form10-k.htm


 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

T  
ANNUAL REPORT  PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 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 number: 000-23601
        PATHFINDER BANCORP, INC.
        (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
       Federal                                                                                                                                                                                                            16-1540137
(State or other jurisdiction of                                                                                                                                                                                          (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                                                                                                                                                                                       Identification No.)

214 West First Street
Oswego, NY                                                                                                                                                                                                                         13126
(Address of principal executive offices)                                                                                                                                                                           (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (315) 343-0057

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

               Title of each class                                                                                                                                                                                      Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value                                                                                                                                                                                    The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES *      NO T
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES * NO T
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES T        NO *

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.*

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

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

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the last sale price on June 30, 2008, as reported by the Nasdaq Capital Market, was approximately $5.8 million.
 
As of March 13, 2009, there were 2,972,119 shares issued and 2,484,832 shares outstanding of the Registrant’s Common Stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
 
(1) Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Registrant (Part III).
 
(2) Annual Report to Stockholders (Part II and IV).
 

 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2008
PATHFINDER BANCORP, INC.
 
                          Page
PART I
Item 1.                 Business                                                                                                                                                                                1
Item 1A.             Risk Factors                                                                                                                                                                         11
Item 1B.              Unresolved Staff Comments                                                                                                                                             14
Item 2.                 Properties                                                                                                                                                                            15
Item 3.                 Legal Proceedings                                                                                                                                                              15
Item 4.                 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                                                                                                  15

PART II
Item 5.                 Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer                                                16
    Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6.                 Selected Financial Data                                                                                                                                                     17
Item 7.                 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations                               18
Item 7A.              Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk                                                                                   34
Item 8.                 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                                                                                                             35
Item 9.                 Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure                            71
Item 9A(T).        Controls and Procedures                                                                                                                                                   71
Item 9B.              Other Information                                                                                                                                                               71

PART III
Item 10.                 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance                                                                                          72
Item 11.                 Executive Compensation                                                                                                                                                 72
Item 12.                 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related                                                72
           Stockholder Matters
Item 13.                 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence                                                      72
Item 14.                 Principal Accountant Fees and Services                                                                                                                      72

PART IV
Item 15.                 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules                                                                                                                73


 

 

PART I
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

When used in this Annual Report the words or phrases “will likely result”, “are expected to”, “will continue”, “is anticipated”, “estimate”, ”project” or similar expression are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. By identifying these forward-looking statements for you in this manner, the Company is alerting you to the possibility that its actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results and financial condition to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, those discussed under “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made.  The Company wishes to advise readers that the factors listed above could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause the Company’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements.  Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

SIGNIFICANT REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS

The Company is engaged in the financial services industry.  This industry has undergone, and will most likely further undergo, significant regulatory developments.  Significant regulatory developments as of the date of this report are described in the “Regulation and Supervision” section below.  The regulatory landscape changes nearly daily and readers are cautioned not to rely solely on the disclosures contained herein.

ITEM 1: BUSINESS

GENERAL
 
Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.

Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") is a Federally chartered mid-tier holding company headquartered in Oswego, New York.  The primary business of the Company is its investment in Pathfinder Bank (the "Bank").  The Company is majority owned by Pathfinder Bancorp, M.H.C., a federally-chartered mutual holding company (the "Mutual Holding Company").   At December 31, 2008, the Mutual Holding Company held 1,583,239 shares of the Company’s common stock (“Common Stock”) and the public held 901,593 shares of Common Stock (the "Minority shareholders").  At December 31, 2008, Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. had total assets of $352.8 million, total deposits of $269.4 million and shareholders' equity of $19.5 million.

The Company's executive office is located at 214 West First Street, Oswego, New York and the telephone number at that address is (315) 343-0057.

Pathfinder Bank

The Bank is a New York-chartered savings bank headquartered in Oswego, New York.  The Bank operates from its main office as well as six branch offices located in its market area consisting of Oswego County and the contiguous counties.  The Bank's deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC").  The Bank was chartered as a New York savings bank in 1859 as Oswego City Savings Bank.  The Bank is a customer-oriented institution dedicated to providing mortgage loans and other traditional financial services to its customers.  The Bank is committed to meeting the financial needs of its customers in Oswego County, New York, and the contiguous counties.

 

 
 
The Bank is primarily engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public in the Bank's market area, and investing such deposits, together with other sources of funds, in loans secured by one- to four-family residential real estate and commercial real estate.  At December 31, 2008, $190.4 million, or 76% of the Bank's total loan portfolio consisted
of loans secured by real estate, of which $135.3 million, or 71%, were loans secured by one- to four-family residences and $55.1 million, or 29%, were secured by commercial real estate.  Additionally, $24.4 million, or 10%, of total loans, were secured by second liens on residential properties that are classified as consumer loans.  The Bank also originates commercial and consumer loans that totaled $30.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively, or 14%, of the Bank's total loan portfolio at December 31, 2008.  The Bank invests a portion of its assets in securities issued by the United States Government and its agencies and sponsored enterprises, state and municipal obligations, corporate debt securities, mutual funds, and equity securities.  The Bank also invests in mortgage-backed securities primarily issued or guaranteed by United States Government sponsored enterprises.  The Bank's principal sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and borrowings from correspondent financial institutions.  The principal source of income is interest on loans and investment securities.  The Bank's principal expenses are interest paid on deposits, and employee compensation and benefits.
 
Pathfinder Bank formed a New York state chartered limited purpose commercial bank subsidiary, Pathfinder Commercial Bank, in October of 2002.  Pathfinder Commercial Bank was established to serve the depository needs of public entities in its market area.

In April 1999, the Bank established Pathfinder REIT, Inc., a New York corporation, as the Bank's wholly-owned real estate investment trust subsidiary.  At December 31, 2008, Pathfinder REIT, Inc. held $21.7 million in mortgages and mortgage related assets.  All disclosures in this Form 10-K relating to the Bank's loans and investments include loans and investments that are held by Pathfinder REIT, Inc.

The Bank also has 100% ownership in Whispering Oaks Development Corp., a New York corporation, which is retained in case the need to operate or develop foreclosed real estate emerges.  This subsidiary is currently inactive.

In addition, the Company has a non-consolidated Delaware statutory trust subsidiary, Pathfinder Statutory Trust II, of which 100% of the common equity is owned by the Company.  Pathfinder Statutory Trust II was formed in connection with the issuance of trust preferred securities.

Employees

As of December 31, 2008, the Bank had 89 full-time employees and 18 part-time employees.  The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit and we consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

MARKET AREA AND COMPETITION

The economy in the Bank's market area is manufacturing-oriented and is also significantly dependent upon the State University of New York College at Oswego.  The major manufacturing employers in the Bank's market area are Entergy Nuclear Northeast, Novelis, Constellation, NRG and Huhtamaki.  The Bank is the largest depository institution headquartered in Oswego County.  However, the Bank encounters competition from a variety of sources.  The Bank's business and operating results are significantly affected by the general economic conditions prevalent in its market areas.
 
The Bank encounters strong competition both in attracting deposits and in originating real estate loans and other loans.  Its most direct competition for deposits has historically come from commercial banks, savings banks, savings associations and credit unions in its market area.  Competition for loans comes from such financial institutions as well as mortgage banking companies.  The Bank competes for deposits by offering depositors a high level of personal service and a wide range of competitively priced financial services.  The Bank competes for real estate loans primarily through the interest rates and loan fees it charges and advertising, as well as by originating and holding in its portfolio mortgage loans which do
 
 
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not necessarily conform to secondary market underwriting standards.  The recent turmoil in the residential mortgage sector of the United States economy has caused certain competitors to be less effective in the market place.  While Central New York did not experience the level of speculative lending and borrowing in residential real estate that has deeply impacted other regions on a national basis, certain mortgage brokers and finance companies are either no longer operating, or have limited aggressive lending practices.  Additionally, as certain money centers and large regional banks grapple with current economic conditions and the related credit crisis, their ability to compete as effectively has been muted.  Management believes that these conditions have created a window of reduced competition for residential loans, and to a lesser extent, commercial real estate loans.

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

General

The Bank is a New York-chartered stock savings bank and its deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC through the Deposit  Insurance Fund (“DIF ”).  The Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the New York State Banking Department (the “Department”), as its chartering agency, and by the FDIC, as its deposit insurer and primary federal regulator.  The Bank is required to file reports with, and is periodically examined by, the FDIC and the Superintendent of the Department concerning its activities and financial condition and must obtain regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions, including, but not limited to, mergers with or acquisitions of other banking institutions.  The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”) and is subject to certain regulations by the Federal Home Loan Bank System.  The Company and the Mutual Holding Company are federally chartered.  Consequently, they are subject to regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision ("OTS") as savings and loan holding companies.  Any change in such regulations, whether by the Department, the FDIC, or the OTS could have a material adverse impact on the Bank, the Company or the Mutual Holding Company.

Regulatory requirements applicable to the Bank, the Company and the Mutual Holding Company are referred to below or elsewhere herein.

Recent Regulatory Developments

In response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and financial markets and going concern threats to investment banks and other financial institutions, on October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”) was signed into law.  EESA provides, among other things, for a Troubled Assets Relief Program (“TARP”), under which the U.S. Department of the Treasury has the authority to purchase up to $700 billion of securities and certain other financial instruments from financial institutions for the purpose of stabilizing and providing liquidity to the U.S. financial markets.

On October 14, 2008, the Treasury Department announced a Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”) under the TARP pursuant to which it would acquire equity investments, usually preferred stock, in banks and thrifts and their holding companies.  Participating financial institutions also were required to adopt the Treasury Department’s standards for executive compensation and corporate governance for the period during which the department holds equity issued under the CPP.  We have filed an application to receive an investment of up to approximately $7 million under the CPP.  However, Treasury has not yet provided the terms for CPP participation by companies in the mutual holding company form of organization.  Accordingly, we have not yet determined whether or not we will accept a CPP investment, or the amount of such investment, if our application is approved.  When the terms for CPP participation by companies in the mutual holding company structure are announced by Treasury, we will evaluate whether to pursue participation in the program.

On February 10, 2009, Treasury announced its Capital Assistance Program (“CAP”) under which Treasury will make capital available to financial institutions through Treasury’s purchase of cumulative mandatorily convertible preferred stock. The preferred shares will mandatorily convert to common stock after seven years. Prior to that time, the preferred shares are convertible in whole or in part at the option of the institution, subject to the approval of the institution’s primary federal regulator.  Institutions that have received an investment
 
 
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from Treasury under the CPP may use proceeds from the CAP to redeem preferred shares issued in the CPP, effectively exchanging the preferred stock sold under the CPP for CAP
convertible preferred stock.  As with the CPP, Treasury has not yet provided the terms for CAP participation by companies in the mutual holding company structure.  Accordingly, we have not yet determined whether we will apply for or accept a CAP investment.  When the terms for CAP participation by companies in the mutual holding company structure are announced by Treasury, we will evaluate whether to pursue participation in the program.
 
On December 22, 2008, the FDIC published a final rule that raises the current deposit insurance assessment rates uniformly for all institutions by 7 basis points (to a range from 12 to 50 basis points) effective for the first quarter of 2009.  On February 27, 2009, the FDIC also issued a final rule that revises the way the FDIC calculates federal deposit insurance assessment rates beginning in the second quarter of 2009.  Under the new rule, the total base assessment rate will range from 7 to 77.5 basis points of the institution’s deposits, depending on the risk category of the institution and the institution’s levels of unsecured debt, secured liabilities, and brokered deposits.  Additionally, the FDIC issued an interim rule that would impose a special 20 basis points assessment on June 30, 2009, which would be collected on September 30, 2009. However, the FDIC has indicated a willingness to decrease the special assessment to 10 basis points under certain circumstances concerning the overall financial health of the insurance fund. Special assessments of 10 and 20 basis points would result in additional expense of approximately $300,000 to $600,000, respectively. The interim rule also allows for additional special assessments.

On October 14, 2008, the FDIC announced the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”).  This program has two components. One guarantees newly issued senior unsecured debt of the participating organizations, up to certain limits established for each institution, issued between October 14, 2008 and June 30, 2009. The other component of the program provides full FDIC insurance coverage for non-interest bearing transaction deposit accounts, regardless of dollar amount, until December 31, 2009. An annualized 10 basis point assessment on balances in noninterest-bearing transaction accounts that exceed the existing deposit insurance limit of $250,000 will be assessed on a quarterly basis to insured depository institutions participating in this component of the TLGP.  The Company has chosen to participate in both components of the TLGP.  The additional expense related to this coverage is not expected to be significant for Pathfinder Bank.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”), more commonly known as the economic stimulus or economic recovery package, was signed into law on February 17, 2009, by President Obama.  ARRA includes a wide variety of programs intended to stimulate the economy and provide for extensive infrastructure, energy, health, and education needs.  In addition, ARRA imposes certain new executive compensation and corporate expenditure limits on all current and future TARP recipients until the recipient has repaid the Treasury, which is now permitted under ARRA without penalty and without the need to raise new capital, subject to the Treasury’s consultation with the recipient’s appropriate regulatory agency.

New York State Banking Law and FDIC Regulation

The Bank derives its lending, investment and other authority primarily from the applicable provisions of New York State Banking Law and the regulations of the Department, as limited by FDIC regulations. In particular, the applicable provisions of New York State Banking Law and regulations governing the investment authority and activities of an FDIC insured state-chartered savings bank have been substantially limited by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA") and the FDIC regulations issued pursuant thereto.  Under these laws and regulations, savings banks, including the Bank, may invest in real estate mortgages, consumer and commercial loans, certain types of debt securities, including certain corporate debt securities and obligations of federal, state and local governments and agencies, certain types of corporate equity securities and certain other assets.  New York State chartered savings banks may also invest in subsidiaries under their service corporation investment authority.  A savings bank may use this power to invest in corporations that engage in various activities authorized for savings banks, plus any additional activities, which may be authorized by the Banking Board.  Under FDICIA and the FDIC’s implementation of regulations, the Bank’s investment and service corporation activities are limited to activities permissible for a national bank unless the FDIC otherwise permits it.
 
The FDIC and the Superintendent have broad  enforcement authority over the Bank.  Under this authority, the FDIC and the Superintendent have the ability to issue formal or informal orders to correct violations of laws or unsafe or unsound banking practices.
 
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FDIC Insurance on Deposits

The Bank is a member of the DIF, which is administered by the FDIC.  Deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC and such insurance is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 was signed into law on February 8, 2006, and gives the FDIC increased flexibility in assessing premiums on banks and savings associations, including the Bank, to pay for deposit insurance and in managing its deposit insurance reserves.  The reform legislation provided a credit to all insured institutions, based on the amount of their insured deposits at year-end 1996, to offset the premiums that they may be assessed; combined the BIF and SAIF to form a single Deposit Insurance Fund; increased deposit insurance to $250,000 for Individual Retirement Accounts; and authorized inflation-based increases in deposit insurance on other accounts every 5 years. In 2008, Congress has temporarily extended the $250,000 insurance limit to all other depositor accounts through December 31, 2009.

The credit provided by the 2005 Act is determined based on the assessment base of the institution as of December 31, 1996 as compared with the combined aggregate assessment base of all eligible institutions as of that date. Those institutions having credits could use them to offset up to 100% of the 2007 DIF assessment, and if not completely used in 2007, may apply the remaining credits to not more than 90% of each of the aggregate 2008, 2009 and 2010 DIF assessments. Pathfinder Bank offset 90% of its DIF assessments with available one-time assessment credits for the first two quarters of 2008 and took the remaining balance of the credit against the third quarter assessment. For the first nine months of 2008, credits utilized to offset amounts assessed for Pathfinder Bank totaled $76,000. Fourth quarter 2008 assessments for Pathfinder Bank, which will be assessed in March 2009 and will not be offset by credits, are estimated to be approximately $45,000.

See the discussion of recent regulatory developments relating to the FDIC and its anticipated impact on the Company discussed above under the caption Recent Regulatory Developments.

Regulatory Capital Requirements

The FDIC has adopted risk-based capital guidelines to which the Bank is subject. The guidelines establish a systematic analytical framework that makes regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banking organizations. The Bank is required to maintain certain levels of regulatory capital in relation to regulatory risk-weighted assets. The ratio of such regulatory capital to regulatory risk-weighted assets is referred to as the Bank's "risk-based capital ratio." Risk-based capital ratios are determined by allocating assets and specified off-balance sheet items to four risk-weighted categories ranging from 0% to 100%, with higher levels of capital being required for the categories perceived as representing greater risk.

These guidelines divide a savings bank's capital into two tiers. The first tier ("Tier I") includes common equity, retained earnings, certain non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock (excluding auction rate issues) and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less goodwill and other intangible assets (except mortgage servicing rights and purchased credit card relationships subject to certain limitations). Supplementary ("Tier II") capital includes, among other items, cumulative perpetual and long-term limited-life preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, certain hybrid capital instruments, term subordinated debt and the allowance for loan and lease losses, subject to certain limitations, less required deductions. Savings banks are required to maintain a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, and a Tier I risk based capital level of at least 4%.
 
In addition, the FDIC has established regulations prescribing a minimum Tier I leverage ratio (Tier I capital to adjusted total assets as specified in the regulations).  These regulations provide for a minimum Tier I leverage ratio of 3% for banks that meet certain specified criteria, including that they have the highest examination rating and are not experiencing or
 
 
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anticipating significant growth. All other banks are required to maintain a Tier I leverage ratio of 3% plus an additional cushion of at least 100 to 200 basis points.  The FDIC and the other federal banking regulators have proposed amendments to their minimum capital regulations to provide that the minimum leverage capital ratio for a depository institution that has been assigned the highest composite rating of 1 under the Uniform Financial Institutions Rating System will be 3% and that the minimum leverage capital ratio for any other depository institution will be 4% unless a higher leverage capital ratio is warranted by the particular circumstances or risk profile of the depository institution.  The FDIC may, however, set higher leverage and risk-based capital requirements on individual institutions when particular circumstances warrant. Savings banks experiencing or anticipating significant growth are expected to maintain capital ratios, including tangible capital positions, well above the minimum levels.

Limitations on Dividends and Other Capital Distributions

The FDIC has the authority to use its enforcement powers to prohibit a savings bank from paying dividends if, in its opinion, the payment of dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.  Federal law also prohibits the payment of dividends by a bank that will result in the bank failing to meet its applicable capital requirements on a pro forma basis.  New York law also restricts the Bank from declaring a dividend that would reduce its capital below the amount that is required to be maintained by state law and regulation.  The Company is also subject to the OTS capital distribution rules by virtue of being an OTS regulated savings and loan holding company.

Prompt Corrective Action

The federal banking agencies have promulgated regulations to implement the system of prompt corrective action required by federal law.  Under the regulations, a bank shall be deemed to be (i) "well capitalized" if it has total risk-based capital of 10% or more, has a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 6% or more, has a Tier I leverage capital ratio of 5% or more and is not subject to any written capital order or directive; (ii) "adequately capitalized" if it has a total risk based capital ratio of 8% or more, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 4% or more and a Tier I leverage capital ratio of 4% or more (3% under certain circumstances) and does not meet the definition of "well capitalized"; (iii) "undercapitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio that is less than 4% or a Tier I leverage capital ratio that is less than 4% (3% under certain circumstances); (iv) "significantly undercapitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 6%, a Tier I risk-based capital ratio that is less than 3% or a Tier I leverage capital ratio that is less than 3%; and (v) "critically undercapitalized" if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2%.  Federal law and regulations also specify circumstances under which a federal banking agency may reclassify a well capitalized institution as adequately capitalized and may require an adequately capitalized institution to comply with supervisory actions as if it were in the next lower category (except that the FDIC may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized).

The Bank currently meets the criteria to be classified as a "well capitalized" savings institution.

Transactions With Affiliates and Insiders
 
Under current federal law, transactions between depository institutions and their affiliates are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and its implementing regulations. An affiliate of a savings bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the savings bank, other than a subsidiary of the savings bank. In a holding company context, at a minimum, the parent holding company of a savings bank, and any companies that are controlled by such parent holding company, are affiliates of the savings bank. Generally, Section 23A limits the extent to which the savings bank or its subsidiaries may engage in "covered transactions" with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of such savings bank's capital stock and surplus and contains an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus. The term "covered transaction" includes the making of loans or other extensions of credit to an affiliate; the purchase of assets from an affiliate, the purchase of, or an investment in, the securities of an affiliate; the acceptance of securities of an affiliate as collateral for a loan or extension of credit to any person; or issuance of a guarantee,
 
 
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acceptance, or letter of credit on behalf of an affiliate. Section 23A also establishes specific collateral requirements for loans or extensions of credit to, or guarantees, acceptances on letters of credit issued on behalf of an affiliate. Section 23B requires that covered transactions and a broad list of other specified transactions be on terms substantially the same, or no less favorable, to the savings bank or its subsidiary as similar transactions with nonaffiliates.

