form10q-87401_ubnk.htm
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)                                                                                                                                                                         
ý          Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007

OR

o          Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from ______________ to _____________

Commission File Number 000-51369

United Financial Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Federal
83-0395247
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification Number)

95 Elm Street, West Springfield, Massachusetts 01089
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (413) 787-1700

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

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

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer ý
Non-accelerated filer o

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value
17,068,160 shares outstanding as of November 8, 2007

 


 
United Financial Bancorp, Inc. 
 
INDEX
 
Page
   
 
     
 
     
 
1
     
 
2
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
11
     
21
     
26
     
 
     
26
     
26
     
27
     
27
     
27
     
27
     
28
     
     
29

 



     
Exhibit 31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
30
     
Exhibit 31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31
     
Exhibit 32.1
Statement of Chief Executive Officer Furnished Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32
     
Exhibit 32.2
Statement of Chief Financial Officer Furnished Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
33
 
 

 


PART I.                      FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.                      Consolidated Financial Statements

UNITED FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
             
Cash and due from banks
  $
16,543
    $
15,459
 
Interest-bearing deposits
   
11,948
     
9,960
 
        Total cash and cash equivalents
   
28,491
     
25,419
 
                 
Short-term investments
   
1,017
     
-
 
Securities available for sale, at fair value
   
183,862
     
190,237
 
Securities to be held to maturity, at amortized cost  (fair value $3,663 at
               
   September 30, 2007 and $3,227 at December 31, 2006)
   
3,684
     
3,241
 
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of  $7,612 at September 30, 2007
               
   and $7,218 at December 31, 2006
   
808,112
     
756,180
 
Other real estate owned
   
880
     
562
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
4,652
     
4,320
 
Stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston
   
9,885
     
9,274
 
Banking premises and equipment, net
   
10,564
     
8,821
 
Bank-owned life insurance
   
6,595
     
6,304
 
Other assets
   
6,204
     
5,075
 
                 
        TOTAL ASSETS
  $
1,063,946
    $
1,009,433
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
                 
Liabilities:
               
Deposits:
               
    Interest-bearing
  $
618,707
    $
588,496
 
    Non-interest-bearing
   
104,411
     
97,190
 
        Total deposits
   
723,118
     
685,686
 
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston advances
   
183,852
     
169,806
 
Repurchase agreements
   
7,519
     
10,425
 
Escrow funds held for borrowers
   
1,410
     
1,121
 
Capitalized lease obligation
   
1,900
     
-
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
4,899
     
4,684
 
        Total liabilities
   
922,698
     
871,722
 
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 5,000,000 shares;
               
   none issued
   
-
     
-
 
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, authorized 60,000,000 shares;
               
   17,205,995 shares issued at September 30, 2007 and at December 31, 2006
   
172
     
172
 
Paid-in capital
   
77,127
     
75,520
 
Retained earnings
   
72,190
     
70,406
 
Unearned compensation
    (5,439 )     (5,772 )
Treasury stock, at cost (137,835 shares at September 30, 2007 and 51,445
               
   shares at December 31, 2006)
    (1,914 )     (664 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
    (888 )     (1,951 )
        Total stockholders’ equity
   
141,248
     
137,711
 
                 
        TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $
1,063,946
    $
1,009,433
 
                 

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements

 
1





UNITED FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Interest and dividend income:
                       
   Loans
  $
12,712
    $
11,043
    $
37,017
    $
30,719
 
   Investments
   
2,017
     
2,195
     
5,849
     
6,761
 
   Other interest-earning assets
   
247
     
256
     
935
     
786
 
      Total interest and dividend income
   
14,976
     
13,494
     
43,801
     
38,266
 
                                 
Interest expense:
                               
   Deposits
   
5,672
     
4,885
     
16,330
     
13,590
 
   Borrowings
   
2,051
     
1,665
     
6,127
     
4,059
 
      Total interest expense
   
7,723
     
6,550
     
22,457
     
17,649
 
                                 
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
   
7,253
     
6,944
     
21,344
     
20,617
 
                                 
Provision for loan losses
   
436
     
165
     
1,040
     
627
 
                                 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
6,817
     
6,779
     
20,304
     
19,990
 
                                 
Non-interest income:
                               
   Fee income on depositors’ accounts
   
1,105
     
1,146
     
3,240
     
3,128
 
   Loss on sale and write-down of securities
    (141 )     (218 )     (170 )     (218 )
   Wealth management income
   
200
     
126
     
491
     
319
 
   Other income
   
248
     
240
     
684
     
764
 
      Total non-interest income
   
1,412
     
1,294
     
4,245
     
3,993
 
                                 
Non-interest expense:
                               
   Salaries and benefits
   
3,546
     
3,014
     
11,119
     
9,173
 
   Occupancy expenses
   
469
     
455
     
1,441
     
1,268
 
   Marketing expenses
   
277
     
329
     
1,048
     
1,093
 
   Data processing expenses
   
711
     
622
     
2,006
     
1,813
 
   Professional fees
   
220
     
223
     
872
     
702
 
   Other expenses
   
908
     
936
     
2,867
     
3,143
 
      Total non-interest expense
   
6,131
     
5,579
     
19,353
     
17,192
 
                                 
Income before income taxes
   
2,098
     
2,494
     
5,196
     
6,791
 
                                 
Income tax expense
   
807
     
981
     
2,093
     
2,633
 
                                 
Net income
  $
1,291
    $
1,513
    $
3,103
    $
4,158
 
                                 
Earnings per share:
                               
   Basic
  $
0.08
    $
0.09
    $
0.19
    $
0.25
 
   Diluted
  $
0.08
    $
0.09
    $
0.19
    $
0.25
 
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
                               
   Basic
   
16,266,869
     
16,382,133
     
16,259,601
     
16,528,981
 
   Diluted
   
16,323,516
     
16,395,955
     
16,320,535
     
16,533,639
 

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
2




UNITED FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (unaudited)
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 and 2006
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

                                       
Accumulated
       
   
Common
                                 
Other
       
   
Shares
   
Common
   
Paid-In
   
Retained
   
Unearned
   
Treasury
   
Comprehensive
       
   
Outstanding
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Compensation
   
Stock
   
Income (Loss)
   
Total
 
                                                 
Balances at December 31, 2005
   
17,205,995
    $
172
    $
78,446
    $
66,944
    $ (6,092 )   $
-
    $ (2,465 )   $
137,005
 
                                                                 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
4,158
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
4,158
 
Other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
181
     
181
 
     Total comprehensive income
                                                           
4,339
 
                                                                 
Cash dividends declared ($0.15 per share)
   
-
     
-
     
-
      (1,095 )    
-
     
-
     
-
      (1,095 )
Treasury stock purchases
    (340,000 )    
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (4,378 )    
-
      (4,378 )
Reissuance of treasury shares in connection
                                                               
   with restricted stock grants
   
288,000
     
-
      (3,709 )    
-
     
-
     
3,709
     
-
     
-
 
Stock-based compensation
   
-
             
159
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
159
 
ESOP shares committed to be released
   
-
     
-
     
53
     
-
     
241
     
-
     
-
     
294
 
                                                                 
Balances at September 30, 2006
   
17,153,995
    $
172
    $
74,949
    $
70,007
    $ (5,851 )   $ (669 )   $ (2,284 )   $
136,324
 
                                                                 
                                                                 
Balances at December 31, 2006
   
17,154,550
    $
172
    $
75,520
    $
70,406
    $ (5,772 )   $ (664 )   $ (1,951 )   $
137,711
 
                                                                 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,103
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,103
 
Other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,063
     
1,063
 
     Total comprehensive income
                                                           
4,166
 
                                                                 
Cash dividends declared ($0.18 per share)
   
