoption is permitted. Entities may apply the amendments in this Update either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. If retrospective transition is adopted, the cumulative effect of applying this Update as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements should be recognized as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance at that date. Additionally, if retrospective transition is adopted, an entity may use hindsight in measuring and recognizing the compensation cost. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40). The amendments in this Update provide guidance in U.S, GAAP about management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The amendments in this Update are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). This Update clarifies how current U.S. GAAP should be interpreted in subjectively evaluating the economic characteristics and risks of a host contract in a hybrid financial instrument that is issued in the form of a share. Public business entities are required to implement the new requirements in fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In June 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-10, Technical Corrections and Improvements. The amendments in this Update represent changes to clarify the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”), correct unintended application of guidance, or make minor improvements to the Codification that are not expected to have a significant effect on current accounting practice or create a significant administrative cost to most entities. Transition guidance varies based on the amendments in this Update. The amendments in this Update that require transition guidance are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. All other amendments will be effective upon the issuance of this Update. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The amendments in this Update defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. All other entities should apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting ASU.

 

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805). The amendments in this Update require that an acquirer recognizes adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments in this Update require that the acquirer record, in the same period's financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendments in this Update require an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This Update applies to all entities that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities and is intended to provide more useful information on the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Among other things, this Update (a) requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (b) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; (c) eliminates the requirement to disclose the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost for entities that are not public business entities; (d) eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; (e) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (f) requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments; (g) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (that is, securities or loans and receivables) on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; and (h) clarifies that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, including not-for-profit entities and employee benefit plans within the scope of Topics 960 through 965 on plan accounting, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. All entities that are not public business entities may adopt the amendments in this Update earlier as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the ASU will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The standard requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on the balance sheet.  A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term.  A short-term lease is defined as one in which (a) the lease term is 12 months or less and (b) there is not an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise. For short-term leases, lessees may elect to recognize lease payments over the lease term on a straight-line basis. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years. For all other entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The amendments should be applied at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-04, Liabilities Extinguishments of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20). The standard provides that liabilities related to the sale of prepaid stored-value products within the scope of this Update are financial liabilities. The amendments in the Update provide a narrow-scope exception to the guidance in Subtopic 405-20 to require that breakage for those liabilities be accounted for consistent with the breakage guidance in Topic 606. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Earlier application is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815). The amendments in this Update apply to all reporting entities for which there is a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as a heading instrument under Topic 815. The standards in this Update clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument under Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require designation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. An entity has an option to apply the amendments in this Update on either a prospective basis or a modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. This ASU not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-06, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815). The amendments apply to all entities that are issuers of or investors in debt instruments (or hybrid financial instruments that are determined to have a debt host) with embedded call (put) options. The amendments in this Update clarify the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt host. An entity performing the assessment under the amendments in this Update is required to assess the embedded call (put) options solely in accordance with the four-step decision sequence. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For entities other than public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Investments Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323). The Update affects all entities that have an investment that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence. The amendments in this Update eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The amendments require that the equity method investor add the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee to the current basis of the investor's previously held interest and adopt the equity method of accounting as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. Therefore, upon qualifying for the equity method of accounting, no retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The amendments in this Update require that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments should be applied prospectively upon their effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. Earlier application is permitted. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The amendments in this Update affect entities with transactions included within the scope of Topic 606, which includes entities that enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services (that are an output of the entity’s ordinary activities) in exchange for consideration. The amendments in this Update do not change the core principle of the guidance in Topic 606; they simply clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The amendments in this Update are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The amendments in this Update affect the guidance in ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which is not yet effective. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this Update are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of Update 2014-09. ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, defers the effective date of Update 2014-09 by one year. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718). The amendments in this Update affect all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. The standards in this Update provide simplification for several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as with equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. Some of the areas for simplification apply only to nonpublic entities. In addition to those simplifications, the amendments eliminate the guidance in Topic 718 that was indefinitely deferred shortly after the issuance of FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment. This should not result in a change in practice because the guidance that is being superseded was never effective. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted for any entity in any interim or annual period. The Company adopted this ASU and did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The amendments in this Update affect entities with transactions included within the scope of Topic 606, which includes entities that enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services in exchange for consideration. The amendments in this Update do not change the core principle for revenue recognition in Topic 606. Instead, the amendments provide (1) more detailed guidance in a few areas and (2) additional implementation guidance and examples based on feedback the FASB received from its stakeholders. The amendments are expected to reduce the degree of judgment necessary to comply with Topic 606, which the FASB expects will reduce the potential for diversity arising in practice and reduce the cost and complexity of applying the guidance. The amendments in this Update affect the guidance in ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which is not yet effective. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this Update are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Topic 606 (and any other Topic amended by Update 2014-09). ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, defers the effective date of Update 2014-09 by one year. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-11, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivative and Hedging (Topic 815), which rescinds SEC paragraphs pursuant to two SEC Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016, Emerging Issues Task Force meeting. This ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements

 

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In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which among other things clarifies the objective of the collectability criterion in Topic 606, as well as certain narrow aspects of Topic 606. The amendments in this Update affect the guidance in ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which is not yet effective. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this Update are the same as the effective date and transition requirements for Topic 606 (and any other Topic amended by Update 2014-09). ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, defers the effective date of Update 2014-09 by one year. This ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”), which changes the impairment model for most financial assets. This Update is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. The underlying premise of the Update is that financial assets measured at amortized cost should be presented at the net amount expected to be collected, through an allowance for credit losses that is deducted from the amortized cost basis. The allowance for credit losses should reflect management’s current estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the remaining life of a financial asset. The income statement will be effected for the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. With certain exceptions, transition to the new requirements will be through a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”), which addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing diversity in practice. Among these include recognizing cash payments for debt prepayment or debt extinguishment as cash outflows for financing activities; cash proceeds received from the settlement of insurance claims should be classified on the basis of the related insurance coverage; and cash proceeds received from the settlement of bank-owned life insurance policies should be classified as cash inflows from investing activities while the cash payments for premiums on bank-owned policies may be classified as cash outflows for investing activities, operating activities, or a combination of investing and operating activities. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. The amendments in this Update should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. If it is impracticable to apply the amendments retrospectively for some of the issues, the amendments for those issues would be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s statement of cash flows.

 

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3.EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and common share equivalents (“CSEs”) that would arise from the exercise of dilutive securities.

 

The calculated basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:

 

   Year Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) 
   Basic   Diluted   Basic   Diluted   Basic   Diluted 
                         
Net income  $2,720   $2,720   $2,232   $2,232   $1,780   $1,780 
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding   7,417,044    7,417,044    8,335,273    8,335,273    9,061,193    9,061,193 
                               
Effect of CSEs   -    217,701    -    114,817    -    216,885 
                               
Adjusted weighted average shares used in earnings per share computation   7,417,044    7,634,745    8,335,273    8,450,090    9,061,193    9,278,078 
                               
Earnings per share - basic and diluted  $0.37   $0.36   $0.27   $0.26   $0.20   $0.19 

 

As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, there were 554,445 and 442,756 shares of common stock, respectively, subject to options with an exercise price less than the then current market and which were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share. All options shares vested as of September 30, 2016 and 2015 have exercise prices considered in the money and are consider dilutive. The weighted exercise price for the stock options representing the 383,016 anti-dilutive shares was $11.83 at September 30, 2014.

 

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4.ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component net of tax:

 

   Year Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   Unrealized gains on   Unrealized gains on   Unrealized gains on 
   ASF securities and   available for sale   available for sale 
   interest rate swaps (a)   securities (a)   securities (a) 
Beginning Balance  $18   $(953)  $(1,292)
Other comprehensive income before reclassification unrealized gains on AFS securities.   1,116    971    606 
Other comprehensive income before reclassification unrealized gains on interest rate swaps.   (60)   -    - 
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss   (276)   -    (267)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)   780    971    339 
Ending Balance  $798   $18   $(953)

 

(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.

 

The following table presents significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the year ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

 

       Year Ended September 30,        
   2016   2015   2014    
   Amount Reclassified   Amount Reclassified   Amount Reclassified    
   from Accumulated   from Accumulated   from Accumulated   Affected Line Item in
   Other   Other   Other   the Statement Where
   Comprehensive   Comprehensive   Comprehensive   Net Income is
Details about other comprehensive income  Income (a)   Income (a)   Income (a)   Presented
                
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities                  
Reclassification for net gains in net income  $418   $-   $416   Gain on sale of mortgage-backed securities available-for-sale, net
Tax effect   (142)   -    (138)  Income taxes
Reclassification adjustment for other than temporary impairment losses   -    -    (16)  Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
Tax effect   -    -    5   Income taxes
   $276   $-   $267    

 

(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to net income

 

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5.INVESTMENT AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

 

The amortized cost and fair value of securities, with gross unrealized gains and losses, are as follows:

 

   September 30, 2016 
       Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Securities Available for Sale:                    
U.S. government and agency obligations  $20,988   $36   $-   $21,024 
Mortgage-backed securities - U.S. government agencies   90,817    860    (102)   91,575 
Corporate debt securities   25,411    661    (19)   26,053 
Total debt securities available for sale   137,216    1,557    (121)   138,652 
                     
FHLMC preferred stock   6    36    -    42 
                     
Total securities available for sale  $137,222   $1,593   $(121)  $138,694 
                     
Securities Held to Maturity:                    
U.S. government and agency obligations  $33,499   $399   $(129)  $33,769 
Mortgage-backed securities - U.S. government agencies   6,472    459    -    6,931 
                     
Total securities held to maturity  $39,971   $858   $(129)  $40,700 

 

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   September 30, 2015 
       Gross   Gross     
   Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized   Fair 
   Cost   Gains   Losses   Value 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Securities Available for Sale:                    
U.S. government and agency obligations  $18,988   $-   $(276)  $18,712 
Mortgage-backed securities - U.S. government agencies   58,462    475    (225)   58,712 
Total debt securities   77,450    475    (501)   77,424 
                     
FHLMC preferred stock   6    53    -    59 
                     
Total securities available for sale  $77,456   $528   $(501)  $77,483 
                     
Securities Held to Maturity:                    
U.S. government and agency obligations  $54,929   $462   $(849)  $54,542 
Mortgage-backed securities - U.S. government agencies   11,455    880    -    12,335 
                     
Total securities held to maturity  $66,384   $1,342   $(849)  $66,877 

 

As of September 30, 2016 the Bank maintained $31.7 million in a safekeeping account at the FHLB of Pittsburgh used for collateral as a convenience. The Bank is not required to maintain any specific collateral for its borrowings; therefore these securities are not restricted and could be sold or transferred if needed.