Further, Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and its implementing regulations restrict a savings bank with respect to loans to directors, executive officers, and principal stockholders. Under Section 22(h), loans to directors, executive officers and stockholders who control, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of voting securities of a savings bank and certain related interests of any of the foregoing, may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such persons and affiliated entities, the savings bank's total unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. Section 22(h) also prohibits loans above amounts prescribed by the appropriate federal banking agency to directors, executive officers, and stockholders who control 10% or more of voting securities of a stock savings bank, and their respective related interests, unless such loan is approved in advance by a majority of the board of directors of the savings bank. Any "interested" director may not participate in the voting. Further, pursuant to Section 22(h), loans to directors, executive officers and principal stockholders must generally be made on terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other persons. Section 22(g) of the Federal Reserve Act places additional limitations on loans to executive officers.

Federal Holding Company Regulation

General.  The Company and the Mutual Holding Company are nondiversified savings and loan holding companies within the meaning of the Home Owners' Loan Act.  The Company and the Mutual Holding Company are registered with the OTS and are subject to OTS regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting requirements.  As such, the OTS has enforcement authority over the Company and the Mutual Holding Company, and their non-savings institution subsidiaries.  Among other things, this authority permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the subsidiary savings institution.

Permitted Activities.  Under OTS regulation and policy, a mutual holding company and a federally chartered mid-tier holding company, such as the Company, may engage in the following activities: (i) investing in the stock of a savings association; (ii) acquiring a mutual association through the merger of such association into a savings association subsidiary of such holding company or an interim savings association subsidiary of such holding company; (iii) merging with or acquiring another holding company, one of whose subsidiaries is a savings association; (iv) investing in a corporation, the capital stock of which is available for purchase by a savings association under federal law or under the law of any state where the subsidiary savings association or associations share their home offices; (v) furnishing or performing management services for a savings association subsidiary of such company; (vi) holding, managing or liquidating assets owned or acquired from a savings subsidiary of such company; (vii) holding or managing properties used or occupied by a savings association subsidiary of such company; (viii) acting as trustee under deeds of trust; (ix) any other activity (A) that the Federal Reserve Board, by regulation, has determined to be permissible for bank holding companies under Section 4(c) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, unless the Director of the OTS, by regulation, prohibits or limits any such activity for savings and loan holding companies; or (B) in which multiple savings and loan holding companies were authorized (by regulation) to directly engage on March 5, 1987; (x) any activity permissible for financial holding companies under Section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act, including securities and insurance underwriting; and (xi) purchasing, holding, or disposing of stock acquired in connection with a qualified stock issuance if the purchase of such stock by such savings and loan holding company is approved by the Director.  If a mutual holding company acquires or merges with another holding company, the holding company acquired or the holding company resulting from such merger or acquisition may only invest in assets and engage in activities listed in (i) through (xi) above, and has a period of two years to cease any nonconforming activities and divest of any nonconforming investments.
 
The Home Owners' Loan Act prohibits a savings and loan holding company, directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries, from acquiring another savings association or holding company thereof, without prior written approval of the OTS.  It also prohibits the acquisition or retention of, with certain exceptions, more than 5% of a nonsubsidiary savings
 
 
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association, a nonsubsidiary holding company, or a nonsubsidiary company engaged in activities other than those permitted by the Home Owners' Loan Act; or acquiring or retaining control of an institution that is not federally insured.  In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings associations, the OTS must consider the financial and managerial resources, future prospects of the company and association involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the insurance fund, the convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.
 
The OTS is prohibited from approving any acquisition that would result in a multiple savings and loan holding company controlling savings associations in more than one state, subject to two exceptions: (i) the approval of interstate supervisory acquisitions by savings and loan holding companies, and (ii) the acquisition of a savings institution in another state if the laws of the state of the target savings institution specifically permit such acquisitions.  The states vary in the extent to which they permit interstate savings and loan holding company acquisitions.

Waivers of Dividends by Mutual Holding Company.  OTS regulations require the Mutual Holding Company to notify the OTS of any proposed waiver of its receipt of dividends from the Company.  The OTS may object to such waivers.

Conversion of the Mutual Holding Company to Stock Form.  OTS regulations permit the Mutual Holding Company to convert from the mutual form of organization to the capital stock form of organization (a "Conversion Transaction").  There can be no assurance when, if ever, a Conversion Transaction will occur, and the Board of Directors has no current intention or plan to undertake a Conversion Transaction.  In a Conversion Transaction a new holding company would be formed as the successor to the Company (the "New Holding Company"), the Mutual Holding Company's corporate existence would end, and certain depositors of the Bank would receive the right to subscribe for additional shares of the New Holding Company.  In a Conversion Transaction, each share of common stock held by stockholders other than the Mutual Holding Company ("Minority Stockholders") would be automatically converted into a number of shares of common stock of the New Holding Company determined pursuant to an exchange ratio that ensures that Minority Stockholders own the same percentage of common stock in the New Holding Company as they owned in the Company immediately prior to the Conversion Transaction.  Under OTS regulations, Minority Stockholders would not be diluted because of any dividends waived by the Mutual Holding Company (and waived dividends would not be considered in determining an appropriate exchange ratio), in the event the Mutual Holding Company converts to stock form.  The total number of shares held by Minority Stockholders after a Conversion Transaction also would be increased by any purchases by Minority Stockholders in the stock offering conducted as part of the Conversion Transaction.

Federal Securities Law

The common stock of the Company is registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”).  The Company is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements of the SEC under the Exchange Act.

The Company Common Stock held by persons who are affiliates (generally officers, directors and principal stockholders) of the Company may not be resold without registration or unless sold in accordance with certain resale restrictions.  If the Company meets specified current public information requirements, each affiliate of the Company is able to sell in the public market, without registration, a limited number of shares in any three-month period.

Federal Reserve System

The Federal Reserve Board requires all depository institutions to maintain noninterest-bearing reserves at specified levels against their transaction accounts (primarily checking, money management and NOW checking accounts).  At December 31, 2008, the Bank was in compliance with these reserve requirements.


 
Page 8

 
Federal Community Reinvestment Regulation
 
Under the Community Reinvestment Act, as amended (the "CRA"), as implemented by FDIC regulations, a savings bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation, consistent with its safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods.  The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution's discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA.  The CRA requires the FDIC, in connection with its examination of a savings institution, to assess the institution's record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by such institution.  The CRA requires the FDIC to provide a written evaluation of an institution's CRA performance utilizing a four-tiered descriptive rating system.  The Bank's latest CRA rating was "satisfactory."

New York State Community Reinvestment Regulation

The Bank is subject to provisions of the New York State Banking Law which impose continuing and affirmative obligations upon banking institutions organized in New York State to serve the credit needs of its local community ("NYCRA") which are substantially similar to those imposed by the CRA.  Pursuant to the NYCRA, a bank must file an annual NYCRA report and copies of all federal CRA reports with the Department.  The NYCRA requires the Department to make a biennial written assessment of a bank's compliance with the NYCRA, utilizing a four-tiered rating system and make such assessment available to the public.  The NYCRA also requires the Superintendent to consider a bank's NYCRA rating when reviewing a bank's application to engage in certain transactions, including mergers, asset purchases and the establishment of branch offices or automated teller machines, and provides that such assessment may serve as a basis for the denial of any such application.

The Bank's NYCRA rating as of its latest examination was "satisfactory."

The USA PATRIOT Act

The USA PATRIOT Act (“the PATRIOT Act”) was signed into law on October 26, 2001.  The PATRIOT Act gives the federal government new powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing and broadened anti-money laundering requirements.  The PATRIOT Act also requires the federal banking agencies to take into consideration the effectiveness of controls designed to combat money laundering activities in determining whether to approve a merger or other acquisition application of a member institution.  Accordingly, if the Company were to engage in a merger or other acquisitions, its controls designed to combat money laundering would be considered as part of the application process.  The Company and the Bank have established policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes Oxley”) was signed into law on July 30, 2002.  Sarbanes-Oxley is a law that addresses, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information.  As directed by Section 302(a) of Sarbanes-Oxley, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are each required to certify that the company’s quarterly and annual reports do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact.  The rules have several requirements, including having these officers certify that: they are responsible for establishing, maintaining and regularly evaluating the effectiveness of our internal controls; they have made certain disclosures to our auditors and the audit committee of the Board of Directors about our internal controls; and they have included information in our quarterly and annual reports about their evaluation and whether there have been significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the evaluation.  Recently revised dates for compliance with Section 404 have given non-accelerated filers some relief by extending the date for compliance with auditor attestation requirements to the year ending December 31, 2009.  We have existing policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations, and are further enhancing and documenting such policies, procedures and systems to ensure continued compliance with these regulations.
 
 
Page 9

 
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
 
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 ("EESA") was enacted on October 3, 2008. EESA enables the federal government, under terms and conditions to be developed by the Secretary of the Treasury, to insure troubled assets, including mortgage-backed securities, and collect premiums from participating financial institutions. EESA includes, among other provisions: (a) the $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Program ("TARP"), under which the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to purchase, insure, hold, and sell a wide variety of financial instruments, particularly those that are based on or related to residential or commercial mortgages originated or issued on or before March 14, 2008; and (b) an increase in the amount of deposit insurance provided by the FDIC.
 
Under the TARP, the United States Department of Treasury authorized a voluntary Capital Purchase Program to purchase up to $250 billion of senior preferred shares of qualifying financial institutions that elected to participate by November 14, 2008. The board of directors and management analyzed the potential merits of participating in the Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”) of the Treasury Department’s TARP.  It is the general view of the board and management that in the present national economic risk environment, enhancing the Company’s capital ratios is both prudent, given the current climate, and potentially opportunistic as we move into the next business cycle.  Additionally, any increase to capital will continue to support the Company’s lending activities to individuals, families, and businesses in our community.  In November, Pathfinder Bancorp, M.H.C., the mutual holding company parent of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. filed its original application requesting CPP funds.  Management is currently awaiting a response from the treasury relating to its application.  Treasury has yet to provide a term sheet for mutually chartered companies.  Companies participating in the CPP were required to adopt certain standards relating to executive compensation. The terms of the CPP also limit certain uses of capital by the issuer, including with respect to repurchases of securities and increases in dividends.

See the discussion of recent regulatory developments relating to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and the economic recovery package discussed above under the caption Recent Regulatory Developments.

The Company maintains an Internet website located at www.pathfinderbank.com on which, among other things, the Company makes available, free of charge, various reports that it files with or furnishes to the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K.  The Company has also made available on its website its Audit Committee Charter, Compensation Committee Charter, Governance Guidelines (which serve as the Nominating / Governance Committee’s charter) and Code of Ethics.  These reports are made available as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K may be accessed on the Company's website at www.pathfinderbank.com/annualmeeting.

FEDERAL AND STATE TAXATION

Federal Taxation

The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize certain pertinent federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the Company or the Bank.

Bad Debt Reserves.  Prior to the Tax Reform Act of 1996 (“the 1996 Act”), the Bank was permitted to establish a reserve for bad debts and to make annual additions to the reserve.  These additions could, within specified formula limits, be deducted in arriving at the Bank's taxable income.  As a result of the 1996 Act, the Bank must use the small bank experience method in computing its bad debt deduction.

 
Page 10

 
Taxable Distributions and Recapture.  Prior to the 1996 Act, bad debt reserves created prior to January 1, 1988 were subject to recapture into taxable income should the Bank fail to meet certain thrift asset and definitional tests.  New federal legislation eliminated these thrift related recapture rules.  However, under current law, pre-1988 reserves remain subject to recapture should the Bank cease to retain a bank or thrift charter or make certain non-dividend distributions.

Minimum Tax.   The Internal Revenue Code imposes an alternative minimum tax ("AMT") at a rate of 20% on a base of regular taxable income plus certain tax preferences ("alternative minimum taxable income" or "AMTI").  The AMT is payable to the extent such AMTI is in excess of an exemption amount.  Net operating losses can offset no more than 90% of AMTI.  Certain payments of alternative minimum tax may be used as credits against regular tax liabilities in future years.

Net Operating Loss Carryovers.  A financial institution may carry back net operating losses to the preceding two taxable years and forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years.

Neither the Internal Revenue Service or New York State have examined our federal or state tax returns within the past 5 years.

State Taxation

New York Taxation.  The Bank is subject to the New York State Franchise Tax on Banking Corporations in an annual amount equal to the greater of (i) 7.1% of the Bank's "entire net income" allocable to New York State during the taxable year, or (ii) the applicable alternative minimum tax.  The alternative minimum tax is generally the greater of (a) 0.01% of the value of the Bank's assets allocable to New York State with certain modifications, (b) 3% of the Bank's "alternative entire net income" allocable to New York State, or (c) $250.  Entire net income is similar to federal taxable income, subject to certain modifications and alternative entire net income is equal to entire net income without certain modifications.  Net operating losses arising in the current period can be carried forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years.

ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS

The material risks and uncertainties that management believes affect the Company are described below. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or that management currently deems immaterial may also impair the Company’s business operations. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors. If any of the following risks actually occur, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Changes in Interest Rates Can Have an Adverse Effect on Profitability
 
The Company’s earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon its net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest earning assets such as loans and investment securities and interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowed funds. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond the Company’s control, including general economic conditions, competition, and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest the Company receives on loans and investment securities and the amount of interest it pays on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect (i) the Company’s ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, (ii) the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, and (iii) the average duration of the Company’s assets and liabilities. If the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and other investments, the Company’s net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely affected. Earnings could also be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and other investments fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings.
 
 
 
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Although management believes it has implemented effective asset and liability management strategies to reduce the potential effects of changes in interest rates on the Company’s results of operations, any substantial, unexpected, prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
 
The Company’s Increased Emphasis on Commercial Business and Real Estate Lending May Expose It To Increased Lending Risks.

At December 31, 2008, the Company’s loan portfolio consisted of $55.1 million, or 22% of commercial real estate loans, and $30.7 million, or 12% of commercial business loans.  The Company intends to increase its emphasis on these types of loans.  These types of loans generally expose a lender to greater risk of non-payment and loss than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the successful operation of the property, and the income stream of the borrowers.  Such loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to one- to four-family residential mortgage loans.  Commercial business loans expose the Company to additional risks since they typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayments from the cash flow of the borrower’s business and are secured by non-real estate collateral that may depreciate over time.  In addition, since such loans generally entail greater risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, the Company may need to increase its allowance for loan losses in the future to account for the likely increase in probable incurred credit losses associated with the growth of such loans.

Continued or Further Declines in the Value of Certain Investment Securities Could Require Write-Downs, Which Would Reduce the Company’s Earnings.

During 2008, the Company recorded losses from other-than-temporary impairment on investment securities totaling $1.6 million, net of the related tax benefits of $659,000. At December 31, 2008, gross unrealized losses in the Company’s investment portfolio equaled approximately $2.4 million relating to securities with an aggregate fair value of $72.1 million.  There can be no assurance that future factors or combinations of factors will not cause the Company to conclude in one or more future reporting periods that an unrealized loss that exists with respect to any of its securities constitutes an impairment that is other than temporary.

If the Company’s Investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is Classified as Other-Than-Temporarily Impaired or as Permanently Impaired, Its Earnings and Stockholders’ Equity Could Decrease

The Company owns common stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLB-NY). The Company holds the FHLB-NY common stock to qualify for membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank System and to be eligible to borrow funds under the FHLB-NY’s advance program. The aggregate cost and fair value of our FHLB-NY common stock as of December 31, 2008 was $2.5 million based on its par value. There is no market for our FHLB-NY common stock.

Recent published reports indicate that certain member banks of the Federal Home Loan Bank System may be subject to accounting rules and asset quality risks that could result in materially lower regulatory capital levels. In an extreme situation, it is possible that the capitalization of a Federal Home Loan Bank, including the FHLB-NY, could be substantially diminished or reduced to zero. Consequently, the Company believes that there is a risk that our investment in FHLB-NY common stock could be deemed other-than-temporarily impaired at some time in the future, and if this occurs, it would cause our earnings and stockholders’ equity to decrease by the after-tax amount of the impairment charge.

Allowance For Loan Losses May Be Insufficient
 
The Company’s loan customers may not repay their loans according to their terms and the collateral securing the payment of these loans may be insufficient to assure repayment. The Company may experience significant loan losses, which would have a material adverse effect on earnings. Management makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectibility of the loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of loans.

 
Page 12

 
The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses in an attempt to cover any loan losses inherent in the portfolio. In determining the size of the allowance, management relies on an analysis of the loan portfolio based on historical loss experience, volume and types of loans, trends in classification, volume and trends in delinquencies and non-accruals, national and local economic conditions and other pertinent information. If those assumptions are incorrect, the allowance may not be sufficient to cover future loan losses and adjustments may be necessary to allow for different economic conditions or adverse developments in the loan portfolio.  In addition, regulatory agencies review the Company’s allowance for loan losses and may require additions to the allowance based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination. An increase in the Company’s allowance for loan losses would reduce its earnings.
 
Extensive Regulation and Supervision
 
The Company, primarily through its principal subsidiaries, Pathfinder Bank and Pathfinder Commercial Bank, and certain non-bank subsidiaries, is subject to extensive federal and state regulation and supervision. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, not shareholders. These regulations affect the Company’s lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things. The Company is also subject to a number of federal laws, which, among other things, require it to lend to various sectors of the economy and population, and establish and maintain comprehensive programs relating to anti-money laundering and customer identification. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes and have been increasingly active in the current economic environment. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, could affect the Company in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject the Company to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products it may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputation damage, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company’s compliance with certain of these laws will be considered by banking regulators when reviewing bank merger and bank holding company acquisitions. While the Company has policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, there can be no assurance that such violations will not occur. See the “Regulation and Supervision” section in Item 1, “Business” and Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, which are located elsewhere in this report.

Local Market Economies
 
The Company’s business is concentrated in Oswego and parts of Onondaga counties of New York State.  The economy in the Company’s market area is manufacturing-oriented and dependent on the State University of New York College at Oswego.  As a result, its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows are subject to changes if there are changes in the economic conditions in these areas. Throughout 2008 and into the current year, there have been considerable concerns about the deepening economic downturn in both national and international markets; the level and volatility of energy prices; a weakened housing market; the troubled state of financial and credit markets; Federal Reserve positioning of monetary policy; rising private sector layoffs and unemployment, which caused consumer spending to slow; the underlying impact on businesses’ operations and abilities to repay loans as consumer spending slowed; continued stagnant population growth in upstate New York; and continued slowing of automobile sales. Late in 2008, the U.S economy was identified as having been in recession since the fourth quarter of 2007. However, given that all of the Company’s loans are to customers in upstate New York, which is a traditionally slower growth or stagnant region of New York, the impact of deteriorating national market conditions was not as pronounced on borrowers in this region as compared with other areas of the country. Therefore, despite the conditions, as previously described, the Company has not experienced severe credit issues through 2008. A prolonged period of economic recession or other adverse economic conditions in one or both of these counties could have a negative impact on the Company. The Company can provide no assurance that conditions in its market area economies will not deteriorate in the future and that such deterioration would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

 
Page 13

 
Competition in the Financial Services Industry
 
The Company faces substantial competition in all areas of its operations from a variety of different competitors, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources. The Company competes with other providers of financial services such as other bank holding companies, commercial and savings banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, money market and mutual funds, mortgage companies, asset managers, insurance companies and a growing list of other local, regional and national institutions which offer financial services. If the Company is unable to compete effectively, it will lose market share and income generated from loans, deposits, and other financial products will decline.

