form10-q.htm Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
_____________________________

FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
       EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

       For the quarterly period ending September 30, 2010

OR

[  ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     For the transition period from _______ to _______

Commission File Number: 000-23601

PATHFINDER BANCORP, INC.
(Exact Name of Company as Specified in its Charter)

FEDERAL
16-1540137
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

214 West First Street, Oswego, NY 13126
(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)

(315) 343-0057
(Issuer's Telephone Number including area code)


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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES *        NO *

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

Large accelerated filer*                Accelerated filer*                Non-accelerated filer*             Smaller reporting company  T
             (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

As of November 11, 2010, there were 2,972,119 shares issued and 2,484,832 shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock.



 
 

 


PATHFINDER BANCORP, INC.
INDEX



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PAGE NO.
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
   
     
     
     
     
Item 1.
Legal proceedings
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
Item 2.
Unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds
 
Item 3.
Defaults upon senior securities
 
Item 4.
Removed and Reserved
 
Item 5.
Other information
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
     
     

 
 



PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 – Consolidated Financial Statements

Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Condition
(Unaudited)
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS:
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 11,037     $ 8,678  
Interest earning deposits
    9,440       5,953  
Total cash and cash equivalents
    20,477       14,631  
Investment securities, at fair value
    84,164       72,754  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
    1,864       1,899  
Loans
    278,429       262,465  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    3,582       3,078  
Loans receivable, net
    274,847       259,387  
Premises and equipment, net
    7,831       7,173  
Accrued interest receivable
    1,707       1,482  
Foreclosed real estate
    355       181  
Goodwill
    3,840       3,840  
Bank owned life insurance
    7,168       6,956  
Other assets
    3,533       3,389  
Total assets
  $ 405,786     $ 371,692  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Deposits:
               
Interest-bearing
  $ 297,948     $ 269,539  
Noninterest-bearing
    29,979       27,300  
Total deposits
    327,927       296,839  
Long-term borrowings
    35,000       36,000  
Junior subordinated debentures
    5,155       5,155  
Other liabilities
    6,169       4,460  
Total liabilities
    374,251       342,454  
Shareholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; $1,000 liquidation preference;
               
1,000,000 shares authorized; 6,771 shares issued and outstanding
    6,193       6,101  
Common stock, par value $0.01; authorized 10,000,000 shares;
               
    2,972,119 and 2,484,832 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    30       30  
Additional paid in capital
    8,615       8,615  
Retained earnings
    23,668       22,419  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (469 )     (1,425 )
Treasury stock, at cost; 487,287 shares
    (6,502 )     (6,502 )
Total shareholders' equity
    31,535       29,238  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 405,786     $ 371,692  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
               
 
 
- 3 -

 
Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
   
For the three
   
For the three
 
 
 
months ended
   
months ended
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Interest and dividend income:
           
Loans, including fees
  $ 3,861     $ 3,686  
Debt securities:
               
Taxable
    611       619  
Tax-exempt
    74       3  
Dividends
    38       81  
Federal funds sold and interest earning deposits
    1       2  
       Total interest income
    4,585       4,391  
Interest expense:
               
Interest on deposits
    861       1,020  
Interest on short-term borrowings
    2       7  
Interest on long-term borrowings
    350       365  
       Total interest expense
    1,213       1,392  
          Net interest income
    3,372       2,999  
Provision for loan losses
    263       247  
          Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    3,109       2,752  
Noninterest income:
               
Service charges on deposit accounts
    319       382  
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
    72       56  
Loan servicing fees
    46       64  
Net gains on sales and redemptions of investment securities
    144       231  
Net gains on sales of loans and foreclosed real estate
    10       15  
Debit card interchange fees
    76       69  
Other charges, commissions & fees
    131       155  
          Total noninterest income
    798       972  
Noninterest expense:
               
Salaries and employee benefits
    1,541       1,402  
Building occupancy
    317       312  
Data processing
    340       322  
Professional and other services
    243       239  
FDIC assessments
    129       218  
Other expenses
    382       371  
          Total noninterest expenses
    2,952       2,864  
Income before income taxes
    955       860  
Provision for income taxes
    287       293  
Net income
    668       567  
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
    115       25  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 553     $ 542  
                 
Earnings per common share - basic
  $ 0.22     $ 0.22  
Earnings per common share - diluted
  $ 0.22     $ 0.22  
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.03     $ 0.03  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
 

 
 
- 4 -

Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
   
For the nine
   
For the nine
 
 
 
months ended
   
months ended
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Interest and dividend income:
           
Loans, including fees
  $ 11,396     $ 10,999  
Debt securities:
               
Taxable
    1,771       2,001  
Tax-exempt
    190       16  
Dividends
    168       243  
Federal funds sold and interest earning deposits
    5       3  
       Total interest income
    13,530       13,262  
Interest expense:
               
Interest on deposits
    2,557       3,471  
Interest on short-term borrowings
    2       26  
Interest on long-term borrowings
    1,052       1,176  
       Total interest expense
    3,611       4,673  
          Net interest income
    9,919       8,589  
Provision for loan losses
    788       654  
          Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    9,131       7,935  
Noninterest income:
               
Service charges on deposit accounts
    1,051       1,099  
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
    212       169  
Loan servicing fees
    163       175  
Losses on impairment of investment securities
    -       (298 )
Net gains on sales and redemptions of investment securities
    172       319  
Net (losses) gains on sales of loans and foreclosed real estate
    (43 )     80  
Debit card interchange fees
    229       206  
Other charges, commissions & fees
    390       366  
          Total noninterest income
    2,174       2,116  
Noninterest expense:
               
Salaries and employee benefits
    4,601       4,151  
Building occupancy
    971       941  
Data processing
    1,021       997  
Professional and other services
    621       654  
FDIC assessments
    386       480  
Other expenses
    1,106       1,031  
          Total noninterest expenses
    8,706       8,254  
Income before income taxes
    2,599       1,797  
Provision for income taxes
    780       620  
Net income
    1,819       1,177  
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion
    346       25  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 1,473     $ 1,152  
                 
Earnings per common share - basic
  $ 0.59     $ 0.46  
Earnings per common share - diluted
  $ 0.59     $ 0.46  
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.09     $ 0.09  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
- 5 -

 


Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009
(Unaudited)

                           
Accumulated
             
               
Additional
         
Other Com-
             
   
Preferred
   
Common
   
Paid in
   
Retained
   
prehensive
   
Treasury
       
(In thousands, except share data)
 
Stock
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Loss
   
Stock
   
Total
 
Balance, January 1, 2010
  $ 6,101     $ 30     $ 8,615     $ 22,419     $ (1,425 )   $ (6,502 )   $ 29,238  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                            1,819                       1,819  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
                                                       
Unrealized holding gains on securities
                                                       
available for sale (net of $646 tax expense)
                                    967               967  
Unrealized holding loss on financial
                                                       
derivative (net of $74 tax benefit)
                                    (110 )             (110 )
Retirement plan net losses and transition
                                                       
obligation recognized in plan expenses
                                                       
(net of $66 tax expense)
                                    99               99  
Total Comprehensive income
                                                    2,775  
Preferred stock discount accretion
    92                       (92 )                     -  
Preferred stock dividends
                            (254 )                     (254 )
Common stock dividends declared ($0.09 per share)
                            (224 )                     (224 )
Balance, September 30, 2010
  $ 6,193     $ 30     $ 8,615     $ 23,668     $ (469 )   $ (6,502 )   $ 31,535  
Balance, January 1, 2009
    -     $ 30     $ 7,909     $ 21,198     $ (3,140 )   $ (6,502 )   $ 19,495  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
                            1,177                       1,177  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                                       
Unrealized holding gains on securities
                                                       
available for sale (net of $588 tax expense)
                                    1,106               1,106  
Retirement plan net losses and transition
                                                       
obligation recognized in plan expenses
                                                       
(net of $84 tax benefit)
                                    125               125  
Total Comprehensive income
                                                    2,408  
Preferred stock and
                                                       
   common stock warrants issued
    6,065               706                               6,771  
Preferred stock discount accretion
    6                       (6 )                     -  
Preferred stock dividends
                            (19 )                     (19 )
Common stock dividends declared ($0.09 per share)
                            (224 )                     (224 )
Balance, September 30, 2009
  $ 6,071     $ 30     $ 8,615     $ 22,126     $ (1,909 )   $ (6,502 )   $ 28,431  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
- 6 -

Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 (Unaudited)
   
For the nine
   
For the nine
 
 
 
months ended
   
months ended
 
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income
  $ 1,819     $ 1,177  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    788       654  
Proceeds from sales of loans
    144       9,322  
Originations of loans held-for-sale
    (146 )     (9,210 )
Realized losses (gains) on sales of:
               
Real estate acquired through foreclosure
    41       32  
Loans
    2       (112 )
Premises and equipment
    1       -  
Available-for-sale investment securities
    (172 )     (319 )
Impairment write-down on available-for-sale securities
    -       298  
Depreciation
    483       493  
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights
    22       22  
Amortization of deferred loan costs
    163       183  
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
    (212 )     (169 )
Net amortization (accretion) of premiums and discounts on investment securities
    336       (84 )
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable
    (225 )     213  
Net change in other assets and liabilities
    889       (1,291 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    3,933       1,209  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale
    (46,190 )     (21,379 )
Net proceeds from the redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    35       740  
Proceeds from maturities and principal reductions of investment securities available-for-sale
    27,133       15,999  
Proceeds from sale of:
               
