ESSA Bancorp (ESSA) 10-Q 2008 Q2 Quarterly report

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 ended March 31, 2008

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 No. 001-33384

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Pennsylvania	20-8023072
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
200 Palmer Street, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania	18360
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

(570) 421-0531

(Registrant’s telephone number)

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such requirements for the past 90 days.    YES  x    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 definition of “large accelerated filer” and “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  ¨    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  x    Smaller reporting company  ¨

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

As of May 12, 2008 there were 16,980,900 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

ESSA Bancorp, Inc.

FORM 10-Q

Index

		Page
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited)	3
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	13
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	23
Item 4T.	Controls and Procedures	24
Part II. Other Information
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	24
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	24
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	24
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	24
Item 4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	24
Item 5.	Other Information	24
Item 6.	Exhibits	24
Signature Page		26

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Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(UNAUDITED)

	March 31, 2008			September 30, 2007
	(dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	10,490		$	10,604
Interest-bearing deposits with other institutions		8,307			6,175
Total cash and cash equivalents		18,797			16,779
Certificates of deposit		3,797			—
Investment securities available for sale		217,633			205,267
Investment securities held to maturity (fair value of $14,380 and $16,876)		14,270			17,130
Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $4,420 and $4,206)		660,911			619,845
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		18,301			16,453
Premises and equipment		11,040			11,277
Bank-owned life insurance		14,224			13,941
Other assets		8,837			9,723
TOTAL ASSETS	$	967,810		$	910,415
LIABILITIES
Deposits	$	369,408		$	384,716
Short-term borrowings		30,585			34,230
Other borrowings		348,947			279,697
Advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance		4,040			1,423
Other liabilities		5,443			5,657
TOTAL LIABILITIES		758,423			705,723
Commitment and contingencies		—			—
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock ($.01 par value: 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued)		—			—
Common stock ($.01 par value: 40,000,000 shares authorized, 16,980,900 shares issued and outstanding)		170			170
Additional paid in capital		166,819			166,782
Unallocated common stock held by the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)		(13,019	)		(13,283	)
Retained earnings		56,751			53,400
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,334	)		(2,377	)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		209,387			204,692
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	967,810		$	910,415

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,				For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	2008		2007		2008		2007
	(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
INTEREST INCOME
Loans receivable	$	9,884	$	8,762	$	19,667	$	17,385
Investment securities:
Taxable		2,637		1,279		5,339		2,493
Exempt from federal income tax		83		74		166		147
Other investment income		287		601		608		785
Total interest income		12,891		10,716		25,780		20,810
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits		2,447		2,699		5,136		5,366
Short-term borrowings		325		627		763		839
Other borrowings		3,743		2,462		7,306		5,417
Total interest expense		6,515		5,788		13,205		11,622
NET INTEREST INCOME		6,376		4,928		12,575		9,188
Provision for loan losses		150		90		300		180
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES		6,226		4,838		12,275		9,008
NONINTEREST INCOME
Service fees on deposit accounts		840		837		1,746		1,756
Services charges and fees on loans		146		122		298		256
Trust and investment fees		191		189		437		400
Gain on sale of loans, net		—		1		—		12
Earnings on Bank-owned life insurance		140		132		283		267
Other		8		16		24		34
Total noninterest income		1,325		1,297		2,788		2,725
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Compensation and employee benefits		3,010		2,594		6,005		5,167
Occupancy and equipment		719		644		1,403		1,261
Professional fees		399		171		688		308
Data processing		478		456		957		883
Advertising		147		149		292		336
Other		440		290		880		780
Total noninterest expense		5,193		4,304		10,225		8,735
Income before income taxes		2,358		1,831		4,838		2,998
Income taxes		704		530		1,487		836
NET INCOME	$	1,654	$	1,301	$	3,351	$	2,162
Basic and diluted earnings per share*:	$	0.11	$	—	$	0.21	$	—

* Due to the completion of the Company’s initial public offering on April 3, 2007, earnings per share for the three and six months ended March 31, 2007 are not considered meaningful.

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4

ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

	Common Stock			Additional Paid In Capital		Unallocated Common Stock Held by the ESOP					Accumulated
	Number of Shares	Amount							Retained Earnings		Other Comprehensive Loss			Total Stockholders’ Equity		Comprehensive Income
		(dollars in thousands)
Balance, September 30, 2007	16,980,900	$	170	$	166,782	$	(13,283	)	$	53,400	$	(2,377	)	$	204,692
Net income										3,351		—			3,351	$	3,351
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of income taxes of $503												977			977		977
Change in unrecognized pension cost, net of income taxes of $34												66			66		66
Comprehensive income																$	4,394
Allocation of ESOP stock					37		264								301
Balance, March 31, 2008	16,980,900	$	170	$	166,819	$	(13,019	)	$	56,751	$	(1,334	)	$	209,387