Loss of Executive Officers or Other Key Personnel
 
Our success depends, to a great extent, upon the services of our executive officers.  The unexpected loss of these individuals could have an adverse effect on our operations.  From time to time, we also need to recruit personnel to fill vacant positions for experienced lending officers and branch staff.  Competition for qualified personnel in the banking industry is significant, and there is no assurance that we will continue to be successful in attracting, recruiting and retaining the necessary skilled managerial, sales and technical personnel for the successful operation of our existing lending, operations, accounting and administrative functions or to support the needs of our organization resulting from future growth.  Our inability to hire or retain key personnel could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations.

The Company’s Expenses Will Increase As A Result Of Increases in FDIC Insurance Premiums.

On December 22, 2008, the FDIC published a final rule raising the current deposit insurance assessment rates uniformly for all institutions by seven basis points (to a range from 12 to 50 basis points) for the first quarter of 2009. On February 27, 2009, the FDIC issued a final rule changing the way that the FDIC calculates federal deposit insurance assessment rates beginning in the second quarter of 2009. Additionally, the FDIC issued an interim rule that would impose a special 20 basis points assessment on June 30, 2009, which would be collected on September 30, 2009. For more information on FDIC assessments, see “Regulation and Supervision—FDIC Insurance on Deposits”.

Future Legislative or Regulatory Actions Responding to Perceived Financial and Market Problems Could Impair the Company’s Rights Against Borrowers.

There have been proposals made by members of Congress and others that would reduce the amount distressed borrowers are otherwise contractually obligated to pay under their mortgage loans and limit an institution’s ability to foreclose on mortgage collateral. Were proposals such as these, or other proposals limiting the Company’s rights as a creditor, to be implemented, the Company could experience increased credit losses or increased expense in pursuing its remedies as a creditor.


ITEM 1B:  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None


 
Page 14

ITEM 2: PROPERTIES
 
The Bank conducts its business through its main office located in Oswego, New York, and six branch offices located in Oswego County.  The following table sets forth certain information concerning the main office and each branch office of the Bank at December 31, 2008.  The aggregate net book value of the Bank's premises and equipment was $7.5 million at December 31, 2008.  For additional information regarding the Bank's properties, see Notes 7 and 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

LOCATION
OPENING DATE
OWNED/LEASED
Main Office
214 West First Street
Oswego, New York  13126
 
1874
Owned
Plaza Branch
Route 104, Ames Plaza
Oswego, New York  13126
 
1989
     Owned (1)
Mexico Branch
Norman & Main Streets
Mexico, New York  13114
 
1978
Owned
Oswego East Branch
34 East Bridge Street
Oswego, New York  13126
 
1994
Owned
Lacona Branch
1897 Harwood Drive
Lacona, New York 13083
 
2002
Owned
Fulton Branch
5 West First Street South
Fulton, New York  13069
 
Central Square Branch
3025 East Ave
Central Square, New York  13036
 
2003
 
 
 
2005
     Owned (2)
 
 
 
Owned
(1)  
The building is owned; the underlying land is leased with an annual rent of $21,000
(2)  
The building is owned; the underlying land is leased with an annual rent of $30,000


ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are various claims and lawsuits to which the Company is periodically involved incident to the Company's business.  In the opinion of management, such claims and lawsuits in the aggregate are not expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
 
 
ITEM 4: SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 to a vote of the Company’s shareholders.


 
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PART II
 
ITEM 5:  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.'s common stock currently trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "PBHC".  There were 367 shareholders of record as of March 11, 2009.  The following table sets forth the high and low closing bid prices and dividends paid per share of common stock for the periods indicated:
 
               
Dividend
 
Quarter Ended:
 
High
   
Low
   
Paid
 
December 31, 2008
    $13.500       $6.000       $0.1025  
September 30, 2008
    10.250       6.890       0.1025  
June 30, 2008
    11.250       7.000       0.1025  
March 31, 2008
    16.550       9.720       0.1025  
December 31, 2007
    $10.880       $9.070       $0.1025  
September 30, 2007
    12.390       9.350       0.1025  
June 30, 2007
    13.250       11.930       0.1025  
March 31, 2007
    14.000       12.780       0.1025  
 
Dividends and Dividend History

The Company has historically paid regular quarterly cash dividends on its common stock, and the Board of Directors presently intends to continue the payment of regular quarterly cash dividends, subject to the need for those funds for debt service and other purposes.  Payment of dividends on the common stock is subject to determination and declaration by the Board of Directors and will depend upon a number of factors, including capital requirements, regulatory limitations on the payment of dividends, Pathfinder Bank and its subsidiaries results of operations and financial condition, tax considerations, and general economic conditions.  Given deteriorating economic conditions, the Company’s focus is on the retention and growth of capital, and it is, therefore, unlikely to replicate the historical dividend payout in 2009.  The Company's mutual holding company, Pathfinder Bancorp, M.H.C., may elect to waive or  receive dividends each time the Company declares a dividend.  The election to waive the dividend receipt requires prior non-objection of the OTS.  Pathfinder Bancorp, M.H.C. elected to waive its dividend for the quarter ended June 30, 2008, receiving dividends for the other three quarters.  During 2009, Pathfinder Bancorp, M.H.C. expects to waive two quarterly dividends, however the OTS has not yet issued its non-objection letter thereto.

If the Company chooses to participate in the Treasury’s CPP program, its ability to pay dividends to its stockholders may be restricted.
 
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ITEM 6: SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. (“the Company”) is the parent company of Pathfinder Bank and Pathfinder Statutory Trust I.  Pathfinder Bank has three operating subsidiaries – Pathfinder Commercial Bank, Pathfinder REIT, Inc., and Whispering Oaks Development Corp.

The following selected consolidated financial data sets forth certain financial highlights of the Company and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes, and the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere  in this annual report on  Form 10-K.

   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
Year End (In thousands)
                             
Total assets
    $352,760       $320,691       $301,382       $296,948       $302,037  
Loans receivable, net
    247,400       221,046       201,713       187,889       185,125  
Deposits
    269,438       251,085       245,585       236,377       236,672  
Shareholders’ Equity
    19,495       21,704       20,850       20,928       21,826  
                                         
For the Year (In thousands)
                                       
Net interest income
    $10,675       $8,667       $8,346       $8,742       $8,905  
Noninterest income
    551       3,042       2,615       2,040       3,047  
Noninterest expense
    9,935       9,838       9,668       10,060       9,307  
Net income
    368       1,122       1,028       462       1,405  
                                         
Per Share
                                       
Net income (basic)
    $0.15       $0.45       $0.42       $0.19       $0.58  
Book value
    8.04       8.74       8.45       8.50       8.91  
Tangible book value (a)
    6.50       7.19       6.82       6.77       7.04  
Cash dividends declared
    0.41       0.41       0.41       0.41       0.41  
                                         
Ratios
                                       
Return on average assets
    0.11 %     0.36 %     0.34 %     0.15 %     0.47 %
Return on average equity
    1.70       5.27       4.86       2.16       6.45  
Return on average tangible equity (a)
    2.07       6.47       6.04       2.72       8.17  
Average equity to average assets
    6.32       6.82       7.03       6.95       7.29  
Dividend payout ratio (b)
    232.61       62.03       66.73       147.84       47.54  
Allowance for loan losses to loans receivable
    0.99       0.76       0.74       0.89       0.98  
Net interest rate spread
    3.22       2.81       2.92       3.07       3.22  
Noninterest income to average assets
    0.16       0.98       0.87       0.66       1.02  
Noninterest expense to average assets
    2.91       3.15       3.21       3.28       3.12  
Efficiency ratio (c)
    73.02       85.89       88.71       89.16       84.21  

(a)  
Tangible equity excludes intangible assets.
(b)  
The dividend payout ratio is calculated using dividends declared and not waived by the Company’s mutual holding company parent, Pathfinder Bancorp, M.H.C., divided by net income.
(c)  
The efficiency ratio is calculated as noninterest expense divided by the sum of taxable-equivalent net interest income and noninterest income excluding net (losses) gains on sales and impairment of investment securities and net (losses) gains on sales of loans and foreclosed real estate.
 
 
 
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ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
INTRODUCTION

Throughout Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) the term, “the Company”, refers to the consolidated entity of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.  Pathfinder Bank and Pathfinder Statutory Trust II are wholly owned subsidiaries of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc., however, Pathfinder Statutory Trust II is not consolidated for reporting purposes (see Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements).  Pathfinder Commercial Bank, Pathfinder REIT, Inc. and Whispering Oaks Development Corp. are wholly owned subsidiaries of Pathfinder Bank.  At December 31, 2008, Pathfinder Bancorp, M.H.C, the Company’s mutual holding company parent, whose activities are not included in the consolidated financial statements or the MD&A, held 63.7% of the Company’s outstanding common stock and the public held 36.3%.

This Annual Report contains supplemental financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  The Company’s management believes that such non-GAAP financial measures are useful to management and investors as it enhances their ability to evaluate and compare the Company’s operating results from period to period in a meaningful manner, as operating results excluding other than temporary impairment charges on its investment security holdings are essential in understanding the financial performance of the Company, and is more representative of the basis that management utilizes to monitor financial performance.  Readers are cautioned that non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance as promulgated under GAAP, and should consider the impairment charges recorded during 2008 in assessing the Company’s performance.  Non-GAAP measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analyzing the Company’s performance under GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP measures presented by other companies.

The Company's business strategy is to operate as a well-capitalized, profitable and independent community bank dedicated to providing value-added products and services to our customers.  Generally, the Company has sought to implement this strategy by emphasizing retail deposits as its primary source of funds and maintaining a substantial part of its assets in locally-originated residential first mortgage loans, loans to business enterprises operating in its markets, and in investment securities.  Specifically, the Company's business strategy incorporates the following elements: (i) operating as an independent community-oriented financial institution; (ii) maintaining capital in excess of regulatory requirements; (iii) emphasizing investment in one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, loans to small businesses and investment securities; and (iv) maintaining a strong retail deposit base.

The Company's net income is primarily dependent on its net interest income, which is the difference between interest income earned on its investments in mortgage and other loans, investment securities and other assets, and its cost of funds consisting of interest paid on deposits and borrowings.  The Company's net income also is affected by its provision for loan losses, as well as by the amount of noninterest income, including income from fees, service charges and servicing rights, net gains and losses on sales of securities, loans and foreclosed real estate, and noninterest expense such as employee compensation and benefits, occupancy and equipment costs, data processing costs and income taxes.  Earnings of the Company also are affected significantly by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities, of which these events are beyond the control of the Company.  In particular, the general level of market rates tends to be highly cyclical.

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and follow practices within the banking industry.  Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  These estimates, assumptions and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information
 
 
Page 18

 
changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions and judgments.  Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported.  Estimates, assumptions and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event.  Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility.  The fair values and information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based on quoted market prices or are provided by other third-party sources, when available.  When third party information is not available, valuation adjustments are estimated in good faith by management.
 
The most significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.  These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this discussion, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the consolidated financial statements and how those values are determined.  Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions and estimates underlying those amounts, management has identified the allowance for loan losses, deferred income taxes, pension obligations, the evaluation of goodwill for impairment, the evaluation of investment securities for other than temporary impairment and the estimation of fair values for accounting and disclosure purposes to be the accounting areas that require the most subjective and complex judgments, and as such, could be the most subject to revision as new information becomes available.

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

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability method.  Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as well as net operating and capital loss carry forwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.  To the extent that current available evidence about the future raises doubt about the likelihood of a deferred tax asset being realized, a valuation allowance is established.  The judgment about the level of future taxable income, including that which is considered capital, is inherently subjective and is reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change.  A valuation allowance of $540,000 was established during the year ended December 31, 2008, as management believes it may not generate sufficient capital gains to offset its capital loss carry forward.  The Company’s effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate due to non-taxable investment securities, and bank owned life insurance offset by the valuation allowance established on a portion of the capital loss carry forwards.

Pension and post-retirement benefit plan liabilities and expenses are based upon actuarial assumptions of future events, including fair value of plan assets, interest rates, rate of future compensation increases and the length of time the Company will have to provide those benefits. The assumptions used by management are discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

As a result of deteriorating economic conditions in the financial markets, which impacted the trading value of the Company’s common stock, management engaged an independent third party to test the Company’s goodwill for impairment as of December 31, 2008.  Testing was performed by utilizing a three-step valuation approach which is described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

 
Page 19

 

The Company carries all of its investments at fair value with any unrealized gains or losses reported net of tax as an adjustment to shareholders' equity, except for security impairment losses, which are charged to earnings.  The Company's ability to fully realize the value of its investments in various securities, including corporate debt securities, is dependent on the underlying creditworthiness of the issuing organization.  In evaluating the security portfolio for other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.  Based on management's assessments during the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded other than temporary impairment charges of $ 2,253,000, including an $875,000 charge on a $1,000,000 holding in a senior unsecured note issued by Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., which filed a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy petition on September 15, 2008,  the AMF Large Cap Equity Fund in the amount of $690,000, $269,000 in the AMF Ultra Short Mortgage Fund, $67,000 in the Financial Institutions Fund and $10,000 on a stock investment in The Phoenix Companies.   In addition to the impairment charges, the Company’s available for sale investment portfolio at December 31, 2008 includes unrealized losses of $2.4 million.  See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the unrealized losses.  Management continually analyzes the portfolio to determine if further impairment has occurred that may be deemed as other-than-temporary.  Further charges are possible depending on future economic conditions.
 
The estimation of fair value is significant to several of our assets, including investment securities available for sale, intangible assets and foreclosed real estate, as well as the value of loan collateral when valuing loans. These are all recorded at either fair value or the lower of cost or fair value. Fair values are determined based on third party sources, when available. Furthermore, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments as a part of the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Fair values may be influenced by a number of factors, including market interest rates, prepayment speeds, discount rates and the shape of yield curves.
 
Fair values for securities available for sale are obtained from an independent third party pricing service.  Where available, fair values are based on quoted prices on a nationally recognized securities exchange.  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using quoted market prices for similar benchmark securities.  Management made no adjustments to the fair value quotes that were provided by the pricing source.  Note 18 in the consolidated financial statements provides additional information on how we determine fair values. The fair values of foreclosed real estate and the underlying collateral value of impaired loans are typically determined based on appraisals by third parties, less estimated costs to sell. If necessary, appraisals are updated to reflect changes in market conditions.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Total deposits for the Company increased 7%, to $269.4 million at December 31, 2008, while the average balance of deposits increased $10.0 million to $265.8 million at December 31, 2008.  The Company will continue to focus on building market share in the Central Square and Fulton markets where the existing Pathfinder Bank share of the market is 20% or less.  In all other market areas, Pathfinder Bank currently has the majority of the current deposit market share. Pathfinder seeks to continue to develop core deposit relationships in all markets through the acquisition of demand deposit relationships.  Efforts will also be focused on the expansion of commercial deposit relationships with the Bank’s existing commercial lending relationships.

Total assets increased 10.0%, primarily in the loan and investment security portfolios.  The loan portfolio increased 12% with net growth in all loan categories. The Company expects to concentrate on continued commercial mortgage and commercial loan portfolio growth during 2009. The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 0.75% at December 31, 2008 compared to 0.77% in the prior year.  Although this ratio has remained relatively stable, there was a decrease in asset quality of the loan portfolio.  Non-performing loans increased $732,000, primarily due to commercial loan relationships.  This decrease in loan quality was offset by the reduction of foreclosed real estate of $530,000.

 
Page 20

 
Net income for 2008 was $368,000, or $0.15 per share, as compared to $1.1 million, or $0.45 per share, in 2007.   The decline in income was primarily the result of the Company recording impairment charges on investment security holdings totaling $1.6 million, net of the related tax benefits of $659,000.  Core earnings, which represent earnings exclusive of investment portfolio other-than-temporary impairment losses, resulted in net income of $2 million or $0.79 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
The following table reconciles the Company’s 2008 net income to core earnings, including per share figures.

   
For the year ended
 
   
December 31, 2008
 
Net Income
    $   368,000  
Other than temporary impairment charge - investments
    2,253,000  
Related tax benefit
    (659,000 )  *
Core earnings
    $1,962,000  
Diluted earnings per share
    $0.15  
Other than temporary impairment charge, net of tax, per share
    0.64  
Core earnings, diluted earnings per share
    $0.79  
         
*Net of a deferred tax asset valuation reserve of $242,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net income for 2008 was $368,000, a decrease of $754,000, or 67%, compared to net income of $1.1 million for 2007.  Basic and diluted earnings per share decreased to $0.15 per share for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $0.45 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2007.  Return on average equity decreased to 1.70% in 2008 from 5.27% in 2007.  All of these declines in performance were primarily the result of the impairment charges described above.

Net interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, increased $2 million, or 22%, resulting from both volume increases in all loan categories and total investment securities and significant rate decreases applied to all interest-earning liabilities.  The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $455,000, reflecting the increased inherent risk within the expanding commercial lending activities, the overall growth in the total loan portfolio and general weakening of economic conditions.  The Company experienced an 82% decrease in noninterest income.  Noninterest income increased 6%, exclusive of securities gains and losses, primarily attributable to increased cash surrender values of bank-owned life insurance, an increase in issued Visa Debit cards and increased usage from the existing customer base and increased loan servicing fees related to collateral discharges and new rate lock fees on loans that did not close. Noninterest expense increased only 1% due to increases in personnel expense, building occupancy, and other operating expenses, partially offset by a reduction in amortization of intangibles.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the Company's primary source of operating income for payment of operating expenses and providing for possible loan losses.  It is the amount by which interest earned on interest-earning deposits, loans and investment securities, exceeds the interest paid on deposits and borrowed money.  Changes in net interest income and the net interest margin ratio result from the interaction between the volume and composition of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and their respective yields and funding costs.
 
 
 
Page 21

 
Net interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, increased $2 million, or 22%, to $10.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.  The Company's net interest margin for 2008 increased to 3.43% from 3.07% in 2007.  The increase in net interest income is attributable to an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets, combined with increased yields on interest earning assets and a decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities.  The average balance of interest-earning assets increased $28.2 million, or 10%, during 2008 and the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased by $26.2 million, or 10%.  The increase in the average balance of interest earning assets primarily resulted from a $22.7 million increase in the average balance of the loan portfolio and a $7.7 million increase in the average balance of the security investment portfolio, offset by a $2.2 million reduction in the average balance of interest earning deposits. The increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities primarily resulted from a $7.3 million, or 3%, increase in the average balance of deposits, combined with a $18.9 million, or 60%, increase in the average balance of borrowed funds.  Interest income, on a tax-equivalent basis, increased $1.0 million, or 6%, during 2008, as the decrease in yield on interest earning assets to 5.87% in 2008 from 6.08% in 2007 was offset by the 10% increase in volume.  Interest expense on deposits decreased $1.2 million, or 18%, as the cost of deposits dropped 60 basis points to 2.36% in 2008 from 2.96% in 2007.  Interest expense on borrowings increased $273,000, or 16%, during 2008 as the increase in the average balance of borrowed funds by 60% was partially offset by a decrease in the cost of borrowed funds to 4.00% in 2008 from 5.52% in 2007.
 
Page 22

 


Average Balances and Rates
 
The following table sets forth information concerning average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the yields and rates thereon. Interest income and resultant yield information in the table is on a fully tax-equivalent basis using marginal federal income tax rates of 34%. Averages are computed on the daily average balance for each month in the period divided by the number of days in the period. Yields and amounts earned include loan fees. Non-accrual loans have been included in interest-earning assets for purposes of these calculations.

