UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 0-23695
Brookline Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
04-3402944
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
160 Washington Street, Brookline, MA
02447-0469
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(617) 730-3500
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES x NO o
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 filer x Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).YES o NO x
BROOKLINE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESFORM 10-Q
Index
Part I
Financial Information
Page
Item 1.
Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005
1
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2006and 2005
2
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005
3
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005
4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005
6
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
8
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
18
Item 2.
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks
26
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Part II
Other Information
Legal Proceedings
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Item 5.
27
Item 6.
Exhibits
Signatures
28
Part I - Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
BROOKLINE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESConsolidated Balance Sheets(In thousands except share data)
June 30,
December 31,
2006
2005
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
$
17,528
15,507
Short-term investments
107,950
102,888
Securities available for sale
358,029
374,906
Securities held to maturity (market value of $359 and $423, respectively)
354
410
Restricted equity securities
28,567
23,081
Loans
1,803,791
1,636,755
Allowance for loan losses
(24,838
)
(22,248
Net loans
1,778,953
1,614,507
Other investment
4,662
Accrued interest receivable
9,931
9,189
Bank premises and equipment, net
9,920
10,010
Deferred income tax asset
11,679
11,347
Prepaid income taxes
2,610
Goodwill
42,316
35,615
Identified intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $3,466 and $2,370, respectively
9,486
9,471
Other assets
4,042
3,111
Total assets
2,381,365
2,214,704
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Retail deposits
1,171,967
1,168,307
Brokered deposits
68,096
Borrowed funds
512,127
411,507
Subordinated debt
12,155
12,218
Mortgagors escrow accounts
5,693
5,377
Income taxes payable
630
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
18,778
14,215
Total liabilities
1,788,816
1,612,254
Minority interest in subsidiary
1,257
Stockholders equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 62,989,384 shares issued
Additional paid-in capital
506,293
512,338
Retained earnings, partially restricted
108,645
121,042
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(2,549
(1,577
Treasury stock, at cost - 1,405,611 shares
(18,144
Unearned compensation - recognition and retention plans
(8,103
Unallocated common stock held by ESOP - 657,123 shares and 685,161 shares issued, respectively
(3,583
(3,736
Total stockholders equity
591,292
602,450
Total liabilities and stockholders equity
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.
BROOKLINE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESConsolidated Statements of Income(In thousands except share data)
Three months ended
Six months ended
Interest income:
28,151
22,356
52,202
44,079
Debt securities
3,640
2,644
7,259
4,911
Marketable equity securities
30
76
63
150
239
311
458
1,326
1,009
2,438
1,855
Total interest income
33,149
26,324
62,273
51,453
Interest expense:
8,385
5,354
15,831
9,912
637
6,213
3,672
11,057
7,053
225
168
431
304
Total interest expense
15,460
9,194
27,956
17,269
Net interest income
17,689
17,130
34,317
34,184
Provision for loan losses
859
957
1,607
1,611
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
16,830
16,173
32,710
32,573
Non-interest income:
Fees and charges
961
1,206
1,535
2,053
Gains on securities, net
259
558
853
Other income (loss)
(51
113
17
290
Total non-interest income
910
1,578
2,110
3,196
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and employee benefits
5,089
3,979
9,435
8,291
Occupancy
766
685
1,559
1,390
Equipment and data processing
1,522
1,596
2,940
3,186
Advertising and marketing
269
251
455
Merger/conversion
511
893
Amortization of identified intangibles
569
593
1,096
1,185
Other
1,231
954
2,216
1,894
Total non-interest expense
9,446
8,569
17,701
17,294
Income before income taxes and minority interest
8,294
9,182
17,119
18,475
Provision for income taxes
3,298
3,741
6,726
7,502
Net income before minority interest
4,996
5,441
10,393
10,973
Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary
67
Net income
4,929
10,326
Earnings per common share:
Basic
0.08
0.09
0.17
0.18
Diluted
Weighted average common shares outstanding during the period:
60,363,461
60,086,614
60,336,646
59,984,623
61,082,113
60,866,872
61,066,784
60,771,324
BROOKLINE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESConsolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income(In thousands)
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Unrealized holding gain (loss)
(250
1,435
(995
(478
Income tax (charge) benefit
100
(527
381
178
Net unrealized holding gain (loss)
(150
908
(614
(300
Less reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income:
Realized gains
Income tax expense
93
200
306
Net reclassification adjustment
166
358
547
Net other comprehensive gain (loss)
742
(972
(847
Comprehensive income
4,779
6,183
9,354
10,126
BROOKLINE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESConsolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders EquitySix Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (Unaudited)(Dollars in thousands)
Commonstock
Additionalpaid-incapital
Retainedearnings
Accumulatedothercomprehensiveincome (loss)
Treasurystock
Unearnedcompensation-recognition and retentionplans
Unallocatedcommon stockheld byESOP
Totalstockholdersequity
Balance at December 31, 2004
605
471,799
144,081
560
(17,017
(10,963
(4,052
585,013
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of reclassification adjustment
Common stock dividends of $0.37 per share
(22,557
Exercise of stock options (4,520 shares)
23
2,516,525 shares issued for the acquisition of Mystic Financial, Inc.