Available-for-sale investment securities
    9,096       13,758  
Real estate acquired through foreclosure
    137       265  
Premises and equipment
    24       -  
Net increase in loans
    (16,766 )     (5,283 )
Purchase of premises and equipment
    (1,166 )     (280 )
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (27,697 )     3,820  
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Net increase in demand deposits, NOW accounts, savings accounts,
               
money management deposit accounts, MMDA accounts and escrow deposits
    38,658       20,933  
Net (decrease) increase in time deposits
    (7,570 )     2,247  
Net repayments on short-term borrowings
    -       (16,575 )
Payments on long-term borrowings
    (5,000 )     (3,400 )
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
    4,000       2,000  
Proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock and common stock warrants
    -       6,771  
Cash dividends paid to preferred shareholders
    (254 )     -  
Cash dividends paid to common shareholders
    (224 )     (404 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    29,610       11,572  
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    5,846       16,601  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    14,631       7,678  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 20,477     $ 24,279  
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR:
               
Interest
  $ 3,645     $ 4,721  
Income taxes
    402       521  
NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITY
               
Transfer of loans to foreclosed real estate
    355       381  
 
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
               



 
- 7 -



Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
(1) Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information, the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Certain amounts in the 2009 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.  These reclassifications had no effect on net income as previously reported.
 
The following material under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" is written with the presumption that the users of the interim financial statements have read, or have access to, the Company's latest audited financial statements and notes thereto, together with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the two years then ended.  Therefore, only material changes in financial condition and results of operations are discussed in the remainder of Part 1.
 
Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010.
 
(2) Earnings per Common Share
 
Basic earnings per common share has been computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding throughout the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, using 2,484,832 weighted average common shares outstanding for each quarter.  Diluted earnings per common share for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, have been computed using 2,484,832 and 2,486,652 weighted average common shares outstanding for the three month periods, respectively, and 2,484,832 and 2,485,445 for each of the nine month periods, respectively.  Diluted earnings per share gives effect to weighted average shares that would be outstanding assuming the exercise of issued stock options and warrants using the treasury stock method.  The Company’s common stock trading price averaged over the three-month period and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 remained below strike prices of the outstanding stock options and warrants and therefore there was no dilutive effect.  The dilutive effect for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2009 was the result of the Company’s common stock weighted average trading price rising above the strike price of outstanding warrants after their issuance.
 
(3) Pension and Postretirement Benefits

The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. The plan provides defined benefits based on years of service and final average salary. In addition, the Company provides certain health and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees.  The healthcare plan is contributory with participants’ contributions adjusted annually; the life insurance plan is noncontributory.  Employees with less than 14 years of service as of January 1, 1995, are not eligible for the health and life insurance retirement benefits.
 
 
 
- 8 -


 
The composition of net periodic pension plan costs for the three months and nine months ended September 30, is as follows:
 
   
For the three months
   
For the nine months
 
 
 
ended September 30,
   
ended September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Service cost
  $ 65     $ 57     $ 195     $ 171  
Interest cost
    94       83       282       250  
Expected return on plan assets
    (143 )     (68 )     (411 )     (204 )
Amortization of net losses
    50       65       150       194  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 66     $ 137     $ 216     $ 411  

The composition of net periodic postretirement plan costs for the three months and nine months ended September 30, is as follows:

   
For the three months
   
For the nine months
 
 
 
ended September 30,
   
ended September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Service cost
  $ -     $ 1     $ -     $ 2  
Interest cost
    5       5       15       16  
Amortization of transition obligation
    5       5       14       14  
Amortization of net losses
    -       -       -       1  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 10     $ 11     $ 29     $ 33  

The Company made a non-recurring contribution to the defined benefit pension plan of $1.0 million during the first quarter of 2010.    Regular contributions of approximately $64,000 were also made in the first quarter as planned.  There were no additional contributions made in the second or third quarters of 2010.

(4) Comprehensive Income

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income.  Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, unrealized gains and losses on financial derivatives, and unrecognized gains and losses, prior service costs and transition assets or obligations for defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans are reported as a separate component of the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated statements of condition, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income.

The components of other comprehensive income and related tax effects for the three and nine months ended September 30 are as follows:
 
 
For the three months
 
For the nine months
 
ended September 30,
 
ended September 30,
(In thousands)
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
Unrealized holding gains on securities available for sale:
             
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period
 $             205
 
 $          1,718
 
 $          1,785
 
 $          1,715
Reclassification adjustment for impairment charges included in net income
                   -
 
                   -
 
                   -
 
                298
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
              (144)
 
              (232)
 
              (172)
 
              (319)
Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale
                  61
 
             1,486
 
             1,613
 
             1,694
Unrealized holding losses on financial derivative:
             
Unrealized holding losses arising during the period
                (61)
 
                   -
 
              (184)
 
                  -
Net unrealized losses on financial derivative
                (61)
 
                   -
 
              (184)
 
                  -
Defined benefit pension and post retirement plans:
             
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of benefit plans' net loss
             
and transition obligation recognized in net periodic expense
                  56
 
                  70
 
                165
 
                210
Net change in defined benefit plan
                  56
 
                  70
 
                165
 
                210
Other comprehensive income before tax
                  56
 
             1,556
 
             1,594
 
             1,904
Tax effect
                  22
 
              (484)
 
              (638)
 
              (673)
Other comprehensive income
 $               78
 
 $          1,072
 
 $             956
 
 $          1,231
 
 
 
- 9 -


 
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss and related tax effects for the periods indicated are as follows:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Unrealized gains on securities available for sale
           
(net of tax expense 2010 - $812; 2009 - $166)
  $ 1,216     $ 249  
Unrealized losses on financial derivative
               
(net of tax benefit 2010 - $74; 2009 - $0)
    (110 )     -  
Net pension losses
               
(net of tax benefit 2010 - $1,040; 2009 - $1,100)
    (1,558 )     (1,649 )
Net post-retirement transition obligation
               
(net of tax benefit 2010 - $11; 2009 - $17)
    (17 )     (25 )
    $ (469 )   $ (1,425 )

(5) Investment Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities available for sale are summarized as follows:
 
   
September 30, 2010
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
   
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
Bond investment securities:
                       
US Treasury and agencies
  $ 22,156     $ 232     $ (3 )   $ 22,385  
State and political subdivisions
    19,238       662       (8 )     19,892  
Corporate
    5,824       261       (505 )     5,580  
Residential mortgage-backed
    30,612       1,272       -       31,884  
Total
    77,830       2,427       (516 )     79,741  
Equity investment securities:
                               
Mutual funds:
                               
Ultra short mortgage fund
    2,021       53       -       2,074  
Large cap equity fund
    1,600       29       -       1,629  
Other mutual funds
    183       33       -       216  
Common stock - financial services industry
    502       3       (1 )     504  
Total
    4,306       118       (1 )     4,423  
Total investment securities
  $ 82,136     $ 2,545     $ (517 )   $ 84,164  


 
- 10 -

 
   
December 31, 2009
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
   
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
Bond investment securities:
                       
US Treasury and agencies
  $ 14,528     $ 30     $ (26 )   $ 14,532  
State and political subdivisions
    8,989       20       (81 )     8,928  
Corporate
    5,333       194       (562 )     4,965  
Residential mortgage-backed
    36,124       989       (173 )     36,940  
Total
    64,974       1,233       (842 )     65,365  
Equity investment securities:
                               
Mutual funds:
                               
Ultra short mortgage fund
    2,519       -       -       2,519  
Large cap equity fund
    2,088       -       -       2,088  
Other mutual funds
    183       24       -       207  
Common stock - financial services industry
    372       -       -       372  
Total
    5,162       24       -       5,186  
Other investments
    2,203       -       -       2,203  
Total investment securities
  $ 72,339     $ 1,257     $ (842 )   $ 72,754  


The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt investments at September 30, 2010 by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
 
   
Amortized
   
Estimated
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
           
Due in one year or less
  $ 601     $ 617  
Due after one year through five years
    24,446       24,862  
Due after five years through ten years
    9,278       9,568  
Due after ten years
    12,893       12,810  
Mortgage-backed securities
    30,612       31,884  
Totals
  $ 77,830     $ 79,741  


The Company’s investment securities’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are as follows:

   
September 30, 2010
 
 
 
Less than Twelve Months
   
Twelve Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
 
(In thousands)
 
 
                               
US Treasury and Agencies
  $ (3 )   $ 998     $ -     $ -     $ (3 )   $ 998  
State and political subdivisions
  $ (8 )   $ 1,654     $ -     $ -     $ (8 )   $ 1,654  
Corporate
    -       -       (505 )     1,461       (505 )     1,461  
Equity investments
    (1 )     2       -       -       (1 )     2  
    $ (12 )   $ 2,654     $ (505 )   $ 1,461     $ (517 )   $ 4,115  
 
 
 
                                               
 
                                               
   
December 31, 2009
 
 
 
Less than Twelve Months
   
Twelve Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
 
(In thousands)
                                               
US Treasury and Agencies
  $ (26 )   $ 4,996     $ -     $ -     $ (26 )   $ 4,996  
State and political subdivisions
    (81 )     2,988       -       -       (81 )     2,988  
Corporate
    -       -       (562 )     1,402       (562 )     1,402  
Residential mortgage-backed
    (149 )     9,665       (24 )     545       (173 )     10,210  
    $ (256 )   $ 17,649     $ (586 )   $ 1,947     $ (842 )   $ 19,596  
 
 
 
 
- 11 -

We conduct a formal review of investment securities on a quarterly basis for the presence of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”). We assess whether OTTI is present when the fair value of a debt security is less than its amortized cost basis at the statement of condition date. Under these circumstances, OTTI is considered to have occurred (1) if we intend to sell the security; (2) if it is “more likely than not” we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis. The guidance requires that credit-related OTTI is recognized in earnings while noncredit-related OTTI on securities not expected to be sold is recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Noncredit-related OTTI is based on other factors, including illiquidity. Presentation of OTTI is made in the statement of income on a gross basis, including both the portion recognized in earnings as well as the portion recorded in OCI. Normally, the gross OTTI would then be offset by the amount of noncredit-related OTTI, showing the net as the impact on earnings.  All OTTI charges have been credit-related to date, and therefore no offset has been presented on the consolidated financial statements.