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
               
Average
               
Average
               
Average
 
   
Average
         
Yield /
   
Average
         
Yield /
   
Average
         
Yield/
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                                     
Real estate loans residential
    $130,702       $7,527       5.76 %     $120,079       $6,945       5.78 %     $119,417       $6,876       5.76 %
Real estate loans commercial
    49,040       3,620       7.38 %     43,573       3,309       7.59 %     35,076       2,705       7.71 %
Commercial loans
    27,033       1,751       6.48 %     23,710       1,976       8.33 %     19,961       1,574       7.88 %
Consumer loans
    26,291       1,915       7.28 %     23,011       1,894       8.23 %     20,153       1,641       8.14 %
Taxable investment securities
    74,105       3,365       4.54 %     66,230       2,881       4.35 %     66,788       2,658       3.97 %
Tax-exempt investment securities
    5,252       255       4.86 %     5,446       258       4.74 %     10,240       481       4.70 %
Interest-earning deposits
    2,851       61       2.14 %     5,050       211       4.18 %     1,779       91       5.12 %
Total interest-earning assets
    315,274       18,494       5.87 %     287,099       17,474       6.08 %     273,414       16,026       5.86 %
Noninterest-earning assets:
                                                                       
Other assets
    30,274                       27,774                       31,600                  
Allowance for loan losses
    (2,006 )                     (1,583 )                     (1,661 )                
Net unrealized losses
                                                                       
on available for sale securities
    (1,690 )                     (1,372 )                     (2,142 )                
Total assets
    $341,852                       $311,918                       $301,211                  
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
NOW accounts
    $23,762       95       0.40 %     $22,235       113       0.51 %     $21,094       102       0.48 %
Money management accounts
    10,574       52       0.49 %     11,348       89       0.78 %     13,318       110       0.83 %
MMDA accounts
    29,181       570       1.95 %     23,682       937       3.96 %     20,608       786       3.81 %
Savings and club accounts
    52,482       168       0.32 %     53,359       279       0.52 %     58,997       266       0.45 %
Time deposits
    124,267       4,777       3.84 %     122,333       5,483       4.48 %     103,596       4,203       4.06 %
Junior subordinated debentures
    5,155       257       4.99 %     6,454       511       7.81 %     5,155       448       8.57 %
Borrowings
    45,239       1,756       3.88 %     25,063       1,230       4.91 %     33,589       1,608       4.79 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    290,660       7,675       2.64 %     264,474       8,642       3.27 %     256,357       7,523       2.93 %
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Demand deposits
    25,493                       22,828                       20,745                  
Other liabilities
    4,088                       3,338                       2,943                  
Total liabilities
    320,241                       290,640                       280,045                  
Shareholders' equity
    21,611                       21,278                       21,166                  
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity
    $341,852                       $311,918                       $301,211                  
Net interest income
            $10,819                       $8,832                       $8,503          
Net interest rate spread
                    3.22 %                     2.81 %                     2.93 %
Net interest margin
                    3.43 %                     3.07 %                     3.11 %
Ratio of average interest-earning assets
                                                                       
to average interest-bearing liabilities
                    108.47 %                     108.55 %                     106.65 %
 
 
 
Page 23

 
Interest Income
 
Changes in interest income result from changes in the average balances of loans and securities and the related yields on those balances.  Interest income on a tax-equivalent basis increased $1.0 million, or 5.8%.  Average loans increased 10.8% in 2008, with yields decreasing 35 basis points to 6.36%. The Company's average residential mortgage loan portfolio increased $10.6 million, or 8.8%, when comparing 2008 to 2007.  The average yield on the residential mortgage loan portfolio decreased 2 basis points to 5.76% in 2008 from 5.78% in 2007. The average balance of commercial real estate loans increased $5.5 million, or 12.5%, while the yield decreased to 7.38% in 2008 from 7.59% in 2007. Average commercial loans increased 14.0% and the tax-equivalent yield decreased to 6.48% in 2008 compared to 8.33%, in 2007.  The average balance of consumer loans increased $3.3 million, or 14.3% when compared to 2007. The average yield decreased 95 basis points, to 7.28% from 8.23% in 2007.

Interest income on investment securities increased 15.3% from 2007, resulting from an increase in the average balance of investment securities (taxable and tax-exempt) of $7.7 million, or 10.7%, to $79.4 million in 2008 from $71.7 million in 2007.  The average yield increased 18 basis points to 4.56% in 2008 from 4.38% in 2007.

Interest Expense

Changes in interest expense result from changes in the average balances of deposits and borrowings and the related interest costs on those balances.  Interest expense decreased $967,000, or 11.2%, in 2008, when compared to 2007.  The decrease in the cost of funds resulted from a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities of 63 basis points, to 2.64% in 2008 from 3.27% in 2007, partially offset by a $26.2 million increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities during 2008.  The average cost of deposits decreased 60 basis points to 2.36% during 2008 from 2.96% for 2007.  The average balance of deposits increased $7.3 million to $240.3 million in 2008 from $233 million in 2007.  The increase in the average balance of deposits primarily resulted from a $5.5 million, or 23.2%, increase in the average balance of MMDA accounts and a $1.9 million, or 1.6%, increase in the average balance of time deposits.  The cost of junior subordinated debentures decreased 282 basis points, decreasing interest expense by $254,000, due to the new subordinated debentures rate of 3-month LIBOR plus 1.65% for 2008 versus 3 month LIBOR plus 3.45% for 2007.  The average balance of borrowed funds increased $20.2 million to $45.2 million at 2008 from $25 million at 2007.  The average cost of borrowed funds decreased 103 basis points, to 3.88% in 2008 from 4.91% in 2007.
 

 
 
Page 24

 

Rate/Volume Analysis
 
Net interest income can also be analyzed in terms of the impact of changing interest rates on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and changes in the volume or amount of these assets and liabilities. The following table represents the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected the Company’s interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to: (i) changes attributable to changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by prior rate); (ii) changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume); and (iii) total increase or decrease.  Changes attributable to both rate and volume have been allocated ratably.

   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
             2008 vs. 2007
   
         2007 vs. 2006
 
   
         Increase/(Decrease) Due to
   
      Increase/(Decrease) Due to
 
               
Total
               
Total
 
               
Increase
               
Increase
 
(In thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
(Decrease)
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
(Decrease)
 
Interest Income:
                                   
Real estate loans residential
    $606       $(24 )     $582       $42       $27       $69  
Real estate loans commercial
    405       (94 )     311       647       (43 )     604  
Commercial loans
    252       (477 )     (225 )     310       92       402  
Consumer loans
    253       (232 )     21       235       18       253  
Taxable investment securities
    344       140       484       (24 )     231       207  
Tax-exempt investment securities
    (9 )     6       (3 )     (227 )     4       (223 )
Interest-earning deposits
    (71 )     (79 )     (150 )     140       (20 )     120  
Total interest income
    1,780       (760 )     1,020       1,123       309       1,432  
Interest Expense:
                                               
NOW accounts
    7       (25 )     (18 )     5       6       11  
Money management accounts
    (6 )     (31 )     (37 )     (15 )     (6 )     (21 )
MMDA accounts
    184       (551 )     (367 )     119       32       151  
Savings and club accounts
    (5 )     (106 )     (111 )     (26 )     39       13  
Time deposits
    86       (792 )     (706 )     831       450       1,281  
Junior subordinated debentures
    (90 )     (164 )     (254 )     105       (42 )     63  
Borrowings
    828       (302 )     526       (418 )     39       (379 )
Total interest expense
    1,004       (1,971 )     (967 )     601       518       1,119  
Net change in net interest income
    $776       $1,211       $1,987       $522       $(209 )     $313  

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses increased $455,000 to $820,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to the prior year.  The increased provision is reflective of a growing loan portfolio that is also more heavily weighted to commercial term and commercial real estate loans, which have higher inherent risk characteristics than a traditional consumer real estate portfolio, as well as a general weakening in economic conditions, resulting in increased levels of non-performing loans. Specifically, commercial and commercial real estate loans on non-accrual increased $934,000 to $1.5 million at December 31, 2008, as compared to $521,000 at the end of the prior year.  The current level of non-performing assets does not fall significantly outside of the Bank’s historic trend levels, however, the generally weak economic conditions nationally, and the current strain on consumer discretionary income have caused management to carefully monitor and react to these trends by increasing the provision for loan losses, maintaining the Company’s strict loan underwriting standards and carefully monitor the performance of the loan portfolio.
 
 
Page 25

 
Noninterest Income

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

The following table sets forth certain information on noninterest income for the years indicated.
 
   
         For the Years Ended December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
    $1,492       $1,474  
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
    293       225  
Loan servicing fees
    281       250  
Debit card interchange fees
    275       246  
Other charges, commissions and fees
    445       427  
Core noninterest income
    2,786       2,622  
Net (losses) gains on sales and impairment of investment securities
    (2,191 )     378  
Net (losses) gains on sales of loans and foreclosed real estate
    (44 )     42  
Total noninterest income
    $551       $3,042  

Noninterest income in 2008 decreased 82%, when compared to 2007, as a result of a 6% increase in core noninterest income offset by net losses on sales and impairment of investment securities and net losses on sales of loans and foreclosed real estate. Earnings on bank owned life insurance increased 30% based on the growth in the cash surrender values of the insurance policies.  Loan servicing fees increased 12% due to new loan charges for the discharge of collateral and rate lock fees (recorded as income when a loan does not close), which were implemented in late 2007 and early 2008. The growth in interchange fees is due to an increase in issued Visa Debit cards and an increase in their usage.  Other charges, commissions and fees increased primarily due to foreign ATM usage fees.  Total noninterest income was significantly impacted by net losses on investment securities as a result of recording other than temporary impairment charges of $2,253,000 as discussed previously.  Net losses on the sale of loans/foreclosed real estate is due to the sale of six properties at a loss and the write down in value of two properties held in foreclosed real estate.

Noninterest Expense

The following table sets forth certain information on noninterest expense for the years indicated.
 
   
         For the Years Ended December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Salaries and employee benefits
    $5,172       $5,094  
Building occupancy
    1,322       1,254  
Data processing
    1,330       1,333  
Professional and other services
    771       769  
Amortization of intangible assets
    -       182  
Other operating
    1,340       1,206  
Total noninterest expense
    $9,935       $9,838  

Noninterest expenses increased $97,000, or 1%, for the year ended December 31, 2008 when compared to 2007.  Salaries and employee benefits increased 2% in 2008 primarily due to normal salary merit increases and incentive compensation.  A 5% increase in building occupancy expense was due to depreciation expenses and equipment maintenance.  The increase in other expenses was primarily due to expenses related to foreclosed real estate.  These increases were offset by a decrease in amortization expense of $182,000, as core deposit intangibles from a 2002 branch acquisition became fully amortized in October 2007.


 
Page 26

 
Income Tax Expense
 
In 2008, the Company reported income tax expense of $103,000 compared with $384,000 in 2007.  The effective tax rate decreased to 22% in 2008 compared to a tax rate of 25% in 2007.  The decrease in income tax expense resulted primarily from lower pretax income of $1 million.  The Company has reduced its tax rate from the statutory rate primarily through the ownership of tax-exempt investment securities, bank owned life insurance and other tax saving strategies.  See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for the reconciliation of the statutory tax rate to the effective tax rate.

CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

Investment Securities

The investment portfolio represents 22% of the Company’s earning assets and is designed to generate a favorable rate of return consistent with safety of principal while assisting the Company in meeting its liquidity needs and interest rate risk strategies.  All of the Company’s investments are classified as available for sale.  The Company invests in securities consisting primarily of mortgage-backed securities, securities issued by United States Government agencies and sponsored enterprises, state and municipal obligations, mutual funds, equity securities, investment grade corporate debt instruments, and common stock issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY).  By investing in these types of assets, the Company reduces the credit risk of its asset base, but must accept lower yields than would typically be available on loan products.  Our mortgage backed securities portfolio is comprised predominantly of pass-through securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae and does not, to our knowledge, include any securities backed by sub-prime or other high-risk mortgages.

At December 31, 2008, there were two securities that exceeded 10% of consolidated shareholders’ equity.  These securities were the AMF Large Cap Equity Fund, with a carrying value and fair value of approximately $2,192,000 and $1,734,000, respectively and the AMF Ultra Short Mortgage Fund, with a carrying value of $2,804,000 and a fair value of $2,517,000 as of December 31, 2008.  See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of these two securities.

Investment securities increased $7.5 million to $74.7 million at December 31, 2008 from $67.1 million at December 31, 2007.  The increase in investment securities was primarily attributable to the investment of excess liquidity into corporate and mortgage-backed securities during the first two fiscal quarters of 2008.

The following table sets forth the carrying value of the Company's investment portfolio at December 31:
 
   
               At December 31,
 
(In Thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Investment Securities:
                 
US treasury and agencies
    $9,126       $18,672       $19,966  
State and political subdivisions
    5,020       5,342       5,870  
Corporate
    12,181       6,392       5,575  
Other
    2,100       -       -  
Mortgage-backed
    39,478       28,615       25,481  
Equity securities and FHLB stock
    3,044       2,706       2,406  
Mutual funds
    4,996       6,514       6,336  
      $75,945       $68,241       $65,634  
Unrealized loss on available for sale portfolio
    (1,258 )     (1,103 )     (1,415 )
    Total investments in securities
    $74,687       $67,138       $64,219  
 
 
Page 27

 
The following table sets forth the scheduled maturities, amortized cost, fair values and average yields for the Company's investment securities at December 31, 2008. Yield is calculated on the amortized cost to maturity and adjusted to a fully tax-equivalent basis.
 
 
 
                     One Year or Less
                       One to Five Years
               Five to Ten Years
   
Annualized
 
Annualized
 
Annualized
 
 
 Amortized
Weighted
 Amortized
Weighted
 Amortized
Weighted
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 Cost
Average Yield
 Cost
Average Yield
 Cost
Average Yield
 
Debt investment securities:
             
US Treasury and agencies
              $1,530
2.71%
             $3,582
5.04%
             $3,014
4.78%
 
State and political subdivisions
                    547
3.65%
                1,858
3.55%
1,472
3.94%
 
Corporate
                      -
                     -
                4,169
5.62%
                 3,994
5.52%
 
Other
                      -
                     -
                2,100
4.74%
                      -
                     -
 
Total
                 2,077
2.96%
              11,709
4.96%
                 8,480
4.98%
 
Mortgage-backed securities:
             
Mortgage-backed
                    432
4.20%
                4,964
4.16%
                 6,285
4.79%
 
Total
                    432
4.20%
                4,964
4.16%
                 6,285
4.79%
 
Other non-maturity investments:
             
Mutual funds
                 4,996
4.25%
                      -
                     -
                      -
                     -
 
Equity securities and FHLB stock
                 3,044
4.69%
                      -
                     -
                      -
                     -
 
Total
                 8,040
4.42%
                      -
                     -
                      -
                     -
 
Total investment securities
            $10,549
4.12%
            $16,673
4.72%
             $14,765
4.90%
 
 
 
       Total  
 
                       More Than Ten Years
                      
Investment Securities
 
   
Annualized
   
 Annualized
 
 Amortized
Weighted
 Amortized
 Fair
 Weighted
(Dollars in thousands)
 Cost
Average Yield
 Cost
 Value
 Average Yield
Debt investment securities:
         
US Treasury and agencies
              $1,000
5.20%
             $9,126
             $9,469
4.94%
State and political subdivisions
                 1,143
3.75%
                5,020
4,973
3.72%
Corporate
                 4,018
4.01%
              12,181
10,826
5.06%
Other
                      -
                     -
                2,100
2,100
4.74%
Total
                 6,161
4.15%
              28,427
              27,368
4.75%
Mortgage-backed securities:
         
Mortgage-backed
               27,797
5.10%
              39,478
              40,030
4.92%
Total
               27,797
5.10%
              39,478
              40,030
4.92%
Other non-maturity investments:
         
Mutual funds
                      -
                     -
                4,996
                4,251
4.25%
Equity securities and FHLB stock
                      -
                     -
                3,044
                3,038
4.69%
Total
                      -
                     -
                8,040
                7,289
4.42%
Total investment securities
             $33,958
4.93%
            $75,945
           $74,687
4.81%
 
The above noted yield information does not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss in consolidated shareholders’ equity.
 
Loans Receivable
 
Loans receivable represent 75% of the Company’s earning assets and account for the greatest portion of total interest income.  The Company emphasizes residential real estate financing and anticipates a continued commitment to financing the purchase or improvement of residential real estate in its market area.  The Company also extends credit to businesses within its marketplace secured by commercial real estate, equipment, inventories and accounts receivable.  It is anticipated that small business lending in the form of mortgages, term loans, leases, and lines of credit will provide the most opportunity for balance sheet and revenue growth over the near term.  Commercial and municipal loans comprise 12% of the total loan portfolio.  At December 31, 2008, 77% of the Company’s total loan portfolio consisted of loans secured by real estate, and 22% of the total consisted of commercial real estate loans.
 
 
Page 28

 
 
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
Residential real estate (1)
    $136,218       $126,666       $118,494       $119,707       $123,898  
Commercial real estate
    55,061       45,490       40,501       31,845       29,874  
Commercial and municipal loans
    30,685       25,288       23,001       18,334       16,834  
Consumer loans
    27,908       25,305       21,213       19,682       18,505  
  Total loans receivable
    $249,872       $222,749       $203,209       $189,568       $189,111  

(1) Includes loans held for sale. (None at December 31, 2008 and 2007.)

The following table shows the amount of loans outstanding as of December 31, 2008 which, based on remaining scheduled repayments of principal, are due in the periods indicated.  Demand loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity, and overdrafts are reported as one year or less.  Adjustable and floating rate loans are included in the period on which interest rates are next scheduled to adjust rather than the period in which they contractually mature, and fixed rate loans are included in the period in which the final contractual repayment is due.

   
Due Under
   
Due 1-5
   
Due Over
       
(In thousands)
 
One Year
   
Years
   
Five Years
   
Total
 
Real estate:
                       
Commercial real estate
    $12,322       $35,132       $7,607       $55,061  
Residential real estate
    11,661       38,088       86,469       136,218  
      23,983       73,220       94,076       191,279  
Commercial and municipal loans
    17,964       10,540       2,181       30,685  
Consumer
    11,105       4,468       12,335       27,908  
Total loans
    $53,052       $88,228       $108,592       $249,872  
                                 
Interest rates:
                               
Fixed
    $3,451       $12,519       $100,397       $116,367  
Variable
    49,601       75,709       8,195       133,505  
Total loans
    $53,052       $88,228       $108,592       $249,872  

Total loans receivable increased 12% when compared to the prior year.  Residential real estate loans increased $9.6 million, or 8%, during 2008.  The residential real estate portfolio consists of 64% fixed-rate mortgages and 36% adjustable-rate mortgages.  The increase in the residential real estate portfolio is principally due to an increase in 30-year fixed rate mortgages of $13 million and a $7 million increase in 15-year fixed rate mortgages, offset by a decrease in the 5/1 and 7/1 adjustable rate mortgage portfolio.  The increase in the fixed rate mortgage portfolio resulted from a decrease in the lending rate set by the Federal Reserve Bank to historic lows.  The Company does not originate sub-prime, Alt-A, negative amortizing or other higher risk structured residential mortgages.

Commercial real estate loans increased $9.6 million, or 21%, from the prior year as new loan products and relationships were added to the portfolio.

Commercial loans, including loans to municipalities, increased 21% over the prior year to $30.7 million at December 31, 2008.  The increase in commercial loans was primarily the result of new lending relationships with an expanding commercial customer base.  The Company has continued its efforts to transform its more traditional thrift balance sheet, which emphasized residential real estate lending, to a more diversified balance sheet, which includes a greater proportion of commercial lending products.
 
 
Page 29

 
Consumer loans, which include second mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, direct installment and revolving credit loans, increased 10% to $27.9 million at December 31, 2008.  The increase resulted from an increase in home equity lines of credit.  The Company has promoted its home equity products by offering the customer loans with no closing costs at competitive market rates.

Non-performing Loans and Assets

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

   
December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
Nonaccrual loans:
                             
Commercial real estate and commercial
    $1,455       $521       $481       $757       $776  
Consumer
    254       150       125       89       122  
Residential real estate
    614       920       566       834       953  
Total nonaccrual loans
    2,323       1,591       1,172       1,680       1,851  
Total non-performing loans
    2,323       1,591       1,172       1,680       1,851  
Foreclosed real estate
    335       865       471       743       798  
Total non-performing assets
    $2,658       $2,456       $1,643       $2,423       $2,649  
Non-performing loans to total loans
    0.93 %     0.71 %     0.57 %     0.89 %     0.98 %
Non-performing assets to total assets
    0.75 %     0.77 %     0.54 %     0.82 %     0.88 %
Interest income that would have been recorded
                                       
under the original terms of the loans
    $131       $71       $53       $34       $64  

The asset quality of the Company has remained relatively unchanged when compared to the prior year.  Total non-performing assets (non-performing loans and foreclosed real estate) at December 31, 2008 were 0.75% of total assets as compared to 0.77% of total assets at December 31, 2007.  Total non-performing loans (past due 90 days or more) increased $732,000, or 46%, during 2008.  The increase in non-performing loans is primarily the result of increased commercial loan delinquencies.  Approximately 63% of the Company’s non-performing loans at December 31, 2008 are commercial real estate and commercial loans.  The increase in non-performing loans is primarily comprised of a number of smaller commercial lending relationships.  Management believes the financial strength of the individual borrowers, combined with the related value of any underlying collateral, will not result in any significant loss beyond currently established reserves.  The increase is being driven by general economic conditions in the market area. Total delinquent loans (those 30 days or more delinquent) as a percentage of total loans were 2.16% at December 31, 2008 as compared to 2.40% at December 31, 2007.  Approximately 63% of the Company’s non-performing loans at December 31, 2008 are secured by real estate with loss potential expected to be manageable within the allocated reserves.