 

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The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and related fair values of the Company’s investment securities, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous loss position at September 30, 2016:

 

   Less than 12 months   More than 12 months   Total 
   Gross       Gross       Gross     
   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair 
   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Securities Available for Sale:                              
Mortgage-backed securities -U.S. government agencies  $(50)  $16,498   $52   $6,718   $(102)  $23,216 
Corporate debt securities   (19)   3,955    -    -    (19)   3,955 
                               
Total securities available for sale  $(69)  $20,453   $52   $6,718   $(121)  $27,171 
                               
Securities Held to Maturity:                              
U.S. government and agency obligations  $(129)  $20,371   $-   $-   $(129)  $20,371 
                               
Total securities held to maturity  $(129)  $20,371   $-   $-   $(129)  $20,371 
                               
Total  $(198)  $40,824   $52   $6,718   $(250)  $47,542 

 

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at least once per quarter, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. The evaluation is based upon factors such as the creditworthiness of the issuers/guarantors, the underlying collateral, if applicable, and the continuing performance of the securities.  Management also evaluates other facts and circumstances that may be indicative of an OTTI condition. This includes, but is not limited to, an evaluation of the type of security, the length of time and extent to which the fair value of the security has been less than cost, and the near-term prospects of the issuer.

 

Management has reviewed its investment securities portfolios and determined that during the year ended September 30, 2016, there were no impairment required for its investment portfolio deemed other than temporarily impaired.

 

The Company assesses whether the credit loss existed by considering whether (1) the Company has the intent to sell the security, (2) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, or (3) it does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. The Company bifurcates the OTTI impact on impaired securities where impairment in value was deemed to be other than temporary between the component representing credit loss and the component representing loss related to other factors. The portion of the fair value decline attributable to credit loss must be recognized through a charge to earnings. The credit component is determined by comparing the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected, discounted at the rate in effect before recognizing any OTTI with the amortized cost basis of the debt security.  The Company uses the cash flow expected to be realized from the security, which includes assumptions about interest rates, timing and severity of defaults, estimates of potential recoveries, the cash flow distribution from the bond indenture and other factors, then applies a discount rate equal to the effective yield of the security.  The difference between the present value of the expected cash flows and the amortized book value is considered a credit loss.  The fair market value of the security is determined using the same expected cash flows; the discount rate is a rate the Company determines from the open market and other sources as appropriate for the security.  The difference between the fair market value and the security’s remaining amortized cost is recognized in other comprehensive income.  

 

For both years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company determined that no OTTI had occurred within the investment and mortgage-back securities portfolios.

 

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The following is a rollforward for the year ended September 30, 2014 of the amounts recognized in earnings related to credit losses on securities which the Company had recorded OTTI charges through earnings and other comprehensive income.

 

   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Credit component of OTTI as of October 1, 2013  $1,599 
      
Additions for credit-related OTTI charges on previously unimpaired securities   - 
      
Reductions for securities liquidated   (1,615)
      
Additional losses as a result of impairment charges recognized on investments for which an OTTI was previously recognized   16 
      
Credit component of OTTI as of September 30, 2014  $- 

 

U.S. Government and agency obligations – The Company’s investments reflected in the tables above in U.S. Government sponsored enterprise notes consist of debt obligations of the FHLB and Federal Farm Credit System (“FFCS”). These securities are typically rated AAA by one of the internationally recognized credit rating services. There were five securities in a gross unrealized loss position for less than twelve months having an aggregate depreciation of $129,000 or 0.6% from the Company’s amortized cost basis. The unrealized losses on these debt securities relates principally to the changes in market interest rates in the financial markets and are not as a result of projected shortfall of cash flows. In addition, the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the securities. As such, the Company anticipates it will recover the entire amortized cost basis of the securities. As a result, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2016.

 

U.S. Government agency issued mortgage-backed securities — At September 30, 2016, the gross unrealized loss in U.S. government agency issued mortgage-backed securities in the category of experiencing a gross unrealized loss for greater than 12 months was $52,000 or 0.8% from the Company’s amortized cost basis and consisted of five securities. The securities in a gross unrealized loss position experiencing a gross unrealized loss for less than 12 months was $198,000 or 0.5% from the Company’s amortized cost basis and consisted of 17 securities at September 30, 2016. These securities represent asset-backed issues that are issued or guaranteed by a U.S. Government sponsored agency or carry the full faith and credit of the United States through a government agency and are currently rated AAA by at least one bond credit rating agency. The unrealized losses on these debt securities relates principally to the changes in market interest rates in the financial markets and are not as a result of projected shortfall of cash flows. The Company anticipates it will recover the entire amortized cost basis of the securities. As a result, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2016.

 

Corporate debt securities — At September 30, 2016, the gross unrealized loss corporate debt securities in the category of experiencing a gross unrealized loss for less than 12 months was $19,000 or 0.5% from the Company’s amortized cost basis and consisted of four securities. The unrealized losses on these debt securities relates principally to the changes in market interest rates in the financial markets and are not as a result of projected shortfall of cash flows. In addition, the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the securities. As such, the Company anticipates it will recover the entire amortized cost basis of the securities. As a result, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2016.

 

 97 

 

 

The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and related fair values of the investment securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position at September 30, 2015:

 

   Less than 12 months   More than 12 months   Total 
   Gross       Gross       Gross     
   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair   Unrealized   Fair 
   Losses   Value   Losses   Value   Losses   Value 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Securities Available for Sale:                              
U.S. government and agency obligations  $(85)  $4,910   $(191)  $13,802   $(276)  $18,712 
Mortgage-backed securities - US government agency   (138)   22,173    (87)  $9,206    (225)   31,379 
                               
Total securities available for sale  $(223)  $27,083   $(278)  $23,008   $(501)  $50,091 
                               
Securities Held to Maturity:                              
U.S. government and agency obligations  $-   $-   $(849)  $42,603   $(849)  $42,603 
                               
Total securities held to maturity   $    $   $(849)  $42,603   $(849)  $42,603 
                               
Total  $(223)  $27,083   $(1,127)  $65,611   $(1,350)  $92,694 

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of U.S. Government and agency obligations by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because of call provisions in the securities. Mortgage-backed securities were not included as the contractual maturity is generally irrelevant due to the borrowers’ right to prepay without pre-payment penalty which results in significant prepayments.

 

   September 30, 2016 
   Held to Maturity   Available for Sale 
   Amortized   Fair   Amortized   Fair 
   Cost   Value   Cost   Value 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Due within one year  $-   $-   $-   $- 
Due after one through five years   1,999    2,187    2,060    2,081 
Due after five through ten years   8,000    7,987    22,361    22,985 
Due after ten years   23,500    23,595    21,978    22,011 
                     
Total  $33,499   $33,769   $46,399   $47,077 

 

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 and 2014, the Company recorded realized gains of $418,000 and $416,000, respectively, and gross proceeds from the from the sale of investment and mortgage-backed securities of $11.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, the Company did not record any gains or losses nor did it sell any securities from it’s AFS portfolio.

 

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016, the Company sold for $2.9 million mortgage-backed securities classified as held-to-maturity for total proceeds of $3.1 million, that had a remaining balance of less than 15% of its original par value. These sales did not taint the Company’s intent to hold the remaining portfolio.

 

 98 

 

 

6.LOANS RECEIVABLE

 

Loans receivable consist of the following:

 

   September 30, 
   2016   2015 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
One-to-four family residential  $233,531   $259,163 
Multi-family residential   12,478    6,249 
Commercial real estate   79,859    25,799 
Construction and land development   21,839    38,953 
Commercial business   99    - 
Leases   3,286    - 
Consumer   799    392 
           
Total loans   351,891    330,556 
           
Undisbursed portion of loans-in-process   (5,371)   (17,097)
Deferred loan costs   1,697    2,104 
Allowance for loan losses   (3,269)   (2,930)
           
Net loans  $344,948   $312,633 

 

The Company originates loans to customers located primarily in its local market area. The ultimate repayment of these loans at September 30, 2016 and 2015 is dependent, to a certain degree, on the local economy and real estate market.

 

The following table summarizes the loans individually evaluated for impairment by loan segment at September 30, 2016:

 

   One- to four-
family
residential
   Multi-family
residential
   Commercial real
estate
   Construction and land
development
   Commercial
business
   Leases   Consumer   Total 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                                 
Individually evaluated for impairment  $5,553   $335   $3,154   $10,288   $99   $-   $-   $19,429 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   227,978    12,143    76,705    11,551    -    3,286    799    332,462 
Total loans  $233,531   $12,478   $79,859   $21,839   $99   $3,286   $799   $351,891 

 

 99 

 

 

The following table summarizes the loans individually evaluated for impairment by loan segment at September 30, 2015:

 

   One- to four-
family
residential
   Multi-family
residential
   Commercial
real estate
   Construction and
land development
   Commercial
business
   Consumer   Total 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                             
Individually evaluated for impairment  $4,206   $-   $3,768   $8,796   $-   $-   $16,770 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   254,957    6,249    22,031    30,157    -    392   $313,786 
Total loans  $259,163   $6,249   $25,799   $38,953   $-   $392   $330,556 

 

The loan portfolio is segmented at a level that allows management to monitor risk and performance. Management evaluates all loans classified as substandard or lower and loans delinquent 90 plus days for potential impairment. Loans are considered to be 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.