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

	For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	2008			2007
	(dollars in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	3,351		$	2,162
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses		300			180
Provision for depreciation and amortization.		612			571
Accretion of discounts and premiums, net		(79	)		(580	)
Gain on sale of loans, net		—			(12	)
Origination of loans sold		—			(899	)
Proceeds from sale of loans		—			911
Compensation expense on ESOP		301			—
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable		352			(773	)
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable		(122	)		455
Earnings on Bank-owned life insurance		(283	)		(267	)
Deferred federal income taxes		76			31
Other, net		(79	)		533
Net cash provided by operating activities		4,429			2,312
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of Certificates of Deposit		(3,768	)		—
Investment securities available for sale:
Proceeds from principal repayments and maturities		74,754			21,644
Purchases		(85,590	)		(75,304	)
Investment securities held to maturity:
Proceeds from principal repayments and maturities		2,860			1,372
Increase in loans receivable, net		(41,226	)		(22,568	)
Redemption of FHLB stock		2,104			1,622
Purchase of FHLB stock		(3,952	)		(1,918	)
Purchase of premises, equipment, and software		(507	)		(511	)
Net cash used for investing activities		(55,325	)		(75,663	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase (decrease) in deposits, net		(15,308	)		16,662
Net decrease in short-term borrowings		(3,645	)		(15,299	)
Proceeds from other borrowings		92,750			21,000
Repayment of other borrowings		(23,500	)		(12,000	)
Proceeds from stock offering subscription rights		—			188,108
Increase in advances by borrowers for taxes and insurance		2,617			1,612
Net cash provided by financing activities		52,914			200,083
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		2,018			126,732
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD		16,779			12,730
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	18,797		$	139,462
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES
Cash Paid:
Interest	$	13,327		$	11,167
Income taxes		1,364			480

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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ESSA BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

1. Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

The unaudited, consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), ESSA Bank & Trust (the “Bank”), and the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries, ESSACOR Inc. and Pocono Investment Company. The primary purpose of the Company is to act as a holding company for the Bank. The Company is subject to regulation and supervision by the Office of Thrift Supervision (the “OTS”) The Bank is a Pennsylvania chartered savings association located in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. The Bank’s primary business consists of the taking of deposits and granting of loans to customers generally in Monroe and Northampton counties, Pennsylvania. The Bank is subject to regulation and supervision by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and the OTS. The investment in subsidiary on the parent company’s financial statements is carried at the parent company’s equity in the underlying net assets.

ESSACOR, Inc. is a Pennsylvania corporation that is currently inactive. Pocono Investment Company is a Delaware corporation formed as an investment company subsidiary to hold and manage certain investments of the Bank, including certain intellectual property. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim periods and are of a normal and recurring nature. Operating results for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2008.

2. Completion of Initial Public Offering

On July 25, 2006, the Bank’s Board of Directors adopted a Plan of Conversion (the “Plan”) pursuant to which the Bank converted to a Pennsylvania chartered stock association and formed ESSA Bancorp, Inc., a Pennsylvania chartered company (the “Company”). On December 7, 2006 the Company filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (File No. 333-139157) with respect to the shares to be offered and sold pursuant to the Plan. The Company registered for offer and sale 16,980,900 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a sales price of $10.00 per share.

The stock offering was consummated on April 3, 2007, resulting in gross proceeds of $158.7 million, through the sale of 15,870,000 shares at a price of $10.00 per share. The Company also contributed 1,110,900 shares of its common stock to the ESSA Bank & Trust Foundation (the “Foundation”) and $1.6 million in cash. Expenses related to the offering were approximately $2.9 million which resulted in net proceeds of approximately $155.8 million prior to the contribution to the Foundation.

The Company lent approximately $13.6 million to the Bank’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”). The Company retained approximately $64.3 million of the net proceeds of the offering prior to the contribution to the Foundation, and the remainder of the net proceeds were contributed to the Bank.

3. Earnings per Share

There are no convertible securities which would affect the numerator in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share; therefore, net income of $1,654,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and net income of $3,351,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2008 will be used as the numerators.

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The following table sets forth for the composition of the weighted-average common shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computation.

	Three months ended March 31, 2008		Six months ended March 31, 2008
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	16,980,900		16,980,900
Average unallocated common shares held by the ESOP	(1,305,769	)	(1,312,113	)
Weighted-average common shares and common stock equivalents used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share	15,675,131		15,668,787

4. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

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

5. Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of comprehensive income consist of unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities and the change in minimum pension liability. For the six months ended March 31, 2008, this activity is shown under the heading Comprehensive Income as presented in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited). For the three months ended March 31, 2008, comprehensive income totaled $2,193,000. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2007 compreshensive income totaled $1,521,000 and $2,396,000, respectively.

6. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB reached consensus on the guidance provided by Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 06-4 (“EITF 06-4”),Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements. The guidance is applicable to endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements, whereby the employer owns and controls the insurance policy, that are associated with a postretirement benefit. EITF 06-4 requires that for a split-dollar life insurance arrangement within the scope of the Issue, an employer should recognize a liability for future benefits in accordance with FAS No. 106 (if, in substance, a postretirement benefit plan exists) or Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 12 (if the arrangement is, in substance, an individual deferred compensation contract) based on the substantive agreement with the employee. EITF 06-4 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the EITF will have on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In March 2007, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-10 (“EITF 06-10”),Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreements. EITF 06-10 provides guidance for determining a liability for the postretirement benefit obligation as well as recognition and measurement of the associated asset on the basis of the terms of the collateral assignment agreement. EITF 06-10 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. The adoption of this EITF is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In June 2007, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-11 (“EITF 06-11”),Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards.EITF 06-11 applies to share-based payment arrangements with dividend protection features that entitle employees to receive (a) dividends on equity-classified nonvested shares, (b) dividend equivalents on equity-classified nonvested share units, or (c) payments equal to the dividends paid on the underlying shares while an equity-classified share option is outstanding, when those dividends or dividend equivalents are charged to retained earnings under FAS No. 123R,Share-Based Payment,and result in an income tax deduction for the employer. A consensus was reached that a realized

