SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

100 F Street NE

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2018

or

For the transition period from                      to                      

Commission File No. 001-33384

 

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

(570) 421-0531

(Registrant’s telephone number)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

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

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

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 twelve months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  ☒    NO  ☐.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    YES  ☒    NO  ☐.

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☐  

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

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    ☐

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

As of December 1, 2018, there were 18,133,095 shares issued and 11,611,681 shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock.

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the last sale price on March 31, 2018, was $154,016,589.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

 

 

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

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Forward Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain “forward-looking statements” which may be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated” and “potential.” Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business that are subject to various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these estimates and most other statements that are not historical in nature. These factors include, but are not limited to, general and local economic conditions, changes in interest rates, deposit flows, demand for mortgage, and other loans, real estate values, competition, changes in accounting principles, policies, or guidelines, changes in legislation or regulation, and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting our operations, pricing, products and services and the ability to successfully complete or close transactions or to integrate acquired entities. Because of these and a wide variety of other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. Please also see “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

 

 

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PART I

 

 

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (“ESSA Bancorp” or the “Company”) is a Pennsylvania-chartered holding company for ESSA Bank & Trust (the “Bank”). ESSA Bancorp owns 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Bank. Since being formed in 2006, ESSA Bancorp has engaged primarily in the business of holding the common stock of the Bank. Our executive offices are located at 200 Palmer Street, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360. Our telephone number at this address is (570) 421-0531. ESSA Bancorp is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. On July 31, 2012, ESSA Bancorp completed its acquisition of First Star Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Star Bank (“First Star”). On April 4, 2014, ESSA Bancorp completed its acquisition of Franklin Security Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Franklin Security Bank (“Franklin Security”). On December 4, 2015, ESSA Bancorp completed its acquisition of Eagle National Bancorp, Inc. (“ENB”), whereby ESSA Bancorp acquired ENB and its wholly owned subsidiary, Eagle National Bank. Effective November 14, 2014, ESSA Bancorp converted its holding company status from a savings and loan holding company to a bank holding company, and it elected the financial holding company designation as a bank holding company. At September 30, 2018, ESSA Bancorp had consolidated assets of $1.8 billion, consolidated deposits of $1.3 billion and consolidated stockholders’ equity of $179.2 million. Consolidated net income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 was $6.5 million. Results for the year ended September 30, 2018, reflected a one-time charge to income tax expense of $3.7 million related to the reduction in the carrying value of the Company’s deferred tax assets, which resulted from the reduction in the Federal corporate income tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

The Company is a public company, and files interim, quarterly and annual reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC maintains an Internet site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers such as the Company that file electronically with the SEC. All filed SEC reports and interim filings can also be obtained from the Bank’s website (www.essabank.com), on the “Investor Relations” page, without charge from the Company.

ESSA Bank & Trust

General

The Bank was organized in 1916. The Bank is a Pennsylvania chartered full-service, community-oriented savings bank. We provide financial services to individuals, families and businesses through our 22 full-service banking offices, located in Monroe, Northampton, Lehigh, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania. The Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In March 2014, the Bank converted its charter from a Pennsylvania savings and loan association to a Pennsylvania savings bank. The charter change did not have a material effect on the operations of the Bank.

The Bank’s business consists primarily of accepting deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations and borrowings, in residential first mortgage loans (including construction mortgage loans), commercial real estate loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, commercial and consumer loans. We offer a variety of deposit accounts, including checking, savings and certificates of deposits. We also offer asset management and trust services. We offer investment services through our relationship with Cetera Investment Services LLC, a third party broker/dealer and investment advisor. We offer insurance benefit consulting services through our wholly owned subsidiary, ESSA Advisory Services, LLC.

The Bank’s executive offices are located at 200 Palmer Street, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania 18360. Our telephone number at this address is (570) 421-0531. Our website address is www.essabank.com.

Market Area

At September 30, 2018, our 22 full-service banking offices consisted of 7 offices in Monroe County, 3 offices in Lehigh County, 6 offices in Northampton County, 1 office in Lackawanna County, 1 office in Luzerne County, 1 office in Chester County, 2 offices in Delaware County and 1 office in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Our primary market for deposits is currently concentrated around the areas where our full-service banking offices are located. Our primary lending area consists of the counties where our branch offices are located, and to a lesser extent, the contiguous counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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Monroe County is located in eastern Pennsylvania, situated 90 miles north of Philadelphia, 75 miles west of New York and 116 miles northeast of Harrisburg. Monroe County is comprised of 611 square miles of mostly rural terrain. Major industries include tourism, healthcare and educational facilities. Northampton County is located south of Monroe County and directly borders New Jersey. Lehigh County is located southwest of Monroe County. Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties are located north of Monroe County. Chester and Montgomery Counties are located south and Delaware County southwest of Monroe County. As of June 30, 2018, the most recent FDIC market share data available, we had a deposit market share of approximately 29.3% in Monroe County, which represented the largest deposit market share in Monroe County, 2.9% in Northampton County, 1.9% in Lehigh County, 0.1% in Lackawanna County, 0.9% in Luzerne County, 0.1% in Chester County, 0.1% in Montgomery County and 0.6% in Delaware County.

Lending Activities

Historically, our principal lending activity has been the origination of first mortgage loans for the purchase, construction or refinancing of one- to four-family residential real estate property. In recent years, we have increased our originations of commercial loans and commercial real estate loans in an effort to increase interest income, diversify our loan portfolio, and better serve the community. Commercial real estate loans have increased from $288.4 million or 23.5% of our total loan portfolio at September 30, 2016 to $416.6 million, or 31.6%, of our total loan portfolio at September 30, 2018. One- to four-family residential real estate mortgage loans represented $580.6 million, or 44.1%, of our loan portfolio at September 30, 2018. Home equity loans and lines of credit totaled $44.0 million, or 3.3%, of our loan portfolio at September 30, 2018. Commercial loans totaled $49.5 million, or 3.8%, of our loan portfolio at September 30, 2018 and construction first mortgage loans totaled $3.9 million, or 0.3%, of the total loan portfolio at September 30, 2018. Obligations of states and political subdivisions totaled $73.4 million, or 5.6%, of our loan portfolio at September 30, 2018. Auto loans totaled $146.2 million or 11.1% of the total loan portfolio at September 30, 2018. As previously disclosed, the Bank discontinued originating indirect auto loans in July, 2018. We originate other consumer loans on a limited basis.

Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio, by type of loan at the dates indicated, excluding loans held for sale.

 

 

Loan Portfolio Maturities. The following table summarizes the scheduled repayments of our loan portfolio at September 30, 2018. Demand loans, loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity, and overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less.

 

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The following table sets forth the scheduled repayments of fixed- and adjustable-rate loans at September 30, 2018 that are contractually due after September 30, 2019.

 

 

Loan Originations and Repayments. We originate residential mortgage loans pursuant to underwriting standards that generally conform to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. Loan origination activities are primarily concentrated in Monroe, Northampton, Lehigh, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania and secondarily in other Pennsylvania counties contiguous to our primary market area. New loans are generated primarily from the efforts of employees and advertising, a network of select mortgage brokers, other parties with whom we do business, customer referrals, and from walk-in customers. Loan applications are centrally underwritten and processed at our corporate center. At September 30, 2018, $580.6 million, or 44.1%, of our loan portfolio, consisted of one- to four-family residential loans. Generally, one- to four-family residential mortgage loans are originated in amounts up to 80% of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price of the property, although loans may be made with higher loan-to-value ratios private mortgage insurance is required to compensate for the risk. Fixed-rate loans are originated for terms of 10, 15, 20 and 30 years. At September 30, 2018, our largest loan secured by one- to four-family real estate had a principal balance of approximately $1.8 million and was secured by a single family house. This loan was performing in accordance with its repayment terms.

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We also offer adjustable-rate mortgage loans which have initial fixed terms of one, three, five or seven-years before converting to an annual adjustment schedule based on changes in a designated United States Treasury index. We originated $9.3 million of adjustable rate one- to four-family residential loans during the year ended September 30, 2018 and $5.0 million during the year ended September 30, 2017. Our adjustable rate mortgage loans provide for maximum rate adjustments of 200 basis points per adjustment, with a lifetime maximum adjustment of 500 basis points. Our adjustable rate mortgage loans amortize over terms of up to 30 years.

Adjustable rate mortgage loans decrease the risk associated with changes in market interest rates by periodically repricing, but involve other risks. As interest rates increase, the principal and interest payments on the loan increase, thus increasing the potential for default by the borrower. At the same time, the marketability of the underlying collateral may be adversely affected by higher interest rates. Adjustment of the contractual interest rate is limited by the periodic and lifetime interest rate adjustments specified by our loan documents and therefore, is potentially limited in effectiveness during periods of rapidly rising interest rates. At September 30, 2018, $35.7 million, or 6.1%, of our one- to four-family residential loans had adjustable rates of interest.

All one- to four-family residential mortgage loans that we originate include “due-on-sale” clauses, which provides the right to declare a loan immediately due and payable in the event that the borrower sells or otherwise conveys title to the real property subject to the mortgage and the loan is not repaid.

Regulations limit the amount that a savings bank may lend relative to the value of the real estate securing the loan, as determined by an appraisal of the property at the time the loan is originated. For all purchase money loans, we utilize outside independent appraisers approved by our Management Loan Committee. All purchase money and most refinance loans require a lender’s title insurance policy. Certain modest refinance requests may utilize an exterior inspection report and title search. We also require fire and casualty insurance and, where circumstances warrant, flood insurance.

Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit. Home equity loans and lines of credit are generated by our Mortgage Professionals. Eligible properties include primary and vacation homes located in Monroe, Northampton, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lehigh, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties, Pennsylvania and secondarily in other Pennsylvania counties contiguous to our primary market area. As of September 30, 2018, home equity loans and lines totaled about $44.0 million, or 3.3%, of our loan portfolio.

The maximum combined loan-to-value originated is currently 80%, depending on the collateral and the holder of the first mortgage. There is a small portion of the portfolio originated in years past that contains original combined loan-to-values of up to 90%. Our home equity lines of credit typically feature a 10 year draw period with interest-only payments permitted, followed by another 10 years of fully amortizing payments with no further ability to draw funds. Similar combined loan-to-value characteristics and standards exist for the lines as are outlined above for the loans.

Loan underwriting standards limit the maximum size of a junior lien loan to between $250,000 and $500,000, depending on the loan type and collateral. All loans exceeding 75% of value require an appraisal by bank-approved, licensed appraisers. Loans up to $25,000 with lesser loan-to-value ratios may utilize an automated valuation model. Title/lien searches are secured on all home equity loans and lines.

Commercial Real Estate Loans. At September 30, 2018, $416.6 million, or 31.6%, of our total loan portfolio consisted of commercial real estate loans. Commercial real estate loans are secured by office buildings, multi-family, mixed-use properties and other commercial properties. We generally originate adjustable rate commercial real estate loans with an initial term of five years and a repricing option, and a maximum term of up to 25 years. The maximum loan-to-value ratio for most commercial real estate loans is 75% to 80% and 85% for select loans with faster amortizations. At September 30, 2018, our largest commercial real estate relationship balance was $23.2 million, which was performing in accordance with its terms.

We consider a number of factors in originating commercial real estate loans. We evaluate the qualifications and financial condition of the borrower, including credit history, profitability and expertise, as well as the value and condition of the mortgaged property securing the loan. When evaluating the qualifications of the borrower, we consider the financial resources of the borrower, the borrower’s experience in owning or managing similar property and the borrower’s payment history with us and other financial institutions. In evaluating the property securing the loan, the factors we consider include the net operating income of the mortgaged property before debt service and depreciation, the ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the mortgaged property and the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to debt service) to ensure that it is at least 120% of the monthly debt service. All commercial real estate loans in excess of $500,000 are appraised by outside independent appraisers approved in accordance with the Bank’s Appraisal Policy. Personal guarantees are obtained from commercial real estate borrowers although we may occasionally waive this requirement given very strong loan to value and debt service coverage ratios. All purchase money and most asset refinance borrowers are required to obtain title insurance. We also require fire and casualty insurance and, where circumstances warrant, flood insurance.

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Loans secured by commercial real estate generally are considered to present greater risk than one- to four-family residential loans. Commercial real estate loans often involve large loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Repayment of these loans depends to a large degree on the results of operations and management of the properties securing the loans or the businesses conducted on such property, and may be affected to a greater extent by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy in general. Accordingly, the nature of these loans makes them more difficult for management to monitor and evaluate.

First Mortgage Construction Loans. At September 30, 2018, $3.9 million, or 0.3%, of our total loan portfolio consisted of first mortgage construction loans. Our first mortgage construction loans are for the construction of residential properties. We currently offer fixed and adjustable-rate residential first mortgage construction loans. First mortgage construction loans are generally structured for permanent mortgage financing once the construction is completed. At September 30, 2018, our largest first mortgage construction loan balance was $484,000. The loan was performing in accordance with its terms. First mortgage construction loans will generally be made in amounts of up to 80% of the appraised value of the completed property, or the actual cost of the improvements. First mortgage construction loans require only the payment of interest during the construction period. Once converted to permanent financing, they generally repay over a 30 year period. Funds are disbursed based on our inspections in accordance with a schedule reflecting the completion of portions of the project.

First mortgage construction loans generally involve a greater degree of credit risk than other one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. The risk of loss on a construction loan depends, in part, upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the value of the property at completion of construction compared to the estimated cost of construction and the successful completion of construction within budget.

For all such loans, we utilize outside independent appraisers approved in accordance with the Bank’s Appraisal Policy. All borrowers are required to obtain title insurance. We also require fire and casualty insurance and, where circumstances warrant, flood insurance on properties.

Commercial Loans. At September 30, 2018, $49.5 million, or 3.8%, of our loan portfolio, consisted of commercial loans. We generally offer commercial loans to individuals and businesses located in our primary market area. The commercial loan portfolio includes lines of credit, equipment loans, vehicle loans, improvement loans and term loans. These loans are primarily secured by vehicles, machinery and equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, marketable securities, deposit accounts and real estate.

Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions. At September 30, 2018, $73.4 million, or 5.6%, of our total loan portfolio consisted of loan transactions including tax and revenue anticipation notes, general obligation notes, and authority general revenue notes. The financial strength of the state or political subdivision, type of transaction, relationship efforts, and profitability of return are considered when pricing and structuring each transaction.

Auto Loans. At September 30, 2018, $146.2 million, or 11.1% of our total loan portfolio consisted of auto loans. Although collateralized, these loans require stringent underwriting standards and procedures. Each loan decision is based primarily on the credit history of the individual(s) and their ability to repay the loan. Collision and comprehensive insurance is required and the Bank must be listed as the loss payee. As previously disclosed, the Bank discontinued originating indirect auto loans.

Indirect auto loans are inherently risky as they are often secured by assets that depreciate rapidly. In some cases, repossessed collateral for a defaulted automobile loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan and the remaining deficiency may not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. Automobile loan collections depend on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore, are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness, or personal bankruptcy.

Other Loans. We offer a variety of loans that are either unsecured or secured by property other than real estate. These loans include loans secured by deposits and personal unsecured loans. At September 30, 2018, these other loans totaled $2.7 million, or 0.2%, of the total loan portfolio.

Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. The loan approval process is intended to assess the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, the viability of the loan, and the adequacy of the value of the property that will secure the loan. To assess the borrower’s ability to repay, we review each borrower’s employment and credit history and information on the historical and projected income and expenses of mortgagors. For all loans the Board has granted lending authority to prescribed loan committees. Larger and more complex loan requests require the involvement of senior management or the Board.

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Non-Performing Loans and Problem Assets

Performance of the loan portfolio is reviewed on a regular basis by Bank Management. A number of factors regarding the borrower, such as overall financial strength, collateral values and repayment ability, are considered in deciding what actions should be taken when determining the collectability of interest for accrual purposes.

When a loan, including a loan that is impaired, is classified as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest on such a loan is discontinued. A loan is typically classified as nonaccrual when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about the further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan is currently performing. A loan may remain on accrual status if it is in the process of collection and is either guaranteed or well secured. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid accrued interest is fully reversed. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are either applied against principal or reported as interest income, according to management’s judgment as to the collectability of principal.

Loans are usually restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time, and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.

Non-performing Loans. At September 30, 2018, $10.5 million, or 0.80% of our total loans, were non-performing loans. The majority of these loans were commercial real estate loans and residential mortgage loans. Non-performing commercial real estate loans totaled $3.5 million at September 30, 2018. Residential first mortgage loans that were 90 days or more past due totaled $5.3 million at September 30, 2018.

Real Estate Owned. At September 30, 2018, the Company had $1.1 million of real estate owned consisting of 17 properties. These properties are being carried on the Company’s books at fair value less estimated costs to sell. All these properties are being actively marketed and additional losses may occur.

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Non-Performing Assets. The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of our non-performing assets at the dates indicated.

 

 

For the years ended September 30, 2018, 2017 and 2016, gross interest income that would have been recorded had our non-accruing loans been current in accordance with their original terms was $171,000, $449,000 and $782,000 respectively.

At September 30, 2018, the principal balance of troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) was $4.4 million as compared to $4.9 million at September 30, 2017. Of the $4.4 million of TDRs at September 30, 2018, $106,000 were performing loans and $4.3 million were non-accrual loans.

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TDRs at September 30, 2018 were comprised of 28 residential loans totaling $3.3 million, 6 commercial real estate loans totaling $976,000 and 8 consumer loans (home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, auto and other) totaling $124,000.

For the year ended September 30, 2018, 10 loans totaling $1.1 million were removed from TDR status, 2 loans totaling $269,000 were transferred to foreclosed real estate and 8 loans for $827,000 had completed timely payments.

We have modified terms of performing loans that do not meet the definition of a TDR. The vast majority of such loans were simply rate modifications of residential first mortgage loans in lieu of refinancing. The non-TDR rate modifications were all performing loans when the rates were reset to current market rates. For the year ended September 30, 2018, we modified 14 loans totaling $1.7 million. With regard to commercial loans, including commercial real estate loans, various non-troubled loans were modified, either for the purpose of a rate reduction to reflect current market rates (in lieu of a refinance) or the extension of a loan’s maturity date. In total we modified 5 commercial loans with an aggregate balance of approximately $7.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2018.