At September 30, 2010, two corporate securities were in unrealized loss positions.  The two securities in unrealized loss positions represent trust-preferred issuances from large money center financial institutions.  The JP Morgan Chase floating rate trust-preferred security has a carrying value of $985,000 and a fair value of $760,000. The Bank of America floating rate trust-preferred security has a carrying value of $981,000 and a fair value of $701,000.  The securities are rated A2 and Baa3 by Moody’s respectively.  The securities are both floating rate notes that adjust quarterly to LIBOR.  These securities reflect net unrealized losses due to the fact that current similar issuances are being originated at higher spreads to LIBOR, as the market currently demands a greater pricing premium for the associated risk in the current economic environment.  Management has performed a detailed credit analysis on the underlying companies and has concluded that each issue is not credit impaired.  Due to the fact that each security has approximately 17 years until final maturity, and management has determined that there is no related credit impairment, the associated pricing risk is managed similar to long-term, low yielding, 15 and 30 year fixed rate residential mortgages carried in the Company’s loan portfolio.  The risk is managed through the Company’s extensive interest rate risk management procedures.  The Company expects the present value of expected cash flows will be sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis.  Thus, the securities are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

At September 30, 2010, one Government Agency Bond is in an unrealized loss position.  The unrealized loss is 2.5% of the current carrying value and the holding has been in an unrealized loss position for one month.  No OTTI is deemed present on this security.

At September 30, 2010, two state and political subdivision securities are in unrealized loss positions.  The two holdings have unrealized losses that are less than 8% of their related book values.  None of the securities have been in unrealized loss positions for more than two months. These unrealized losses relate principally to changes in interest rates subsequent to the acquisition of the specific securities.  All of the securities are A-rated or better by S&P.  No OTTI is deemed present on these securities.

In determining whether OTTI has occurred for equity securities, the Company considers the applicable factors described above and the length of time the equity security’s fair value has been below the carrying amount. Management has determined that we have the intent and ability to retain the equity securities for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery. The Company holds one equity security that had a fair value less than the carrying value at September 30, 2010.   A small common stock investment in The Phoenix Companies has an unrealized loss of less than $1,000 and has been in an unrealized loss position for only one month.  Due to the relatively small size of the unrealized loss and short duration of the loss period, no OTTI is deemed present in relation to this security.



 
- 12 -

 
The following table presents a roll-forward of the amount related to credit losses recognized in earnings for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

(In thousands)
 
2010
   
                                          2009
Beginning balance – January 1
  $ 875     $ 875  
Initial credit impairment
    -       298  
Subsequent credit impairments
    -       -  
Reductions for amounts recognized in earnings due to intent or requirement to sell
    -       (298 )
Reductions for securities sold
    -       -  
Reductions for increases in cash flows expected to be collected
    -       -  
Ending balance - September 30
  $ 875     $ 875  
 
Gross realized gains (losses) on sales, redemptions, and impairment of securities for the three and nine months ended September 30 are detailed below:
 
   
For the three months
   
For the nine months
 
   
ended September 30,
   
ended September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Realized gains
  $ 145     $ 231     $ 173     $ 327  
Realized losses
    (1 )     -       (1 )     (8 )
Other than temporary impairment
    -       -       -       (298 )
    $ 144     $ 231     $ 172     $ 21  

As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, securities with an amortized cost of $48.0 million and $45.7 million, respectively, were pledged to collateralize certain deposit and borrowing arrangements.

Management has reviewed its loan and mortgage-backed securities portfolios and determined that, to the best of its knowledge, little or no exposure exists to sub-prime or other high-risk residential mortgages.  The Company is not in the practice of investing in, or originating these types of investments or loans.

(6) Loans

Major classifications of loans are as follows:
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
Real estate mortgages:
           
Residential
  $ 138,931     $ 131,929  
Construction
    2,783       2,399  
Commercial
    66,578       62,229  
      208,292       196,557  
Other loans:
               
Consumer
    3,446       3,580  
Home equity/second mortgage
    25,416       26,086  
Lease financing
    3,402       3,711  
Commercial
    31,567       28,082  
Municipal loans
    5,577       3,654  
      69,408       65,113  
Total loans
    277,700       261,670  
Net deferred loan costs
    729       795  
Less: allowance for loan losses
    (3,582 )     (3,078 )
Loans receivable, net
  $ 274,847     $ 259,387  
 

 
 
- 13 -

The Company grants mortgage and consumer loans to customers throughout Oswego and parts of Onondaga counties. Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its debtors’ abilities to honor their contracts is dependent upon the counties’ employment and economic conditions.

Management has reviewed its loan portfolio and determined that, to the best of its knowledge, little or no exposure exists to sub-prime or other high-risk residential mortgages.  The Company is not in the practice of originating these types of loans.

Residential mortgage loans with a carrying value of $71.9 million have been pledged by the Company under a blanket collateral agreement to secure the Company’s line of credit and term borrowings.

(7) Guarantees and Commitments

The Company does not issue any guarantees that would require liability recognition or disclosure, other than its letters of credit.  Letters of credit written are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  Generally, all letters of credit, when issued have expiration dates within one year.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as those that are involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  The Company generally holds collateral and/or personal guarantees supporting these commitments.  The Company had $1.5 million of letters of credit as of September 30, 2010.  Management believes that the proceeds obtained through a liquidation of collateral and the enforcement of guarantees would be sufficient to cover the potential amount of future payments required under the corresponding guarantees.   The current amount of the liability as of September 30, 2010, for guarantees under letters of credit issued is not material.

The bank has entered into contracts for the construction of a new branch location and the remodeling of its main office lobby.  The combined commitment amount of the contracts totals approximately $1.5 million.  Both construction projects are underway.

(8) Fair Value Measurements

Accounting guidance related to fair value measurements and disclosures specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:

·  
Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

·  
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

·  
Level 3 – Model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

An asset or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate fair value:

Investment securities:  The fair values of securities available for sale are obtained from an independent third party and are based on quoted prices on nationally recognized exchange (Level 1), where available.  At this time, only the AMF Large Cap Equity Institutional Fund qualifies as a Level 1 valuation.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured by utilizing matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2).  Management made no adjustment to the fair value quotes that were received from the independent third party pricing service.

Interest rate swap derivative:  The fair value of the interest rate swap derivative is calculated based on a discounted cash flow model. All future floating cash flows are projected and both floating and fixed cash flows are discounted to the valuation date.  The curve utilized for discounting and projecting is built by obtaining publicly available third party market quotes for various swap maturity terms.
 
 
- 14 -

 
Impaired loans: Impaired loans are those loans in which the Company has measured impairment generally based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral.  Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third party appraisals of the properties, or discounted cash flows based upon expected proceeds.  These assets are included as Level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.  The fair value consists of loan balances less their valuation allowances.

The following tables summarize assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, segregated by the level of valuation inputs within the hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

   
At September 30, 2010
 
                     
Total Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Value
 
Investment securities available for sale
  $ 1,629     $ 82,535     $ -     $ 84,164  
Interest rate swap derivative
    -       (184 )     -       (184 )
                                 
   
At December 31, 2009
 
                           
Total Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Value
 
Investment securities available for sale
  $ 2,088     $ 70,666     $ -     $ 72,754  
Interest rate swap derivative
    -       1       -       1  

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).

The following tables summarize assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, segregated by the level of valuation inputs within the hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

   
At September 30, 2010
 
                     
Total Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Value
 
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ 3,258     $ 3,258  
                                 
   
At December 31, 2009
 
                           
Total Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Value
 
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ 907     $ 907  

There have been no transfers of assets in or out of any fair value measurement level.

Required disclosures include fair value information of financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the consolidated statement of condition, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.

Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique.  Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction on the dates indicated.  The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of their respective period-ends, and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these financial statements subsequent to those respective dates.  As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than the amounts reported at each period-end.
 
 
- 15 -


 
The following information should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only provided for a limited portion of the Company’s assets and liabilities.  Due to a wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimates, comparisons between the Company’s disclosures and those of other companies may not be meaningful.  The Company, in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments, used the following methods and assumptions:

Cash and cash equivalents – The carrying amounts of these assets approximate their fair value.