-
     
-
     
-
      (1,319 )    
-
     
-
     
-
      (1,319 )
Treasury stock purchases
    (86,390 )    
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (1,250 )    
-
      (1,250 )
Stock-based compensation
   
-
     
-
     
1,476
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,476
 
ESOP shares committed to be released
   
-
     
-
     
131
     
-
     
333
     
-
     
-
     
464
 
                                                                 
Balances at September 30, 2007
   
17,068,160
    $
172
    $
77,127
    $
72,190
    $ (5,439 )   $ (1,914 )   $ (888 )   $
141,248
 

The components of other comprehensive income and related tax effects are as follows:
       
             
   
Nine Months ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Change in unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities
  $
1,591
    $
90
 
Reclassification adjustment for losses realized in income
   
170
     
218
 
   Net change in unrealized gains
   
1,761
     
308
 
                 
Tax effect
   
698
     
127
 
                 
   Other comprehensive income
  $
1,063
    $
181
 
                 

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
3


UNITED FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 and 2006
(Dollars in thousands)

   
2007
   
2006
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $
3,103
    $
4,158
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
   Provision for loan losses
   
1,040
     
627
 
   ESOP expense
   
464
     
294
 
   Stock-based compensation
   
1,476
     
159
 
   Amortization of premiums and discounts
   
83
     
272
 
   Depreciation and amortization
   
638
     
537
 
   Amortization of intangible assets
   
23
     
-
 
   Net (gain) loss on sale of other real estate owned
    (14 )    
21
 
   Net loss on sale of securities
   
170
     
218
 
   Net loss on sale of loans
   
5
     
-
 
   Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance
    (291 )     (227 )
   Increase in accrued interest receivable
    (332 )     (482 )
   Increase in other assets
    (1,023 )     (2,024 )
   (Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
    (475 )    
2,437
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
4,867
     
5,990
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
   Purchases of securities available for sale
    (65,230 )     (30,318 )
   Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
   
14,449
     
25,436
 
   Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal repayments of securities available for sale
   
58,671
     
35,127
 
   Purchases of securities held to maturity
    (675 )    
-
 
   Proceeds from maturities, calls and principal repayments of securities held to maturity
   
225
     
25
 
   Investment in short term time deposits
    (1,017 )    
-
 
   Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston stock
    (611 )     (2,152 )
   Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
   
576
     
1,852
 
   Net loan originations and principal repayments
    (55,755 )     (97,443 )
   Proceeds from sales of loans
   
1,898
     
-
 
   Purchases of property and equipment
    (441 )     (877 )
   Cash paid to acquire Levine Financial Group
    (55 )     (100 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (47,965 )     (68,450 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
   Net increase in deposits
   
37,432
     
39,011
 
   Increase in short term borrowings
   
32,000
     
30,000
 
   Proceeds of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston long term advances
   
20,000
     
56,201
 
   Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston long term advances
    (37,954 )     (50,669 )
   Net decrease in repurchase agreements
    (2,906 )     (2,514 )
   Net increase in escrow funds held for borrowers
   
289
     
195
 
   Treasury stock purchases
    (1,250 )     (4,378 )
   Cash dividends paid
    (1,319 )     (1,095 )
   Payments on capitalized lease obligation
    (122 )    
-
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
46,170
     
66,751
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
3,072
     
4,291
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
25,419
     
15,843
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of  period
  $
28,491
    $
20,134
 
                 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid during the period:
               
   Interest on deposits, borrowings and other interest bearing liabilities
  $
22,418
    $
18,416
 
   Income taxes – net
   
2,463
     
2,062
 
Non-cash item:
               
   Capitalized lease asset and obligation
  $
1,932
    $
-
 
   Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
   
880
     
-
 
                 
 
 
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
4



UNITED FINANCIAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
Dollars in Thousands (except per share amounts)

 
NOTE A – BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of United Financial Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, United Bank. The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of United Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, UCB Securities, Inc., which is engaged in buying, selling and holding investment securities. These entities are collectively referred to herein as “the Company.” All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and with general practices within the banking industry. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial condition as of September 30, 2007 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. The interim results of operations presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2006 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

NOTE B – RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting and reporting for income taxes where interpretation of the tax law may be uncertain. FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of income tax uncertainties with respect to positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns. The cumulative effect, if any, of applying FIN 48 is recorded as an adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings. FIN 48 also requires disclosure of the entity’s policy on classification of interest and penalties. The Company adopted FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. The adoption of this standard had no material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. There have been no material changes in unrecognized tax benefits since January 1, 2007.  The Company’s policy is to report interest and penalties as part of other non-interest expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recognized $17,000 of interest and penalties.

The Company is subject to federal and state income taxes.  Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply.   With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2003.


 
5



In May 2007, the FASB issued FIN 48-1, “Definition of Settlement in FIN 48” to provide guidance on how an enterprise should determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits.  FSP FIN 48-1 is effective retroactively to January 1, 2007.  The implementation of this standard had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In June 2006, the EITF released Issue 06-05, “Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance-Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized in Accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4, “Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance”. On September 7, 2006, the EITF concluded that a policyholder should consider any additional amounts included in the contractual terms of the policy in determining the amount that could be realized under the insurance contract. Amounts that are recoverable by the policyholder at the discretion of the insurance company should be excluded from the amount that could be realized. Amounts that are recoverable by the policyholder in periods beyond one year from the surrender of the policy should be discounted utilizing an appropriate rate of interest. The Company adopted EITF 06-05 on January 1, 2007. The Company’s implementation of this Interpretation had no material effect on its results of operations or financial condition.

NOTE C – CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet as well as revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting estimate because it is highly susceptible to change from period to period. Arriving at an appropriate level for the allowance for loan losses necessarily involves a high degree of judgment. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance for loans may be necessary based on changes in the factors considered in evaluating the adequacy of the allowance, including prior loss experience, current economic conditions and their effect on borrowers, the character and size of the portfolio, trends in nonperforming loans and delinquency rates and the performance of individual loans in relation to contractual terms.

The assessment of whether a valuation allowance for the Company’s deferred tax assets is required is also a critical accounting estimate.  In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of such assets will not be realized.  This assessment is made each reporting period based upon an estimate of future taxable income during the periods in which existing temporary differences become deductible.

NOTE D – EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share have been computed in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share.”  Basic earnings per share have been calculated by dividing net income by weighted average shares outstanding before any dilution and are adjusted to exclude the weighted average number of unallocated shares held by the ESOP and unvested restricted stock awards.  Diluted earnings per share have been calculated by dividing net income by weighted average shares outstanding after giving effect to the potential dilution that could occur if potential common shares were converted into common stock using the treasury stock method.



 
6



 
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods indicated is presented below.
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30, 
   
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
                         
Net income
  $
1,291
    $
1,513
    $
3,103
    $
4,158
 
Weighted average common shares applicable to
                               
   basic EPS
   
16,266,869
     
16,382,133
     
16,259,601
     
16,528,981
 
Effect of dilutive potential common shares (1, 2)
   
56,647
     
13,822
     
60,934
     
4,658
 
Weighted average common shares applicable to
                               
   diluted EPS
   
16,323,516
     
16,395,955
     
16,320,535
     
16,533,639
 
                                 
Earnings per share:
                               
   Basic
  $
0.08
    $
0.09
    $
0.19
    $
0.25
 
   Diluted
  $
0.08
    $
0.09
    $
0.19
    $
0.25
 

(1)   For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 30, 2006, options to purchase 748,000 and 727,000 shares, respectively were outstanding but not included in the computation of earnings per share because they were antidilutive.
(2)   Includes incremental shares related to stock options and restricted stock.
         