Delinquencies. The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our loan portfolio delinquencies at the dates indicated. Loans delinquent for 90 days or more are generally classified as nonaccrual loans.

 

 

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Classified Assets. Banking regulations and our Asset Classification Policy provide that loans and other assets considered to be of lesser quality should be classified as “Substandard,” “Doubtful” or “Loss” assets. An asset is considered Substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as Doubtful have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. Assets classified as Loss are those considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted. We classify an asset as “Special Mention” if the asset has a potential weakness that warrants management’s close attention. While such assets are not impaired, management has concluded that if the potential weakness in the asset is not addressed, the value of the asset may deteriorate, thereby adversely affecting the repayment of the asset.

At September 30, 2018, the Company classified approximately $10.3 million of our assets as Special Mention, of which $9.0 million were commercial and commercial real estate loans, and $22.7 million as Substandard, of which $16.4 million were commercial and commercial real estate loans. No loans were classified Doubtful or Loss. At September 30, 2017, we classified approximately $4.1 million of our assets as Special Mention, of which $3.4 million were commercial and commercial real estate loans, and $27.0 million as Substandard, of which $17.5 million were commercial and commercial real estate loans. No loans were classified as Doubtful or Loss.

The loan portfolio is reviewed on a regular basis to determine whether any loans require classification in accordance with applicable regulations. Not all classified assets constitute non-performing assets.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Our allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level necessary to absorb loan losses that are both probable and reasonably estimable. Management, in determining the allowance for loan losses, considers the losses inherent in its loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of loan activities, along with the general economic and real estate market conditions. Our allowance for loan losses consists of two elements: (1) an allocated allowance, which comprises allowances established on specific loans and class allowances based on historical loss experience and current trends, and (2) an unallocated allowance based on general economic conditions and other risk factors in our markets and portfolios. We maintain a loan review system, which allows for a periodic review (at least quarterly) of our loan portfolio and the early identification of potential impaired loans. Such system takes into consideration, among other things, delinquency status, size of loans, type and market value of collateral and financial condition of the borrowers. Specific loan loss allowances are established for identified losses based on a review of such information. A loan evaluated for impairment is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. All loans identified as impaired are evaluated independently. We do not aggregate such loans for evaluation purposes. Loan impairment is measured based on the fair value of collateral method, taking into account the appraised value, any valuation assumptions used, estimated costs to sell and trends in the market since the appraisal date. General loan loss allowances are based upon a combination of factors including, but not limited to, actual loan loss experience, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, management’s judgment and losses which are probable and reasonably estimable. The allowance is increased through provisions charged against current earnings and recoveries of previously charged-off loans. Loans that are determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance. While management uses available information to recognize probable and reasonably estimable loan losses, future loss provisions may be necessary based on changing economic conditions. Payments received on impaired loans generally are either applied against principal or reported as interest income, according to management’s judgment as to the collectability of principal. The allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2018 is maintained at a level that represents management’s best estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio, and such losses were both probable and reasonably estimable.

In addition, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan losses. The banking regulators may require that we recognize additions to the allowance based on their analysis and review of information available to them at the time of their examination.

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The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

 

 

See “Non-Performing Loans and Problem Assets.” There can be no assurance that we will not experience a deterioration of our loan portfolio, including increases in non-performing loans, problem assets and charge-offs, in the future.

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Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following table sets forth the allowance for loan losses allocated by loan category, the percent of the allowance to the total allowance and the percent of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated. The allowance for loan losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.

 

 

We use the accrual method of accounting for all performing loans. The accrual of interest income is generally discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan is currently performing. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest previously credited to income is reversed. Interest received on nonaccrual loans is applied against principal. Generally, residential and consumer loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and ultimate collectability of total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt. Commercial loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and ultimate collectability of total contractual principal and interest no longer is in doubt.

In our collection efforts, we will first attempt to cure any delinquent loan. If a real estate secured loan is placed on nonaccrual status, it could be subject to transfer to the real estate owned (“REO”) portfolio (comprised of properties acquired by or in lieu of foreclosure), upon which our credit administration department will pursue the sale of the real estate. Prior to this transfer, the loan balance will be reduced, if necessary, to reflect its current market value less estimated costs to sell. Write downs of REO that occur after the initial transfer from the loan portfolio and costs of holding the property are recorded as other operating expenses, except for significant improvements which are capitalized to the extent that the carrying value does not exceed estimated net realizable value.

Fair values for determining the value of collateral are estimated from various sources, such as real estate appraisals, financial statements and from any other reliable sources of available information. For those loans deemed to be impaired, collateral value is reduced for the estimated costs to sell. Reductions of collateral value are based on historical loss experience, current market data, and any other source of reliable information specific to the collateral.

This analysis process is inherently subjective, as it requires us to make estimates that are susceptible to revisions as more information becomes available. Although we believe that we have established the allowance at levels to absorb probable and estimable losses, future additions may be necessary if economic or other conditions in the future differ from the current environment.

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Securities Activities

Our securities investment policy is established by our Board of Directors. This policy dictates that investment decisions be made based on the safety of the investment, liquidity requirements, potential returns, cash flow targets, and consistency with our interest rate risk management strategy. Our investment policy is reviewed annually by our ALCO/Investment Management Committee. All policy changes recommended by this management committee must be approved by the Board of Directors. The Committee is comprised of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Banking Officer, Senior Vice President Administration/Operations, Chief Lending Officer, Chief Marketing Officer.  Authority to make investments under the approved guidelines is delegated by the Committee to appropriate officers. While general investment strategies are developed and authorized by the ALCO/Investment Management Committee, the execution of specific actions rests with the Chief Financial Officer.

The approved investment officers are authorized to execute investment transactions up to $5.0 million per transaction without the prior approval of the ALCO/Investment Management Committee and within the scope of the established investment policy. These officers are also authorized to execute investment transactions between $5.0 million and $10.0 million with the additional approval from the Chief Executive Officer. Each transaction in excess of $10.0 million must receive prior approval of the ALCO/Investment Management Committee.

Our current investment policy generally permits investments in debt securities issued by the U.S. government and U.S. agencies, obligations of states and political subdivisions, and corporate debt obligations, as well as investments in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (federal agency securities) and, to a much lesser extent, other equity securities. Securities in these categories are classified as “investment securities” for financial reporting purposes. The policy also permits investments in mortgage-backed securities, including pass-through securities issued and guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) as well as commercial paper. Our current investment strategy uses a risk management approach of diversified investing in fixed-rate securities with short- to intermediate-term maturities, as well as adjustable-rate securities, which may have a longer term to maturity. The emphasis of this approach is to increase overall investment securities yields while managing interest rate risk.

Our policy is that, at the time of purchase, we designate a security as held to maturity, available-for-sale, or trading, depending on our ability and intent. Securities that are available-for-sale or held for trading are reported at fair value, while securities held to maturity are reported at amortized cost. Currently, all securities we hold are classified as available-for-sale.

FHLB Securities. In addition, we hold Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLB-Pittsburgh”) common stock to qualify for membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank System and to be eligible to borrow funds under the FHLB advance program. There is no market for the common stock.

The aggregate fair value of our FHLB-Pittsburgh common stock as of September 30, 2018 was $12.8 million based on its par value. No unrealized gains or losses have been recorded because we have determined that the par value of the common stock represents its fair value. We owned shares of FHLB-Pittsburgh common stock at September 30, 2018 with a par value that was equal to what we were required to own to maintain our membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank System and to be eligible to obtain advances. We are required to purchase additional stock as our outstanding advances increase. Any excess stock we own is redeemed weekly by the FHLB-Pittsburgh.

Evaluation of Securities Portfolio. We review equity and debt securities with significant declines in fair value on a periodic basis to determine whether they should be considered temporarily or other than temporarily impaired. If a decline in the fair value of a security is determined to be other than temporary, we are required to reduce the carrying value of the security to its fair value and record a non-cash, credit related impairment charge in the amount of the decline, net of tax effect, against our current income.

Our investment securities portfolio contains unrealized losses on securities, including mortgage-related instruments issued or backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, or generally viewed as having the implied guarantee of the United States government, and debt obligations of a state or political subdivision.

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Our policy is to recognize an other-than-temporary impairment of equity securities where the fair value has been significantly below cost for four consecutive quarters. For fixed maturity investments with unrealized losses due to interest rates where the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery in market value, declines in value below cost are not assumed to be other than temporary. We review our position quarterly and concluded that at September 30, 2018, declines included in the table below represent temporary declines due to interest rate change, and we do not intend to sell those securities and it is more likely than not that we will not have to sell those securities before their anticipated recovery in market value.

The following table sets forth the composition of our securities portfolio (excluding FHLB-Pittsburgh common stock) at the dates indicated.

 

 

 

 

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Portfolio Maturities and Yields. The composition and maturities of the investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2018 are summarized in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or early redemptions that may occur.

 

 

 

 

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Sources of Funds

General. Deposits, borrowings, repayments and prepayments of loans and securities, proceeds from maturing securities and cash flows from operations are the primary sources of our funds for use in lending, investing and for other general purposes.

Deposits. We offer a variety of deposit accounts with a range of interest rates and terms. Our deposit accounts consist of savings accounts, interest bearing demand accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, club accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs and other qualified plan accounts. We provide commercial checking accounts for businesses.

At September 30, 2018, our deposits totaled $1.3 billion. Interest-bearing demand, savings and club, and money market deposits totaled $653.3 million at September 30, 2018. At September 30, 2018, we had a total of $525.2 million in certificates of deposit. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits totaled $158.3 million. Although we have a significant portion of our deposits in shorter-term certificates of deposit, we monitor activity on these accounts and, based on historical experience and our current pricing strategy, we believe we will retain a large portion of these accounts upon maturity.

Our deposits are obtained predominantly from the areas in which our branch offices are located. We rely on our favorable locations, customer service and competitive pricing to attract and retain these deposits. While we accept certificates of deposit in excess of $100,000 for which we may provide preferential rates, we generally do not solicit such deposits as they are more difficult to retain than core deposits. At September 30, 2018, we had a total of $168.7 million of brokered certificates of deposits, an increase of $31.0 million from the prior fiscal year end. Our brokered certificates of deposits range from less than one- to three-year terms, and are purchased only through pre-approved brokers.

The following table sets forth the distribution of average deposit accounts, by account type, at the dates indicated.

 

 

As of September 30, 2018, the aggregate amount of outstanding certificates of deposit in amounts greater than or equal to $100,000 was approximately $186.8 million. The following table sets forth the maturity of those certificates as of September 30, 2018.

 

 

At September 30, 2018, $379.9 million of our certificates of deposit had maturities of one year or less. We monitor activity on these accounts and, based on historical experience and our current pricing strategy, we believe we will retain a significant portion of these accounts upon maturity.

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Borrowings. Our short-term borrowings consist of Federal Home Loan Bank advances. The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on all of our short-term borrowings at the dates and for the years indicated.

 

 

At September 30, 2018, we had the ability to borrow approximately $648.9 million under our credit facilities with the FHLB-Pittsburgh.

Competition

We face significant competition in both originating loans and attracting deposits. The counties in which we operate have a significant concentration of financial institutions, many of which are significantly larger institutions and have greater financial resources, and many of which are our competitors to varying degrees. Our competition for loans comes principally from commercial banks, savings banks, mortgage banking companies, credit unions, leasing companies, insurance companies and other financial service companies. Our most direct competition for deposits has historically come from commercial banks, savings banks and credit unions. We face additional competition for deposits from nondepository competitors such as the mutual fund industry, securities and brokerage firms and insurance companies.

We seek to meet this competition by the convenience of our branch locations, emphasizing personalized banking and the advantage of local decision-making in our banking business. Specifically, we promote and maintain relationships and build customer loyalty within local communities by focusing our marketing and community involvement on the specific needs of individual neighborhoods. As of September 30, 2018, the Bank had the largest deposit market share in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. We do not rely on any individual, group, or entity for a material portion of our deposits.

Employees

As of September 30, 2018, we had 256 full-time employees, and 21 part-time employees. The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit and we consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

Subsidiary Activities

The Bank has four wholly owned subsidiaries, ESSACOR, Inc., Pocono Investment Company, ESSA Advisory Services, LLC, and Integrated Financial Corporation and its fully owned subsidiary Integrated Abstract Incorporated. ESSACOR, Inc. is a Pennsylvania corporation that has been used to purchase properties at tax sales that represent collateral for delinquent loans of the Bank and is currently inactive. Pocono Investment Company is a Delaware corporation formed as an investment company subsidiary to hold and manage certain investments of the Bank, including certain intellectual property. ESSA Advisory Services, LLC is a Pennsylvania limited liability company owned 100% by the Bank. ESSA Advisory Services, LLC is a full-service insurance benefits consulting company offering group services such as health insurance, life insurance, short term and long term disability, dental, vision and 401(K) retirement planning as well as individual health products. Integrated Financial Corporation is a Pennsylvania Corporation that provided investment advisory services to the general public and is currently inactive. Integrated Abstract Incorporated is a Pennsylvania Corporation that provided title insurance services and is currently inactive.

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SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

General

The Company is a Pennsylvania corporation. The Company was formerly regulated as a savings and loan holding company, and in November 2014 took the steps necessary to be regulated as a bank holding company. As a bank holding company, we are required to file certain reports with, and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board.

The Bank is a Pennsylvania-chartered savings bank and its deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC “) under the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”). We are subject to extensive regulation by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (the “Department”), our chartering agency, and by the FDIC, our primary federal regulator. We must file reports with the Department and the FDIC concerning our activities and financial condition, in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions including, but not limited to, mergers with or acquisitions of other savings institutions. There are periodic examinations by the Department and the FDIC to test our compliance with various regulatory requirements. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution can engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC insurance fund and depositors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and with their examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Any change in such regulation, whether by the Department or the FDIC could have a material adverse impact on us and our operations.

Regulation by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities

The Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965, as amended (the “Banking Code”) contains detailed provisions governing the organization, location of offices, rights and responsibilities of directors, officers, employees, and depositors, as well as corporate powers, savings and investment operations and other aspects of the Bank and its affairs. The Banking Code delegates extensive rulemaking power and administrative discretion to the Department so that the supervision and regulation of state-chartered savings banks may be flexible and readily responsive to changes in economic conditions and in savings and lending practices. The Department may also take enforcement actions against savings banks and may appoint a receiver or conservator for a savings bank under certain circumstances.

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

The Bank was formerly a Pennsylvania savings association. Changes to Pennsylvania law repealed the Savings Association Code.  Consequently, in March 2014, the Bank converted its charter to a Pennsylvania savings bank whose state law powers are primarily governed by Chapter 5 of the Pennsylvania Baking Code of 1965, as amended. The charter conversion did not have a material effect on the operations of the Bank.

Regulation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

The Bank is also subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision, among other things, by the FDIC, as its primary federal regulator. Such regulation and supervision:

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The FDIC generally examines each savings bank not less frequently than once every two years. The FDIC has the authority to order any savings bank or its directors, trustees, officers, attorneys or employees to discontinue any violation of law or unsafe or unsound banking practice.

Federal law and FDIC regulations generally limit the activities as principal and investments of state-chartered FDIC insured banks and their subsidiaries to those permissible for national banks and their subsidiaries, unless such activities and investments are specifically exempted by law or consented to by the FDIC.

Before engaging in a new activity as principal that is not permissible for a national bank or otherwise permissible under federal law or FDIC regulations, an insured savings bank must seek approval from the FDIC to engage in such activity. The FDIC will not approve the activity unless the savings bank meets its minimum capital requirements and the FDIC determines that the activity does not present a significant risk to the FDIC insurance funds. Certain activities of subsidiaries that are engaged in activities permitted for national banks only through a “financial subsidiary” are subject to additional restrictions. Although the Bank meets all conditions necessary to establish and engage in permitted activities through financial subsidiaries, it has not chosen to engage in such activities.

Transactions with Affiliates

Transactions between an insured bank, such as the Bank, and any of its affiliates are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and implementing regulations. An affiliate of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the bank. Generally, a subsidiary of a bank that is not also a depository institution or financial subsidiary is not treated as an affiliate of the bank under Sections 23A and 23B but instead is considered part of the bank for purposes of the applicable limits and requirements.

Section 23A:

The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of guarantees and similar transactions. Most loans by a bank to any of its affiliates must be secured by collateral in amounts ranging from 100% to 130% of the loan amounts, depending on the type of collateral. In addition, any covered transaction by a bank with an affiliate and any purchase of assets or services by a bank from an affiliate must be on terms that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the bank, as those that would be provided to a non-affiliate

Insurance of Accounts and Regulation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Deposit accounts in the Bank are insured by the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) generally up to a maximum of $250,000 per separately insured depositor and up to a maximum of $250,000 for self-directed retirement accounts.

Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, insured institutions were previously assigned a risk category based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors. An institution’s rate depended upon the category to which it is assigned and certain adjustments specified by FDIC regulations. Institutions deemed less risky pay FDIC assessments.  The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) required the FDIC to revise its procedures to base its assessments upon each insured institution’s total assets less tangible equity instead of deposits.  The FDIC finalized a rule, effective April 1, 2011, that set the assessment range at 2.5 to 45 basis points of total assets less tangible equity. Effective July 1, 2016, the FDIC adopted changes that eliminated the risk categories and base assessments for most banks on financial measures and supervisory ratings derived from statistical modeling estimating the probability of failure over three years.  In conjunction with the DIF reserve ratio achieving 1.5%, the assessment range (inclusive of possible adjustments) was also reduced for most banks to 1.5 basis points to 30 basis points.

The FDIC may adjust its risk-based assessment system in the future, except that no adjustment can be made without notice and comment rulemaking.  No institution may pay a dividend if in default of the federal deposit insurance assessment.

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Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Bank does not believe that it is taking or is subject to any action, condition or violation that could lead to termination of its deposit insurance.