The Company generally places a loan on nonaccrual status and ceases accruing interest when loan payment performance is deemed unsatisfactory and the loan is past due 90 days or more.  The Company considers a loan impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan.

The measurement of impaired loans is generally based upon the present value of future cash flows discounted at the historical effective interest rate, except that all collateral-dependent loans are measured for impairment based on fair value of the collateral.  The Company used the fair value of collateral to measure impairment on commercial and commercial real estate loans.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had $2.4 million and $1.7 million in loans, which were deemed to be impaired, having valuation allowances of $141,000 and $152,000, respectively.
 
 
Page 30

 
Management has identified additional potential problem loans totaling $4.1 million as of December 31, 2008. These loans have been internally classified as substandard or lower, yet are not currently considered past due or in nonaccrual status. Management has identified potential credit problems which may result in the borrower not being able to comply with the current loan repayment terms and which may result in it being included in subsequent past due reporting. Management believes that the current allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover probable credit losses in the current loan portfolio.
 
Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through charges to expense in the form of a provision for loan losses and reduced by loan charge-offs net of recoveries.  The allowance for loan losses represents the amount available for probable credit losses in the Company’s loan portfolio as estimated by management.  The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses based upon a monthly evaluation of known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio, which includes a review of the balances and composition of the loan portfolio as well as analyzing the level of delinquencies in each segment of the loan portfolio.  The Company uses a general allocation method for the residential real estate and consumer loan pools based upon a methodology that uses loss factors applied to loan balances and reflects actual loss experience, delinquency trends and current economic conditions.  The Company reviews individually commercial real estate and commercial loans greater than $150,000 that are not accruing interest and that are risk rated under the Company’s risk rating system as special mention, substandard, doubtful or loss to determine if the loans require an impairment reserve.  If impairment is noted, the Company establishes a specific reserve allocation.  The specific allocation is determined based on the most recent valuation of the loan’s collateral and the customer’s ability to pay.  For all other commercial real estate and commercial loans, the Company uses the general allocation method that establishes a reserve for each risk-rating category.  The general allocation method for commercial real estate and commercial loans considers the same factors that are considered when evaluating residential real estate and consumer loan pools.  The allowance for loan losses reflects management’s best estimate of probable loan losses at December 31, 2008.

The allowance for loan losses was $2.5 million at December 31, 2008, a 45% increase from December 31, 2007.  The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans increased to 0.99% at December 31, 2008 from 0.76% in the prior year.  Net loan charge-offs were $51,000 during 2008 as compared to $158,000 in 2007.  The majority of the current year charge-off activity is the result of the write off of small consumer and commercial relationships.

The following table sets forth the allocation of allowance for loan losses by loan category for the periods indicated.  The allocation of the allowance by category is not necessarily indicative of future losses and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in any category.

   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
         
% Gross
         
% Gross
         
% Gross
         
% Gross
         
% Gross
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
   
Loans
   
Amount
   
Loans
   
Amount
   
Loans
   
Amount
   
Loans
   
Amount
   
Loans
 
Commercial real estate and loans
    $1,412       34.3 %     $956       31.8 %     $985       31.3 %     $1,282       26.5 %     $1,483       24.7 %
Consumer loans
    381       11.2 %     283       11.3 %     339       10.4 %     289       10.4 %     270       9.8 %
Residential real estate
    679       54.5 %     464       56.9 %     172       58.3 %     108       63.1 %     74       65.5 %
Total
    $2,472       100.0 %     $1,703       100.0 %     $1,496       100.0 %     $1,679       100.0 %     $1,827       100.0 %

 
Page 31

 
 
The following table sets forth the roll forward of the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated, and related ratios:
 
(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
   
2004
 
Balance at beginning of year
    $1,703       $1,496       $1,679       $1,827       $1,715  
Provisions charged to operating expenses
    820       365       23       311       738  
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
                                       
Commercial real estate and loans
    17       -       -       25       41  
Consumer
    30       27       18       14       20  
Residential real estate
    -       23       4       10       -  
Total recoveries
    47       50       22       49       61  
Loans charged off:
                                       
Commercial real estate and loans
    (46 )     (85 )     (114 )     (284 )     (439 )
Consumer
    (52 )     (77 )     (89 )     (137 )     (126 )
Residential real estate
    -       (46 )     (25 )     (87 )     (122 )
Total charged-off
    (98 )     (208 )     (228 )     (508 )     (687 )
Net charge-offs
    (51 )     (158 )     (206 )     (459 )     (626 )
Balance at end of year
    $2,472       $1,703       $1,496       $1,679       $1,827  
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding
    0.02 %     0.08 %     0.11 %     0.24 %     0.33 %
Allowance for loan losses to year-end loans
    0.99 %     0.76 %     0.74 %     0.89 %     0.98 %

Deposits

The Company’s deposit base is drawn from seven full-service offices in its market area.  The deposit base consists of demand deposits, money management and money market deposit accounts, savings and time deposits. During 2008, 85% of the Company's average deposit base of $265.8 million consisted of core deposits.  Core deposits are considered to be more stable and provide the Company with a lower cost source of funds.  The Company will continue to emphasize retail core deposits by maintaining its network of full service offices and providing depositors with a full range of deposit product offerings.  Pathfinder Commercial Bank will seek business growth by focusing on its local identification and service excellence.  Pathfinder Commercial Bank had an average balance of $30.8 million in municipal deposits in 2008, primarily concentrated in money market deposit accounts.

Average deposits increased $10.0 million, or 4%, when compared to 2007.  The increase in average deposits primarily related to a $2.1 million increase in the average balance of municipal deposits and a $7.9 million increase in retail deposits.

The Company's average deposit mix in 2008, as compared to 2007, reflected increases in demand deposits, MMDA and time deposits with small shifts from savings and money market accounts to higher interest bearing products.   The Company's average demand deposits, both interest and noninterest bearing accounts, represented 19% of total average deposits for 2008 and 18% for 2007.  The Company's MMDA accounts, which grew 23% in 2008, represented 11% of total deposits for 2008 and 9% for 2007. The Company’s time deposit accounts, although higher than the previous year, represented 47% of total deposits versus 48% for the same period in 2007. The Company promotes its MMDA and time deposit accounts by offering competitive rates to retain existing and attract new customers.

At December 31, 2008, time deposits in excess of $100,000 totaled $40.7 million, or 31%, of time deposits and 15% of total deposits.  At December 31, 2007, these deposits totaled $33.0 million, or 28% of time deposits and 13% of total deposits.


 
Page 32

 

The following table indicates the amount of the Company's certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more by time remaining until maturity as of December 31, 2008:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
     
Remaining Maturity:
     
Three months or less
    $8,698  
Three through six months
    11,573  
Six through twelve months
    10,738  
Over twelve months
    9,722  
    Total
    $40,731  

Borrowings

Short-term borrowings are comprised primarily of advances and overnight borrowing at the FHLBNY.  There were $17.6 million in short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2008.  At December 31, 2007, there were $18.4 million in short-term borrowings outstanding.

The following table represents information regarding short-term borrowings during 2008, 2007 and 2006:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Maximum outstanding at any month end
    $23,795       $18,400       $15,000  
Average amount outstanding during the year
    14,151       4,528       5,321  
Average interest rate during the year
    2.85 %     5.05 %     4.99 %

At December 31, 2008, the weighted average interest rate associated with the Company’s short-term borrowings was approximately 1.09%.

Long-term borrowed funds consist of advances and repurchase agreements from the FHLBNY, Citi Group repurchase agreements and junior subordinated debentures.  Long-term borrowed funds and junior subordinated debentures totaled $39.6 million at December 31, 2008 as compared to $25.2 million at December 31, 2007.

Capital

Shareholders’ equity decreased $2.2 million to $19.5 million at December 31, 2008.  The Company added $368,000 to retained earnings through net income, which was offset by cash dividends returned to its shareholders of $856,000 and a $48,000 adjustment taken directly to retained earnings representing the cumulative change in accounting principle upon the change in the retirement plan measurement date under SFAS No. 158. Accumulated other comprehensive loss increased $1.7 million to $3.1 million at December 31, 2008, resulting primarily from losses on retirement plan assets due to significant decreases in the market value of the underlying plan assets, net of tax benefits.  Unrealized holding losses on securities, net of tax, also resulted in an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $392,000.

The Company’s mutual holding company parent, Pathfinder Bancorp, M.H.C., waived its right to receive the dividend for the quarter ended June 30, 2008.  The dividend waiver anticipated for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, in the amount of $162,000, was not granted by the OTS and therefore was accrued at December 31, 2008 and paid to the Company’s mutual holding company parent in 2009.

Risk-based capital provides the basis for which all banks are evaluated in terms of capital adequacy.  Capital adequacy is evaluated primarily by the use of ratios which measure capital against total assets, as well as against total assets that are weighted based on defined risk characteristics.  The Company’s goal is to maintain a strong capital position, consistent with the risk profile of its subsidiary banks that supports growth and expansion activities while at the same time exceeding regulatory standards.  At December 31, 2008, Pathfinder Bank exceeded all regulatory required minimum capital ratios and met the regulatory definition of a “well-capitalized” institution, i.e. a leverage capital ratio exceeding 5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio exceeding 6% and a total risk-based capital ratio exceeding 10%.  See Note 17 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for Pathfinder Bank’s capital ratios.
 

 
Page 33

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

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

The Asset Liability Management Committee (ALCO) of the Company is responsible for implementing the policies and guidelines for the maintenance of prudent levels of liquidity.  As of December 31, 2008, the Company is in compliance with its policy guidelines with regard to liquidity.

Despite the fact that the junior subordinated note was not contractually due until 2032, we called the note in June 2007 and replaced it with a newly originated junior subordinated note with a lower carrying cost. In addition, the Company, in the conduct of ordinary business operations, routinely enters into contracts for services.  These contracts may require payment for services to be provided in the future and may also contain penalty clauses for the early termination of the contract.  Management is not aware of any additional commitments or contingent liabilities, which may have a material adverse impact on the liquidity or capital resources of the Company.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company is also a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  At December 31, 2008, the Company had $26.1 million in outstanding commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  See Note 15 in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.


ITEM 7A: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Incorporated by reference to the discussion contained in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” under the captions “Liquidity” and “Capital”.

 
Page 34

 
ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.

                                     Page

Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting                                                                                       36
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm                                                                                                        37
Consolidated Statements of Condition – December 31, 2008 and 2007                                                                                      38
Consolidated Statements of Income – Years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007                                                                    39
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity – Years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007                      40
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007                                                            41
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                                                                  42



 
Page 35

 
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROLS OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its evaluation under that framework, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008. In addition, based on our assessment, management has determined that there were no material weaknesses in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

 
             
/s/ Thomas W. Schneider
     
/s/ James A. Dowd
 
   
Thomas W. Schneider
     
James A. Dowd
   
President & Chief Executive Officer
     
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
 
Oswego, New York
March 27, 2009
 


 
Page 36

 


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 
 

 

 

 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.
Oswego, New York
 
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of condition of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended.  Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 

 

 
/s/ BEARD MILLER COMPANY LLP
 

 
Beard Miller Company LLP
Syracuse, New York
March 27, 2009

 
Page 37

 
 
   
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
 
   
   
December 31,
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
2008
   
2007
 
ASSETS:
           
Cash and due from banks
    $7,365       $9,908  
Interest earning deposits
    313       305  
Total cash and cash equivalents
    7,678       10,213  
Investment securities, at fair value
    72,138       65,010  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
    2,549       2,128  
Loans
    249,872       222,749  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    2,472       1,703  
Loans receivable, net
    247,400       221,046  
Premises and equipment, net
    7,450       7,807  
Accrued interest receivable
    1,678       1,673  
Foreclosed real estate
    335       865  
Goodwill
    3,840       3,840  
Bank owned life insurance
    6,731       6,437  
Other assets
    2,961       1,672  
Total assets
    $352,760       $320,691  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
               
Deposits:
               
Interest-bearing
    $243,288       $228,319  
Noninterest-bearing
    26,150       22,766  
Total deposits
    269,438       251,085  
Short-term borrowings
    17,575       18,400  
Long-term borrowings
    34,400       20,010  
Junior subordinated debentures
    5,155       5,155  
Other liabilities
    6,697       4,337  
Total liabilities
    333,265       298,987  
Shareholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, authorized shares 1,000,000; no shares issued or outstanding
               
Common stock, par value $0.01; authorized 10,000,000 shares;
               
2,972,119 and 2,971,019 shares issued and 2,484,832 and 2,483,732 shares
               
outstanding, respectively
    30       30  
Additional paid in capital
    7,909       7,899  
Retained earnings
    21,198       21,734  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (3,140 )     (1,457 )
Treasury stock, at cost; 487,287 shares
    (6,502 )     (6,502 )
Total shareholders' equity
    19,495       21,704  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
    $352,760       $320,691  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
               
 
 
Page 38

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
             
       
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
        
                       2008
                           2007  
Interest and dividend income:
           
 Loans, including fees
    $14,756       $14,047  
 Debt securities:
               
Taxable
    2,956       2,529  
Tax-exempt
    171       170  
 Dividends
    406       352  
 Federal funds sold and interest earning deposits
    61       211  
       Total interest income
    18,350       17,309  
Interest expense:
               
  Interest on deposits
    5,661       6,901  
  Interest on short-term borrowings
    403       229  
  Interest on long-term borrowings
    1,611       1,512  
       Total interest expense
    7,675       8,642  
          Net interest income
    10,675       8,667  
  Provision for loan losses
    820       365  
          Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    9,855       8,302  
Noninterest income:
               
  Service charges on deposit accounts
    1,492       1,474  
  Earnings on bank owned life insurance
    293       225  
  Loan servicing fees
    281       250  
  Net (losses) gains on sales and impairment of investment securities
    (2,191 )     378  
  Net (losses) gains on sales of loans and foreclosed real estate
    (44 )     42  
  Debit card interchange fees
    275       246  
  Other charges, commissions & fees
    445       427  
          Total noninterest income
    551       3,042  
Noninterest expense:
               
  Salaries and employee benefits
    5,172       5,094  
  Building occupancy
    1,322       1,254  
  Data processing expenses
    1,330       1,333  
  Professional and other services
    771       769  
  Amortization of intangible asset
    -       182  
  Other expenses
    1,340       1,206  
          Total noninterest expenses
    9,935       9,838  
                 
Income before income taxes
    471       1,506  
Provision for income taxes
    103       384  
Net income
    $368       $1,122  
                 
                 
     Earnings per share - basic
    $0.15       $0.45  
     Earnings per share - diluted
    $0.15       $0.45  
     Dividends per share
    $0.41       $0.41  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
         

 
Page 39

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
         
Accumulated
   
   
Additional
 
Other
   
 
Common Stock Issued
Paid in
Retained
Comprehensive
Treasury
 
(In thousands, except share data)
Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Loss
     Stock
Total
 
Balance, January 1, 2007
2,953,619
$29
$7,786
$21,307
$(1,770)
$(6,502)
$20,850
Comprehensive income:
             
Net income
     
         1,122
   
         1,122
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
             
Unrealized holding gains on securities
             
available for sale (net of $125 tax expense)
       
                188
 
            188
Retirement plan net gains not recognized in
             
plan expenses (net of $83 tax expense)
       
                125
 
            125
Total Comprehensive income
           
         1,435
Stock options exercised
17,400
              1
            113
     
            114
Dividends declared ($0.41 per share)
     
          (695)
   
           (695)
Balance, December 31, 2007
    2,971,019
          30
       7,899
     21,734
         (1,457)
     (6,502)
     21,704
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting
             
principle upon the change in defined
             
benefit retirement plans' measurement date
             
under SFAS 158 (net of $8 tax expense)
     
            (48)
                  13
 
             (35)
Comprehensive loss:
             
Net income
     
            368
   
            368
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
             
Unrealized holding losses on securities
             
available for sale (including $237 tax expense)
       
                (392)
 
           (392)
Retirement plan net losses not recognized in
             
plan expenses (net of $869 tax benefit)
       
           (1,304)
 
        (1,304)
Total Comprehensive loss
           
        (1,328)
Stock options exercised
1,100
 
              10
     
              10
Dividends declared ($0.41 per share)
     
          (856)
   
           (856)
Balance, December 31, 2008
    2,972,119
        $30
      $7,909
     $21,198
        $(3,140)
    $(6,502)
     $19,495
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


 
Page 40

 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
   
       Years Ended December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income
    $368       $1,122  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for loan losses
    820       365  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (388 )     (48 )
Proceeds from sales of loans
    174       3,000  
Originations of loans held-for-sale
    (172 )     (2,973 )
Realized losses (gains) on sales of:
               
Foreclosed real estate
    46       (15 )
Loans
    (2 )     (27 )
Available-for-sale investment securities
    (62 )     (378 )
Impairment write-down on available-for-sale securities
    2,253       -  
Depreciation
    698       734  
Amortization of intangible asset
    -       181  
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    -       15  
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights
    28       46  
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
    (293 )     (225 )
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investment securities
    112       144  
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable
    (5 )     21  
Net change in other assets and liabilities
    (299 )     962  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    3,278       2,924  
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchase of investment securities available-for-sale
    (31,756 )     (23,503 )
Net purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    (421 )     (549 )
Proceeds from maturities and principal reductions of investment securities available-for-sale
    18,633       18,951  
Proceeds from sale of:
               
Available-for-sale investment securities
    3,531       2,728  
Real estate acquired through foreclosure
    979       276  
Premises and equipment
    -       34  
Net increase in loans
    (27,672 )     (20,362 )
Purchase of premises and equipment
    (341 )     (978 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (37,047 )     (23,403 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Net increase in demand deposits, NOW accounts, savings accounts, money market deposit accounts,
               
MMDA accounts and escrow deposits
    6,003       5,368  
Net increase in time deposits
    12,350       132  
Net (repayments on) proceeds from short-term borrowings
    (825 )     18,400  
Payments on long-term borrowings
    (11,610 )     (11,350 )
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
    26,000       5,000  
Proceeds from trust preferred obligation
    -       5,155  
Payments on trust preferred obligation
    -       (5,155 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    10       114  
Cash dividends paid
    (694 )     (695 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    31,234       16,969  
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (2,535 )     (3,510 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    10,213       13,723  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
    $7,678       $10,213  
CASH PAID DURING THE PERIOD FOR:
               
Interest
    $7,714       $8,553  
Income Taxes
    162       185  
NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITY
               
Transfer of loans to foreclosed real estate
    498       664  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
         
 
 
 
Page 41

 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Pathfinder Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank has three wholly owned operating subsidiaries, Pathfinder Commercial Bank, Whispering Oaks Development Corp. and Pathfinder REIT, Inc. All inter-company accounts and activity have been eliminated in consolidation.  The Company has seven offices located in Oswego County.  The Company is primarily engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public in the Company’s market area, and investing such deposits, together with other sources of funds, in loans secured by one-to-four family residential real estate, commercial real estate, business assets and in investment securities.

Pathfinder Bancorp, M.H.C., (the “Holding Company”) a mutual holding company whose activity is not included in the accompanying financial statements, owns approximately 63.7% of the outstanding common stock of the Company.  Salaries, employee benefits and rent approximating $167,000 and $144,000 were allocated from the Company to the Holding Company during 2008 and 2007, respectively.  As of December 31, 2008, the Bank had a loan receivable from the Holding Company of $1,075,000.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Management has identified the allowance for loan losses, deferred income taxes, pension obligations, the evaluation of goodwill for impairment and the evaluation of investment securities for other than temporary impairment to be the accounting areas that require the most subjective and complex judgments, and as such, could be the most subject to revision as new information becomes available.

The Company is subject to the regulations of various governmental agencies.  The Company also undergoes periodic examinations by the regulatory agencies which may subject it to further changes with respect to asset valuations, amounts of required loss allowances, and operating restrictions resulting from the regulators' judgments based on information available to them at the time of their examinations.