 

Once the determination is made that a loan is impaired, the determination of whether a specific allocation of the allowance is necessary is generally measured by comparing the recorded investment in the loan to the fair value of the loan using one of the following three methods: (a) the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate; (b) the loan’s observable market price; or (c) the fair value of the collateral less selling costs. Management primarily utilizes the fair value of collateral method as a practically expedient alternative.

 

The following table presents impaired loans by class, segregated by those for which a specific allowance was required and those for which a specific allowance was not necessary as of September 30, 2016:

 

           Impaired         
           Loans with         
   Impaired Loans with   No Specific         
   Specific Allowance   Allowance   Total Impaired Loans 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                        Unpaid 
    Recorded    Related    Recorded    Recorded    Principal 
    Investment    Allowance    Investment    Investment    Balance 
One-to-four family residential  $-   $-   $5,553   $5,553   $5,869 
Multi-family   -    -    335    335    335 
Commercial real estate   -    -    3,154    3,154    3,154 
Construction and land development   -    -    10,288    10,288    10,288 
Commercial business   -    -    99    99    99 
Total Loans  $-   $-   $19,429   $19,429   $19,745 

 

 100 

 

 

The following table presents impaired loans by class, segregated by those for which a specific allowance was required and those for which a specific allowance was not necessary as of September 30, 2015:

 

           Impaired         
           Loans with         
   Impaired Loans with   No Specific         
   Specific Allowance   Allowance   Total Impaired Loans 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                        Unpaid 
    Recorded    Related    Recorded    Recorded    Principal 
    Investment    Allowance    Investment    Investment    Balance 
One-to-four family residential  $-   $-   $4,206   $4,206   $4,550 
Commercial real estate   -    -    3,768    3,768    3,768 
Construction and land development   -    -    8,796    8,796    8,796 
Total Loans  $-   $-   $16,770   $16,770   $17,114 

 

The following tables present the average investment in impaired loans and related interest income recognized for the periods indicated:

 

   September 30, 2016 
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Income Recognized
on Accrual Basis
   Income
Recognized on
Cash Basis
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
One-to four-family residential  $5,099   $129   $101 
Multi-family residential   344    24    - 
Commercial real estate   3,565    96    12 
Construction and land development   9,604    -    62 
Commercial business   8    -    - 
Total  $18,620   $249   $175 

 

 101 

 

 

   September 30, 2015 
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Income
Recognized on
Accrual Basis
   Income
Recognized on
Cash Basis
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
One-to four-family residential  $8,734   $431   $147 
Multi-family residential   289    19    - 
Commercial real estate   3,840    210    71 
Construction and land development   8,413    437    194 
Total  $21,276   $1,097   $412 

 

   September 30, 2014 
   Average
Recorded
Investment
   Income Recognized
on Accrual Basis
   Income
Recognized on
Cash Basis
 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
One-to four-family residential  $10,802   $305   $53 
Multi-family residential   376    26    - 
Commercial real estate   2,585    70    19 
Construction and land development   3,582    247    - 
Total  $17,345   $648   $72 

 

Federal banking regulations and our policies require that the Bank utilize an internal asset classification system as a means of reporting problem and potential problem assets. The Bank has incorporated an internal asset classification system, consistent with Federal banking regulations, as a part of the credit monitoring system. Management currently classifies problem and potential problem assets as “special mention,” “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss” assets. An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the insured institution 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 insured institution to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses are required to be designated “special mention.”

 

The following tables present the classes of the loan portfolio in which a formal risk weighting system is utilized summarized by the aggregate “Pass” and the criticized category of “special mention”, and the classified categories of “substandard” and “doubtful” within the Bank’s risk rating system. The Bank had no loans classified as “loss” at the dates presented.

 

 102 

 

 

   September 30, 2016 
       Special           Total 
   Pass   Mention   Substandard   Doubtful   Loans 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
One-to-four residential  $-   $1,681   $1,212   $-   $2,893 
Multi-family residential   12,144    -    334    -    12,478 
Commercial real estate   76,185    943    2,731    -    79,859 
Construction and land development   11,551    -    10,288    -    21,839 
Consumer   99    -    -    -    99 
Total Loans  $99,979   $2,624   $14,565   $-   $117,168 

 

   September 30, 2015 
       Special           Total 
   Pass   Mention   Substandard   Doubtful   Loans 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
One-to-four residential  $-   $2,107   $751   $-   $2,858 
Multi-family residential   5,898    351    -    -    6,249 
Commercial real estate   22,005    965    2,829    -    25,799 
Construction and land development   30,157    -    8,796    -    38,953 
Total Loans  $58,060   $3,423   $12,376   $-   $73,859 

 

 103 

 

 

The following tables present loans in which a formal risk rating system is not utilized, but loans are segregated between performing and non-performing based primarily on delinquency status:

 

   September 30, 2016 
       Non-   Total 
   Performing   Performing   Loans 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
One-to-four family residential  $226,394   $4,244   $230,638 
Leases   3,286    -    3,286 
Consumer   799    -    799 
Total Loans  $230,479   $4,244   $234,723 

 

   September 30, 2015 
       Non-   Total 
   Performing   Performing   Loans 
   (Dollars in Thousands)     
One-to-four family residential  $252,758   $3,547   $256,305 
Consumer   392    -    392 
Total Loans  $253,150   $-   $256,697 

 

Management further monitors the performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio by analyzing the age of the portfolio as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is due. The following tables present the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aging categories of performing loans and nonaccrual loans:

 

   September 30, 2016 
               90 Days+   Total         
       30-89 Days   90 Days +   Past Due   Past Due   Total   Non- 
   Current   Past Due   Past Due   and Accruing   and Accruing   Loans   Accrual 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
One-to-four family residential  $228,904   $1,860   $2,767   $-   $1,860   $233,531   $4,244 
Multi-family residential   12,478    -    -    -    -    12,478    - 
Commercial real estate   78,513    -    1,346    -    -    79,859    1,346 
Construction and land development   11,551    -    10,288    -    -    21,839    10,288 
Commercial business   99    -    -    -    -    99    - 
 Leases   3,286                        3,286      
Consumer   799    -    -    -    -    799    - 
Total Loans  $335,630   $1,860   $14,401   $-   $1,860   $351,891   $15,878 

 

 104 

 

 

   September 30, 2015 
               90 Days+   Total         
       30-89 Days   90 Days +   Past Due   Past Due   Total   Non- 
   Current   Past Due   Past Due   and Accruing   and Accruing   Loans   Accrual 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
One-to-four family residential  $255,669   $1,462   $2,032   $-   $1,462   $259,163   $3,547 
Multi-family residential   6,249    -    -    -    -    6,249    - 
Commercial real estate   25,114    504    181    -    504    25,799    1,589 
Construction and land development   38,953    -    -    -    -    38,953    8,796 
Commercial business   -    -    -    -    -    -    - 
Consumer   392    -    -    -    -    392    - 
Total Loans  $326,377   $1,966   $2,213   $-   $1,966   $330,556   $13,932 

 

Interest income on nonaccrual loans would have increased by approximately $604,000, $279,000, and $187,000, during fiscal years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, if these loans would have performed in accordance with their original terms.

 

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Management maintains the allowance at a level believed to cover all known and inherent losses in the portfolio that are both probable and reasonable to estimate at each reporting date. Management reviews the allowance for loan losses no less than quarterly in order to identify those inherent losses and to assess the overall collection probability for the loan portfolio in view of these inherent losses. For each primary type of loan, a loss factor is established reflecting an estimate of the known and inherent losses in such loan type using both a quantitative analysis as well as consideration of qualitative factors. The evaluation process includes, among other things, an analysis of delinquency trends, non-performing loan trends, the level of charge-offs and recoveries, prior loss experience, total loans outstanding, the volume of loan originations, the type, size and geographic concentration of our loans, the value of collateral securing the loans, the borrower’s ability to repay and repayment performance, the number of loans requiring heightened management oversight, local economic conditions and industry experience.

 

Commercial real estate loans entail significant additional credit risks compared to one-to four-family residential mortgage loans, as they generally involve large loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. In addition, the payment experience on loans secured by income-producing properties typically depends on the successful operation of the related real estate project and/or business operation of the borrower who is also the primary occupant, and thus may be subject to a greater extent to the effects of adverse conditions in the real estate market and in the economy in general. Commercial business loans typically involve a higher risk of default than residential loans of like duration since their repayment is generally dependent on the successful operation of the borrower’s business and the sufficiency of collateral, if any. Land acquisition, development and construction lending exposes us to greater credit risk than permanent mortgage financing. The repayment of land acquisition, development and construction loans depends upon the sale of the property to third parties or the availability of permanent financing upon completion of all improvements. These events may adversely affect the borrower and the value of the collateral property.