All FDIC-insured institutions are required to pay a pro rata portion of the interest due on obligations issued by the Financing Corporation (“FICO”) for anticipated payments, issuance costs and custodial fees on bonds issued by the FICO in the 1980s to recapitalize the now defunct Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The bonds issued by the FICO are due to mature by year-end 2019.  For the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the annualized FICO assessment was 0.32 basis points of an institution’s total assets less tier 1 capital.

Capital Requirements

Federal regulations require FDIC insured depository institutions to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio, a total capital to risk-based assets, and a Tier 1 capital to total adjusted assets leverage ratio. The existing capital requirements were effective January 1, 2015 and are the result of a final rule implementing regulatory amendments based on recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act.

The capital standards require the maintenance of common equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital and total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, 6% and 8%, respectively, and a leverage ratio of at least 4% Tier 1 capital. Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus additional Tier 1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus, meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that have exercised an opt-out election regarding the treatment of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Institutions that have not exercised the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity Tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale-securities).  The Bank elected to opt out of this requirement.  Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.  

In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests) are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one to four- family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% to 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors.

In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted asset above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements.  A bank’s failure to achieve the “capital conservation buffer” will result in restrictions on paying dividends, engaging in stock repurchases and paying discretionary bonuses.  The capital conservation buffer requirement is being phased in.  It began on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and has increased on January 1 of each succeeding year by 0.625%.  It will be fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019.

Legislation enacted in May 2018 requires the federal banking agencies, including the FDIC, to establish for institutions with assets of less than $10 billion of assets a “community bank leverage ratio” of between 8 to 10% tangible equity/consolidated assets.  Institutions with capital meeting the specified requirement will be considered to comply with the applicable regulatory capital requirements, including the risk-based requirements.  The establishment of the community bank leverage ratio is subject to notice and comment rulemaking by the federal regulators.

In assessing an institution’s capital adequacy, the FDIC takes into consideration, not only these numeric factors, but qualitative factors as well, and has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual institutions where deemed necessary.

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At September 30, 2018, the Bank’s capital exceeded all applicable requirements.

Any state-chartered savings bank that fails any of the capital requirements is subject to possible enforcement actions by the FDIC. Such actions could include a capital directive, a cease and desist order, civil money penalties, the establishment of restrictions on an institution’s operations, termination of federal deposit insurance and the appointment of a conservator or receiver.  Certain corrective actions are required by law, as described further under “Prompt Corrective Action.”

We are also subject to capital regulations of the Department which generally incorporate federal requirements.

Dividends from ESSA Bank & Trust

Our ability to pay dividends depends, to a large extent, upon the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company.  The Banking Code states that no dividend may be paid out of surplus without approval of the Department. Dividends may be paid out of accumulated net earnings. No dividend may generally be paid that would result in the Bank failing to comply with its regulatory capital requirements.

Prompt Corrective Action

Under the federal Prompt Corrective Action regulations, a savings bank is deemed to be (i) “well capitalized” if it has total risk-based capital of 10.0% or more, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or more, a Tier I leverage capital ratio of 5.0% or more, a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% or more and is not subject to any written capital order or directive; (ii) “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or more, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or more, a Tier I leverage capital ratio of 4.0% or more, a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5% or more, and does not meet the definition of “well capitalized”; (iii) “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio that is less than 6.0%, a Tier I leverage capital ratio that is less than 4.0% or a common equity Tier 1 leverage ratio of less than 4.5%, (iv) “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 6.0%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio that is less than 4.0%, a Tier I leverage capital ratio that is less than 3.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3%; and (v) “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%.  Federal regulations also specify circumstances under which a federal banking agency may reclassify a well capitalized institution as adequately capitalized and may require an adequately capitalized institution to comply with supervisory actions as if it were in the next lower category (except that the FDIC may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized).

Generally, the FDIC is required to appoint a receiver or conservator within specific time frames for a savings bank that becomes “critically undercapitalized.”  The regulations also provide that a capital restoration plan must be filed with the FDIC within 45 days of the date a savings bank receives notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized” holding company for a savings bank required to submit a capital restoration plan must guarantee the lesser of: an amount equal to 5% of a savings bank’s assets at the time it was notified or deemed to be undercapitalized by the FDIC, or the amount necessary to restore the savings bank to adequately capitalized status.  The guarantee remains in place until the FDIC notifies the savings bank that it has maintained adequately capitalized status for each of four consecutive calendar quarters. The FDIC may also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions against an undercapitalized savings bank, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.

The Prompt Corrective categories discussed above were effective January 1, 2015 and reflect the revised regulatory capital requirements effective the same date.

As of September 30, 2018, the Bank was a “well-capitalized institution” under the Prompt Corrective Action regulations.

The USA PATRIOT Act

The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 gave the federal government powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing and broadened anti-money laundering requirements. The USA PATRIOT Act also required the federal banking agencies to take into consideration the effectiveness of controls designed to combat money laundering activities in determining whether to approve a merger or other acquisition application of a member institution. Accordingly, if we engage in a merger or other acquisition, our controls designed to combat money laundering would be considered as part of the application process. We have established policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations.

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Holding Company Regulation

The Company is a bank holding company that has elected to be a financial holding company and is subject to examination, regulation and periodic reporting under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the “Bank Holding Company Act”), as administered by the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board has adopted capital adequacy regulations for bank holding companies on a consolidated basis. The Dodd-Frank Act required the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate consolidated capital requirements for depository institution holding companies that are no less stringent, both quantitatively and in terms of components of capital, than those applicable to institutions themselves.  Consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to those applicable to the subsidiary institutions applied to bank holding companies of greater than $1 billion in assets, including the Company, effective January 1, 2015.  However, federal legislation enacted in May 2018 and implemented by the Federal Reserve Board effective August 30, 2018, raised the threshold of the Federal Reserve Board’s “Small Bank Holding Company” exception to the application of consolidated capital requirements from $1 billion to $3 billion of consolidated assets.  Consequently, bank holding companies of under $3 billion of consolidated assets are no longer subject to the consolidated requirements unless otherwise directed by the Federal Reserve Board.

Regulations of the Federal Reserve Board provide that a bank holding company must serve as a source of strength to any of its subsidiary banks and must not conduct its activities in an unsafe or unsound manner. The Dodd-Frank Act codified the source of strength policy and required the issuance of implementing regulations. Under the prompt corrective action provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, a bank holding company parent of an undercapitalized subsidiary bank must guarantee, within limitations, the capital restoration plan that is required of an undercapitalized bank. If an undercapitalized bank fails to file an acceptable capital restoration plan or to implement an accepted plan, the Federal Reserve Board may prohibit the bank holding company parent of the undercapitalized bank from paying any dividend or making any other form of capital distribution.  In addition, Federal Reserve Board policy is that a bank holding company should pay cash dividends only to the extent that the company’s net income for the past year is consistent with the company’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition.

A bank holding company is required to give the Federal Reserve Board prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of its outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, will equal 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve Board order or directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve Board. Such notice and approval is not required for a bank holding company that is “well capitalized” under applicable regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, has received at least an overall “satisfactory” composite rating, as well as “satisfactory” rating for management, at its most recent bank holding company examination by the Federal Reserve Board, and that is not the subject of any unresolved supervisory issues.  In addition, Federal Reserve Board guidance provides for agency prior review of bank holding company dividends and stock redemptions and repurchases in certain circumstances, which may affect our ability to pay dividends, or engage in redemptions or repurchases.

As a financial holding company, we are permitted (1) to engage in other activities that the Federal Reserve Board determines to be financial in nature, incidental to an activity that is financial in nature, or complementary to a financial activity and that do not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally, or (2) to acquire shares of companies engaged in such activities. We may not, however, directly or indirectly acquire the ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares, or substantially all of the assets, of a bank holding company or a bank without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board.

In order to maintain our status as a financial holding company, we must remain “well capitalized” and “well managed” under applicable regulations and maintain a “satisfactory” or better rating under the Community Reinvestment Act. Failure to meet one or more of the requirements would mean, depending on the requirements not met, that we could not undertake new activities, make acquisitions other than those permitted generally for bank holding companies, or continue certain activities.

Federal Securities Laws

Shares of the Company’s common stock are registered with the SEC under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Company is also subject to the proxy rules, tender offer rules, insider trading restrictions, annual and periodic reporting, and other requirements of the Exchange Act.

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Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was enacted in response to public concerns regarding corporate accountability in connection with certain accounting scandals. The stated goals of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are to increase corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies, and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act generally applies to all companies that file or are required to file periodic reports with the SEC, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act includes specific additional disclosure requirements, requires the Securities and Exchange Commission and national securities exchanges to adopt extensive additional disclosure, corporate governance and other related rules, and mandates further studies of certain issues by the SEC. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act represents significant federal involvement in matters traditionally left to state regulatory systems, such as the regulation of the accounting profession, and to corporate law, such as the relationship between a board of directors and management and between a board of directors and its committees.

Although we have and will continue to incur additional expense in complying with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the resulting regulations, management does not expect that such compliance will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

Regulatory Enforcement Authority

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

FEDERAL AND STATE TAXATION

Federal Taxation

 

General. ESSA Bancorp and the Bank are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize material federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to ESSA Bancorp and the Bank.

Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, ESSA Bancorp currently reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending September 30 for filing its consolidated federal income tax returns. The Small Business Protection Act of 1996 eliminated the use of the reserve method of accounting for bad debt reserves by savings institutions, effective for taxable years beginning after 1995.

Bad Debt Reserves. Prior to the Small Business Protection Act of 1996, the Bank was permitted to establish a reserve for bad debts for tax purposes and to make annual additions to the reserve. These additions could, within specified formula limits, be deducted in arriving at the Bank’s taxable income. As a result of the Small Business Protection Act of 1996, the Bank must use the specific charge off method in computing its bad debt deduction for tax purposes.

Taxable Distributions and Recapture. Prior to the Small Business Protection Act of 1996, bad debt reserves created prior to 1988 were subject to recapture into taxable income if the Bank failed to meet certain thrift asset and definition tests. The Small Business Protection Act of 1996 eliminated these thrift-related recapture rules. However, under current law, pre-1988 reserves remain subject to tax recapture should the Bank make certain distributions from its tax bad debt reserve or cease to maintain a financial institution charter. At September 30, 2018, the Bank’s total federal pre-1988 reserve was approximately $4.6 million. This reserve reflects the cumulative effects of federal tax deductions by the Bank for which no federal income tax provision has been made.

Minimum Tax. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, imposes an alternative minimum tax at a rate of 20% on a base of regular taxable income plus certain tax preferences, referred to as “alternative minimum taxable income.” The alternative minimum tax is payable to the extent alternative minimum tax income is in excess of the regular income tax. Net operating losses can, in general, offset no more than 90% of alternative minimum taxable income. Certain payments of alternative minimum tax may be used as credits against regular tax liabilities in future years. At September 30, 2018, the Bank had a $604,000 minimum tax credit carryforward.

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Net Operating Loss Carryovers. A financial institution may carry back net operating losses to the preceding two taxable years (five years for losses incurred in 2001, 2002 and 2009) and forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years. At September 30, 2018, the Bank had no net operating loss carryforward for federal income tax purposes.

Corporate Dividends. We may exclude from our income 100% of dividends received from the Bank as a member of the same affiliated group of corporations.

Audit of Tax Returns. ESSA Bancorp’s federal income tax returns have not been audited in the most recent three-year period. The 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 tax years remain open.

State Taxation

ESSA Bancorp, Inc. is subject to the Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax, Capital Stock and Franchise Tax. The Corporation Net Income Tax rate for fiscal year 2018 is 10.0% and is imposed on unconsolidated taxable income for federal purposes with certain adjustments. In general, the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax is a property tax imposed on a corporation’s capital stock value at a statutorily defined rate, such value being determined in accordance with a fixed formula based upon average net income and net worth. The Bank is subject to tax under the Pennsylvania Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax Act, as amended to include thrift institutions having capital stock. Pursuant to the Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax, the tax rate is 11.5%. The Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax exempts the Bank from other taxes imposed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for state income tax purposes and from all local taxation imposed by political subdivisions, except taxes on real estate and real estate transfers. The Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax is a tax upon net earnings, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles with certain adjustments. The Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax, in computing income according to generally accepted accounting principles, allows for the deduction of interest earned on state and federal obligations, while disallowing a percentage of thrift’s interest expense deduction in the proportion of interest income on those securities to the overall interest income of the Bank. Net operating losses, if any, thereafter can be carried forward three years for Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax purposes.

 

In addition to factors discussed in the description of our business and elsewhere in this report, the following are factors that could adversely affect our future results of operations and financial condition.

Future Changes in Interest Rates Could Reduce Our Profits.

Our ability to make a profit largely depends on our net interest income, which could be negatively affected by changes in interest rates. Net interest income is the difference between:

In response to improving economic conditions, the Federal Reserve Board’s Open Market Committee has slowly increased its federal funds target rate from a range of 0.00%-0.25% that was in effect for several years to the current range of 2.00%-2.25% that was in effect at September 30, 2018.  Longer term rates have not increased at the same pace as short term rates. If shorter term interest rates continue to increase or if longer term interest rates continue to decline, there could be negative pressure on our net interest margin.

In addition, changes in interest rates can affect the average life of loans and mortgage-backed and related securities. A reduction in interest rates results in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed and related securities, as borrowers refinance their loans in order to reduce their borrowing costs. This creates reinvestment risk, which is the risk that we may not be able to reinvest prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates we earned on the prepaid loans or securities. Alternatively, increases in interest rates may decrease loan demand and/or make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable rate loans.

Changes in interest rates also affect the current market value of our interest-earning securities portfolio. Generally, the value of securities moves inversely with changes in interest rates. At September 30, 2018, the fair value of our debt securities available for sale totaled $371.4 million. Unrealized net losses on these available for sale securities totaled approximately $14.4 million at September 30, 2018 and are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Decreases in the fair value of securities available for sale in future periods would have an adverse effect on stockholders’ equity.

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We evaluate interest rate sensitivity by estimating the change in the Bank’s Economic Value of Equity (“EVE”) over a range of interest rate scenarios. EVE is the net present value of the Company’s asset cash flows minus the net present value of the Company’s liability cash flows. At September 30, 2018, in the event of an immediate 200 basis point increase in interest rates, the Company’s model projects that we would experience a $41.0 million, or 14.3%, decrease in net portfolio value. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Management of Market Risk.”

Our Continued Emphasis On Commercial Real Estate Lending Increases Our Exposure To Increased Lending Risks.

Our business strategy centers on continuing our emphasis on commercial real estate lending. We have grown our loan portfolio in recent years with respect to this type of loan and intend to continue to emphasize this type of lending. At September 30, 2018, $416.6 million, or 31.6%, of our total loan portfolio consisted of commercial real estate loans. Loans secured by commercial real estate generally expose a lender to greater risk of non-payment and loss than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans because repayment of the commercial real estate loans often depends on the successful operation of the property and the income stream of the underlying property. Additionally, such loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Accordingly, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one- to four-family residential mortgage loan. We seek to minimize these risks through our underwriting policies, which require such loans to be qualified on the basis of the property’s collateral value, net income and debt service ratio; however, there is no assurance that our underwriting policies will protect us from credit-related losses.

At September 30, 2018, our largest commercial real estate lending relationship was $23.2 million of loans located in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania and secured by real estate. These loans were performing in accordance with its repayment terms. See “Item 1. Business—Lending Activities—Commercial Real Estate Loans.”

Increases to the Allowance for Credit Losses May Cause Our Earnings to Decrease.

Our customers may not repay their loans according to the original terms, and the collateral securing the payment of those loans may be insufficient to pay any remaining loan balance. In addition, the estimates used to determine the fair value of such loans as of the acquisition date may be inconsistent with the actual performance of the acquired loans. Hence, we may experience significant credit losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses, we rely on loan quality reviews, past loss experience, and an evaluation of economic conditions, among other factors. If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in additions to the allowance. Material additions to the allowance would materially decrease our net income.

Our emphasis on the origination of commercial real estate and business loans is one of the more significant factors in evaluating our allowance for credit losses. As we continue to increase the amount of these loans, additional or increased provisions for credit losses may be necessary and as a result would decrease our earnings.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board has adopted a new accounting standard that will be effective for our first fiscal year after December 15, 2019. This standard, referred to as Current Expected Credit Loss, or CECL, will require financial institutions to determine periodic estimates of lifetime expected credit losses on loans, and recognize the expected credit losses as allowances for credit losses. This will change the current method of providing allowances for credit losses that are probable, which may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses, and may greatly increase the types of data we would need to collect and review to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses.

Bank regulators periodically review our allowance for credit losses and may require us to increase our provision for credit losses or loan charge-offs. Any increase in our allowance for credit losses or loan charge-offs as required by these regulatory authorities could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and/or financial condition.

The Dodd-Frank Act, Among Other Things, Established the CFPB, Tightened Capital Standards and Will Continue to Result In New Laws and Regulations That Are Expected to Increase Our Costs of Operations.

The Dodd-Frank Act significantly changed the current bank regulatory structure and affected the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act required various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new rules and regulations, and to prepare numerous studies and reports for Congress. Much of the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act may not be known for many years. However, it is expected that the legislation and implementing regulations will continue to materially increase our operating and compliance costs.

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The Bank is Subject to More Stringent Capital Requirements, Which May Adversely Impact Our Return on Equity, Require Us to Raise Additional Capital, or Constrain Us from Paying Dividends or Repurchasing Shares.

In July 2013, the federal banking agencies approved a new rule that substantially amended regulatory risk-based capital rules. The final rule implemented the regulatory capital reforms from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“Basel III”) and changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act, and was effective January 1, 2015.