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located primarily in Oswego and parts of Onondaga counties of New York State.  Note 3 discusses the types of securities that the Company invests in.  Note 4 discusses the types of lending that the Company engages in.  The Company does not have any significant concentrations to any one industry or customer.

Advertising

The Company follows the policy of charging the costs of advertising to expense as incurred.  Advertising costs included in other operating expenses were $264,000 and $297,000 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 
Page 42

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks and interest-bearing deposits (with original maturity of three months or less).

Investment Securities

The Company classifies investment securities as available-for-sale.  Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with net unrealized gains and losses reflected as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of the applicable income tax effect. None of the Company’s investment securities have been classified as trading or held-to-maturity.

Gains or losses on investment security transactions are based on the amortized cost of the specific securities sold.  Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized and accreted into income using the interest method over the period to maturity.

The Company monitors investment securities for impairment on a quarterly basis.  Declines in the fair value of investment securities below cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses.  In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

Federal law requires a member institution of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) system to hold stock of its district FHLB according to a predetermined formula.  The stock is carried at cost.

Mortgage Loans Held-for-Sale

Mortgage loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value.  Fair value is determined in the aggregate.  There were no forward commitments outstanding as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.

Transfers of Financial Assets

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

Loans

The Company grants mortgage, commercial and consumer loans to customers.  Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off, generally are stated at unpaid principal balances, less the allowance for loan losses and plus net deferred loan origination costs. The ability of the Company’s debtors to honor their contracts is dependent upon the real estate and general economic conditions in the market area.  Interest income is generally recognized when income is earned using the interest method. Nonrefundable loan fees received and related direct origination costs incurred are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan using the interest method, resulting in a constant effective yield over the loan term. Deferred fees are recognized into income and deferred costs are charged to income immediately upon prepayment of the related loan.

 
Page 43

 
Allowance for Loan Losses

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 a loan balance is confirmed.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.  The Company periodically evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance at a level that is sufficient to absorb probable and estimable credit losses.

The allowance consists of specific, general and unallocated components.  It includes amounts specifically allocated to impaired loans.  A loan is considered impaired, based on current information and events, if it is probable 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.  Specific reserves are established based on the fair value of underlying collateral or discounted cash flows, as appropriate, when those values are lower than the carrying value of the loan.  The allowance is also comprised of general reserves, which are established by applying loss factors to the aggregate balance of major loan categories or pools of smaller balance homogeneous loans.  The loss factors are determined by management based on an evaluation of historical loss experience, delinquency trends, volume and type of lending conducted, and the impact of current economic conditions in the market area.  An unallocated component of the allowance may be maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses.  The unallocated component reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating specific and general losses in the portfolio.  While management uses the best information available to make evaluations, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluation.

Income Recognition on Impaired and Non-accrual Loans

Loans, including impaired loans, are generally classified as non-accrual if they are past due as to maturity or payment of principal or interest for a period of more than 90 days. When a loan is classified as non-accrual and the future collectibility of the recorded loan balance is doubtful, collections of interest and principal are generally applied as a reduction to principal outstanding.

When future collectibility of the recorded loan balance is expected, interest income may be recognized on a cash basis. In the case where a non-accrual loan had been partially charged off, recognition of interest on a cash basis is limited to that which would have been recognized on the recorded loan balance at the contractual interest rate. Cash interest receipts in excess of that amount are recorded as recoveries to the allowance for loan losses until prior charge-offs have been fully recovered.

Off-Balance Sheet Credit Related Financial Instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under standby letters of credit.  Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, ranging up to 40 years for premises and 10 years for equipment. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred.  The asset cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts for assets sold or retired and any resulting gain or loss is included in the determination of income.

 
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Foreclosed Real Estate

Properties acquired through foreclosure, or by deed in lieu of foreclosure, are recorded at their fair value less estimated disposal costs. Fair value is determined based on a current appraisal and inspection.  Costs incurred in connection with preparing the foreclosed real estate for disposition are capitalized to the extent that they enhance the overall fair value of the property. Write downs of, and expenses related to, foreclosed real estate holdings are included in noninterest expense and were $133,000 and $98,000 in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets represent core deposit intangibles and goodwill arising from acquisitions.  Core deposit intangibles represent the premium the Company has paid for deposits acquired in excess of the cost incurred had the funds been purchased in the capital markets.  Core deposit intangibles were amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of five years.  As of October 2007, all core deposit intangibles are fully amortized.  Goodwill represents the excess cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired.  Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated annually for impairment.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Originated mortgage servicing rights are recorded at their fair value at the time of transfer and are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income or loss.  The carrying value of the originated mortgage servicing rights is periodically evaluated for impairment.

Stock-Based Compensation

Compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions are recognized based on the grant-date fair value of the stock-based compensation issued. Compensation costs are recognized over the period that an employee provides service in exchange for the award.  No options were granted during 2008 or 2007, and all outstanding options were fully vested on January 1, 2006 and, accordingly, there was no impact on the Company’s results of operations for the periods presented.
 
Retirement Benefits

The Company has established tax qualified retirement plans covering substantially all full-time employees and certain part-time employees.  Pension expense under these plans is charged to current operations and consists of several components of net pension cost based on various actuarial assumptions regarding future experience under the plans.

In 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 158, which required the recognition of the underfunded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the consolidated statements of condition.  Under SFAS 158, gains and losses, prior service costs and credits, and any remaining transition amounts under SFAS 87 and SFAS 106 that have not yet been recognized through net periodic benefit cost are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax effects, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic cost.  On January 1, 2008, the Company recorded a charge to retained earnings, representing the cumulative effect adjustment upon adopting the measurement date transition rule for the Company’s pension plan and postretirement benefit plan.  In accordance with SFAS 158 measurement date provisions, plan assets and obligations are to be measured as of the date of the employer’s Statement of Condition.  The Company previously measured its pension and postretirement plans as of October 1 of each year.

In addition, the Company has unfunded deferred compensation and supplemental executive retirement plans for selected current and former employees and officers that provide benefits that cannot be paid from a qualified retirement plan due to Internal Revenue Code restrictions. These plans are nonqualified under the Internal Revenue Code, and assets used to fund benefit payments are not segregated from other assets of the Company, therefore, in general, a participant's or beneficiary's claim to benefits under these plans is as a general creditor.

 
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Income Taxes

Provisions for income taxes are based on taxes currently payable or refundable and deferred income taxes on temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reported in the consolidated financial statements at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding throughout each year.  Diluted earnings per share gives effect to weighted average shares that would be outstanding assuming the exercise of issued stock options using the treasury stock method.

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

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

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income and related tax effect at and for the years ended December 31, are as follows:

(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on securities available for sale:
           
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the year
    $(2,346 )     $690  
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income
    2,191       (378 )
Net unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale
    (155 )     312  
Defined benefit pension and post retirement plans:
               
Additional plan (losses) gains
    (2,257 )     103  
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of benefit plans'
               
net loss and transition obligation recognized in net
               
periodic expense
    84       105  
Net change in defined benefit plan assets and obligations
    (2,173 )     208  
Other comprehensive (loss) income before tax
    (2,328 )     520  
Tax effect
    632       (207 )
Other comprehensive (loss) income
    $(1,696 )     $313  

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of related tax effects, at December 31, are as follows:
 
(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Unrealized losses on securities available for sale
           
(net of tax benefit 2008 - $205; 2007 - $441)
    $(1,053 )     $(661 )
Net pension losses
               
(net of tax benefit 2008 - $1352; 2007 - $495)
    (2,027 )     (742 )
Net post-retirement losses and transition obligation
               
(net of tax benefit 2008 - $40; 2007 - $36)
    (60 )     (54 )
      $(3,140 )     $(1,457 )


 
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Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the 2007 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.  These reclassifications had no effect on net income as previously reported.

NOTE 2:  NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141 (R), Business Combinations (SFAS 141R). This Statement establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer of a business recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree. The Statement also provides guidance for recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The guidance will become effective for the Company January 1, 2009. This pronouncement will impact the Company’s accounting for business combinations completed beginning January 1, 2009.

Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109 (SAB 109), "Written Loan Commitments Recorded at Fair Value Through Earnings" expresses the views of the staff regarding written loan commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings under generally accepted accounting principles. To make the staff's views consistent with current authoritative accounting guidance, the SAB revises and rescinds portions of SAB No. 105, "Application of Accounting Principles to Loan Commitments."  Specifically, the SAB revises the SEC staff's views on incorporating expected net future cash flows related to loan servicing activities in the fair value measurement of a written loan commitment. The SAB retains the staff's views on incorporating expected net future cash flows related to internally-developed intangible assets in the fair value measurement of a written loan commitment. The staff expects registrants to apply the views in Question 1 of SAB 109 on a prospective basis to derivative loan commitments issued or modified in fiscal quarters beginning after December 15, 2007. The adoption of SAB 109 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In February 2008, the FASB issued a FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 140-3, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions.” This FSP addresses the issue of whether or not these transactions should be viewed as two separate transactions or as one "linked" transaction. The FSP includes a "rebuttable presumption" that presumes linkage of the two transactions unless the presumption can be overcome by meeting certain criteria. The FSP will be effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and will apply only to original transfers made after that date; early adoption will not be allowed. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact the new pronouncement will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 142-3, “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets.”  This FSP amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142).  The intent of this FSP is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141R and other GAAP.  This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is prohibited.  The Company does not expect this pronouncement will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”, (SFAS 162).  The purpose of SFAS 162 is to improve financial reporting by providing a consistent framework for determining what accounting principles should be applied when preparing GAAP financial statements.  The FASB believes that issuing the GAAP hierarchy as a FASB standard, recategorizing the existing GAAP hierarchy into two levels of accounting literature (authoritative and non-authoritative), and elevating the conceptual framework within the GAAP hierarchy are key objectives of achieving the FASB’s goal of improving the quality of accounting standards and the standard-setting process.  SFAS 162 is effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) amendment to AU Section 411.  The Company’s adoption of SFAS 162 is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

 
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In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS No. 157-3,Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When The Market for That Asset Is Not Active”  (FSP 157-3), to clarify the application of the provisions of SFAS 157 in an inactive market and how an entity would determine fair value in an inactive market.  FSP 157-3 is effective immediately and applied to our 2008 consolidated financial statements.  The application of the provisions of FSP 157-3 did not materially affect our results of operations or financial condition.

In November 2008, the SEC released a proposed roadmap regarding the potential use by U.S. issuers of financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). IFRS is a comprehensive series of accounting standards published by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). Under the proposed roadmap, the Company may be required to prepare financial statements in accordance with IFRS as early as 2014. The SEC will make a determination in 2011 regarding the mandatory adoption of IFRS. The Company is currently assessing the impact that this potential change would have on its consolidated financial statements, and it will continue to monitor the development of the potential implementation of IFRS.
 
In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets”.  This FSP amends SFAS 132(R), “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits”, to provide guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan.  The disclosures about plan assets required by this FSP shall be provided for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009.  The Company is currently reviewing the effect this new pronouncement will have on its consolidated financial statements.
 
NOTE 3: INVESTMENT SECURITIES – AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities are summarized as follows:

         
               December 31, 2008
       
         
Gross
   
Gross
   
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
(In thousands)
                       
Bond investment securities:
                       
US Treasury and agencies
    $9,126       $342       $-       $9,468  
State and political subdivisions
    5,020       23       (70 )     4,973  
Corporate
    12,181       117       (1,472 )     10,826  
Mortgage-backed
    39,478       707       (155 )     40,030  
Total
    65,805       1,189       (1,697 )     65,297  
Equity and other investments
    7,591       -       (750 )     6,841  
Total investment securities
    $73,396       $1,189       $(2,447 )     $72,138  
 
 
 
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              December 31, 2007
       
         
Gross
   
Gross
   
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
(In thousands)
                       
Bond investment securities:
                       
US Treasury and agencies
    $18,672       $27       $(53 )     $18,646  
State and political subdivisions
    5,342       5       (20 )     5,327  
Corporate
    6,392       1       (366 )     6,027  
Mortgage-backed
    28,615       87       (325 )     28,377  
Total
    59,021       120       (764 )     58,377  
Equity and other investments
    7,092       14       (473 )     6,633  
Total investment securities
    $66,113       $134       $(1,237 )     $65,010  

Gross gains of $85,000 and $385,000 for 2008 and 2007, respectively and gross losses of $23,000 and $7,000 for 2008 and 2007, respectively were realized on sales of available for sale securities.

Investment securities with a carrying value of approximately $37,815,000 at December 31, 2008 were pledged to collateralize certain deposit and borrowing arrangements.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt investments at December 31, 2008 by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
 
   
Amortized
   
Estimated
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
 (In thousands)
           
Due in one year or less
    $2,077       $2,091  
Due after one year through five years
    13,535       13,192  
Due after five years through ten years
    4,554       4,469  
Due after ten years
    6,161       5,515  
Mortgage-backed securities
    39,478       40,030  
Totals
    $65,805       $65,297  

The Company’s investment securities’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, is as follows:
 
   
     December 31, 2008
 
   
Less than Twelve Months
   
Twelve Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
 
(In thousands)
                                   
State and political subdivisions
    $(70 )     $2,134       $-       $-       $(70 )     $2,134  
Corporate
    (327 )     5,349       (1,145 )     2,805       (1,472 )     8,154  
Mortgage-backed
    (150 )     7,491       (5 )     734       (155 )     8,225  
Equity and other investments
    (744 )     4,251       (6 )     21       (750 )     4,272  
      $(1,291 )     $19,225       $(1,156 )     $3,560       $(2,447 )     $22,785  
 
 
 
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December 31, 2007
 
   
Less than Twelve Months
   
Twelve Months or More
   
Total
 
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
 
(In thousands)
                                   
US Treasury and agencies
    $(1 )     $1,004       $(52 )     $10,599       $(53 )     $11,603  
State and political subdivisions
    -       -       (20 )     3,362       (20 )     3,362  
Corporate
    (94 )     885       (272 )     3,692       (366 )     4,577  
Mortgage-backed
    (16 )     4,973       (309 )     17,169       (325 )     22,142  
Equity and other investments
    (2 )     12       (471 )     6,043       (473 )     6,055  
      $(113 )     $6,874       $(1,124 )     $40,865       $(1,237 )     $47,739  

The Company reviews its securities portfolio for potential impairment issues at least quarterly.  During the year 2008, the Company recorded other than temporary impairment charges on: a $1,000,000 holding in a senior unsecured note issued by Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., which filed a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy petition on September 15, 2008, in the amount of $875,000, the AMF Large Cap Equity Fund in the amount of $690,000, $269,000 in the AMF Ultra Short Mortgage Fund, $67,000 in the Financial Institutions Fund and $10,000 on a stock investment in The Phoenix Companies. No impairment losses were recorded during 2007.
 
At December 31, 2008, 5 state and political subdivision securities had unrealized losses.  During January 2009, the Company sold the majority of its state and political subdivision portfolio.  Only 5 holdings, all of which have final maturity dates within the next 12 months, were not liquidated.  The portfolio was sold to take advantage of historically high pricing levels, while generating liquidity to fund loan portfolio growth.  Only one of the 5 securities that were in unrealized loss positions at December 31 was actually sold at a loss.  The loss totaled $5,500, or 1.2%, of the security’s carrying value.  The total sale of these holdings resulted in an overall gain recognized by the Company of $85,000.  Management has the intent and ability to hold the remaining short-term positions to maturity.

At December 31, 2008, 12 corporate securities were in unrealized loss positions.  The two securities in the largest unrealized loss position represent trust-preferred issuances from large money center financial institutions.  The JP Morgan Chase floating rate trust-preferred security has a carrying value of $984,000 and a fair value of $525,000. The Bank of America floating rate trust-preferred security has a carrying value of $979,000 and a fair value of $678,000.  The securities are rated A1 and A2 by Moody’s.  The securities are both floating rate notes that adjust quarterly to LIBOR.  These securities reflect net unrealized losses due to the fact that current similar issuances are being originated at much higher spreads to LIBOR, as the market currently demands a greater pricing premium for the associated risk in the current economic environment.  Management has performed a detailed credit analysis on the underlying companies and has concluded that each issue is not credit impaired.  Due to the fact that each security has in excess of 18 years until final maturity, and management has determined that there is no related credit impairment, the associated pricing risk is managed similar to long-term, low yielding, 15 and 30 year fixed rate residential mortgages carried in the Company’s loan portfolio.  The risk is managed through the Company’s extensive interest rate risk management procedures.  Management has the intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity or market price recovery, thus, the securities are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

The next group of 8 corporate securities represent fixed rate notes with varying yields and maturities.  The unrealized loss positions principally relate to changes in interest rates subsequent to the security acquisition date, as well as a greater amount of credit spread currently being priced into similar security offerings.  All eight securities are currently A rated or better by Moody’s and S & P.  Management has performed a detailed credit review on each security issuer and determined that none of the issues are credit impaired.  Management has the intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity or market price recovery, thus, the securities are not deemed to be other-than- temporarily impaired.
 
 
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The final two corporate securities in unrealized loss positions are a senior unsecured bond issued by Lehman Brothers, which was written down to its market value at September 30, 2008, and a senior unsecured fixed rate bond issued by CIT Group.  Management has obtained current pricing quotes on its Lehman holding.  Based on the quotes, management deems the current carrying value of the bond to be appropriate.  The CIT Group bond, with a carrying value of $996,000, matures in February 2010 and carries a rating of Baa2 from Moody’s.  The bond’s fair value at December 31, 2008 was $861,000 and had improved 25% when compared to its historic low, which was experienced during the third quarter of 2008.   The bond valuation has continued to improve through February 2009.  CIT Group has strengthened its balance sheet by exchanging old debt for cash and subordinated notes due in 2018, as well as by raising additional capital.  Management has performed a detailed credit review of the issuer and continues to stay apprised of issues impacting this holding and currently feels that the security is not other than temporarily impaired.  Management has the intent and ability to hold this security to maturity.

At December 31, 2008, 33 mortgage-backed securities have unrealized losses.  The unrealized losses relate primarily to securities issued by FNMA, FHLMC and GNMA and are currently rated AAA by Moody’s Investor Services (‘Moody’s”) and Standards and Poor (“S & P”).  These unrealized losses relate principally to changes in interest rates subsequent to the acquisition of the specific securities.  None of the securities in this category had an unrealized loss that exceeded 10%, and the vast majority had unrealized losses under 1%, or $1,000.  The Company has the intent and ability to hold the individual securities to maturity or market price recovery.

At December 31, 2008, 4 holdings, classified as equity and other investments, had unrealized net losses.  Two of the individual holdings had losses of approximately $7,000 in total at December 31, 2008.  One of the two remaining holdings, the AMF Ultra Short Mortgage Fund (“the Fund”), represents an investment in a mutual fund backed by short-duration adjustable rate mortgage-backed security products.  At September 30, 2008, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges totaling $612,000, or 18%, of the Fund’s carrying value, to the stated NAV.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of the Company’s remaining investment in the AMF Ultra Short Mortgage Fund was $2,804,000.  The fair value was $2,517,000. The Fund’s value decline is a result of both the weakness in the trading market of the underlying securities and the deterioration in the credit quality of a portion of the Fund’s private label mortgage-backed security holdings.  The Company’s ability to reduce its investment position in the Fund is limited by the Fund instituting its in-kind redemption provisions.  In particular, the Fund is limiting cash redemptions to $250,000 every 90 days, with any excess redemption paid by transferring underlying assets (in-kind) held by the Fund.  The Company requested, and received, an initial $250,000 cash redemption in April 2008; two additional partial redemptions would have been available to the Company during fiscal year 2008.  Management decided to forgo taking additional partial redemptions as a reflection of its intent and ability to hold the Fund until its value improves.

The current Fund value is not a compilation of the daily trading prices of the underlying securities, but rather is derived from matrix pricing in an illiquid market, thus it is more reflective of liquidation pricing than of the Fund’s true fair value.  Fund cash flows have been uninterrupted, as no individual security has experienced a default of contractual principal or interest payments. The Fund continues to reinvest excess cash flows into short-term federal agency backed mortgage-backed securities, thus improving the overall risk profile of the Fund. During 2008, the Fund composition has shifted from 75% private label holdings and 25% agency holdings to 50% private label and 50% federal agency holdings.  In addition, a detailed review of the Funds holdings at December 31, 2008, indicates that only 14.6% of the Fund holdings are rated below the Company’s definition of investment grade, (A rated or better by Moody’s or S & P).