Investment securities – The fair values of securities available for sale are obtained from an independent third party and are based on quoted prices on nationally recognized exchange (Level 1), where available.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured by utilizing matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2).  Management made no adjustment to the fair value quotes that were received from the independent third party pricing service.

Loans – The fair values of portfolio loans, excluding impaired loans (see previous discussion of methods and assumptions), are estimated using an option adjusted discounted cash flow model that discounts future cash flows using recent market interest rates, market volatility and credit spread assumptions.

Federal Home Loan Bank stock – The carrying amount of these assets approximates their fair value.

Accrued interest receivable and payable – The carrying amount of these assets approximates their fair value.

Mortgage servicing rights - The carrying amount of these assets approximates their fair value.

Interest rate swap derivative - The fair value of the interest rate swap derivative is calculated based on a discounted cash flow model. All future floating cash flows are projected and both floating and fixed cash flows are discounted to the valuation date.  The curve utilized for discounting and projecting is built by obtaining publicly available third party market quotes for various swap maturity terms.

Deposit liabilities – The fair values disclosed for demand deposits (e.g., interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing checking, passbook savings and certain types of money management accounts) are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts).  Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered in the market on certificates of deposits to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Borrowings – Fixed/variable term “bullet” structures are valued using a replacement cost of funds approach.  These borrowings are discounted to the FHLBNY advance curve.  Option structured borrowings’ fair values are determined by the FHLB for borrowings that include a call or conversion option.  If market pricing is not available from this source, current market indications from the FHLBNY are obtained and the borrowings are discounted to the FHLBNY advance curve less an appropriate spread to adjust for the option.

Junior subordinated debentures – Current economic conditions have rendered the market for this liability inactive.  As such, we are unable to determine a good estimate of fair value.  Since the rate paid on the debentures held is lower than what would be required to secure an interest in the same debt at year end, and we are unable to obtain a current fair value, we have disclosed that the carrying value approximates the fair value.

Off-balance sheet instruments – Fair values for the Company’s off-balance sheet instruments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing.  Such fees were not material at September 30, 2010 and 2009.


 
- 16 -

 

The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are presented in the following table:

   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amounts
   
Fair Values
   
Amounts
   
Fair Values
 
Financial assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 20,477     $ 20,477     $ 14,631     $ 14,631  
Investment securities
    84,164       84,164       72,754       72,754  
Net loans
    274,847       285,035       259,387       266,290  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    1,864       1,864       1,899       1,899  
Accrued interest receivable
    1,707       1,707       1,482       1,482  
Mortgage servicing rights
    39       39       61       61  
Interest rate swap derivative
    -       -       1       1  
Financial liabilities:
                               
Deposits
  $ 327,927     $ 332,534     $ 296,839     $ 299,613  
Borrowed funds
    35,000       36,488       36,000       37,116  
Junior subordinated debentures
    5,155       5,155       5,155       5,155  
Accrued interest payable
    156       156       189       189  
Interest rate swap derivative
    184       184       -       -  
Off-balance sheet instruments:
                               
Standby letters of credit
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Commitments to extend credit
    -       -       -       -  

(9) Interest Rate Derivative

Derivative instruments are entered into primarily as a risk management tool of the Company. Financial derivatives are recorded at fair value as other assets and other liabilities. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship. For a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument and changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability are recognized currently in earnings. For a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument, to the extent that it is effective, are recorded in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to earnings as the hedged transaction impacts net income. Any ineffective portion of a cash flow hedge is recognized currently in earnings.  See Note 8 for further discussion of  the fair value of the interest rate derivative.

The Company has $5 million of floating rate trust preferred debt indexed to 3-month LIBOR.  As a result, it is exposed to variability in cash flows related to changes in projected interest payments caused by changes in the benchmark interest rate.   During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement, with a $2.0 million notional amount, to convert a portion of the variable-rate junior subordinated debentures to a fixed rate for a term of approximately 7 years at a rate of 4.96%.  The derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge.  The hedging strategy ensures that changes in cash flows from the derivative will be highly effective at offsetting changes in interest expense from the hedged exposure.

The following table summarizes the fair value of outstanding derivatives and their presentation on the statements of condition:

     
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands)
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flow hedge:
             
Interest rate swap
Other assets
  $ -     $ 1  
 
Other liabilities
    184       -  



 
- 17 -



The change in accumulated other comprehensive loss and the impact on earnings from the interest rate swap that qualifies as a cash flow hedge for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were as follows:

(In thousands)
 
2010
 
Balance as of January 1:
  $ 1  
Amount of loss recognized in other comprehensive income
    (230 )
Amount of loss reclassified from other comprehensive income
       
     and recognized as interest expense
    45  
Balance as of September 30:
  $ (184 )

No amount of ineffectiveness has been included in earnings and the changes in fair value have been recorded in OCI.  The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive loss would be reclassified into current earnings should a portion, or the entire hedge no longer be considered effective, but at this time, management expects the hedge to remain fully effective during the remaining term of the swap.

The Company posted cash, of $100,000, under collateral arrangements to satisfy collateral requirements associated with the interest rate swap contract.

(10) New Accounting Pronouncements

The FASB has issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements. This ASU requires some new disclosures and clarifies some existing disclosure requirements about fair value measurement as set forth in Codification Subtopic 820-10. The FASB’s objective is to improve these disclosures and, thus, increase the transparency in financial reporting. Specifically, ASU 2010-06 amends Codification Subtopic 820-10 to now require:
·  
A reporting entity to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers; and
·  
In the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, a reporting entity should present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements.
In addition, ASU 2010-06 clarifies the requirements of the following existing disclosures:
·  
For purposes of reporting fair value measurement for each class of assets and liabilities, a reporting entity needs to use judgment in determining the appropriate classes of assets and liabilities; and
·  
A reporting entity should provide disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements.
ASU 2010-06 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years.  This standard has been adopted and did not have an impact on the Company.

ASU 2010-18, Receivables (Topic 310): Effect of a Loan Modification When the Loan Is Part of a Pool That Is Accounted for as a Single Asset, codifies the consensus reached in EITF Issue No. 09-I, “Effect of a Loan Modification When the Loan Is Part of a Pool That Is Accounted for as a Single Asset.” The amendments to the Codification provide that modifications of loans that are accounted for within a pool under Subtopic 310-30 do not result in the removal of those loans from the pool even if the modification of those loans would otherwise be considered a troubled debt restructuring.  An entity will continue to be required to consider whether the pool of assets in which the loan is included is impaired if expected cash flows for the pool change.  ASU 2010-18 does not affect the accounting for loans under the scope of Subtopic 310-30 that are not accounted for within pools.  Loans accounted for individually under Subtopic 310-30 continue to be subject to the troubled debt restructuring accounting provisions within Subtopic 310-40.  ASU 2010-18 is effective prospectively for modifications of loans accounted for within pools under Subtopic 310-30 occurring in the first interim or annual period ending on or after July 15, 2010. Early application is permitted. Upon initial adoption of ASU 2010-18, an entity may make a one-time election to terminate accounting for loans as a pool under Subtopic 310-30.  This election may be applied on a pool-by-pool basis and does not preclude an entity from applying pool accounting to subsequent acquisitions of loans with credit deterioration.  The Company no longer pools loans and holds one single asset that consists of a very small number of individual loans.  The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company.
 
ASU 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310): Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses, will help investors assess the credit risk of a company’s receivables portfolio and the adequacy of its allowance for credit losses held against the portfolios by expanding credit risk disclosures. 
 
 
 
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This ASU requires more information about the credit quality of financing receivables in the disclosures to financial statements, such as aging information and credit quality indicators.  Both new and existing disclosures must be disaggregated by portfolio segment or class.  The disaggregation of information is based on how a company develops its allowance for credit losses and how it manages its credit exposure.   The amendments in this Update apply to all public and nonpublic entities with financing receivables.  Financing receivables include loans and trade accounts receivable.  However, short-term trade accounts receivable, receivables measured at fair value or lower of cost or fair value, and debt securities are exempt from these disclosure amendments.  The effective date of ASU 2010-20 differs for public and nonpublic companies.  For public companies, the amendments that require disclosures as of the end of a reporting period are effective for periods ending on or after December 15, 2010.  The amendments that require disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010.  This update will require the Company to provide additional disclosures related to loan receivables and credit quality.
 
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
General

Throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) the term, “the Company”, refers to the consolidated entity of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.  Pathfinder Bank and Pathfinder Statutory Trust II are wholly owned subsidiaries of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc., however, Pathfinder Statutory Trust II is not consolidated for reporting purposes.  Pathfinder Commercial Bank, Pathfinder REIT, Inc. and Whispering Oaks Development Corp. are wholly owned subsidiaries of Pathfinder Bank.  At September 30, 2010, Pathfinder Bancorp, M.H.C, the Company’s mutual holding company parent, whose activities are not included in the consolidated financial statements or the MD&A, held 63.7% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and public shareholders held the remaining 36.3% of the common stock.

The following discussion reviews the Company's consolidated financial condition at September 30, 2010 and the consolidated results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010.