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

The application of these more stringent capital requirements, among other things, may result in lower returns on equity, require the raising of additional capital and result in regulatory actions if the Bank were to be unable to comply with such requirements. Furthermore, the imposition of liquidity requirements in connection with the implementation of Basel III could result in our having to lengthen the term of our funding, restructure our business models, and/or increase our holdings of liquid assets. Implementation of changes to asset risk weightings for risk-based capital calculations, items included or deducted in calculating regulatory capital and/or additional capital conservation buffers could result in management modifying its business strategy, and could limit our ability to make distributions, including paying dividends or repurchasing shares. Specifically, the Bank’s ability to pay dividends will be limited if it does not have the capital conservation buffer required by the new capital rules, which may further limit our ability to pay dividends to stockholders. See “Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation—Capital Requirements.”

Final CFPB Regulations Could Restrict Our Ability to Originate and Sell Mortgage Loans.

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

Also, to qualify as a “qualified mortgage,” a borrower’s total debt-to-income ratio may not exceed 43%. Lenders must also verify and document the income and financial resources relied upon to qualify the borrower for the loan and underwrite the loan based on a fully amortizing payment schedule and maximum interest rate during the first five years, taking into account all applicable taxes, insurance and assessments. The CFPB’s rule on qualified mortgages could limit our ability or desire to make certain types of loans or loans to certain borrowers, or could make it more expensive/and or time consuming to make these loans, which could limit our growth or profitability.

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Concentration of Loans in Our Primary Market Area May Increase the Risk of Increased Nonperforming Assets.

Our success depends primarily on the general economic conditions in the Pennsylvania counties of Monroe, Northampton, Lehigh, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery as nearly all of our loans are to customers in these markets. Accordingly, the local economic conditions in these market areas have a significant impact on the ability of borrowers to repay loans as well as our ability to originate new loans. As such, decline in real estate values in these market areas would also lower the value of the collateral securing loans on properties in these market areas. In addition, weakening in general economic conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment or other factors beyond our control could negatively affect our financial results.

Strong Competition Within Our Market Areas May Limit Our Growth and Profitability.

Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense. In our market areas, we compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms operating locally and elsewhere. Some of our competitors have greater name recognition and market presence that benefit them in attracting business, and offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide. In addition, larger competitors may be able to price loans and deposits more aggressively than we do, which could affect our ability to grow and remain profitable on a long-term basis. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to successfully compete in our market areas. For additional information see “Item 1. Business—Competition.”

We Operate in a Highly Regulated Environment and May Be Adversely Affected by Changes in Laws and Regulations.

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and examination by the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC and the Department. Such regulators govern the activities in which we may engage, primarily for the protection of depositors. These regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on the operation of a bank, the classification of assets by a bank, the imposition of higher capital requirements, and the adequacy of a bank’s allowance for credit losses. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, or legislation, could have a material impact on us and our operations. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Because our business is highly regulated, the laws, rules and applicable regulations are subject to regular modification and change. There can be no assurance that proposed laws, rules and regulations, or any other laws, rules or regulations, will not be adopted in the future, which could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or prospects.

We May be Adversely Affected by Recent Changes in U.S. Tax Laws.

Changes in tax laws contained in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was enacted in December 2017, include a number of provisions that will have an impact on the banking industry, borrowers and the market for single-family residential real estate. Changes include (i) a lower limit on the deductibility of mortgage interest on single-family residential mortgage loans, (ii) the elimination of interest deductions for home equity loans, (iii) a limitation on the deductibility of business interest expense and (iv) a limitation on the deductibility of property taxes and state and local income taxes. The recent changes in the tax laws may have an adverse effect on the market for, and valuation of, residential properties, and on the demand for such loans in the future, and could make it harder for borrowers to make their loan payments, if home ownership becomes less attractive, demand for mortgage loans could decrease. The value of the properties securing loans in our loan portfolio may be adversely impacted as a result of the changing economics of home ownership, which could require an increase in our provision for loan losses, which would reduce our profitability and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The mortgage banking originations may be adversely impacted as a result of changing economics of home ownership, which could also reduce profitability of our business, financial condition and results of operation.

The Soundness of Other Financial Services Institutions May Adversely Affect Our Credit Risk.

We rely on other financial services institutions through trading, clearing, counterparty, and other relationships. We maintain limits and monitor concentration levels of our counterparties as specified in our internal policies. Our reliance on other financial services institutions exposes us to credit risk in the event of default by these institutions or counterparties. These losses could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

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Risks Associated With System Failures, Interruptions, Or Breaches of Security Could Negatively Affect Our Earnings.

Information technology systems are critical to our business. We use various technology systems to manage our customer relationships, general ledger, securities investments, deposits, and loans. We have established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the impact of system failures, interruptions, and security breaches (including privacy breaches), but such events may still occur or may not be adequately addressed if they do occur. In addition, any compromise of our systems could deter customers from using our products and services. Although we rely on security systems to provide security and authentication necessary to effect the secure transmission of data, these precautions may not protect our systems from compromises or breaches of security.

In addition, we outsource a majority of our data processing to certain third-party providers. If these third-party providers encounter difficulties, or if we have difficulty communicating with them, our ability to adequately process and account for transactions could be affected, and our business operations could be adversely affected. Threats to information security also exist in the processing of customer information through various other vendors and their personnel.

The occurrence of any system failures, interruption, or breach of security could damage our reputation and result in a loss of customers and business thereby subjecting us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or could expose us to litigation and possible financial liability. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Associated with Cyber-Security Could Negatively Affect Our Earnings.

The financial services industry has experienced an increase in both the number and severity of reported cyber attacks aimed at gaining unauthorized access to bank systems as a way to misappropriate assets and sensitive information, corrupt and destroy data, or cause operational disruptions.

We have established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the impact of security breaches, but such events may still occur or may not be adequately addressed if they do occur. Although we rely on security safeguards to secure our data, these safeguards may not fully protect our systems from compromises or breaches.

We also rely on the integrity and security of a variety of third party processors, payment, clearing and settlement systems, as well as the various participants involved in these systems, many of which have no direct relationship with us. Failure by these participants or their systems to protect our customers’ transaction data may put us at risk for possible losses due to fraud or operational disruption.

Our customers are also the target of cyber attacks and identity theft. Large scale identity theft could result in customers’ accounts being compromised and fraudulent activities being performed in their name. We have implemented certain safeguards against these types of activities but they may not fully protect us from fraudulent financial losses.

The occurrence of a breach of security involving our customers’ information, regardless of its origin, could damage our reputation and result in a loss of customers and business and subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, and could expose us to litigation and possible financial liability. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Not applicable.

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The following table provides certain information as of September 30, 2018 with respect to our main office located in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and our 25 full service branch offices.

 

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The net book value of our premises, land and equipment was $14.6 million at September 30, 2018.

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of Management, the resolution of these legal actions is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

The Bank was named as the defendant in an action commenced on September 13, 2016 by one plaintiff. The plaintiff alleges that the Bank repossessed motor vehicles, sold the vehicles and sought to collect deficiency balances in a manner that did not comply with the notice requirements of the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”). The plaintiff seeks to pursue the action as a class action on behalf of the named plaintiff and other similarly situation plaintiffs who had their automobiles repossessed and see to recover damages under the UCC. The Bank denies the plaintiff’s allegations. The parties attended a mediation in October 2017 where they reached an agreement to resolve the claims asserted against the Bank on a class wide basis. The terms of the settlement call for the Bank to make a payment of $1,325,000 to the plaintiff’s. The Bank’s insurance carrier will cover the payment made by the Bank in excess of a $125,000 retention. The court has approved the settlement.

The Bank was named as a defendant in an action commenced on December 8, 2016 by one plaintiff who will also seek to pursue this action as a class action on behalf of the entire class of people similarly situated. The plaintiff alleges that a bank previously acquired by ESSA Bancorp in the process of making loans, received unearned fees and kickbacks in violation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. In an order dated January 29, 2018, the court granted the Bank’s motion to dismiss the case. The plaintiff appealed the court’s ruling. The plaintiff submitted her brief in support of her appeal in May 2018, and the Bank submitted its opposition brief in July 2018. The appellate court has scheduled oral arguments for December 2018. To the extent that pending or threatened litigation could result in exposure to the Bank, the amount of such exposure is not currently estimable.

Not applicable.

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PART II

 

 

The Company’s shares of common stock are traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “ESSA.” The approximate number of holders of record of ESSA Bancorp’s common stock as of September 30, 2018 was 1,822. Certain shares of ESSA Bancorp are held in “nominee” or “street” name and accordingly, the number of beneficial owners of such shares is not known or included in the foregoing number. The following tables present quarterly market information for ESSA Bancorp common stock for the periods ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2018. The following information was provided by the Nasdaq Stock Market.

 

 

 

The Board of Directors has the authority to declare cash dividends on shares of common stock, subject to statutory and regulatory requirements. We began to pay quarterly cash dividends in the third quarter of fiscal 2008. In November 2018, it was announced that the Company’s dividend would be increased from $0.09 per share to $0.10 per shared effective in the first quarter of Fiscal 2019. In determining whether and in what amount to pay a cash dividend in the future, the Board will take into account a number of factors, including capital requirements, our consolidated financial condition and results of operations, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations and general economic conditions. No assurances can be given that cash dividends will not be reduced or eliminated in the future.

The sources of funds for the payment of a cash dividend are interest and principal payments with respect to ESSA Bancorp loan to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and dividends from the Bank. For a discussion of the limitations applicable to the Bank’s ability to pay dividends, see “Item 1. Business—Supervision and Regulation.”

Through the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company repurchased a total of 6,911,400 shares of its common stock pursuant to six repurchase programs. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the year ended September 30, 2018. On August 1, 2018 the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a seventh stock repurchase program for up to 400,000 shares of its common stock. The Company may repurchase the shares from time to time through open market purchases, privately negotiated stock transactions or in any other manner that is compliant with applicable securities law.

 

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The following information is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of ESSA Bancorp. For additional information, reference is made to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements of ESSA Bancorp and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

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Business Strategy

Our business strategy is to grow and improve our profitability by:

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We intend to continue to pursue our business strategy, subject to changes necessitated by future market conditions and other factors. We also intend to focus on the following:

Critical Accounting Policies

We consider accounting policies that require management to exercise significant judgment or discretion or make significant assumptions that have, or could have, a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets or on income, to be critical accounting policies. We consider the following to be our critical accounting policies:

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is the estimated amount considered necessary to cover credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The allowance is established through the provision for loan losses which is charged against income. In determining the allowance for loan losses, management makes significant estimates and has identified this policy as one of our most critical. The methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting policy by management due to the high degree of judgment involved, the subjectivity of the assumptions utilized and the potential for changes in the economic environment that could result in changes to the amount of the recorded allowance for loan losses.

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As a substantial amount of our loan portfolio is collateralized by real estate, appraisals of the underlying value of property securing loans and discounted cash flow valuations of properties are critical in determining the amount of the allowance required for specific loans. Assumptions for appraisals and discounted cash flow valuations are instrumental in determining the value of properties. Overly optimistic assumptions or negative changes to assumptions could significantly impact the valuation of a property securing a loan and the related allowance determined. The assumptions supporting such appraisals and discounted cash flow valuations are carefully reviewed by management to determine that the resulting values reasonably reflect amounts realizable on the related loans.

Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Consideration is given to a variety of factors in establishing this estimate including, but not limited to, current economic conditions, delinquency statistics, geographic and industry concentrations, the adequacy of the underlying collateral, the financial strength of the borrower, results of internal and external loan reviews and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant revision based on changes in economic and real estate market conditions.

The analysis of the allowance for loan losses has two components: specific and general allocations. Specific allocations are made for loans that are determined to be impaired. Impairment is measured by determining the present value of expected future cash flows or, for collateral-dependent loans, the fair value of the collateral adjusted for market conditions and selling expenses. The general allocation is determined by segregating the remaining loans by type of loan, risk weighting (if applicable) and payment history. We also analyze historical loss experience, delinquency trends, general economic conditions and geographic and industry concentrations. This analysis establishes factors that are applied to the loan groups to determine the amount of the general allocations. Actual loan losses may be significantly more than the allowance for loan losses we have established which could have a material negative effect on our financial results.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill is not amortized, but it is tested at least annually for impairment in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. If the estimated current fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no additional testing is required and an impairment loss is not recorded. The Company uses market capitalization and multiples of tangible book value methods to determine the estimated current fair value of its reporting unit. Based on this analysis, no impairment was recorded in 2018 or 2017.

The other intangibles assets are assigned useful lives, which are amortized on an accelerated basis over their weighted-average lives. The Company periodically reviews the intangible assets for impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such asset may not be recoverable. Based on these reviews, no impairment was recorded in 2018 or 2017.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

Employee Benefit Plans. The Bank maintains a noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan for all employees who have met age and length of service requirements. The Bank also maintains a defined contribution Section 401(k) plan covering eligible employees. The Company created an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) for the benefit of employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. The Company makes cash contributions to the ESOP on an annual basis.

The Company maintains an equity incentive plan to provide for issuance or granting of shares of common stock for stock options or restricted stock. The Company has recorded stock-based employee compensation cost using the fair value method as allowed under generally accepted accounting principles. Management estimated the fair values of all option grants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Management estimated the expected life of the options using the simplified method as allowed under generally accepted accounting principles. The risk-free rate was determined utilizing the treasury yield for the expected life of the option contract.

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Fair Value Measurements. We group our assets at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

We base our fair values on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements, in accordance with the fair value hierarchy in generally accepted accounting principles.

Fair value measurements for most of our assets are obtained from independent pricing services that we have engaged for this purpose. When available, we, or our independent pricing service, use quoted market prices to measure fair value. If market prices are not available, fair value measurement is based upon models that incorporate available trade, bid, and other market information. Subsequently, all of our financial instruments use either of the foregoing methodologies to determine fair value adjustments recorded to our financial statements. In certain cases, however, when market observable inputs for model-based valuation techniques may not be readily available, we are required to make judgments about assumptions market participants would use in estimating the fair value of financial instruments. The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of a financial instrument is dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable market parameters. For financial instruments that trade actively and have quoted market prices or observable market parameters, there is minimal subjectivity involved in measuring fair value. When observable market prices and parameters are not fully available, management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. In addition, changes in the market conditions may reduce the availability of quoted prices or observable data. When market data is not available, we use valuation techniques requiring more management judgment to estimate the appropriate fair value measurement. Therefore, the results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset. Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique, and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, that could significantly affect the results of current or future valuations.

Other-than-Temporary Investment Security Impairment. Securities are evaluated periodically to determine whether a decline in their value is other-than-temporary. Management utilizes criteria such as the magnitude and duration of the decline, in addition to the reasons underlying the decline, to determine whether the loss in value is other-than-temporary. The term “other-than-temporary” is not intended to indicate that the decline is permanent, but indicates that the prospect for a near-term recovery of value is not necessarily favorable, or that there is a lack of evidence to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of the investment. Once a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the value of the security is reduced and a corresponding charge to earnings is recognized.

Deferred Income Taxes. We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is established. We consider the determination of this valuation allowance to be a critical accounting policy because of the need to exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets, including projections of future taxable income. These judgments and estimates are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets may be required if the amount of taxes recoverable through loss carryback declines, or if we project lower levels of future taxable income. Such a valuation allowance would be established through a charge to income tax expense which would adversely affect our operating results.

Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017

Total Assets. Total assets increased $48.6 million, or 2.72%, to $1.8 billion at September 30, 2018, compared to September 30, 2017.

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Cash and Due from Banks. Cash and due from banks increased $3.2 million, or 8.9%, to $39.2 million at September 30, 2018 from $36.0 million at September 30, 2017. The primary reason for the increase were increases in the Federal Reserve Bank’s required reserves of $8.1 million.

Interest-Bearing Deposits with Other Institutions. Interest-bearing deposits with other institutions decreased $1.3 million, or 23.5%, to $4.3 million at September 30, 2018 from $5.7 million at September 30, 2017. The primary reason for the decrease was a decrease in the Company’s interest bearing demand deposit account at the FHLB-Pittsburgh of $776,000.

Investment Securities Available for Sale. Investment securities available for sale decreased $19.0 million, or 4.9%, to $371.4 million at September 30, 2018 from $390.5 million at September 30, 2017. The decrease was due primarily to decreases in obligations of states and political subdivisions of $24.4 million, US government agency securities of $13.1 million and other debt securities of $4.5 million, which were offset in part by increases in mortgage backed securities of $24.3 million.

Net Loans. Net loans increased $68.4 million, or 5.5%, to $1.3 billion at September 30, 2018 from September 30, 2017. The primary reasons for the increase was an increase in commercial real estate loans and obligations of states and political subdivisions offset in part by decreases in one-to-four family loans, home equity loans and lines of credit and auto loans. Commercial real estate loans increased by $98.3 million to $416.6 million at September 30, 2018 from $318.3 million at September 30, 2017. Obligations of states and political subdivisions increased by $15.3 million to $73.4 million at September 30, 2018 from $58.1 million at September 30, 2017. One-to-four family loans decreased by $6.1 million to $580.6 million at September 30, 2018 from $586.7 million at September 30, 2017. Home equity loans decreased by $2.2 million to $44.0 million at September 30, 2018 from $46.2 million at September 30, 2017. Auto loans decreased $40.4 million to $146.2 million at September 30, 2018 from $186.6 million at September 30, 2017. The Company discontinued indirect auto lending in July 2018.

Deposits. Deposits increased by $62.0 million, or 4.9%, to $1.3 billion at September 30, 2018, primarily as a result of increases in interest bearing demand accounts, money market accounts and certificates of deposit. Overall, the changes in deposits at September 30, 2018 compared to September 30, 2017 included a decrease in non-interest bearing demand accounts of $1.8 million, or 1.1%, an increase in interest bearing demand accounts of $13.0 million, or 6.2%, an increase in money market accounts of $42.1 million, or 16.6%, a decrease in savings and club accounts of $5.7 million, or 4.0%, and an increase in certificates of deposit of $14.4 million, or 2.8%. Included in the certificates of deposit was an increase of $31.0 million, or 22.5%, in brokered certificates of deposit. At September 30, 2018, the Company had $168.7 million of brokered certificates of deposit outstanding.

Borrowed Funds. Borrowed funds, short term and other, decreased $13.1 million, or 4.2%, to $298.5 million at September 30, 2018 from $311.6 million at September 30, 2017. All borrowed funds are from the FHLB, whose rates were more competitively priced than other wholesale funding sources.