25
39,157
39,182
Shares obtained through the acquisition of Mystic Financial, Inc. (69,394 shares)
(1,127
Income tax benefit related to recognition and retention plan shares and dividends paid to ESOP participants
665
Compensation under recognition and retention plans
1,372
Common stock held by ESOP committed to be released (27,732 shares)
274
151
425
Balance at June 30, 2005
511,918
132,497
(287
(9,591
(3,901
613,122
(Continued)
BROOKLINE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESConsolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity (Continued)Six Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (Unaudited)(Dollars in thousands)
Accumulatedothercomprehensiveloss
Balance at December 31, 2005
(22,335
Payment of dividend equivalent rights
(388
Income tax benefit from dividend payments on unexercised stock options and allocated ESOP shares
222
Transfer of unearned compensation under the recognition and retention plans to additional paid-in capital
8,103
1,574
Common stock held by ESOP committed to be released (28,038 shares)
262
153
415
Balance at June 30, 2006
5
BROOKLINE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows(In thousands)
Six months endedJune 30,
Cash flows from operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Release of ESOP shares
Depreciation and amortization
718
791
Amortization, net of accretion, of securities premiums and discounts
134
1,305
Amortization of deferred loan origination costs
4,002
2,860
Amortization of identified intangible assets
Accretion of acquisition fair value adjustments
(642
(951
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights
10
29
Net gains from sales of securities
(558
(853
Equity interest in earnings of other investment
(1
(218
Swap agreement market valuation credit
(49
Income tax benefit from recognition and retention plan shares, divided payments on unvested recognition and retention plan shares and allocated ESOP shares, and payment of dividend equivalent rights
Deferred income taxes
249
(480
(Increase) decrease in:
(67
(1,119
(2,610
379
466
3,387
Increase (decrease) in:
(630
752
Net cash provided from operating activities
16,157
22,064
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
903
9,769
Proceeds from redemptions and maturities of securities available for sale
54,804
106,530
Proceeds from redemptions and maturities of securities held to maturity
56
32
Purchase of securities available for sale
(39,853
(131,121
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock
(5,486
(1,415
Net increase in loans
(63,732
(27,465
Proceeds from sales of participations in loans
29,185
Purchase of bank premises and equipment
(399
(802
Acquisition, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired
(10,374
(12,988
Distribution from other investment
147
Net cash used for investing activities
(64,081
(28,128
BROOKLINE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Continued)(In thousands)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Decrease in demand deposits and NOW, savings and money market savings accounts
(27,761
(58,347
Increase in retail certificates of deposit
31,607
98,515
Increase in brokered certificates of deposit
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances
1,548,000
513,600
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances
(1,447,340
(480,190
Repayment of other borrowed funds of subsidiary
(95,410
Increase (decrease) in mortgagors escrow accounts
316
(525
Income tax benefit from recognition and retention plan shares,dividend payments on unvested recognition and retention plan shares and allocated ESOP shares, and payment of dividend equivalent rights
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Payment of dividends on common stock
Net cash provided from financing activities
55,007
50,519
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
7,083
44,455
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
118,395
136,865
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
125,478
181,320
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest on deposits, borrowed funds and subordinated debt
27,316
17,335
Income taxes
8,707
6,777
Acquisition of Mystic Financial, Inc.:
Assets acquired (excluding cash and cash equivalents)
471,394
Liabilities assumed
420,351
Acquisition of Eastern Funding LLC:
111,536
99,772
1,190
7
BROOKLINE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsSix Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005(Unaudited)
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Related Matters (Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brookline Bancorp, Inc. (the Company) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Brookline Bank (Brookline) and Brookline Securities Corp. Brookline includes its wholly owned subsidiary, BBS Investment Corporation, and its 86.7% owned subsidiary, Eastern Funding LLC (see note 2).
The Company operates as one reportable segment for financial reporting purposes. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Certain amounts previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current years presentation.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Results for the six months ended June 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2006.
In preparing these consolidated financial statements, management has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses.
Critical Accounting Policies
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance is established through provisions for loan losses charged to earnings. Loans are charged off against the allowance when the collectibility of principal is unlikely. Indirect automobile loans delinquent 120 days are charged off, net of recoverable value, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that repayment will occur regardless of the delinquency status. Recoveries of loans previously charged off are credited to the allowance. In determining the level of the allowance for loan losses, management evaluates specific credits and the loan portfolio in general using several criteria that include historical performance, collateral values, cash flows and current economic conditions. The evaluation culminates with a judgment on the probability of collection of loans outstanding.
Managements methodology provides for three allowance components. The first component represents allowances established for specific identified loans. The second component represents allowances for groups of homogenous loans that currently exhibit no identified weaknesses and are evaluated on a collective basis. Allowances for groups of similar loans are established based on factors such as historical loss experience, the level and trends of loan delinquencies, and the level and trends of classified assets. Regarding the indirect automobile loan portfolio, allowances are established over the average life of the loans due to the absence of sufficient historical loss experience. The last component is an unallocated allowance which is based on evaluation of factors such as trends in the economy and real estate values in the areas where the Company lends money, concentrations in the amount of loans the Company has outstanding to large borrowers and concentrations in the type and geographic location of loan collateral. Determination of the unallocated allowance is a very subjective process. Management believes the unallocated allowance is an important component of the total allowance because it (a) addresses the probable inherent risk of loss that exists in the Companys loan portfolio (which is substantially comprised of loans with repayment terms extended over many years) and (b) helps to minimize the risk related to the imprecision inherent in the estimation of the other two components of the allowance.
Goodwill and Identified Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is not subject to amortization. Identified intangible assets are assets resulting from acquisitions that are being amortized over their estimated useful lives. The recoverability of goodwill and identified intangible assets is evaluated for impairment at least annually. If impairment is deemed to have occurred, the amount of impairment is charged to expense when identified.
BROOKLINE BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESNotes to Consolidated Financial StatementsSix Months Ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 (Unaudited)
Earnings Per Common Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the applicable period, exclusive of unearned ESOP shares and unvested recognition and retention plan shares. Diluted earnings per share is calculated after adjusting the denominator of the basic earnings per share calculation for the effect of all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. The dilutive effects of options and unvested restricted stock awards are computed using the treasury stock method.
Stock-Based Compensation
Deferred compensation for shares awarded under recognition and retention plans is recorded as a reduction of stockholders equity. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of shares awarded based upon the fair value of the shares at the award date.
Compensation expense for the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is recorded at an amount equal to the shares allocated by the ESOP multiplied by the average fair market value of the shares during the year. The Company recognizes compensation expense ratably over the year based upon the Companys estimate of the number of shares expected to be allocated by the ESOP. The difference between the average fair market value and the cost of the shares allocated by the ESOP is recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in-capital.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard SFAS 123-R, Share-Based Payment, which requires that the grant-date fair value of awarded stock options be expensed over the requisite service period. Based on options outstanding at June 30, 2006, adoption of SFAS 123-R had no effect on the Companys financial position or results of operations as of and for the six months then ended and is not expected to have a material effect on the Companys financial position or results of operations thereafter.
Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company measured compensation cost for stock options in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees as the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Companys stock at the grant date above the exercise price of options granted. This generally did not result in compensation charges to earnings. Disclosed in the following table are net income and earnings per share, as reported, and pro forma net income and earnings per share as if compensation was measured at the date of grant based on the fair value of the award and recognized over the service period.
Three months endedJune 30, 2005
Six months endedJune 30, 2005
Net income as reported
Total stock-based compensation expense determined using fair value accounting for stock option awards, net of taxes
(65
(130
Dividends on unvested restricted stock awards
(68
(304
(292
Pro forma net income
5,308
5,311
10,539
10,551
Earnings per share:
As reported
$0.09
$0.18
Pro forma
Cash Equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash equivalents include highly liquid assets with an original maturity of three months or less. Highly liquid assets include cash and due from banks, short-term investments and money market loan participations.
9
(2) Acquisitions (Dollars in thousands)
Eastern Funding LLC (Eastern)
On April 13, 2006, the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Brookline Bank, completed a merger agreement increasing its ownership interest in Eastern from 28.3% to 86.7%. Eastern, which was founded by Michael J. Fanger in 1997, specializes primarily in the financing of coin-operated laundry, dry cleaning and grocery store equipment in the greater metropolitan New York area and selected other locations in the Northeast. The acquisition of a controlling interest in Eastern will enable the Company to originate high yielding loans to small business entities. Mr. Fanger continues to serve as chief executive officer of Eastern and he, along with a family member and two executive officers of Eastern, own the 13.3% minority interest position.