 

 105 

 

 

The following tables summarize the primary segments of the allowance for loan losses, segmented into the amount required for loans individually evaluated for impairment and the amount required for loans collectively evaluated for impairment as of September 30, 2016 and 2015. Activity in the allowance is presented for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

 

   September 30, 2016 
   One- to
four-family
residential
   Multi-
family
residential
   Commercial
real estate
   Construction
and land
development
   Commercial
business
   Leases   Consumer   Unallocated   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
ALLL balance at September 30, 2015  $1,636   $66   $231   $725   $-   $-   $4   $268   $2,930 
Charge-offs   (11)   -    -    -    -    -    -    -    (11)
Recoveries   105    -    -    20    -    -    -    -    125 
Provision   (103)   71    628    (429)   1    21    6    30    225 
ALLL balance at September 30, 2016  $1,627   $137   $859   $316   $1   $21   $10   $298   $3,269 
                                              
Individually evaluated for impairment  $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $- 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   1,627    137    859    316    1    21    10    298    3,269 

 

   September 30, 2015 
   One- to
four-family
residential
   Multi-
family
residential
   Commercial
real estate
   Construction
and land
development
   Commercial
business
   Consumer   Unallocated   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
ALLL balance at September 30, 2014  $1,663   $67   $122   $323   $15   $4   $231   $2,425 
Charge-offs   (384)   (1)    -    -    -    -    -    (384)
Recoveries   77    -    -    78    -    -    -    155 
Provision   280    -    109    324    (15)   -    37    735 
ALLL balance at September 30, 2015  $1,636   $66   $231   $725   $-   $4   $268   $2,930 
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $- 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   1,636    66    231    725    -    4    268    2,930 

 

 106 

 

 

   September 30, 2014 
   One- to
four-family
residential
   Multi-
family
residential
   Commercial
real estate
   Construction
and land
development
   Commercial
business
   Consumer   Unallocated   Total 
   (In Thousands) 
ALLL balance at September 30, 2013  $1,384   $22   $70   $653   $4   $2   $218   $2,353 
Charge-offs   (215)   -    -    -    -    -    -    (215)
Recoveries   47    -    -    -    -    -    -    47 
Provision   447    45    52    (330)   11    2    13    240 
ALLL balance at September 30, 2014  $1,663   $67   $122   $323   $15   $4   $231   $2,425 
                                         
Individually evaluated for impairment  $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $-   $- 
Collectively evaluated for impairment   1,663    67    122    323    15    4    231    2,425 

 

Management established a provision for loan losses of $225,000, $735,000 and $240,000 during the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company determined it was prudent to record a provision for fiscal year 2016 primarily due to the increased level of commercial real estate loans offset by a reduction in single-family residential loans. The provision for loan losses was deemed necessary for fiscal 2015 due to the increase in the level of commercial real estate and construction loans outstanding, charge-offs incurred during fiscal 2015 and the classification of a $10.3 million loan workout relationship as non-performing. The Company believes that the allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2016 is sufficient to cover all inherent and known losses associated with the loan portfolio at such date. At September 30, 2016, the Company’s non-performing assets totaled $16.5 million or 2.9% of total assets as compared to $14.8 million or 3.0% of total assets at September 30, 2015. All of the increase was due to the placement on non-accrual of the entire amount of the Company’s largest loan relationship totaling $12.3 million and consisting of nine loans. Non-performing assets at September 30, 2016 included five construction loans aggregating $10.3 million, 17 one-to-four-family residential loans aggregating $2.9 million, one single-family residential investment property loan totaling $1.4 million and two commercial real estate loans aggregating $1.3 million. Non-performing assets also included at September 30, 2016 two real estate properties consisting of one single-family residential property totaling $375,000 and a commercial real estate property totaling $206,000. At September 30, 2016, the Company had ten loans aggregating $8.2 million that were classified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). Three of such loans aggregating $5.7 million as of September 30, 2016 were classified as non-performing as a result of not achieving a sufficiently long payment history, under the restructured terms, to justify returning the loans to performing (accrual) status. Two of these three loans totaling $4.3 million (which are part of the Company’s largest relationship referenced above) are over 90 days past due resulting from the discontinuation of funding by the Company of the development project (discussed below) due to the re-negotiation of the project’s future direction to completion. The third loan, consisting of a residential loan of approximately $1.4 million, has made all of its required payments to date, but the Company has not returned the loan to performing status due to concerns with regard to the borrower’s ability to make remaining payments due. The remaining eight TDRs have performed in accordance with the terms of their revised agreements. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had reviewed $19.4 million of loans for possible impairment of which $14.6 million was deemed classified as substandard compared to $16.8 million reviewed for possible impairment and $12.4 million of which was classified substandard as of September 30, 2015.

 

Management will continue to monitor and modify the allowance for loan losses as conditions dictate. No assurances can be given that the level of allowance for loan losses will cover all of the inherent losses on the loans or that future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses will not be necessary if economic and other conditions differ substantially from the economic and other conditions used by management to determine the current level of the allowance for loan losses.

 

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The following tables set forth a summary of the TDRs activity for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014. All of the TDRs involved changes in the interest rates on the loans; no debt was forgiven. At September 30, 2016, out of the 11 TDRs loans, eight were performing and the remaining three were classified as non-performing, of which one loan was performing in accordance with their modified terms:

 

   As of and for the Year Ended September 30, 2016 
     
   Restructured Current Period 
(amount in thousands)  Number of
Loans
   Pre- Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
             
One-to-four family residential   1   $482   $482 
    1   $482   $482 

 

   As of and for the Year Ended September 30, 2015 
     
   Restructured Current Period 
(amount in thousands)  Number of
Loans
   Pre- Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
             
Commerical real estate   1   $750   $750 
Construction and land development   1    3,665    3,665 
    2   $4,415   $4,415 

 

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   As of and for the Year Ended September 30, 2014 
     
   Restructured Current Period 
(amount in thousands)  Number of
Loans
   Pre- Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   Post-Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
             
One-to four- family   1   $1,455   $1,455 
Commerical real estate   1    877    877 
    2   $2,332   $2,332 

 

As of September 30, 2016, consist of two loans deemed to be TDRs aggregating $4.3 million, consisting of one construction and development loan in the amount of $3.6 million and a commercial real estate loan in the amount of $730,000, both of which were in default under their modified terms. Both loans are related to the Company’s largest borrower.

 

At September 30, 2016, the Company had nine consumer mortgage with a carrying amount of $1.1 million that is secured by residential real estate property for which foreclosure is proceedings are in process according to local jurisdictions.

 

7.OFFICE PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

 

Office properties and equipment are summarized by major classifications as follows:

 

   September 30, 
   2016   2015 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
         
Land  $198   $198 
Buildings and improvements   2,492    2,454 
Furniture and equipment   2,355    2,210 
Automobiles   -    96 
           
Total   5,045    4,958 
Accumulated depreciation   (3,701)   (3,466)
           
Total office properties and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation  $1,344   $1,492 

 

For the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, depreciation expense amounted to $325,000, $304,000 and $320,000, respectively.

 

Lease expense was $352,000, $242,000 and $77,000 for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company has executed certain lease commitments and is obligated to pay; $350,000 for fiscal year 2017, $394,000 for fiscal year 2018, $382,000 for fiscal year 2019, $249,000 for fiscal year 2020, $249,000 for fiscal year 2021, and $1.7 million thereafter.

 

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8.DEPOSITS

 

Deposits consist of the following major classifications:

 

   September 30, 
   2016   2015 
   Amount   Percent   Amount   Percent 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                 
Non-interest-bearing checking accounts  $3,804    0.7%  $2,293    0.6%
Interest-bearing checking accounts   34,984    9.3    35,649    9.8 
Money market deposit accounts   55,552    14.3    60,736    16.6 
Passbook, club and statement savings   70,924    18.2    70,355    19.3 
Certificates maturing in six months or less   97,418    25.0    49,857    13.7 
Certificates maturing in more than six months   126,519    32.5    146,184    40.0 
                     
Total  $389,201    100.0%  $365,074    100.0%

 

The amount of scheduled maturities of certificate accounts was as follows:

 

   September 30, 2016 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
      
One year or less  $139,841 
One through two years   39,624 
Two through three years   20,534 
Three through four years   14,704 
Four through five years   9,227 
      
Total  $223,930 

 

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Certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more at September 30, 2016 and 2015 totaled $17.0 million and $32.7 million, respectively.

 

Interest expense on deposits was comprised of the following:

 

   Year Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Checking and money market deposit accounts  $165   $323   $348 
Passbook, club and statement savings accounts   83    208    262 
Certificate accounts   2,613    2,899    2,791 
Total  $2,861   $3,430   $3,401 

 

9.SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

 

The year ended September 30, outstanding balances and related information of short-term borrowings from the FHLB are summarized follows:

 

(Dollar amount in thousands)  2016 
     
Balance at year-end   20,000 
Average balance outstanding   8,975 
Maximum month-end balance   20,000 
Weight-average rate at year-end   1.17%
Weight-average rate during the year   1.23%

 

There were no short-term borrowings outstanding during the fiscal year ended 2015.

 

As of September 30, 2016, the $20.0 million consists of two $10.0 million 30 day FHLB advance associated with an interest rate swap contract with a weighted average effective cost of 117 bps.

 

Average balances outstanding during the year represent daily average balance and interest rates represent interest expense divided by the related average balance.

 

The Company maintains borrowing facilities with the FHLB and Federal Reserve Banks and the terms and interest rate are subject to change on the date of execution.

 

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10.ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK

 

Pursuant to collateral agreements with the FHLB of Pittsburgh, advances are secured by a blanket collateral of loans held by the Company and qualifying fixed-income securities and FHLB stock. The long-term advances outstanding as of September 30, 2016 are as follows:

 

Type  Maturity Date  Amount   Coupon   Call Date
      (Dollars in Thousands)        
Fixed Rate -Advance  17-Nov-17  $10,000    1.20%  Not Applicable
Fixed Rate -Amortizing  1-Dec-17   2,511    1.16%  Not Applicable
Fixed Rate -Advance  4-Dec-17   2,000    1.15%  Not Applicable
Fixed Rate -Advance  16-Nov-18   7,500    1.40%  Not Applicable
Fixed Rate -Advance  3-Dec-18   3,000    1.54%  Not Applicable
Fixed Rate -Amortizing  18-Nov-19   4,382    1.53%  Not Applicable
Fixed Rate -Advance  27-Jul-20   249    1.38%  Not Applicable
Fixed Rate -Advance  27-Jul-21   249    1.52%  Not Applicable
Fixed Rate -Advance  28-Jul-21   249    1.48%  Not Applicable
Fixed Rate -Advance  29-Jul-21   249    1.42%  Not Applicable
Fixed Rate -Advance  19-Aug-21   249    1.55%  Not Applicable
                 
      $30,638    1.34%  (a)

 

(a) Weighted average coupon rate.

 

Advances from the FHLB with coupon rates ranging from 1.15% to 1.55% are as follows.

