SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2013 |
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation | ' |
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation |
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The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary; the Bank, the principal operating entity, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries; Wellesley Securities Corporation, which engages in the business of buying, selling and dealing in securities exclusively on its own behalf; Wellesley Investment Partners, LLC, formed for the purpose of providing investment management services for individuals, not-for-profit entities and businesses; and Central Linden, LLC, formed for the purpose of holding, managing and selling foreclosed real estate. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. |
Business and operating segments | ' |
Business and operating segments |
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The Company provides a variety of financial services to individuals and small businesses within eastern Massachusetts. Its primary deposit products are checking, savings and term certificate accounts and its primary lending products are residential and commercial real estate loans, construction loans, and commercial loans. |
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Management evaluates the Company’s performance and allocates resources based on a single segment concept. |
Use of estimates | ' |
Use of estimates |
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In preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the realizability of deferred tax assets. |
Cash equivalents | ' |
Cash equivalents |
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Cash equivalents include amounts due from banks, principally balances held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. |
Certificates of deposit | ' |
Certificates of deposit |
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Certificates of deposit are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. |
Fair value hierarchy | ' |
Fair value hierarchy |
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The Company groups its assets and liabilities generally measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. |
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Level 1 – Valuation is based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets for identical assets and liabilities. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources. |
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Level 2 – Valuation is based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources. |
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Level 3 – Valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. |
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Transfers between levels are recognized at the end of a reporting period, if applicable. |
Securities available for sale | ' |
Securities available for sale |
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Securities classified as available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. |
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Purchase premiums and discounts are amortized to earnings over the estimated lives of the securities by methods which do not differ materially from the interest method. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. |
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Each reporting period, the Company evaluates all securities with a fair value below amortized cost to determine whether other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) exists. |
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OTTI is required to be recognized if (1) the Company intends to sell the security; (2) it is “more likely than not” that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) for debt securities, the present value of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost basis. For all impaired debt securities that the Company intends to sell, or more likely than not will be required to sell, the full amount of the depreciation is recognized as OTTI through earnings. Credit-related OTTI for all other impaired debt securities is recognized through earnings. Non-credit related OTTI for such debt securities is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. |
Federal Home Loan Bank stock | ' |
Federal Home Loan Bank stock |
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The Bank, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Boston, is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB. Based on redemption provisions of the FHLB, the stock has no quoted market value and is carried at cost. At its discretion, the FHLB may declare dividends on the stock. The Bank reviews for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of the cost basis in the FHLB stock. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, no impairment has been recognized. |
Loans Held for Sale | ' |
Loans Held for Sale |
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Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Net realized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. |
Loans | ' |
Loans |
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The loan portfolio consists of real estate, commercial and other loans to the Company’s customers in its primary market areas in eastern Massachusetts. The ability of the Company’s debtors to honor their contracts is dependent upon the economy in general and the real estate and construction economic sectors within our markets. |
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Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or pay-off, are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, and any deferred loan origination fees or costs. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. |
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Interest is not accrued on loans which are identified as impaired or loans which are ninety days or more past due. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. Interest income previously accrued on such loans is reversed against current period interest income. Interest income on non-accrual loans is recognized only to the extent of interest payments received and is first applied to the outstanding principal balance when collectibility of principal is in doubt. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured through sustained payment performance for at least six months. |
Allowance for loan losses | ' |
Allowance for loan losses |
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The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of the loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. |
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The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The allowance consists of general, allocated and unallocated components, as further described below. |
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General component |
The general component is based on the following loan segments: residential real estate, commercial real estate, construction, commercial, home equity lines of credit and other consumer. Management considers a rolling average of historical losses for each segment based on a time frame appropriate to capture relevant loss data for each loan segment, which generally ranges from 3-10 years. This historical loss factor is adjusted for the following qualitative factors: levels/trends in delinquencies; trends in volume, concentrations and terms of loans; effects of changes in risk selection and underwriting standards and other changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; experience/ability/depth of lending management and staff; and national and local economic trends and conditions. There were no significant changes to the Company’s policies or methodology pertaining to the general component of the allowance during 2013 or 2012. |
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The qualitative factor adjustments are determined based on the various risk characteristics of each loan segment. Risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment are as follows: |
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Residential real estate – The Company generally does not originate loans with a loan-to-value ratio greater than 80 percent and does not originate subprime loans. Most loans in this segment are collateralized by one- to four-family residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. |
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Commercial real estate – Loans in this segment are primarily income-producing properties in the Company’s primary market areas in eastern Massachusetts. The underlying cash flows generated by the properties are adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy as evidenced by increased vacancy rates, which in turn, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. Management typically obtains rent rolls annually and continually monitors the cash flows of these loans. |
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Construction – Loans in this segment primarily include speculative real estate development loans for which payment is derived from sale of the property. Credit risk is affected by cost overruns, time to sell at an adequate price, and market conditions. Residential construction loans in this segment include loans to build 1-4 family owner-occupied properties which are subject to the same credit quality factors as residential real estate. |
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Commercial – Loans in this segment are made to businesses and are generally secured by assets of the business. Repayment is expected from the cash flows of the business. A weakened economy, and resultant decreased consumer spending, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. |
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Home equity lines of credit – Loans in this segment are collateralized by one-to-four family residential real estate and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. The Company typically does not hold a first mortgage position on homes that secure home equity lines of credit. The overall health of the economy, including unemployment rates and housing prices, will have an effect on the credit quality in this segment. |
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Other consumer – Loans in this segment are generally unsecured and repayment is dependent on the credit quality of the individual borrower. |