The purchase was completed through payment of $16,346 in cash, including transaction costs. The transaction was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, which required that the assets and liabilities of Eastern be recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date to the extent of the ownership interest acquired. The results of operations of Eastern are included in the Companys 2006 consolidated statement of income from the date of acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price to the net assets of Eastern and the resulting goodwill are presented below.
Purchase price
Cash paid to holders of Eastern units of ownership
14,942
Direct acquisition costs, net of related income tax benefits
1,404
Total purchase price
16,346
Allocation of the purchase price
Assets acquired at historic cost:
Cash and cash equivalents
5,972
Loans, net
106,472
Premises and equipment
261
2,082
Total assets acquired at historic cost
114,787
Liabilities assumed:
95,410
Other liabilities
4,562
Total liabilities assumed
99,972
Net assets at historic cost
14,815
Fair value adjustments:
(427
Identified intangible assets
1,110
Net effect of fair value adjustments
683
Net assets at fair value
15,498
Less: Brookline Bancorp, Inc. investment in Eastern
(4,663
Minority interest ownership
(1,190
Fair value of net assets acquired
9,645
Goodwill resulting from the acquisition
6,701
Identified intangible assets included $668 for the estimated value of Easterns customer list and $442 for the estimated value of the employment agreements with three executive officers. The values assigned to the customer list and the employment agreements are being amortized over eight years and five years, respectively, on a straight-line basis.
As part of the merger, employment agreements were entered into with Mr. Fanger and the two executive officers who have an ownership interest in Eastern (the Executives). The employment agreements are for three years commencing as of the merger date. On each of the first anniversary date and second anniversary date of the merger, the employment agreements can be extended for an additional year such that the remaining term of the employment agreements shall be three years unless the Company provides written notice to the Executive at least sixty days prior to either such anniversary date that his employment agreement will not be extended. The employment agreements provide a base salary that will be subject to annual review by the Compensation Committee of the Company; such base salary can be increased, but not decreased. The Executives are also entitled to an annual incentive bonus, the amounts of which are to be determined based on defined profitability and asset quality benchmarks. The Executives are also entitled to the same benefits offered to full-time employees of the Company. Upon an Event of Termination, as defined in the employment agreements, the Executive would be entitled to a severance payment, the amount of which would depend on the facts and circumstances associated with the termination. The maximum amount of such payments equals two times annual base salary and incentive bonus for Mr. Fanger and one times annual base salary and incentive bonus for the two other executives. Non-compete clauses become effective upon termination of an Executives employment.
Also as part of the merger, a member agreement was entered into which specifies the conditions under which the Company or the minority interest owners can buy or sell their ownership interests in Eastern, and how the price of such purchases and sales is to be determined. The minority interest owners may not sell or transfer their interests to anyone other than the Company except for family-related transfers permitted under the merger agreement. During a five year period subsequent to the date of the member agreement, Mr. Fanger is required to purchase additional units of interest in Eastern depending on the magnitude of annual cash distributions of Easterns earnings. Mr. Fanger may also make discretionary purchases of additional units of ownership during the five year period subsequent to the date of the member agreement. The per unit price of all required and discretionary purchases by Mr. Fanger is book value as defined in the member agreement. The aggregate purchases made by Mr. Fanger may not increase by more than 5% his percentage of ownership of Eastern as of the merger date.
Mystic Financial, Inc. (Mystic)
On January 7, 2005, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Mystic, the holding company of Medford Co-operative Bank (Medford), which had seven retail banking offices serving customers primarily in Middlesex County in Massachusetts. The acquisition of Mystic provided expanded commercial and retail banking opportunities in that market and enabled the Company to deploy some of its excess capital. As part of the acquisition, Mystic was merged into the Company and Medford was merged into Brookline. On April 11, 2005, the operating systems of Medford were converted to the operating systems of Brookline.
Under the terms of the transaction agreement, (a) 60% of the shares of Mystic common stock were exchanged for Company common stock based on an exchange ratio of 2.6786 shares of Company common stock for each share of Mystic common stock and (b) 40% of the shares of Mystic common stock were exchanged for cash of $39.00 per share. Cash was paid for fractional shares. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the assets and liabilities of Mystic were recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. The results of operations of Mystic are included in the consolidated statements of income from the date of acquisition. The purchase price to complete the acquisition was $69,075. Goodwill resulting from the acquisition was $35,615. A core deposit intangible asset of $11,841 recognized at the time of the acquisition is being amortized over nine years on an accelerated basis using the sum-of-the-digits method.
11
(3) Investment Securities (Dollars in thousands)
Securities available for sale and held to maturity are summarized below:
June 30, 2006
Gross
Amortized
unrealized
Estimated
cost
gains
losses
fair value
Securities available for sale:
Debt securities:
U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises
278,210
276,603
Municipal obligations
8,666
8,405
Auction rate municipal obligations
12,650
Corporate obligations
6,472
36
13
6,495
Other obligations
500
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises
8,085
35
8,050
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises
44,961
2,267
42,699
Total debt securities
359,544
41
4,183
355,402
2,535
140
48
2,627
Total securities available for sale
362,079
181
4,231
Securities held to maturity:
254
Total securities held to maturity
359
December 31, 2005
295,232
1,716
293,516
8,671
167
8,504
12,750
7,478
57
15
7,520
211
210
49,681
1,324
48,363
374,523
3,223
371,363
2,881
713
51
3,543
377,404
776
3,274
310
323
423
12
Debt securities of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises include obligations issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Federal Home Loan Banks and the Federal Farm Credit Bank. None of those obligations is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
(4) Loans (Dollars in thousands)
A summary of loans follows:
Mortgage loans:
One-to-four family
292,948
287,450
Multi-family
340,069
358,955
Commercial real estate
393,191
377,462
Construction and development
46,200
56,847
Home equity
40,748
42,924
Second
20,310
22,978
Total mortgage loans
1,133,466
1,146,616
Commercial loans Eastern Funding
117,587
Other commercial loans
105,492
105,384
Indirect automobile loans
520,405
459,234
Other consumer loans
3,155
3,119
Total gross loans
1,880,105
1,714,353
Unadvanced funds on loans
(90,009
(88,659
Deferred loan origination costs
13,695
11,061
Total loans
The above table reflects a reclassification of $20,812 as of December 31, 2005 from multi-family mortgage loans to construction and development mortgage loans. The reclassification was made to conform to the current years presentation.