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income tax benefit from dividends or dividend equivalents that are charged to retained earnings and are paid to employees for equity-classified nonvested equity shares, nonvested equity share units, and outstanding equity share options should be recognized as an increase in additional paid-in capital. EITF 06-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this EITF is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”),Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. FIN 48 is an interpretation of FAS No. 109,Accounting for Income Taxes, and it seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of measurement and recognition in accounting for income taxes. In addition, FIN No. 48 requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainty in income taxes and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company adopted FIN No. 48 October 1, 2007, the adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements, which provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The standard applies whenever other standards require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. The Standard does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. FAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 157-1,Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13, which removed leasing transactions accounted for under FAS No. 13 and related guidance from the scope of FAS No. 157. Also in February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No.157-2,Partial Deferral of the Effective Date of Statement 157, which deferred the effective date of FAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In September 2006, the FASB issued FAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post Retirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R).This Statement requires that employers measure plan assets and obligations as of the balance sheet date. This requirement is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. The other provisions of the Statement were effective as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006, for public companies. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the standard will have on the Company’s financial position.

In February 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115, which provides all entities with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The objective of the FAS No. 159 is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply the complex provisions of hedge accounting. FAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning on November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007 provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of FAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements.The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 141 (revised 2007),Business Combinations (“FAS 141(R)”), which establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in an acquiree, including the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination. FAS No. 141(R) is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

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In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS No. 160,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51. FAS No. 160 amends ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. Among other requirements, this statement requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income statement, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest. FAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

In March 2008, the FASB issued FAS No. 161,Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to require enhanced disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities. The new standard has revised financial reporting for derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring more transparency about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under FAS No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. FAS No. 161 requires disclosure of the fair values of derivative instruments and their gains and losses in a tabular format. It also requires entities to provide more information about their liquidity by requiring disclosure of derivative features that are credit risk-related. Further, it requires cross-referencing within footnotes to enable financial statement users to locate important information about derivative instruments. FAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encourage. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

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7. Investment Securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities available for sale and held to maturity are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	March 31, 2008
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Available for Sale
Fannie Mae	$	46,028	$	416	$	(46	)	$	46,398
Freddie Mac		81,395		650		(61	)		81,984
Governmental National Mortgage Association securities		14,002		132		(5	)		14,129
Total mortgage-backed securities		141,425		1,198		(112	)		142,511
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		7,172		214		(29	)		7,357
U.S. government agency securities		66,598		542		(20	)		67,120
Total debt securities		215,195		1,954		(161	)		216,988
Equity securities		882		18		(255	)		645
Total	$	216,077	$	1,972	$	(416	)	$	217,633
Held to Maturity
Fannie Mae	$	7,040	$	35	$	(35	)	$	7,040
Freddie Mac		4,231		53		(2	)		4,282
Total mortgage-backed securities		11,271		88		(37	)		11,322
U.S. government agency securities		2,999		59		—			3,058
Total	$	14,270	$	147	$	(37	)	$	14,380
	September 30, 2007
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Available for Sale
Fannie Mae	$	24,850	$	98	$	(63	)	$	24,885
Freddie Mac		74,484		147		(467	)		74,164
Governmental National Mortgage Association securities		15,506		133		(75	)		15,564
Total mortgage-backed securities		114,840		378		(605	)		114,613
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		7,172		166		(6	)		7,332
U.S. government agency securities		82,297		122		(27	)		82,392
Total debt securities		204,309		666		(638	)		204,337
Equity securities		882		85		(37	)		930
Total	$	205,191	$	751	$	(675	)	$	205,267
Held to Maturity
Fannie Mae	$	7,777	$	4	$	(181	)	$	7,600
Freddie Mac		4,622		—		(80	)		4,542
Total mortgage-backed securities		12,399		4		(261	)		12,142
U.S. government agency securities		4,731		8		(5	)		4,734
Total	$	17,130	$	12	$	(266	)	$	16,876

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The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at March 31, 2008, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties (in thousands):

	Available For Sale				Held To Maturity
	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	42,455	$	42,767	$	1,000	$	1,001
Due after one year through five years		32,334		32,597		7,478		7,593
Due after five years through ten years		2,000		2,012		2,434		2,427
Due after ten years		139,288		140,257		3,358		3,359
Total	$	216,077	$	217,633	$	14,270	$	14,380

The Bank had no sale of investment securities for the six months ended March 31, 2008 or 2007.