NOTE E – LOANS

The components of loans were as follows at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
One-to-four family residential real estate
  $
336,064
    $
319,108
 
Commercial real estate
   
204,325
     
175,564
 
Construction
   
43,614
     
54,759
 
Home equity loans
   
118,712
     
112,739
 
Commercial and industrial
   
80,140
     
69,762
 
Consumer
   
31,451
     
30,181
 
   Total loans
   
814,306
     
762,113
 
                 
Net deferred loan costs and fees
   
1,418
     
1,285
 
Allowance for loan losses
    (7,612 )     (7,218 )
   Loans, net
  $
808,112
    $
756,180
 



 
7



NOTE F – NON-PERFORMING ASSETS

The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of non-performing assets at the dates indicated. [Missing Graphic Reference]
             
   
At September 30,
   
At December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Non-accrual loans:
           
   Residential mortgages
  $
119
    $
-
 
   Commercial mortgages
   
535
     
1,144
 
   Home equity
   
52
     
20
 
   Commercial and industrial
   
302
     
123
 
   Other consumer
   
-
     
1
 
      Total non-accrual loans
   
1,008
     
1,288
 
                 
Accruing loans 90 days or more past due
   
-
     
-
 
                 
Total non-performing loans
   
1,008
     
1,288
 
                 
Other real estate owned
   
880
     
562
 
      Total non-performing assets
  $
1,888
    $
1,850
 
                 
Ratios:
               
   Total non-performing loans to total loans
    0.12 %     0.17 %
   Total non-performing assets to total assets
    0.18 %     0.18 %
   Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans
    755.16 %     560.40 %
                 
 
NOTE G – ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses is as follows:
             
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
             
Balance at beginning of period
  $
7,218
    $
6,382
 
Provision for loan losses
   
1,040
     
627
 
Charge-offs
    (654 )     (179 )
Recoveries
   
8
     
50
 
Balance at end of period
  $
7,612
    $
6,880
 
                 
Ratios:
               
Net charge-offs to average loans
               
   outstanding (annualized)
    0.11 %     0.03 %
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing
               
   loans at end of period
    755.16 %     341.78 %
Allowance for loan losses to total
               
   loans at end of period
    0.93 %     0.94 %
                 

 
8



NOTE H – COMMITMENTS

Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were as follows:

             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Unused lines of credit
  $
143,268
    $
135,374
 
Amounts due mortgagors
   
32,779
     
34,742
 
Standby letters of credit
   
1,406
     
879
 
Commitments to originate loans
   
20,917
     
42,551
 

NOTE I – DEPOSITS

Deposit accounts, by type, are summarized as follows at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Demand
  $
104,411
    $
97,190
 
NOW
   
36,884
     
37,523
 
Regular savings
   
63,361
     
65,475
 
Money market
   
169,788
     
165,984
 
Certificates of deposit
   
348,674
     
319,514
 
    $
723,118
    $
685,686
 

 
NOTE J – CONTINGENCIES
 
The Company is a defendant in certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 

 
9


NOTE K – SECOND STAGE CONVERSION
 
On June 29, 2007 United Financial Bancorp, Inc., a new Maryland Corporation formed by the Company (“United Financial-Maryland”), filed a Form S-1 Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which was subsequently amended on September 14, 2007 and on October 10, 2007 in connection with the previously announced mutual-to-stock conversion of United Mutual Holding Company, the Company’s mutual holding company. United Financial-Maryland is offering 9,562,500 shares at the minimum of the offering range and 12,937,500 at the maximum of the offering range, at $10.00 per share. The Company expects net offering proceeds to total $93.2 million at the minimum and $126.7 million at the maximum of the offering range. In addition to selling shares in the offering, United Financial-Maryland will also simultaneously issue up to 11,096,643 shares of common stock at the maximum of the offering range to existing shareholders of the Company in exchange for their existing shares. United Financial-Maryland must sell a minimum of 9,562,500 shares in the offering and issue 8,201,867 shares in the exchange in order to complete the offering and the exchange of existing shares. On October 12, 2007, United Financial-Maryland received conditional approval from the Office of Thrift Supervision to commence its second-step conversion and offering.  The registration statement relating to the sale of common stock was declared effective by the SEC on October 12, 2007. The transaction is subject to the approvals of regulators, depositors and shareholders, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2007.
 



 
10





ITEM 2. Management’sDiscussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Statements

From time to time, the Company may publish forward-looking statements relating to such matters as anticipated financial performance, business prospects, technological developments, new products, and similar matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided that the Company notes that a variety of factors could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results expressed in the Company’s forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions that are less favorable than expected, changes in market interest rates that result in reduced interest margins, risks in the loan portfolio, including prepayments that are greater than expected, the enactment of legislation or regulatory changes that have a less than favorable impact on the business of the Company, and significant increases in competitive pressures. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company does not undertake to update forward- looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of the forward-looking statements or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Accordingly, past results and trends should not be used by investors to anticipate future results or trends.

Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006
 
Total assets increased $54.5 million, or 5.4%, to $1.1 billion at September 30, 2007 from $1.0 billion at December 31, 2006 reflecting growth in net loans, partially offset by a decrease in securities available for sale. The growth in assets was partially funded by increases in both deposits ($37.4 million) and Federal Home Loan Bank advances ($14.0 million). Securities available for sale decreased $6.4 million, or 3.4%, to $183.9 million at September 30, 2007 from $190.2 million at December 31, 2006, due to sales, calls and maturities of certain debt securities and repayments of mortgage-backed securities, partially offset by purchases of debt securities available for sale totaling $60.2 million. These year to date purchase totals include the acquisition of approximately $38 million of bonds, primarily fixed-rate pass-through mortgage-backed securities issued by FNMA and FHLMC during the third quarter of 2007 to take advantage of the attractive yields offered as a result of credit market deterioration and to preinvest a portion of the proceeds from the second-step conversion and offering expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2007.  The Company funded these purchases with short-term FHLB advances which will be paid in full upon the anticipated completion of the second-step offering.
 
Net loans increased $51.9 million, or 6.9%, to $808.1 million at September 30, 2007 from $756.2 million at December 31, 2006. One- to four-family residential mortgage loans increased $17.0 million, or 5.3%, to $336.1 million at September 30, 2007, reflecting continued strong demand in our primary market area given the stable real estate market and the relatively low interest rate environment. The increase was also due to management’s decision to retain substantially all originations of residential mortgage loans in portfolio. Commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans increased $28.8 million, or 16.4%, to $204.3 million and $10.4 million, or 14.9%, to $80.1 million, respectively, as a result of stable economic conditions in our primary market area, competitive pricing, attractive products and services, established relationships and  successful business development efforts. We continued to focus our efforts on growing the commercial real estate and commercial and industrial portfolios in order to improve net interest rate spread by increasing our origination of these generally higher-yielding loans.  Construction loans decreased $11.1 million, or 20.4%, to $43.6 million, as several credits converted to fixed-rate commercial mortgages or were paid-in-full. Home equity loans increased $6.0 million, or 5.3%, reflecting strong consumer demand, attractive product offerings and competitive rates.


 
11



Total deposits increased $37.4 million, or 5.5%, to $723.1 million at September 30, 2007. During the period, certificate of deposit balances increased $29.2 million as customers continued to prefer the higher yields offered for these accounts.  Demand deposits grew $7.2 million, or 7.4%, due to increased marketing and promotional activity in an effort to attract new customers and retain existing funds.  Money market account balances expanded $3.8 million, or 2.3%, reflecting strong customer demand, attractive products and competitive pricing. Total savings deposits declined $2.1 million, or 3.2%, to $63.4 million at September 30, 2007 as a result of transfers to higher yielding money market and certificates of deposit accounts.  Core deposits expanded $8.2 million, or 2.2%, to $374.4 million at September 30, 2007 from $366.2 million at December 31, 2006.