(5) Allowance for Loan Losses (Dollars in thousands)
An analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated follows:
Six month endedJune 30,
Balance at beginning of period
22,248
17,540
Allowance obtained through acquisitions
1,958
3,501
Charge-offs
(1,350
(881
Recoveries
375
404
Balance at end of period
24,838
22,175
(6) Deposits (Dollars in thousands)
A summary of deposits follows:
Demand checking accounts
62,260
64,705
NOW accounts
92,752
98,901
Savings accounts
73,012
90,424
Guaranteed savings accounts
41,775
27,475
Money market savings accounts
224,052
240,293
Retail certificate of deposit accounts
678,116
646,509
Total retail deposits
Brokered certificates of deposit
Total deposits
1,240,063
(7) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Dollars in thousands)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised entirely of unrealized losses on securities available for sale, net of income taxes. At June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, such taxes amounted to $1,501 and $920, respectively.
(8) Commitments (Dollars in thousands)
At June 30, 2006, the Company had outstanding commitments to originate loans of $68,047, $5,592 of which were one-to-four family mortgage loans, $8,067 were commercial real estate mortgage loans, $3,880 were land and development loans, $10,426 were multi-family mortgage loans, $5,250 were commercial loans to condominium associations and $34,832 were commercial loans. Unused lines of credit available to customers were $51,651, of which $47,716 were equity lines of credit.
(9) Dividend Declaration
On July 20, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company approved and declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.085 per share and an extra dividend of $0.20 per share payable on August 15, 2006 to stockholders of record on July 31, 2006.
(10) Share-Based Payment Arrangements (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Recognition and Retention Plans
The Company has two recognition and retention plans, the 1999 RRP and the 2003 RRP. Under both of the plans, shares of the Companys common stock were reserved for issuance as restricted stock awards to officers, employees and non-employee directors of the Company. Shares issued upon vesting may be either authorized but unissued shares or reacquired shares held by the Company as treasury shares. Any shares not issued because vesting requirements are not met will again be available for issuance under the plans. Shares awarded vest over varying time periods ranging from six months up to eight years for the 1999 RRP and from less than three months to over five years for the 2003 RRP. In the event a recipient ceases to maintain continuous service with the Company by reason of normal retirement (applicable to the 1999 RRP and in part to the 2003 RRP), death or disability, or following a change in control, RRP shares still subject to restriction will vest and be free of such restrictions.
As of June 30, 2006, there was $6,529 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested RRP shares. That cost is expected to be recognized as follows: $1,304 during the six month period ended December 31, 2006 and $2,518, $2,474 and $233 during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. Total expense for the RRP plans amounted to $899, $651, $1,574 and $1,372 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As of June 30, 2006, the number of shares available for award under the 1999 RRP and the 2003 RRP were 29,774 shares and 92,000 shares, respectively.
14
In accordance with SFAS 123-R, effective January 1, 2006, dividends paid on unvested RRP shares are recognized as compensation expense; prior to that date, such dividend payments were charged to retained earnings. Dividends paid on unvested RRP shares during the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 amounted to $215 and $294, respectively.
Stock Option Plans
The Company has a stock option plan that has been in place since 1999 (the 1999 Option Plan) and another plan that was approved by stockholders on August 27, 2003 (the 2003 Option Plan). Under both of the plans, shares of the Companys common stock were reserved for issuance to directors, employees and non-employee directors of the Company. Shares issued upon the exercise of a stock option may be either authorized but unissued shares or reacquired shares held by the Company as treasury shares. Any shares subject to an award which expire or are terminated unexercised will again be available for issuance under the plans. The exercise price of options awarded is the fair market value of the common stock of the Company on the date the award is made. Options vest over periods ranging from less than one month through over five years and include a reload feature whereby an optionee exercising an option by delivery of shares of common stock would automatically be granted an additional option at the fair market value of stock when such additional option is granted equal to the number of shares so delivered. If an individual to whom a stock option was granted ceases to maintain continuous service by reason of normal retirement, death or disability, or following a change in control, all options and rights granted and not fully exercisable become exercisable in full upon the happening of such an event and shall remain exercisable for a period ranging from three months to five years.
Stock options granted under both of the Plans included limited rights and other features (Limited Rights) that could have required cash settlement of the options on the occurrence of certain circumstances outside the control of the Company. On December 28, 2005, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company voted to amend the Plans to eliminate Limited Rights that grant the holder of options awarded under such Plans the right to receive a cash settlement of any options outstanding in circumstances that are not within the absolute discretion of the Company and to accelerate the vesting of all unvested stock options outstanding on that date granted under the Plans to December 28, 2005. Such options included the following: 20,000 options granted under the 1999 Plan at an exercise price of $12.91 per option, 10,000 of which were to vest on January 16, 2006 and 10,000 on January 16, 2007, and 249,600 options granted under the 2003 Plan at an exercise price of $14.95 per option, 71,900 of which were to vest each on January 2, 2006, January 2, 2007 and January 2, 2008, and 33,900 on January 2, 2009. If the vesting dates of such options had not been accelerated, to comply with the requirements of SFAS 123-R, non-cash compensation expense of approximately $290,000 in 2006, $202,000 in 2007, $97,000 in 2008 and less than $1,000 in 2009 would have had to be recognized in the Companys financial statements for those years.
Activity under the Companys stock option plans for the six months ended June 30, 2006 was as follows:
Options outstanding at January 1, 2006
3,177,988
Options granted
Options exercised
Options outstanding at June 30, 2006
Exercisable at June 30, 2006 at:
$4.944 per share
1,771,568
$11.00 per share
5,393
$12.91 per share
40,000
$14.95 per share
1,357,500
$15.42 per share
3,527
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable
15,685
Weighted average exercise price per option
9.34
Weighted average remaining contractual life in years at end of period
4.85
As of June 30, 2006, the number of options available for award under the Companys 1999 Stock Option Plan and 2003 Stock Option Plan were 245,980 options and 1,142,500 options, respectively.
In accordance with the terms of the 1999 and 2003 Option Plans, dividend equivalent rights amounting to $388 and $363 were paid or payable during the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, to holders of unexercised vested options as a result of the $0.20 per share extra dividends paid to stockholders in February 2006 and 2005. In accordance with SFAS 123-R, effective January 1, 2006, dividend equivalent rights are charged to retained earnings; prior to that date, such payments were recognized as compensation expense.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
The Company maintains an ESOP to provide eligible employees the opportunity to own Company stock. Employees are eligible to participate in the Plan after reaching age twenty-one, completion of one year of service and working at least one thousand hours of consecutive service during the year. Contributions are allocated to eligible participants on the basis of compensation, subject to federal tax law limits.
A loan obtained by the ESOP from the Company to purchase Company common stock is payable in quarterly installments over 30 years and bears interest at 8.50% per annum. The loan can be prepaid without penalty. Loan payments are principally funded by cash contributions from the Bank, subject to federal tax law limits. The outstanding balance of the loan at June 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, which was $4,127 and $4,252, respectively, is eliminated in consolidation.