Stockholders’ Equity. Stockholders’ equity decreased by $3.5 million, or 1.9%, to $179.2 million at September 30, 2018 from $182.7 million at September 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease other comprehensive income of $8.8 million and cash dividends paid of $3.9 million partially offset by net income of $6.5 million.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017

Net Income. Net income decreased by $808,000, or 11.0%, to $6.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 from $7.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in income taxes and a decrease in non interest income partially offset by an increase in net interest income and a decrease in non interest expense. The Company recorded a one time charge to income tax expense of $3.7 million related to the reduction in the carrying value of the Company’s deferred tax assets, which resulted from the reduction in the Federal corporate income tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased by $2.7 million, or 6.0%, to $48.2 million for fiscal year 2018 from $45.5 million for fiscal year 2017, primarily due to the increases in interest income from loans.

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Interest Income. Interest income increased $6.2 million, or 10.6%, to $64.5 million for fiscal year 2018 from $58.3 million for fiscal year 2017. The increase resulted from an increase of 24 basis points in the overall yield on interest earning assets to 3.83% from 3.59%, which had the effect of increasing interest income by $3.7 million. This increase was supplemented by a $51.5 million increase in average interest earning assets, which had the effect of increasing interest income by $2.5 million. The increase in average interest earning assets during 2018 compared to 2017 included increases in average loans of $65.4 million, average mortgage backed securities of $10.9 million and average regulatory stock of $206,000. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in average investment securities of $22.5 million and average other assets of $2.6 million. The average yield on loans increased to 4.13% for the fiscal year 2018, from 3.92% for the fiscal year 2017. The average yields on investment securities increased to 3.33% from 3.20% and the average yields on mortgage backed securities increased to 2.34% for 2018 from 2.14% for the 2017 period.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $3.5 million, or 27.1%, to $16.3 million for fiscal year 2018 from $12.8 million for fiscal year 2017, while average interest bearing liabilities increased by $40.5 million year over year. The increase in interest expense resulted from a 22 basis point increase in the overall cost of interest bearing liabilities to 1.12% for fiscal 2018 from 0.90% for fiscal 2017 which had the effect of increasing interest expense by $3.3 million along with an increase in average interest bearing liabilities which had the effect of increasing interest expense by $180,000. Average savings and club accounts decreased by $2.9 million, average interest bearing demand deposit accounts increased $25.7 million, average money market accounts increased $11.8 million and average certificates of deposit increased $2.9 million. For fiscal 2018, average borrowed funds increased $2.9 million compared to fiscal 2017. The cost of money market accounts increased to 0.65% for fiscal year 2018 from 0.51% for fiscal year 2017. The cost of interest bearing demand deposit accounts increased to 0.25% for fiscal year 2018 from 0.15% for fiscal year 2017. The cost of savings and club accounts remained unchanged at 0.05% for fiscal 2018. The cost of certificates of deposit increased to 1.55% from 1.33% and the cost of borrowed funds increased to 1.69% from 1.24% for fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Provision for Loan Losses. The Company establishes provisions for loan losses, which are charged to earnings, at a level necessary to absorb known and inherent losses that are both probable and reasonably estimable at the date of the financial statements. In evaluating the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers historical loss experience, the types of loans and the amount of loans in the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, peer group information and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or as future events occur. After an evaluation of these factors, the Company made a provision of $4.0 million for fiscal year 2018 compared to a $3.4 million provision for the 2017 fiscal year. The allowance for loan losses was $11.7 million, or 0.89% of loans outstanding, at September 30, 2018, compared to $9.4 million, or 0.75% of loans outstanding, at September 30, 2017.

Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses necessarily involves a high degree of judgment. Management reviews the level of the allowance on a quarterly basis, and establishes the provision for loan losses based on the factors set forth in the preceding paragraph. Historically, the Bank’s loan portfolio has consisted primarily of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. However, our current business plan calls for increases in commercial real estate loan originations. As management evaluates the allowance for loan losses, the increased risk associated with larger non-homogenous commercial real estate may result in large additions to the allowance for loan losses in future periods. Loans secured by commercial real estate generally expose a lender to greater risk of non-payment and loss than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the successful operation of the property and the income stream of the underlying property. Additionally, such loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. Accordingly, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one- to four-family residential mortgage loan.

Although we believe that we use the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future additions to the allowance may be necessary, based on estimates that are susceptible to change as a result of changes in economic conditions and other factors. In addition, the FDIC, as an integral part of its examination process, will periodically review our allowance for loan losses. This agency may require us to recognize adjustments to the allowance, based on its judgments about information available to it at the time of its examination.

Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income decreased $386,000, or 4.7%, to $7.8 million for the year ended September 30, 2018, from $8.2 million for the comparable 2017 period. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in service fees on deposit accounts of $67,000, service charges and fees on loans of $18,000, gain on sale of investments, net of $133,000, earnings on bank owned life insurance of $29,000 and other expenses of $424,000.  These decreases were offset, in part, by increases in trust and investment fees of $268,000 and insurance commissions of $17,000. Other income for the year ended September 30, 2017 included a one time recovery of approximately $400,000 from the redemption by the seller of purchased loans that had been previously written down by the company. The Company sold $37.9 million in securities in Fiscal 2018 as compared to $17.4 million in Fiscal 2017.

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Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense decreased $1.6 million, or 3.8%, to $39.9 million for fiscal year 2018 from $41.4 million for the comparable period in 2017. As a result of the Company’s efforts to reduce costs and increase efficiencies, all categories of noninterest expenses declined for the year ended September 30, 2018 compared to the comparable 2017 period except for increases in gain on foreclosed real estate of $346,000 and other expenses of $214,000.

Income Taxes. Income tax expense of $5.7 million was recognized for fiscal year 2018 compared to an income tax expense of $1.6 million recognized for fiscal year 2017. The increase in income tax expense was primarily due to a one time charge to income tax expense of $3.7 million related to the reduction in the carrying value of the Company’s deferred tax assets, which resulted from the reduction in the Federal corporate income tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The effective tax rate for the year ended September 30, 2018 was 46.4% compared to 17.8% for the 2017 period.

Average Balance Sheets for the Years Ended September 30, 2018 and 2017

The following tables set forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the periods indicated. All average balances are daily average balances, the yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees and discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income.

 

 

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Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the years indicated. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The net column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.

 

 

Management of Market Risk

General. The majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. Consequently, our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk. Our assets, consisting primarily of loans, having longer maturities than our liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits and borrowings. As a result, a principal part of our business strategy is to manage interest rate risk and reduce the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates. Accordingly, our Board of Directors has approved guidelines for managing the interest rate risk inherent in our assets and liabilities, given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives. Senior management monitors the level of interest rate risk on a regular basis and the asset/liability committee meets quarterly to review our asset/liability policies and interest rate risk position. We have sought to manage our interest rate risk in order to minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates.

Net interest income, which is the primary source of the Company’s earnings, is impacted by changes in interest rates and the relationship of different interest rates. To manage the impact of the rate changes, the balance sheet should be structured so that repricing opportunities exist for both assets and liabilities at approximately the same time intervals. The Company uses net interest simulation to assist in interest rate risk management. The process includes simulating various interest rate environments and their impact on net interest income. As of September 30, 2018, the level of net interest income at risk in a 200 basis points increase or a 200 basis point decrease was within the Company’s policy limit of a decline less than 10% of net interest income.

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The following table sets forth the results of the twelve month projected net interest income model as of September 30, 2018.

 

 

The above table indicates that as of September 30, 2018, in the event of a 400 basis point instantaneous increase in interest rates, the Company would experience an 21.8%, or $10.1 million, decrease in net interest income. In the event of a 200 basis point decrease in interest rates, the Company would experience a 0.5%, or $248,000, increase in net interest income.

Another measure of interest rate sensitivity is to model changes in the economic value of equity through the use of immediate and sustained interest rate shocks. The following table illustrates the economic value of equity model results as of September 30, 2018.

 

 

The preceding table indicates that as of September 30, 2018, in the event of an immediate and sustained 400 basis point increase in interest rates, the Company would experience a 28.2%, or $81.2 million, decrease in the present value of equity. If rates were to decrease 200 basis points, the Company would experience a 0.3%, or $815,000, increase in the present value of equity.

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in the above interest rate risk measurements. Modeling changes in net interest income requires the making of certain assumptions regarding prepayment and deposit decay rates, which may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. While management believes such assumptions are reasonable, there can be no assurance that assumed prepayment rates and decay rates will approximate actual future loan prepayment and deposit withdrawal activity. Moreover, the net interest income table presented assumes that the composition of interest sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and also assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration to maturity or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the net interest income table provides an indication of the Company’s interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurement is not intended to and does not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on net interest income and will differ from actual results.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We maintain liquid assets at levels we consider adequate to meet both our short-term and long-term liquidity needs. We adjust our liquidity levels to fund deposit outflows, repay our borrowings and to fund loan commitments. We also adjust liquidity as appropriate to meet asset and liability management objectives.

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Our primary sources of liquidity are deposits, amortization and prepayment of loans and mortgage-backed securities, maturities of investment securities and other short-term investments, and earnings and funds provided from operations, as well as access to FHLB advances and other borrowings. While scheduled principal repayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities are a relatively predictable source of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions, and rates offered by our competition. We set the interest rates on our deposits to maintain a desired level of total deposits.

A portion of our liquidity consists of cash and cash equivalents and borrowings, which are a product of our operating, investing and financing activities. At September 30, 2018, $43.5 million of our assets were invested in cash and cash equivalents. Our primary sources of cash are principal repayments on loans, proceeds from the maturities of investment securities, principal repayments of mortgage-backed securities and increases in deposit accounts. Short-term investment securities (maturing in one year or less) totaled $512,000 at September 30, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, we had $298.5 million in borrowings outstanding from the FHLB-Pittsburgh. We have access to FHLB advances of up to approximately $648.9 million.

At September 30, 2018, we had $214.0 million in loan commitments outstanding, which included $61.1 million in undisbursed construction loans, $35.6 million in unused home equity lines of credit and $107.6 million in commercial lines of credit. Certificates of deposit due within one year of September 30, 2018 totaled $379.9 million, or 72.3% of certificates of deposit. If these maturing deposits do not remain with us, we will 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 September 30, 2019. We believe, however, based on past experience that 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.

As reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, our cash flows are classified for financial reporting purposes as operating, investing or financing cash flows. Net cash provided by operating activities was $23.4 million and $19.5 million for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These amounts differ from our net income because of a variety of cash receipts and disbursements that did not affect net income for the respective periods. Net cash used for investing activities was $(69.7) million and $(30.2) million in fiscal years 2018 and 2017, respectively, principally reflecting our loan and investment security activities in the respective periods. Investment security cash flows had the most significant effect, as net cash utilized in purchases amounted to $86.9 million and $87.2 million in the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Cash proceeds from principal repayments, maturities and sales of investment securities amounted to $91.3 million and $78.2 million in the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Deposit and borrowing cash flows have traditionally comprised most of our financing activities which resulted in net cash provided of $48.2 million in fiscal year 2018, and $8.8 million in fiscal year 2017.

We also have obligations under our post retirement plan as described in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The post retirement benefit payments represent actuarially determined future payments to eligible plan participants. We froze our pension plan in fiscal year 2017.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. In the normal course of operations, we engage in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles are not recorded in our financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments and lines of credit. For information about our loan commitments, letters of credit and unused lines of credit, see Note 10 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company also uses derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate risk.  For information about the Company’s derivatives and hedging activities, see Note 18 of the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

For fiscal year 2018, we did not engage in any off-balance-sheet transactions other than loan origination commitments and standby letters of credit in the normal course of our lending activities.  The Company used derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate hedging activities in 2018.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The financial statements and related notes of ESSA Bancorp have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). GAAP generally requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration for changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations. Unlike industrial companies, our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature. As a result, changes in market interest rates have a greater impact on performance than the effects of inflation.

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For information regarding market risk, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operation.”

The Financial Statements are included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Not Applicable.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Principle Executive Officer and Principle Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our 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 fiscal year (the “Evaluation Date”). Based upon that evaluation, the Principle Executive Officer and Principle Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control system is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of ESSA Bancorp; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of ESSA Bancorp’s assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in 2013, by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment we believe that, as of September 30, 2018, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018. See the Consolidated Financial Statements of ESSA Bancorp and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certifications have been filed with the SEC as Exhibit 31.1 and Exhibit 31.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Not Applicable.

 

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PART III

Information regarding directors, executive officers and corporate governance of the Company is presented under the headings “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Proposal 1 — Election of Directors,” “— Directors and Executive Officers,” “— Corporate Governance and Code of Ethics and Business Conduct” and “— Board Meetings and Committees” in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on February 28, 2019 (the “Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information regarding executive compensation is presented under the headings “Proposal I — Election of Directors — “— Summary Compensation Table,” “— Other Benefit Plans and Agreements,” and “— Director Compensation” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is presented under the heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

Set forth below is information, as of September 30, 2018 regarding equity compensation plans categorized by those plans that have been approved by stockholders and those plans that have not been approved by stockholders.

 

 

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence is presented under the heading “Proposal I — Election of Directors — Director Independence” and “— Transactions with Certain Related Persons” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information regarding principal accounting fees and services is presented under the heading “Proposal II — Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accountants” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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PART IV

The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

None.

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None.

 

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ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

 

 

 

 

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REPORT ON MANAGEMENT’S ASSESSMENT OF INTERNAL CONTROL

OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is responsible for the preparation, integrity, and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. The consolidated financial statements and notes included in this annual report have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles and necessarily include some amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments.

We, as management of the Company, are responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting that is designed to produce reliable financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles. The system of internal control over financial reporting as it relates to the financial statements is evaluated for effectiveness by management and tested for reliability. Actions are taken to correct potential deficiencies as they are identified. Any system of internal control, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.

Management assessed the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018, in relation to criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting as described in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. Based on this assessment, management concludes that, as of September 30, 2018, its system of internal control over financial reporting is effective and meets the criteria of the “Internal Control — Integrated Framework”. S.R. Snodgrass P.C., independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

December 14, 2018

 

 

F-1

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited ESSA Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary (the “Company”)’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. 

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, of the Company and our report dated December 14, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in the accompanying Report on Management’s Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

F-2

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Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ S.R. Snodgrass, P.C.

Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

December 14, 2018

F-3

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2018 and 2017; the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended; and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated December 14, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks.

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Basis for Opinion (Continued)

Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2005.

/s/ S.R. Snodgrass, P.C.

Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

December 14, 2018

 

 

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ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

F-7

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ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

F-9

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ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

A summary of significant accounting and reporting policies applied in the presentation of the accompanying financial statements follows:

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), its wholly owned subsidiary, ESSA Bank & Trust (the “Bank”), and the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, ESSACOR Inc.; Pocono Investments Company; ESSA Advisory Services, LLC; Integrated Financial Corporation; and Integrated Abstract Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary of Integrated Financial Corporation. The primary purpose of the Company is to act as a holding company for the Bank. On November 6, 2014, the Company converted its status from a savings and loan holding company to a bank holding company. In addition, the Bank converted from a Pennsylvania-chartered savings association to a Pennsylvania-chartered savings bank. The Bank’s primary business consists of the taking of deposits and granting of loans to customers generally in Monroe, Northampton, Lehigh, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties, Pennsylvania. The Bank is subject to regulation and supervision by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The investment in subsidiary on the parent company’s financial statements is carried at the parent company’s equity in the underlying net assets.

ESSACOR, Inc. is a Pennsylvania corporation that has been used to purchase properties at tax sales that represent collateral for delinquent loans of the Bank and is currently inactive. Pocono Investment Company is a Delaware corporation formed as an investment company subsidiary to hold and manage certain investments, including certain intellectual property. ESSA Advisory Services, LLC is a Pennsylvania limited liability company owned 100 percent by ESSA Bank & Trust. ESSA Advisory Services, LLC is a full-service insurance benefits consulting company offering group services such as health insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, dental, vision, and 401(k) retirement planning as well as individual health products. Integrated Financial Corporation is a Pennsylvania Corporation that provided investment advisory services to the general public and is currently inactive. Integrated Abstract Incorporated is a Pennsylvania Corporation that provided title insurance services and is currently inactive. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The accounting principles followed by the Company and its subsidiary and the methods of applying these principles conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and to general practice within the banking industry. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the Consolidated Balance Sheet date and related revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Securities

The Company determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date.

Securities classified as available for sale are those securities that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time but not necessarily to maturity. Any decision to sell a security classified as available for sale would be based on various factors, including significant movement in interest rates, changes in maturity mix of the Company’s assets and liabilities, liquidity needs, regulatory capital considerations, and other similar factors.

Securities available for sale are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are reported in other comprehensive income (loss), net of the related deferred tax effects. Realized gains or losses, determined on the basis of the cost of the specific securities sold, are included in earnings. Premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity.

Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, the Company considers: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; and (3) the Company’s intent to sell the security or whether it’s more likely than not that the Company would be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery in market value.

F-12

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Loans Receivable

Loans receivable that the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are stated at their outstanding unpaid principal balances, net of an allowance for loan losses and any deferred fees and costs. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the yield (interest income) of the related loans. The Company is generally amortizing these amounts over the contractual life of the loan.

The accrual of interest is generally discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due or the Company has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest, even though the loan is currently performing. A loan may remain on accrual status if it is in the process of collection and is either guaranteed or well secured. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, unpaid interest credited to income is reversed. Interest received on nonaccrual loans generally is either applied against principal or reported as interest income, according to the Company’s judgment as to the collectability of principal. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current and has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.

Loans Acquired

Loans acquired including loans that have evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination and for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the Company will be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable, are initially recorded at fair value (as determined by the present value of expected future cash flows) with no valuation allowance. Loans are evaluated individually to determine if there is evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination. The difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the investment in the loan, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as interest income on a level-yield method over the life of the loan. Contractually required payments for interest and principal that exceed the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition, or the “non-accretable difference,” are not recognized as a yield adjustment or as a loss accrual or a valuation allowance. Increases in expected cash flows subsequent to the initial investment are recognized prospectively through adjustment of the yield on the loan over its remaining estimated life. Decreases in expected cash flows are recognized immediately as impairment. Any valuation allowances on these impaired loans reflect only losses incurred after acquisition.

