form10q-83322_necb.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549


FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007

OR

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

For the transition period from ______________ to _____________
 
Commission file number: 0-51852
 

          Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.          
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                    United States of America                    
                    06-1786701                    
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
organization)
 
   
325 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, New York
      10601      
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

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

                                                                      N/A                                                                      
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer.  (See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in rule 12b-2 of the exchange act).

Large accelerated   ¨
Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer    ý

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

As of May 10, 2007, there were 13,225,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.




NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
Table of Contents

       
Page No.
         
     
         
     
1
         
     
2
         
     
3
         
     
4
         
     
5
         
   
7
         
   
12
         
   
13
         
   
14
         
         
   
14
         
   
14
         
   
14
         
   
14
         
   
14
         
   
14
         
   
14
         
     
15



PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
Financial Statements

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (UNAUDITED)

   
March 31,
2007
   
December 31,
2006
 
   
(In thousands,
except share and per share data)
 
   
ASSETS
 
   
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions
  $
2,559
    $
2,650
 
Interest-bearing deposits
   
24,693
     
34,099
 
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
27,252
     
36,749
 
                 
Securities available for sale
   
346
     
355
 
Securities held to maturity
   
29,804
     
27,455
 
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses $1,200 and $1,200
   
209,563
     
201,306
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
8,242
     
8,154
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
10,984
     
11,117
 
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost
   
399
     
399
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
1,038
     
1,101
 
Other assets
   
2,215
     
1,781
 
                 
Total Assets
  $
289,843
    $
288,417
 
   
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
   
LIABILITIES
 
Deposits:
               
Non-interest bearing
  $
1,203
    $
1,439
 
Interest bearing
   
187,018
     
187,153
 
                 
Total Deposits
   
188,221
     
188,592
 
                 
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
   
3,261
     
1,929
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
1,151
     
1,145
 
                 
Total Liabilities
   
192,633
     
191,666
 
                 
Stockholders’ Equity
               
                 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
   
     
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 19,000,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding:  13,225,000
   
132
     
132
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
57,526
     
57,513
 
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) shares
    (4,860 )     (4,925 )
Retained earnings
   
44,537
     
44,147
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (125 )     (116 )
                 
Total Stockholders’ Equity
   
97,210
     
96,751
 
                 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $
289,843
    $
288,417
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1


CONSOLIDATEDSTATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(In thousands,
except per share data) 
 
   
INTEREST INCOME
 
   
Loans
  $
3,181
    $
3,162
 
Interest-earning deposits
   
416
     
247
 
Securities - taxable
   
372
     
136
 
                 
Total Interest Income
   
3,969
     
3,545
 
   
INTEREST EXPENSE
 
   
Deposits
   
1,284
     
903
 
                 
Total Interest Expense
   
1,284
     
903
 
                 
Net Interest Income
   
2,685
     
2,642
 
                 
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
   
     
 
                 
Net Interest Income after Provision for Loan Losses
   
2,685
     
2,642
 
                 
NON-INTEREST INCOME
               
Other loan fees and service charges
   
90
     
106
 
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
   
88
     
 
Other
   
4
     
7
 
                 
Total Non-Interest Income
   
182
     
113
 
   
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES
 
   
Salaries and employee benefits
   
1,129
     
1,053
 
Net occupancy expense of premises
   
265
     
258
 
Equipment
   
140
     
96
 
Outside data processing
   
156
     
145
 
Advertising
   
32
     
27
 
Other
   
537
     
456
 
                 
Total Non-Interest Expenses
   
2,259
     
2,035
 
                 
Income before Income Taxes
   
608
     
720
 
                 
INCOME TAXES
   
218
     
311
 
                 
Net Income
  $
390
    $
409
 
Net Income per Common Share – Basic and Diluted
  $
.03
   
N/A (A)
 
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding – Basic and Diluted
   
12,736
   
N/A (A)
 

(A)
The Company completed its initial public stock offering on July 5, 2006.