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

When used in this quarterly report the words or phrases “will likely result”, “are expected to”, “will continue”, “is anticipated”, “estimate”, ”project” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. By identifying these forward-looking statements for you in this manner, the Company is alerting you to the possibility that its actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.  The Company wishes to advise readers that various factors could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause the Company’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements.  Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and follow practices within the banking industry.  Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  These estimates, assumptions and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the consolidated financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions and judgments.  Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported.  Estimates, assumptions and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event.  Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility.  The fair values and information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based on quoted market prices or are provided by other third-party sources, when available.  When third party information is not available, valuation adjustments are estimated in good faith by management.

The most significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K ("the consolidated financial statements").
 
 
 
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These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other consolidated financial statement notes and in this discussion, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the consolidated financial statements and how those values are determined.  Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions and estimates underlying those amounts, management has identified the allowance for loan losses, deferred income taxes, pension obligations, the evaluation of investment securities for other than temporary impairment and the estimation of fair values for accounting and disclosure purposes to be the accounting areas that require the most subjective and complex judgments, and as such, could be the most subject to revision as new information becomes available.

The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant judgment and the use of estimates related to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends and conditions, all of which may be susceptible to significant change.  The loan portfolio also represents the largest asset type on the consolidated statement of condition.  Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements describes the methodology used to determine the allowance for loan losses, and a discussion of the factors driving changes in the amount of the allowance for loan losses is included in this report.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability method.  Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as well as net operating and capital loss carry forwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.  To the extent that current available evidence about the future raises doubt about the likelihood of a deferred tax asset being realized, a valuation allowance is established.  The judgment about the level of future taxable income, including that which is considered capital, is inherently subjective and is reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change.

Pension and post-retirement benefit plan liabilities and expenses are based upon actuarial assumptions of future events, including fair value of plan assets, interest rates, rate of future compensation increases and the length of time the Company will have to provide those benefits. The assumptions used by management are discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
The Company carries all of its investments at fair value with any unrealized gains or losses reported net of tax as an adjustment to shareholders' equity, except for security impairment losses, which are charged to earnings.  The Company's ability to fully realize the value of its investments in various securities, including corporate debt securities, is dependent on the underlying creditworthiness of the issuing organization.  In evaluating the security portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) if we intend to sell the security; (2) if it is “more likely than not” we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis.   In determining whether OTTI has occurred for equity securities, the Company considers the applicable factors described above and the length of time the equity security’s fair value has been below the carrying amount.  Management continually analyzes the portfolio to determine if further impairment has occurred that may be deemed as other-than-temporary.  Further charges are possible depending on future economic conditions.

The estimation of fair value is significant to several of our assets, including investment securities available for sale, the interest rate derivative, intangible assets and foreclosed real estate, as well as the value of loan collateral when valuing loans. These are all recorded at either fair value or the lower of cost or fair value. Fair values are determined based on third party sources, when available. Furthermore, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments as a part of the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Fair values may be influenced by a number of factors, including market interest rates, prepayment speeds, discount rates and the shape of yield curves.

Fair values for securities available for sale are obtained from an independent third party pricing service.  Where available, fair values are based on quoted prices on a nationally recognized securities exchange.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using quoted market prices for similar benchmark securities.  Management made no adjustments to the fair value quotes that were provided by the pricing source.  The fair values of foreclosed real estate and the underlying collateral value of impaired loans are typically determined based on appraisals by third parties, less estimated costs to sell. If necessary, appraisals are updated to reflect changes in market conditions.


 
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Recent Events

Congress has recently enacted the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, (the “ Dodd-Frank Act”), which will significantly change the current bank regulatory structure and affect the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies.  The Dodd-Frank Act will eliminate our current primary federal regulator, the Office of Thrift Supervision.  The Dodd-Frank Act also authorizes the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to supervise and regulate all savings and loan holding companies like the Company, in addition to bank holding companies that it currently regulates.  As a result, the Federal Reserve Board’s current regulations applicable to bank holding companies, including holding company capital requirements, will apply to savings and loan holding companies like the Company.  These capital requirements are substantially similar to the capital requirements currently applicable to the Bank.  The Dodd-Frank Act also requires the Federal Reserve Board to set minimum capital levels for bank holding companies that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository subsidiaries, and the components of Tier 1 capital would be restricted to capital instruments that are currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions.  Bank holding companies with assets of less than $500 million are exempt from these capital requirements.  Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the proceeds of trust preferred securities are excluded from Tier 1 capital, unless such securities were issued prior to May 19, 2010 by bank or savings and loan holding companies with less than $15 billion of assets.  The Company and its present trust preferred securities so qualify.  The legislation also establishes a floor for capital of insured depository institutions that cannot be lower than the standards in effect today, and directs the federal banking regulators to implement new leverage and capital requirements within 18 months that take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives.

The Dodd-Frank Act also creates a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions such as the Bank, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets.  Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets, including Pathfinder Bank, will be examined by their applicable bank regulators.  The new legislation also weakens the federal preemption available for national banks and federal savings associations, and gives state attorneys general the ability to enforce applicable federal consumer protection laws.
 
The legislation also broadens the base for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance assessments.  Assessments will now be based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution.  The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increases the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2009, and non-interest bearing transaction accounts have unlimited deposit insurance through December 31, 2013.

Finally, the Dodd-Frank Act will increase stockholder influence over boards of directors by requiring companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments, and authorizing the Securities and Exchange Commission to promulgate rules that would allow stockholders to nominate their own candidates using a company’s proxy materials.  The legislation also directs the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded or not.

Generally, the Act is effective the day after it was signed into law, but different effective dates apply to specific sections of the Act.  Among other things, the Act may result in added costs of doing business and regulatory compliance burdens and affect competition among financial services entities.  At this time, it is difficult to predict the extent to which the Dodd-Frank Act or the resulting regulations will impact the Company’s business. However, compliance with these new laws and regulations will result in additional costs, which may adversely impact the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.  Additional information, including a summary of certain provisions of the Act, is available on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website at www.fdic.gov/regulations/reform/index.html.

Overview

Net income was $668,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010.  Net income available to common shareholders was $553,000, or $0.22 per basic and diluted common share, for the same three months.  This compares to net income of $567,000, and net income available to common shareholders of $542,000 or $0.22 per basic and diluted common share, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2009.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company reported net income of $1.8 million.  Net income available to common shareholders was $1.5 million, or $0.59 per basic and diluted share as compared to $1.2 million in net income and net income available to common shareholders, or $0.46 per basic and diluted share for the same period in 2009.  The Company has continued efforts to expand both its lending and deposit relationships within the small business community.  Consequently, the Company’s asset mix has shifted from one more concentrated in residential loans and retail deposits to a more diversified mix of residential, consumer, and commercial relationships.  On an average balance basis, total commercial loans, including loans to municipalities, comprised 37.8% of the total gross loan portfolio for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 35.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Increasing the commercial loan portfolio under the present economic conditions could increase the inherent risk in the loan portfolio, but the Company is maintaining controlled growth to provide the desired diversification and the additional risk is addressed with increased loan loss provisions.  Total business deposits, including municipal deposits, comprised 24.2% of total deposits on an average basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 20.6% for the same period in 2009.
 

 
 
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Since December 31, 2009, deposits have increased $31.1 million.  The liquidity provided by deposit growth has been used to fund an increase in gross loans of $16.0 million and an increase in investment portfolio holdings of $11.4 million.   Cash and cash equivalents have also increased with the excess liquidity.  The Company made a non-recurring contribution to the defined benefit pension plan of $1.0 million during the first quarter of 2010.  The contribution was made to enhance the funding of the plan, which will reduce the future anticipated pension expense.

In 2010 we continued our geographic expansion into the greater Syracuse market.  In order to provide full services to this market and address the new and emerging customer opportunities, we have begun construction of a new branch location in Cicero, New York.  At this time, construction is underway, and business development efforts in that market have provided both loan and deposit growth.

Results of Operations

The return on average assets and return on average shareholders' equity were 0.68% and 8.46%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared with 0.63% and 10.09%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2009.  During the third quarter of 2010, when compared to the third quarter of 2009, net interest income increased $373,000.  This increase was partially offset by an increase in the provision for loan losses of $16,000, a decrease in noninterest income of $174,000 and an increase in noninterest expenses of $88,000.

The return on average assets and return on average shareholders' equity were 0.62% and 7.90%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared with 0.44% and 7.52%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  When comparing the results of operations for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, net interest income increased $1.3 million and non-interest income increased by $58,000.  The additional income was partially offset by an increase in the provision for loan losses of $134,000 and an increase in noninterest expenses of $452,000.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the Company's primary source of operating income for payment of operating expenses and providing for loan losses.  It is the amount by which interest earned on loans, interest-earning deposits and investment securities, exceeds the interest paid on deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities.  Changes in net interest income and net interest margin result from the interaction between the volume and composition of interest-earning assets, interest-bearing liabilities, related yields and associated funding costs.