8. Loans Receivable, Net and Allowance for Loan Losses

Loans receivable consist of the following (in thousands):

	March 31, 2008		September 30, 2007
Real Estate Loans:
Residential	$	528,505	$	500,104
Construction		10,516		7,800
Commercial		65,141		58,447
Commercial		12,012		7,699
Home equity loans and lines of credit		46,592		47,544
Other		3,593		3,875
		666,359		625,469
Less deferred loan fees		1,028		1,418
		665,331		624,051
Less allowance for loan losses		4,420		4,206
Net loans	$	660,911	$	619,845

The activity in the allowance for loan losses is summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Six Months Ended March 31,
	2008			2007
Balance, beginning of period	$	4,206		$	3,855
Add:
Provision charged to operations		300			180
Loan recoveries		1			1
		4,507			4,036
Less loans charged off		(87	)		(8	)
Balance, end of period	$	4,420		$	4,028

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9. Deposits

Deposits consist of the following major classifications (in thousands):

	March 31, 2008		September 30, 2007
Non-interest bearing demand accounts	$	25,404	$	25,925
NOW accounts		55,465		57,586
Money market accounts		60,823		39,780
Savings and club accounts		65,521		65,989
Certificates of deposit		162,195		195,436
Total	$	369,408	$	384,716

10. Net Periodic Benefit Cost-Defined Benefit Plan

For a detailed disclosure on the Bank’s pension and employee benefits plans, please refer to Note 15 of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended September 30, 2007 included in the Company’s Form 10-K.

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Six Months Ended March 31,
	2008			2007			2008			2007
Service Cost	$	129		$	154		$	258		$	307
Interest Cost		143			120			286			239
Expected return on plan assets		(164	)		(111	)		(328	)		(222	)
Amortization of prior service cost		2			2			4			5
Amortization of unrecognized loss		52			46			104			93
Amortization of transition obligation		—			—			—			—
Net periodic benefit cost	$	162		$	211		$	324		$	422

The Bank expects to contribute $583,000 to its pension plan in 2008.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward Looking Statements

This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of such words as estimate, project, believe, intend, anticipate, plan, seek, expect and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include:

• statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;

• statements regarding our business plans and prospects and growth and operating strategies;

• statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and

• estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.

These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including, among other things, the following important factors that could affect the actual outcome of future events:

• significantly increased competition among depository and other financial institutions;

• inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments;

• general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected;

• adverse changes in the securities markets;

• legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business;

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• our ability to enter new markets successfully and take advantage of growth opportunities, and the possible short-term dilutive effect of potential acquisitions orde novo branches, if any;

• changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;

• changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies and the Financial Accounting Standards Board; and

• changes in our organization, compensation and benefit plans.

Overview

The Company consummated its initial stock offering on April 3, 2007 with the sale of 15,870,000 shares of common stock. The Company also contributed 1,110,900 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock, and contributed $1.6 million in cash, to a charitable foundation, ESSA Bank & Trust Foundation, established by the Bank. Net proceeds of the offering were approximately $155.8 million prior to the contribution to the Foundation.

Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007

Total Assets. Total assets increased by $57.4 million, or 6.3%, to $967.8 million at March 31, 2008 from $910.4 million at September 30, 2007. This increase was primarily due to increases in interest-bearing deposits with other institutions, certificates of deposit, investment securities and net loans receivable.

Interest-Bearing Deposits with Other Institutions. Interest-bearing deposits with other institutions increased $2.1 million, or 33.9%, to $8.3 million at March 31, 2008 from $6.2 million at September 30, 2007. The primary reason for the increase was an increase in the Company’s interest-bearing demand deposit account at FHLBank Pittsburgh of $2.0 million. The demand deposit account increased as a result of the Company’s receipt in December, 2007 of the first loan payment of $1.2 million from the Bank’s ESOP along with the accumulated interest income received from the Company’s investment portfolio.

Certificates of Deposit. The Company invested approximately $3.8 million in certificates of deposit at other FDIC-insured financial institutions in January 2008, as part of a leverage strategy to take advantage of the steepening yield curve.

Investment Securities Available for Sale. Investment securities available for sale increase $12.4 million, or 6.0%, to $217.6 million at March 31, 2008 from $205.3 million at September 30, 2007. The increase was due primarily to an increase of $27.9 million in the Company’s portfolio of mortgage-backed securities issued by United States government sponsored agencies or entities and was offset in part by a $15.3 million decrease in the Company’s portfolio of United States government agency securities. The growth in the mortgage-backed securities portfolio was due to the reinvestment of the proceeds from United States government agency security maturities in addition to the investment of approximately $10.5 million in mortgage-backed securities issued by United States government sponsored agencies or entities as part of a leverage strategy to take advantage of the steepening yield curve.

Net Loans.Net loans increased $41.1 million, or 6.6%, to $660.9 million at March 31, 2008 from $619.8 million at September 30, 2007. Loan growth was primarily attributed to growth in several product categories as a result of continued strong demand in our market area. During this period, residential, construction and commercial real estate loans outstanding increased by $28.4 million to $528.5 million, $2.7 million to $10.5 million and $6.7 million to $65.1 million, respectively. Commercial loans outstanding increased by $4.3 million to $12.0 million. Home equity loans and lines of credit outstanding decreased by $1.0 million to $46.6 million and other loans outstanding decreased by $281,000 to $3.6 million.