Total stockholders’ equity increased $3.5 million, or 2.6%, to $141.2 million at September 30, 2007 from $137.7 million at December 31, 2006 as a result of net income of $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, stock-based compensation totaling $1.5 million, a decrease of $1.1 million in the net unrealized loss on securities available for sale and ESOP compensation expense of $464,000. These items were partially offset by share repurchases totaling $1.3 million, and payments of cash dividends amounting to $1.3 million.
 
Credit Quality

The Company actively manages asset quality through its underwriting practices and collection operations and it does not offer loans to subprime or Alt-A borrowers.    Non-performing assets totaled $1.9 million, or 0.18% of total assets, at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.  Net loan charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 totaled $646,000 compared to $129,000 in the same period of 2006.  Construction loan charge-offs represent $326,000, or 50%, of the total, mainly related to two large construction loans.

Delinquent Loans. The following table sets forth our loan delinquencies by type, by amount and by percentage of total loans outstanding at the date indicated.
                               
   
Loans Delinquent For
             
   
60 - 89 Days
   
90 Days and Over
   
Total
 
   
Number
   
Amount
   
Number
   
Amount
   
Number
   
Amount
 
   
(Dollars in thousands) 
 
At September 30, 2007
                                   
Residential mortgages
   
4
    $
510
     
2
    $
119
     
6
    $
629
 
Commercial mortgage
   
9
     
1,400
     
4
     
435
     
13
     
1,835
 
Construction
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Home equity
   
4
     
346
     
2
     
52
     
6
     
398
 
Commercial and industrial
   
13
     
561
     
4
     
401
     
17
     
962
 
Automobile
 
 
8
     
55
     
-
     
-
     
8
     
55
 
Other consumer
   
2
     
1
     
-
     
-
     
2
     
1
 
Total
   
40
    $
2,873
     
12
    $
1,007
     
52
    $
3,880
 
                                                 
At December 31, 2006
                                               
Residential mortgages
   
12
    $
1,197
     
-
    $
-
     
12
    $
1,197
 
Commercial mortgage
   
6
     
524
     
7
     
1,144
     
13
     
1,668
 
Construction
   
1
     
108
     
-
     
-
     
1
     
108
 
Home equity
   
7
     
157
     
1
     
20
     
8
     
177
 
Commercial and industrial
   
6
     
93
     
4
     
123
     
10
     
216
 
Automobile
   
13
     
85
     
-
     
-
     
13
     
85
 
Other consumer
   
-
     
-
     
1
     
1
     
1
     
1
 
Total
   
45
    $
2,164
     
13
    $
1,288
     
58
    $
3,452
 
                                                 
 
 
 
12

 
Classified Assets.  The following table shows the aggregate amount of our classified assets at the date indicated for both loans and foreclosed assets. The amount of assets classified as “substandard” in the table includes 46 commercial lending relationships, 30 of which are not current.

   
At September 30,
   
At December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(In thousands)   
 
             
Residential Real Estate (1):
           
Substandard assets
  $ 1,081   (2,3)   $
1,252
 
                 
All Other Loans:
               
Special mention assets
   
16,380
     
8,990
 
Substandard assets
   
12,490
     
10,449
 
Doubtful assets
   
299
     
1,290
 
Loss assets
   
-
     
-
 
                 
Foreclosed Assets:
               
Other real estate owned
   
880
     
562
 
                 
Total classified assets
  $
31,130
    $
22,543
 
_______________________________________ 
(1) Includes one-to-four family loans and home equity loans and lines of credit.     
(2) Includes eight residential loans, four of which are in foreclosure or liquidation proceedings. 
(3) Includes three commercial lending relationships.        

 
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

Overview
 
Our results of operations depend primarily on our net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income earned on interest-earning assets, consisting primarily of loans, investment securities and other interest-earning assets, and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

Our results of operations also are affected by provisions for loan losses, non-interest income and non-interest expense. Non-interest income consists primarily of deposit account fees, wealth management fees, increases in the cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance and miscellaneous other income. Non-
interest expense consists primarily of compensation and employee benefits, data processing, occupancy, marketing and public relations, professional services, postage, printing, office supplies, and other operating expenses. Our results of operations also may be affected significantly by general and local economic and competitive conditions, changes in market interest rates, governmental policies and actions of regulatory authorities.

Net Income.  The Company’s net income was $1.3 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2007 compared to net income of $1.5 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the same period in 2006. The Company’s lower net income and earnings per share were due in large part to net interest margin contraction, increased non-interest expenses and a higher provision for loan losses, partially offset by growth in average interest-earning assets and core deposits.
 

 
13



 
Average balances and yields.  The following table sets forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the periods indicated. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments were made, as the effect thereof was not material. All average balances are daily average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances, but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.
 
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2007 
   
2006
 
         
Interest
               
Interest
       
   
Average
   
and
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
and
   
Yield/
 
   
Balance
   
Dividends
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Dividends
   
Cost
 
   
   (Dollars in thousands)
 
                                     
                                     
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans:
                                   
  Residential real estate
  $
346,357
    $
4,910
      5.67 %   $
316,118
    $
4,436
      5.61 %
  Commercial real estate
   
238,013
     
3,963
      6.66 %    
197,146
     
3,312
      6.72 %
  Home equity loans
   
118,604
     
1,966
      6.63 %    
105,329
     
1,740
      6.61 %
  Commercial and industrial
   
78,659
     
1,460
      7.42 %    
66,115
     
1,190
      7.20 %
  Consumer and other
   
31,123
     
413
      5.31 %    
30,209
     
365
      4.83 %
    Total loans
   
812,756
     
12,712
      6.26 %    
714,917
     
11,043
      6.18 %
Investment securities
   
168,498
     
2,017
      4.79 %    
211,101
     
2,195
      4.16 %
Other interest-earning assets
   
17,082
     
247
      5.78 %    
13,572
     
256
      7.54 %
    Total interest-earning assets
   
998,336
     
14,976
      6.00 %    
939,590
     
13,494
      5.74 %
Noninterest-earning assets
   
33,889
                     
30,372
                 
    Total assets
  $
1,032,225
                    $
969,962
                 
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Savings accounts
  $
62,005
     
139
      0.90 %   $
73,645
     
154
      0.84 %
Money market accounts
   
180,563
     
1,462
      3.24 %    
167,031
     
1,322
      3.17 %
NOW accounts
   
34,070
     
46
      0.54 %    
36,682
     
24
      0.26 %
Certificates of deposit
   
342,573
     
4,025
      4.70 %    
316,793
     
3,385
      4.27 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits
   
619,211
     
5,672
      3.66 %    
594,151
     
4,885
      3.29 %
FHLB advances
   
156,150
     
1,914
      4.90 %    
134,833
     
1,582
      4.69 %
Other interest-bearing liabilities
   
12,434
     
137
      4.41 %    
7,367
     
83
      4.51 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
787,795
     
7,723
      3.92 %    
736,351
     
6,550
      3.56 %
Demand deposits
   
101,119
                     
93,247
                 
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
   
3,491
                     
4,085
                 
    Total liabilities
   
892,405
                     
833,683
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
139,820
                     
136,279
                 
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $
1,032,225
                    $
969,962
                 
                                                 
Net interest income
          $
7,253
                    $
6,944
         
Interest rate spread(1)
                    2.08 %                     2.19 %
Net interest-earning assets(2)
  $
210,541
                    $
203,239
                 
Net interest margin(3)
                    2.91 %                     2.96 %
Average interest-earning assets to
                                               
     average interest-bearing liabilities
                    126.73 %                     127.60 %
 
 
(1)
Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(2)
Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.
 