 

       Weighted Average 
Maturity  Amount   Coupon Rate 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
2017  $3,367    1.31%
2018   13,887    1.22%
2019   11,903    1.45%
2020   485    1.45%
2021   996    1.49%
    30,638    1.34%

 

 

The Bank maintains a blanket collateral agreement using qualifying loans with the FHLB for future borrowing needs. At September 30, 2016, the Bank had the ability to obtain $180.2 million of additional FHLB advances.

 

There were no outstanding balances at September 30, 2015.

 

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11.INCOME TAXES

 

The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. The Company uses the specific charge-off method for computing reserves for bad debts. Generally this method allows the Company to deduct an annual addition to the reserve for bad debt equal to its net charge-offs.

 

The provision for income taxes for the years ended September 30, consists of the following:

 

   Year Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
             
Current:               
Federal expense  $1,275   $461   $690 
Total current taxes   1,275    461    690 
                
Deferred income tax benefit   (16)   (345)   - 
Total income tax provision  $1,259   $116   $690 

 

Items that gave rise to significant portions of deferred income taxes are as follows:

 

   September 30, 
   2016   2015 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Deferred tax assets:          
Allowance for loan losses  $1,289   $1,185 
Non-accrual interest   163    86 
Accrued vacation   13    119 
Capital loss carryforward   378    534 
Post-retirement benefit plans   96    126 
Split dollar life insurance   18    19 
Unrealized losses on interest rate swaps   69    - 
Employee benefit plans   434    530 
Total deferred tax assets   2,460    2,599 
Valuation allowance   (378)   (534)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance   2,082    2,065 
           
Deferred tax liabilities:          
Property   423    365 
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities   500    10 
481(a)Adjustment   12    - 
Deferred loan fees   578    715 
Total deferred tax liabilities   1,513    1,090 
Net deferred tax asset  $569   $975 

 

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The Company establishes a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when management believes that the deferred tax assets are not likely to be realized either through a carry back to taxable income in prior years, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, and, to a lesser extent, future taxable income.  The valuation allowance totaled $378,000 and $534,000 at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The gross deferred tax assets related to impairment losses and capital loss carryforwards decreased in the aggregate by $156 thousand during the year ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to the sale of AFS investment securities.

 

The income tax expense differs from that computed at the statutory federal corporate tax rate as follows:

 

   Year Ended September 30, 
   2016   2015   2014 
       Percentage       Percentage       Percentage 
       of Pretax       of Pretax       of Pretax 
   Amount   Income   Amount   Income   Amount   Income (Loss) 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Tax at statutory rate  $1,353    34.0%  $798    34.0%  $840    34.0%
Adjustments resulting from:                              
Valuation allowance   (156)   (3.9)   (677)   (28.8)   (144)   (5.8)
Income from bank owned life insurance   (113)   (2.8)   (117)   (5.0)   (87)   (3.5)
Employee benefit plans   151    3.8    126    5.4    74    3.0 
Other   24    0.5    (14)   (0.6)   7    0.2 
                               
Income tax expense  $1,259    31.6%  $116    5.0%  $690    27.9%

 

There is currently no liability for uncertain tax positions and no known unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes, when applicable, interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of income tax expense.  As of September 30, 2016, the Internal Revenue Service conducted an audit of the Company’s tax returns for the year ended September 30, 2010, and no adverse findings were reported. The Company’s federal and state income tax returns for taxable years through September 30, 2013 have been closed for purposes of examination by the Internal Revenue Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

 

12.REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

 

The Company and the Bank are 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 consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and the Bank’s capital amounts and the Bank’s classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

 

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to average assets (as defined) and risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of total capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets. Management believes, as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, that the Company and the Bank met all regulatory capital adequacy requirements to which they each are subject.

 

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To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain the minimum Tier 1 capital, Tier common equity, Tier 1 risk-based and total risk-based ratios as set forth in the table below.

 

The Company’s and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the following table:

 

                   To Be 
                   Well Capitalized 
                   Under Prompt 
           Required for Capital   Corrective Action 
   Actual   Adequacy Purposes   Provisions 
   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio 
       (Dollars in Thousands)         
September 30, 2016:                              
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)                              
Company  $113,205    20.41%   N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Bank   100,552    18.15   $22,157    4.0   $27,697    5.0%
Tier 1 Common (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Company   113,205    38.57    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Bank   100,552    34.36    13,171    4.5    19,024    6.5 
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Company   113,205    38.57    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Bank   100,552    34.36    17,559    6.0    23,415    8.0 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Company   116,512    39.70    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Bank   103,859    35.49    23,415    8.0    29,268    10.0 
                               
September 30, 2015:                              
Tier 1 capital (to average assets)                              
Company  $116,903    23.73%   N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Bank   96,034    19.50   $19,699    4.0   $24,624    5.0%
Tier 1 Common (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Company   116,921    50.63    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Bank   96,052    41.66    10,376    4.5    14,987    6.5 
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Company   116,903    50.63    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Bank   96,034    41.65    13,834    6.0    18,446    8.0 
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)                              
Company   120,016    51.98    N/A    N/A    N/A    N/A 
Bank   99,147    43.00    18,446    8.0    23,057    10.0 

 

13.EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

 

The Bank is a member of a multi-employer (under the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) defined benefit pension plan covering all employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. The Bank’s policy is to fund pension costs accrued. The expense relating to this plan for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $256,000, $623,000 and $663,000, respectively. There are no collective bargaining agreements in place that require contributions to the plan. Additional information regarding the plan as of September 30, 2016 is noted below:

 

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Legal Name of Plan   Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for
Financial Institutions
Plan Employer Identification Number   13-5645888
The Company's Contribution for the year ended September 30, 2016   $222,000
Are Company's Contributions more than 5% of total contributions?   No
Funded Status   95.85%
     

 

The Pentegra Defined Benefits Plan for Financial Institutions is a single plan under Internal Revenue Code Section 413 (c) and, as a result, all of the assets stand behind all of the liabilities. Accordingly, under the plan, contributions made by a participating employer may be used to provide benefits to participants of other participating employers. During November 2015, the Plan was frozen in an effort to reduce expenses on a going forward basis.

 

The Bank also has a defined contribution plan for employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. The defined contribution plan may be terminated at any time at the discretion of the Bank. There was no expense relating to this plan for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014. The Company eliminated the employer match in conjunction with the establishment of the employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) discussed below.

 

The Bank maintains an ESOP for substantially all of its full-time employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. The purchase of shares of the Company's common stock by the ESOP was funded by loans from the Company. The loans will be repaid principally from the Bank's contributions to the ESOP. Shares of the Company's common stock purchased by the ESOP are held in a suspense account and released for allocation to participants on a pro rata basis as debt service payments are made on the loans. Shares released are allocated to each eligible participant based on the ratio of each such participant's compensation, as defined in the ESOP, to the total compensation of all eligible plan participants. As the unearned shares are released and allocated among participants, the Bank recognizes compensation expense based on the current market price of the shares released. The ESOP purchased 712,721 shares of the Company’s common stock for an aggregate cost of approximately $7.6 million in fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had allocated a total of 243,734 shares from the suspense account to participants and committed to release an additional 35,517 shares. The expense relating to the ESOP for the years ended September 30, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $526,000, $467,000 and $389,000, respectively.

 

The Company maintains the 2008 Recognition and Retention Plan (“RRP”) which is administered by a committee of the Board of Directors of the Company. The RRP provides for the grant of shares of common stock of the Company to officers, employees and directors of the Company. In order to fund the grant of shares under the RRP, the RRP Trust purchased 213,528 shares (on a converted basis) of the Company’s common stock in the open market for approximately $2.5 million, at an average purchase price per share of $11.49 as part of the RRP. The Company made sufficient contributions to the RRP Trust to fund these purchases. As of September 30, 2015, During Fiscal year 2016 7,473 shares have been forfeited under RRP and were granted in August 2016, all the shares had been awarded as part of the RRP. Shares subject to awards under the RRP generally vest at the rate of 20% per year over five years. As of September 30, 2016, 195,083 of the awarded shares of the Plan had become fully vested. During February 2015, shareholders approved the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2014 SIP”). As part of the 2014 SIP, a maximum of 285,655 shares can be awarded as restricted stock awards or units, of which 235,500 shares were awarded during February 2015 of which 41,800 have vested and 45,000 shares have been forfeited. In August 2016, the Company granted 3,027 shares under 2014 SIP.

 

During the year ended September 30, 2016, approximately $463,000 was recognized in compensation expense for the RRP. Tax benefits of $219,000 were recognized during the year ended September 30, 2016.Tax benefits of $131,000 were recognized during the year ended September 30, 2015. During the year ended September 30, 2015, approximately $387,000 was recognized in compensation expense for the RRP. At September 30, 2016, approximately $2.9 million of additional compensation expense for the shares awarded related to the RRP remained unrecognized.

 

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A summary of the Company’s non-vested stock award activity for the year ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is presented in the following table:

 

   Year Ended
September 30, 2016
 
   Number of
 Shares
   Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
 Value
 
         
Nonvested stock awards at beginning of year   241,428   $11.74 
Issued   10,500    14.42 
Forfeited   (30,180)   11.92 
Vested   (48,960)   11.60 
Nonvested stock awards at the end of the period   172,788   $12.03 

 

   Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
   Number of
Shares
   Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
 
         
Nonvested stock awards at beginning of year   38,055   $8.07 
Issued   235,500    12.23 
Forfeited   (21,813)   11.85 
Vested   (10,314)   9.07 
Nonvested stock awards at the end of the period   241,428   $11.74 

 

The Company maintains the Stock Option Plan (the “Option Plan”) which authorizes the grant of stock options to officers, employees and directors of the Company to acquire shares of common stock with an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date. Options generally become vested and exercisable at the rate of 20% per year over five years and are generally exercisable for a period of ten years after the grant date. A total of 533,808 shares of common stock were approved for future issuance pursuant to the Option Plan. As of September 30, 2016, all of the options had been awarded under the Option Plan. As of September 30, 2016, 576,354 options were vested under the Option Plan of which 126,000 options were forfeited and are available for future grants. The 2014 SIP reserved up to 714,145 shares for issuance pursuant to options. Options to purchase 608,737 shares were awarded during February 2015, 605,000 shares pursuant to the 2014 SIP and the remainder pursuant to the Option Plan. During August 2016 the Company granted 18,866 shares under the Option Plan and 8,634 shares under the 2014 SIP.