Many of the Government’s initiative to reinvigorate the economy and improve asset valuations are just beginning to take effect.  Significant improvements in market conditions should be realized in the near term.  Management has displayed the intent and ability to hold this security until its value improves.  Given all these facts, it is management’s opinion that the current carrying value of the Fund is reasonable and that additional adjustments to the Fund’s carrying value are not necessary at this time.

The last holding in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2008, is the Company’s investment in the AMF Large Cap Equity Institutional Fund, (“the Fund”), a mutual fund consisting of investment grade, dividend paying common stocks of large capitalization companies (companies with market capitalization in excess of $5 billion).  Management recorded an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $690,000, or 23.9%, of the Funds value, as of September 30, 2008.  At December 31, 2008, the carrying value of the Company’s remaining
 
 
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investment in the AMF Large Cap Equity Institutional Fund was $2,192,000.  The fair value was $1,734,000. Management believes that the underlying investment grade securities represent equity positions in well-managed companies with a diverse cross section of various industries.  Management has performed a review of each underlying holding comprising the Fund.  The review and analysis indicates that there are no individually impaired holdings and there is no indication that the profitability of the individual companies is impaired beyond the current economic cycle.  The Fund value is highly correlated to the overall stock market performance and management believes that the market will return to previous valuation levels over the next economic cycle.  Many of the Government’s initiatives to reinvigorate the economy are just beginning to take effect and significant improvements in overall market conditions should be realized in the near term.  Management has the intent and ability to hold this security until its value improves.  As such, the recent decline in market value since September 30, 2008 is not considered to be other-than-temporary.
 
NOTE 4: LOANS

Major classifications of loans at December 31, are as follows:

(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Real estate mortgages:
           
Residential
    $132,825       $122,045  
Construction
    2,508       3,776  
Commercial
    55,061       45,490  
      190,394       171,311  
Other loans:
               
Consumer
    3,516       3,926  
Home Equity/Second Mortgage
    24,392       21,379  
Lease financing
    2,308       777  
Commercial
    25,215       20,576  
Municipal loans
    3,162       3,935  
      58,593       50,593  
Total loans
    248,987       221,904  
Net deferred loan costs
    885       845  
Less allowance for loan losses
    (2,472 )     (1,703 )
Loans receivable, net
    $247,400       $221,046  

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

The following represents the activity associated with loans to executive officers and directors and their affiliated entities during the year ended December 31, 2008:

(In thousands)
     
Balance at Beginning of year
    $3,835  
     Originations
    2,940  
     Principal payments
    (323 )
Balance at end of year
    $6,452  


 
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NOTE 5: ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Changes in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, are summarized as follows:

(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Balance at beginning of year
    $1,703       $1,496  
Recoveries credited:
               
Commercial
    17       -  
Mortgage
    -       23  
Consumer
    30       27  
Total recoveries 
    47       50  
Loans charged-off:
               
Commercial
    (46 )     (85 )
Mortgage
    -       (46 )
Consumer
    (52 )     (77 )
Total charged-off
    (98 )     (208 )
Net charge-offs
    (51 )     (158 )
Provision for loan losses
    820       365  
Balance at end of year
    $2,472       $1,703  
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans outstanding
    0.02 %     0.08 %


The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans for the years ended December 31:
         
(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
    $2,020       $1,312  
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
    436       409  
Total impaired loans
    $2,456       $1,721  
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans
    $   141       $   152  
                 
Average investment in impaired loans
    $2,252       $1,749  
Interest income recognized on impaired loans
    $   176       $     92  
Interest income recognized on a cash basis on
               
impaired loans
    $       -       $       -  

The amount of loans on which the Company has ceased accruing interest aggregated approximately $2,323,000 and $1,591,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  There were no loans past due ninety days or more and still accruing interest at December 31, 2008 or 2007.

NOTE 6: SERVICING

Loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated statements of condition.  The unpaid principal balances of mortgage and other loans serviced for others were $46,095,000 and $50,409,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The balance of capitalized servicing rights included in other assets at December 31, 2008 and 2007, was $15,000 and $43,000, respectively.


 
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The following summarizes mortgage-servicing rights capitalized and amortized:

(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Mortgage servicing rights capitalized
    $   -       $24  
Mortgage servicing rights amortized
    $28       $46  

NOTE 7: PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

A summary of premises and equipment at December 31, is as follows:

(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Land
    $1,226       $1,226  
Buildings
    7,007       6,963  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    7,090       6,861  
Construction in progress
    134       66  
      15,457       15,116  
Less: Accumulated depreciation
    8,007       7,309  
      $7,450       $7,807  

NOTE 8: GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

A summary of goodwill and other intangible assets at December 31, is as follows:

   
           2008
   
            2007
 
   
Gross
         
Gross
       
   
Carrying
   
Accumulated
   
Carrying
   
Accumulated
 
(In thousands)
 
Amount
   
Amortization
   
Amount
   
Amortization
 
Goodwill
    $3,840       $        -       $3,840       $         -  
Core deposit intangibles
    1,111       (1,111 )     1,111       (1,111 )

Core deposit intangibles became fully amortized in October 2007. Amortization of goodwill and core deposit intangibles is deductible for tax purposes.

As a result of deteriorating economic conditions in the financial markets, which impacted the trading value of the Company’s common stock, management engaged an independent third party to test the Company’s goodwill for impairment pursuant to SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”.  Management considers the Company, which includes all banking operations on a consolidated basis, as the “reporting unit” under SFAS 142 for the purpose of testing for goodwill impairment.  Testing was performed by utilizing a three-step valuation approach using a measurement date of December 31, 2008:

(1)  
The estimated fair value of the Company as of the measurement date was determined utilizing three valuation methodologies including the Comparable Transactions approach, the Control Premium approach and the Discounted Cash Flow approach.  All approaches were considered in the final estimate of fair value, with the results of the approaches weighted based upon their level within the SFAS No.157 hierarchy and management’s comfort level with each approach. In the final determination, the greatest emphasis was placed on approaches utilizing primarily Level 2 inputs (the Comparable Transaction and Control Premium approaches), and less weight was placed on the Discounted Cash Flow approach due to the number of Level 3 inputs that were utilized.

 
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(2)  
The amount of goodwill that would be generated if the Company were to be sold at a price equal to its estimated fair value was calculated.

(3)  
A comparison of the estimated fair value of goodwill, determined in steps (1) and (2) above, to the current carrying value of goodwill on the Company’s books as of the measurement date was performed.

As a result of the above steps, it was determined that the estimated fair value of goodwill exceeded the Company’s carrying value, and thus there was no goodwill impairment at December 31, 2008.

NOTE 9: DEPOSITS

A summary of deposits at December 31, is as follows:

(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Savings accounts
    $49,550       $50,789  
Time accounts
    91,223       86,588  
Time accounts over $100,000
    40,731       33,016  
Money management accounts
    10,300       9,657  
MMDA accounts
    27,594       24,882  
Demand deposit interest-bearing
    20,916       20,467  
Demand deposit noninterest-bearing
    26,150       22,766  
Mortgage escrow funds
    2,974       2,920  
      $269,438       $251,085  

At December 31, 2008, the scheduled maturities of time deposits are as follows:

(In thousands)
     
Year of Maturity:
     
2009
    $93,251  
2010
    19,410  
2011
    7,475  
2012
    6,526  
2013
    1,681  
Thereafter
    3,611  
      $131,954  

NOTE 10: BORROWED FUNDS

The composition of borrowings (excluding junior subordinated debentures) at December 31, is as follows:

(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Short-term:
           
FHLB Advances
    $4,000       $9,000  
Overnight Line of Credit with FHLB
    13,575       9,400  
Total short-term borrowings
    $17,575       $18,400  
Long-term:
               
FHLB repurchase agreements
    $2,400       $2,400  
FHLB advances
    27,000       17,610  
Citi Group repurchase agreements
    5,000       -  
Total long-term borrowings
    $34,400       $20,010  
 
 
 
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The principal balances, interest rates and maturities of the above fixed rate borrowings at December 31, 2008 is as follows:
 
Term
 
Principal
   
Rates
 
(Dollars in thousands)
           
Short-term advances with FHLB
    $17,575       0.46%-3.95 %
Long-term:
               
Repurchase agreements with FHLB (due in 2009)
    $2,400       5.56%-5.76 %
Repurchase agreements with Citi Group (due in 2013)
    5,000       2.95 %
Advances with FHLB
               
due within 1 years
    3,000       4.03%-6.00 %
due within 2 years
    12,000       2.42%-4.39 %
due within 3 years
    5,000       4.02%-4.19 %
due within 4 years
    3,000       4.91 %
due within 5 years
    4,000       4.46%-4.53 %
Total advances with FHLB
    27,000          
Total long-term borrowings
    $34,400          

The repurchase agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") and Citi Group are collateralized by certain investment securities having a carrying value of $8,260,000 at December 31, 2008.  The collateral is under the Company’s control.  The overnight line of credit agreement with the FHLB is used for liquidity purposes.   Interest on this line is determined at the time of borrowing.  The average rate paid on the overnight line during 2008 approximated 1.61%.  At December 31, 2008, $20,103,000 was available under the overnight line.  As a companion to the overnight line with the FHLB, the Company also has access to a One-Month Overnight Repricing Line of Credit.  This allows the Company to borrow funds for a term of one month, which reprice daily over the term, thus freeing up the overnight line for daily liquidity needs.  The Company has $33,678,000 available under this facility, yet has never accessed the one-month overnight repricing line. In addition to the overnight line of credit program, the Company also has access to the FHLB’s Term Advance Program under which it can borrow at various terms and interest rates.  Residential mortgage loans with a carrying value of $77,471,000 and FHLB stock with a carrying value of $2,549,000 have been pledged by the Company under a blanket collateral agreement to secure the Company’s line of credit and term borrowings.  The total outstanding indebtedness under all three borrowing facilities with the FHLB can not exceed the total value of the assets pledged under the blanket collateral agreement.  The Company also maintains a $5,000,000 line of credit with a correspondent bank.  Interest on the line is determined at the time of borrowing.  The Company did not draw on the line during 2008.  In order to utilize the line, the Company is required to secure the outstanding balance with marketable investment securities.

The Company has a non-consolidated subsidiary trust, Pathfinder Statutory Trust II, of which 100% of the common equity is owned by the Company.  The Trust issued $5,000,000 of 30 year floating rate Company-obligated pooled capital securities of Pathfinder Statutory Trust II.  The Company borrowed the proceeds of the capital securities from its subsidiary by issuing floating rate junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures having substantially similar terms.  The capital securities mature in 2037 and are treated as Tier 1 capital by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of Thrift Supervision.  The capital securities of the trust are a pooled trust preferred fund of Preferred Term Securities VI, Ltd. and are tied to the 3-month LIBOR plus 1.65% (3.65% at December 31, 2008) with a five-year call provision.  The Company guarantees all of these securities.

The Company's equity interest in the trust subsidiary of $155,000 is reported in "Other assets".  For regulatory reporting purposes, the Federal Reserve Board has indicated that the preferred securities will continue to qualify as Tier 1 Capital subject to previously specified limitations, until further notice. If regulators make a determination that Trust Preferred Securities can no longer be considered in regulatory capital, the securities become callable and the Company may redeem them.
 
 
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The Company retired its original trust preferred issuance of $5,000,000 during June 2007, at its earliest call date.  The original issuance of pooled capital securities were tied to the 3-month LIBOR plus 3.45%.  The proceeds from the new issuance of Pathfinder Statutory Trust II were used to retire the original issuance of Pathfinder Statutory Trust I.
 
NOTE 11: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLANS
 
The Company has a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. The plan provides defined benefits based on years of service and final average salary. In addition, the Company provides certain health and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees.  The healthcare plan is contributory with participants’ contributions adjusted annually; the life insurance plan is noncontributory.  Employees with less than 14 years of service as of January 1, 1995, are not eligible for the health and life insurance retirement benefits.

On January 1, 2008, the Company recorded a $48,000 charge to retained earnings, representing the cumulative effect adjustment upon adopting the measurement date transition rule for the Company’s pension plan and postretirement benefit plan.  In accordance with SFAS 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, measurement date provisions, plan assets and obligations are to be measured as of the employer’s balance sheet date.  The Company previously measured its pension and postretirement plans as of October 1 of each year.  As a result of the measurement date provisions, the Company increased its retirement plan liabilities with a corresponding charge to retained earnings, representing the net periodic benefit cost for the period between the October 1, 2007 measurement date and January 1, 2008.

The following tables set forth the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and the plans’ funded status as of December 31:
 
   
         Pension Benefits
   
Postretirement Benefits
 
(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Change in benefit obligations:
                       
Benefit obligations at beginning of year
    $4,843       $4,439       $335       $346  
Adjustment for measurement date change
    132       -       6       -  
Service cost
    214       196       3       3  
Interest cost
    316       273       21       21  
Actuarial loss (gain)
    174       83       32       (13 )
Benefits paid
    (186 )     (148 )     (28 )     (22 )
Benefit obligations at end of year
    5,493       4,843       369       335  
Change in plan assets:
                               
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
    4,977       4,338       -       -  
Actual return on plan assets
    (1,493 )     565       -       -  
Benefits paid
    (186 )     (148 )     (28 )     (22 )
Employer contributions
    163       222       28       22  
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
    3,461       4,977       -       -  
Funded Status -  (liability) asset
    $(2,032 )     $134       $(369 )     $(335 )


 
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Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31,
(In thousands)
   
2008
2007
Unrecognized transition obligation
    $       56
 $             79
Net loss
   
            3,423
            1,248
     
            3,479
            1,327
Tax Effect
   
            1,392
              531
      $  2,087
 $            796

The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plan was $4,537,000 and $3,953,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The postretirement plan had an accumulated benefit obligation of $369,000 and $335,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The significant assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
 
   
Pension Benefits
   
Postretirement Benefits
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Weighted average discount rate
    6.13 %     6.63 %     6.13 %     6.63 %
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
    3.50 %     4.00 %     -       -  


Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement health care plan.   The annual rates of increase in the per capita cost of covered medical and prescription drug benefits for year-end calculations were assumed to be 9.00% and 7.75%, respectively.  The rates were assumed to decrease gradually to 5.00% in 2013 and remain at that level thereafter.  A one-percentage point change in the health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
 
   
1 Percentage
   
1 Percentage
 
   
Point
   
Point
 
(In thousands)
 
Increase
   
Decrease
 
Effect on total of service and interest
           
cost components
    $1       $(1 )
Effect on post retirement benefit obligation
    10       (9 )


The composition of the net periodic benefit plan cost for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
 
   
Pension Benefits
   
Postretirement Benefits
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
(In thousands)
                       
Service cost
    $214       $196        $  3       $  3  
Interest cost
    316       273       21       21  
Amortization of transition obligation
    -       -       18       18  
Amortization of net losses
    66       87       -       -  
Expected return on plan assets
    (447 )     (392 )     -       -  
Net periodic benefit plan cost
    $149       $164       $42       $42  


 
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The significant assumptions used in determining the net periodic benefit plan cost for years ended December 31 were as follows:
 
   
Pension Benefits
   
Postretirement Benefits
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Weighted average discount rate
    6.63 %     6.25 %     6.63 %     6.25 %
Expected long term rate of return on plan assets
    9.00 %     9.00 %     -       -  
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
    4.00 %     3.00 %     -       -  

The long-term rate-of-return-on-assets assumption was set based on historical returns earned by equities and fixed income securities, adjusted to reflect expectations of future returns as applied to the plan’s target allocation of asset classes.  Equities and fixed income securities were assumed to earn real rates of return in the ranges of 5-9.0% and 2-6.0%, respectively.  The long-term inflation rate was estimated to be 3.0%.  When these overall return expectations are applied to the plan’s target allocation, the expected rate of return was determined to be 9.0%, which is roughly the midpoint of the range of expected return.

The expected long-term rate of return for 2009 has been decreased to 8.0% to reflect current economic conditions and expected returns.  The estimated net actuarial loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit plan cost during 2009 is $261,000.  The estimated amortization of the unrecognized transition obligation in 2009 is $18,000.  Based on these factors, and a lower expected rate of return on plan assets, the expected net periodic benefit plan cost for 2009 is estimated at $593,000.  The negative impact on earnings resulting from the projected increase in costs in 2009 is the result of increased amortization of net pension losses and lower expected return on plan assets, both primarily due to the decrease in value of plan assets in the defined benefit pension plan.

The Company’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2008, and October 1, 2007, the plan measurement dates, by asset category are as follows:

Asset Category
 
2008
   
2007
 
Equity securities
    59 %     70 %
Debt securities
    41 %     30 %
Total
    100 %     100 %

Plan assets are invested in diversified investment funds of the RSI Retirement Trust (the “Trust”), a series of no-load private placement funds.  The investment funds include equity funds and bond funds, each with its own investment objectives, investment strategies and risks, as detailed in the Private Placement Memorandum.  The Trust has been given discretion by the Plan Sponsor to determine the appropriate strategic asset allocation versus plan liabilities, as governed by the Trust’s Statement of Investment Objectives and Guidelines (the “Guidelines”).

The long-term investment objective is to be invested 65% in equity securities (equity mutual funds) and 35% in debt securities (bond mutual funds).  If the plan is underfunded under the Guidelines, the bond fund portion will be temporarily increased to 50% in order to lessen asset value volatility.  When the plan is no longer underfunded, the bond fund portion will be decreased back to 35%.  Asset rebalancing is scheduled when the investment mix varies more than 10% from the target (i.e., a 20% target range).

The investment goal is to achieve investment results that will contribute to the proper funding of the pension plan by exceeding the rate of inflation over the long-term.  In addition, investment managers for the Trust are expected to provide above average performance when compared to their peer managers.  Performance volatility is also monitored.  Risk/volatility is further managed by the distinct investment objectives of each of the Trust funds and the diversification within each fund.

 
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Due to recent changes in pension funding law and sharp declines in asset fair values, a good estimate of expected contributions for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009 cannot be determined at this time.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid.

Years ending December 31:
     
(In thousands)
     
2009
    $  173  
2010
    177  
2011
    184  
2012
    196  
2013
    211  
Years 2014 - 2018
    $1,391  

The Company also offers a 401(k) plan to its employees.  Contributions to this plan by the Company were $116,000 and $148,000 for 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The Company maintains optional deferred compensation plans for its directors, and certain executive officers, whereby fees and income normally received are deferred and paid by the Company based upon a payment schedule commencing at age 65 and continuing monthly for 10 years. Directors must serve on the board for a minimum of 5 years to be eligible for the Plan. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, other liabilities include approximately $1,741,000 and $1,660,000, respectively, relating to deferred compensation. Deferred compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 amounted to approximately $225,000 and $212,000, respectively.

The Company has a supplemental executive retirement plan for the benefit of certain executive officers.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, other liabilities included approximately $333,000 and $366,000 accrued under this plan. Compensation expense includes approximately $49,000 relating to the supplemental executive retirement plan for both 2008 and 2007.

To fund the benefits under these plans, the Company is the owner of single premium life insurance policies on participants in the non-qualified retirement plans.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the cash surrender values of these policies were $6,731,000 and $6,437,000, respectively.

NOTE 12:  STOCK BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

In February 1997, the Board of Directors approved a stock option plan and granted options thereunder with an exercise price equal to the market value of the Company’s shares at the date of grant.  Under the Stock Option Plan, up to 132,249 options had been authorized for grant of incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options, of which none remain at December 31, 2008.  The options granted have a 10-year term with one-third vesting upon the grant date and the remaining vesting and becoming exercisable ratably over a 2-year period.

 
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Activity in the Stock Option Plan is as follows:
         
Weighted
       
   
Options
   
Average
   
Shares
 
(Shares in thousands)
 
Outstanding
   
Exercise Price
   
Exercisable
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2007
    37       $7.53       37  
Exercised
    (17 )     6.60          
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    20       8.34       20  
Exercised
    (1 )     8.34          
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    19       8.34       19  

The aggregate intrinsic value of a stock option represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the amount by which the current market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2008.  The intrinsic value changes based on fluctuations in the market value of the Company’s stock.  At December 31, 2008, the market value of the Company’s stock was less than the stock option price, and therefore, the outstanding and exercisable stock options had no aggregate intrinsic value.