(3)
Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.


 
14



 
Rate/Volume Analysis.  The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the periods 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.
 
                   
   
Three months ended September 30
 
   
2007 vs. 2006
 
   
Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Interest-earning assets:
                 
Loans:
                 
  Residential real estate
  $
428
    $
46
    $
474
 
  Commercial real estate
   
681
      (30 )    
651
 
  Home equity loans
   
220
     
6
     
226
 
  Commercial and industrial
   
232
     
38
     
270
 
  Consumer and other
   
11
     
37
     
48
 
     Total loans
   
1,572
     
97
     
1,669
 
Investment securities
    (481 )    
303
      (178 )
Other interest-earning assets
   
58
      (67 )     (9 )
     Total interest-earning assets
   
1,149
     
333
     
1,482
 
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                       
Savings accounts
    (25 )    
10
      (15 )
Money market accounts
   
109
     
31
     
140
 
NOW accounts
    (2 )    
24
     
22
 
Certificates of deposit
   
287
     
353
     
640
 
     Total interest-bearing deposits
   
369
     
418
     
787
 
FHLB advances
   
259
     
73
     
332
 
Other interest-bearing liabilities
   
56
      (2 )    
54
 
     Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
684
     
489
     
1,173
 
                         
Change in net interest income
  $
465
    $ (156 )   $
309
 
                         
 
Net Interest Income Before Provision for Loan Losses.  Net interest income before provision for loan losses increased $309,000, or 4.5%, to $7.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, reflecting growth in average earning assets, partially offset by net interest margin compression. Net interest margin contracted 5 basis points to 2.91% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2007 compared to 2.96% for the same period in 2006. Net interest margin was affected by the inverted yield curve, the increasingly competitive pricing conditions for loans and deposits and a shift in deposit demand towards higher-yielding money market and time deposit accounts.

 
15


 
Interest Income.  Interest income increased $1.5 million, or 11.0%, to $15.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $13.5 million for the prior year period reflecting expansion in total average interest-earning asset balances and an increase in the yield on average interest-earning assets. Total average interest-earning asset balances increased $58.7 million, or 6.3%, to $998.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 due in large part to strong loan growth, funded largely by deposit growth and cash flows from the investment securities portfolio. Total average loans increased $97.8 million, or 13.7%, to $812.8 million for the third quarter of 2007 as a result of substantial origination activity, partially offset by prepayments and normal amortization. Total average investment securities decreased by $42.6 million, or 20.2%, to $168.5 million due to maturities, calls, sales and principal repayments of existing securities, partially offset by purchases of bonds. The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 26 basis points to 6.00% for the third quarter of 2007 in connection with the higher interest rate environment and the use of cash flows from the investment portfolio to fund higher yielding loans. The increase in market rates contributed to the upward repricing of a portion of the Company’s existing assets and to higher rates for new assets. Since a significant amount of the Company’s average interest-earning assets are fixed rate and the impact of Federal Reserve Board actions was less pronounced on the long end of the yield curve, the effect of the expansion in market rates was limited.
 
Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased $1.2 million, or 17.9%, to $7.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $6.6 million for the prior year period due to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities and an increase in the average rate paid for interest-bearing liabilities. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $51.4 million, or 7.0%, to $787.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $736.4 million for the prior year period reflecting growth in interest-bearing deposits and FHLB advances. Total average interest-bearing deposits increased $25.1 million, or 4.2%, to $619.2 million for the third quarter of 2007 mainly attributable to an increase in money market and certificate of deposit balances, partially offset by a reduction in savings deposits.  The decline in savings account balances reflected a shift in deposit demand towards money market and certificate of deposit products to take advantage of more attractive rates. Total average FHLB advances increased $21.3 million, or 15.8%, to $156.2 million to support loan growth. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities rose 36 basis points to 3.92% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 reflecting the impact of higher market rates related to interest rate increases initiated by the Federal Reserve Board in prior years and the competitive rate environment for deposits. Since a large portion of the Company’s interest-bearing liabilities are short-term, the impact of the increase in market rates was significant.
 
Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses increased $271,000 to $436,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $165,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2006 mainly as a result of an increase in the reserve factor used to determine the allowance for loan losses related to the performing construction loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is based on management’s estimate of the probable losses inherent in the portfolio, considering the impact of certain factors.  Among the factors management may consider are prior loss experience, current economic conditions and their effect on borrowers, the character and size of the portfolio, trends in nonperforming loans and delinquency rates and the performance of individual loans in relation to contractual terms. The provision for loan losses reflects adjustments to the allowance based on management’s review of the loan portfolio in light of those conditions. The allowance for loan losses was $7.6 million, or 0.93%, of loans outstanding at September 30, 2007.
 

 
16



 
Non-interest Income.  Non-interest income increased $118,000, or 9.1%, to $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $1.3 million for the comparable period in 2006 mainly due to growth in wealth management income and a decrease in losses on sales of securities. Wealth management income expanded $74,000, or 58.7%, as a result of new accounts opened due to successful business development efforts and the acquisition of the Levine Financial Group in March 2006. The losses on sales of securities in the third quarter of 2007 were largely the result of a write-down of an other-than-temporarily impaired corporate bond which was subsequently sold in the fourth quarter of 2007. For the three months ended September 30, 2006 the Company recognized losses on sales of securities in connection with an investment portfolio restructuring transaction implemented to improve the yield in the portfolio.
 
Non-interest Expense.  Non-interest expense increased $552,000, or 9.9%, to $6.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from $5.6 million for the prior year period primarily reflecting increases in salaries and benefits and occupancy. Total salaries and benefits increased $532,000, or 17.7% mainly due to stock-based compensation associated with restricted stock and stock options granted in August 2006, staffing costs for the new Westfield branch opened in the fourth quarter of 2006, and annual wage increases.  These items were partially offset by lower pension plan expenses as a result of the Company’s termination of its participation in a multi-employer defined benefit plan sponsored by the Co-operative Banks Employee Retirement Association. The termination was effective April 30, 2007 and the Company was not required to make additional contributions after such date.
 
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense decreased $174,000 to $807,000 for three months ended September 30, 2007 from $981,000 for the comparable 2006 period.  This decrease was mainly due to lower income before income taxes, and a reduction in the effective tax rate to 38.5% for the third quarter of 2007 compared to 39.3% for the same period last year. The lower effective tax rate was principally due to an increase in non-taxable municipal income and a decrease in the nondeductible portion of employee stock ownership plan compensation as a result of the Company’s lower stock price.
 

 
Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
Net Income.  The Company’s net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 amounted to $3.1 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to $4.2 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, for the same period in 2006.  The Company’s lower net income and earnings per share were due in large part to net interest margin contraction, increased provision for loan losses and non-interest expenses as well as a higher effective tax rate in the 2007 period. These items were partially offset by growth in average earning assets and expansion in non-interest income.
 