Shares used as collateral to secure the loan are released and available for allocation to eligible employees as the principal and interest on the loan is paid. Employees vest in their ESOP account at a rate of 20% annually commencing in the year of completion of three years of credited service or immediately if service is terminated due to death, retirement, disability or change in control. Dividends on released shares are credited to the participants ESOP accounts. Dividends on unallocated shares are generally applied towards payment of the loan. ESOP shares committed to be released are considered outstanding in determining earnings per share.
At June 30, 2006, the ESOP held 657,123 unallocated shares at an aggregate cost of $3,583; the market value of such shares at that date was $9,049. For the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, $415 and $425, respectively, was charged to compensation expense based on the commitment to release to eligible employees 28,038 shares and 27,732 shares in those respective periods.
(11) Postretirement Benefits (Dollars in thousands)
Postretirement benefits are provided for part of the annual expense of health insurance premiums for retired employees and their dependents. No contributions are made by the Company to invest in assets allocated for the purpose of funding this benefit obligation.
The following table provides the actual components of net periodic postretirement benefit costs for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.
Three months endedJune 30,
Service cost
38
77
Interest cost
20
39
Prior service cost
(6
(11
Actuarial (gain) loss
(2
Net periodic benefit costs
19
59
118
Benefits paid for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 amounted to $5 and $9, respectively.
16
(12) Stockholders Equity (Dollars in thousands)
Capital Distributions and Restrictions Thereon
OTS regulations impose limitations on all capital distributions by savings institutions. Capital distributions include cash dividends, payments to repurchase or otherwise acquire the institutions shares, payments to shareholders of another institution in a cash-out merger and other distributions charged against capital. The regulations establish three tiers of institutions. An institution, such as the Bank, that exceeds all capital requirements before and after a proposed capital distribution (Tier 1 institution) may, after prior notice but without the approval of the OTS, make capital distributions during a year up to 100% of its current year net income plus its retained net income for the preceding two years not previously distributed. Any additional capital distributions require OTS approval.
Common Stock Repurchases
As of June 30, 2006, the Company was authorized to repurchase up to 1,772,532 shares of its common stock. The repurchase of additional shares would require prior authorization of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Restricted Retained Earnings
As part of the stock offering in 2002 and as required by regulation, Brookline Bank established a liquidation account for the benefit of eligible account holders and supplemental eligible account holders who maintain their deposit accounts at Brookline Bank after the stock offering. In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of Brookline Bank (and only in that event), eligible depositors who continue to maintain deposit accounts at Brookline Bank would be entitled to receive a distribution from the liquidation account. Accordingly, retained earnings of the Company are deemed to be restricted up to the balance of the liquidation account. The liquidation account balance is reduced annually to the extent that eligible depositors have reduced their qualifying deposits as of each anniversary date. Subsequent increases in deposit account balances do not restore an account holders interest in the liquidation account. The liquidation account totaled $40,905 at December 31, 2005.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors presented in the Companys Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 filed on March 10, 2006.
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward Looking Statements
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company.
The following discussion contains forward-looking statements based on managements current expectations regarding economic, legislative and regulatory issues that may impact the Companys earnings and financial condition in the future. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Any statements included herein preceded by, followed by or which include the words may, could, should, will, would, believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, intend, plan, assume or similar expressions constitute forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements, implicitly and explicitly, include assumptions underlying the statements. While the Company believes the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, the statements involve risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors, some of which are outside the control of the Company. The following factors, among others, could cause the Companys actual performance to differ materially from the expectations, forecasts and projections expressed in the forward-looking statements: general and local economic conditions, changes in interest rates, demand for loans, real estate values, deposit flows, regulatory considerations, competition, technological developments, retention and recruitment of qualified personnel, and market acceptance of the Companys pricing, products and services.
Executive Level Overview
Over the past year, short and long-term interest rates have been moving gradually toward similar levels, thus causing a flattening yield curve. Steady shrinkage between rates earned on loans and investment securities and rates paid on deposits and liabilities has had a negative effect on profitability.
The table on the following page is a summary of operating and financial condition highlights as of and for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.
Operating Highlights
(In thousands except per share amounts)
Non-interest income
Merger/conversion expense
Other non-interest expenses
8,877
7,465
16,605
15,216
Basic earnings per common share
Diluted earnings per common share
Interest rate spread
2.14
%
2.52
2.15
2.55
Net interest margin
3.11
3.26
3.28
Financial Condition Highlights
At
(In thousands)
2,216,146
1,586,120
1,145,995
427,277
Stockholders equity
Non-performing assets
1,156
973
1,916
Stockholders equity to total assets
24.83
27.20
27.67
The major factors affecting recent and projected operating and financial condition highlights are as follows:
· The continued pressure on interest rate spread and net interest margin, including the effect of a change in policy by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLB) regarding the timing of its declaration of dividends
· The acquisition of a controlling interest in Eastern Funding LLC (Eastern)
· Growth of the indirect automobile loan portfolio
· Lower non-interest income due primarily to reduced mortgage loan prepayment fees and gains from sales of marketable equity securities
· Higher non-interest expenses due to inclusion of Eastern in the 2006 second quarter, the opening of a new branch in April 2006 and higher personnel-related expenses
Commentary on each of the factors listed is presented on the following pages.
Average Balances, Net Interest Income, Interest Rate Spread and Net Interest Margin
The following table sets forth information about the Companys average balances, interest income and rates earned on average interest-earning assets, interest expense and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, interest rate spread and net interest margin for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2005. Average balances are derived from daily average balances and yields include fees and costs which are considered adjustments to yields.
Three months ended June 30,
Averagebalance
Interest(1)
Averageyield/cost
Average yield/cost
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
109,539
4.86
142,570
2.84
Debt securities(2)
355,854
3,728
4.19
339,102
2,671
3.15
Equity securities(2)(3)
30,604
44
0.57
31,513
343
4.36
Mortgage loans(4)
1,088,971
17,426
6.40
1,104,434
16,857
6.11
Commercial loans Eastern Funding(4)
111,875
3,022
10.80
Other commercial loans(4)
67,465
1,140
6.76
75,013
1,104
5.89
Indirect automobile loans(4)
517,906
6,509
5.04
415,010
4,341
4.20
Other consumer loans(4)
2,981
54
7.25
3,044
7.10
Total interest-earning assets
2,285,195
33,249
5.82
2,110,686
26,379
4.99
(24,624
(21,526
Non-interest earning assets
106,097
101,438
2,366,668
2,190,598
Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits:
91,160
0.25
101,296
42
118,965
486
1.64
159,875
554
1.39
218,833
1,301
2.38
274,155
1,043
1.53
Retail certificates of deposit
668,202
6,542
3.93
531,164
3,715
2.81
1,097,160
3.07
1,066,490
2.01
47,639
5.36
1,144,799
9,022
3.16
529,105
4.65
413,234
3.52
12,176
7.28
12,299
5.40
Total interest bearing liabilities
1,686,080
3.68
1,492,023
2.47
Non-interest-bearing demand checking accounts
62,735
69,188
23,817
14,770
1,772,632
1,575,981
594,036
614,617
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis)/interest rate spread(5)
17,789
17,185
Less adjustment of tax exempt income
55
Net interest margin(6)
(1) Tax exempt income on equity securities and municipal bonds is included on a tax equivalent basis.