 

A summary of the status of the Company’ stock options under the Option Plan as of September 30, 2016 and 2015 and changes during the year ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are presented below:

 

   Year Ended
September 30, 2016
 
   Number of
Shares
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
         
Options outstanding at beginning of year   1,074,430   $11.92 
Granted   27,500    14.42 
Exercised   (99,545)   11.45 
Forfeited   (80,476)   11.52 
Outstanding at the end of the period   921,909   $11.70 
Exercisable at the end of the period   467,397   $11.40 

 

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   Year Ended
September 30, 2015
 
   Number of
Shares
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
         
Options outstanding at beginning of year   530,084   $11.57 
Granted   608,737    12.23 
Forfeited   (64,391)   11.92 
Outstanding at the end of the period   1,074,430   $11.92 
Exercisable at the end of the period   440,976   $11.42 

 

The weighted average remaining contractual term was approximately 5.1 years for options outstanding as of September 30, 2016:

 

The estimated fair value of options granted during fiscal 2009 was $2.98 per share, $2.92 for options granted during fiscal 2010, $3.34 for options granted during fiscal 2013, $4.67 for the options granted during fiscal 2014, $4.58 for options granted during fiscal 2015 and $2.13 for options granted during fiscal 2016. The fair value for grants made in fiscal 2015 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions: an exercise and fair value of $12.23, term of seven years, volatility rate of 38.16%, interest rate of 1.62% and a yield rate of 0.98%. The fair value for grants made in fiscal 2016 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions: an exercise and fair value of $14.42, term of seven years, volatility rate of 13.82%, interest rate of 1.36% and a yield rate of 0.80%.

 

During the year ended September 30, 2016, $455,000 was recognized in compensation expense for the Option Plan. A tax benefit of $60,000 was recognized during the year ended September 30, 2016. During the year ended September 30, 2015, $387,000 was recognized in compensation expense for the Option Plan. A tax benefit of $44,000 was recognized during the year ended September 30, 2015. At September 30, 2016, approximately $2.0 million of additional compensation expense for awarded options remained unrecognized. The weighted average period over which this expense will be recognized is approximately 2.3 years.

 

14.INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS

 

The Company has contracted with a third party to engage pay-fixed interest rate swap contracts and the outstanding at September 30, 2016, is being utilized to hedge $20.1 million in floating rate debt. Below is a summary of the interest rate swap agreements and the terms as of September 30, 2016.

 

   2016 
   Natinal   Pay   Receive  Maturity   Unrealized 
   Amount   Rate   Rate  Date   Loss 
                    
Interest rate swap contract  $10,000    1.15%  1 Mth Libor   6-Apr-21   $92,000 
Interest rate swap contract   10,000    1.18%  1 Mth Libor   13-Jun-21    103,000 
Interest rate swap contract   1,100    4.10%  1 Mth Libor +276 bp   1-Aug-16    7,000 
                        
                     $202,000 

 

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15.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

At September 30, 2016, the Company had $9.9 million in outstanding commitments to originate fixed and variable-rate loans with market interest rates ranging from 3.75% to 5.25%. At September 30, 2015, the Company had $2.7 million in outstanding commitments to originate fixed and variable-rate loans with market interest rates ranging from 4.25% to 5.25%. The aggregate undisbursed portion of loans-in-process amounted to $5.4 million and $17.1 million, respectively, at September 30, 2016 and 2015.

 

The Company also had commitments under unused lines of credit of $3.3 million and $6.1 million, respectively, and letters of credit outstanding of $1.9 million and $2.6 million, respectively, at September 30, 2016 and 2015.

 

The Company is subject to various pending claims and contingent liabilities arising in the normal course of business which are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Management considers that the aggregate liability, if any, resulting from such matters will not be material.

 

Among the Company’s contingent liabilities are exposures to limited recourse arrangements with respect to the Company’s sales of whole loans and participation interests. At September 30, 2016, the exposure, which represents a portion of credit risk associated with the sold interests, amounted to $32,000. This exposure is for the life of the related loans and payables, on the Company’s proportionate share, as actual losses are incurred.

 

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business. Management of the Company, based on discussions with litigation counsel, does not believe that such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of the Company. There can be no assurance that any of the outstanding legal proceedings to which the Company is party will not be decided adversely to the Company's interest and have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and operations of the Company. 

 

16.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

 

The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date and, therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

 

Generally accepted accounting principles used in the United States establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value.

 

The three broad levels of hierarchy are as follows:

 

Level 1    Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2    Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

Level 3    Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

 

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Those assets as of September 30, 2016 which are to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:

 

   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                 
Assets:                    
Securities available for sale:                    
U.S. Government and agency obligations  $-   $21,024   $-   $21,024 
Mortgage-backed securities - U.S. Government agencies   -    91,575    -    91,575 
Corporate bonds   -    26,053    -    26,053 
FHLMC preferred stock   42    -    -    42 
Total  $42   $138,652   $-   $138,694 
                     
Liabilities                    
Interest rate swap contracts  $-   $202   $-   $202 
Total  $-   $202   $-   $202 

 

Those assets as of September 30, 2015 which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:

 

   Category Used for Fair Value Measurement 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
                 
Assets:                    
Securities available for sale:                    
U.S. Government and agency obligations  $-   $18,712   $-   $18,712 
Mortgage-backed securities - U.S. Government agencies   -    58,712    -    58,712 
FHLMC preferred stock   59    -    -    59 
Total  $59   $77,424   $-   $77,483 

 

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). The Company measures impaired loans and real estate owned at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

 

Impaired Loans

 

Collateral dependent impaired loans are based on the fair value of the collateral which is based on appraisals and would be categorized as Level 2 measurement. In some cases, adjustments are made to the appraised values for various factors including the age of the appraisal, age of the comparable included in the appraisal, and known changes in the market and in the collateral. These adjustments are based upon unobservable inputs, and therefore, the fair value measurement has been categorized as a Level 3 measurement. These loans are reviewed for impairment and written down to their net realizable value by charges against the allowance for loan losses. The collateral underlying these loans had a fair value of $19.4 million and $16.8 million at September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

Real Estate Owned

Once an asset is determined to be uncollectible, the underlying collateral is generally repossessed and reclassified to foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets. These repossessed assets are carried at the lower of cost or fair value of the collateral, based on independent appraisals, less cost to sell and would be categorized as Level 2 measurement. In some cases, adjustments are made to the appraised values for various factors including age of the appraisal, age of the comparables included in the appraisal, and known changes in the market and in the collateral. Thus the evaluations are based upon unobservable inputs, and therefore, the fair value measurement has been categorized as a Level 3 measurement.

 

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Summary of Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements

 

   At September 30, 2016 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Impaired loans  $-   $-   $19,429   $19,429 
Real estate owned   -    -    581    581 
Total  $-   $-   $20,010   $20,010 

 

   At September 30, 2015 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Impaired loans  $-   $-   $16,770   $16,770 
Real estate owned   -    -    869    869 
Total  $-   $-   $17,639   $17,639 

 

The following tables provide information describing the valuation processes used to determine nonrecurring fair value measurements categorized within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:

 

   At September 30, 2016
   (Dollars in Thousands)
       Valuation     Range/
   Fair Value   Technique  Unobservable Input  Weighted Ave.
Impaired loans  $19,429   Property appraisals (1) (3)  Management discount for selling costs, property type and market volatility (2)  6% to 46% discount/10%
Real estate owned  $581   Property appraisals (1) (3)  Management discount for selling costs, property type and market volatility (2)  10% discount

 

   At September 30, 2015
   (Dollars in Thousands)
       Valuation     Range/
   Fair Value   Technique  Unobservable Input  Weighted Ave.
Impaired loans  $16,770   Property appraisals (1) (3)  Management discount for selling costs, property type and market volatility (2)  10% discount
Real estate owned  $869   Property appraisals (1) (3)  Management discount for selling costs, property type and market volatility (2)  10% discount

 

(1)Fair value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which generally includes various Level 3 inputs, which are not identifiable.
(2)Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses. The range and weighted average of liquidation expenses and other appraisal adjustments are presented as a percent of the appraisal.

 

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(3)Includes qualitative adjustments by management and estimated liquidation expenses.

 

The fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is necessarily required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

 

           Fair Value Measurements at 
           September 30, 2016 
   Carrying   Fair             
   Amount   Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
   (Dollars in Thousands)     
Assets:                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $12,440   $12,440   $12,440   $-   $- 
Certificate of deposits   1,853    1,853    1,853    -    - 
Investment and mortgage-backed securities available for sale   138,694    138,694    42    138,652    - 
Investment and mortgage-backed securities held to maturity   39,971    40,700    -    40,700    - 
Loans receivable, net   344,948    344,100    -    -    344,100 
Accrued interest receivable   1,928    1,928    1,928    -    - 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   2,463    2,463    2,463    -    - 
Bank owned life insurance   13,055    13,055    13,055    -    - 
                          
Liabilities:                         
Checking accounts   38,788    38,788    38,788    -    - 
Money market deposit accounts   55,552    55,552    55,552    -    - 
Passbook, club and statement savings accounts   70,924    71,145    71,145    -    - 
Certificates of deposit   223,930    225,383    -    -    225,383 
Accrued interest payable   1,403    1,403    1,403    -    - 
Advances from FHLB -short-term   20,000    20,000    -         20,000 
Advances from FHLB -long-term   30,638    30,222    -    -    30,222 
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance   1,748    1,748    1,748    -    - 
Interest rate swap contracts   202    202    -    202    - 

 

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           Fair Value Measurements at 
           September 30, 2015 
   Carrying   Fair             
   Amount   Value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
   (Dollars in Thousands)     
Assets:                         
Cash and cash equivalents  $11,272   $11,272   $11,272   $-   $- 
Investment and mortgage-backed securities available for sale   77,483    77,483    59    77,424    - 
Investment and mortgage-backed securities held to maturity   66,384    66,877    -    66,877    - 
Loans receivable, net   312,633    312,613    -    -    312,613 
Accrued interest receivable   1,665    1,665    1,665    -    - 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock   369    369    369    -    - 
Bank owned life insurance   12,722    12,722    12,722    -    - 
                          
Liabilities:                         
Checking accounts   37,942    37,942    37,942    -    - 
Money market deposit accounts   60,736    60,736    60,736    -    - 
Passbook, club and statement savings accounts   70,355    70,355    70,355    -    - 
Certificates of deposit   196,041    199,639    -    -    199,639 
Accrued interest payable   1,291    1,291    1,291    -    - 
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance   1,670    1,670    1,670    -    - 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents—For cash and cash equivalents, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Certificates of deposit—For certificates of deposit, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Investments and Mortgage-Backed SecuritiesThe fair value of investment securities and mortgage-backed securities is based on quoted market prices, dealer quotes, and prices obtained from independent pricing services.