For purchased loans acquired that are not deemed impaired at acquisition, credit discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loan are a component of the initial fair value. Loans are aggregated and accounted for as a pool of loans if the loans being aggregated have common risk characteristics. Subsequent to the purchase date, the methods utilized to estimate the required allowance for credit losses for these loans is similar to originated loans; however, the Company records a provision for loan losses only when the required allowance exceeds any remaining credit discounts. The remaining differences between the purchase price and the unpaid principal balance at the date of acquisition are recorded in interest income over the life of the loans.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is established through provisions for loan losses charged against income. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level by management which represents the evaluation of known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio at the Consolidated Balance Sheet date. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on the Company’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective, since it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change, including the amounts and timing of future cash flows expected to be received on impaired loans.

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. For such loans an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers nonclassified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors.

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All loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement and all loan types are considered impaired if the loan is restructured in a troubled debt restructuring. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and construction loans by the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent.

Large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential mortgage loans for impairment disclosures unless such loans are part of a larger relationship that is impaired or classified as a troubled debt restructuring or is more than 180 days past due.

A loan is considered to be a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) loan when the Company grants a concession to the borrower because of the borrower’s financial condition that it would not otherwise consider. Such concessions include the reduction of interest rates, forgiveness of principal or interest, or other modifications of interest rates that are less than the current market rate for new obligations with similar risk. TDR loans that are in compliance with their modified terms and that yield a market rate may be removed from the TDR status after one year of performance.

Regulatory Stock

Regulatory stock consists of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Pittsburgh stock and Atlantic Community Bankers Bank stock. Regulatory stock is carried at cost. The Company is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System and holds stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh. As a member, the Company maintains an investment in the capital stock of the FHLB of Pittsburgh in an amount not less than 10 basis points of the outstanding member asset value plus 4.0 percent of its outstanding FHLB borrowings, as calculated throughout the year. The equity security is accounted for at cost and classified separately on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The stock is bought from and sold to the FHLB based upon its $100 par value. The stock does not have a readily determinable fair value and as such is classified as restricted stock, carried at cost and evaluated by management. The stock’s value is determined by the ultimate recoverability of the par value rather than by recognizing temporary declines. The determination of whether the par value will ultimately be recovered is influenced by criteria such as the following: (a) The significance of the decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount and the length of time this situation has persisted; (b) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance; (c) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on the customer base of the FHLB; and (d) the liquidity position of the FHLB. With consideration given to these factors, management concluded that the stock was not impaired at September 30, 2018.

Loan Servicing

Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon a third-party appraisal. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with similar characteristics, when available, or based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount. The Company’s loan servicing assets at September 30, 2018 and 2017, were not impaired. Total servicing assets included in other assets as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, were $206,000 and $232,000, respectively.

Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the related assets, which range from 10 to 40 years for buildings, land improvements, and leasehold improvements and 3 to 7 years for furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Costs of major additions and improvements are capitalized.

F-14

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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), provides the disclosure requirements for derivatives and hedging activities with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how the entity accounts for derivative instruments and related hedged items, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Further, qualitative disclosures are required that explain the Company’s objectives and strategies for using derivatives, as well as quantitative disclosures about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative instruments.

As required by ASC 815, the Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge.  The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

In accordance with the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance, the Company has elected to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”)

The Company owns insurance on the lives of a certain group of key employees. The policies were purchased to help offset the increase in the costs of various fringe benefit plans, including healthcare. The cash surrender value of these policies is included as an asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and any increase in cash surrender value is recorded as noninterest income on the Consolidated Statement of Income. In the event of the death of an insured individual under these policies, the Company would receive a death benefit which would be recorded as noninterest income.

Foreclosed Real Estate

Real estate owned acquired in settlement of foreclosed loans is carried at fair value minus estimated costs to sell. At acquisition of real estate acquired in settlement of foreclosed loans, the excess of the remaining loan balance over the asset’s estimated fair value less cost to sell is charged off against the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent declines in the asset’s value are recognized as noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Operating expenses of such properties, net of related income, are expensed in the period incurred.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is not amortized, but it is tested at least annually for impairment in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. If the estimated current fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no additional testing is required and an impairment loss is not recorded. The Company uses market capitalization and multiples of tangible book value methods to determine the estimated current fair value of its reporting unit. Based on this analysis, no impairment was recorded in 2018 or 2017.

The other intangible assets are assigned useful lives, which are amortized on an accelerated basis over their weighted-average lives. The Company periodically reviews intangible assets for impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such asset may not be recoverable. Based on these reviews, no impairment was recorded in 2018 and 2017.

The following tables provide information for the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets (in thousands).

 

F-15

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Amortizable intangible assets were composed of the following:

 

 

 

Estimated future amortization expense (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Employee Benefit Plans

The Bank maintains a noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan for all employees who have met age and length of service requirements. The Bank also maintains a defined contribution Section 401(k) plan covering eligible employees. The Company created an ESOP for the benefit of employees who meet certain eligibility requirements. The Company makes cash contributions to the ESOP on an annual basis.

The Company maintains an equity incentive plan to provide for issuance or granting of shares of common stock for stock options or restricted stock. The Company has recorded stock-based employee compensation cost using the fair value method as allowed under generally accepted accounting principles. Management estimated the fair values of all option grants using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Management estimated the expected life of the options using the simplified method as allowed under generally accepted accounting principles. The risk-free rate was determined utilizing the treasury yield for the expected life of the option contract.

Advertising Costs

In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company expenses all advertising expenditures incurred.

Transfers of Financial Assets

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

F-16

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Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected based on the differences between the financial statement and the income tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rates. Deferred income tax expense and benefit are based on the changes in the deferred tax assets or liabilities from period to period. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which such items are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return and individual state income tax returns.

The Company prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Benefits from tax positions should be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company has defined cash and cash equivalents as cash and due from banks and interest-bearing deposits with other institutions with original maturities of less than 90 days.

Earnings Per Share

The Company provides dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share are calculated utilizing net income as reported as the numerator and average shares outstanding as the denominator. The computation of diluted earnings per share differs in that the dilutive effects of any options are adjusted for in the denominator.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company is required to present comprehensive income (loss) and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements for all periods presented. Other comprehensive income (loss) is composed of net unrealized holding gains or losses on its available-for-sale investment and mortgage-backed securities portfolio and derivative instruments, and changes in unrecognized pension cost.

 

Fair Value Measurements

The Company groups assets and liabilities carried at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

The Company determines fair value based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements, in accordance with the fair value hierarchy in generally accepted accounting principles.

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Fair value measurements for most of the Company’s assets are obtained from independent pricing services that we have engaged for this purpose. When available, the Company, or the Company’s independent pricing service, use quoted market prices to measure fair value. If market prices are not available, fair value measurement is based upon models that incorporate available trade, bid, and other market information. Subsequently, all of the Company’s financial instruments use either of the foregoing methodologies to determine fair value adjustments recorded to our financial statements. In certain cases, however, when market observable inputs for model-based valuation techniques may not be readily available, we are required to make judgments about assumptions market participants would use in estimating the fair value of financial instruments. The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of a financial instrument is dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable market parameters. For financial instruments that trade actively and have quoted market prices or observable market parameters, there is minimal subjectivity involved in measuring fair value. When observable market prices and parameters are not fully available, management judgment is necessary to estimate fair value. In addition, changes in the market conditions may reduce the availability of quoted prices or observable data. When market data is not available, we use valuation techniques requiring more management judgment to estimate the appropriate fair value measurement. Therefore, the results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized in an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset. Additionally, there may be inherent weaknesses in any calculation technique, and changes in the underlying assumptions used, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows, that could significantly affect the results of current or future valuations.

Reclassification of Comparative Amounts

Certain items previously reported have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s reporting format. Such reclassifications did not affect consolidated net income or consolidated stockholders’ equity.

Adoption of New Standards

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 850), the objective of which is to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. In addition, the amendments in this Update make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application and disclosure of the hedge accounting guidance in current general accepted accounting principles.  For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early application is permitted in any period after issuance.  For cash flow and net investment hedges existing at the date of adoption, an entity should apply a cumulative-effect adjustment related to eliminating the separate measurement of ineffectiveness to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year that an entity adopts the amendments in this Update. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required only prospectively.   The Company adopted this standard on June 30, 2018 which resulted in no impact to the Company’s financial position or results of operations..

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Consequently, the amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users.  The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption of the amendments in this Update is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, (1) for public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued and (2) for all other entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The amendments in this Update should be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized.  On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted this standard which resulted in a reclassification of $346,000 between accumulated other comprehensive loss and retained earnings on the consolidated balance sheet.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (a new revenue recognition standard). The Update’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, this Update specifies the accounting for certain costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and expands disclosure requirements for revenue recognition. This Update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. However, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) to defer the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entitles by one

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year. Public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans should apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. All other entities should apply the guidance in ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Since the guidance scopes out revenue associated with financial instruments, including loan receivables and investment securities, we do not expect the adoption of the new standard, or any of the amendments, to result in a material change from our current accounting for revenue because the majority of the Company’s revenue is not within the scope of Topic 606.  However, we do expect that the standard will result in new disclosure requirements, which are currently being evaluated.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10):  Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  This Update applies to all entities that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities and is intended to provide more useful information on the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments.  Among other things, this Update (a) requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; (b) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; (c) eliminates the requirement to disclose the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost for entities that are not public business entities; (d) eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; (e) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (f) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (that is, securities or loans and receivables) on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; and (g) clarifies that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets.  For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  For all other entities, including not-for-profit entities and employee benefit plans within the scope of Topics 960 through 965 on plan accounting, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. All entities that are not public business entities may adopt the amendments in this Update earlier as of the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not expect the adoption of the new standard, or any of the amendments, to result in a material change from our current accounting for revenue because the majority of the Company's revenue is not within the scope of Topic 606.  However, we do expect that the standard will result in new disclosure requirements, which are currently being evaluated.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).  The standard requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on the balance sheet.  A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term.  A short-term lease is defined as one in which (a) the lease term is 12 months or less and (b) there is not an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise.  For short-term leases, lessees may elect to recognize lease payments over the lease term on a straight-line basis.  For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years.  For all other entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020.  The amendments should be applied at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period.  The Company is currently assessing the practical expedients it may elect at adoption, but does not anticipate the amendments will have a significant impact on the financial statements. Based on the Company’s preliminary analysis of its current portfolio, the impact to the Company’s balance sheet is estimated to result in less than a 1 percent increase in assets and liabilities.

 

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

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

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which changes the impairment model for most financial assets. This Update is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations.  The underlying premise of the Update is that financial assets measured at amortized cost should be presented at the net amount expected to be collected, through an allowance for credit losses that is deducted from the amortized cost basis. The allowance for credit losses should reflect management’s current estimate of credit losses that are expected to occur over the remaining life of a financial asset.  The income statement will be affected for the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets, as well as the expected increases or decreases of expected credit losses that have taken place during the period. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. With certain exceptions, transition to the new requirements will be through a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted.  We expect to recognize a one-time cumulative effect adjustment to the allowance for loan losses as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the new standard is effective, but cannot yet determine the magnitude of any such one-time adjustment or the overall impact of the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230):  Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing diversity in practice.  Among these include recognizing cash payments for debt prepayment or debt extinguishment as cash outflows for financing activities; cash proceeds received from the settlement of insurance claims should be classified on the basis of the related insurance coverage; and cash proceeds received from the settlement of bank-owned life insurance policies should be classified as cash inflows from investing activities while the cash payments for premiums on bank-owned policies may be classified as cash outflows for investing activities, operating activities, or a combination of investing and operating activities.  The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. An entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. The amendments in this Update should be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. If it is impracticable to apply the amendments retrospectively for some of the issues, the amendments for those issues would be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. This update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the FASB eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test.  In computing the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2, an entity had to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities (including unrecognized assets and liabilities) following the procedure that would be required in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination.  Instead, under the amendments in this Update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting units fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.  A public business entity that is a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filer should adopt the amendments in this Update for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. A public business entity that is not an SEC filer should adopt the amendments in this Update for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020.  All other entities, including not-for-profit entities, that are adopting the amendments in this Update should do so for their annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, Other Income—Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Subtopic 610-20). The amendments in this Update clarify what constitutes a financial asset within the scope of Subtopic 610-20.  The amendments also clarify that entities should identify each distinct nonfinancial asset or in substance nonfinancial asset that is promised to a counterparty and to derecognize each asset when the counterparty obtains control.  There is also additional guidance provided for partial sales of a nonfinancial asset and when derecognition, and the related gain or loss, should be recognized.  The amendments in this Update are effective at the same time as the amendments in Update 2014-09. Therefore, for public entities, the amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period.  For all other entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019.  This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). The amendments in this Update require that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period.  The other components of net benefit cost as defined in paragraphs 715-30-35-4 and 715-60-35-9 are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. If a separate line item or items are used to present the other components of net benefit cost, that line item or items must be appropriately described. If a separate line item or items are not used, the line item or items used in the income statement to present the other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed.  The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. For other entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019.  The amendments in this Update should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20). The amendments in this Update shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the amendments require the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity.  For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018.  For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period.  An entity should apply the amendments in this Update on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Additionally, in the period of adoption, an entity should provide disclosures about a change in accounting principle.  This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which affects any entity that changes the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award.  This Update amends the definition of modification by qualifying that modification accounting does not apply to changes to outstanding share-based payment awards that do not affect the total fair value, vesting requirements, or equity/liability classification of the awards.  The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period, for (1) public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued and (2) all other entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. The amendments in this Update should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), and Derivative and Hedging (Topic 815). The amendments in Part I of this Update change the classification analysis of certain equity-linked financial instruments (or embedded features) with down-round features. When determining whether certain financial instruments should be classified as liabilities or equity instruments, a down-round feature no longer precludes equity classification when assessing whether the instrument is indexed to an entity’s own stock. The amendments also clarify existing disclosure requirements for equity-classified instruments. As a result, a freestanding equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded conversion option) no longer would be accounted for as a derivative liability at fair value as a result of the existence of a down-round feature. For freestanding equity classified financial instruments, the amendments require entities that present earnings per share (EPS) in accordance with Topic 260 to recognize the effect of the down-round feature when it is triggered.

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That effect is treated as a dividend and as a reduction of income available to common shareholders in basic EPS. Convertible instruments with embedded conversion options that have down- round features are now subject to the specialized guidance for contingent beneficial conversion features (in Subtopic 470-20, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options), including related EPS guidance (in Topic 260). The amendments in Part II of this Update recharacterize the indefinite deferral of certain provisions of Topic 480 that now are presented as pending content in the Accounting Standards Codification, to a scope exception. Those amendments do not have an accounting effect. For public business entities, the amendments in Part I of this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. For all other entities, the amendments in Part I of this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted for all entities, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The amendments in Part I of this Update should be applied either retrospectively to outstanding financial instruments with a down-round feature by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the statement of financial position as of the beginning of the first fiscal year and interim period(s) in which the pending content that links to this paragraph is effective or retrospectively to outstanding financial instruments with a down-round feature for each prior reporting period presented in accordance with the guidance on accounting changes in paragraphs 250-10-45-5 through 45-10. The amendments in Part II of this Update do not require any transition guidance because those amendments do not have an accounting effect.  This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01, Leases (Topic 842), which provides an optional transition practical expedient to not evaluate under Topic 842 existing or expired land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases under the current lease guidance in Topic 840.  An entity that elects this practical expedient should evaluate new or modified land easements under Topic 842 beginning at the date the entity adopts Topic 842; otherwise, an entity should evaluate all existing or expired land easements in connection with the adoption of the new lease requirements in Topic 842 to assess whether they meet the definition of a lease.  The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in ASU 2016-02.  This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-03, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10), to clarify certain aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-01.   (1) An entity measuring an equity security using the measurement alternative may change its measurement approach to a fair value method in accordance with Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, through an irrevocable election that would apply to that security and all identical or similar investments of the same issuer.  Once an entity makes this election, the entity should measure all future purchases of identical or similar investments of the same issuer using a fair value method in accordance with Topic 820.  (2) Adjustments made under the measurement alternative are intended to reflect the fair value of the security as of the date that the observable transaction for a similar security took place.  (3) Remeasuring the entire value of forward contracts and purchased options is required when observable transactions occur on the underlying equity securities.  (4) When the fair value option is elected for a financial liability, the guidance in paragraph 825-10- 45-5 should be applied, regardless of whether the fair value option was elected under either Subtopic 815-15, Derivatives and Hedging—Embedded Derivatives, or 825-10, Financial Instruments—Overall. (5) Financial liabilities for which the fair value option is elected, the amount of change in fair value that relates to the instrument specific credit risk should first be measured in the currency of denomination when presented separately from the total change in fair value of the financial liability. Then, both components of the change in the fair value of the liability should be remeasured into the functional currency of the reporting entity using end-of-period spot rates.  (6) The prospective transition approach for equity securities without a readily determinable fair value in the amendments in Update 2016-01 is meant only for instances in which the measurement alternative is applied. An insurance entity subject to the guidance in Topic 944, Financial Services— Insurance, should apply a prospective transition method when applying the amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values. An insurance entity should apply the selected prospective transition method consistently to the entity’s entire population of equity securities for which the measurement alternative is elected.  For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2018. Public business entities with fiscal years beginning between December 15, 2017, and June 15, 2018, are not required to adopt these amendments until the interim period beginning after June 15, 2018, and public business entities with fiscal years beginning between June 15, 2018, and December 15, 2018, are not required to adopt these amendments before adopting the amendments in Update 2016-01. For all other entities, the effective date is the same as the effective date in Update 2016-01. All entities may early adopt these amendments for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, as long as they have adopted Update 2016-01.  This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

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In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), which simplified the accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions.  The amendments in this update expand the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees.  The amendments in this Update improve the following areas of nonemployee share-based payment accounting: (a) the overall measurement objective, (b) the measurement date, (c) awards with performance conditions, (d) classification reassessment of certain equity-classified awards, (e) calculated value (nonpublic entities only), and (f) intrinsic value (nonpublic entities only).  The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, represents changes to clarify, correct errors in, or make minor improvements to the Codification. The amendments in this ASU affect the amendments in ASU 2016-02, which are not yet effective, but for which early adoption upon issuance is permitted. For entities that early adopted Topic 842, the amendments are effective upon issuance of this ASU, and the transition requirements are the same as those in Topic 842. For entities that have not adopted Topic 842, the effective date and transition requirements will be the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Topic 842. This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. This Update provides another transition method which allows entities to initially apply ASC 842 at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Entities that elect this approach should report comparative periods in accordance with ASC 840, Leases.  In addition, this Update provides a practical expedient under which lessors may elect, by class of underlying assets, to not separate nonlease components from the associated lease component, similar to the expedient provided for lessees. However, the lessor practical expedient is limited to circumstances in which the nonlease component or components otherwise would be accounted for under the new revenue guidance and both (a) the timing and pattern of transfer are the same for the nonlease component(s) and associated lease component and (b) the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease. If the nonlease component or components associated with the lease component are the predominant component of the combined component, an entity should account for the combined component in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Otherwise, the entity should account for the combined component as an operating lease in accordance with ASC 842. If a lessor elects the practical expedient, certain disclosures are required. This Update is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted.  For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020.  This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurements.  The Update removes the requirement to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level I and Level II of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level III fair value measurements. The Update requires disclosure of changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income (loss) for recurring Level III fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level III fair value measurements. This Update is effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715-20). This Update amends ASC 715 to add, remove and clarify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The Update eliminates the requirement to disclose the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as part of net periodic benefit cost over the next year. The Update also removes the disclosure requirements for the effects of a one-percentage-point change on the assumed health care costs and the effect of this change in rates on service cost, interest cost and the benefit obligation for postretirement health care benefits. This Update is effective for public business entities for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, and must be applied on a retrospective basis.  For all other entities, this Update is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2021.  This Update is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

 

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The following table sets forth the composition of the weighted-average common shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computation for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

 

At September 30, 2018, there were 37,968 shares of nonvested stock outstanding at prices ranging from $13.52 per share to $16.56 per share that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive. At September 30, 2017 there were 43,953 shares of nonvested stock outstanding at an average weighted price of $14.50 per share that were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been anti-dilutive.    