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Allocated component |
The allocated component relates to loans that are classified as impaired. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or, if the loan is collateral dependent, by the fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell. An allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value) of the impaired loan are lower than the carrying value of that loan. Large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify performing individual residential and consumer loans for impairment disclosures, unless such loans are subject to a troubled debt restructuring agreement. |
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A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. |
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The Company periodically may agree to modify the contractual terms of loans. When a loan is modified and a concession is made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, the modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR"). All TDRs are initially classified as impaired. |
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Unallocated component |
An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio. |
Foreclosed assets | ' |
Foreclosed assets |
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Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value, less costs to sell, at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations, changes in the valuation allowance and any direct write-downs are included in net expenses from foreclosed assets. |
Premises and equipment | ' |
Premises and equipment |
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Land is carried at cost. Buildings, leasehold improvements and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the expected terms of the leases, if shorter. Expected terms include lease option periods to the extent that the exercise of such options is reasonably assured. |
Bank-owned life insurance | ' |
Bank-owned life insurance |
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Bank-owned life insurance policies are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets at cash surrender value. Changes in cash surrender value are reflected in noninterest income. |
Transfers of financial assets | ' |
Transfers of financial assets |
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Transfers of an entire financial asset, a group of entire financial assets, or a participating interest in an entire financial asset are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets. |
Derivative Financial Instruments | ' |
Derivative Financial Instruments |
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Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet and measured at fair value. |
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Derivative Loan Commitments |
Mortgage loan commitments are referred to as derivative loan commitments if the loan that will result from exercise of the commitment will be held for sale upon funding. Loan commitments that are derivatives are recognized at fair value, including servicing values, on the consolidated balance sheet in other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded in miscellaneous income. Fair values of the loan commitments are recognized based on changes in the fair value of the underlying mortgage due to interest rate changes, changes in the probability the derivative loan commitment will be exercised, and the passage of time. In estimating fair value, the Company assigns a probability to a loan commitment based on the expectation that it will be exercised and the loan will be funded. |
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Forward Loan Sale Commitments |
To protect against the price risk inherent in derivative loan commitments, the Company utilizes “best efforts” forward loan sale commitments to mitigate the risk of potential decreases in the values of loans that would result from the exercise of the derivative loan commitments. Forward loan sale commitments are recognized at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet in other assets and other liabilities with changes in their fair values recorded in miscellaneous income. Fair values for forward loan sale commitments are based on changes in the fair values of the underlying loans. |
Advertising costs | ' |
Advertising costs |
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Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. |
Income taxes | ' |
Income taxes |
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Deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to temporary differences between the book and tax bases of certain assets and liabilities, and are reflected at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. A valuation allowance is established against deferred tax assets when, based upon the available evidence including historical and projected taxable income, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company does not have any uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2013 which require accrual or disclosure. The Company records interest and penalties as part of income tax expense. No interest or penalties were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. |
Share-based Compensation Plans | ' |
Share-based Compensation Plans |
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The Company measures and recognizes compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions based on the grant date fair value of the equity instruments issued. Share-based compensation is recognized over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award. Reductions in compensation expense associated with forfeited options are estimated at the date of grant, and this estimated forfeiture rate is adjusted annually based on actual forfeiture experience. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options granted. |
Employee Stock Ownership Plan | ' |
Employee Stock Ownership Plan |
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Compensation expense for the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) is recorded at an amount equal to the shares allocated by the ESOP multiplied by the average fair market value of the shares during the period. The Company recognizes compensation expense ratably over the year based on the number of shares expected to be allocated by the ESOP. Unearned compensation applicable to the ESOP is reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheet. The difference between the average fair market value and the cost of the shares allocated by the ESOP is recorded as an adjustment to stockholders’ equity. |
Comprehensive Income | ' |
Comprehensive Income |
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Accounting principles generally 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, are reported as a separate component of the stockholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheets, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income. |
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The components of accumulated other comprehensive income and related tax effects are as follows: |
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| | December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
| | (In thousands) | |
Unrealized holding gains on securities available for sale | | $ | 271 | | | $ | 1,297 | |
Tax effect | | | (105 | ) | | | (507 | ) |
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Net-of tax amount | | $ | 166 | | | $ | 790 | |
Earnings per Share | ' |
Earnings per Share |
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Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. There were no potentially dilutive common stock equivalents as of December 31, 2013. Earnings per share is not presented for the year ended December 31, 2012 as common shares had not been outstanding during the entire period. Unallocated ESOP shares are not deemed outstanding for earnings per share calculations. Under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan, stock awards granted on October 1, 2013 and 2012 contain non-forfeitable dividend rights. Accordingly, unvested shares are considered outstanding for computation of basic earnings per share in subsequent periods. |
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Earnings per common share have computed based on the following: |
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| | Year Ended | | | | |
31-Dec-13 | | | | |
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Net Income | | $ | 2,220 | | | | | |
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Average number of common shares issued | | | 2,462,562 | | | | | |
Less: Average unallocated ESOP shares | | | (173,315 | ) | | | | |
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Average number of common shares outstanding | | | | | | | | |
used to calculate basic and diluted | | | | | | | | |
earnings per common share | | | 2,289,247 | | | | | |
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Recent Accounting and Regulatory Pronouncements | ' |
Recent Accounting and Regulatory Pronouncements |
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In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02 related to disclosure of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The standard requires that companies present either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. The new requirements are effective for public companies in fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2013, with no significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013. |
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In July 2013, federal banking regulators approved minimum requirements for both the quantity and quality of capital held by community banking institutions. The rule includes a new minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets of 4.5%, raises the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4.0% to 6.0% and includes a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0% for all banking organizations. Additionally, community banking institutions must maintain a capital conservation buffer of common equity Tier 1 capital in an amount greater than 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets to avoid being subject to limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. The Company must begin complying with the final rule on January 1, 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the rule but believes that it will continue to exceed all the minimum capital ratio requirements. |