 

Loans ReceivableThe fair value of loans is estimated based on present value using the current market rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. The carrying value that fair value is compared to is net of the allowance for loan losses and other associated premiums and discounts. Due to the significant judgment involved in evaluating credit quality, loans are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

Accrued Interest Receivable – For accrued interest receivable, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) StockAlthough FHLB stock is an equity interest in an FHLB, it is carried at cost because it does not have a readily determinable fair value as its ownership is restricted and it lacks a market. The estimated fair value approximates the carrying amount.

 

Bank Owned Life InsuranceThe fair value of bank owned life insurance is based on the cash surrender value obtained from an independent advisor that are be derivable from observable market inputs.

 

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Checking Accounts, Money Market Deposit Accounts, Passbook Accounts, Club Accounts, Statement Savings Accounts, and Certificates of DepositThe fair value of passbook accounts, club accounts, statement savings accounts, checking accounts, and money market deposit accounts is the amount reported in the financial statements. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on market rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturity.

 

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (short-term)The fair value of advances from FHLB is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date.

 

Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (long-term)The fair value of advances from FHLB is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date.

 

Accrued Interest Payable – For accrued interest payable, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance – For advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

Interest rate swap contracts – For interest rate swap contracts, the fair values of derivative contracts are based upon the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay to terminate the contracts or agreements, taking into account underlying interest rates, creditworthiness of underlying customers for credit derivatives and, when appropriate, the creditworthiness of the counterparties.

 

Commitments to Extend Credit and Letters of CreditThe majority of the Bank’s commitments to extend credit and letters of credit carry current market interest rates if converted to loans. Because commitments to extend credit and letters of credit are generally unassignable by either the Bank or the borrower, they only have value to the Bank and the borrower. The estimated fair value approximates the recorded deferred fee amounts, which are not significant.

 

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17.PRUDENTIAL BANCORP, INC. (PARENT COMPANY ONLY)

 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION        
September 30,  2016   2015 
   (Dollars in Thousands) 
Assets:          
Cash  $6,541   $14,912 
ESOP loan receivable   5,277    5,618 
Investment in Bank   101,350    96,132 
Other assets   834    339 
Total assets  $114,002   $117,001 
           
Stockholders' equity:          
Preferred stock   -    - 
Common stock   95    95 
Additional paid-in-capital   95,713    95,286 
Unearned ESOP shares   (4,550)   (4,926)
Treasury stock   (21,098)   (14,691)
Retained earnings   43,044    41,219 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income   798    18 
           
Total stockholders' equity   114,002    117,001 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $114,002   $117,001 

 

INCOME STATEMENT            
For the year ended September 30,  2016   2015   2014 
   (Dollars in thousands)     
             
Interest on ESOP loan   247    263    257 
Equity in the undistributed earnings of the Bank   2,911    2,549    2,085 
Other income   -    9    - 
                
Total income   3,158    2,821    2,342 
                
Professional services   161    306    288 
Other expense   376    447    431 
                
Total expense   537    753    719 
                
Income before income taxes   2,621    2,068    1,623 
                
Income tax benefit   (99)   (164)   (157)
                
Net income   2,720    2,232    1,780 

 

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CASH FLOWS            
For the year ended September 30,  2016   2015   2014 
   (Dollars in thousands)     
Operating activities:               
Net income  $2,720   $2,232   $1,780 
(Decrease) increase in assets   (579)   88    (198)
Equity in the undistributed earnings of the Bank   (2,911)   (2,549)   (2,085)
                
Net cash used in operating activities   (770)   (229)   (503)
                
Investing activities:               
Repayments received on ESOP loan   341    325    302 
Cash advanced to subsidiary   -    -    (34,800)
                
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   341    325    (34,498)
                
Financing Activities:               
Purchase of common stock for ESOP   -    -    (3,089)
Issuance of common stock   -    -    38,702 
Cancellation of treasury stock   -    -    31,625 
Purchase of treasury stock   (7,047)   (14,691)     
Cash dividends paid   (895)   (2,222)   (571)
                
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   (7,942)   (16,913)   66,667 
                
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents   (8,371)   (16,817)   31,666 
                
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year   14,912    31,729    63 
                
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year  $6,541   $14,912   $31,729 

 

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18.CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

Unaudited quarterly financial data for the years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

 

   September 30, 2016   September 30, 2015 
   1st   2nd   3rd   4th   1st   2nd   3rd   4th 
   Qtr   Qtr   Qtr   Qtr   Qtr   Qtr   Qtr   Qtr 
   (In thousands)   (In thousands) 
                                 
Interest income  $4,056   $4,366   $4,474   $4,587   $4,240   $4,304   $4,055   $4,081 
Interest expense   800    849    824    853    901    871    851    807 
Net interest income   3,256    3,517    3,650    3,734    3,339    3,433    3,204    3,274 
(Recoveries) Provision for loan losses   0    75    150    0    75    300    210    150 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   3,256    3,442    3,500    3,734    3,264    3,133    2,994    3,124 
Non-interest income   274    209    400    454    350    1,988    445    225 
Non-interest expense   2,896    2,796    2,815    2,783    2,926    3,511    3,432    3,306 
Income  before income tax expense   634    855    1,085    1,405    688    1,610    7    43 
Income tax expense   221    307    308    423    217    (91)   (40)   30 
Net income  $413   $548   $777   $982   $471   $1,701   $47   $13 
                                         
Per share:                                        
Earnings per share - basic  $0.05   $0.08   $0.10   $0.14   $0.05   $0.20   $0.01   $0.01 
Earnings per share - diluted  $0.05   $0.70   $0.10   $0.14   $0.05   $0.18   $0.01   $- 
Dividends per share  $0.03   $0.03   $0.03   $0.03   $0.03   $0.03   $0.18   $0.03 

 

   September 30, 2014 
   1st   2nd   3rd   4th 
   Qtr   Qtr   Qtr   Qtr 
   (In thousands) 
                 
Interest income  $4,069   $4,085   $4,136   $4,175 
Interest expense   905    852    826    818 
Net interest income   3,164    3,233    3,310    3,357 
(Recoveries) Provision for loan losses   0    0    0    240 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses   3,164    3,233    3,310    3,117 
Non-interest income   161    413    194    343 
Non-interest expense   2,803    2,954    2,756    2,952 
Income  before income tax expense   522    692    748    508 
Income tax expense   184    157    227    112 
Net income  $338   $535   $521   $396 
                     
Per share:                    
Earnings per share - basic  $0.04   $0.06   $0.06   $0.04 
Earnings per share - diluted  $0.04   $0.06   $0.06   $0.03 
Dividends per share  $-   $-   $0.03   $0.03 

 

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Due to rounding, the sum of the earnings per share in individual quarters may differ from reported amounts.

 

19.PENDING ACQUISITION

 

On June 2, 2016, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Polonia Bancorp. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Polonia Bancorp will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”) and Polonia Bancorp’s wholly owned subsidiary, Polonia Bank, a federally chartered savings bank, will merge with and into the Bank.

 

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of Polonia Bancorp common stock will be converted into the right to receive, at the election of the Polonia Bancorp shareholder (subject to certain conditions, including conditions relating to pro-ration): (i) 0.7591 of a share of Company common stock (the “Exchange Ratio”) or (ii) $11.28 in cash (the “Per Share Cash Consideration” and collectively with the Exchange Ratio, the “Merger Consideration”). The election of shares of Company stock or cash will be subject to pro-ration such that 50% of the issued and outstanding shares of Polonia Bancorp common stock will be exchanged for Company common stock and 50% will be exchanged for cash. Options to purchase Polonia Bancorp common stock outstanding at the effective time of the Merger will fully vest and be exchanged for a cash payment equal to the difference, if positive, between the Per Share Cash Consideration under the Merger Agreement and the corresponding exercise price of such option, subject to prior receipt of any required regulatory approvals.

 

The Merger Consideration is subject to adjustment in certain limited situations. In the event that Polonia Bancorp Consolidated Stockholders’ Equity, as calculated in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement, is less than $37.4 million as of the Final Statement Date, as defined in the Merger Agreement, then the Exchange Ratio and the Per Share Cash Consideration will be adjusted downward to reflect the amount of the difference between $37.4 million and the Polonia Bancorp Consolidated Stockholders’ Equity. The Merger Consideration is subject to potential upward adjustment to reflect the after-tax impact of certain recoveries experienced by Polonia Bancorp, if any, achieved prior to the Final Statement Date as specified in the Merger Agreement. In such situation, the Exchange Ratio and the Per Share Cash Consideration, as they may have been adjusted downward as noted above, will be correspondingly adjusted to reflect the amount of such after-tax recoveries.

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

Not Applicable.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Management evaluated, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of September 30, 2016. Based on such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and regulations and are operating in an effective manner.