 

 

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of investment securities available for sale are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

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The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities at September 30, 2018, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties (in thousands):

 

 

For the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company realized gross gains of $511,000 and $299,000  and gross losses of $349,000 and $4,000 respectively, and proceeds from the sale of investment securities of $37,889,000 and $17,378,000, respectively.    

Investment securities with carrying values of $256,317,000 and $235,926,000 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and other purposes as required by law.

The following tables show the Company’s gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (dollars in thousands):

 

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The Company’s investment securities portfolio contains unrealized losses on securities, including mortgage-related instruments issued or backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government, or generally viewed as having the implied guarantee of the U.S. government, other mortgage-backed securities, corporate obligations, obligations of states and political subdivisions, equity securities and other debt securities.

The Company reviews its position quarterly and has asserted that at September 30, 2018 and 2017, the declines outlined in the above table represent temporary declines and the Company would not be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery in market value.

The Company has concluded that any impairment of its investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2018 and 2017, is not other than temporary but is the result of interest rate changes that are not expected to result in the noncollection of principal and interest during the period.

 

 

Loans receivable consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

Included in the September 30, 2018 balances are loans acquired from Eagle National Bank in 2015, First National Community Bank and Franklin Security Bank in 2014 and First Star Bank in 2012.

Upon acquisition, the Company evaluated whether each acquired loan (regardless of size) was within the scope of ASC 310-30, Receivables-Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. Purchased credit-impaired loans are loans that have evidence of credit deterioration since origination and for which it is probable at the date of acquisition that the Company will not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments. As of the acquisition dates, none of the loans acquired from First National Community Bank and Franklin Security Bank had evidence of credit deterioration.

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Changes in the accretable yield for purchased credit-impaired loans were as follows, since acquisition, for the periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

Included in reclassification and other for loans acquired without specific evidence of deterioration in credit quality were $681,000 and $215,000 of reclassifications from nonaccretable discounts to accretable discounts in 2018 and 2017 respectively.

The following table presents additional information regarding loans acquired and accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30 (in thousands):

 

 

There has been $68,000 in allowance for loan losses recorded for acquired loans with or without specific evidence of deterioration in credit quality as of September 30, 2018. There has been $155,000 in allowance for loan losses recorded for acquired loans with or without specific evidence of deterioration in credit quality as of September 30, 2017. In addition, no allowance for loan losses has been reversed.

Loans serviced by the Company for others amounted to $72,043,000 and $61,167,000 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The Company’s primary business activity is with customers located in counties where its branch offices are located and to a lesser extent, the contiguous counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Commercial, residential, and consumer loans are granted. The Company also funds commercial and residential loans originated outside its immediate trade area provided such loans meet the Company’s credit policy guidelines. Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio at September 30, 2018 and 2017, loans outstanding to individuals and businesses are dependent upon the local economic conditions in its immediate trade area.

At September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company had nonaccrual loans of $10,511,000 and $14,263,000, respectively. Additional interest income that would have been recorded under the original terms of the loan agreements amounted to $171,000, and $449,000 for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The following tables show the amount of loans in each category that was individually and collectively evaluated for impairment at the dates indicated (in thousands):

 

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The Company maintains a loan review system, which allows for a periodic review of our loan portfolio and the early identification of potential impaired loans. Such system takes into consideration, among other things, delinquency status, size of loans, type and market value of collateral, and financial condition of the borrowers. Specific loan loss allowances are established for identified losses based on a review of such information. A loan evaluated for impairment is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. All loans identified as impaired are evaluated independently. The Company does not aggregate such loans for evaluation purposes. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for commercial and construction loans by the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral-dependent.

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The following tables include the recorded investment and unpaid principal balances for impaired loans with the associated allowance amount, if applicable, excluding purchased impaired credit loans. Also presented are the average recorded investments in the impaired loans and the related amount of interest recognized during the time within the period that the impaired loans were impaired (in thousands).

 

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The Company uses a ten-point internal risk-rating system to monitor the credit quality of the overall loan portfolio. The first six categories are considered not criticized and are aggregated as Pass-rated. The criticized rating categories utilized by management generally follow bank regulatory definitions. The Special Mention category includes assets that are fundamentally sound yet, exhibit potentially unacceptable credit risk or deteriorating trends or characteristics which if left uncorrected, may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Company’s credit position at some future date. Loans in the Substandard category have well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt and have a distinct possibility that some loss will be sustained if the weaknesses are not corrected. All loans greater than 90 days past due are considered Substandard. Loans in the Doubtful category have all the weaknesses inherent in one classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans in the Loss category are considered uncollectible and of little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted.

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To help ensure that risk ratings are accurate and reflect the present and future capacity of borrowers to repay a loan as agreed, the Company has a structured loan rating process with several layers of internal and external oversight. Generally, consumer and residential mortgage loans are included in the Pass categories unless a specific action, such as bankruptcy, repossession, or death, occurs to raise awareness of a possible credit event. The Company’s Commercial Loan Officers are responsible for the timely and accurate risk rating of the loans in their portfolios at origination and on an ongoing basis. The Company’s Commercial Loan Officers perform an annual review of all commercial relationships $1,000,000 or greater. Confirmation of the appropriate risk grade is included in the review on an ongoing basis. The Company engages an external consultant to conduct loan reviews on at least a semiannual basis. Generally, the external consultant reviews commercial relationships greater than $1,000,000 and/or all criticized relationships equal to or greater than $500,000. Detailed reviews, including plans for resolution, are performed on loans classified as Substandard on a quarterly basis. Loans in the Special Mention and Substandard categories that are evaluated for impairment are given separate consideration in the determination of the allowance.

The following tables present the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aggregate Pass and the criticized categories of Special Mention, Substandard, and Doubtful within the internal risk rating system as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

 

All other loans are underwritten and structured using standardized criteria and characteristics, primarily payment performance, and are normally risk rated and monitored collectively on a monthly basis. These are typically loans to individuals in the consumer categories and are delineated as either performing or nonperforming.

For residential real estate loans, construction real estate loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, and other loans, the Company evaluates credit quality based on the performance of the individual credits. The following tables present the recorded investment in the loan classes based on payment activity as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

 

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The Company further monitors the performance and credit quality of the loan portfolio by analyzing the age of the portfolio as determined by the length of time a recorded payment is past due. The following table presents the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by the aging categories of performing loans and nonaccrual loans as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

 

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The allowance for loan losses (“ALL”) is maintained at a level necessary to absorb loan losses that are both probable and reasonably estimable. Management, in determining the allowance for loan losses, considers the losses inherent in its loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of loan activities, along with the general economic and real estate market conditions. The allowance for loan losses consists of two elements: (1) an allocated allowance, which comprises allowances established on specific loans and class allowances based on historical loss experience and current trends, (2) an allocated allowance based on general economic conditions and other risk factors in our markets and portfolios, and (3) an unallocated allowance not to exceed 10% of total reserves which acts as a contingency against unforeseen future events which may negatively impact the Company’s loan portfolio. We maintain a loan review system, which allows for a periodic review of our loan portfolio and the early identification of potential impaired loans. Such system takes into consideration, among other things, delinquency status, size of loans, type and market value of collateral, and financial condition of the borrowers. General loan loss allowances are based upon a combination of factors including, but not limited to, actual loan loss experience, composition of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, management’s judgment and losses which are probable and reasonably estimable. The allowance is increased through provisions charged against current earnings and recoveries of previously charged-off loans. Loans that are determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance. While management uses available information to recognize probable and reasonably estimable loan losses, future loss provisions may be necessary, based on changing economic conditions. Payments received on impaired loans generally are either applied against principal or reported as interest income, according to management’s judgment as to the collectability of principal. The allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2018, is maintained at a level that represents management’s best estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio, and such losses were both probable and reasonably estimable.

In addition, the FDIC and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking, as an integral part of their examination process, have periodically reviewed the Company’s allowance for loan losses. The banking regulators may require that the Company recognize additions to the allowance based on their analysis and review of information available to it at the time of their examination.

Management reviews the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis using a defined, consistently applied process in order to make appropriate and timely adjustments to the ALL. When information confirms all or part of specific loans to be uncollectible, these amounts are promptly charged-off against the ALL.

The following table summarizes the primary segments of the ALL, segregated into the amount required for loans individually evaluated for impairment and the amount required for loans collectively evaluated for impairment as of September 30, 2018  and 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

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The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates, and actual losses will vary from current estimates. Management believes that the granularity of the homogeneous pools and the related historical loss ratios and other qualitative factors, as well as the consistency in the application of assumptions, result in an ALL that is representative of the risk found in the components of the portfolio at any given date. During the year ended September 30, 2018 the Company recorded provision expense for the residential real estate, construction loans, commercial real estate, commercial, obligations of states and political subdivisions, auto and other loan segments, due to either increased loan balances, changes in the loan mix within the pool, and/or charge-off activity in those segments. Credit provisions were recorded for loan loss for the home equity loans and lines of credit segment. During the year ended September 30, 2017 the Company recorded provision expense for the construction loan, commercial real estate, commercial, obligations of states and political subdivisions, home equity loans and lines of credit, and auto loan segments, due to either increased loan balances, changes in the loan mix within the pool, and/or charge-off activity in those segments. Credit provisions were recorded for the residential real estate and other loan segments. The provision for auto loans declined from $1.3 million to $1.2 million due to declining balances offsetting net (of recoveries) charge off activity.

The following is a summary of troubled debt restructurings granted during the periods indicated (dollars in thousands).

 

 

 

Of the nine new troubled debt restructurings granted for the year ended September 30, 2018, six loans totaling $278,000 were granted term and rate concessions and three loans totaling $326,000  were granted term concessions.   

Of the eleven new troubled debt restructurings granted for the year ended September 30, 2017, three loans totaling $1.2 million were granted term concessions, six loans totaling $832,000 were granted term and rate concessions and two loans totaling $368,000 was granted rate concessions.

For the year ended September 30, 2018 there was one loan for $76,000 classified as troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted within one year of modification. For the year ended September 30, 2017 there were no loan modifications classified as troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted within one year of modification.  

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Foreclosed assets acquired in settlement of loans are carried at fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of September 30, 2018, the Company has initiated formal foreclosure proceedings on $2.6 million of consumer residential mortgages which have not yet been transferred into foreclosed assets. As of September 30, 2018, included within the foreclosed assets is $819,000 of consumer residential mortgages that were foreclosed on or received via a deed in lieu of foreclosure transaction prior to the period end.

 

 

Premises and equipment consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

Depreciation expense amounted to $694,000 and $1,077,000 for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

 

 

Deposits and their respective weighted-average interest rates consist of the following major classifications (dollars in thousands):

 

 

 

At September 30, 2018 scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Brokered deposits totaled $168,694,000 and $137,736,000 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The aggregate amount of certificates of deposit with a minimum denomination of $250,000 were $66,279,000 and $71,073,000 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more as of September 30, 2018, are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

As of September 30, 2018, and 2017, the Company had $179,773,000 and $137,446,000 of short-term borrowings, respectively, of which $64.8 million in 2018 and $10.0 in 2017 were advances on a $150,000,000 line of credit with the FHLB.

All borrowings from the FHLB are secured by a blanket lien on qualified collateral, defined principally as investment securities and mortgage loans that are owned by the Company free and clear of any liens or encumbrances. At September 30, 2018, the Company had a borrowing limit of approximately $648.9 million, with a variable rate of interest, based on the FHLB’s cost of funds.

The following table sets forth information concerning short-term borrowings (in thousands):

 

 

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

 

 

The following table presents contractual maturities of FHLB long-term advances (in thousands):

 

 

Maturities of FHLB long-term advances are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

The FHLB long-term advances are secured by qualifying assets of the Bank, which include the FHLB stock, securities, and first-mortgage loans.

 

 

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The provision for income taxes consists of (in thousands):

 

 

The tax effects of deductible and taxable temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

The Company establishes a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when management believes that the deferred tax assets are not likely to be realized either through a carryback to taxable income in prior years, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, and, to a lesser extent, future taxable income.

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Accounting principles prescribe a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Benefits from tax positions should be recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met.

There is currently no liability for uncertain tax positions and no known unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes, when applicable, interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The Company’s federal and state income tax returns for taxable years through 2013 have been closed for purposes of examination by the Internal Revenue Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

The reconciliation of the federal statutory rate and the Company’s effective income tax rate is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted on December 22, 2017, lowered the federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result, the carrying value of net deferred tax assets was reduced, which increased income tax expense by $3,682,000. The Bank is subject to the Pennsylvania Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax that is calculated at 11.5 percent of earnings based on U.S. generally accepted accounting principles with certain adjustments.

Retained earnings include $4.6 million at September 30, 2018, for which no provision for federal income tax has been made. This amount represents deductions for bad debt reserves for tax purposes, which were only allowed to savings institutions that met certain definitional tests prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 eliminated the special bad debt deduction granted solely to thrifts. Under the terms of the Act, there would be no recapture of the pre-1988 (base year) reserves. However, these pre-1988 reserves would be subject to recapture under the rules of the Internal Revenue Code if the Bank itself pays a cash dividend in excess of earnings and profits or liquidates. The Act also provides for the recapture of deductions arising from the Bank’s applicable excess reserve, which is defined as the total amount of reserve over the base year reserve. The Bank’s total reserve exceeds the base year reserve, and deferred taxes have been provided for this excess.

 

 

In the normal course of business, management makes various commitments that are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. These commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other parties to the financial instruments is represented by the contractual amounts as disclosed. Losses, if any, are charged to the allowance for loan losses. The Company minimizes its exposure to credit loss under these commitments by subjecting them to credit approval and review procedures and collateral requirements, as deemed necessary, in compliance with lending policy guidelines.

The off-balance sheet commitments consist of the following (in thousands):

 

 

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The commitments outstanding at September 30, 2018, contractually mature in less than one year.

The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The amount of collateral obtained, as deemed necessary, is based upon management’s credit evaluation in compliance with the lending policy guidelines. Since many of the credit line commitments are expected to expire without being fully drawn upon, the total contractual amounts do not necessarily represent future funding requirements.

Standby letters of credit and financial guarantees represent conditional commitments issued to guarantee performance of a customer to a third party. The coverage period for these instruments is typically a one-year period with renewal option subject to prior approval by management. Fees earned from the issuance of these letters are recognized over the coverage period. For secured letters of credit, the collateral is typically Company deposit instruments.

The Company is required to maintain a reserve balance with certain third party providers.  At September 30, 2018 the reserve balance was $1.2 million.

Legal Proceedings

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of Management, the resolution of these legal actions is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.   

The Bank was named as the defendant in an action commenced on September 13, 2016 by one plaintiff. The plaintiff alleges that the Bank repossessed motor vehicles, sold the vehicles and sought to collect deficiency balances in a manner that did not comply with the notice requirements of the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”). The plaintiff seeks to pursue the action as a class action on behalf of the named plaintiff and other similarly situation plaintiffs who had their automobiles repossessed and see to recover damages under the UCC. The Bank denies the plaintiff’s allegations. The parties attended a mediation in October 2017 where they reached an agreement to resolve the claims asserted against the Bank on a class wide basis. Under the terms of the settlement the Bank made a payment of $1,325,000 to the plaintiff’s during the second quarter of the September 30, 2018 fiscal year. The Bank’s insurance carrier reimbursed the Bank for the amount of the payment in excess of its $125,000 retention.