Net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis increased to $3.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, from $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009.  The Company's net interest margin for the third quarter of 2010 increased to 3.76% from 3.66% when compared to the same quarter in 2009, reflecting a positively sloped yield curve.  Reductions in the Company’s cost of funds, combined with efforts to maintain the current levels of earning asset yields have resulted in an expansion of the Company’s net interest margin. The increase in net interest income is attributable to a decrease of 35 basis points in the average cost of interest bearing liabilities, and was partially offset by a decrease of 26 basis points in the average yield earned on earning assets.  Average interest-earning assets increased 10.7% to $364.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $329.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009.  The increase in average earning assets is attributable to a $22.5 million increase in average loans receivable, and a $20.5 million increase in average investment securities, offset by a $7.9 million decrease in the Company’s average interest earning deposits.  Average interest-bearing liabilities increased  $25.1 million to $328.4 million from $303.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2009. The increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities resulted from a $25.6 million increase in average deposits, offset by a decrease of $542,000 in average borrowings.
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, increased to $10.1 million from $8.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Net interest margin increased 24 basis points to 3.73% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from 3.49% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Average interest-earning assets increased 9.1% to $359.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $329.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, and the yield on interest-earning assets decreased 31 basis points to 5.07% from 5.38% for the comparable period.   The increase in average interest-earning assets was attributable to a $17.5 million increase in average loans receivable, a $12.0 million increase in average investment securities and a $440,000 increase in average interest earning deposits.  Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $20.3 million but the cost of funds decreased 57 basis points to 1.48% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, from 2.05% for the same period in 2009.  The increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities was the result of a $23.8 million, or 9.1%, increase in average deposits offset by a $3.5 million, or 8.1%, decrease in average borrowings.

 
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Interest Income

Total interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, increased $238,000, or 5.4%, to $4.6 million when compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

The average balance of loans increased $22.5 million to $273.8 million, with yields decreasing 21 basis points to 5.67% for the third quarter of 2010.  Each loan category in the portfolio experienced an increase in the average balance.  Average residential real estate loans increased $6.2 million, or 4.7%, and the average yield increased to 5.60% from 5.54% in the comparable quarter of 2009.   All other loan categories experienced declining yields, but the decreases in yield were effectively offset by the portfolio growth.  Average commercial real estate loans increased $6.8 million, or 11.5%, while the average yield on those loans decreased to 6.16% from 6.89% in the comparable quarter.  Average commercial loans increased $5.8 million, and the yield on those loans decreased 30 basis points.  Average municipal loans increased approximately $3.0 million, with a decrease in yield of 83 basis points.  Average consumer loans increased $734,000, while the average yield decreased by 10 basis points for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, when compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

Average investment securities (taxable and tax-exempt) for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, increased by $20.5 million, with an increase in tax-equivalent interest income from investments of $55,000, or 7.8%, when compared to the third quarter of 2009.  The average tax-equivalent yield of the portfolio decreased 73 basis points, to 3.46% from 4.19%.   The decrease in the overall portfolio yield is being driven by the portfolio repricing during the current low rate environment as well as management’s decision to invest in shorter term investments in order to position the Company for the potential of rising interest rates.  Shorter-term, liquid investments typically provide lower yields than loans or longer-term investment securities.

Total interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased $371,000, or 2.8%, when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Average loans increased $17.5 million, with average yields decreasing 18 basis points to 5.71% from 5.89% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 when compared with the same period in 2009.  As reflected in the third quarter data, all loan categories showed an increase in the nine-month average balances when compared to the same period in 2009.  Similarly, yields on all categories, except residential real estate loans, have also declined when comparing the nine-month periods.  Average residential real estate loans increased $3.0 million and experienced a 1 basis point increase in the average yield, earning 5.60% for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010.   All other loan categories experienced declining yields, but the decreases in yield were effectively offset by the portfolio growth.  Average commercial real estate loans increased $6.9 million, or 12.0%, while the average yield on those loans decreased 63 basis points from the period a year earlier.  Average commercial loans increased $4.3 million, or 15.3%, and the yield on those loans decreased 8 basis points.  Average municipal loans increased approximately $1.7 million, and experienced a decrease in yield of 81 basis points.  Average consumer loans increased $1.6 million, while the average yield decreased by 16 basis points.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, tax-equivalent interest income from investment securities decreased $42,000, or 1.9%, compared to the same period in 2009.   The average tax-equivalent yield of the portfolio decreased 67 basis points, to 3.54% from 4.21%.   The decrease in yield was offset by an increase in the average balance of investment securities.  The average balance for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 was $83.9 million compared to $71.9 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2009.  The increase in average balance reflects the use of liquidity generated by increased deposits.

Interest Expense

Total interest expense decreased $179,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same quarter in 2009, as the cost of funds decreased 35 basis points to 1.48% in 2010 from 1.83% in 2009.  The cost of funds on deposits decreased $160,000, or 15.7%.  Each of the deposit product line’s average balance increased in 2010 over the third quarter of 2009.   The average balance of time deposits increased $2.5 million, or 1.9%, when comparing the third quarter of 2010 to the same period in 2009.  The time deposit cost of funds decreased 62 basis points to 2.12% for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from 2.74% for the same three-month period in the prior year.  Although the increase in the time deposit average balance partially offset the decline of the cost of time deposits, it still resulted in a $198,000 reduction of interest expense.  Brokered deposits increased $2.6 million on average, but the increase in balance was offset by a 108 basis point decline in cost of the funds.  The reduction in the cost of funds created by time and brokered deposits was offset by a $36,000 increase in the cost of money market demand accounts,  (MMDA), related to a $13.9 million average balance increase and a 12 basis point increase in the cost of the related funds.  The average balance in demand deposit NOW accounts increased $4.7 million, or 17.4%.  Money management and savings accounts, experienced an increased average combined balance of $1.9 million.  The cost of funds associated with the deposit product lines, other than time and brokered deposits, remained relatively unchanged (with cost reductions or increases of 1 to 4 basis points) as the rate environment has not allowed for further reductions of already low rates on such deposits.
 

 
 
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The average balance of total borrowings decreased $542,000 for the three-month period ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009.  Interest expense on borrowings decreased by $20,000, or 5.4%, from the prior year’s third quarter.  The reduction in expense was the combination of the cost of funds on other borrowings decreasing 32 basis points to 3.62%, offset by a 101 basis point increase in the cost of funds on the junior subordinated debenture.  The increase in the cost of the subordinated debenture resulted from the Company entering into an interest rate swap agreement, with a $2.0 million notional amount, to convert a portion of the variable-rate junior subordinated debentures to a fixed rate for a term of approximately 7 years.  The fixed-rate of 4.96%, paid on the swap during 2010, was significantly higher than the LIBOR-based variable-rate paid in 2009, prior to entering into the swap.

 
Total interest expense decreased $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009, as the cost of funds decreased 57 basis points to 1.48% in 2010 from 2.05% in 2009.  The cost of funds on deposits decreased $914,000, or 26.3% when comparing the nine-month periods.  Each of the deposit product line’s average balances increased in 2010 over the same nine-month period in 2009, with the exception of time deposits.   The nine-month average balance of time deposits decreased $1.1 million, or 0.8%.  The time deposit cost of funds decreased 91 basis points to 2.16% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from 3.07% for the same nine-month period in the prior year.  The decrease in the time deposit average balance, combined with the decline of the cost of time deposits, resulted in a $956,000 reduction of interest expense.  Brokered deposits increased $2.0 million on average, but the increase in balance was offset by a 123 basis point decline in cost of the funds.  The reduction in the cost of funds created by time and brokered deposits was offset by a $49,000 increase in the cost of MMDA, related to a $14.6 million average balance increase.  The cost of MMDA declined 9 basis points, but was offset by the increased balance.   The average balance in demand deposit NOW accounts increased $4.2 million, or 16.4%.  Money management and savings accounts, experienced an increased average combined balance of $4.1 million.  The cost of funds associated with the deposit product lines, other than time and brokered deposits, remained relatively unchanged (with cost reductions or increases of 1 to 2 basis points) as the rate environment has not allowed for further reductions of already low rates on such deposits.

The average balance of total borrowings decreased $3.5 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Interest expense on borrowings decreased by $148,000, or 12.3%, from the prior year’s nine-month period.  The reduction in expense was the combination of the cost of funds on other borrowings decreasing 24 basis points to 3.65%, offset by a 36 basis point increase in the cost of funds on the junior subordinated debenture.  The increase in the cost of the subordinated debenture resulted from entering into a fixed-rate interest rate swap on a portion of the debenture that was higher than the variable rate previously paid.

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 increased $16,000 when compared to the third quarter of 2009.  This increase reflects additional provisions recorded throughout the year, including the third quarter of 2010, to address an increase in delinquency of commercial loans and a growing loan portfolio.  It has been the Company’s intention to continue to provide for future loan losses at a consistently higher level.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the provision for loan losses increased $134,000 over the nine-month period in 2009.   The Company continues to provide for loan losses to reflect the growing loan portfolio and to reflect a loan portfolio composition that is more heavily weighted to commercial term and commercial real estate, which have higher inherent risk characteristics than a consumer real estate portfolio, as well as a general weakening in economic conditions and overall asset quality.  All of the increase in the provision has been allocated to commercial lending.  The Company's ratio of allowance for loan losses to period-end loans increased to 1.29% at September 30, 2010 as compared to 1.17% at December 31, 2009.  Nonperforming loans to period end loans increased to 1.25% at September 30, 2010 from 0.88% at December 31, 2009. The increase in nonperforming loans is primarily the result of an increase in delinquency of a small number of commercial real estate loan relationships.  Management believes that the existing allowances provided on these loans are sufficient to cover anticipated losses.

 
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Noninterest Income

The Company's noninterest income is primarily comprised of fees on deposit account balances and transactions, loan servicing, commissions, and net gains (losses) on securities, loans and foreclosed real estate.

The following table sets forth certain information on noninterest income for the periods indicated:

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 319     $ 382     $ (63 )     -16.5 %
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
    72       56       16       28.6 %
Loan servicing fees
    46       64       (18 )     -28.1 %
Debit card interchange fees
    76       69       7       10.1 %
Other charges, commissions and fees
    131       155       (24 )     -15.5 %
Noninterest income before gains
    644       726       (82 )     -11.3 %
Net gains on sales of investment securities
    144       231       (87 )     -37.7 %
Net gains on sales of loans and foreclosed real estate
    10       15       (5 )     -33.3 %
Total noninterest income
  $ 798     $ 972     $ (174 )     -17.9 %
                                 
                                 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(in thousands)
    2010       2009    
Change
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
  $ 1,051     $ 1,099     $ (48 )     -4.4 %
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
    212       169       43       25.4 %
Loan servicing fees
    163       175       (12 )     -6.9 %
Debit card interchange fees
    229       206       23       11.2 %
Other charges, commissions and fees
    390       366       24       6.6 %
Noninterest income before gains (losses)
    2,045       2,015       30       1.5 %
Net gains on sales or impairment of investment securities
    172       21       151       719.0 %
Net (losses) gains on sales of loans and foreclosed real estate
    (43 )     80       (123 )     -153.8 %
Total noninterest income
  $ 2,174     $ 2,116     $ 58       2.7 %

For the three months ended September 30, 2010, noninterest income before gains (losses) decreased $82,000, or 11.3%, when compared with the three months ended September 30, 2009.  A $63,000 decrease in service charges on deposit account is associated with a decrease in activity in extended overdraft fees.   The $24,000 decrease in other charges and commissions and fees is attributable to a non-recurring administrative charge recorded in the third quarter of 2009, which was offset by an increase in income generated by investment services offered to our customers.   Net gains on securities, loans and foreclosed real estate decreased $92,000 to a net gain of $154,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 compared to a net gain of $246,000, for the same quarter in 2009.  The difference is generated as a result of a reduction in the volume of sales.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, noninterest income before gains (losses) increased $30,000, or 1.5%, when compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2009.   The increase was comprised of increases in bank owned life insurance, debit card interchange fees, and other charges and commissions and fees, which were offset by decreases in service charges on deposit accounts and loan servicing fees.  Earnings on bank owned life insurance increased $43,000, or 25.4%, which is based on the cash surrender values of the insurance policies.  The increase in debit card interchange fees is due to increased customer activity, which is driven by the debit card program that was established late in the third quarter of 2009.   The $24,000 increase in other charges, commissions and fees was attributable to an increase in investment services revenue and automated teller machine fees due to increased activity.  The increases were partially offset by a $48,000 decrease in service charges on deposit account is associated with a decrease in activity in extended overdraft fees.  Net gains and losses from the sale or impairment of securities increased to a net gain of $172,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to a net gain of $21,000 for the same period of 2009.  The increase is due to gains recognized on the sale of securities and from cash redemptions from the SHAY Assets large cap equity fund and ultra short mortgage fund, as compared to the recording of an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $298,000 related to the Company’s holding in a CIT Group security for the same period during 2009.  Net losses from the sales of loans and foreclosed real estate totaled $43,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to a net gain of $80,000 when compared to the same period in 2009.   The decrease is due to the losses recognized on the sale of foreclosed properties in 2010 compared to the gains that were recognized on the loan sales to the secondary market of 30-year fixed rate residential mortgages during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
 

 
 
- 25 -

Noninterest Expense

The following table sets forth certain information on noninterest expense for the quarters indicated:

   
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 1,541     $ 1,402     $ 139       9.9 %
Building occupancy
    317       312       5       1.6 %
Data processing
    340       322       18       5.6 %
Professional and other services
    243       239       4       1.7 %
FDIC assessments
    129       218       (89 )     -40.8 %
Other expenses
    382       371       11       3.0 %
Total noninterest expense
  $ 2,952     $ 2,864     $ 88       3.1 %
 
                               
                                 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
(In thousands)
    2010       2009    
Change
 
Salaries and employee benefits
  $ 4,601     $ 4,151     $ 450       10.8 %
Building occupancy
    971       941       30       3.2 %
Data processing
    1,021       997       24       2.4 %
Professional and other services
    621       654       (33 )     -5.0 %
FDIC assessments
    386       480       (94 )     -19.6 %
Other expenses
    1,106       1,031       75       7.3 %
Total noninterest expense
  $ 8,706     $ 8,254     $ 452       5.5 %

Total noninterest expense increased $88,000, or 3.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 when compared to the same period for 2009. The increase in noninterest expense is due to an increase of $139,000 in salaries and employee benefits, an $18,000 increase in data processing, an $11,000 increase in other expenses and $9,000 in small increases in building occupancy and professional and other services.  These increases were offset by a decrease in FDIC assessments of $89,000. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was due to the addition of 5 full-time equivalent positions, annual merit based wage adjustments and other incentive based compensation costs.  The decrease in FDIC assessments is due to the one-time adjustments made in the third quarter of 2009 to regulatory assessments that had been previously recorded based on estimates.

Noninterest expenses increased $452,000, or 5.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The increase in noninterest expense is due to an increase of $450,000 in salaries and employee benefits, a $75,000 increase in other expenses, a $30,000 increase in building occupancy and a $24,000 increase in data processing.  These increases were offset by a $33,000 decrease in professional and other services and a $94,000 decrease in FDIC assessments.  The increase in salaries and employee benefits was due to the addition of 5 full-time equivalent positions, annual merit based wage adjustments and other incentive based compensation costs.  The increase in other expenses is partially due to the recording of an accrued liability associated with the Company’s debit card rewards program, which was not in place for the nine-month period of 2009.  FDIC assessments decreased when compared to 2009 due to a special assessment of $165,000 levied during 2009, as well as adjustments made to reflect a change in the structure and amount of the regular regulatory assessment.  The additional assessment expense recorded in 2009 was partially offset by higher regular assessments recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  Professional services decreased in 2010 as the previous year included expenses related to the promotion of Pathfinder Bank’s 150th anniversary.

Income Tax Expense

Income taxes decreased $6,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, as compared to the same period in 2009.  For the nine-month period ended September 30, income taxes increased $160,000.  The effective tax rate was 30.0% and 34.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, respectively.  The increase in income tax expense in 2010, in comparison to 2009, resulted primarily from higher pretax income of $802,000 for the nine-month period.  The decrease of the effective tax rate is the result of additional deferred tax expense recorded in the second quarter of 2009 to increase the valuation allowance established against deferred tax assets.  The Company’s tax rate is lower than the statutory rate through the ownership of tax-exempt investment securities, bank owned life insurance and other tax saving strategies.
 

 
 
- 26 -

Changes in Financial Condition

Assets

Total assets increased approximately $34.1 million, or 9.2%, to $405.8 million at September 30, 2010, from $371.7 million at December 31, 2009.  The increase in total assets was primarily the result of an increase of $11.4 million, or 15.7%, in investment securities, a $15.5 million increase in the net loan portfolio and an increase of $5.8 million in total cash and cash equivalents.  The remaining asset increase is due to the addition of $658,000 in premises and equipment, and approximately $759,000 in various other assets.  An increase in deposits has provided the liquidity to fund the significant increase in the loan and investment portfolios.

Liabilities

Total liabilities increased $31.8 million, or 9.3%, to $374.3 million at September 30, 2010, from $342.5 million at December 31, 2009.  Deposits increased $31.1 million, or 10.5%.  This increase was combined with a reduction in long-term borrowings of $1.0 million and an increase to various other liabilities of $1.7 million.  The increase in deposits was the result of an increase of $17.8 million in business deposits, an increase of $7.0 million in retail deposits and an increase in municipal customer deposits of $6.7 million, offset by decreased escrow deposits of $425,000.  The increase in business deposits is due to the market expansion into the Cicero, New York area and the Company’s focus on the small business sector of the market.

Loan and Asset Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses

The following table represents information concerning the aggregate amount of non-performing assets:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2009
 
Nonaccrual loans:
                 
Commercial real estate and commercial
  $ 2,090     $ 1,021     $ 1,027  
Consumer
    337       111       508  
Real estate -  residential
    1,054       1,181       923  
Total nonaccrual loans
    3,481       2,313       2,458  
Total non-performing loans
    3,481       2,313       2,458  
Foreclosed real estate
    355       181       417  
Total non-performing assets
  $ 3,836     $ 2,494     $ 2,875  
Non-performing loans to total loans
    1.25 %     0.88 %     0.97 %
Non-performing assets to total assets
    0.95 %     0.67 %     0.79 %
Interest income that would have been recorded
                       
under the original terms of the loans
  $ 201     $ 113     $ 144  

Total non-performing loans increased approximately $1.2 million at September 30, 2010, when compared to December 31, 2009.  The increase in non-performing loans was primarily the result of the delinquency of two commercial loan relationships.  Management continues to monitor and react to national and local economic treads as well as general portfolio conditions, which may impact the quality of the portfolio.  In response to recent trends and risk management the Bank has increased the provision for loan losses, maintaining the Company’s strict loan underwriting standards and carefully monitoring the performance of the loan portfolio.  These large commercial relationships are monitored closely by management and met with on a regular basis to work out repayment plans and alternative strategies for collection.

Appraisals are obtained at the time a real estate secured loan is originated.  Collateral is reevaluated should the loan become 45 days delinquent to best determine the banks level of exposure.  For commercial real estate held as collateral, the property is inspected every two years.  When evaluating our ability to collect from secondary sources appraised values are adjusted to reflect the age of appraisal, the condition of the property, the current local real estate market, and cost to sell.  Properties are re-appraised when our evaluation of the current property condition and the local real estate market suggests values may not be accurate.

 
- 27 -

In our 2010 second quarter Form 10-Q, we disclosed that the then current level of non-performing assets would not have fallen outside of the Bank's historic level trends were it not for the inclusion of one large commercial relationship.  Since that time, the borrower made a substantial payment, bringing the loan to less than 90 days past due.  During the third quarter of 2010, however, a two other large commercial relationships became non-performing.  The increase in non-performing loans since December 31, 2009 is now comprised of primarily these two large relationships totaling $1.0 million.   Both lending relationships are secured by commercial real estate and equipment, as well as guarantees.  Management believes that the collateral securing these loans, along with the guarantees of either business principals or government entities, and the existing allowance specifically allocated for the loans of $42,400, are adequate to cover the carrying amounts of the loans.

The Company generally places a loan on nonaccrual status and ceases accruing interest when loan payment performance is deemed unsatisfactory and the loan is past due 90 days or more.  There are no loans that are past due 90 or more and are still accruing interest.  The Company considers a loan impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan.

The measurement of impaired loans is generally based upon the present value of future cash flows discounted at the historical effective interest rate, except that all collateral-dependent loans are measured for impairment based on the fair value of the collateral.  The Company used the fair value of collateral to measure impairment on commercial and commercial real estate loans.  At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company had $6.6 million and $3.2 million in loans, which were deemed to be impaired, having valuation allowances of $1.0 million and $79,000, respectively.

Management has identified additional potential problem loans totaling $6.2 million as of September 30, 2010, compared to $5.0 million in potential problem loans as of December 31, 2009.  These loans have been internally classified as special mention or substandard, yet are not currently considered past due, impaired or in nonaccrual status.  Management has identified potential credit problems which may result in the borrowers not being able to comply with the current loan repayment terms and which may result in it being included in subsequent past due reporting. Management believes that the current allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover probable credit losses in the current loan portfolio.

The allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $3.6 million and $3.1 million, or 1.29% and 1.17% of total period end loans, respectively.

In the normal course of business, Pathfinder Bank has sold residential mortgage loans and participation interests in commercial loans. As is typical in the industry, the bank makes certain representations and warranties to the buyer. Pathfinder maintains a quality control program for closed loans and has never been asked to repurchase a sold loan.  Therefore, management considers the risks and uncertainties associated with potential repurchase requirements to be minimal.  There are no known or alleged defects in the securitization process or in the mortgage documentation.  Any future risk of exposure would be immaterial.

Capital

Shareholders' equity at September 30, 2010, was $31.5 million as compared to $29.2 million at December 31, 2009.  The Company added $1.8 million to retained earnings through net income.  The increase in retained earnings was combined with a decrease of $956,000 in accumulated other comprehensive loss, which decreased to $469,000 from $1.4 million at December 31, 2009. Unrealized holding gains on securities, net of tax, resulted in a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $967,000.  In addition, $99,000 of amortization of retirement plan losses and transition obligation, net of tax expense, was recorded.  These reductions to accumulated other comprehensive loss were offset by $110,000 in unrealized losses on the interest rate derivative, net of tax expense.  Common stock dividends declared reduced capital by $224,000.   Preferred stock dividends paid to the United States Treasury, under the terms of the agreement entered into in 2009 as part of the Capital Purchase Plan, reduced capital by $254,000.

Risk-based capital provides the basis for which all banks are evaluated in terms of capital adequacy.  Capital adequacy is evaluated primarily by the use of ratios which measure capital against total assets, as well as against total assets that are weighted based on defined risk characteristics.  The Company’s goal is to maintain a strong capital position, consistent with the risk profile of its subsidiary banks that supports growth and expansion activities while at the same time exceeding regulatory standards.  At September 30, 2010, Pathfinder Bank exceeded all regulatory required minimum capital ratios and met the regulatory definition of a “well-capitalized” institution, i.e. a leverage capital ratio exceeding 5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio exceeding 6% and a total risk-based capital ratio exceeding 10%.



 
- 28 -


 
The Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 are presented in the following table.

                           
Minimum
 
                           
To Be "Well
 
               
Minimum
   
Capitalized"
 
               
For Capital
   
Under Prompt
 
 
 
Actual
   
Adequacy Purposes
   
Corrective Provisions
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
 
                                   
As of September 30, 2010:
                                   
Total Core Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
  $ 35,046       13.3 %   $ 21,020       8.0 %   $ 26,275       10.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
  $ 31,706       12.1 %   $ 10,510       4.0 %   $ 15,765       6.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
  $ 31,706       8.1 %   $ 15,625       4.0 %   $ 19,532       5.0 %
 
                                               
As of December 31, 2009:
                                               
Total Core Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
  $ 33,405       13.9 %   $ 19,163       8.0 %   $ 23,954       10.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
  $ 30,399       12.7 %   $ 9,582       4.0 %   $ 14,372       6.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
  $ 30,399       8.4 %   $ 14,517       4.0 %   $ 18,146       5.0 %

Liquidity

Liquidity management involves the Company’s ability to generate cash or otherwise obtain funds at reasonable rates to support asset growth, meet deposit withdrawals, maintain reserve requirements, and otherwise operate the Company on an ongoing basis.  The Company's primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowed funds, amortization and prepayment of loans and maturities of investment securities and other short-term investments, and earnings and funds provided from operations.  While scheduled principal repayments on loans are a relatively predictable source of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition.  The Company manages the pricing of deposits to maintain a desired deposit balance.  In addition, the Company invests excess funds in short-term interest-earning and other assets, which provide liquidity to meet lending requirements.

The Company's liquidity has been enhanced by its membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, whose competitive advance programs and lines of credit provide the Company with a safe, reliable and convenient source of funds.  A significant decrease in deposits in the future could result in the Company having to seek other sources of funds for liquidity purposes.  Such sources could include, but are not limited to, additional borrowings, brokered deposits, negotiated time deposits, the sale of "available-for-sale" investment securities, the sale of securitized loans, or the sale of whole loans.  Such actions could result in higher interest expense costs and/or losses on the sale of securities or loans.

The Company has a number of existing credit facilities available to it.  Total credit available under the existing lines is approximately $94.3 million.  At September 30, 2010, the Company has $35.0 million outstanding against the existing lines with $59.3 million in borrowing capacity still available.
 
The Asset Liability Management Committee of the Company is responsible for implementing the policies and guidelines for the maintenance of prudent levels of liquidity.  As of September 30, 2010, management reported to the Board of Directors that the Company is in compliance with its liquidity policy guidelines.


 
 
- 29 -

Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

A smaller reporting company is not required to provide the information relating to this item.

Item 4 - Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including our 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 quarterly 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 are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.  There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonable likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


 
 
- 30 -

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 - Legal Proceedings

None

Item 1A – Risk Factors

A smaller reporting company is not required to provide the information relating to this item.

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

None

Item 3 - Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4 – Removed and Reserved


Item 5 - Other Information

None

Item 6 - Exhibits

Exhibit No.                                                           Description                                                                                                

31.1                      Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
31.2                      Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
32.1                      Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
                             Officer


 
- 31 -




 
SIGNATURES

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

     PATHFINDER BANCORP, INC.


November 15, 2010                                                /s/ Thomas W. Schneider
Thomas W. Schneider
                 President and Chief Executive Officer

November 15, 2010                                                /s/ James A. Dowd
James A. Dowd
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 

 
 
- 32 -



 
EXHIBIT 31.1: Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
I, Thomas W. Schneider, certify that:
 
 
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.;
 
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting, to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:
 
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
November 15, 2010
/s/ Thomas W. Schneider
Thomas W. Schneider
President and Chief Executive Officer
 

 
- 33 -



EXHIBIT 31.2: Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer

Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
I, James A. Dowd, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.;
 
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting, to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:
 
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
November 15, 2010
/s/ James A. Dowd
James A. Dowd
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 

 
- 34 -



EXHIBIT 32.1  Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Thomas W. Schneider, President and Chief Executive Officer, and James A. Dowd, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"), each certify in his capacity as an officer of the Company that he has reviewed the Quarterly Report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 and that to the best of his knowledge:
 
1. the report fully complies with the requirements of Sections 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
2. the information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
The purpose of this statement is solely to comply with Title 18, Chapter 63, Section 1350 of the United States Code, as amended by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
November 15, 2010
/s/ Thomas W. Schneider
Thomas W. Schneider
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
November 15, 2010
/s/ James A. Dowd
James A. Dowd
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 
 
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