(2) Average balances include unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale. Equity securities include marketable equity securities (preferred and common stocks) and restricted equity securities.
(3) The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) changed the timing of its declaration of dividends on its common stock. As a result, no dividend was declared by the FHLB in the second quarter of 2006 and, accordingly, no income was recognized by the Company in that period. It is expected that the FHLB will declare dividends in the third quarter that are equivalent to two quarterly periods, provided no events occur that would cause the FHLB to decide not to declare such dividends. The amount of FHLB dividend income recognized by the Company in the first quarter of 2006 and 2005 was $307,000 and $237,000, respectively, and $217,000 in the second quarter of 2005.
(4) Loans on non-accrual status are included in average balances.
(5) Interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(6) Net interest margin represents net interest income (tax equivalent basis) divided by average interest-earning assets.
Six months ended June 30,
106,523
4.62
141,142
2.65
Debt securities (2)
360,811
7,412
4.11
328,315
4,970
3.03
Equity securities (2) (3)
29,108
398
2.75
31,625
663
4.22
Mortgage loans (4)
1,096,629
34,805
6.35
1,107,258
33,528
6.06
Commercial loans-Eastern Funding (4)
56,247
Other commercial loans (4)
65,138
2,231
6.85
76,325
2,209
5.79
Indirect automobile loans (4)
500,318
12,038
402,310
8,237
4.13
Other consumer loans (4)
2,952
106
7.18
2,941
105
7.14
2,217,726
62,450
5.64
2,089,916
51,567
4.93
(23,472
(20,845
102,002
95,840
2,296,256
2,164,911
91,365
109
0.24
99,115
0.15
118,416
890
1.52
159,674
1,103
224,616
2,497
2.24
284,346
1,990
1.41
656,823
12,335
3.79
501,771
6,743
2.71
1,091,220
2.93
1,044,906
1.91
23,951
1,115,171
16,468
2.98
489,235
4.50
408,624
3.43
12,191
7.03
11,669
5.18
1,616,597
3.49
1,465,199
62,672
67,672
21,695
15,907
1,700,964
1,548,778
595,292
616,133
Net interest income (tax equivalent basis)/interest rate spread
34,494
34,298
177
114
Net interest income(5)
(3) The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) changed the timing of its declaration of dividends on its common stock. As a result, no dividend was declared by the FHLB in the second quarter of 2006 and, accordingly, no income was recognized by the Company in that period. It is expected that the FHLB will declare dividends in the third quarter that are equivalent to two quarterly periods, provided no events occur that would cause the FHLB to decide not to declare such dividends. The amount of FHLB dividend income recognized by the Company in the six months ended 2006 and 2005 was $307,000 and $454,000, respectively.
Highlights from the above table and the table on the preceding page follow.
· Interest rate spread has declined steadily from 2.52% in the 2005 second quarter to 2.17% in the 2006 first quarter and 2.14% in the 2006 second quarter. These declines resulted primarily from a more rapid increase in the average rates paid on deposits and borrowed funds than the increase in the average rates earned on assets.
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· The trend in net interest margin has been similar to that in interest rate spread, although it has started to stabilize as is evident from continuation in the 2006 second quarter of the same 3.11% rate experienced in the 2006 first quarter. The second quarter was aided by the inclusion of the high yielding Eastern loan portfolio. It was affected adversely by the reduction in the percent of total average assets funded by stockholders equity from 28% in the 2005 second quarter to 25% in the 2006 second quarter.
· As mentioned in Note 3 on the preceding tables, in the 2006 second quarter, the FHLB changed the timing of its declaration of dividends on its common stock. That change had the adverse impact on 2006 second quarter income disclosed in note 3 on the preceding tables.
· Average interest-earning assets increased $175 million, or 8%, in the 2006 second quarter compared to the 2005 second quarter. All of that growth occurred in the indirect automobile loan portfolio (up $103 million) and as a result of the Eastern acquisition (up $112 million). Lower yields are earned on the indirect automobile loan portfolio than on the other segments of the Companys loan portfolio. Higher yields are earned on Easterns loan portfolio.
· Asset growth was funded primarily by a combination of higher costing borrowings from the FHLB and brokered certificates of deposit.
Interest income was 26% higher in the 2006 second quarter than in the 2005 second quarter and 21% higher in the first half of 2006 than in the first half of 2005. However, interest expense increased 68% and 62% respectively, between those comparable periods. The significant increase in expense resulted primarily from the rate setting actions of the Federal Reserve, increased competition for deposits and a shift in the mix of deposits, and the funding of a higher portion of assets through borrowed funds from the FHLB and brokered certificates of deposit.
As we have mentioned several times in prior reports, interest rate spread and net interest margin are greatly influenced by interest rates established by the Federal Reserve. Commencing in June 2004 and extending through the end of June 2006, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System approved 17 rate increases of 0.25% each in the federal funds rate for overnight borrowings between banks. As a result of those rate setting actions and trends in the economy, a flat and sometimes inverted yield curve has evolved. This has caused the Companys net interest income to shrink. Improvement in net interest income will continue to be difficult to achieve until an upward slope in the yield curve starts to develop.
Over the last several months, depositors have been shifting their funds from low rate sensitive deposits to highly rate sensitive deposits, in particular certificates of deposit. This shift, coupled with intense competition, has caused the average rate paid for deposits to rise rapidly and significantly. Certificates of deposit comprised 58% of total deposits at June 30, 2006 compared to 55% at December 31, 2005 and 48% at June 30, 2005.
Rates earned on mortgage loans typically are higher than the rates earned on the Companys other interest-earning assets. For some time, mortgage loan pricing has been subjected to increased competitive pressure and, as a result, it has become increasingly more difficult to incorporate the rise in funding costs into the pricing of new loan originations. Due in part to this development, the average balance of mortgage loans outstanding was $15 million lower in the 2006 second quarter than in the 2006 first quarter and the 2005 second quarter.