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


2


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006

 
 
   
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   
Unearned
ESOP
Shares
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (loss)
   
Total
Equity
   
Comprehensive
Income
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                           
Balance at December 31, 2005
  $
-
    $
-
    $
-
    $
43,089
    $
31
    $
43,120
       
   Comprehensive income:
                                                     
      Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
409
     
-
     
409
    $
409
 
      Unrealized gain on securities
           available for sale, net of taxes of $(2)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3
     
3
     
3
 
                                                         
Total comprehensive income
                                                  $
412
 
                                                         
Balance at March 31, 2006
  $
-
    $
-
    $
-
    $
43,498
    $
34
    $
43,532
         


                                           
                                           
Balance at December 31, 2006
  $
132
    $
57,513
    $ (4,925 )   $
44,147
    $ (116 )   $
96,751
       
   Comprehensive income:
                                                     
      Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
390
     
-
     
390
    $
390
 
      Unrealized loss on securities
           available for sale, net of taxes of $2
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (5 )     (5 )     (5 )
      Prior Service Cost – DRP, net of
            taxes of $3
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (4 )     (4 )     (4 )
                                                         
Total comprehensive income
                                                  $
381
 
                                                         
   ESOP shares earned
   
-
     
13
     
65
     
-
     
-
     
78
         
                                                         
Balance at March 31, 2007
  $
132
    $
57,526
    $ (4,860 )   $
44,537
    $ (125 )   $
97,210
         
                                                         

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


3


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(In thousands)
 
   
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
             
Net income
  $
390
    $
409
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
               
Amortization of securities premiums and (discounts), net
    (285 )    
6
 
Provision for depreciation
   
154
     
140
 
Amortization of deferred loan discounts, fees and costs, net
   
29
     
48
 
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
    (88 )    
 
Decrease in accrued interest receivable
   
63
     
33
 
(Increase) in other assets
    (429 )     (369 )
Increase in accrued interest payable
   
6
     
 
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    (1 )    
121
 
ESOP shares earned
   
78
     
 
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities
    (83 )    
388
 
   
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
                 
Net (increase) in loans
    (8,286 )     (7,705 )
Purchase of securities held to maturity
    (24,689 )    
 
Principal repayments on securities available for sale
   
2
     
4
 
Principal repayments on securities held to maturity
   
22,625
     
515
 
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (21 )     (47 )
Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities
    (10,369 )     (7,233 )
   
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
   
Net (decrease) in deposits
    (377 )     (1,374 )
Increase in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
   
1,332
     
1,489
 
                 
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
   
955
     
115
 
                 
Net (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (9,497 )     (6,730 )
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning
   
36,749
     
27,389
 
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Ending
  $
27,252
    $
20,659
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOWS INFORMATION
 
                 
Income taxes paid
  $
340
    $
258
 
Interest paid
  $
1,278
    $
903
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



4


NORTHEAST COMMUNITY BANK
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Federally-chartered corporation organized as a mid-tier holding company for Northeast Community Bank (the “Bank”), in conjunction with the Bank’s reorganization from a mutual savings bank to the mutual holding company structure on July 5, 2006.  The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the three-month period ended March 31, 2007, include the accounts of the Company and the Bank.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  The unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2006 include only the accounts of the Bank as the Company was not in existence prior to such date.

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other interim period.  The December 31, 2006 consolidated statement of financial condition data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain recorded amounts and disclosures.  Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.  The most significant estimate pertains to the allowance for loan losses.

NOTE 2 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per common share is computed in a manner similar to basic earnings per common share except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the incremental common shares (as computed using the treasury stock method) that would have been outstanding if all potentially dilutive common stock equivalents were issued during the period.  Common stock equivalents may include restricted stock awards and stock options.  Anti-dilutive shares are common stock equivalents with weighted-average exercise prices in excess of the weighted-average market value for the periods presented.  The Company has not granted any restricted stock awards or stock options and, during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, had no potentially dilutive common stock equivalents.  Unallocated common shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) are not included in the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating both basic and diluted earnings per common share until they are committed to be released.

Earnings per common share data is not presented for the three months ended March 31, 2006 as the Company had no publicly held shares outstanding prior to the Company’s initial public offering on July 5, 2006.  Per share data for the three months ended March 31, 2007 is calculated by utilizing net income and the weighted-average common shares outstanding in the three-month period.

NOTE 3 – EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN

As of December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007, the ESOP owned 518,420 shares of the Company’s common stock, which are held in a suspense account until released for allocation to participants.  As of December 31, 2006 and March 31, 2007, the Company had committed to release 25,921 shares and 32,401 shares, respectively.  The Company recognized compensation expense of $78,000 during the three-month period ended March 31, 2007, which equals the fair value of the ESOP shares when they became committed to be released.