Deposits.Deposits decreased $15.3 million, or 4.0%, to $369.4 million at March 31, 2008 from $384.7 million at September 30, 2007. At March 31, 2008 compared to September 30, 2007 money market accounts increased $21.0 million to $60.8 million. This increase was offset during the same period by decreases in non-interest bearing demand accounts of $521,000 to $25.4 million, NOW accounts of $2.1 million to $55.5 million, savings and club accounts of $468,000 to $65.5 million and certificates of deposit of $33.2 million to $162.2 million. Included in the certificates of deposit at March 31, 2008 was a decrease of $7.8 million in brokered certificates of deposit to $12.2 million. The decline in brokered certificates was the result of the Company’s decision not to renew

14

maturing certificates based on the cost of renewing those certificates compared to other available funding sources. The decline in retail deposits was primarily attributable to the increasingly competitive environment within the Company’s market area.

Borrowed Funds.Borrowed funds increased by $65.6 million, or 20.9%, to $379.5 million at March 31, 2008, from $313.9 million at September 30, 2007. The increase in borrowed funds was used primarily to offset the decline in deposits and to fund additional loan growth and to purchase investment securities and certificates of deposit.

Stockholders’ Equity.Stockholders’ equity increased by $4.7 million, or 2.3%, to $209.4 million at March 31, 2008 from $204.7 million at September 30, 2007. This increase was primarily the result of the addition of net income for the six months ended March 31, 2008 of $3.4 million together with an increase in the unrealized gain on investment securities available for sale, net of taxes, of $977,000 at March 31, 2008 compared to September 30, 2007 and the allocation of shares held by the Bank’s ESOP of $301,000 for the same period.

15

Average Balance Sheets for the Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

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

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2008								2007
	Average Balance			Interest Income/ Expense			Yield/ Cost		Average Balance			Interest Income/ Expense			Yield/ Cost
	(dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)	$	652,556		$	9,884		6.08	%	$	578,236		$	8,762		6.15	%
Investment securities
Taxable (2)		80,979			937		4.64	%		36,121			405		4.55	%
Exempt from federal income tax(2) (3)		7,408			83		6.81	%		6,419			73		6.99	%
Total investment securities		88,387			1,020		4.82.	%		42,540			478		4.92	%
Mortgage-backed securities		135,600			1,700		5.03	%		74,582			875		4.75	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		16,954			212		4.99	%		14,057			205		5.94	%
Other		9,644			75		3.12	%		29,537			396		5.44	%
Total interest-earning assets		903,141			12,891		5.74	%		738,952			10,716		5.90	%
Allowance for loan losses		(4,407	)							(3,975	)
Noninterest-earning assets		42,736								49,243
Total assets	$	941,470							$	784,220
Interest-bearing liabilities:
NOW accounts	$	53,167			16		0.12	%	$	65,724			10		0.06	%
Money market accounts		49,115			379		3.10	%		36,121			263		2.95	%
Savings and club accounts		62,123			65		0.42	%		84,031			89		0.43	%
Certificates of deposit		179,591			1,987		4.44	%		211,035			2,337		4.49	%
Borrowed funds		354,823			4,068		4.60	%		262,168			3,089		4.78	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		698,819			6,515		3.74	%		659,079			5,788		3.56	%
Non-interest bearing NOW accounts		23,487								56,887
Noninterest-bearing liabilities		9,532								7,672
Total liabilities		731,838								723,638
Equity		209,632								60,582
Total liabilities and equity	$	941,470							$	784,220
Net interest income				$	6,376							$	4,928
Interest rate spread							2.00	%							2.34	%
Net interest-earning assets	$	204,322							$	79,873
Net interest margin(4)							2.83	%							2.70	%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities					129.24	%							112.12	%

(1) Non-accruing loans are included in the outstanding loan balances.

(2) Held to maturity securities are reported at amortized cost. Available for sale securities are reported at fair value.

(3) Yields on tax exempt securities have been calculated on a fully tax equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 34%.

(4) Represents the difference between interest earned and interest paid, divided by average total interest earning assets.

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	For the Six Months Ended March 31,
	2008								2007
	Average Balance			Interest Income/ Expense			Yield/Cost		Average Balance			Interest Income/ Expense			Yield/Cost
	(dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans(1)	$	643,559		$	19,667		6.10	%	$	571,927		$	17,385		6.10	%
Investment securities
Taxable(2)		83,717			2,009		4.79	%		39,209			897		4.59	%
Exempt from federal income tax(2)(3)		7,378			165		6.76	%		6,436			146		6.89	%
Total investment securities		91,095			2,174		4.95	%		45,645			1,043		4.91	%
Mortgage-backed securities		132,514			3,331		5.02	%		67,499			1,597		4.74	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		16,911			447		5.27	%		14,038			368		5.26	%
Other		8,233			161		3.88	%		15,739			417		5.31	%
Total interest-earning assets		892,312			25,780		5.78	%		714,848			20,810		5.86	%
Allowance for loan losses		(4,333	)							(3,930	)
Noninterest-earning assets		42,803								45,797
Total assets	$	930,782							$	756,715
Interest-bearing liabilities:
NOW accounts	$	53,761			27		0.10	%	$	60,426			20		0.07	%
Money market accounts		46,545			783		3.36	%		36,135			533		2.96	%
Savings and club accounts		62,264			137		0.44	%		79,841			171		0.43	%
Certificates of deposit		185,443			4,189		4.51	%		209,597			4,642		4.44	%
Borrowed funds		342,411			8,069		4.70	%		262,857			6,256		4.77	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities		690,424			13,205		3.81	%		648,856			11,622		3.59	%
Non-interest bearing NOW accounts		23,552								40,746
Noninterest-bearing liabilities		8,616								7,005
Total liabilities		722,592								696,607
Equity		208,190								60,108
Total liabilities and equity	$	930,782							$	756,715
Net interest income				$	12,575							$	9,188
Interest rate spread							1.97	%							2.27	%
Net interest-earning assets	$	201,888							$	65,992
Net interest margin(4)							2.81	%							2.58	%
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities					129.24	%							110.17	%

(1) Non-accruing loans are included in the outstanding loan balances.

(2) Held to maturity securities are reported at amortized cost. Available for sale securities are reported at fair value.

(3) Yields on tax exempt securities have been calculated on a fully tax equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 34%.

(4) Represents the difference between interest earned and interest paid, divided by average total interest earning assets.

17

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007

Net Income.Net income increased $353,000, to $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to net income of $1.3 million for the comparable period in 2007. The primary reason for this increase was an increase in the Company’s net interest income of $1.5 million offset in part by an increase in non-interest expense of $889,000.

Net Interest Income.Net interest income increased $1.5 million, to $6.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $4.9 million for the comparable period in 2007. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in net average earning assets of $124.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to net average interest-earning assets for the comparable period in 2007 and was offset in part, by a 34 basis point decrease in the Company’s interest rate spread to 2.00% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, from 2.34% for the comparable period in 2007.

Interest Income.Interest income increased $2.2 million, to $12.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $10.7 million for the comparable 2007 period. The increase resulted primarily from a $164.2 million increase in average interest-earning assets. The overall yield on interest earning assets was 5.74% for the three months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to 5.90% for the comparable 2007 period. Loans increased on average $74.3 million between the two periods along with increases in the average balance of certificates of deposit and investment securities of $45.8 million and mortgage-backed securities of $61.1 million. In addition, average Federal Home Loan Bank stock increased $2.9 million. These increases were offset in part by a decrease in average other interest earning assets of $19.9 million. The primary reasons for the increase in certificates of deposit, investment securities and mortgage-backed securities was the partial reinvestment of borrowing proceeds into these assets along with the investment of the majority of the net proceeds from the stock offering into short-term, investment grade debt and mortgage-backed securities issued by United States government sponsored agencies or entities. Average Federal Home Loan Bank stock increased as a result of the Bank’s increase in borrowings from the FHLBank Pittsburgh. As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, the Bank maintains an investment in the capital stock of the FHLBank Pittsburgh in an amount not less than 70 basis points of the outstanding unused FHLB borrowing capacity or 1/20 of its outstanding FHLB borrowings, whichever is greater, as calculated throughout the year. The decrease in average other interest earning assets was the result of a decrease in the average balance of interest earning deposits held by the Company in its FHLBank Pittsburgh demand account. The Company’s initial stock offering commenced on February 22, 2007 and was consummated on April 3, 2007. Funds received from prospective subscribers during the offering contributed to an increase in the Bank’s FHLBank Pittsburgh average demand deposit account balance for the three months ended March 31, 2007.

Interest Expense.Interest expense increased $727,000, to $6.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $5.8 million for the comparable 2007 period. The increase resulted from a $39.7 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities, combined with an 18 basis point increase in the overall cost of interest bearing liabilities to 3.74% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from 3.56% for the comparable 2007 period. Average interest bearing deposits decreased $52.9 million which was offset by an increase in average borrowed funds of $92.6 million.

Provision for Loan Losses.In evaluating the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers historical loss experience, the types of loans and the amount of loans in the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, peer group information and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are subject to interpretation and revision as more information becomes available or as future events occur. After an evaluation of these factors, and after considering the growth in the Company’s loan portfolio, management made a provision for loan losses of $150,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to $90,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007. The allowance for loan losses was $4.4 million or 0.66% of loans outstanding at March 31, 2008, compared to $4.0 million, or 0.69% of loans outstanding at March 31, 2007.

18

Non-interest Income. Non-interest income increased $28,000, to remain at $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, and 2007. The increase was primarily due to increases in service charges and fees on loans of $24,000 and earnings on Bank-owned life insurance of $8,000.

Non-interest Expense.Non-interest expense increased $889,000, to $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $4.3 million for the comparable period in 2007. The primary reasons for the increase were increases in compensation and employee benefits of $416,000, occupancy and equipment of $75,000, professional fees of $228,000 and other expenses of $150,000. Compensation and employee benefits increased primarily as a result of normal compensation increases of $222,000 in addition to an expense of $129,000 related to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan which was implemented in April 2007. Occupancy and equipment costs increased primarily as a result of increases in rental costs of $30,000 along with increases in depreciation expense of $17,000. Professional fees increased primarily as a result of increased legal, accounting and regulatory fees associated with being a public reporting company, and included approximately $72,000 related to the Company’s compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Other expenses increased primarily due to the reversal, in March 2007, of a $101,000 accrued expense for contributions to the Bank’s former charitable foundation. Prior to the Bank’s mutual-to-stock conversion, the Bank had been setting aside approximately 10% of its net income as a contribution to its charitable foundation. This practice was discontinued in March 2007, in contemplation of the Bank’s impending conversion, the Company’s stock offering and the establishment of a new charitable foundation, ESSA Bank & Trust Foundation. As described earlier, the Company made a $12.6 million contribution to a new charitable foundation in April 2007 concurrent with the Company’s stock offering.