The Bank was named as a defendant in an action commenced on December 8, 2016 by one plaintiff who will also see to pursue this action as a class action on behalf of the entire class of people similarly situated. The plaintiff alleges that a bank previously acquired by ESSA Bancorp, Inc., in the process of making loans, received unearned fees and kickbacks in violation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. In an order dated January 29, 2018, the court granted the Bank’s motion to dismiss the case. The plaintiff has appealed the court’s ruling. The plaintiff submitted her brief in support of her appeal in May 2018 and the Bank submitted its opposition brief in July 2018. The appellate court had tentatively scheduled oral arguments for December 2018. To the extent that this litigation could result in exposure to the bank, the amount is not currently estimable.

 

 

The Company leases various branch locations and other offices under long-term operating leases. Future minimum lease payments by year and in the aggregate, under noncancellable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more, consisted of the following at September 30, 2018 (in thousands):

 

 

The total rental expenses for the above leases for both years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, was $1.3 million. The Company also operates four offices that currently do not have long-term operating leases.

 

 

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Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”)

The Company created an ESOP for the benefit of employees who meet the eligibility requirements, which include having completed one year of service with the Company or its subsidiary and attained age 21. The ESOP trust acquired 1,358,472 shares of the Company’s stock from proceeds from a loan with the Company. The Company makes cash contributions to the ESOP on an annual basis sufficient to enable the ESOP to make the required loan payments. Cash dividends paid on allocated shares are distributed to participants and cash dividends paid on unallocated shares are used to repay the outstanding debt of the ESOP. The ESOP trust’s outstanding loan bears interest at prime, adjustable each January 1^st, 4.50% at September 30, 2018 and requires an annual payment of principal and interest through December of 2036. The Company’s ESOP, which is internally leveraged, does not report the loans receivable extended to the ESOP as assets and does not report the ESOP debt due to the Company.

As the debt is repaid, shares are released from the collateral and allocated to qualified employees based on the proportion of payments made during the year to the remaining amount of payments due on the loan through maturity. Accordingly, the shares pledged as collateral are reported as unallocated common stock held by the ESOP shares in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As shares are released from collateral, the Company reports compensation expense equal to the current market price of the shares, and the shares become outstanding for earnings-per-share computations. The Company recognized ESOP expense of $725,000 and $686,000, for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

The following table presents the components of the ESOP shares:

 

 

Equity Incentive Plan

The Company previously maintained the ESSA Bancorp, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan provided for a total of 2,377,326 shares of common stock for issuance upon the grant or exercise of awards. Of the shares available under the Plan, 1,698,090 were available to be issued in connection with the exercise of stock options and 679,236 were available to be issued as restricted stock. The Plan allowed for the granting of non-qualified stock options (“NSOs”), incentive stock options (“ISOs”), and restricted stock. Options under the plan were granted at no less than the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. As of March 3, 2016, the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (detailed below), no further grants will be made under the plan and forfeitures of outstanding awards under the plan will be added to the shares available under the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan.

The Company replaced the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan with the ESSA Bancorp, Inc. 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”). The 2016 Plan provides for a total of 250,000 shares of common stock for issuance upon the grant or exercise of awards. The 2016 Plan allows for the granting of restricted stock, restricted stock units, incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options.

Certain officers, employees and outside directors were granted in aggregate 1,140,469 NSOs; 317,910  ISOs; and 590,320 shares of restricted stock on May 23, 2008. Certain officers were granted in aggregate 30,000 shares of restricted stock on April 1, 2013, 19,880 shares of restricted stock on July 22, 2014, 21,843 shares of restricted stock on May 20, 2015, 23,491 shares of restricted stock on March 4, 2016, 20,675 shares of restricted stock on December 13, 2016, 3,296 shares of restricted stock on March 29, 2017, 1,250 shares of restricted stock on October 23, 2017, 24,278 shares of restricted stock on December 6, 2017 and 2,000 shares of restricted stock in August 2018. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Company expenses the fair value of all share-based compensation grants over the requisite service periods.

The Company classifies share-based compensation for employees and outside directors within “Compensation and employee benefits” in the Consolidated Statement of Income to correspond with the same line item as compensation paid.

Stock options vest over a five-year service period and expire ten years after the grant date. The Company recognized compensation expense for the fair values of these awards, which vested on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards.

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The 2013 restricted stock shares vested over an 18-month service period. The 2014 restricted shares vested over a 39 month service period. The 2015 restricted shares vest over a 40 month service period. The March 4, 2016 restricted shares vest over a 43 month service period. The December 13, 2016 restricted shares vest over a 46 month service period. The March 29, 2017 restricted shares vest over 42 months for 1,296 shares and over 18 months for 2,000 shares. The October 23, 2017 restricted shares vest over a 23-month service period. The December 6, 2017 restricted shares vest over a 46-month service period. The August 2018 restricted shares vest over a 24 month service period. The product of the number of shares granted and the grant date market price of the Company’s common stock determines the fair value of restricted shares under the Company’s restricted stock plan.  

During the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded $336,000 and $318,000  of share-based compensation expense consisting of restricted stock expense.  Expected future compensation expense relating to the restricted shares issued in March 2016, at September 30, 2018 is $76,000 over the remaining vesting period of 1.0 years. Expected future compensation expense relating to the restricted shares issued in December 2016, at September 30, 2018 is $149,000 over the remaining vesting period of 2.0 years. Expected future compensation expense relating to the 1,296 restricted shares issued in March 2017, at September 30, 2018 is $11,000 over the remaining vesting period of 2.0 years. Expected future compensation expense relating to the restricted shares issued in October 2017, at September 30, 2018 is $10,000 over the remaining vesting period of 1.0 years. Expected future compensation expense relating to the restricted shares issued in December 2017, at September 30, 2018 is $276,000 over the remaining vesting period of 3.0 years. Expected future compensation expense relating to the restricted shares issued in August 2018, at September 30, 2018 is $31,000 over the remaining vesting period of 1.9 years.    

The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for its option plan for the year ended September 30, 2018.

 

 

The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested restricted stock as of September 30, 2018, and changes therein during the year then ended:

 

 

Defined Benefit Plan

The Bank sponsors a trusteed, noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees and officers. The plan calls for benefits to be paid to eligible employees at retirement based primarily upon years of service with the Bank and compensation rates near retirement. The Bank’s funding policy is to make annual contributions, if needed, based upon the funding formula developed by the plan’s actuary. In February 2017, the Bank amended the defined benefit pension plan to provide that no additional participants would enter the plan and no additional benefits would accrue beyond February 28, 2017. This curtailment resulted in a $4,579,000 reduction to the projected benefit obligation as well as a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $3,022,000 in 2017.

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The following table sets forth the change in plan assets and benefit obligation at September 30 (in thousands):

 

 

Amounts not yet recognized as a component of net periodic pension cost (in thousands):

 

 

The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plan was $17,111,000 and $18,598,000 at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The following table comprises the components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended September 30 (in thousands):

 

 

The estimated net loss for the defined benefit pension plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $0.

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations:

 

 

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended:

 

 

The expected long-term rate of return was estimated using market benchmarks by which the plan assets would outperform the market in the future, based on historical experience adjusted for changes in asset allocation and expectations for overall lower future returns on similar investments compared with past periods.

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Plan Assets

The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the plan’s financial assets at fair value as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Investments in collective trusts and short-term investments are valued at the net asset value of shares held by the plan.

The Bank’s defined benefit pension plan weighted-average asset allocations at September 30, 2018 and 2017 by asset category, are as follows:

 

 

The Bank believes that the plan’s risk and liquidity position are, in large part, a function of the asset class mix. The Bank desires to utilize a portfolio mix that results in a balanced investment strategy. Three asset classes are outlined, as above. The target allocations of these classes are as follows: equity securities, 65 percent, and cash and fixed income securities, 35 percent.

Cash Flows

The Bank does not expect to make any contributions to its pension plan in 2019.

Estimated future benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

401(k) Plan

The Bank also has a savings plan qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, which covers substantially all employees over 21 years of age. Employees can contribute to the plan, but are not required to. Employer contributions were reinstated in March 2017. Employer contributions are allocated based on employee contribution levels. The expense related to the plan for the year ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $464,000 and $251,000, respectively.

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Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

The Bank maintains a salary continuation agreement with certain executives of the Bank, which provides for benefits upon retirement to be paid to the executive for no less than 192 months, unless the executive elects to receive the present value of the payments as a lump sum. The Bank has recorded accruals of $2.1 million and $1.6 million at September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively which represent the estimated present value (using a discount rate of 6.00 percent) of the benefits earned under this agreement. There was $477,000 and $447,000 in expense related to the supplemental executive retirement plan for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

 

 

Reserve Requirements

The Bank is required to maintain reserve funds in cash or in deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank. The required reserve at September 30, 2018 and 2017, was $17,348,000 and $15,228,000, respectively.

Dividend Restrictions

Federal banking laws, regulations, and policies limit the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company. Dividends may be declared and paid by the Bank only out of net earnings for the then current year. A dividend may not be declared or paid if it would impair the general reserves of the Bank as required to be maintained under the Pennsylvania Banking.

 

 

Federal regulations require the Bank and the Company to maintain certain minimum amounts of capital. Specifically, the Bank and the Company are required to maintain certain minimum dollar amounts and ratios of Total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, of Tier 1 capital to average total assets, and common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets.

In addition to the capital requirements, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (“FDICIA”) established five capital categories ranging from “well capitalized” to “critically undercapitalized.” Should any institution fail to meet the requirements to be considered “adequately capitalized,” it would become subject to a series of increasingly restrictive regulatory actions. Management believes that, as of September 30, 2018, the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

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

Bank holding companies are generally subject to statutory capital requirements, which were implemented by certain of the new capital regulations described above that became effective on January 1, 2015. However, the Small Banking Holding Company Policy Statement exempts certain small bank holding companies like the Company from those requirements provided that they meet certain conditions.

As of September 30, 2018 and 2017, the FDIC categorized the Bank and the Federal Reserve categorized the Company as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be classified as a well-capitalized financial institution, Total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, common equity Tier 1 capital and Tier 1 leverage capital must be at least 10 percent, 8 percent, 6.5 percent, and 5 percent, respectively. There have been no conditions or events since the notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s or the Company’s category.

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The Bank’s actual capital ratios are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):

 

 

The Company’s ratios do not differ significantly from the Bank’s ratios presented above.

 

 

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The following disclosures show the hierarchal disclosure framework associated within the level of pricing observations utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value. The definition of fair value maintains the exchange price notion in earlier definitions of fair value but focuses on the exit price of the asset or liability. The exit price is the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability adjusted for certain inherent risks and restrictions.

The following tables present information about the Company’s securities, real estate owned, and impaired loans measured at fair value as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value (in thousands):

 

 

 

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The following table presents a summary of changes in the fair value of the Company’s Level III investments for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands).

 

 

One investment security totaling $750,000 was transferred into Level III investments for the year ended September 30, 2017 because market pricing is no longer available. One investment security for $1.0 million was transferred out of Level III investments for the year ended September 30, 2017 because market pricing is available and it no longer meets the definition of a Level III investment. 

 

Financial assets and liabilities must be identified as having been valued according to a specified level of input, I, II, or III. Level I inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Fair values determined by Level II inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level I that are observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly. Level II inputs include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Level III inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy, within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls, has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset.

The measurement of fair value should be consistent with one of the following valuation techniques: market approach, income approach, and/or cost approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities (including a business). For example, valuation techniques consistent with the market approach often use market multiples derived from a set of comparables. Multiples might lie in ranges with a different multiple for each comparable. The selection of where within the range the appropriate multiple falls requires judgment, considering factors specific to the measurement (qualitative and quantitative). Valuation techniques consistent with the market approach include matrix pricing. Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique used principally to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on a security’s relationship to other benchmark quoted securities. Most of the securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level II inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quoted market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things. Securities reported at fair value utilizing Level I inputs are limited to actively traded equity securities whose market price is readily available from the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market.

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The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and for which the Company has utilized Level III inputs to determine fair value (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Investment Securities Available for Sale

The fair value of securities available for sale are determined by obtaining quoted market prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1), or matrix pricing (Level 2), which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted market prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted prices. For certain securities which are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence (Level 3). In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. Management’s best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments. Internal cash flow models using a present value formula that includes assumptions market participants would use along with indicative exit pricing obtained from broker/dealers (where available) are used to support fair values of certain Level 3 investments, if applicable.

Impaired Loans

The Company has measured impairment on impaired loans generally based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral. Evaluating impaired loan collateral is based on Level II inputs utilizing outside appraisals. Those impaired loans for which management incorporates significant adjustments for sales costs and other discount assumptions regarding market conditions are considered Level III fair values. The fair value consists of the loan balances of $11.9 million less their valuation allowances of $313,000 at September 30, 2018. The fair value consists of the loan balances of $15.6 million less their valuation allowances of $345,000 at September 30, 2017.

Foreclosed Real Estate Owned

Foreclosed real estate owned is measured at fair value, less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure; valuations are periodically performed by management; and the assets are carried at fair value, less cost to sell. Income and expenses from operations and changes in valuation allowance are included in the net expenses from foreclosed real estate.

Derivatives

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income and expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company has entered into interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and involve the receipt of variable rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed payments.  The fair value of the swap asset and liability is based on an external derivative model using data inputs as of the valuation date and are classified Level 2.

 

 

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The fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Financial instruments are defined as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract which creates an obligation or right to receive or deliver cash or another financial instrument from/to a second entity on potentially favorable or unfavorable terms.

Fair value is defined as the amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties other than in a forced or liquidation sale. If a quoted market price is available for a financial instrument, the fair value would be calculated based upon the market price per trading unit of the instrument.

If no readily available market exists, the fair value for financial instruments should be based upon management’s judgment regarding current economic conditions, interest rate risk, expected cash flows, future estimated losses, and other factors as determined through various option pricing formulas or simulation modeling.

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As many of these assumptions result from judgments made by management based upon estimates which are inherently uncertain, the resulting values may not be indicative of the amount realizable in the sale of a particular financial instrument. In addition, changes in the assumptions on which the values are based may have a significant impact on the resulting estimated values.

As certain assets and liabilities, such as deferred tax assets, premises and equipment, and many other operational elements of the Company, are not considered financial instruments but have value, this fair value of financial instruments would not represent the full market value of the Company.

The Company employed simulation modeling in determining the fair value of financial instruments for which quoted market prices were not available based upon the following assumptions:

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accrued Interest Receivable, Short-Term Borrowings, Advances by Borrowers for Taxes and Insurance, and Accrued Interest Payable

The fair value approximates the current book value.

Derivatives

Fair values of interest rate swap contracts are based on dealer quotes.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

The fair value is equal to the cash surrender value of the bank-owned life insurance.

Investment and Mortgage-Backed Securities Available for Sale and Regulatory Stock

The fair value of investment and mortgage-backed securities available for sale is equal to the available quoted market price. If no quoted market price is available, fair value is estimated using the quoted market price for similar securities. For certain securities which are not traded in active markets or are subject to transfer restrictions, valuations are adjusted to reflect illiquidity and/or non-transferability, and such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence (Level 3). In the absence of such evidence, management’s best estimate is used. Management’s best estimate consists of both internal and external support on certain Level 3 investments. Internal cash flow models using a present value formula that includes assumptions market participants would use along with indicative exit pricing obtained from broker/dealers (where available) are used to support fair values of certain Level 3 investments, if applicable. Since the regulatory stock is not actively traded on a secondary market and held exclusively by member financial institutions, the fair market value approximates the carrying amount.

Certificates of Deposit, Loans Receivable, Deposits, Other Borrowings, and Mortgage Servicing Rights

The fair values for loans and mortgage servicing rights are estimated by discounting contractual cash flows and adjusting for prepayment estimates. Discount rates are based upon rates generally charged for such loans with similar characteristics. Demand, savings, and money market deposit accounts are valued at the amount payable on demand as of year-end. Fair values for certificates of deposit, time deposits, and other borrowings are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies contractual costs currently being offered in the existing portfolio to current market rates being offered for deposits and borrowings of similar remaining maturities.

Commitments to Extend Credit

These financial instruments are generally not subject to sale, and fair values are not readily available. The carrying value, represented by the net deferred fee arising from the unrecognized commitment, and the fair value, determined by discounting the remaining contractual fee over the term of the commitment using fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements with similar credit risk, are not considered material for disclosure. The contractual amounts of unfunded commitments are presented in Note 10.

 

 

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The activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

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Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Company is exposed to certain risk arising from both its business operations and economic conditions.  The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities and the use of derivative financial instruments.  Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates.  The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments.  

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheet  

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, (in thousands).

 

 

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income and expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company has entered into interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy.  These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and involve the receipt of variable rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed payments.  As of September 30, 2018, the Company had six interest rate swaps with a notional of $100 million associated with the Company’s cash outflows associated with various FHLB advances. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had five interest rate swaps with a notional of $75 million associated with the company’s cash outflows associated with carious FHLB advances.

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in other comprehensive income (outside of earnings), net of tax, and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings, and the ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings. The Company assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged transactions.  The Company did not recognize any hedge ineffectiveness in earnings during the periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest income/expense as interest payments are made/received on the Company’s variable-rate assets/liabilities.  During the years ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company had $459,000 and $13,000 of reclassifications to interest expense, respectively.  During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that $1.1 million will be reclassified as a decrease in interest expense.

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The table below presents the effect of the Company’s cash flow hedge accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income for the periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands).

 

 

The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Income Statement for the year to date periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

 

 

The table below presents a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and a net presentation of the Company’s derivatives for the periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The net amounts of derivative assets or liabilities can be reconciled on the tabular disclosure of fair value.  The tabular disclosure of fair value provides the location the derivative assets and liabilities are presented on the Balance Sheet. There were no derivative liabilities for the periods ended September 20, 2018 and 2017.

 

 

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Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

The Company has agreements with its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

 

The Company also has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company fails to maintain its status as a well / adequately capitalized institution, then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and the Company would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements.

 

 

Condensed financial statements of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. are as follows (in thousands):

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

 

 

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CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

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