 
17



 
Average balances and yields.  The following table sets forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the periods indicated. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments were made, as the effect thereof was not material. All average balances are daily average balances.  Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances, but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
         
Interest
               
Interest
       
   
Average
   
and
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
and
   
Yield/
 
   
Balance
   
Dividends
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Dividends
   
Cost
 
   
   (Dollars in thousands)
 
                                     
                                     
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans:
                                   
  Residential real estate
  $
341,355
    $
14,465
      5.65 %   $
304,227
    $
12,709
      5.57 %
  Commercial real estate
   
233,394
     
11,564
      6.61 %    
182,813
     
8,974
      6.55 %
  Home equity loans
   
117,498
     
5,777
      6.56 %    
97,117
     
4,678
      6.42 %
  Commercial and industrial
   
73,157
     
4,041
      7.36 %    
62,649
     
3,335
      7.10 %
  Consumer and other
   
30,332
     
1,170
      5.14 %    
28,518
     
1,023
      4.78 %
    Total loans
   
795,736
     
37,017
      6.20 %    
675,324
     
30,719
      6.07 %
Investment securities
   
171,575
     
5,849
      4.55 %    
219,713
     
6,761
      4.10 %
Other interest-earning assets
   
22,393
     
935
      5.57 %    
19,989
     
786
      5.24 %
    Total interest-earning assets
   
989,704
     
43,801
      5.90 %    
915,026
     
38,266
      5.58 %
Noninterest-earning assets
   
32,722
                     
30,613
                 
    Total assets
  $
1,022,426
                    $
945,639
                 
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Savings accounts
  $
64,066
     
427
      0.89 %   $
80,000
     
498
      0.83 %
Money market accounts
   
178,590
     
4,262
      3.18 %    
163,015
     
3,761
      3.08 %
NOW accounts
   
34,386
     
137
      0.53 %    
35,969
     
69
      0.26 %
Certificates of deposit
   
334,129
     
11,504
      4.59 %    
306,763
     
9,262
      4.03 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits
   
611,171
     
16,330
      3.56 %    
585,747
     
13,590
      3.09 %
FHLB advances
   
158,857
     
5,716
      4.80 %    
119,678
     
3,822
      4.26 %
Other interest-bearing liabilities
   
12,020
     
411
      4.56 %    
7,708
     
237
      4.10 %
    Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
782,048
     
22,457
      3.83 %    
713,133
     
17,649
      3.30 %
Demand deposits
   
97,946
                     
91,878
                 
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
   
3,422
                     
3,404
                 
    Total liabilities
   
883,416
                     
808,415
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
139,010
                     
137,224
                 
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $
1,022,426
                    $
945,639
                 
                                                 
Net interest income
          $
21,344
                    $
20,617
         
Interest rate spread(1)
                    2.07 %                     2.28 %
Net interest-earning assets(2)
  $
207,656
                    $
201,893
                 
Net interest margin(3)
                    2.88 %                     3.00 %
Average interest-bearing assets to
                                               
     average interest-bearing liabilities
                    126.55 %                     128.31 %

(1)
Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(2)
Net interest-earning assets represents total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.
(3)
Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.


 
18



Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the periods 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.

   
Nine months ended September 30
 
   
2007 vs. 2006
 
   
Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Interest-earning assets:
                 
Loans:
                 
  Residential real estate
  $
1,571
    $
185
    $
1,756
 
  Commercial real estate
   
2,505
     
85
     
2,590
 
  Home equity loans
   
1,000
     
99
     
1,099
 
  Commercial and industrial
   
576
     
130
     
706
 
  Consumer and other
   
67
     
80
     
147
 
     Total loans
   
5,719
     
579
     
6,298
 
Investment securities
    (1,588 )    
676
      (912 )
Other interest-earning assets
   
99
     
50
     
149
 
     Total interest-earning assets
   
4,230
     
1,305
     
5,535
 
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                       
Savings accounts
    (104 )    
33
      (71 )
Money market accounts
   
368
     
133
     
501
 
NOW accounts
    (3 )    
71
     
68
 
Certificates of deposit
   
871
     
1,371
     
2,242
 
     Total interest-bearing deposits
   
1,132
     
1,608
     
2,740
 
FHLB advances
   
1,366
     
528
     
1,894
 
Other interest-bearing liabilities
   
146
     
28
     
174
 
     Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
2,644
     
2,164
     
4,808
 
                         
Change in net interest income
  $
1,586
    $ (859 )   $
727
 
                         
 
Net Interest Income Before Provision for Loan Losses.  Net interest income before provision for loan losses increased $727,000, or 3.5%, to $21.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $20.6 million for the comparable 2006 period reflecting growth in average earning assets, substantially offset by net interest margin compression. Net interest margin contracted 12 basis points to 2.88% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007 compared to 3.00% for the same period in 2006. Net interest margin was affected by the flat yield curve, the increasingly competitive pricing conditions for loans and deposits and a shift in deposit demand towards higher-yielding money market and time deposit accounts.
 

 
19



 
Interest Income.  Interest income increased $5.5 million, or 14.5%, to $43.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $38.3 million for the prior year period reflecting expansion in total average interest-earning asset balances and an increase in the yield on average interest-earning assets. Total average interest-earning asset balances increased $74.7 million, or 8.2%, to $989.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 due in large part to strong loan growth, funded largely by deposit growth and cash flows from the investment securities portfolio. Total average loans increased $120.4 million, or 17.8%, to $795.7 million for the first nine months of 2007 as a result of origination activity, partially offset by prepayments and normal amortization. Total average investment securities decreased by $48.1 million, or 21.9%, to $171.6 million primarily due to maturities, calls, sales and amortization of existing securities, partially offset by purchases of bonds. The yield on average interest-earning assets increased 32 basis points to 5.90% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 in connection with the higher interest rate environment and the use of cash flows from the investment portfolio to fund higher yielding loans. The increase in market rates contributed to the repricing of a portion of the Company’s existing assets and to increased rates for new assets. Since a significant amount of the Company’s average interest earning assets are fixed rate and the impact of Federal Reserve Board actions was less pronounced on the long end of the yield curve, the effect of the expansion in market rates was limited.
 
Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased $4.8 million, or 27.2%, to $22.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $17.6 million for the prior year period due to an expansion in average interest-bearing liabilities and an increase in the rate paid for such liabilities. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $68.9 million, or 9.7%, to $782.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $713.1 million in 2006 reflecting growth in interest-bearing deposits and FHLB advances. Total average interest-bearing deposits increased $25.4 million, or 4.3%, to $611.2 million for the first nine months of 2007 mainly attributable to growth in money market and certificate of deposit balances, partially offset by a reduction in savings balances. The decline in savings deposits was mainly attributable to a shift in market demand to money market and certificate of deposit products to take advantage of more attractive rates. Total average FHLB advances increased $39.2 million, or 32.7%, to $158.9 million to support loan growth. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities rose 53 basis points to 3.83% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 3.30% for the same period last year reflecting interest rate increases initiated by the Federal Reserve Board. Since a large portion of the Company’s interest-bearing liabilities are short-term, the impact of the expansion in market rates was significant.
 
Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses was $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared to $627,000 for the same period in 2006 reflecting an increase in the reserve factor used to determine the allowance for the construction loan portfolio and to a lesser extent higher reserves associated with classified loans. The allowance for loan losses was $7.6 million, or 0.93%, of loans outstanding at September 30, 2007.

Non-interest Income.  Non-interest income increased $252,000, or 6.3%, to $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 reflecting growth in fee income on depositors’ accounts and wealth management accounts. Fee income on depositors’ accounts rose $112,000, or 3.6%, as a result of growth in transaction account balances and activity.  Wealth management income increased $172,000, or 53.9%, as a result of new accounts opened due to successful business development efforts and the acquisition of the Levine Financial Group in March 2006.
 

 
20



 
Non-interest Expense.  Non-interest expense increased $2.2 million, or 12.6%, to $19.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $17.2 million for the prior year period. Total salaries and benefits increased $1.9 million, or 21.2%, mainly due to stock-based compensation associated with restricted stock and stock options granted in August 2006 and staffing costs for the two new branches opened in 2006. Occupancy costs grew $173,000, or 13.6%, principally attributable to the two new branches opened in 2006. Data processing costs expanded $193,000, or 10.7%, reflecting a larger loan and deposit base and new branches opened in 2006. Professional services increased $170,000, or 24.2%, as a result of increased costs associated with the annual audit, Sarbanes Oxley Section 404 compliance and a comprehensive review of the Company’s employee benefits package.
 
Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense decreased $540,000 to $2.1 million for nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $2.6 million for the comparable 2006 period. This decrease was mainly due to lower income before income taxes, somewhat offset by an increase in the effective tax rate to 40.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to 38.8% for the same period last year. The higher effective tax rate was principally due to the higher proportion of non-deductible expenses in the 2007 period compared to the 2006 period.
 

 
21



Market Risk, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Market Risk

The majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. Consequently, our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk (“IRR”). Our assets, consisting primarily of mortgage loans, have longer maturities than our liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits. As a result, a principal part of our business strategy is to manage IRR and reduce the exposure of our net interest income (“NII”) to changes in market interest rates. Accordingly, our Board of Directors has established an Asset/Liability Management Committee which is responsible for evaluating the IRR inherent in our assets and liabilities, for determining the level of risk that is appropriate given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines approved by the Board of Directors.  With the assistance of an IRR management consultant, the committee monitors the level of IRR on a regular basis and generally meets at least on a quarterly basis to review our asset/liability policies and IRR position.

We have sought to manage our IRR in order to minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates. As part of our ongoing asset-liability management, we currently use the following strategies to manage our IRR: (i) using alternative funding sources, such as advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, to “match fund” certain longer-term one- to four-family residential mortgage loans; (ii) continued emphasis on increasing core deposits; (iii) offering adjustable rate and shorter-term home equity loans, commercial real estate loans, construction loans and commercial and industrial loans; (iv) offering a variety of consumer loans, which typically have shorter-terms and (v ) investing in mortgage-backed securities with variable rates or fixed rates with shorter durations. Shortening the average maturity of our interest-earning assets by increasing our investments in shorter-term loans and securities, as well as loans and securities with variable rates of interest, helps to better match the maturities and interest rates of our assets and liabilities, thereby reducing the exposure of our NII to changes in market interest rates.

Net interest income at-risk measures the risk of a decline in earnings due to potential short-term and long term changes in interest rates. The table below represents an analysis of our IRR as measured by the estimated changes in NII, resulting from an instantaneous and sustained parallel shift in the yield curve (+200 and -200 basis points) at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.
 
Net Interest Income At-Risk    
         
   
Estimated Increase
 
Estimated Increase
Change in Interest Rates
 
(Decrease) in NII
 
(Decrease) in NII
(Basis Points)
 
(September 30, 2007)
 
(December 31, 2006)
-200
 
7.4%
 
12.1%
Stable
 
0.0%
 
0.0%
+200
 
(9.7)%
 
(10.9)%

 
22



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

Net Portfolio Value Simulation Analysis.  The Office of Thrift Supervision requires the computation of amounts by which the net present value of an institution’s cash flow from assets, liabilities and off balance sheet items (the institution’s net portfolio value or “NPV”) would change in the event of a range of assumed changes in market interest rates.  The Office of Thrift Supervision provides all institutions that file a Consolidated Maturity/Rate Schedule as a part of their quarterly Thrift Financial Report an interest rate sensitivity report of net portfolio value.  The Office of Thrift Supervision simulation model uses a discounted cash flow analysis and an option-based pricing approach to measuring the interest rate sensitivity of net portfolio value.  Historically, the Office of Thrift Supervision model estimated the economic value of each type of asset, liability and off-balance sheet contract under the assumption that the United States Treasury yield curve increases or decreases instantaneously by 100 to 300 basis points in 100 basis point increments.  However, given the current low level of market interest rates, we did not prepare a net portfolio value calculation for an interest rate decrease of greater than 200 basis points.  A basis point equals one-hundredth of one percent, and 200 basis points equals two percent.  An increase in interest rates from 3% to 5% would mean, for example, a 200 basis point increase in the “Change in Interest Rates” column below.  The Office of Thrift Supervision provides us the results of the interest rate sensitivity model, which is based on information we provide to the Office of Thrift Supervision to estimate the sensitivity of our net portfolio value.

The tables below set forth, at the dates indicated, the estimated changes in our net portfolio value that would result from the designated instantaneous changes in the United States Treasury yield curve.  Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions, including relative levels of market interest rates, loan prepayments and deposit decay, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results.  This data is for United Bank and its subsidiary only and does not include any yield curve changes in the assets of United Financial Bancorp, Inc.

 
     
September 30, 2007 
                 
NPV as a Percentage of Present
Value of Assets (3) 
           
Estimated Increase (Decrease) in
NPV 
     
Change in
Interest Rates
(basis points) (1) 
 
Estimated
NPV (2) 
 
Amount 
 
Percent 
 
NPV Ratio (4) 
 
Increase
(Decrease)
(basis points) 
     
(Dollars in thousands)
           
 
+300
    $
69,017
    $ (65,234 )     (49 )%     7.35 %     (563 )
 
+200
     
91,267
      (42,984 )     (32 )    
9.42
      (357 )
 
+100
     
113,352
      (20,899 )     (16 )    
11.32
      (167 )
 
0
     
134,251
     
     
     
12.99
     
 
 
-100
     
149,946
     
15,695
     
12
     
14.12
     
113
 
 
-200
     
159,694
     
25,443
     
19
     
14.72
     
174
 
                                             
 
(1)
Assumes an instantaneous uniform change in interest rates at all maturities.
 
(2)
NPV is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts.
 
(3)
Present value of assets represents the discounted present value of incoming cash flows on interest-earning assets.
 
(4)
NPV Ratio represents NPV divided by the present value of assets.
 

 
23


     
December 31, 2006 
                 
NPV as a Percentage of Present
Value of Assets (3) 
           
Estimated Increase (Decrease) in
NPV 
     
Change in
Interest Rates
(basis points) (1) 
 
Estimated
NPV (2) 
 
Amount 
 
Percent 
 
NPV Ratio (4) 
 
Increase
(Decrease)
(basis points) 
     
(Dollars in thousands)
           
                                 
 
+300
    $
71,274
    $ (48,844 )     (41 )%     7.61 %     (444 )
 
+200
     
88,681
      (31,438 )     (26 )    
9.26
      (279 )
 
+100
     
104,940
      (15,178 )     (13 )    
10.74
      (132 )
 
0
     
120,118
     
     
     
12.05
     
 
 
-100
     
131,068
     
10,950
     
9
     
12.95
     
89
 
 
-200
     
135,979
     
15,861
     
13
     
13.29
     
124
 
 
________________________________ 
 
(1)
Assumes an instantaneous uniform change in interest rates at all maturities.
 
(2)
NPV is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts.
 
(3)
Present value of assets represents the discounted present value of incoming cash flows on interest-earning assets.
 
(4)
NPV Ratio represents NPV divided by the present value of assets.

The tables above indicate that at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, in the event of a 100 basis point decrease in interest rates, we would experience a 12% and 9%, respectively, increase in net portfolio value.  In the event of a 300 basis point increase in interest rates, we would experience a 49% and 41%, respectively, decrease in net portfolio value.

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

Liquidity
 
Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future financial obligations of a short-term nature. Our primary sources of funds consist of deposit inflows, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, loan and mortgage-backed securities repayments and maturities and sales of loans and other investment securities. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions and competition. Our Asset/Liability Management Committee is responsible for establishing and monitoring our liquidity targets and strategies in order to ensure that sufficient liquidity exists for meeting the borrowing needs of our customers as well as unanticipated contingencies. We seek to maintain a liquidity ratio of 10% or greater. At September 30, 2007 our liquidity ratio was 23.37%, compared to 27.01% at December 31, 2006.
 