5


 
NOTE 4 –OUTSIDE DIRECTOR RETIREMENT PLAN (“DRP”)

Periodic expenses for the Company’s DRP were as follows:

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Service cost
  $
11
    $
8
 
Interest cost
   
6
     
5
 
       Amortization of Prior Service Cost
   
5
     
5
 
   Total
  $
22
    $
18
 

Effective January 1, 2006, the Bank implemented the DRP.  This plan is a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering all non-employee directors meeting eligibility requirements as specified in the plan document. The DRP is accounted for under Statements of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 132 and 158.  The amortization of prior service cost in the three-month period ended March 31, 2007, is also reflected as a reduction in other comprehensive income during the period.

NOTE 5 – EFFECT OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements.  The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  We are currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS No. 157 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 creates a fair value option allowing an entity to irrevocably elect fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain financial assets and financial liabilities, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings as they occur.  SFAS 159 also requires an entity to report those financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value in a manner that separates those reported fair values from the carrying amount of assets and liabilities measured using another measurement attribute in the face of the statement of financial position.  Lastly, SFAS 159 requires an entity to provide information that would allow users to understand the effect on earnings of changes in the fair value on those instruments selected for the fair value election.  SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted.  After evaluating the impact SFAS 159 would have on our consolidated financial statements, we have determined not to early adopt SFAS 159 at this time.

On September 7, 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) reached a conclusion on EITF Issue No. 06-5, “Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance – Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized in Accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4, Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance”.  The scope of EITF Issue No. 06-5 consists of six separate issues relating to accounting for life insurance policies purchased by entities protecting against the loss of “key persons.”  The six issues are clarifications of previously issued guidance on FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4. EITF 06-5 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The adoption of EITF 06-5 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In March 2007, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-10 “Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreements”.  EITF Issue No. 06-10 provides guidance for determining a liability for the postretirement benefit obligation as well as recognition and measurement of the associated asset on the basis of the terms of the collateral assignment agreement. EITF Issue No. 06-10 is effective for fiscal years

6


 beginning after December 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the impact of EITF Issue No. 06-10 on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions.  This Interpretation requires that companies recognize in their financial statements the impact of a tax position, if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the technical merits of the position. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings.  As a result of the Company’s evaluation of the implementation of FIN 48, no significant income tax uncertainties were identified. Therefore, the Company recognized no adjustment for unrecognized income tax benefits at the implementation date or during the three months ended March 31, 2007.  The Company had no amounts accrued for tax penalties or interest at March 31, 2007.  Our policy is to record any such penalties and interest as other non-interest expense.  Corporate tax returns which remain subject to examination include: Federal from 2004 to present, Massachusetts from 2004 to present, New York State from 2003 to present and New York City from 2003 to present.

NOTE 6 – EXPECTED SALE OF OUR NEW YORK CITY BRANCH OFFICE

On December 13, 2006, the Bank entered into an agreement to sell the Bank’s branch office building located at 1353-1355 First Avenue, New York, New York.  The purchase price for the building is $28 million.  Under the terms of the agreement, the Bank will receive $10 million in cash at closing and the remaining $18 million will be paid in two equal installments of $9 million on each of the first and second anniversary of the date of the closing pursuant to a promissory note secured by a purchase money real estate mortgage, assignment and security agreement.  The agreement to sell the building is subject to numerous customary undertakings, covenants, obligations and conditions.  Concurrently with the execution of the agreement, the purchaser deposited $200,000 with an escrow agent.  On March 30, 2007, the purchaser’s due diligence period expired, at which time the purchaser delivered an additional $800,000 with the escrow agent.  The sale of the building is expected to be completed in June 2007.

In connection with the sale of the branch office building, the Bank will enter into a 99 year lease to enable the Bank to retain a branch office at 1355 First Avenue.  In anticipation of the sale, and the renovation of the building by its new owner, the Bank has closed its branch office at this location and temporarily relocated its branch office to 1470 First Avenue, New York, New York.