Income Taxes. Income tax expense increased $174,000 to $704,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 from $530,000 for the comparable 2007 period. The effective tax rate was 29.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 28.9% for the comparable 2007 period.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007

Net Income.Net income increased $1.2 million, to $3.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to net income of $2.2 million for the comparable period in 2007. The primary reason for this increase was an increase in the Company’s net interest income of $3.4 million offset in part by an increase in non-interest expense of $1.5 million.

Net Interest Income.Net interest income increased $3.4 million, to $12.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 from $9.2 million for the comparable period in 2007. The increase was primarily attributable to the increase in net average earning assets of $135.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to net average interest-earning assets for the comparable period in 2007 and was offset in part by a 30 basis point decrease in the Company’s interest rate spread to 1.97% for the six months ended March 31, 2008, from 2.27% for the comparable period in 2007.

Interest Income.Interest income increased $5.0 million, to $25.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 from $20.8 million for the comparable 2007 period. The increase resulted from a $177.5 million increase in average interest-earning assets. The overall yield on interest earning assets was 5.78% for the six months ended March 31, 2008, as compared to 5.86% for the comparable 2007 period. Loans increased on average $71.6 million between the two periods along with increases in the average balance of certificates of deposit and investment securities of $45.5 million and mortgage-backed securities of $65.0 million. In addition, average Federal Home Loan Bank stock increased $2.9 million. These increases were offset in part, by a decrease in average other interest earning assets of $7.5 million. The primary reasons for the increase in certificates of deposit, investment securities and mortgage-backed securities was the partial reinvestment of borrowing proceeds into these assets along with the investment of the majority of the net proceeds from the stock offering into short-term, investment grade debt and mortgage-backed securities issued by United States government sponsored agencies or entities. Average Federal Home Loan Bank stock increased as a result of the Bank’s increase in borrowings from the FHLBank Pittsburgh. As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, the Bank maintains an investment in the capital stock of the FHLBank Pittsburgh in an amount not less than 70 basis points of the outstanding unused FHLB borrowing capacity or 1/20 of its outstanding FHLB borrowings, whichever is greater, as calculated throughout the year. The decrease in average other interest earning assets was the result of a decrease in the average balance of interest earning deposits held by the

19

Company in its FHLBank Pittsburgh demand account of $7.5 million. Funds received during the Company’s stock offering contributed to an increase in the Bank’s FHLBank Pittsburgh average demand deposit account balance for the six months ended March 31, 2007.

Interest Expense.Interest expense increased $1.6 million, to $13.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 from $11.6 million for the comparable 2007 period. The increase resulted from a $41.6 million increase in average interest-bearing liabilities, combined with a 22 basis point increase in the overall cost of interest bearing liabilities to 3.81% for the six months ended March 31, 2008 from 3.59% for the comparable 2007 period. Average interest bearing deposits decreased $38.0 million which was offset by an increase in average borrowed funds of $79.6 million.

Provision for Loan Losses.In evaluating the level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers historical loss experience, the types of loans and the amount of loans in the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, peer group information and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are subject to interpretation and revision as more information becomes available or as future events occur. After an evaluation of these factors, and after considering the growth in the Company’s loan portfolio, management made a provision for loan losses of $300,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2008 as compared to $180,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2007. The allowance for loan losses was $4.4 million, or 0.66% of loans outstanding at March 31, 2008, compared to $4.0 million, or 0.69% of loans outstanding at March 31, 2007.

Non-interest Income. Non-interest income increased $63,000, to $2.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008, from $2.7 million for the comparable 2007 period. The increase was primarily due to increases in trust and investment fees of $37,000, service charges and fees on loans of $42,000 and earnings on Bank-owned life insurance of $16,000. These increases were offset in part, by decreases in service fees on deposit accounts of $10,000 and other non-interest income of $10,000.

Non-interest Expense.Non-interest expense increased $1.5 million, to $10.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 from $8.7 million for the comparable period in 2007. The primary reasons for the increase were increases in compensation and employee benefits of $838,000, occupancy and equipment of $142,000, professional fees of $380,000 data processing fees of $72,000 and other expenses of $100,000. Compensation and employee benefits increased primarily as a result of normal compensation increases of $407,000 along with an expense of $300,000 related to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan which was implemented in April 2007. Occupancy and equipment costs increased primarily as a result of increases in rental costs of $51,000 along with increases in depreciation expense of $40,000. Professional fees increased primarily as a result of increased legal, accounting and regulatory fees associated with being a public reporting company, including approximately $144,000 related to the Company’s compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Data processing fees increased due to increased volume and ongoing technology upgrades. Other expense increased primarily due to increased loan processing costs related to increased volume.

Income Taxes. Income tax expense increased $651,000 to $1.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 from $836,000 for the comparable 2007 period. The effective tax rate was 30.7% for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to 27.9% for the comparable 2007 period.