We regularly adjust our investments in liquid assets based upon our assessment of (1) expected loan demand, (2) expected deposit flows, (3) yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities, and (4)  the objectives of our asset/liability management program. Excess liquid assets are generally invested in interest-earning deposits and short- and intermediate-term securities.
 

 
24



 
Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents. The levels of these assets are dependent on our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period. At September 30, 2007, cash and cash equivalents totaled $28.5 million.  Securities classified as available-for-sale, which provide additional sources of liquidity, totaled $183.9 million at September 30, 2007. In addition, at September 30, 2007, we had the ability to borrow a total of approximately $362.8 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.  On that date, we had $183.9 million in advances outstanding.

Our cash flows are derived from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

At September 30, 2007, we had $20.9 million in loan commitments outstanding. In addition to commitments to originate loans, we had $143.3 million in unused lines of credit to borrowers and $32.8 million to be disbursed under existing construction loan commitments. Certificates of deposit due within one year of September 30, 2007 totaled $310.3 million, or 42.9% of total deposits. If these deposits do not remain with us, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including other certificates of deposit and Federal Home Loan Bank advances. 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, 2008. 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.

Our primary investing activities are the origination of loans and the purchase of securities.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we originated $235.1 million of loans and purchased $65.9 million of securities.  In the comparable 2006 period, we originated $274.4 million of loans and purchased $30.3 million of securities.

Financing activities consist primarily of activity in deposit accounts and Federal Home Loan Bank advances.  We experienced a net increase in total deposits of $37.4 million and $39.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Deposit flows are affected by the overall level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by us and our local competitors and other factors.

Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business management.  If we require funds beyond our ability to generate them internally, borrowing agreements exist with the Federal Home Loan Bank, which provides an additional source of funds.  Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased by $14.0 million and $35.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Federal Home Loan Bank advances have primarily been used to fund loan demand and to purchase securities.  We have also used Federal Home Loan Bank advances to “match-fund” certain longer-term one- to four-family residential mortgage loans and commercial real estate loans.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations

Commitments

As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and unused lines of credit.  While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon.  Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans made by us.  We consider commitments to extend credit in determining our allowance for loan losses.


 
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Contractual Obligations

In the ordinary course of our operations, we enter into certain contractual obligations. Such obligations include operating leases for premises and equipment. The following table summarizes our significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations and other funding needs by payment date at September 30, 2007. The payment amounts represent those amounts due to the recipient and do not include any unamortized premiums or discounts or other similar carrying amount adjustments.

   
Payments Due by Period
 
   
Less Than
   
One to Three
   
Three to Five
   
More than
       
   
One Year
   
Years
   
Years
   
Five Years
   
Total
 
Contractual Obligations:
                             
Certificates of deposit
  $
310,260
    $
33,417
    $
4,997
    $
-
    $
348,674
 
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
   
97,000
     
44,957
     
26,386
     
15,509
     
183,852
 
Repurchase agreements
   
7,519
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
7,519
 
Standby letters of credit
   
1,406
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,406
 
Operating leases
   
534
     
1,150
     
836
     
4,591
     
7,111
 
Capitalized lease
   
146
     
292
     
292
     
2,688
     
3,418
 
Total
  $
416,865
    $
79,816
    $
32,511
    $
22,788
    $
551,980
 
Commitments to extend credit
  $
198,370
    $
-
    $
-
    $
-
    $
198,370
 
                                         
 
Capital Resources
 
United Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements, including a risk-based capital measure. The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories. At September 30, 2007, the Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements. United Bank is considered “well capitalized” under regulatory requirements.
 
       
As of September 30, 2007:
     
       
    Total risk-based capital
    15.37 %
         
    Tier 1 risk-based capital
    14.37 %
         
    Tier 1 leverage capital
    10.48 %
         
As of December 31, 2006:
       
         
    Total risk-based capital
    15.86 %
         
    Tier 1 risk-based capital
    14.83 %
         
    Tier 1 leverage capital .
    10.57 %
         
 

 
26



 



ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information required by this item is included above in Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under the caption “Market Risk, Liquidity and Capital Resources.”


ITEM 4.  Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and in a timely manner alerting them to material information relating to the Company (or its consolidated subsidiary) required to be filed in its periodic SEC filings.

No change in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  In the ordinary course of business, we routinely enhance our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting by either upgrading our current systems or implementing new systems. Changes have been made and will be made to our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting as a result of these efforts.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    Legal Proceedings

At September 30, 2007, the Company was not involved in any legal proceedings, the outcome of which would be material to the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 1A.  Risk Factors

As of September 30, 2007, there have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.



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

(a) No unregistered securities were sold by the Company during the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

(b) Not applicable

(c) The following table provides certain information with regard to shares repurchased by the Company in the third quarter of 2007.

               
(c)
   
(d)
 
               
Total Number of
   
Maximum Number
 
               
Shares
   
(or Approximate
 
   
(a)
   
(b)
   
(or Units)
   
Dollar Value) of
 
   
Total Number
   
Average Price
   
Purchased as Part
   
Shares (or Units) that
 
   
of Shares
   
Paid Per
   
of Publicly
   
May Yet Be
 
   
(or Units)
   
Share
   
Announced Plans
   
Purchased Under the
 
Period
 
Purchased
   
(or Unit)
   
or Programs
   
Plans or Programs
 
                         
July 1 - 31, 2007
   
-
    $
-
     
-
     
773,358
 
                                 
August 1 - 31, 2007
   
3,693
     
11.05
     
-
     
773,358
 
                                 
September 1 - 30, 2007
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
773,358
 
                                 
    Total
   
3,693
    $
11.05
     
-
   
N/A
 

 

ITEM 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 Not applicable.

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

 Not applicable.
 
ITEM 5.  Other Information

 Not applicable.

 
28




ITEM 6.  Exhibits.
 
3.1
Charter of United Financial Bancorp, Inc., as amended (1)
3.2
Resolution and Consent of Sole Stockholder Amending the Charter of United Financial Bancorp, Inc. (1)
3.3
Bylaws of United Financial Bancorp, Inc. (3)
4
Form of Common Stock Certificate of United Financial Bancorp, Inc. (1)
10.1
Form of Employee Stock Ownership Plan (1)
10.2
Executive Supplemental Compensation Agreement by and between United Bank and Richard B. Collins (1)
10.3
Executive Supplemental Compensation Agreement by and between United Bank and Keith E. Harvey (1)
10.4
Executive Supplemental Compensation Agreement by and between United Bank and John J. Patterson (1)
10.5
United Bank 2004 and 2005 Incentive Plans (1)
10.9
Directors Fee Continuation Plan (1)
10.10
Form of Employment Agreement by and between United Bank and Richard B. Collins (1)
10.11
Form of Change in Control Agreement by and between United Bank and certain executive officers (1)
10.12
United Bank 2006 Stock-Based Incentive Plan (2)
11
Statement Regarding Computation of Per Share Earnings (refer to Note D of Part I,
 
Item 1- Consolidated Financial Statements)
21
Subsidiaries of Registrant (1)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
   
   
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of United Financial Bancorp, Inc. (file no. 333-123371), originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2005.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix B of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2006 Annual Meeting filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 12, 2006.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2007.

 
29




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 
United Financial Bancorp, Inc.
     
     
Date: November 8, 2007
By:
/s/ Richard B. Collins
   
Richard B. Collins
   
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
     
     
Date: November 8, 2007
By:
/s/ Mark A. Roberts
   
Mark A. Roberts
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

30