 

Management's Report of Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Management is responsible for designing, implementing, documenting, and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. An adequate system of internal control over financial reporting encompasses the processes and procedures that have been established by management to:

 

·maintain records that accurately reflect the Company's transactions;
·prepare financial statement and footnote disclosures in accordance with U.S. GAAP that can be relied upon by external users; and

 

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·prevent and detect unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this evaluation under the criteria in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2016. Furthermore, during the conduct of its assessment, management identified no material weakness in its financial reporting control system.

 

The Board of Directors of Prudential Bancorp, through its Audit Committee, provides oversight to managements' conduct of the financial reporting process. The Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of independent directors, is also responsible for the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee also meets with management, the internal audit staff, and the independent registered public accounting firm throughout the year to provide assurance as to the adequacy of the financial reporting process and to monitor the overall scope of the work performed by the internal audit staff and the independent public accountants.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, the disclosure controls and procedures may not prevent or detect misstatements. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can only provide reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. 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.

 

SR Snodgrass, P.C. a registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as stated in their report which is included in Item 8 hereof.

 

/s/Dennis Pollack   /s/Jack E. Rothkopf
Dennis Pollack   Jack E. Rothkopf
President and Chief Executive Officer   Senior Vice President,
    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting. No change in the internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal 2016 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Item 9B. Other Information

 

Not applicable.

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

The information required herein is incorporated by reference from the sections captioned "Information with Respect to Nominees for Director, Continuing Directors and Executive Officers" and "Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock by Certain Beneficial Owners and Management – Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on February 23, 2017, is expected to be which filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about January17, 2016 ("Definitive Proxy Statement").

 

The Company has adopted a code of ethics policy, which applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, as well as its directors and employees generally. The Company will provide a copy of its code of ethics to any person, free of charge, upon request. Any requests for a copy should be made to the shareholder relations administrator, Prudential Bancorp, Inc., 1834 West Oregon Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19145. In addition, a copy of the Code of Ethics is available at the Company’s website at www.prudentialsavingsbank.com under the Investor Relations menu.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

The information required herein is incorporated by reference from the sections captioned "Management Compensation" and "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference to “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock by Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information. The following table provides information as of September 30, 2016 with respect to shares of common stock that may be issued under the existing equity compensation plans, which consist of the 2008 Stock Option Plan, the 2008 Recognition and Retention Plan and the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan, all of which were approved by the Company’s shareholders. The share amounts set forth below with respect to the 2008 Stock Option Plan and the 2008 Recognition and Retention Plan have been adjusted for the exchange of shares in connection with the second-step conversion completed on October 9, 2013, at an exchange ratio of 0.9442 of Company common stock for each share of Old Prudential Bancorp held by other than the MHC.

 

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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   1,094,697(1)  $11.75(1)   336,229 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders   --    -----    -- 
Total   1,094,697   $11.75    336,229 

 

___________________
(1)Includes 172,788 shares subject to restricted stock grants which were not vested as of September 30, 2016. The weighted average exercise price excludes such restricted stock grants.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

The information required herein is incorporated by reference from the sections captioned "Management Compensation – Related Party Transactions" and “Information with Respect to Nominees for Director, Continuing Directors and Executive Officers” in the Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

 

The information required herein is incorporated by reference from the section captioned "Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Proposal Three) – Audit Fees" in the Definitive Proxy Statement.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a)Documents Filed as Part of this Report.

 

(1)The following financial statements are incorporated by reference from Item 8 hereof:

 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition  
Consolidated Statements of Operations  
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (loss)  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  

 

(2)All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the SEC are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.

 

(3)The following exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-K, and this list includes the Exhibit Index.

 

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Exhibit No. Description
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. (1)
3.2 Bylaws of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. (1)
4.0 Form of Stock Certificate of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. (1)
  *
10.1 Amended and Restated Post Retirement Agreement between Prudential Savings Bank and Joseph W. Packer, Jr. (2)*
10.2 Amended and Restated Split-Dollar Collateral Assignment with Joseph W. Packer, Jr. and Diane B. Packer (2)*
10.3 Amended and Restated Split-Dollar Collateral Assignment with Joseph W. Packer,    Jr. (2)*
10.4 Amendment No. 1 to Split-Dollar Agreement between the Bank and Joseph W.    Packer, Jr. (2)*
10.5 Settlement Agreement, dated November 7, 2008, by and among Prudential Mutual Holding Company, Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania, Prudential Savings Bank, Stilwell Value Partners, I, L.P., Stilwell Partners L.P., Stilwell Value LLC, Joseph Stilwell and John Stilwell (3)
10.6 Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania 2008 Stock Option Plan (4)*
10.7 Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania 2008 Recognition and Retention Plan and Trust Agreement (4)*
10.8 Amendment No.2 to Split-Dollar Agreement between the Bank and Joseph W. Packer, Jr.*(5)
10.9 Endorsement Split Dollar Insurance Agreement, dated August 28, 2012, between Joseph Corrato and Prudential Savings Bank (6)*
10.10 Endorsement Split Dollar Insurance Agreement dated August 29, 2012 between Jack Rothkopf and Prudential Savings Bank (6)*
10.11 Transition Agreement by and among Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania, Prudential Savings Bank, Prudential Mutual Holding Company, PSB Delaware, Inc. and Joseph W. Packer, Jr. dated as of April 18, 2012 (7)*
   
10.12 Employment Agreement between Prudential Savings Bank and Jack Rothkopf (8)*
10.13 Endorsement Split Dollar Insurance Agreement dated May 14, 2014 between Jeffrey T. Hanuscin and Prudential Savings Bank (9)*
10.14 Amendment No.1 to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Prudential Savings Bank and Jack E. Rothkopf  (10)*
10.15 Severance Agreement between Prudential Savings Bank and Anthony V. Migliorino (11)*
10.16 Severance Agreement between Prudential Savings Bank and Jeffrey T. Hanuscin (12)*
10.17 Amendment No. 1 to the Severance Agreement between Prudential Savings Bank and Jeffrey T. Hanuscin (13)*
10.18 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (14)*
10.19 Severance Agreement between Prudential Savings Bank and Jack E. Rothkopf (14)*
10.20 Separation Agreement between Prudential Bancorp, Inc. Prudential Savings Bank and Joseph R. Corrato (16)*
10.21 Employment Agreement between Prudential Bancorp, Inc., Prudential Savings Bank and Dennis Pollack (17)*
23.1 Consent of Independent registered public accounting firm
31.1 Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
31.2 Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
32.0 Section 906 Certification
101.INS XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document.

 

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*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Item 15(b) hereof.

 

(1)Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-189321) filed with the SEC on June 14, 2013.

 

(2)Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K, of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania dated November 19, 2008 and filed with the SEC on November 25, 2008 (SEC File No. 000-51214).

 

(3)Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania, dated November 7, 2008 and filed with the SEC on November 7, 2008 (SEC File No. 000-51214).

 

(4)Incorporated by reference from Appendices A (2008 Stock Option Plan) and B (2008 Recognition and Retention Plan and Trust Agreement”) of the definitive proxy statement of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania (SEC File No. 000-51214) filed with the SEC on November 26, 2008.

 

(5)Incorporated by reference from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania for the year ended September 30, 2012 filed with the SEC on December 21,2012 (SEC File No. 000-51214)

 

(6)Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania dated August 28, 2012 and filed with the SEC on August 31, 2012 (SEC File No. 000-51214).

 

(7)Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania dated April 18, 2012 and filed with the SEC on April 19, 2012 (SEC File No. 000-51214).

 

(8)Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. dated June 17, 2015and filed with the SEC on June 22, 2015 (SEC File No. 000-55089).

 

(9)Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 of Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. filed with the SEC on August 14, 2014 (SEC File No. 000-55084).

 

(10)Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. dated November 13, 2015 and filed with the SEC on November 1, 2015 (SEC File No. 000-55089).

 

(11)Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. dated November 30, 2015 and filed with the SEC on December 1, 2015 (SEC File No. 000-55084).

 

(12)Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 2015 and filed with the SEC on May 11, 2015 (SEC File No. 000-55084).

 

 (13)Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended September 30, 2015 and file with SEC on December 14, 2015 (SEC File No. 00-5589).
   
(14)Incorporated by reference from Appendix A of the definitive proxy statement of Prudential Bancorp, Inc. filed with the SEC on December 30, 2014 (SEC File No. 000-55084).

 

(15)Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Prudential Bancorp, dated December 28, 2015 and filed with the SEC on December 28, 2015 (SEC File No. 000-55084).

 

(16)Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Prudential Bancorp, dated May 3, 2016 and filed with the SEC on May 3, 2015 (SEC File No. 000-55084).

 

(17)Incorporated by reference from the Current Report on Form 8-K of Prudential Bancorp, dated May 16, 2016 and filed with the SEC on May 16, 2015 (SEC File No. 000-55084).

 

(b)Exhibits

 

The exhibits listed under (a)(3) of this Item 15 are filed herewith.

 

(c)Reference is made to (a)(2) of this Item 15.

 

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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.

 

  Prudential Bancorp, Inc.
   
December 14, 2016 By: /s/Dennis Pollack
    Dennis Pollack
    President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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

 

 

  /s/ Bruce E. Miller   December 14, 2016
  Bruce E. Miller    
  Chairman of the Board    
       
  /s/ Jerome R. Balka, Esq   December 14, 2016
  Jerome R. Balka, Esq.    
  Director    
       
  /s/ A. J. Fanelli   December 14, 2016
  A. J. Fanelli    
  Director    
       
  /s/ John C. Hosier   December 14, 2016
  John C. Hosier    
  Director    
       
  /s/ Francis V. Mulcahy   December 14, 2016
  Francis V. Mulcahy    

 

  /s/ Dennis Pollack   December 14, 2016
  Dennis Pollack    
  Director, President and Chief Executive President    
       
  /s/ Jack E. Rothkopf   December 14, 2016
  Jack E. Rothkopf    
  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer    
  Chief Accounting Officer    

 

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