The stock options exercised during 2008 had no intrinsic value.

At December 31, 2008, the 18,850 options outstanding all had an exercise price of $8.34 and an average remaining contractual life of 2.5 years.

NOTE 13: INCOME TAXES

The provision for income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, is as follows:

(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Current
    $491       $432  
Deferred
    (388 )     (48 )
      $103       $384  

The provision for income taxes includes the following:

(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Federal Income Tax
    $191       $405  
New York State Franchise Tax
    (88 )     (21 )
      $103       $384  



 
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The components of the net deferred tax asset, included in other assets as of December 31, are as follows:
 
(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Assets:
           
Deferred compensation
    $802       $783  
Allowance for loan losses
    956       659  
Postretirement benefits
    144       129  
Pension liability
    786       -  
Mortgage recording tax credit carryforward
    417       408  
Investment securities
    503       441  
Other
    841       94  
      4,449       2,514  
Liabilities:
               
Pension asset
    -       (52 )
Depreciation
    (475 )     (517 )
Accretion
    (45 )     (57 )
Loan origination fees
    (349 )     (335 )
Intangible assets
    (841 )     (651 )
Prepaid expenses
    (177 )     (107 )
      (1,887 )     (1,719 )
      2,562       795  
Less: deferred tax asset valuation allowance
    (540 )     -  
Net deferred tax asset
    $2,022       $795  

Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income or the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carry back period.  A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion, or all of the deferred tax assets, will not be realized.  In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, management considers the scheduled reversal of the deferred tax liabilities, the level of historical taxable income and the projected future level of taxable income over the periods in which the temporary differences comprising the deferred tax assets will be deductible.  The judgment about the level of future taxable income is inherently subjective and is reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. A valuation allowance of $540,000 was established as of December 31, 2008, as management believes it may not generate sufficient capital gains to offset its capital loss carry forward.

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, is as follows:
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Federal statutory income tax rate
    34.0 %     34.0 %
State tax
    (12.5 )     (0.9 )
Tax-exempt interest income
    (17.7 )     (6.1 )
Increase in value of life insurance
    (19.2 )     (5.1 )
Deferred tax valuation allowance
    45.2       -  
Other
    (7.9 )     3.6  
Effective income tax rate
    21.9 %     25.5 %

The adoption of FIN 48 at January 1, 2007 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company did not have any uncertain tax positions.  The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits, if any, in income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  The tax years subject to examination by the taxing authorities are the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005.

 
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NOTE 14: EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following is a reconciliation of basic to diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31:

(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Earnings
   
Shares
   
EPS
 
2008 Net Income
    $368              
Basic EPS
    368       2,484       $0.15  
Effect of dilutive securities
                       
Stock options
    -       1       -  
Diluted EPS
    $368       2,485       $0.15  
2007 Net Income
    $1,122                  
Basic EPS
    1,122       2,483       $0.45  
Effect of dilutive securities
                       
Stock options
    -       4       -  
Diluted EPS
    $1,122       2,487       $0.45  

NOTE 15: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit.  Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statement of condition. The contractual amount of those commitments to extend credit reflects the extent of involvement the Company has in this particular class of financial instrument. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual amount of the instrument.  The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the following financial instruments were outstanding whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
 
   
Contract Amount
 
(In thousands)
 
2008
   
2007
 
Commitments to grant loans
    $8,723       $9,677  
Unfunded commitments under lines of credit
    15,710       17,912  
Standby letters of credit
    1,639       1,744  

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since some of the commitment amounts are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counter party. Collateral held varies but may include residential real estate and income-producing commercial properties.  Loan commitments outstanding at December 31, 2008 with fixed interest rates amounted to approximately $6.1 million. Loan commitments, including unused lines of credit, outstanding at December 31, 2008 with variable interest rates amounted to approximately $20.0 million.  These outstanding loan commitments carry current market rates.  Unfunded commitments under standby letters of credit, revolving credit lines and overdraft protection agreements are commitments for possible future extensions of credit to existing customers.  These lines of credit usually do not contain a specified maturity date and may not be drawn upon to the total extent to which the Company is committed.

 
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Outstanding letters of credit written are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  The majority of these standby letters of credit expire within the next twelve months.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending other loan commitments.  The Bank requires collateral supporting these letters of credit as deemed necessary.  Management believes that the proceeds obtained through a liquidation of such collateral would be sufficient to cover the maximum potential amount of future payments required under the corresponding guarantees.  The amount of the liability as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 for guarantees under standby letters of credit issued is not material.

The Company leases land and leasehold improvements under agreements that expire in various years with renewal options over the next 30 years.  Rental expense, included in building occupancy expense, amounted to $66,000 and $63,000 in 2008 and 2007, respectively.  In October 2002, the Company entered into a land lease with one of its directors on an arms-length basis. In January 2006, the Company entered into a lease with Pathfinder Bancorp, MHC for the use of a training facility.  This lease was also executed on an arms-length basis.  The rent expense paid to the related parties during 2008 and 2007 was $45,000 and $43,000, respectively. Approximate minimum rental commitments for noncancelable operating leases are as follows:
 
Years Ending December 31:
     
(In thousands)
     
2009
    $66  
2010
    66  
2011
    52  
2012
    43  
2013
    21  
Thereafter
    -  
Total minimum lease payments
    $248  

NOTE 16: DIVIDENDS AND RESTRICTIONS

The Board of Directors of Pathfinder Bancorp, M.H.C., determines whether the Holding Company will waive or receive dividends declared by the Company each time the Company declares a dividend, which is expected to be on a quarterly basis. The Holding Company may elect to receive dividends and utilize such funds to pay expenses or for other allowable purposes. The Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) has indicated that (i) the Holding Company shall provide the OTS annually with written notice of its intent to waive its dividends prior to the proposed date of the dividend and the OTS shall have the authority to approve or deny any dividend waiver request; (ii) if a waiver is granted, dividends waived by the Holding Company will be excluded from the Company’s capital accounts for purposes of calculating dividend payments to minority shareholders.  During 2008, the Company paid or accrued dividends totaling $487,000 to the Holding Company. For the second quarter ended June 30, 2008, the Holding Company waived the right to receive its portion of the cash dividends declared on June 24, 2008, which totaled $163,000.  During 2007, the Holding Company waived dividends totaling $325,000.

The Company's ability to pay dividends to its shareholders is largely dependent on the Bank's ability to pay dividends to the Company.  In addition to state law requirements and the capital requirements discussed in Note 17, federal statutes, regulations and policies limit the circumstances under which the Bank may pay dividends.  The amount of retained earnings legally available under these regulations approximated $1,971,000 as of December 31, 2008.  Dividends paid by the Bank to the Company would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements.

 
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NOTE 17: REGULATORY MATTERS

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 2008, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

As of December 31, 2008, the Bank’s most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized the Bank as “well-capitalized”, under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  To be categorized as “well-capitalized”, the Bank must maintain total risk based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the tables below. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

The Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are also presented in the following table.
 
                           
Minimum
 
                           
To Be "Well-
 
               
         Minimum
   
  Capitalized"
 
               
           For Capital
   
   Under Prompt
 
   
                 Actual
   
           Adequacy Purposes
   
        Corrective Provisions
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
As of December 31, 2008:
                                   
Total Core Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
    $25,625       10.8 %     $18,944       8.0 %     $23,680       10.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
    $23,152       9.8 %     $9,472       4.0 %     $14,208       6.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
    $23,152       6.8 %     $13,702       4.0 %     $17,128       5.0 %
As of December 31, 2007:
                                               
Total Core Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
    $25,447       12.2 %     $16,648       8.0 %     $20,810       10.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
    $23,744       11.4 %     $8,324       4.0 %     $12,486       6.0 %
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)
    $23,744       7.7 %     $12,437       4.0 %     $15,548       5.0 %

The Bank is required to maintain average balances on hand or with the Federal Reserve Bank.  At December 31, 2008 and 2007, these reserve balances amounted to $2,306,000 and $2,130,000, respectively.

NOTE 18: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, (“SFAS 157”) which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy about the assumptions used to measure fair value and clarifies assumptions about risk and the effect of a restriction on the sale or use of an asset.   The standard
 
 
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became effective for the Company January 1, 2008, including interim periods.  In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157.”  This FSP delays the effective date of FAS 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) to January 1, 2009.  This delay relates to non-financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis, but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).  The Company has delayed its disclosure requirements of non-financial assets and liabilities.  Certain assets, such as foreclosed real estate, with write-downs subsequent to foreclosure, are carried at fair value at the statement of condition date for which the Company has not yet adopted the provisions of SFAS 157.

In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP SFAS No. 157-3, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Market for that Asset is Not Active” (FSP 157-3), to clarify the application of the provisions of SFAS 157 in an inactive market and how an entity would determine fair value in an inactive market.  FSP 157-3 was effective immediately and applied to our 2008 consolidated financial statements.  The application of the provisions of FSP 157-3 did not materially affect our results of operations or financial condition as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008.

SFAS 157 specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to those valuation techniques are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. In accordance with SFAS 157, these two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Impaired loans: Impaired loans are those that are accounted for under SFAS 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan, in which the Company has measured impairment generally based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral.  Fair value is generally determined based upon independent third party appraisals of the properties, or discounted cash flows based upon expected proceeds.  These assets are included as Level 3 fair values, based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements.  The fair value consists of loan balances less their valuation allowances as determined under SFAS 114.


 
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Financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, are summarized below:

   
Fair Value Measurements, Using
   
    Quoted Prices
    Significant
  Significant
   
 In Active Markets
Other Observable
Unobservable
   
For Identical Assets
         Inputs
       Inputs
(In thousands)
December 31, 2008
         (Level 1)
       (Level 2)
     (Level 3)
Investment securities available for sale:
$72,138
$    1,918
$70,220
$   -


Financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, are summarized below:
   
Fair Value Measurements, Using
   
    Quoted Prices
    Significant
  Significant
   
 In Active Markets
Other Observable
Unobservable
   
For Identical Assets
         Inputs
       Inputs
(In thousands)
December 31, 2008
         (Level 1)
       (Level 2)
     (Level 3)
Impaired loans:
$295
$    -
$    -
$295

 
Impaired loans are recorded net of a valuation allowance of $141,000.  There was no additional provision for loan losses resulting from loan impairment during the year ended December 31, 2008.

NOTE 19: FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

SFAS No. 107, Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires disclosure of fair value information of financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the consolidated statement of condition, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.

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

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


 
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Cash and cash equivalents – the carrying amounts approximate fair value.

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

Loans and mortgage loans held-for-sale – the fair values of portfolio loans, including commercial and commercial real estate loans are estimated using an option adjusted discounted cash flow model that discounts future cash flows using recent market interest rates, market volatility and credit spread assumptions.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock – the carrying amount approximates fair value.

Mortgage servicing rights - the carrying amount approximates fair value.

Accrued interest receivable and payable – the carrying amounts approximate fair values.

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

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

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

Off-balance sheet instruments – Fair values for the Company’s off-balance sheet instruments are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the counterparties’ credit standing.


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

   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amounts
   
Fair Values
   
Amounts
   
Fair Values
 
Financial assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
    $7,678       $7,678       $10,213       $10,213  
Investment securities
    72,138       72,138       65,010       65,010  
Net loans
    247,400       250,020       221,046       224,397  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    2,549       2,549       2,128       2,128  
Accrued interest receivable
    1,678       1,678       1,673       1,673  
Mortgage servicing rights
    15       15       43       43  
Financial liabilities:
                               
Deposits
    $269,438       $272,207       $251,085       $251,655  
Borrowed funds
    51,975       53,777       38,410       38,192  
Junior subordinated debentures
    5,155       5,155       5,155       5,155  
Accrued interest payable
    211       211       250       250  
Off-balance sheet instruments:
                               
Standby letters of credit
    $ -       $ -       $ -       $ -  
Commitments to extend credit
    -       -       -       -  


NOTE 20: PARENT COMPANY – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following represents the condensed financial information of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. as of and for the years ended December 31:

Statements of Condition
 
2008
   
2007
 
(In thousands)
           
Assets
           
Cash
    $10       $178  
Investments
    18       20  
Investment in bank subsidiary
    24,603       26,587  
Investment in non-bank subsidiary
    155       155  
Other assets
    149       16  
Total assets
    $24,935       $26,956  
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
               
Accrued liabilities
    285       97  
Junior subordinated debentures
    5,155       5,155  
Shareholders' equity
    19,495       21,704  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
    $24,935       $26,956  
 

 
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Statements of Income
 
2008
   
2007
 
(In thousands)
           
Income
           
Dividends from bank subsidiary
    $900       $900  
Dividends from non-bank subsidiary
    7       15  
Dividends on other investments
    -       70  
Total income
    907       985  
Expenses
               
Interest
    257       511  
Operating
    126       93  
Total expenses
    383       604  
Income before taxes and (excess of) equity in undistributed
               
net income of subsidiaries
    524       381  
Tax benefit (expense)
    100       (2 )
Income before (excess of) equity in undistributed net income
               
of subsidiaries
    624       379  
(Excess of) equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
    (256 )     743  
Net income
    $368       $1,122  
 
 

Statements of Cash Flows
 
2008
   
2007
 
(In thousands)
           
Operating Activities
           
Net Income
    $368       $1,122  
Excess of (equity in) undistributed loss of subsidiaries
    256       (743 )
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    -       15  
Other operating activities
    (108 )     265  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    516       659  
Investing Activities
               
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary trust
    -       (155 )
Liquidation of unconsolidated subsidiary trust
    -       155  
Net cash provided by investing activities
    -       -  
Financing activities
               
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    10       114  
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt
    -       5,155  
Redemption of subordinated debt
    -       (5,155 )
Cash dividends
    (694 )     (695 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (684 )     (581 )
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (168 )     78  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    178       100  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
    $10       $178  
 
 
 
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ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.
 
 
ITEM 9A(T): CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY

The Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting is contained in “Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” in this annual report in Form 10-K.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
ITEM 9B: OTHER INFORMATION

None

 
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PART III

ITEM 10: DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS, CONTROL PERSONS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, COMPLIANCE WITH SECTIONS 16 (A) OF EXCHANGE ACT

(a)  
Information concerning the directors of the Company is incorporated by reference hereunder in the Company's Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
(b)  
Set forth below is information concerning the Executive Officers of the Company at December 31, 2008.

Name
Age
Positions Held With the Company
Thomas W. Schneider
47
President and Chief Executive Officer
James A. Dowd, CPA
41
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Edward A. Mervine
52
Senior Vice President, General Counsel
Melissa A. Miller
51
Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Ronald Tascarella
 
50
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer
 
 
ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information with respect to management compensation and transactions required under this item is incorporated by reference hereunder in the Company's Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the caption "Compensation Committee".
 
 
ITEM 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference hereunder in the Company’s Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the caption "Voting Securities and Principal Holders Thereof"
 
 
ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference hereunder in the Company’s Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the caption "Transactions with Certain Related Persons”.
 
 
ITEM 14: PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference hereunder in the Company’s Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders under the caption "Audit and Related Fees".
 
 
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PART IV

ITEM 15: EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a)(1)
 
Financial Statements - The Company’s consolidated financial statements, for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, together with the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are filed as part of this Form 10-K report.  See “Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
 
(a)(2)
Financial Statement Schedules - All financial statement schedules have been omitted as the required information is inapplicable or has been included in “Item 7: Management Discussion and Analysis.”
 
(b)
Exhibits
 
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 25, 2001)
 
3.2
Bylaws of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 15, 2005 and November 28, 2007)
 
4
Form of Stock Certificate of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 25, 2001)
 
10.1
Form of Pathfinder Bank 1997 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to the Company's S-8 file no. 333-53027)
 
10.2
Form of Pathfinder Bank 1997 Recognition and Retention Plan (Incorporated by reference to the Company's S-8 file no. 333-53027)
 
10.3
2003 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 file no. 000-23601)
 
10.4
2003 Trustee Deferred Fee Plan (Incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 file no. 000-23601)
 
10.5
Employment Agreement between the Bank and Thomas W. Schneider, President and Chief Executive Officer (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 file no. 000-23601)
 
10.6
 
 
Employment Agreement between the Bank and Edward A. Mervine, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary (Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 file no. 000-23601)
 
10.7
 
 
10.8
Change of Control Agreement between the Bank and Ronald Tascarella (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 file no. 000-23601)
 
Change of Control Agreement between the Bank and James A. Dowd (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 file no. 000-23601)
 

 
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10.9
 
 
10.10
 
 
 
10.11
Change of Control Agreement between the Bank and Melissa A. Miller (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 file no. 000-23601)
 
Executive Supplemental Retirement Agreement between the Bank and Chris C. Gagas (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 file no. 000-23601)
 
Executive Supplemental Retirement Agreement between the Bank and Thomas W. Schneider (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 file no. 000-23601
 
 
14
Code of Ethics (Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003)
 
     
21
Subsidiaries of Company
 
 
23
Consent of Beard Miller Company LLP
 
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
 
31.2                Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
 
32.1                Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
Page 74

 
Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.
 
Date:
March 27, 2009
By:
/s/ Thomas W. Schneider
Thomas W. Schneider
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
   
By:
/s/ Janette Resnick
Janette Resnick, Chairman of the Board
   
Date:
March 27, 2009
       
By:
/s/ Thomas W. Schneider
Thomas W. Schneider, President and Chief Executive Officer
By:
/s/ Chris R. Burritt
Chris R. Burritt, Director
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
Date:
March 27, 2009
Date:
March 27, 2009
 
By:
/s/ James A. Dowd
James A. Dowd, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
By:
/s/ George P. Joyce
George P. Joyce, Director
 
(Principal Financial Officer)
   
Date:
March 27, 2009
Date:
March 27, 2009
 
By:
/s/ Shelley Tafel
Shelley Tafel, Vice President and Controller
By:
/s/ Corte J. Spencer
Corte J. Spencer, Director
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
   
Date:
March 27, 2009
Date:
March 27, 2009
 
By:
/s/ Bruce B. Manwaring
Bruce E. Manwaring, Director
By:
/s/ Lloyd Stemple
Lloyd Stemple, Director
Date:
March 27, 2009
Date:
March 27, 2009
       
By:
/s/ L. William Nelson, Jr.
L. William Nelson, Jr., Director
   
Date:
March 27, 2009
   
       
 By: /s/ Steven W. Thomas    
   Steven W. Thomas, Director    
 Date:  March 27, 2009    
 
 
   

 
Page 75

 
EXHIBIT 21:  SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY

 
Company
 
Percent Owned
Jurisdiction or State of
 Incorporation
Pathfinder Bank
100%
New York
Pathfinder Statutory Trust II
100%
Delaware
Pathfinder Commercial Bank (1)
100%
New York
Pathfinder REIT, Inc. (1)
100%
New York
Whispering Oaks Development Corp. (1)
100%
New York

(1) Wholly owned subsidiary of Pathfinder Bank.

EXHIBIT 23: CONSENT OF BEARD MILLER COMPANY LLP

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.
Oswego, New York
 
 
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-53027) of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. of our report dated March 27, 2009, relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appear in this Form 10-K.
 
 
 
 
Beard Miller Company LLP
Syracuse, New York
March 27, 2009
/s/ BEARD MILLER COMPANY LLP
 
 
 
Page 76

 

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

Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
I, Thomas W. Schneider, President and Chief Executive Officer, certify that:
 
 
1. I have reviewed this Annual report on Form 10-K of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.;
 
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting, to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:
 
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
March 27, 2009
/s/ Thomas W. Schneider
Thomas W. Schneider
President and Chief Executive Officer
 

 
Page 77

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

Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
I,  James A. Dowd, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this Annual report on Form 10-K of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc.;
 
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a   material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
 
4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting, to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:
 
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 
March 27, 2009
/s/ James A. Dowd
James A. Dowd
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 

 
Page 78

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

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Thomas W. Schneider, President and Chief Executive Officer, and James A. Dowd, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pathfinder Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"), each certify in his capacity as an officer of the Company that he has reviewed the Annual Report of the Company on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and that to the best of his knowledge:
 
1. the report fully complies with the requirements of Sections 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
2. the information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
The purpose of this statement is solely to comply with Title 18, Chapter 63, Section 1350 of the United States Code, as amended by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
March 27, 2009
/s/ Thomas W. Schneider
Thomas W. Schneider
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
March 27, 2009
/s/ James A. Dowd
James A. Dowd
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 
Page 79