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NON-PERFORMING ASSETS

The following table provides information with respect to the Bank’s non-performing assets at the dates indicated. (Dollars in thousands)

	March 31, 2008			September 30, 2007
Non-performing assets:
Non-accruing loans	$	891		$	555
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more		—			—
Total non-performing loans		891			555
Real estate owned		—			—
Total non-performing assets	$	891		$	555
Ratio of non-performing loans to total loans		0.13	%		0.09	%
Ratio of non-performing loans to total assets		0.09	%		0.06	%
Ratio of non-performing assets to total assets		0.09	%		0.06	%

Loans are reviewed on a regular basis and are placed on non-accrual status when they become more than 90 days delinquent. When loans are placed on non-accrual status, unpaid accrued interest is fully reserved, and further income is recognized only to the extent received.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

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

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

A portion of our liquidity consists of cash and cash equivalents and borrowings, which are a product of our operating, investing and financing activities. At March 31, 2008, $18.8 million of our assets were invested in cash and cash equivalents. Our primary sources of cash are principal repayments on loans, proceeds from the maturities of investment securities, principal repayments of mortgage-backed securities and increases in deposit accounts. Short-term investment securities (maturing in one year or less) totaled $43.8 million at March 31, 2008. As of March 31, 2008, we had $344.5 million in borrowings outstanding from FHLBank Pittsburgh and $35.0 million in borrowings through repurchase agreements with another financial institution. We have access to additional FHLBank advances of up to approximately $191.7 million.

At March 31, 2008, we had $68.3 million in loan commitments outstanding, which included, in part, $21.3 million in undisbursed construction loans, $21.9 million in unused home equity lines of credit, $5.2 million in commercial lines of credit and $11.3 million to originate primarily multi-family and nonresidential mortgage loans. Certificates of deposit due within one year of March 31, 2008 totaled $114.6 million, or 70.7 % of certificates of deposit. If these maturing deposits do not remain with us, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including other certificates of deposit and borrowings. Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on the certificates of deposit due on or before March 31, 2009. We believe, however, based on past experience, that a significant portion of our certificates of deposit will remain with us. We have the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates offered.

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As reported in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, our cash flows are classified for financial reporting purposes as operating, investing or financing cash flows. Net cash provided by operating activities was $4.4 million and $2.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. These amounts differ from our net income because of a variety of cash receipts and disbursements that did not affect net income for the respective periods. Net cash used in investing activities was $55.3 million and $75.7 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, principally reflecting our loan and investment security activities in the respective periods. Investment security cash flows had the most significant effect, as net cash utilized in purchases amounted to $85.6 million and $75.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Deposit and borrowing cash flows have comprised most of our financing activities which resulted in net cash provided of $52.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008. For the six months ended March 31, 2007, deposit and borrowing cash flows in addition to approximately $188.1 million in proceeds from stock offering subscription rights resulted in net cash provided of $200.1 million.

Critical Accounting Policies

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

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

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

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

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

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Deferred Income Taxes. We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance is established. We consider the determination of this valuation allowance to be a critical accounting policy because of the need to exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets, including projections of future taxable income. These judgments and estimates are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets may be required if the amount of taxes recoverable through loss carryback declines, or if we project lower levels of future taxable income. Such a valuation allowance would be established through a charge to income tax expense which would adversely affect our operating results. At March 31, 2008 the Company had a $2.6 million reserve established against its deferred tax asset. The tax deduction generated by the contribution to the Foundation as part of the Company’s stock offering exceeded the allowable federal income tax deduction limitations resulting in the establishment of this valuation allowance for the contribution carry forward.

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

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as such term is defined in applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules) that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Contractual Obligations

During the first three months of 2008, the Company’s contractual obligations have not changed materially from those discussed in the Company’s Financial Statements for the year ended September 30, 2007.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

We have sought to manage our interest rate risk in order to minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates. The net proceeds from the offering increased our capital and provided management with greater flexibility to manage our interest rate risk. In particular, management used the majority of the capital we received to increase our interest-earning assets. There have been no material changes in our interest rate risk since September 30, 2007.

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Item 4T. Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the 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 were no significant changes made in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II – Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in the “Risk Factors” disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007 on Form 10-K filed on December 20, 2007 and as amended on January 28, 2008.

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

(a) There were no sales of unregistered securities during the period covered by this Report.

(c) There were no issuer repurchases of securities during the period covered by this Report.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

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

During the period covered by this report, the Company did not submit any matters to the vote of security holders.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

Item 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are either filed as part of this report or are incorporated herein by reference:

3.1	Charter of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. *
3.2	Bylaws of ESSA Bancorp, Inc. *
4	Form of Common Stock Certificate of ESSA Bancorp, Inc.*
10.1	Form of Employee Stock Ownership Plan*
10.2	Form of Employment Agreement for Chief Executive Officer*
10.3	Form of Employment Agreement for Executive Officers*

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10.4	Form of Change in Control Agreement*
10.5	[Reserved]
10.6	Supplemental Retirement Plan for Gary S. Olson*
10.7	Supplemental Retirement Plan for Robert S. Howes, Jr.*
10.8	Supplemental Retirement Plan for Diane K. Reimer*
10.9	Supplemental Retirement Plan for Thomas J. Grayuski*
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

* Filed as exhibits to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, and any amendments thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Registration No. 333-139157).

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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.

	ESSA BANCORP, INC.
Date: May 13, 2008	/s/ Gary S. Olson
	Gary S. Olson
	President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 13, 2008	/s/ Allan A. Muto
	Allan A. Muto
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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