The portion of total average interest-earning assets funded by borrowings from the FHLB and brokered deposits increased from 20% in the 2005 second quarter to 25% in the 2006 second quarter. Part of the increase was attributable to the replacement of Easterns borrowed funds with brokered certificates of deposit and borrowings from the FHLB in April 2006. It should be noted that the Eastern borrowings that were paid off had higher rates of interest than the funds borrowed to make those pay-offs.
The Company is hopeful that the average yield on its assets will improve as a result of the Eastern acquisition and the hiring of two experienced commercial loan officers who will be responsible for growing the Companys commercial loan portfolio. Lending to commercial enterprises can be rewarding not only because the loans are typically priced at attractive rates and on a variable rate basis, but also because of the deposits that accompany the lending relationships. Meaningful improvement in the Companys earnings as a result of these initiatives will take some time to occur.
Acquisition of Controlling Interest in Eastern
As described more fully in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements appearing on pages 10 and 11 herein, on April 13, 2006, the Company increased its ownership interest in Eastern from 28.3% to 86.7%. From its founding to the time of the acquisition, Eastern originated approximately $287 million of high yielding loans. In the 2006 second quarter, it
22
originated $22 million of loans and the total of loans outstanding at June 30, 2006 was $117.6 million. Loans delinquent more than 30 days at June 30, 2006 were $1.0 million, or 0.85% of loans outstanding. The allowance for loan losses related to the Eastern portfolio was $2.2 million, or 1.83% of loans outstanding at that date. The average yield earned on the portfolio in the 2006 second quarter was 10.80%.
Indirect Automobile Loan Business
The Companys indirect automobile loan portfolio grew from $369 million at the end of 2004 to $459 million at the end of 2005 and $520 million at June 30, 2006. While it is difficult to forecast what level of loan originations will occur in the second half of 2006, it is expected that the rate of portfolio growth will decline because of market conditions and the higher level of originations required to compensate for the reduction in loans outstanding that occurs from normal monthly principal payments.
The primary challenge related to the Companys indirect automobile loan business is to improve its profitability. Since the commencement of this lending segment in February 2003, the Company has focused on making loans to individuals with excellent credit histories. While this emphasis has resulted in favorable loan loss experience, it has held back profitability since high quality loans typically generate lower yields. Since inception, the Company has originated approximately $950 million of indirect automobile loans. Of that amount, less than 10% has been to individuals with credit scores below 660. Based on analysis of extensive data about those loan originations, the Company plans to allow the portion of loan originations to individuals with credit scores below 660 to increase somewhat from the current level. The Company expects the resulting increase in income to more than offset any increase in loan loss experience that might arise from this policy change. While the average credit scores of all borrowers comprising the portfolio may decline from the current average of over 730, the Company intends to continue to focus primarily on making loans to individuals with good to excellent credit histories.
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income declined from $1.6 million in the 2005 quarter to $910,000 in the 2006 second quarter and from $3.2 million in the first half of 2005 to $2.1 million in the first half of 2006 due primarily to lower securities gains, lower fees from mortgage loan prepayments and the change in the ownership interest in Eastern.
There were no sales of marketable equity securities in the 2006 second quarter; gains from sales of marketable equity securities were $259,000 in the 2005 second quarter, $558,000 in the first half of 2006 and $853,000 in the first half of 2005. Fees from mortgage loan prepayments were $663,000 lower in the 2006 second quarter than in the 2005 second quarter and $1.0 million lower in the first half of 2006 than in the first half of 2005. Generally, prepayments slow down when interest rates rise.
Prior to the increase in ownership of Eastern in April 2006, the Company accounted for its investment in Eastern under the equity method of accounting. The Companys equity interest in Easterns earnings was $1,000 in the first half of 2006 compared to $218,000 in the first half of 2005. The decline was due in part to an adjustment relating to Easterns accounting for deferred loan origination costs, higher funding costs and higher expenses, some of which resulted from the acquisition transaction. Easterns operating results were included in the consolidated operating results of the Company in the 2006 second quarter. After consideration of foregone income on the cash paid to make the acquisition, Eastern contributed approximately $300,000 to the after-tax earnings of the Company in the 2006 second quarter.
Non-Interest Expense
Merger/conversion expenses related to the Mystic acquisition were $511,000 in the 2005 second quarter and $893,000 in the first half of 2005. No expenses of this nature were incurred in the 2006 quarterly and six month periods.
As a result of adoption of a new accounting pronouncement (SFAS 123-R), effective January 1, 2006, dividends paid on unvested shares awarded to directors, officers and employees of the Company are recognized as compensation expense whereas, prior to that date, such payments were charged to retained earnings. Dividends paid on unvested shares amounted to $46,000 in the 2006 second quarter and $215,000 in the first half of 2006. The new accounting pronouncement also required that, effective January 1, 2006, dividend equivalent rights payable to holders of outstanding vested stock options be charged to retained earnings; prior to that date, such payments were recognized as compensation expense. Dividend equivalent rights paid or payable to holders of unexercised vested options were $388,000 in the first half of 2006 compared to $363,000 in the first half of 2005.
The 2006 second quarter includes compensation expense of $243,000 resulting from the vesting of restricted stock upon the retirement of a member of the Board of Directors in April 2006. Excluding this expense and the expenses mentioned in the two preceding paragraphs, total non-interest expenses were $1.1 million, or 13.6%, higher in the 2006 second quarter than in the 2005 second quarter and $1.2 million, or 7.5%, higher in the first half of 2006 than in the first half of 2005.
Those increases were mostly attributable to the inclusion of Easterns expenses which were $843,000 in the 2006 second quarter. Also contributing to the increases were the added expenses of a new branch that opened in April 2006 and the hiring of new loan officers.
Other Operating Highlights
Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses declined from $957,000 in the 2005 second quarter to $859,000 in the 2006 second quarter and remained at $1.6 million in the first half of 2006 and 2005. Of these amounts, $623,000, $757,000, $1.3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, related to the indirect automobile loan portfolio. Net charge-offs in that portfolio in the six month periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2005 were $899,000 and $556,000, respectively, or 0.36% and 0.28% of average indirect automobile loans outstanding during those respective periods. Indirect automobile loans delinquent more than 30 days were $5.6 million, or 1.07% of the portfolio, at June 30, 2006 compared to $5.5 million, or 1.21% of the portfolio, at December 31, 2005.
The provision for loan losses for the 2006 second quarter included $177,000 related to the Eastern loan portfolio. In the first half of 2006, $75,000 was credited to income due primarily to the reduction of mortgage loans outstanding and payments made on loans acquired in connection with the acquisition of Mystic in January 2005. The provision in the first half of 2005 included $284,000 due primarily to the assignment of higher risk ratings to certain loans acquired in the Mystic transaction.
Provision for Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate declined from 40.6% in the first half of 2005 to 39.3% in the first half of 2006 due to a higher portion of taxable income being earned by the Companys investment security subsidiaries. Income in those subsidiaries is subject to a lower rate of state taxation than income earned by the Company and its other subsidiaries.