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

Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions and may describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company.  These forward-looking statements are generally identified by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project” or similar expressions.  The Company’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations of the Company include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, national and regional economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board, the quality and composition of the loan or investment portfolios, demand for loan products, deposit flows, competition, demand for financial services in the Bank’s market area, changes in real estate market values in the Bank’s market area, and changes in relevant accounting principles and guidelines.  Additional factors that may affect the Company’s results are discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Item 1A.  Risk Factors.”  These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.  Except as required by applicable law or regulation, the Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release publicly the result of any revisions that may

7


be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
 
 
Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006

Total assets increased by $1.4 million, or 0.5%, to $289.8 million at March 31, 2007 from $288.4 million at December 31, 2006.  Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $9.4 million, or 25.6%, to $27.3 million at March 31, 2007, from $36.7 million at December 31, 2006.  The decrease in short-term liquidity was primarily the result of the deployment of the stock conversion proceeds into higher yielding investment securities and mortgage loans.  Securities held to maturity increased by $2.3 million, or 8.4%, to $29.8 million at March 31, 2007 from $27.5 million at December 31, 2006, due primarily to purchases of $24.7 million in securities compared to $22.6 million of securities that matured.

Loans receivable increased by $8.3 million, or 4.1%, to $209.6 million at March 31, 2007 from $201.3 million at December 31, 2006, due to $17.2 million in loan originations that was partially offset by loan repayments of  $8.9 million.

Deposits decreased by $371,000, or 0.2%, to $188.2 million at March 31, 2007 from $188.6 million at December 31, 2006.  The decrease in deposits was primarily related to a decrease of $236,000 in non-interest bearing accounts due to the seasonal needs of our customers.  The decrease in our interest-bearing accounts was primarily attributable to the continuing intense rate competition in all markets in which we operate and our strategy of offering rates on our deposit accounts that are in the middle of the market.

Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance increased by $1.4 million, or 73.7%, to $3.3 million at March 31, 2007 from $1.9 million at December 31, 2006, due to accumulating balances paid into escrow accounts by borrowers.

Stockholders’ equity increased by $459,000, or 0.5%, to $97.2 million at March 31, 2007, from $96.8 million at December 31, 2006.  This increase was primarily the result of net income of $390,000 and the amortization of $78,000 for the ESOP for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.


Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006

General. Net income decreased by $19,000, or 4.6%, to $390,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 from $409,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.  The decrease was the result of an increase in non-interest expense, which was offset in part by increases in net interest income and noninterest income and a reduction in income taxes.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income increased by $43,000, or 1.6%, to $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006.  The increase in net interest income resulted primarily from an increase of $236,000 in interest earned on securities, an increase of $169,000 in interest earned on interest-earning deposits, and an increase of $19,000 in interest earned on our loan portfolio, partially offset by an increase of $381,000 in interest expense on deposits.

Our net interest margin decreased by 51 basis points between these periods from 4.58% during the quarter ended March 31, 2006 to 4.07% during the quarter ended March 31, 2007.  In addition, our net interest spread decreased by 100 basis points from 4.25% for the quarter ended March 31, 2006 to 3.25% for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.  Despite the decrease in net interest margin and net interest spread, our net interest income increased modestly due to an increase in net interest earning assets to $78.1 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2007, from $39.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006.  The increase in net interest earning assets resulted from the deployment of funds received in our initial public stock offering.

8

 
The following table summarizes average balances and average yields and costs of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
and Dividends
   
Yield/
Cost
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
and Dividends
   
Yield/
Cost
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Assets:
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
   Loans
  $
202,209
    $
3,181
      6.29 %   $
197,042
    $
3,162
      6.42 %
   Securities
   
30,330
     
372
     
4.91
     
12,760
     
136
     
4.26
 
   Other interest-earning assets
   
31,576
     
416
     
5.27
     
21,055
     
247
     
4.69
 
     Total interest-earning assets
   
264,115
     
3,969
     
6.01
     
230,857
     
3,545
     
6.14
 
Allowance for loan losses
    (1,200 )                     (1,200 )                
Noninterest-earning assets
   
25,135
                     
10,110
                 
      Total assets
  $
288,050
                    $
239,767
                 
                                                 
Liabilities and equity:
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
   Interest-bearing demand
  $
20,351
     
24
     
0.47
    $
21,904
     
14
     
0.26
 
   Savings and club accounts
   
60,358
     
104
     
0.69
     
71,630
     
95
     
0.53
 
   Certificates of deposit
   
105,349
     
1,156
     
4.39
     
98,039
     
794
     
3.24
 
      Total interest-bearing deposits
   
186,058
     
1,284
     
2.76
     
191,573
     
903
     
1.89
 
                                                 
   Borrowings
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
      Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
186,058
     
1,284
     
2.76
     
191,573
     
903
     
1.89
 
                                                 
   Noninterest-bearing demand
   
1,253
                     
1,450
                 
   Other liabilities
   
3,546
                     
2,918
                 
      Total liabilities
   
190,857
                     
195,941
                 
                                                 
Stockholders’ equity
   
97,193
                     
43,826
                 
      Total liabilities and
          Stockholders’ equity
  $
288,050
                    $
239,767
                 
Net interest income
          $
2,685
                    $
2,642
         
Interest rate spread
                   
3.25
                     
4.25
 
Net interest margin
                   
4.07
                     
4.58
 
Net interest-earning assets
  $
78,057
                    $
39,284
                 
Average interest-earning assets to
   average interest-bearing liabilities
    141.95 %                     120.51 %                

Interest income increased by $424,000, or 12.0%, to $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006.  Interest income on loans increased by $19,000, or 0.6%, to $3.18 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $3.16 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006.  The average balance of the loan portfolio increased by $5.2 million to $202.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $197.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006.  The average yield on loans decreased by 13 basis points to 6.29% for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from 6.42% for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
 
Interest income on securities increased by $236,000, or 173.5%, to $372,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $136,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006.  The increase was primarily due to the deployment of the stock conversion proceeds to higher yielding securities, resulting in an increase of $17.6 million in average security balances and an increase in the average yield on securities by 65 basis points to 4.91% for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 from 4.26% for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.

9


 
Interest on other interest-earning assets increased by $169,000, or 68.4%, to $416,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $247,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006, primarily as a result of the deployment of the stock conversion proceeds into other interest-earning assets and an increase in market short-term interest rates from 2006 to 2007.

Interest expense increased by $381,000, or 42.2%, to $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $903,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006.   The increase in interest expense is attributable to a shift of $7.3 million of deposits from lower interest passbook savings into higher interest certificates of deposit, which had the effect of raising the average interest cost by 87 basis points to 2.76%.  During this period, the cost of our certificates of deposit increased 115 basis points to 4.39%.  Interest expense on our other deposit products increased by $19,000, or 17.4%, due to an average cost increase in the rate of interest paid on such deposits of 16 basis points to 0.63%, which was partially offset by a $12.8 million, or 13.7%, decrease in average deposit balances to $80.7 million.

Provision for Loan Losses.  The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for loan losses and provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.

   
Three Months
Ended March 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Allowance at beginning of period
  $
1,200
    $
1,200
 
Provision for loan losses
   
     
 
Charge-offs
   
     
 
Recoveries
   
     
 
Net charge-offs
   
     
 
Allowance at end of period
  $
1,200
    $
1,200
 
                 
Allowance to nonperforming loans
    156.00 %     0.00 %
Allowance to total loans outstanding at the end of the period
    0.57 %     0.60 %
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans outstanding during the period
    0.00 %     0.00 %

The allowance for loan losses was $1.2 million at March 31, 2007, December 31, 2006, and March 31, 2006.  We did not record any provisions for loan losses and did not have any loan charge-offs or recoveries during the three months ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006.

           The following table provides information with respect to our nonperforming assets at the dates indicated.  We did not have any troubled debt restructurings at the dates presented.

   
At
March 31, 2007
   
At
December 31, 2006
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 769 (1)   $
 
Loans past due 90 days or more and accruing
   
     
2
 
         Total nonperforming loans
   
769
     
2
 
Other nonperforming assets
   
     
 
         Total nonperforming assets
   
769
     
2
 
Troubled debt restructurings
   
     
 
Troubled debt restructurings and
   total nonperforming assets
  $
769
    $
2
 
                 
Total nonperforming loans to total loans
    0.37 %    
 
Total nonperforming loans to total assets
    0.27 %    
 
Total nonperforming assets and troubled
   debt restructurings to total assets
    0.27 %    
 


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(1) Represents one non-residential mortgage loan, secured by three properties, with an outstanding principal balance of $769,000, 90 days past due.  We have classified this non-residential mortgage loan as substandard, placed it on non-accrual status, and commenced a foreclosure action.  Aside from the collateral properties, the debt is secured by personal and corporate guarantees.

At March 31, 2007, we had three multi-family mortgage loans 30-89 days past-due totaling $1.4 million, which we classified as special mention.

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased by $69,000, or 61.1%, to $182,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $113,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006.  The increase was primarily due to $88,000 in earnings on bank owned life insurance partially offset a decrease of $16,000 in other loan fees and service charges and a decrease of $3,000 in other noninterest income.  We purchased the bank owned life insurance in July 2006.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased by $224,000, or 11.0%, to $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 from $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006.  The increase resulted primarily from increases of $81,000 in other noninterest expense, $76,000 in salaries and employee benefits, and $44,000 in equipment expense.

Other noninterest expense increased by $81,000, or 17.8%, to $537,000 in 2007 from $456,000 in 2006 due mainly to expenses associated with being a public company.  The increase in salaries and employee benefits of $76,000, or 7.2%, to $1.13 million in 2007 from $1.05 million in 2006 is associated with the ESOP implemented in connection with our initial public stock offering.  The ESOP expense was $78,000 during the quarter ended March 31, 2007.  Equipment expenses increased by $44,000, or 45.8%, from $96,000 in 2006 to $140,000 in 2007 due to the expenses related to the relocation of our 1355 First Avenue office and the upgrade of equipment.

Income Taxes.  Income tax expense decreased by $93,000, or 29.9%, to $218,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, from $311,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006.  The decrease resulted primarily from a decrease of $112,000 in income before taxes to $608,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007, as compared to $720,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006, and the inclusion of $88,000 in tax-exempt earnings on BOLI in the current quarter’s pre-tax earnings.  The effective tax rate was 35.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to 43.2% for the same period in 2006.

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

We regularly adjust our investments in liquid assets based upon our assessment of:  (1) expected loan demands; (2) expected deposit flows; (3) yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities; and (4) the objectives of our asset/liability management policy.

Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents.  The levels of these assets depend on our operating, financing, lending, and investing activities during any given period.  Cash and cash equivalents totaled $27.3 million at March 31, 2007 and consist primarily of deposits at other financial institutions and miscellaneous cash items.  Securities classified as available for sale and whose fair value exceeds our cost provide an additional source of liquidity.  Total securities classified as available for sale were $346,000 at March 31, 2007.

At March 31, 2007, we had $11.5 million in loan commitments outstanding, consisting of $5.9 million of real estate loan commitments, $3.2 million in unused real estate equity lines of credit, $2.2 million in unused loans in process, and $203,000 in consumer lines of credit.  Certificates of deposit due within one year of March 31, 2007 totaled $69.4 million.  This represented 65.3% of certificates of deposit at March 31, 2007.  We believe the large percentage of certificates of deposit that mature within one year reflects customers’ hesitancy to invest their funds for long periods in the current interest rate environment.  If these maturing deposits do not remain with us, we will

11


be required to seek other sources of funds, including other certificates of deposit and borrowings.  Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on the certificates of deposit due on or before March 31, 2008.  We believe, however, based on past experience, a significant portion of our certificates of deposit will remain with us.  We have the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates offered.

Our primary investing activities are the origination of loans and the purchase of securities.  Our primary financing activities consist of activity in deposit accounts and Federal Home Loan Bank advances.  At March 31, 2007, we had the ability to borrow $12.0 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, which included two available overnight lines of credit of $6.0 million each.  At March 31, 2007, we had no overnight advances outstanding.  Deposit flows are affected by the overall level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by us and our local competitors and other factors.  We generally manage the pricing of our deposits to be competitive and to maintain or increase our core deposit relationships depending on our level of real estate loan commitments outstanding.  Occasionally, we offer promotional rates on certain deposit products to attract deposits or to lengthen repricing time frames.

Capital Management. The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the Office of Thrift Supervision, including a risk-based capital measure. The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories.  At March 31, 2007, the Bank exceeded all of our regulatory capital requirements.  The Bank is considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.  In the normal course of operations, we engage in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, are not recorded in our financial statements.  These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk.  Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments, letters of credit and lines of credit.

For the three months ended March 31, 2007 and the year ended December 31, 2006, we engaged in no off-balance sheet transactions reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.


Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Qualitative Aspects of Market Risk.  The Company’s most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk. We manage the interest rate sensitivity of our interest-bearing liabilities and interest-earning assets in an effort to minimize the adverse effects of changes in the interest rate environment.  Deposit accounts typically react more quickly to changes in market interest rates than mortgage loans because of the shorter maturities of deposits.  As a result, sharp increases in interest rates may adversely affect our earnings while decreases in interest rates may beneficially affect our earnings.  To reduce the potential volatility of our earnings, we have sought to improve the match between asset and liability maturities and rates, while maintaining an acceptable interest rate spread.  Our strategy for managing interest rate risk emphasizes:  originating mortgage real estate loans that reprice to market interest rates in three to five years; purchasing securities that typically reprice within a three year time frame to limit exposure to market fluctuations; and, where appropriate, offering higher rates on long term certificates of deposit to lengthen the repricing time frame of our liabilities.  We currently do not participate in hedging programs, interest rate swaps or other activities involving the use of derivative financial instruments.

We have an Asset/Liability Committee, comprised of our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief mortgage officer and treasurer, whose function is to communicate, coordinate and control all aspects involving asset/liability management.  The committee establishes and monitors the volume, maturities, pricing and mix of assets and funding sources with the objective of managing assets and funding sources to provide results that are consistent with liquidity, growth, risk limits and profitability goals.

12



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

Quantitative Aspects of Market Risk.  We use an interest rate sensitivity analysis prepared by the Office of Thrift Supervision to review our level of interest rate risk.  This analysis measures interest rate risk by computing changes in net portfolio value of our cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items in the event of a range of assumed changes in market interest rates.  Net portfolio value represents the market value of portfolio equity and is equal to the market value of assets minus the market value of liabilities, with adjustments made for off-balance sheet items.  These analyses assess the risk of loss in market risk-sensitive instruments in the event of a sudden and sustained 100 to 300 basis point increase or 100 and 200 basis point decrease in market interest rates with no effect given to any steps that we might take to counter the effect of that interest rate movement.

The following table presents the change in our net portfolio value at December 31, 2006 that would occur in the event of an immediate change in interest rates based on Office of Thrift Supervision assumptions, with no effect given to any steps that we might take to counteract that change.  The Bank expects that its net portfolio value at March 31, 2007 is materially consistent with the table below.


     
Net Portfolio Value
(Dollars in thousands)
   
Net Portfolio Value as % of
Portfolio Value of Assets
 
                                 
Basic Point (“bp”)
Change in Rates 
 
Amount
   
Change
   
% Change
   
NPV Ratio
   
Change (bp)
 
                                 
 
300
    $
69,424
    $ (5,122 )     (7 )%     26.62 %  
(105) bp
 
 
200
     
71,083
      (3,463 )     (5 )%     26.97 %  
(70) bp
 
 
100
     
72,789
      (1,757 )     (2 )%     27.32 %  
(35) bp
 
 
0
     
74,546
     
-
     
-
      27.67 %    
-    
 
 
(100)
     
76,135
     
1,589
      2 %     27.96 %  
29 bp
 
 
(200)
     
77,541
     
2,996
      4 %     28.20 %  
53 bp
 


We and the Office of Thrift Supervision use various assumptions in assessing interest rate risk.  These assumptions relate to interest rates, loan prepayment rates, deposit decay rates and the market values of certain assets under differing interest rate scenarios, among others.  As with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain shortcomings are inherent in the methods of analyses presented in the foregoing tables.  For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to 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 mortgage loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset.  Further, in the event of a change in interest rates, expected rates of prepayments on loans and early withdrawals from certificates could deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table.  Prepayment rates can have a significant impact on interest income.  Because of the large percentage of loans we hold, rising or falling interest rates have a significant impact on the prepayment speeds of our earning assets that in turn affect the rate sensitivity position.  When interest rates rise, prepayments tend to slow.  When interest rates fall, prepayments tend to rise.  Our asset sensitivity would be reduced if prepayments slow and vice versa.  While we believe these assumptions to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that assumed prepayment rates will approximate actual future loan repayment activity.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”).  Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as

13


of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Item 4T.
Controls and Procedures

Not applicable

PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we may be party to various legal proceedings incident to our business.  At March 31, 2007, we were not a party to any pending legal proceedings that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.  The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks that we face.  Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

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

 
Not applicable

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable

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

Not applicable

Item 5.
Other Information

None

Item 6.
Exhibits

 

 

 

14

 
 
Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
     
 
Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc.
     
     
     
Date:  May 14, 2007
By:
/s/ Kenneth A. Martinek
   
Kenneth A. Martinek
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
     
     
     
Date:  May 14, 2007
By:
/s/ Salvatore Randazzo
   
Salvatore Randazzo
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
15