Other Financial Condition Highlights
Deposits. Deposits increased $10 million in the 2006 second quarter after a $7 million decline in the 2006 first quarter. Competition for funds remained intense and the mix of deposits continued to shift to higher paying categories. As discussed earlier herein, certificates of deposit represented 58% of total retail deposits at June 30, 2006 compared to 55% at December 31, 2005 and 48% at June 30, 2005. Continuation of a rising interest rate environment could result in further shifting to higher rate deposits.
In the 2006 second quarter, the Company obtained $68 million in brokered deposits. The weighted average maturity of the deposits is 2.4 years and the weighted average annual rate to be paid on the deposits is 5.39%. Obtaining of the brokered deposits did not require the pledging of assets as collateral as is normally the case in borrowings from the FHLB. The funds were used to pay off some of the higher rate borrowed funds of Eastern.
Borrowed Funds. Funds borrowed from the FHLB increased from $412 million at December 31, 2005 to $460 million at March 31, 2006 and $512 million at June 30, 2006. Proceeds from the additional borrowings were used primarily to fund indirect automobile loan growth and to pay off some of the higher rate borrowed funds of Eastern.
During the first half of 2006, $78.6 million of FHLB borrowings matured. Those borrowings had a weighted average original life to maturity of 3.2 years and a weighted average annual rate of interest of 3.62%. During that same period, $97 million of new borrowings were obtained from the FHLB with a weighted average life to maturity of 3.3 years and a weighted average annual rate of interest of 5.24%. The remainder of the net increase in FHLB borrowings, $81.6 million, were advances with maturities of less than 90 days.
Stockholders Equity. Stockholders equity declined from $602 million at December 31, 2005 to $591 million at June 30, 2006 due primarily to payment of an extra dividend of $0.20 per share to stockholders in February 2006. The extra dividend of $0.20 per share to be paid on August 15, 2006 is the seventh time since August 2003 that the Board of Directors has approved such a payment. The aggregate amount paid, over $83 million or $1.40 per share, represents a return of capital to stockholders rather than a distribution of earnings. The payout of semi-annual extra dividends has been an effective means to reduce the Companys excess capital in a measured way and to treat all stockholders equally. While it is the intent of the Board of Directors to continue to return capital to stockholders through payment of an extra dividend semi-annually, the magnitude of any future payment will be considered in light of changing opportunities to deploy capital effectively, including the repurchase of Company common stock and expansion of the Companys business through acquisitions.
24
Non-Performing Assets, Restructured Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses
The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing assets, restructured loans and the allowance for loan losses:
June 30,2006
December 31,2005
Non-accrual loans:
313
One-to-four family mortgage loans
Commercial loans
173
Total non-accrual loans
341
480
Repossessed vehicles
493
102
Total non-performing assets
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans
1.38
1.36
Non-accrual loans as a percent of total loans
0.02
0.03
Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets
0.05
0.04
Loans are placed on non-accrual status either when reasonable doubt exists as to the full timely collection of interest and principal or automatically when loans become past due 90 days.
In addition to identifying non-performing loans, the Company identifies loans that are characterized as impaired pursuant to generally accepted accounting principles. The definition of impaired loans is not the same as the definition of non-accrual loans, although the two categories tend to overlap. There were no impaired loans as of June 30, 2006.
The unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses was $4.1 million, or 16.5% of the total allowance for loan losses, at June 30, 2006 compared to $4.1 million, or 18.6% of the total allowance for loan losses, at December 31, 2005.
Asset/Liability Management
The Companys Asset/Liability Committee is responsible for managing interest rate risk and reviewing with the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis its activities and strategies, the effect of those strategies on the Companys operating results, the Companys interest rate risk position and the effect changes in interest rates would have on the Companys net interest income.
Generally, it is the Companys policy to reasonably match the rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities. 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 the same time period.
At June 30, 2006, interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within one year amounted to $1.079 billion and interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within one year amounted to $1.036 billion, resulting in a cumulative one year positive gap position of $43 million, or 1.8% of total assets. At December 31, 2005, the Company had a negative one year cumulative gap position of $13 million, or 0.6% of total assets. Based on the interest rate environment of the past several months, the Company has sought to maintain a modest cumulative one year positive gap position.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Companys primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and debt securities and borrowings from the FHLB. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and investments are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage loan prepayments are greatly influenced by interest rate trends, economic conditions and competition.
Based on its monitoring of deposit trends and its current pricing strategy for deposits, management believes the Company will retain a large portion of its existing deposit base. Growth during the remainder of 2006 will depend on several factors, including the interest rate environment and competitor pricing.
The Company utilizes advances from the FHLB to fund growth and to manage part of the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities. Total advances outstanding at June 30, 2006 amounted to $512 million and the Company had the capacity to increase that amount to $686 million.
The Companys most liquid assets are cash and due from banks, short-term investments and debt securities that generally mature within 90 days. At June 30, 2006, such assets amounted to $174 million, or 7.3% of total assets.
At June 30, 2006, Brookline Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements. The Banks Tier I capital was $424 million, or 19.2% of adjusted assets. The minimum required Tier I capital ratio is 4.00%.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks
For a discussion of the Companys management of market risk exposure and quantitative information about market risk, see pages 12 through 14 of the Companys Annual Report incorporated by reference in Part II item 7A of Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of the Companys management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Companys disclosure controls and procedures were effective to insure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SECs rules and forms.
There has been no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the quarterly evaluation that occurred during the Companys last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Part II - Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company and its subsidiaries are not involved in any litigation, nor is the Company aware of any pending litigation, other than legal proceedings incident to the business of the Company. Management believes the results of any current pending litigation would be immaterial to the consolidated financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
On April 20, 2006, the Company held its annual meeting of stockholders for the purpose of the election of five Directors to three year terms and ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the year ending December 31, 2006.
The number of votes cast at the meeting was as follow:
Number ofVotes For
Number ofVotes Against
Election of Directors:
Dennis S. Aronowitz
57,509,807
637,775
William G. Coughlin
57,507,004
640,578
John J. Doyle, Jr
57,713,316
434,266
Charles H. Peck
57,467,187
680,394
Joseph J. Slotnik
57,509,793
637,788
Number of VotesAbstained
Ratification of appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm
57,503,246
513,712
130,623
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit 10.9
Amended and Restated Employee Stock Ownership Plan effective January 1, 2006 and adopted June 15, 2006
Exhibit 11
Statement Regarding Computation of Per Share Earnings
Exhibit 31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
BROOKLINE BANCORP, INC.
Date: August 2, 2006
By:
/s/ Richard P. Chapman, Jr.
Richard P. Chapman, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Paul R. Bechet
Paul R. Bechet
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer