sct10ksb2007.htm
UNITED STATES
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
___________________
 
F O R M   10 – KSB
 
 
 
[ X ]
ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2007.

[    ]
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 333-59824

 
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC.
 
(Name of Small Business Issuer in Its Charter)
Connecticut
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
06-1609692
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
215 Church Street
New Haven, Connecticut
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
06510
(Zip Code)
Issuer's telephone number
(203) 782-1100
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:
 
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
 American Stock Exchange
                                                     (Title of Class)
        (Name of each exchange on which registered)
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
 
None
 
 
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 __X _       No _____
 
 
1


 
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will 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-KSB or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes_____    No   _X_
 
State issuer's revenue for its most recent fiscal year:  $10,103,876
 
Aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates (assumes all directors, executive officers and 10% or greater holders are affiliates) of the registrant as of March 10, 2008: $18,195,291.

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity: Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding as of March 10, 2008: 2,969,714

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE


     
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-KSB, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report on Form 10-KSB.
   


Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one):

Yes _____;                                No__X__

 
 
2


 
Table of Contents

Part I
Page
   
Item 1. Description of Business.
   
Item 2. Description of Property.
   
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
   
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
   
Part II
 
   
Item 5. Market for Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters.
   
Item 6. Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation
   
Item 7. Financial Statements.
   
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
 
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
   
Item 8A. Controls and Procedures.
   
Part III
 
   
Item 9. Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters, Control Persons and Corporate Governance;
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
   
Item 10. Executive Compensation.
   
Item 11. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
 
and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
   
Item 12. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director
 
Independence.
   
Item 13. Exhibits.
   
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
  38
   
Signatures
   
Exhibit Index
 
 
3

 
PART I

Item 1. Description of Business.

Background
 
Southern Connecticut Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut that was incorporated on November 8, 2000. The Company’s strategic objective is to serve as a bank holding company for The Bank of Southern Connecticut, a community-based commercial bank serving New Haven, Connecticut and the surrounding communities (the “Greater New Haven Market”).  As of December 31, 2007, the Company had consolidated total assets of $130.6 million, net loans of $86.0 million, and total deposits of $107.4 million.  Net interest margin for the year ended December 31, 2007 was 4.89%.
 
Southern Connecticut Bancorp, Inc. owns 100% of the capital stock of The Bank of Southern Connecticut (the “Bank”), a Connecticut-chartered bank with its headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut.  The Bank commenced operations on October 1, 2001.  The Bank of Southern Connecticut is headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut with branch offices in the Amity/Westville section of New Haven and in Branford, Connecticut, just east of New Haven.  The Bank of North Haven, a division of The Bank of Southern Connecticut, operates in North Haven, Connecticut as a branch of the Bank.

The Bank sold its branch in New London, Connecticut at the close of business February 29, 2008, to the Savings Institute Bank & Trust.  The sale of the New London branch reflects a change in strategy with respect to the Bank’s primary market area.  The sale of the New London branch allows the Bank to concentrate its resources in the Greater New Haven Market.

The Bank focuses on serving the banking needs of small to medium-sized businesses, professionals and professional corporations, and their owners and employees in greater New Haven. The Bank’s target commercial customer has between $1.0 and $30.0 million in revenues, 15 to 150 employees, and borrowing needs of up to $3.0 million.  The primary focus on this commercial market makes the Bank uniquely qualified to move deftly in responding to the needs of its clients. The Bank has been successful in winning business by offering a combination of competitive pricing for its services, quick decision making processes and a high level of personalized, “high touch” customer service.
 
The Greater New Haven Market

The Bank serves the Greater New Haven Market, which is comprised of the communities located in and around New Haven County in Southern Central Connecticut.  The Greater New Haven Market is located in the center of, and is a critical component of, the commercial activity of the northeast corridor in New England. The market focus resides in the busy transportation and commercial area between New York City to the south, Hartford to the north, Providence to the east, and Boston to the northeast.  The diversified economic base of this market region includes pharmaceutical, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, defense, technology, service and energy companies.  The region is also one of New England’s most popular tourist destinations, featuring popular shoreline and heritage sites.  In addition, the Bank’s headquarters is located in downtown New Haven, in the area of Yale University’s campus.
 
4

 
Growth and Operating Strategy
 
The Bank seeks to differentiate itself by offering prompt, personal “high touch” service and quality banking products.  The Bank’s target customers are small to medium-sized businesses, professionals and professional corporations, and their owners and employees.  The Bank emphasizes personal relationships with customers, community involvement by employees and the board of directors, and responsive lending decisions by an accessible and experienced local management team.
 
The key elements of the Bank’s business strategy include:

·  
Provision of individualized attention with local underwriting and credit decision-making authority.  As the only commercial bank based in and wholly focused on the greater New Haven area, the Bank is better able to provide the individualized customer service, combined with prompt local underwriting and credit decision-making authority that management believes small to medium-sized businesses desire.

·  
Employing qualified and experienced banking professionals.  The Company and the Bank seek to continue to hire and retain highly experienced and qualified local commercial lenders and other banking professionals with successful track records and established relationships with small to medium-sized businesses in targeted market areas.  The experience and expertise of these individuals serves to enhance the Bank’s image within the communities it serves, thereby increasing the Bank’s business.

·  
Leveraging personal relationships and community involvement.  The directors, officers and senior employees of the Company and the Bank have extensive personal contacts, business relationships and involvement in communities in which they live and work and which the Bank serves. By building on and leveraging these relationships and community involvement, management believes that the Bank has generated and will continue to generate enthusiasm and interest from small to medium-sized businesses and professionals in the targeted market areas.

·  
Offering a suite of products attractive to our core customer base.  The Bank seeks to offer competitive basic, popular products to its commercial and consumer customer base. The Bank offers internet banking services to its customers through a partnership with Digital Insight, a subsidiary of Intel.  The Bank offers remote deposit capture, a system that allows our customers to deposit checks from their places of business, rather than having to make a trip to the Bank.  The Bank offers a full complement of banking services utilized by small business customers.
 
 
5


 
·  
Maintaining high credit quality.  The success of the Bank’s business plan depends to a significant extent on the quality of the Bank’s assets, particularly loans.  The Bank has built a strong internal emphasis on credit quality and has established stringent underwriting standards and loan approval processes.  The Bank actively manages past-due and non-performing loans in an effort to minimize credit loss and related expenses and to ensure that the allowance for loan losses is adequate.

·  
Taking market share from large, non-local competitors.  The Greater New Haven Market is dominated by large, non-locally owned financial institutions with headquarters typically located outside of Connecticut.  Management believes that the Bank has attracted and can continue to attract small to medium-sized businesses and professionals that prefer local decision-making authority and interaction with banking professionals who can provide prompt personalized and knowledgeable service.

·  
Optimizing net interest margin.  The Bank’s focus on commercial customers helps to support a strong net interest margin.  The high percentage of assets concentrated in loans to commercial entities that typically provide higher yield than consumer loans, particularly residential mortgages and home equity related loans.  The Bank maintains a high percentage of commercial transaction accounts and money market deposit accounts to fund its operations.  These deposits typically have a lower interest rate expense than certificates of deposits.  The combination of the higher yielding assets and lower expense deposits produces a strong margin for the Company.

Lending, Depository and Other Products
 
Lending Products.  The Bank offers a broad range of loans to businesses and individuals in its service area, including commercial and business loans, industrial loans, personal loans, commercial and home mortgage loans, home equity loans and automobile loans. The Bank has received lending approval status from the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to enable it to make SBA loans in communities  located throughout the State of Connecticut.  The Bank holds certified lending status (“CLP”) from the SBA.
 
Loans are made on a variable or fixed rate basis, with fixed rate loans typically limited to three to five year terms.  All loans are approved pursuant to lending policies and procedures authorized by the Bank’s board of directors.  The Bank, at times, participates in multi-bank loans to companies in its market area.  Commercial loans and commercial real estate loans may be written for maturities of up to twenty years.  Loans to purchase or refinance commercial real estate are typically supported by personal guarantees of the principal owners and related parties, and are collateralized by the subject real estate, which may in certain cases be supplemented by additional collateral in the form of liquid assets.  Loans to local businesses are generally supported by the personal guarantees of the principal owners and are carefully underwritten to determine appropriate collateral and covenant requirements.
 
Depository Products.  The Bank has attracted a base of core deposits, including interest bearing and non-interest bearing checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts, sweep accounts, NOW accounts, repurchase agreements, and a variety of certificates of deposits and IRA accounts.  To continue to attract deposits, the Bank employs an aggressive marketing plan in its service area and features a broad product line and rates and services competitive with those offered in the Greater New Haven Market.  The primary sources of deposits have been and are expected to continue to be small to medium-sized businesses, professionals (lawyers, doctors, accountants, etc.) and professional corporations, and their owners and employees.  The Bank obtains these deposits through personal solicitation by its officers and directors, outside programs and advertisements published and/or broadcasted in the local media.  The Bank offers internet banking services to its customers, including commercial cash management services and personal banking services.  The Bank offers remote deposit capture, which offers check deposit capabilities for customers from their place of business.  The Bank also offers drive-in teller services, automated teller services, wire transfer, lock box and safe deposit services.
 
 
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Other Services.  The Bank provides a broad range of other services and products, including cashier’s checks, money orders, travelers’ checks, bank-by-mail, direct deposit and U. S. Savings Bonds.  The Bank is associated with a shared network of automated teller machines that its customers are able to use throughout Connecticut and other regions.  The Bank does not expect to offer trust services directly in the near future, but may offer trust services in the future independently or possibly through a joint venture with a larger institution.  To directly offer trust services, the Bank would need the approval of the Connecticut Banking Commissioner and the FDIC.
 
Investment Services

            The Company does not engage in investment services.
 
Investment Securities
 
Investment securities are held by the Company and the Bank with the objective of maximizing the long-term rate of return for shareholders.  Investments are overseen by the Board of Directors and a committee of officers who take into account returns, liquidity needs, and the overall asset/liability management of the Company and the Bank.  Permissible investments include debt securities such as U.S. Government securities, government sponsored agency securities, municipal bonds, domestic certificates of deposit that are insured by the FDIC, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations.  The Bank’s current investment portfolio is limited to U.S. Government sponsored agency obligations and sponsored agency issued collateralized mortgage obligations, which have been classified as available for sale.  Accordingly, the principal risk associated with the Bank’s current investing activities is market risk (variations in value resulting from general changes in interest rates) rather than credit risk.  The Bank does not take credit risk for the purposes of increasing interest income.  Management continually reviews its portfolio and prevailing market conditions, and under certain market conditions, the Company’s strategy may be reviewed and revised by management and the board of directors.
 
Asset and Liability Management
 
Interest rate risk measures the impact that changing interest rates have on current and future earnings.  The Company’s goal is to optimize long-term profitability while minimizing exposure to interest rate fluctuations.  Interest rate risk exposure, including, among other things, the Company’s exposure to changes in interest income and equity value based on fluctuations in interest rates, is monitored by senior management and reported to the Bank’s Asset Liability Committee (ALCO) and the board of directors on a quarterly basis.  The Bank employs the services of a national service provider for monitoring, analyzing and managing interest rate risk.
 
 
7


 
Regulatory Compliance
 
The Company operates in a heavily regulated industry and is subject to increasing regulatory review and scrutiny from the Federal Reserve Board, the Connecticut Banking Commissioner, and the FDIC.  The Company and the Bank have invested and continue to invest significant time and resources to ensure compliance and conformity with applicable regulations (see “REGULATION AND SUPERVISION”).  The Bank is committed to meeting its obligations under the Bank Secrecy Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the USA PATRIOT Act, as well as various other regulations.  Management meets and reports to the board of directors on a regular basis regarding new developments in compliance and the Bank’s efforts to comply therewith.
 
Competition
 
There are numerous banks and other financial institutions serving the Greater New Haven Market posing significant competition to attract deposits and loans.  The Bank competes for loans and deposits with other commercial banks, savings and loan associations, finance companies, money market funds, insurance companies, credit unions and other financial institutions, a number of which are much larger and have substantially greater resources.  To increase its business, the Bank will have to win existing customers away from existing banks and financial institutions as well as successfully compete for new customers from growth in the target markets.

The greater New Haven market is currently served by approximately 80 offices of 14 commercial and savings banks.  The majority of these banks are substantially larger than the Bank expects to be in the near future, and are able to offer products and services which may be impractical for the Bank to provide at this time.  There are numerous banks and other financial institutions serving the communities surrounding New Haven, which also draw customers from New Haven, posing significant competition for the Bank to attract deposits and loans.  The Bank also experiences competition from out-of-state financial institutions with little or no traditional bank branches in New Haven.  Many of these banks and financial institutions are well established and better capitalized than the Bank, allowing them to provide a greater range of services.
 
Intense market demands, economic pressures, and significant legislative and regulatory actions have eroded traditional banking industry classifications and have increased competition among banks and other financial institutions.  Market dynamics as well as legislative and regulatory changes have resulted in a number of new competitors offering services historically offered only by commercial banks.  Increased customer awareness of product and service differences among competitors has also increased competition among banks.

 Employees  
 
As of December 31, 2007, the Bank had 39 full-time equivalent employees.  Relationships with all employees are believed to be excellent.
 
 
8

 
REGULATION AND SUPERVISION
 
Banks and bank holding companies are extensively regulated under both federal and state law. The Company and the Bank have set forth below brief summaries of various aspects of supervision and regulation to which they are subject. These summaries do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to applicable laws, rules and regulations.
 
Laws and Regulations to which The Company is Subject
 
General.  As a bank holding company registered in accordance with the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the “BHC Act”), the Company is regulated by and subject to the supervision of the Federal Reserve Board and is required to file with the Federal Reserve Board an annual report and such other information as may be required.  The Federal Reserve Board has the authority to conduct examinations of the Company as well.  The Federal Reserve Board has the authority to issue orders to bank holding companies to cease and desist from unsound banking practices and violations of conditions imposed by, or violations of agreements with, the Federal Reserve Board.  The Federal Reserve Board is also empowered to assess civil money penalties against companies or individuals who violate the BHC Act or orders or regulations thereunder, to order termination of non-banking activities of non-banking subsidiaries of bank holding companies, and to order termination of ownership and control of a non-banking subsidiary by a bank holding company.
 
The BHC Act—Acquisitions and Permissible Activities.  The BHC Act requires the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board for a bank holding company to acquire substantially all the assets of a bank or acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of the voting shares of any bank, bank holding company or savings association, or increase any such non-majority ownership or control of any bank, bank holding company or savings association, or merge or consolidate with any bank holding company.  Federal law generally authorizes bank holding companies to acquire banks located in any state, subject to certain state-imposed age and deposit concentration limits, and also generally authorizes interstate bank holding company and bank mergers and to a lesser extent, interstate branching.
 
Unless a bank holding company becomes a financial holding company under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLBA”) (as discussed below), the BHC Act prohibits a bank holding company from acquiring a direct or indirect interest in or control of more than 5% of any class of the voting shares of a company that is not a bank or a bank holding company and from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks or furnishing services to its subsidiary banks, except that it may engage in and may own shares of companies engaged in certain activities the Federal Reserve Board has determined to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto.
 
The GLBA permits a qualifying bank holding company to become a “financial holding company” and thereby engage in a broader range of activities than is permissible for a traditional bank holding company.  In order to qualify for this election, all of the depository institution subsidiaries of the bank holding company must be well capitalized and well managed, as defined under Federal Reserve Board regulations, and all such subsidiaries must have achieved a rating of “satisfactory” or better with respect to meeting community credit needs.  Pursuant to the GLBA, financial holding companies are permitted to engage in activities that are “financial in nature” or incidental or complementary thereto, as determined by the Federal Reserve Board.  The GLBA identifies several activities as “financial in nature,” including, among others, insurance underwriting and agency activities, investment advisory services, merchant banking and underwriting, and dealing in or making a market in securities.  At this time, the Company has not elected to become a financial holding company and has no immediate plans to do so.
 
 
9

 
Capital Requirements.  The Federal Reserve Board has adopted capital adequacy guidelines pursuant to which it assesses the adequacy of capital in examining and supervising a bank holding company and in analyzing applications submitted to it under the BHC Act.  These capital adequacy guidelines generally require bank holding companies to maintain total capital equal to at least 8% of total risk-adjusted assets and off-balance sheet items (the “Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio”), with at least one-half of that amount consisting of Tier I or core capital and the remaining amount consisting of Tier II or supplementary capital.  Tier I capital for bank holding companies generally consists of the sum of common shareholders’ equity and perpetual preferred stock (subject in the case of the latter to limitations on the kind and amount of such stocks which may be included as Tier I capital), less goodwill and other non-qualifying intangible assets.  Tier II capital generally consists of: hybrid capital instruments; perpetual preferred stock, which is not eligible to be included as Tier I capital; term subordinated debt and intermediate-term preferred stock; and, subject to limitations, general allowances for loan losses.  Assets are adjusted under the risk-based guidelines to take into account different risk characteristics.
 
In addition to the risk-based capital requirements, the Federal Reserve Board requires bank holding companies to maintain a minimum leverage capital ratio of Tier I capital (defined by reference to the risk-based capital guidelines) to total average assets (the “Leverage Ratio”) of 3.0%.  Total average assets for this purpose do not include goodwill and any other intangible assets and investments that the Federal Reserve Board determines should be deducted from Tier I capital.  The Federal Reserve Board has announced that the 3.0% Leverage Ratio requirement is the minimum for the top-rated bank holding companies without any supervisory, financial or operational weaknesses, deficiencies, or those that are not experiencing or anticipating significant growth.  For all other bank holding companies, the minimum leverage ratio is 4%, and bank holding companies with supervisory, financial, managerial or operational weaknesses or organizations expecting significant growth are expected to maintain capital ratios well above minimum levels.
 
The Company is currently in compliance with the Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio, Tier I Capital and the Leverage Ratio requirements.  As of December 31, 2007, the Company had a Tier I Risk-Based Capital Ratio and a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio equal to 18.80% and 19.97%, respectively, and a Leverage Ratio equal to 15.08%. U.S. bank regulatory authorities and international bank supervisory organizations, principally the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, currently are considering changes to the risk-based capital adequacy framework, including emphasis on credit, market and operational risk components, which ultimately could affect the appropriate capital guidelines.
 
Limitations on Acquisitions of Common Stock.  The federal Change in Bank Control Act prohibits a person or group of persons from acquiring “control” of a depository institution or a depository institution holding company unless the appropriate federal banking agency has been given at least 60 days to review the proposal and public notice has been provided.  “Control” is generally defined under this act as ownership of 25% or more of any class of voting stock.  In addition, under a rebuttable presumption established by the Federal Reserve Board, the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting stock of a depository institution or a depository institution holding company with a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act would, under the circumstances set forth in the presumption, constitute the acquisition of control.  Furthermore, any company, as that term is broadly defined in the BHC Act, would be required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board under BHC Act before acquiring 25% (5% in the case of an acquirer that is a bank holding company) or more of any class of voting securities of a depository institution or a depository institution holding company, or such lesser percentage as the Federal Reserve Board deems to constitute a “controlling influence.”
 
 
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Bank Holding Company Dividends.  The Federal Reserve Board has authority to prohibit bank holding companies from paying cash dividends if such payment is deemed to be an unsafe or unsound practice.  The Federal Reserve Board has indicated generally that it may be an unsafe or unsound practice for bank holding companies to pay dividends unless the bank holding company’s net income over the preceding year is sufficient to fund the dividends and the expected rate of earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality, and overall financial condition.  The Company’s ability to pay dividends is also subject to laws and regulations of the Connecticut Department of Banking.
 
Bank Holding Company Support of Subsidiary Banks.  Under Federal Reserve Board policy, a bank holding company is expected to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to each of its subsidiary banks and to commit resources to their support. This support may be required at times when the bank holding company may not have the resources to provide it.  Similarly, under the cross-guarantee provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”), the FDIC can hold any FDIC-insured depository institution liable for any loss suffered or anticipated by the FDIC in connection with (1) the “default” of a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution; or (2) any assistance provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution “in danger of default.”
 
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act.  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”) implements a broad range of corporate governance and accounting measures for public companies (including publicly-held bank holding companies such as the Company) designed to promote honesty and transparency in corporate America.  Sarbanes-Oxley’s principal provisions, many of which have been interpreted through regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, provide for and include, among other things: (i) the creation of an independent accounting oversight board; (ii) auditor independence provisions that restrict non-audit services that accountants may provide to their audit clients; (iii) additional corporate governance and responsibility measures, including the requirement that the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of a public company certify financial statements; (iv) the forfeiture of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of an issuer’s securities by directors and senior officers in the twelve month period following initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement; (v) an increase in the oversight of, and enhancement of certain requirements relating to, audit committees of public companies and how they interact with the company’s independent auditors; (vi) requirements that audit committee members must be independent and are barred from accepting consulting, advisory or other compensatory fees from the issuer; (vii) requirements that companies disclose whether at least one member of the audit committee is a “financial expert” (as such term is defined by the SEC); (viii) expanded disclosure requirements for corporate insiders, including accelerated reporting of stock transactions by insiders and a prohibition on insider trading during pension blackout periods; (ix) a prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers, except certain loans made by insured financial institutions on non-preferential terms and in compliance with other bank regulatory requirements; (x) disclosure of a code of ethics and filing a Form 8-K for a change or waiver of such code; and (xi) a range of enhanced penalties for fraud and other violations.  On December 15, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission delayed the internal control reporting requirements under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for non-accelerated filers to periods ending after December 15, 2007. In accordance with the requirements of Section 404(a), Management’s report on internal controls is included herein at Item 8A.  On January 31, 2008, the SEC proposed a further one-year delay from fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008 to fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009 for the auditors attestation report on internal controls over financial reporting.
 
 
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USA PATRIOT ACT.  The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “Patriot Act”), designed to deny terrorists and others the ability to obtain access to the United States financial system, has significant implications for depository institutions, broker-dealers and other businesses involved in the transfer of money.  The Patriot Act, as implemented by various federal regulatory agencies, requires financial institutions, including the Company and the Bank, to implement new policies and procedures or amend existing policies and procedures with respect to, among other matters, anti-money laundering, compliance, suspicious activity and currency transaction reporting, and due diligence on customers.  The Patriot Act and its underlying regulations also permits information sharing for counter-terrorist purposes between federal law enforcement agencies and financial institutions, as well as among financial institutions, subject to certain conditions, and require the Federal Reserve Board (and other federal banking agencies) to evaluate the effectiveness of an applicant in combating money laundering activities when considering applications filed under the BHC Act or the Bank Merger Act.

Significant Laws and Regulations to which the Bank is Subject
 
General.  The Bank is organized under the Banking Law of the State of Connecticut. Its operations are subject to federal and state laws applicable to commercial banks and to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Connecticut Banking Commissioner, as well as by the FDIC, as its primary federal regulator and insurer of deposits.  While the Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, it is subject to certain regulations of the Federal Reserve Board.  In addition to banking laws, regulations and regulatory agencies, the Bank is subject to various other laws, regulations and regulatory agencies, all of which directly or indirectly affect the Bank’s operations.  The Connecticut Banking Commissioner and the FDIC examine the affairs of the Bank for the purpose of determining its financial condition and compliance with laws and regulations.  The Connecticut Banking Commissioner and the FDIC have the authority to limit the Bank’s payment of cash dividends based on such factors as the maintenance of adequate capital, which could reduce the amount of dividends otherwise payable.
 
The Connecticut Banking Commissioner and the FDIC have significant discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes.  Any change in such policies, whether by the FDIC, Congress, the Connecticut Banking Commissioner, or the Connecticut General Assembly, could have a material adverse impact on the Bank.
 
 
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Activities and Investments of Insured State-Chartered Banks.  Section 24 of the FDIA generally limits the activities of principal and equity investments of FDIC-insured, state-chartered banks to those that are permissible for national banks. The Company does not expect such provisions to have a material adverse effect on the Company or the Bank.
 
Capital Requirements.  The FDIC has issued regulations and adopted a statement of policy regarding the capital adequacy of state-chartered banks, such as the Bank.  Under the regulations, a bank generally is deemed to be (i) “well-capitalized” if it has a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 10.0% or more, a Tier I Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 6.0% or more, a Leverage Ratio of 5.0% or more and is not subject to any written capital order or directive; or (ii) “adequately capitalized” if it has a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 8.0% or more, a Tier I Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 4.0% or more, and a Leverage Ratio of 4.0% or more (3.0% under certain circumstances) and does not meet the definition of “well-capitalized;” or (iii) “undercapitalized” if it has a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio that is less than 8.0%, a Tier I Risk-Based Capital Ratio that is less than 4.0% or a Leverage Ratio that is less than 4.0% (3.0% under certain circumstances); or (iv) “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio that is less than 6.0%, a Tier I Risk-Based Capital Ratio that is less than 3.0% or a Leverage Ratio that is less than 3.0%, and (v) “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%. If an institution becomes undercapitalized, it would become subject to significant additional oversight and regulation, as mandated by the FDIA.

The following table illustrates the Company's and the Bank's regulatory capital ratios at:
     
               
   
Company
Bank
       
Capital
   
Capital
   
December 31,
December 31,
Adequacy
December 31,
December 31,
Adequacy
   
2007
2006
Target Ratio
2007
2006
Target Ratio
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
 
19.97%
22.96%
8.00%
17.34%
19.72%
8.00%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
 
18.80%
21.80%
4.00%
16.13%
18.52%
4.00%
Tier 1 (Leverage) Capital Ratio to Average Assets
15.08%
17.56%
4.00%
12.88%
14.82%
4.00%
 
As of December 31, 2007, the Bank and the Company were deemed to be well-capitalized institutions.
 
Prompt Corrective Action and Other Enforcement Mechanisms.  Federal law requires each federal banking agency to take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of insured depository institutions, including but not limited to those that fall below one or more prescribed minimum capital ratios.  An institution that, based upon its capital levels, is classified as “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized” or “undercapitalized” may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if the appropriate federal banking agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound condition or an unsafe or unsound practice warrants such treatment.  At each successive lower capital category, an insured depository institution is subject to more restrictions.  The federal banking agencies, however, may not treat an institution as “critically undercapitalized” unless its capital ratio actually warrants such treatment.
 
 
13

 
In addition to restrictions and sanctions imposed under the prompt corrective action provisions, commercial banking organizations may be subject to potential enforcement actions by the federal regulators for unsafe or unsound practices in conducting their businesses or for violations of any law, rule, regulation or any condition imposed in writing by the agency or any written agreement with the agency.  Enforcement actions may include the imposition of a conservator or receiver, the issuance of a cease and desist order that can be judicially enforced, the termination of insurance of deposits (in the case of a depository institution), the imposition of civil money penalties, the issuance of directives to increase capital, the issuance of formal and informal agreements, the issuance of removal and prohibition orders against institution-affiliated parties and the enforcement of such actions through injunctions or restraining orders based upon a judicial determination that the agency would be harmed if such equitable relief was not granted.

Premiums for Deposit Insurance. The FDIC has implemented a risk-based assessment system, under which an institution’s deposit insurance premium assessment is based on the probability that the deposit insurance fund will incur a loss with respect to the institution, the likely amount of any such loss, and the revenue needs of the deposit insurance fund.
 
Under this risk-based assessment system, banks are categorized into one of three capital categories (well capitalized, adequately capitalized, and undercapitalized) and one of three categories based on supervisory evaluations by its primary federal regulator.  The three supervisory categories are: financially sound with only a few minor weaknesses (Group A); demonstrates weaknesses that could result in significant deterioration (Group B); and poses a substantial probability of loss (Group C).  The capital ratios used by the FDIC to define well capitalized, adequately capitalized and undercapitalized are the same in the FDIC’s prompt corrective action regulations.
 
FDIC insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC, after notice and hearing, upon finding by the FDIC that the insured institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, or is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule or order of, or conditions imposed by, the FDIC.
 
Safety and Soundness Standards.  Federal law requires each federal banking agency to prescribe for depository institutions under its jurisdiction standards relating to, among other things: internal controls; information systems and audit systems; loan documentation; credit underwriting; interest rate risk; asset growth; compensation; fees and benefits; and such other operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate.  The federal banking agencies have promulgated regulations and Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness (the “Guidelines”) to implement these safety and soundness standards.  The Guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. The Guidelines address internal controls and information systems; internal audit system; credit underwriting; loan documentation; interest rate risk exposure; asset quality; earnings and compensation; and fees and benefits.  If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standards prescribed by the Guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard set by the FDIC.
 
 
14

 
The federal banking agencies also have adopted regulations for real estate lending prescribing uniform guidelines for real estate lending.  The regulations require insured depository institutions to adopt written policies establishing standards, consistent with such guidelines, for extensions of credit secured by real estate.  The policies must address loan portfolio management, underwriting standards and loan to value limits that do not exceed the supervisory limits prescribed by the regulations.
 
Community Reinvestment Act. Under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), as implemented by FDIC regulations, the 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 prescribe 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 depository 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 FDIC is required to provide a written evaluation and make public disclosure of an institution’s CRA performance utilizing a four-tiered descriptive rating system.  Institutions are evaluated and rated by the FDIC as “Outstanding,” “Satisfactory,” “Needs to Improve,” or “Substantial Non Compliance.”  Failure to receive at least a “Satisfactory” rating may inhibit an institution from undertaking certain activities, including acquisitions of other financial institutions, which require regulatory approval based, in part, on CRA compliance considerations. In its most recent CRA evaluation, dated July 31, 2003, the Bank was rated as “Satisfactory.”
 
Transactions with Affiliates.  Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act restrict transactions between a bank and an affiliated company, including a parent bank holding company.  The Bank is subject to certain restrictions on loans to affiliated companies, on investments in the stock or securities thereof, on the taking of such stock or securities as collateral for loans to any borrower, and on the issuance of a guarantee or letter of credit on their behalf.  Among other things, these restrictions limit the amount of such transactions, require collateral in prescribed amounts for extensions of credit, prohibit the purchase of low quality assets and require that the terms of such transactions be substantially equivalent to terms of similar transactions with nonaffiliates.  Generally, the Bank is limited in its extensions of credit to any affiliate to 10% of the Bank’s capital and in its extensions of credit to all affiliates to 20% of the Bank’s capital.
 
Customer Information Security.  The FDIC and other bank regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines (the “Security Guidelines”) for safeguarding confidential, personal customer information.  The Security Guidelines require each financial institution, under the supervision and ongoing oversight of its board of directors or an appropriate committee thereof, to create, implement and maintain a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information, and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information, and ensure the proper disposal of information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.
 
 
15

 
Privacy.  Financial institutions are required to implement policies and procedures regarding their information collection practices and the disclosure of nonpublic personal information about consumers to nonaffiliated third parties.  In general, the statute requires explanations to consumers on policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of such nonpublic personal information, and, except as otherwise required by law, prohibits disclosing such information except as provided in the financial institution’s policies and procedures.
 
Item 2. Description of Property.

The table below sets forth information about properties the Bank uses for its branch offices.  The Company also owns property located in Clinton, Connecticut.

 
Office
  
Location
  
Square Feet
  
Status
Main Office
  
215 Church Street, New Haven, Connecticut
  
11,306
  
Leased
Branford Office
  
445 West Main Street, Branford, Connecticut
  
3,714
  
Leased
Amity Office
  
1475 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut
  
2,822
  
Owned
New London Office
 
15 Masonic Street, New London, Connecticut
 
4,341
 
Leased*
North Haven Office
 
24 Washington Avenue, North Haven, Connecticut
 
2,430
 
Leased

*Note:  The lease for the Bank’s New London office was assigned to Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company at the close of business February 29, 2008.  See below.

Property at 215 Church Street, New Haven, Connecticut.  The Bank leases a free-standing building located at 215 Church Street, New Haven, Connecticut, in the central business and financial district of New Haven.  The headquarters of the Bank and the Company are located within this building.  The building has a drive-up teller, an automated teller machine, two vaults and a night deposit drop.

The lease term ended in 2006, however, the Bank exercised its option to extend the lease for an additional five years.  The Bank has a right of first refusal to purchase the building.  The Bank’s annual rent, which is fixed in the terms of the lease, including during the option periods, is currently $137,933.  The Bank is responsible for all costs to maintain the interior of the building, other than structural repairs, and for all real estate taxes.

When practical, the Bank seeks to sublease space within the building that is not needed for operations.  The Bank of Southern Connecticut had two tenants in 2007, including the rental of approximately 1,045 square feet to Laydon and Company, LLC, an entity owned by Elmer A. Laydon, the son of Elmer F. Laydon, the Chairman of the board of directors of the Company.
 
 
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Property at 445 West Main Street, Branford, Connecticut.  The Bank of Southern Connecticut leases space at 445 West Main Street, Branford, Connecticut, the site of the Branford branch, which opened for business on October 7, 2002.
 
The current term of the Branford branch lease expires in 2012.  The Bank of Southern Connecticut has option to extend the lease for two additional terms.  The base rent payable for the current term is $40,631 until September 30, 2012.  The base rent for the option periods increases and is fixed in the lease.  The Bank is responsible for all costs to maintain the building, other than structural repairs, and for all real estate taxes.
 
Property at 1475 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut.   The Bank owns a one-acre site with a single story, stucco facility of approximately 2,822 square feet that is located at 1475 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut.  The Bank operates its Amity branch from this location.
 
Property at 15 Masonic Street, New London, Connecticut.  The Bank formerly leased a facility at 15 Masonic Street, New London, Connecticut, which is used as the main office for The Bank of Southeastern Connecticut, a division of the Bank.  The Bank transferred the assets and liabilities of this branch to Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company at the close of business February 29, 2008.  In connection with this transfer, the Bank assigned the lease to Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company.
 
Property at 24 Washington Avenue, North Haven, Connecticut.  On February 16, 2006, the Company entered into a lease agreement to lease the facility at 24 Washington Avenue, North Haven, Connecticut, the site of The Bank of North Haven, a division of The Bank of Southern Connecticut.  The facility was improved to accommodate the new branch, and $295,000 was expended for improvements, furnishings and equipment.  The Bank of North Haven, a division of The Bank of Southern Connecticut, opened for operations on July 10, 2006.  The Lease is for an initial term of five years, with three successive five-year option periods.  Base rent is $38,880 annually until April 30, 2011.  The base rent for the option periods increases and is fixed in the lease.  The Bank is responsible for the pro rata share of operating expenses.
 
Property in Clinton, Connecticut.  In June 2005, the Company purchased a one acre improved site with two buildings in Clinton, Connecticut for the primary purpose of establishing a branch office of the Bank.  The net purchase price of the property was $495,000.  During 2007, the Bank determined that it would not establish a branch at this location and subsequently retained a commercial real estate broker to represent the Company in the sale of the property, and the property is classified as held for sale at December 31, 2007.
 
Item 3.                      Legal Proceedings.

There are no legal proceedings currently pending or threatened against the Company, its subsidiaries or their property.  The Company is not aware of any proceeding contemplated by a governmental entity involving the Company or a subsidiary.
 
Item 4.                      Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

No matter was submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Company during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-KSB.
 
 
17

 
PART II

Item 5.                      Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

The Company’s Common Stock is quoted on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "SSE."

The following table sets forth the high and low sales price per share of the Company’s Common Stock for the last two years:

Quarter Ended
 
High
   
Low
 
March 31,2007
  $ 8.12     $ 7.10  
June 30, 2007
  $ 7.66     $ 7.10  
September 30, 2007
  $ 7.65     $ 7.00  
December 31, 2007
  $ 7.62     $ 6.85  
                 
March 31,2006
  $ 7.55     $ 6.95  
June 30, 2006
  $ 7.55     $ 6.96  
September 30, 2006
  $ 7.19     $ 6.80  
December 31, 2006
  $ 7.29     $ 6.89  

Holders

There were approximately 107 registered shareholders of record of the Company’s Common Stock as of March 10, 2008.

Dividends

No cash dividends have been declared to date by the Company.  Management expects that earnings, if any, will be retained and that no cash dividends will be paid in the near future.  The Company may, however, declare stock dividends at the discretion of its Board of Directors.  No stock dividends were declared in 2007 and 2006.
 
The Company’s sole operating subsidiary is the Bank.  The Company is dependent upon the ability of the Bank to declare and pay dividends to the Company.  The Bank’s ability to declare cash dividends is dependent upon the Bank’s ability to earn profits and to maintain acceptable capital ratios, as well as meet regulatory requirements and remain compliant with banking law.
 
The policy of the Connecticut Banking Commissioner is to prohibit payment of any cash dividends prior to recapture of organization and pre-operating expenses from operating profits.  In addition, the Bank is prohibited by Connecticut law from declaring a cash dividend on its Common Stock without prior approval of the Connecticut Banking Commissioner except from its net profits for that year and any retained net profits of the preceding two years.  “Net profits” is defined as the remainder of all earnings from current operations.  In some instances, further restrictions on dividends may be imposed by the FDIC.  At December 31, 2007 and 2006, no cash dividends may be declared by the Bank without regulatory approval.
 
 
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The payment of cash dividends by the Bank may also be affected by other factors, such as the requirement to maintain capital in accordance with regulatory guidelines.  If, in the opinion of the Connecticut Banking Commissioner, the Bank were engaged in or was about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice, the Commissioner could require, after notice and a hearing, the Bank to cease and desist from the practice.  The federal banking agencies have indicated that paying dividends that deplete a depository institution’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice.  Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvements Act of 1991, a depository institution may not pay any cash dividend if payment would cause it to become undercapitalized or if it already is undercapitalized.  Moreover, the federal banking agencies have issued policy statements that provide that bank holding companies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings.

Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following schedule provides information with respect to the compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2007:
 
 
Plan Category
 
Number of securities to
 
Weighted-average
 
Number of securities
     
be issued upon exercise
 
exercise price of
 
remaining available for
     
of outstanding options,
 
outstanding options,
 
future issuance under
     
warrants and rights
 
warrants and rights
 
equity compensation
     
(a)
 
(b)
 
plans (excluding
             
securities reflected in
             
column (a)
               
 
Equity Compensation Plans
 
319,075
 
$7.69
 
142,944
 
approved by security
           
 
holders
           
               
 
Equity Compensation Plan
 
77,184
 
$10.39
 
0
 
not approved by security
           
 
holders (1)
           
               
 
Total
 
396,259
 
$8.22
 
142,944
               
               
 
(1) The Company adopted a 2001 Warrant Plan and 2001 Supplemental Warrant Plan (collectively, the “Warrant Plans”) on April 11, 2001 and October 16, 2001, respectively.  The Warrant Plans were not approved by security holders.  Under the Warrant Plans, each director of the Company, other than Mr. Joseph V. Ciaburri (who served as the Chairman of the board of directors of the Company at the time), and each director of the Bank who is not a director of the Company, as of the initial public offering of the Company in July 2001, received a warrant to purchase one share of the Company common stock for each four shares purchased in the offering by such director or members of such director’s immediate family.  Under the 2001 Supplemental Warrant Plan, certain organizers of the Company who are not directors, officers or employees of the Company or the Bank but who made contributions to the Company’s enterprise received a warrant to purchase one share of the Company common stock for each five shares purchased in the offering by such person or member of such person’s immediate family.  The warrants have a term of ten years. The exercise price of the warrants is $10.39, the price at which the Company’s common stock was sold in the initial public offering, as adjusted for subsequent stock dividends. As of December 31, 2007, the warrants are fully exercisable.
 
 
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Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

The Company has not sold unregistered securities.

Repurchase of Securities

In December 2005, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of up to 146,879 shares of the Company common stock.  No shares of the Company’s common stock were purchased through December 31, 2007.  As of March 10, 2008, the Company has repurchased 2,900 of its shares.

Item 6. Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation.

The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and the Bank, and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes beginning on page F-3.
 
Overview
 
Southern Connecticut Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut that was incorporated on November 8, 2000. The Company’s strategic objective is to serve as a bank holding company for The Bank of Southern Connecticut, a commercial bank serving New Haven, Connecticut and the surrounding communities.   The Bank of Southern Connecticut commenced operations on October 1, 2001.

The Company’s net loss for fiscal year 2007 was $574,000, an increase of $456,000 from the net loss of $118,000 in fiscal year 2006.  In comparison to 2006, the 2007 operating results reflect increased net interest income due to increased average earning assets and higher interest rates.  Additionally, non-interest income (from fees and other income) increased during 2007 due to an increase in service charges and fees, resulting from increases in deposit account balances, deposit account activity and deposit account charges.  The increases in non-interest expenses in 2007 in comparison to 2006 were partially due to the opening of the two new branches during 2006, The Bank of Southeastern Connecticut, and The Bank of North Haven, both of which are divisions of The Bank of Southern Connecticut, which contributed to an increase in salaries and benefits associated with the staffing of such branches.  In addition, the increase in operating expense is attributable to postretirement benefits, increases in professional services and a write-down of the Clinton office offset by a reduction in advertising and promotional expense.
 
 
20


 
The Bank offers a wide range of services to businesses, professionals, and individuals.  The Bank focuses on serving the banking needs of small to medium-sized businesses in its geographic areas.  The Bank makes commercial loans, industrial loans, real estate loans, construction loans and consumer loans, accepts demand, savings, and time deposits and provides a broad range of other services to its customers, either directly or through third parties.  The Bank derives revenues principally from interest earned on loans and fees from other banking-related services. The operations of the Bank are influenced significantly by general economic conditions and by policies of financial institution regulatory agencies, primarily the Connecticut Banking Commissioner and the FDIC.  The Bank’s cost of funds is influenced by interest rates on competing investments and general market interest rates.  Lending activities are affected by the demand for financing of real estate and other types of loans, which in turn is affected by the interest rates at which such financings may be offered.

Selected Financial Data –
Years Ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006
 
Operating Data
 
2007
   
2006
 
Interest income
  $ 9,143,381     $ 7,080,124  
Interest expense
    3,377,776       2,223,065  
Net interest income
    5,765,605       4,857,059  
Provision for loan losses
    538,480       253,495  
Noninterest income
    960,495       804,066  
Noninterest expenses
    6,761,301       5,525,424  
Net loss
    (573,681 )     (117,794 )
Basic and diluted loss per share
    (0.19 )     (0.04 )
                 
Balance sheet data
               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 3,891,258     $ 5,821,084  
Federal funds sold
    21,100,000       22,700,000  
Short-term investments
    8,355,686       6,288,663  
Investment securities
    5,265,679       8,054,821  
Loans, net
    85,995,128       75,306,255  
Total assets
    130,564,261       124,262,545  
Total deposits
    107,422,392       101,273,520  
Repurchase agreements
    544,341       883,603  
Total shareholders' equity
    20,084,483       20,331,849  
 
Segment Reporting

The Company’s only business segment is Community Banking.  During the periods presented this segment represented all the revenues and income of the consolidated group and therefore, is the only reported segment as defined by SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.
 
 
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Assets

The Company’s total assets were $130.6 million as of December 31, 2007, an increase of $6.3 million over December 31, 2006. Earning assets comprise $122.4 million of the total asset volume, and consist of Federal funds sold, short-term investments, securities and loans, which collectively increased $8.8 million from 2006.  The Company has maintained liquidity by maintaining balances in overnight Federal funds sold and in short-term investments, primarily money market mutual funds, to provide funding for higher yielding loans as they are approved.  As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, Federal funds sold balances were $21.1 million and $22.7 million, respectively and short-term investments balances were $8.4 million and $6.3 million, respectively.  Investment securities classified as available for sale were $5.3 million and $8.1 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The gross loan portfolio was $87.3 million and $76.4 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 respectively, a net increase of $10.9 million.
 
The earning asset increase in 2007 has been funded principally with deposit growth within the Bank’s market area.  Deposits were $107.4 million and $101.3 million as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 respectively, a net increase of $6.1 million.  The mix of deposits as of December 31, 2007 includes non-interest bearing checking accounts of $27.8 million, interest-bearing checking deposits of $5.8 million, savings deposits of $1.7 million, money market deposits of $40.7 million, as well as time certificates of deposit of $31.4 million. The deposit mix between 2007 and 2006 has remained consistent, with time deposits representing 29% and 28% of the Bank’s deposits as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Core deposits, comprised of demand, savings, money market and checking accounts, represented 71% and 72% of the Bank’s deposits as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The Bank has not accepted brokered deposits.

Investments

The Company’s investments decreased during 2007 due to maturities that were used to fund loan growth.

The following table presents the maturity distribution of the amortized cost of investment securities at December 31, 2007, and the weighted average yield of such securities.  The weighted average yields were calculated based on the amortized cost and effective yields to maturity of each security.

                                           
         
Over
   
Over
                     
Weighted
 
         
One Year
   
Five Years
                         
   
One Year
   
Through
   
Through
   
Over
   
No
         
Average
 
Available for sale
 
or Less
   
Five Years
   
Ten Years
   
Ten Years
   
Maturity
   
Total
   
Yield
 
U. S. Government sponsored
                                     
 agency obligations
  $ 1,491,699     $ 2,379,534     $ 797,504     $ 496,165     $ -     $ 5,164,902       3.36 %
                                                         
Mortgage-backed securities
    -       -       -       -       100,777       100,777       4.48 %
                                                         
Total
  $ 1,491,699     $ 2,379,534     $ 797,504     $ 496,165     $ 100,777     $ 5,265,679          
                                                         
Weighted Average Yield
    3.47 %     3.77 %     3.41 %     4.91 %     4.49 %     3.75 %        
 
 
 
 
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The following table presents a summary of investments for any issuer that exceeds 10% of shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2007:

   
Amortized
 
Fair
 
   
Cost
 
Value
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
       2,505,417
 
    2,491,305
 
           

Please see also, “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”

Loans

The Bank’s net loan portfolio was $86.0 million at December 31, 2007 versus $75.3 million at December 31, 2006, an increase of $10.7 million.  Loan demand has been steady throughout the year.  The Company attributes the 2007 loan growth to the success of the Bank’s loan business development program in generating loan demand to small to medium-sized businesses.  Management believes that the loan growth will continue as the Bank’s branch system deposit base grows and additional lending capacity is developed.  The Bank’s loans have been made to borrowers primarily in the New Haven and New London Counties of Connecticut.  There are no other significant loan concentrations in the loan portfolio.  With the sale of the New London branch in early 2008, the Bank will focus its lending efforts primarily on the greater New Haven  market area.

The following table presents the maturities of loans in the Company’s portfolio at December 31, 2007 by type of loan, and the sensitivities of loans to changes in interest rates:
 
         
Due after
                   
   
Due in
   
one year
                   
   
one year
   
through
   
Due after
             
   
or less
   
five years
   
five years
   
Total
   
% of Total
 
                               
Commercial loans secured
                             
  by real estate
  $ 18,910,378     $ 19,542,400     $ 368,355     $ 38,821,133       44.45 %
Commercial loans
    31,398,496       8,185,594       1,179,086       40,763,176       46.68 %
Construction loans
    5,230,624       1,017,831       -       6,248,455       7.16 %
Residential real estate
    7,660       36,554       98,119       142,333       0.16 %
Consumer home equity
    248,527       86,408       220,759       555,694       0.64 %
Consumer installment
    552,702       195,197       46,698       794,597       0.91 %
Total
  $ 56,348,387     $ 29,063,984     $ 1,913,017     $ 87,325,388       100.00 %
                                         
Fixed rate loans
  $ 7,527,643     $ 5,450,817     $ 1,913,017     $ 14,891,477          
Variable rate loans
    48,820,744       23,613,167       -       72,433,911          
Total
  $ 56,348,387     $ 29,063,984     $ 1,913,017     $ 87,325,388          
                                         
 
Please see also, “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.”


23


Critical Accounting Policy

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to reporting the results of operations and financial condition in preparing its financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions.  The Company believes the following discussion addresses the Company’s only critical accounting policy, which is the policy that is most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results, and requires management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  The Company has reviewed this critical accounting policy and estimates with its audit committee.  Refer to the discussion below under “Allowance for Loan Losses” and Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for a detailed description of our estimation process and methodology related to the allowance for loan losses.

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.  Loans 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 allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectibility of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions.  This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The  allowance for loan losses consists of specific and general components.  The specific component relates to allowances established for individual impaired loans.  The general component relates to pools of loans segregated by loan type, and is based on historical loss experience adjusted by certain qualitative factors as determined by management and the board of directors.  The allowance for loan losses does not contain an unallocated component.

Based upon this evaluation, management believes the allowance for loan losses of $1,257,000 or 1.44% of gross loans at December 31, 2007 is adequate, under prevailing economic conditions, to absorb losses on existing loans.  At December 31, 2006, the allowance for loan losses was $1,063,000 or 1.39% of gross loans outstanding.   The increase in the allowance is attributable to growth in the loan portfolio as well as an increase in the reserve factors for the general portion of the allowance.  Based on prevailing nationwide economic conditions and forecasts, management and the Board of Directors determined to increase the reserve factors for the Company’s general reserve components of the allowance.  In addition to contributing to the overall increase in the allowance, the increase in the reserve factors contributed to the Company’s increase in allowance as a percentage of loans.
 
 
24


 
The accrual of interest income on loans is discontinued whenever reasonable doubt exists as to its collectibility and generally is discontinued when loans are past due 90 days as to either principal or interest, or are otherwise considered impaired.  When the accrual of interest income is discontinued, all previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against interest income.  The accrual of interest on loans past due 90 days or more may be continued if the loan is well secured, and it is believed all principal and accrued interest income due on the loan will be realized, and the loan is in the process of collection.  A non-accrual loan is restored to an accrual status when it is no longer delinquent and collectibility of interest and principal is no longer in doubt.

Management considers all non-accrual loans, other loans past due 90 days or more based on contractual terms, and restructured loans to be impaired.  In most cases, loan payments that are past due less than 90 days and the related loans are not considered to be impaired.
 
Allowance for Loan Losses as of December 31, 2007 and 2006:
       
             
   
2007
   
2006
 
Balance,  beginning of year
  $ 1,062,661     $ 778,051  
   Provision for loan losses
    538,480       253,495  
   Recoveries of loans previously charged-off
    11,973       68,182  
   Loans charged-off
    (356,149 )     (37,067 )
Balance, end of year
  $ 1,256,965     $ 1,062,661  
                 
                 
Net (charge-offs) recoveries to average loans
    (0.41 %)     .05 %
 
Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses at December 31:
             
                         
   
2007
   
2006
 
         
Percent of
         
Percent of
 
         
Loans in Each
         
Loans in Each
 
         
Category to
         
Category to
 
   
Balance
   
Total Loans
   
Balance
   
Total Loans
 
Commercial loans secured by real estate
  $ 405,492       44.45 %   $ 444,937       41.87 %
Commercial loans
    634,516       46.68 %     550,824       51.83 %
Construction loans
    61,907       7.16 %     45,231       4.26 %
Residential mortgages
    139,521       0.16 %     2,076       0.20 %
Consumer home equity loans
    3,756       0.64 %     8,388       0.79 %
Consumer installment loans
    11,773       0.91 %     11,205       1.05 %
    $ 1,256,965       100.00 %   $ 1,062,661       100.00 %
 
Non-Accrual, Past Due and Restructured Loans

Non-accrual loans at December 31, 2007 and 2006 totaled $530,246 and $301,833 respectively.  In 2007 and 2006, there were no loans considered “troubled debt restructurings” and no loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing interest.
 
 
25

 
Potential Problem Loans

Other than loans identified as non-accrual at December 31, 2007, the Bank had no material loans as to which management has significant doubts as to the ability of the borrower to comply with the present repayment terms.

Deposits

Total deposits were $107.4 million at December 31, 2007, an increase of $6.1 million in comparison to total deposits as of December 31, 2006 of $101.3 million.  The Company attributes the 2007 deposit growth to the opening of the two new branches in 2006.  Total deposits at December 31, 2007 consisted of non-interest bearing checking of $27.8 million (25.9%), interest-bearing checking and money market deposits of $46.5 million (43.3%), savings deposits of $1.7 million (1.5%) and certificates of deposit of $31.4 million (29.3%).  The Bank continues to emphasize growth in core non-interest checking accounts and related interest bearing checking, money market deposit, and savings accounts and is less aggressive in attracting higher cost time deposits.  As of December 31, 2007, these core deposits represented 70.7% of total deposits.

The Bank has not accepted brokered deposits.  However, the Bank has the ability to issue brokered deposits should liquidity be needed to fund investments.

The Greater New Haven Market is highly competitive.  The Bank faces competition from a large number of banks (ranging from small community banks to large international banks), credit unions, and other providers of financial services.  The level of rates offered by the Bank reflects the high level of competition in our market.

As of December 31, 2007 the Bank's maturities of time deposits were:
 
                   
                   
    $100,000    
Less than
       
   
or greater
    $100,000    
Totals
 
( Thousands of dollars)
                     
                       
Three months or less
  $ 5,943     $ 2,757     $ 8,700  
Over three months to six months
    2,937       3,027       5,964  
Over six months to one year
    5,079       6,167       11,246  
Over one year
    897       4,649       5,546  
                         
    $ 14,856     $ 16,600     $ 31,456  
 
Other

The increase in Other Assets Held for Sale is due to the transfer of the Clinton property from Premises and Equipment.  The property is reflected at fair value net of estimated costs to sell, or $414,900 as of December 31, 2007.  
 
 
26


    The following table presents average balance sheets (daily averages), interest income, interest expense, and the corresponding annualized rates on earning assets and rates paid on interest bearing liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
 
Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity;
Interest Rates and Interest Differential
 
2007
 
2006
   
                     
 Fluctuations
   
 Interest
       
 Interest
     
 in interest
 
 Average
 Income/
 
Average
 
 Average
 Income/
 
Average
 
Income/Expense
(Dollars in thousands)
 Balance
 Expense
 
Rate
 
 Balance
 Expense
 
Rate
 
Total
Interest earning assets
                     
    Loans (1)
 $    83,977
 $     7,539
 
8.98%
 
 $   64,477
 $     5,836
 
9.05%
 
 $            1,703
    Short-term investments
         7,388
           370
 
5.01%
 
        5,757
           279
 
4.85%
 
                    91
    Investments
         7,318
           259
 
3.54%
 
        9,307
           313
 
3.36%
 
                   (54)
    Federal funds sold
       19,225
           975
 
5.07%
 
      12,630
           652
 
5.16%
 
              323
Total interest earning assets
     117,908
        9,143
 
7.76%
 
      92,171
        7,080
 
7.68%
 
               2,063
                       
Cash and due from banks
         5,413
       
        2,049
         
Premises and equipment, net
         4,269
       
        4,443
         
Allowance for loan losses
       (1,161)
       
          (903)
         
Other
1,547
       
1,399
         
Total assets
 $  127,976
       
 $   99,159
         
Interest bearing liabilities
                     
    Time certificates
 $    31,150
        1,566
 
5.03%
 
 $   17,078
           738
 
4.32%
 
                  828
    Savings deposits
         1,908
             25
 
1.31%
 
        2,651
             37
 
1.40%
 
                   (12)
    Money market / checking deposits
       44,603
        1,601
 
3.59%
 
      35,234
        1,254
 
3.56%
 
                  347
    Capital lease obligations
         1,187
           176
 
14.83%
 
        1,189
           175
 
14.72%
 
                      1
    Repurchase agreements
            648
             10
 
1.54%
 
        1,253
             19
 
1.52%
 
                     (9)
                       
Total interest bearing liabilities
       79,496
        3,378
 
4.25%
 
      57,405
        2,223
 
3.87%
 
               1,155
                       
Non-interest bearing deposits
       27,285
       
      20,894
         
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
            729
       
           576
         
Shareholder's equity
       20,466
       
      20,284
         
Total liabilities and equity
 $  127,976
       
 $   99,159
         
Net interest income
 
 $     5,765
       
 $     4,857
     
 $               908
                       
Interest spread
     
3.51%
       
3.81%
   
Interest margin
     
4.89%
       
5.27%
   
                       
(1) Includes nonaccruing loans.
                     
 
 
27

RATE VOLUME VARIANCE ANALYSIS

The following table summarizes the variance in interest income and expense for 2007 and 2006 resulting from changes in assets and liabilities and fluctuations in interest rates earned and paid. The changes in interest income and expense attributable to both rate and volume have been allocated to both rate and volume on a pro rata basis.

   
2007 vs 2006
 
   
Variance due to:
       
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Total
 
Interest earning assets
                 
    Loans
  $ 1,748     $ (45 )   $ 1,703  
    Short-term investments
    76       15       91  
    Investments
    (64 )     10       (54 )
    Federal funds sold
    334       (11 )     323  
Total interest earning assets
    2,094       (31 )     2,063  
                         
Interest bearing liabilities
                       
    Time certificates
    525       303       828  
    Savings deposits
    (10 )     (2 )     (12 )
    Money market / checking deposits
    332       15       347  
    Capital lease obligations
    -       1       1  
    Repurchase agreements
    (9 )     -       (9 )
Total interest bearing liabilities
    838       317       1,155  
Net interest income
  $ 1,256     $ (348 )   $ 908  
                         

 
The improvements realized in net interest income during 2007 reflect an increase in earning asset balances over 2006, as the average earning assets in 2007 of $117.9 million were 28% greater than average earning assets in 2006, while the yields on all interest earning assets remained relatively stable.  Overall, interest income attributed to volume increases considerably outweighed rate considerations (increase of $2.1 million versus a decrease of $31,000).  Variances in the 2007 cost of interest bearing liabilities in comparison to 2006 were due to increased volume considerations of $838,000 and increased rate considerations of $317,000.

The Company intends for the Bank to continue to emphasize lending to small to medium-sized businesses in its market area as its strategy to increase assets under management and to improve earnings.  The Bank will seek opportunities through marketing to increase its deposit base, with a primary objective of attracting core non-interest checking and related money market deposit accounts, in order to support its earning assets and also by considering additional branch locations and new product and service offerings.


28



The following are measurements of The Company’s loss in relation to assets and equity, and average equity to average assets for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

   
2007
 
2006
Loss on average assets
 
(.45%)
 
(.12%)
Loss on average equity
 
(2.80%)
 
(.58%)
Average equity to average assets
 
15.99%
 
20.46%

 
Results of Operations

The Company’s net loss for fiscal year 2007 was $574,000, an increase of $456,000 from the net loss of $118,000 in fiscal year 2006.  In comparison to 2006, the 2007 operating results reflect increased net interest income due to increased average earning assets and interest rates.  Additionally, non-interest income (from fees and other income) increased during 2007 due to an increase in service charges and fees, resulting from increases in deposit account balances, deposit account activity and deposit account charges.  The increases in non-interest expenses in 2007 in comparison to 2006 were partially due to the full year of operations of the two new branches opened during 2006, The Bank of Southeastern Connecticut, and The Bank of North Haven, both of which are divisions of The Bank of Southern Connecticut, which contributed to an increase in salaries and benefits associated with the staffing of such branches.  In addition, the net increase in operating expense is attributable to postretirement benefits, increases in professional services and a write-down of the Clinton office offset by a reduction in advertising and promotional expense.

Net Interest Income

The principal source of revenue for the Bank is net interest income.  The Bank’s net interest income is dependent primarily upon the difference or spread between the average yield earned on loans receivable and securities and the average rate paid on deposits and borrowings, as well as the relative amounts of such assets and liabilities.  The Bank, like other banking institutions, is subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice at different times, or on a different basis, than its interest-earning assets.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, net interest income was $5.8 million versus $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, an increase of $900,000 or 18.4%.  The 2007 increase was primarily the result of increases in the volume of interest earning assets, net of the increased cost of funds on interest bearing liabilities, due to both volume and rate increases.  The increase in average interest earning assets was comprised of increases in loans of $19.5 million, decreases in investments of $2.0 million, increases in short term investments of $1.6 million, and increases in federal funds sold of $6.6 million.

The yield on average interest earning assets for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 was 7.76% versus 7.68% for same period in 2006, a slightly favorable increase of 8 basis points.  The increase in the yield on assets reflects the increases in market interest rates that occurred throughout 2007, particularly in the prime lending rate and the Bank’s base lending rate, offset by the increasing competitive market to attract new loans at higher rates.
 
 
29


 
The cost of average interest bearing liabilities was 4.25% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 versus 3.87% for the same period in 2006, an unfavorable increase of 38 basis points, reflecting a general increase in market interest rates.  The increase in the cost of interest bearing liabilities was due to an increase in the volume of, and rates paid on, deposit accounts.  The average rate of interest paid on time deposits increased 71 basis points in 2007 in comparison to 2006.

Due to the increase in the cost of interest bearing liabilities, which offsets the increase in the average yield on earning assets, the interest spread decreased to 3.51% for fiscal year 2007, a decrease of 30 basis points from the interest spread realized in 2006.  Net interest margin decreased to 4.89% in 2007 from 5.27% in 2006, a decrease of 38 basis points which largely reflects the increasing deposit rates during 2007.
 
Noninterest Income

The $156,000 increase in non-interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 versus 2006 is comprised of an increase of $138,000 in service charges and fees, resulting from increases in deposit account balances, deposit account activity and deposit account charges; an increase of $61,000 in loan prepayment penalties, $39,000 in other loan fees, $20,000 in all other fees, partially offset by a decrease of $102,000 in gains on sales of loan participations related to SBA guaranteed loans.

Noninterest Expenses

Total noninterest expenses were $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 versus $5.5 million for 2006, an increase of $1.2 million or 21.8%. A primary factor contributing to the increase in noninterest expense year–over-year was the full year of operations of the two new branches of The Bank of Southern Connecticut. The Bank of Southeastern Connecticut, a division of The Bank of Southern Connecticut located in New London, Connecticut opened on March 6, 2006.  The Bank of North Haven, a division of The Bank of Southern Connecticut located in North Haven, Connecticut opened on July 10, 2006, however costs were incurred in the first quarter of 2006 in anticipation of the branch opening.  The opening of these two branches has increased the Bank’s operating expenses, primarily salaries and benefits expense and occupancy expense.  The increase in salaries and benefits reflects the accrual for a post-retirement benefit of $124,000 related to the Company’s obligation to maintain a life insurance policy for the benefit of the retired Chief Executive Officer.  In addition, the Company paid $55,000 in performance bonuses in 2007 and also made a severance payment of $30,000 to a terminated employee.  As a result, salaries and benefits increased $423,000 to $3.5 million in fiscal year 2007 in comparison to fiscal year 2006.

           In comparison to 2006, occupancy and equipment expenses increased $89,000 to $853,000, data processing expense increased $63,000 to $421,000, FDIC Insurance increased $97,000 to $124,000 in comparison to fiscal year 2006, all primarily due to the increase in the FDIC base ratio which became effective as of January 1, 2007.  In addition, professional fees increased $337,000, the result of higher legal costs, consulting fees and also expenses related to the Company’s implementation of the Sarbanes Oxley Act.  Other operating expenses increased by $459,000 to $990,000 largely as a result of the accrual of $293,000 related to postretirement benefits with the retired Chairman of the board of directors.  This accrual reflects the changing nature of a consulting agreement from a consulting agreement to a postretirement benefit, as a result of the former Chairman retiring from his position as a director of the Company as of December 31, 2007.  Increases in other operating expenses were partially offset by a decrease in advertising of $185,000 to $39,000 and supplies of $47,000 to $88,000 in fiscal year 2007 in comparison to fiscal year 2006.
 
 
30


 
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements

See Note 12 to the accompanying consolidated Financial Statements for required disclosure regarding off-balance-sheet arrangements.

Liquidity

The Company’s liquidity position as of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 consisted of liquid assets totaling $38.6 million and $42.9 million, respectively.  This represents 29.6% and 34.5% of total assets at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The liquidity ratio is defined as the percentage of liquid assets to total assets.  The following categories of assets as described in the accompanying balance sheet are considered liquid assets: Cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, short-term investments and securities available for sale.  Liquidity is a measure of the Company’s ability to generate adequate cash to meet financial obligations.  The principal cash requirements of a financial institution are to cover downward fluctuations in deposits and increases in its loan portfolio.

Management believes the Company’s short-term assets provide sufficient liquidity to cover potential fluctuations in deposit accounts and loan demand and to meet other anticipated operating cash and investment requirements.

Capital

The following table illustrates the Company's and the Bank's regulatory capital ratios at:
     
               
   
Company
Bank
       
Capital
   
Capital
   
December 31,
December 31,
Adequacy
December 31,
December 31,
Adequacy
   
2007
2006
Target Ratio
2007
2006
Target Ratio
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
 
19.97%
22.96%
8.00%
17.34%
19.72%
8.00%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
 
18.80%
21.80%
4.00%
16.13%
18.52%
4.00%
Tier 1 (Leverage) Capital Ratio to Average Assets
15.08%
17.56%
4.00%
12.88%
14.82%
4.00%
               
 
Capital adequacy is one of the most important factors used to determine the safety and soundness of individual banks and the banking system.  Based on the above ratios, the Bank is considered to be “well capitalized” under applicable regulations.  To be considered “well capitalized” an institution must generally have a leverage capital ratio of at least 5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%.

Market Risk

Market risk is defined as the sensitivity of income to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices, commodity prices and other market-driven rates or prices.  Based upon the nature of the Company’s business, market risk is primarily limited to interest rate risk, which is defined as the impact of changing interest rates on current and future earnings.
 
 
31


 
The Company’s goal is to maximize long-term profitability, while minimizing its exposure to interest rate fluctuations.  The first priority is to structure and price the Company’s assets and liabilities to maintain an acceptable interest rate spread, while reducing the net effect of changes in interest rates.  In order to reach an acceptable interest rate spread, the Company must generate loans and seek acceptable long-term investments to replace the lower yielding balances in Federal Funds sold and short-term investments.  The focus also must be on maintaining a proper balance between the timing and volume of assets and liabilities re-pricing within the balance sheet.  One method of achieving this balance is to originate variable loans for the portfolio to offset the short-term re-pricing of the liabilities.  In fact, a number of the interest bearing deposit products have no contractual maturity.  Customers may withdraw funds from their accounts at any time and deposits balances may therefore run off unexpectedly due to changing market conditions.

The exposure to interest rate risk is monitored by Senior Management of the Bank and reported quarterly to the Asset and Liability Management Committee and the Board of Directors.  Management reviews the interrelationships within the balance sheet to maximize net interest income within acceptable levels of risk.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.  Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature.  As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than the effect of general levels of inflation.  Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services.  Notwithstanding this fact, inflation can directly affect the value of loan collateral, in particular, real estate.  Inflation, or disinflation, could significantly affect the Company’s earnings in future periods.

Factors Affecting Future Results

Some of the statements under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operations,” “Business” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-KSB may include forward-looking statements which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance.  Statements which include the words “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “anticipate” and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements for purposes of the federal securities laws or otherwise.  All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties.  Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements or that could adversely affect the holders of our common stock.  These factors include, but are not limited to, (1) changes in prevailing interest rates which would affect the interest earned on the Company’s interest earning assets and the interest paid on its interest bearing liabilities, (2) the timing of re-pricing of the Company’s interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, (3) the effect of changes in governmental monetary policy, (4) the effect of changes in regulations applicable to the Company and the conduct of its business, (5) changes in competition among financial service companies, including possible further encroachment of non-banks on services traditionally provided by banks and the impact of recently enacted federal legislation, (6) the ability of competitors which are larger than the Company to provide products and services which it is impractical for the Company to provide, (7) the volatility of quarterly earnings, due in part to the variation in the number, dollar volume and profit realized from SBA guaranteed loan participation sales in different quarters, (8) the effect of a loss of any executive officer, key personnel, or directors, (9) the effect of the Company’s opening of branches and the receipt of regulatory approval to complete such actions, (10) concentration of the Company’s business in southern and southeastern Connecticut, (11) the concentration of the Company’s loan portfolio in commercial loans to small-to-medium sized businesses, which may be impacted more severely than larger businesses during periods of economic weakness, (12) lack of seasoning in the Company’s loan portfolio, which may increase the risk of future credit defaults, and (13) the effect of any decision by the Company to engage in any business not historically permitted to it.  Other such factors may be described in other filings made by the Company with the SEC.
 
 
32


 
Although Bancorp believes that it offers the loan and deposit products and has the resources needed for success, future revenues and interest spreads and yields cannot be reliably predicted.  These trends may cause Bancorp to adjust its operations in the future.  Because of the foregoing and other factors, recent trends should not be considered reliable indicators of future financial results or stock prices.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Item 7.  Financial Statements.

The consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, together with the report thereon of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP dated March 27, 2008 are included as part of this Form 10-KSB following page 42 hereof.

Item 8.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

          Not applicable.

Item 8A. Controls and Procedures.

(a)  
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Based upon an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures performed by the Company’s management, with participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and its Chief Accounting Officer as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and its Chief Accounting Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures have been effective in ensuring that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiary, is made known to the certifying officers by others within the Company and the Bank during the period covered by this report.
 
 
33


 
As used herein, “disclosure controls and procedures” mean controls and other procedures of the Company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)  
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Accounting Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).  Based on our evaluation under the framework, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.

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

(c)  
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2007 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.





34





PART III

Item 9.  Directors and Executive Officers, Promoters, Control Persons and Corporate Governance; Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.

The information required by this Item 9 is incorporated into this Form 10-KSB by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Definitive Proxy Statement").

Item 10.  Executive Compensation.

The information required by this Item 10 is incorporated into this Form 10-KSB by reference from the Definitive Proxy Statement.

Item 11.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated into this Form 10-KSB by reference from the Definitive Proxy Statement.

Item 12.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item 12 is incorporated into this Form 10-KSB by reference from the Definitive Proxy Statement.

Item 13. Exhibits.

Exhibit No.                                                                                     Description

3(i)
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Issuer’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB dated June 30, 2002)

3(ii)
By-Laws of the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.1
Lease, dated as of August 17, 2000, between 215 Church Street, LLC and the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.2  
Letter agreement dated January 3, 2001 amending the Lease between 215 Church Street, LLC and the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.3  
First Amendment to Lease dated March 30, 2001 between 215 Church Street, LLC and the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.4  
Second Amendment to Lease dated March 31, 2001 between 215 Church Street, LLC and the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))
 
 
35


 
10.5  
Assignment of Lease dated April 11, 2001 between the Issuer and The Bank of Southern Connecticut (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.6  
Sublease dated January 1, 2001 between Michael Ciaburri, d/b/a Ciaburri Bank Strategies and The Bank of Southern Connecticut (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.7  
Sublease dated January 1, 2001 between Laydon & Company, LLC and The Bank of Southern Connecticut (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.8  
Lease dated August 2, 2002 between 469 West Main Street LLC and The Bank of Southern Connecticut (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Issuer’s Form 10-KSB dated March 30, 2004)

10.9  
Lease dated January 14, 2004 between The City of New London and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Issuer’s Form 10-KSB dated March 30, 2004)

10.10  
Purchase Agreement dated June 22, 2004 between Dr. Alan Maris and James S. Brownstein, Trustee relating to property and premises located at 51-53 West Main Street, Clinton, Connecticut (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Issuer’s Form 10-QSB dated November 15, 2004)

10.11  
Employment Agreement dated as of January 23, 2001, among The Bank of Southern Connecticut, the Issuer and Joseph V. Ciaburri (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.12  
Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of October 20, 2003 among the Issuer, The Bank of Southern Connecticut and Joseph V. Ciaburri (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.13  
Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of January 20, 2005, among the Issuer The Bank of Southern Connecticut and Michael M. Ciaburri (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Issuer’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB dated March 28, 2005)

10.14  
Issuer’s 2001 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.15  
Issuer’s 2001 Warrant Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.16  
Issuer’s  2001 Supplemental Warrant Plan  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Issuer’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB dated March 28, 2002)

10.17  
Issuer’s 2002 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Issuer’s Definitive Proxy Statement dated April 18, 2002)

10.18  
Form of Stock Option Agreement for Non-qualified Stock Option granted under the Issuer’s 2002 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to the Issuer’s Form 10-QSB dated November 15, 2004)
 
 
36


 
10.19  
Form of Stock Option Agreement for Incentive Stock Option granted under the Issuer’s 2002 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to the Issuer’s Form 10-QSB dated November 15, 2004)
   
10.20  
Underwriting agreement dated June 16, 2004 among A.G.Edwards & Sons, Inc. and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, and the Issuer  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (no. 333-598824))
 
10.21  
Employment Agreement dated October 26, 2005, by and among Registrant, and The Bank of Southern Connecticut and John H. Howland (incorporated by reference to the Issuer’s Form 8-K filed October 31, 2005)
 
10.22  
Amendment to Employment Agreement dated March 1, 2007, by and among Registrant and The Bank of Southern Connecticut and Joseph V. Ciaburri.
 
10.23  
Consulting agreement dated March 1, 2007, by and among Registrant and The Bank of Southern Connecticut and Joseph V. Ciaburri.
 
10.24  
Employment Agreement dated February 28, 2007, by and among Registrant and The Bank of Southern Connecticut and Michael M. Ciaburri.
 
10.25  
Sales agreement made November 13, 2007, by and between Savings Institute Bank  and Trust Company, a federally chartered stock savings bank having its principal office in Willimantic, Connecticut (the “Purchaser”), and The Bank of Southern Connecticut, a Connecticut state chartered bank and  trust company having its main office in New Haven, Connecticut (the “Seller”) of the Sellers branch office at 15 Masonic Street, New London, Connecticut.
 
10.26  
Employment Agreement dated February 8, 2008, effective January 1, 2008, by and among Registrant and The Bank of Southern Connecticut and John Howard Howland.
 
14  
Amended and Restated Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Issuer’s Form 10-KSB dated March 30, 2004)
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
99.1 2005 Stock Option and Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Issuer’s form S-8 dated January 13, 2006)
 
37


 
99.2           Common Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Issuer’s form S-8 dated January 13, 2006)

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 McGladrey & Pullen, LLP and RSM McGladrey, Inc., provide audit, audit related and tax advisory and tax return preparation services for the Company and The Bank of Southern Connecticut.  The following table summarizes the fees provided in 2007 and 2006, respectively:

   
2007
   
2006
 
Audit fees
  $ 149,806     $ 145,157  
Audit Related Fees
 
None
   
NONE
 
Tax fees
    10,825       10,575  
All Other fees
 
None
   
NONE
 
 
Audit fees consist of fees for professional services rendered for the audit of the consolidated financial statements, review of financial statements included in quarterly reports included on Form 10-QSB, and services connected with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements including, in 2006, fees in connection with the 2006 registration statement filed on Form S-8.  Audit related fees are principally for consultations on various accounting and reporting matters.  Tax service fees consist of fees for tax return preparation for the Company.

The audit committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has established policies and procedures for the engagement of the independent auditor to provide non-audit services, including a requirement for approval in advance of all non-audit services to be provided by the independent auditor.  To ensure that this does not restrict access to the independent auditor by management on matters where the advice and consultation of the independent auditor is sought by management and such advice or consultation, in the opinion of management, cannot practically be delayed pending preapproval by the audit committee, the committee authorizes management to use their judgment and retain the independent auditor for such matters and consider such services to be preapproved provided the estimated cost of such services does not exceed 5% of the annual fees paid to the independent auditor and such services are formally approved by the audit committee at its next meeting.
 
 
38

 
SIGNATURES

In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC.
 
(Registrant)
   
 
By: /S/ Michael M. Ciaburri
 
Name: Michael M. Ciaburri
 
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
   
 
Date:   March 27, 2008

In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in capacities and on the dates indicated.

/S/ Michael M. Ciaburri
March 27, 2008
Michael M. Ciaburri
Date
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
   
/S/ Elmer F. Laydon
March 27, 2008
Elmer F. Laydon
Date
Chairman and Director
 
   
/S/ Alphonse F. Spadaro, Jr.
March 27, 2008
Alphonse F. Spadaro, Jr.
Date
Vice Chairman and Director
 
   
/S/ John Howard Howland
March 27, 2008
John Howard Howland
Date
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
 
   
/S/ James S. Brownstein, Esq.
March 27, 2008
James S. Brownstein, Esq.
Date
Director
 
   
/S/ Juan Miguel Salas-Romer
March 27, 2008
Juan Miguel Salas-Romer
Date
Director
 
   
/S/ Anthony M. Avellani
March 27, 2008
Anthony M. Avellani
Date
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
 

 
39


 Exhibit Index


No.                                                                Description

3(i)
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) to the Issuer’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB dated June 30, 2002)

3(ii)
By-Laws of the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.1
Lease, dated as of August 17, 2000, between 215 Church Street, LLC and the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.2  
Letter agreement dated January 3, 2001 amending the Lease between 215 Church Street, LLC and the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.3  
First Amendment to Lease dated March 30, 2001 between 215 Church Street, LLC and the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.4  
Second Amendment to Lease dated March 31, 2001 between 215 Church Street, LLC and the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.5  
Assignment of Lease dated April 11, 2001 between the Issuer and The Bank of Southern Connecticut (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.6  
Sublease dated January 1, 2001 between Michael Ciaburri, d/b/a Ciaburri Bank Strategies and The Bank of Southern Connecticut (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.7  
Sublease dated January 1, 2001 between Laydon & Company, LLC and The Bank of Southern Connecticut (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.8  
Lease dated August 2, 2002 between 469 West Main Street LLC and The Bank of Southern Connecticut (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Issuer’s Form 10-KSB dated March 30, 2004)

10.9  
Lease dated January 14, 2004 between The City of New London and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Issuer’s Form 10-KSB dated March 30, 2004)

10.10  
Purchase Agreement dated June 22, 2004 between Dr. Alan Maris and James S. Brownstein, Trustee relating to property and premises located at 51-53 West Main Street, Clinton, Connecticut (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Issuer’s Form 10-QSB dated November 15, 2004)
 
 
40


 
10.11  
Employment Agreement dated as of January 23, 2001, among The Bank of Southern Connecticut, the Issuer and Joseph V. Ciaburri (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.12  
Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of October 20, 2003 among the Issuer, The Bank of Southern Connecticut and Joseph V. Ciaburri (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.13  
Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of January 20, 2005, among the Issuer, The Bank of Southern Connecticut and Michael M. Ciaburri (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the  Issuer’s Annual Report on Form 10267,096 -KSB dated March 28, 2005)

10.14  
Issuer’s 2001 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.15  
Issuer’s 2001 Warrant Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 dated April 30, 2001(No. 333-59824))

10.16  
Issuer’s  2001 Supplemental Warrant Plan  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Issuer’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB dated March 28, 2002)

10.17  
Issuer’s 2002 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Issuer’s Definitive Proxy Statement dated April 18, 2002)

10.18  
Form of Stock Option Agreement for Non-qualified Stock Option granted under the Issuer’s 2002 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to the Issuer’s Form 10-QSB dated November 15, 2004)

10.19  
Form of Stock Option Agreement for Incentive Stock Option granted under the Issuer’s 2002 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to the Issuer’s Form 10-QSB dated November 15, 2004)

10.20  
Underwriting agreement dated June 16, 2004 among A.G.Edwards & Sons, Inc. and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, and the Issuer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Issuer’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (no. 333-598824)).
 
10.21  
Employment Agreement dated October 26, 2005, by and among Southern Connecticut Bancorp, Inc. and The Bank of Southern Connecticut and John H. Howland (incorporated by reference to the Issuer’s Form 8-K filed October 31, 2005)
 
10.22  
Amendment to Employment Agreement dated March 1, 2007, by and among Registrant and The Bank of Southern Connecticut and Joseph V. Ciaburri.
 
10.23  
Consulting agreement dated March 1, 2007, by and among Registrant and The Bank of Southern Connecticut and Joseph V. Ciaburri.
 
10.24  
Employment Agreement dated February 28, 2007, by and among Registrant and The Bank of Southern Connecticut and Michael M. Ciaburri.
 
10.25  
Sales agreement made November 13, 2007, by and between Savings Institute Bank  and Trust Company, a federally chartered stock savings bank having its principal office in Willimantic, Connecticut (the “Purchaser”), and The Bank of Southern Connecticut, a Connecticut state chartered bank and  trust company having its main office in New Haven, Connecticut (the “Seller”) of the Sellers branch office at 15 Masonic Street, New London, Connecticut.
 
 
41

 
10.26  
Employment Agreement dated February 8, 2008, effective January 1, 2008, by and among Registrant and The Bank of Southern Connecticut and John Howard Howland.
 
14  
Amended and Restated Code of Ethics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14 to the Issuer’s Form 10-KSB dated March 30, 2004)
 

   
 
   
   
 

   
99.1 
2005 Stock Option and Award Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Issuer’s form S-8 dated January 13, 2006)
   
99.2 
Common Stock Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Issuer’s form S-8 dated January 13, 2006)

           
          



42


FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006

CONTENTS



   
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
   
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements





F-1




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Southern Connecticut Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Southern Connecticut Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 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 financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes 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 financial position of Southern Connecticut Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We were not engaged to examine management’s assertion about the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and accordingly, we do not express an opinion thereon.


                                                /s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP

New Haven, Connecticut
March 27, 2008
 
 
F-2

 
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
           
             
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
           
December 31, 2007 and 2006
           
             
ASSETS
 
2007
   
2006
 
Cash and due from banks (Note 2)
  $ 3,891,258     $ 5,821,084  
Federal funds sold
    21,100,000       22,700,000  
Short-term investments
    8,355,686       6,288,663  
Cash and cash equivalents
    33,346,944       34,809,747  
                 
Available for sale securities (at fair value) (Note 3)
    5,265,679       8,054,821  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock (Note 7)
    66,100       66,100  
Loans held for sale
    354,606       118,223  
Loans receivable (Note 4)
               
Loans receivable - portfolio
    80,404,844       76,368,916  
Loans receivable - branch to be disposed of (Note 16)
    6,847,249       -  
Allowance for loan losses
    (1,256,965 )     (1,062,661 )
Loans receivable, net
    85,995,128       75,306,255  
Accrued interest receivable
    533,690       467,698  
Premises and equipment (Note 5)
               
Premises and equipment
    2,921,459       4,424,828  
Premises and equipment - branch to be disposed of (Note 16)
    656,261       -  
Premises and equipment, net
    3,577,720       4,424,828  
Other assets held for sale (Note 16 )
    414,920       -  
Other assets
    1,009,474       1,014,873  
Total assets
  $ 130,564,261     $ 124,262,545  

 
F-3

 
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
           
             
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, Continued
           
December 31, 2007 and 2006
           
             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
           
             
Liabilities
 
2007
   
2006
 
Deposits (Note 6)
           
Noninterest bearing deposits
           
    Noninterest bearing deposits
  $ 23,610,756     $ 29,463,030  
    Noninterest bearing deposits - branch to be disposed of (Note 16)
    4,187,632       -  
Total noninterest bearing deposits
    27,798,388       29,463,030  
Interest bearing deposits
               
    Interest bearing deposits
    73,911,903       71,810,490  
    Interest bearing deposits - branch to be disposed of (Note16)
    5,712,101       -  
Total interest bearing deposits
    79,624,004       71,810,490  
Total deposits
    107,422,392       101,273,520  
Repurchase agreements
    544,341       883,603  
Capital lease obligations (Note 8)
    1,186,043       1,188,128  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    1,327,002       585,445  
Total liabilities
    110,479,778       103,930,696  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 7, 8, 10, and 12)
               
                 
Shareholders' Equity (Notes 10 and 13)
               
Common stock, par value $.01; shares authorized: 5,000,000;
               
shares issued and outstanding:  2007 2,969,714; 2006 2,941,297
    29,697       29,413  
Additional paid-in capital
    24,263,531       24,147,883  
Accumulated deficit
    (4,169,051 )     (3,595,370 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - net unrealized loss on
               
available for sale securities
    (39,694 )     (250,077 )
Total shareholders' equity
    20,084,483       20,331,849  
                 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 130,564,261     $ 124,262,545  
                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Ststements
               

 
 
F-4

 
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
           
             
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
           
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
           
             
             
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Interest Income:
           
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 7,539,044     $ 5,836,127  
Interest on securities
    259,052       312,995  
Interest on Federal funds sold and short-term investments
    1,345,285       931,002  
Total interest income
    9,143,381       7,080,124  
                 
Interest Expense:
               
Interest expense on deposits (Note 6)
    3,192,322       2,029,578  
Interest expense on capital lease obligations
    175,796       174,683  
Interest expense on repurchase agreements and other borrowings
    9,658       18,804  
Total interest expense
    3,377,776       2,223,065  
                 
Net interest income
    5,765,605       4,857,059  
                 
Provision for Loan Losses (Note 4)
    538,480       253,495  
Net interest income after
               
provision for loan losses
    5,227,125       4,603,564  
                 
Noninterest Income:
               
Service charges and fees
    609,888       471,540  
Gains on sales of loans
    45,286       147,084  
Other noninterest income
    305,321       185,442  
Total noninterest income
    960,495       804,066  
                 
Noninterest Expenses:
               
Salaries and benefits
    3,460,037       3,037,132  
Occupancy and equipment
    852,504       763,944  
Professional services
    786,449       449,167  
Data processing and other outside services
    420,806       357,465  
Advertising and promotional expenses
    38,898       223,911  
Forms, printing and supplies
    88,433       135,330  
FDIC Insurance
    124,155       27,451  
Other operating expenses
    990,019       531,024  
Total noninterest expenses
    6,761,301       5,525,424  
                 
Net loss
  $ (573,681 )   $ (117,794 )
                 
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share
  $ (0.19 )   $ (0.04 )
                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
               
 
 
 
F-5

 
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
         
               
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
       
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
         
               
         
Accumulated
   
 
Number
 
Additional
 
Other
   
 
of Common
Common
Paid-In
Accumulated
Comprehensive
   
 
Shares
Stock
Capital
Deficit
Loss
 
Total
               
Balance, December 31, 2005
   2,937,525
 $  29,375
 $   24,083,638
 $   (3,477,576)
 $      (338,594)
 
 $ 20,296,843
               
Comprehensive loss:
             
Net loss
                 -
               -
                      -
         (117,794)
                      -
 
        (117,794)
Unrealized holding gain on available for
             
sale securities
                 -
               -
                      -
                      -
            88,517
 
           88,517
Total comprehensive loss
           
          (29,277)
               
Directors fees settled in common stock (Note 10)
          3,772
            38
             26,851
                      -
                      -
 
           26,889
Restricted stock compensation (Note 10)
                 -
               -
               4,675
                      -
                      -
 
             4,675
Stock option compensation (Note 10)
                 -
               -
             32,719
                      -
                      -
 
           32,719
               
               
Balance, December 31, 2006
   2,941,297
     29,413
      24,147,883
      (3,595,370)
         (250,077)
 
    20,331,849
               
Comprehensive loss:
             
Net loss
                 -
               -
                      -
         (573,681)
                      -
 
        (573,681)
Unrealized holding gain on available for
             
sale securities
                 -
               -
                      -
                      -
          210,383
 
         210,383
Total comprehensive loss
           
        (363,298)
               
Directors fees settled in common stock (Note 10)
          2,605
            26
             19,483
                      -
                      -
 
           19,509
Exchange of stock options (Note 10)
        20,532
          205
               9,808
                      -
                      -
 
           10,013
Exercise of Stock Options (Note 10)
          1,280
            13
               9,819
                      -
                      -
 
             9,832
Restricted stock compensation (Note 10)
          4,000
            40
             28,171
                      -
                      -
 
           28,211
Stock option compensation (Note 10)
                 -
               -
             48,367
                      -
                      -
 
           48,367
               
               
Balance, December 31, 2007
   2,969,714
 $  29,697
 $   24,263,531
 $   (4,169,051)
 $        (39,694)
 
 $ 20,084,483
               
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
           
 
 
F-6

 
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
           
             
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
           
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
           
             
             
   
2007
   
2006
 
Cash Flows From Operations
           
Net loss
  $ (573,681 )   $ (117,794 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
               
operating activities:
               
Amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts
               
on investments, net
    (478 )     (1,792 )
Provision for loan losses
    538,480       253,495  
Share based compensation
    106,100       64,283  
Loans originated for sale, net of principal payments received
    (327,074 )     (1,046,500 )
Proceeds from sales of loans
    195,286       1,389,980  
Gains on sales of loans
    (45,286 )     (147,084 )
Depreciation and amortization
    407,156       392,980  
Write-down of  assets  held for sale
    88,886       -  
Increase in cash surrender of life insurance
    (44,212 )     (39,678 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Increase (decrease) in deferred loan fees
    3,315       (34,989 )
Increase in accrued interest receivable
    (65,992 )     (143,352 )
Decrease (increase) in other assets
    49,611       (68,808 )
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities
    741,557       140,150  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    1,073,668       640,891  
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
               
Principal repayments on available for sale securities
    3       8,976  
Proceeds from maturities and calls of available for sale securities
    3,000,000       2,000,000  
Purchase of FHLB stock
    -       (6,100 )
Net increase in loans receivable
    (11,289,977 )     (19,556,369 )
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (63,854 )     (360,093 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (8,353,828 )     (17,913,586 )
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
               
Net increase in demand, savings and money market deposits
    3,085,732       18,921,092  
Net increase in certificates of deposit
    3,063,140       17,072,912  
Net decrease in repurchase agreements
    (339,262 )     (479,765 )
Principal repayments on capital lease obligations
    (2,085 )     (1,084 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    9,832       -  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    5,817,357       35,513,155  
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (1,462,803 )     18,240,460  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
               
Beginning
    34,809,747       16,569,287  
                 
Ending
  $ 33,346,944     $ 34,809,747  
                 
           
(Continued)
 

 
F-7


SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
           
             
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, Continued
           
For the Years Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
           
             
             
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
           
Cash paid for:
           
Interest
  $ 3,366,477     $ 2,157,053  
                 
Income taxes
  $ 750     $ 1,000  
                 
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
               
Transfer of loans receivable to loans held for sale
  $ 59,309     $ -  
Transfer of loans held for sale to loans receivable
    -       86,884  
Transfer of premises and equipment to other assets held for sale
    414,920       -  
                 
Unrealized holding gains on available for sale securities arising
               
during the period
  $ 210,383     $ 88,517  
                 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
               
 
 
F-8

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 


Note 1.  Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Southern Connecticut Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), a Connecticut corporation, is a bank holding company incorporated on November 8, 2000 and is the sole shareholder of the Bank of Southern Connecticut (the “Bank”).  The Bank provides a full range of banking services to commercial and consumer customers, primarily concentrated in the New Haven County, Connecticut, through its main office in New Haven, Connecticut and four branch offices in New Haven, Branford, North Haven and New London.  In 2003, SCB Capital, Inc. was formed as a Connecticut corporation, and in 2004, the Company capitalized SCB Capital, Inc., which became a subsidiary of the Company.  SCB Capital, Inc., which is currently inactive, may engage at some future date in a limited range of investment banking, advisory and brokerage services, primarily with small and medium size business clients.  In December 2006, TBSC Asset Liquidation, LLC was formed as a Connecticut limited liability company, which became a subsidiary of the Company.  TBSC Asset Liquidation, LLC acquires, holds and liquidates certain assets of the Company.

Principles of consolidation and basis of financial statement presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and general practices within the banking industry.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.  In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant group concentrations of credit risk

Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located within New Haven County, Connecticut.  Note 3 discusses the types of securities in which the Company invests and Note 4 discusses the types of lending in which the Company engages.  The Company does not have any significant concentrations in any one industry or customer.

The following is a summary of the Company's significant accounting policies.

Cash and cash equivalents and statement of cash flows

Cash and due from banks, Federal funds sold, and short-term investments are recognized as cash equivalents in the statements of cash flows.  Federal funds sold generally mature in one day.  For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  Cash flows from loans, deposits, and short-term borrowings are reported net.  The Company maintains amounts due from banks and Federal funds sold which, at times, may exceed Federally insured limits.  The Company has not experienced any losses from such concentrations.
 
 
F-9

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 


Investments in debt and marketable equity securities

Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the date individual investment securities are acquired, and the appropriateness of such classification is reassessed at each balance sheet date.

Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, if any, are classified as “held to maturity” and recorded at amortized cost.  “Trading” securities, if any, are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in earnings.  Securities not classified as held to maturity or trading, including equity securities with readily determinable fair values, are classified as “available for sale” and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income, net of taxes.

Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities.  Declines in the fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities below their 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.  Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

The sale of a held to maturity security within three months of its maturity date or after collection of at least 85% of the principal outstanding at the time the security was acquired is considered a maturity for purposes of classification and disclosure.

Loans held for sale

Loans held for sale are primarily the guaranteed portions of SBA loans the Company has the intent to sell in the foreseeable future, and are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value.  Gains and losses on sales of loans are determined by the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying value of the loans.

Transfers of financial assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered.  Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and no condition both constrains the transferee from taking advantage of that right and provides more than a trivial benefit for the transferor, and (3) the transferor does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through either (a) an agreement that both entitles and obligates the transferor to repurchase or redeem the assets before maturity or (b) the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets, other than through a cleanup call.

Servicing

Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets.  Generally, purchased servicing rights are capitalized at the cost to acquire the rights.  For sales of loans, a portion of the original cost of the loan is allocated to the servicing right, and if the pass-through rate to the investor is less than the note rate, to an interest-only strip, based on relative fair value.  Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing and interest income.  The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing and interest income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.  Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets.  Interest only strips are also reported in other assets and are amortized into other noninterest income under the same method as servicing assets.
 
 
F-10

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 


 
Servicing assets and interest-only strips are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the assets as compared to amortized cost.  Impairment is determined by stratifying the assets into tranches based on predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type.  Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual tranche, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the tranche.  If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular tranche, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income.

Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans.  The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal, or a fixed amount per loan, and are recorded as income when earned.  The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income, and the amortization of interest-only strips is netted against other noninterest income.

Loans receivable

Loans receivable are stated at their current unpaid principal balances, net of the allowance for loan losses and  net deferred loan origination fees and costs.  The Company has the ability and intent to hold its loans receivable for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff.

Impaired loans, if any, are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent.  The amount of impairment, if any, and any subsequent changes are recorded as adjustments to the allowance for loan losses.  A loan is impaired when it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement.

A loan is classified as a restructured loan when certain concessions have been made to the original contractual terms, such as a reduction in interest rate or deferral of interest or principal payments, due to the borrower’s financial condition.

Management considers all nonaccrual loans, other loans past due 90 days or more, and restructured loans to be impaired.  In most cases, loan payments that are past due less than 90 days, based on contractual terms, are considered minor collection delays, and the related loans are not considered to be impaired.

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.  Loans 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.
 
 
F-11

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 


 
The  allowance for loan losses consists of specific and general components.  The specific component relates to allowances established for individual impaired loans.  The general component relates to pools of loans segregated by loan type, and is based on historical loss experience adjusted by certain qualitative factors as determined by managemant and the board of directors.  The allowance for loan losses does not contain an unallocated component.

Interest and fees on loans

Interest on loans is accrued and included in operating income based on contractual rates applied to principal amounts outstanding.  The accrual of interest income is discontinued whenever reasonable doubt exists as to its collectibility and generally is discontinued when loans are past due 90 days, based on contractual terms, as to either principal or interest, or are otherwise considered impaired.  When the accrual of interest income is discontinued, all previously accrued and uncollected interest is reversed against interest income.  The accrual of interest on loans past due 90 days or more may be continued if the loan is well secured, and it is believed all principal and accrued interest income due on the loan will be realized, and the loan is in the process of collection.  A nonaccrual loan is restored to an accrual status when it is no longer delinquent and collectibility of interest and principal is no longer in doubt.

Loan origination fees, net of direct loan origination costs, are deferred and amortized as an adjustment of the loan's yield generally over the contractual life of the loan, utilizing the interest method.

Other real estate owned

Other real estate owned, if any, consists of properties acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure or other proceedings and is initially recorded at fair value at the date of foreclosure, which establishes a new cost basis.  After foreclosure, the properties are held for sale and are carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs of disposal.  Any write-down to fair value at the time of acquisition is charged to the allowance for loan losses.  Properties are evaluated regularly to ensure the recorded amounts are supported by current fair values, and valuation allowances are recorded as necessary to reduce the carrying amount to fair value less estimated cost of disposal.  Revenue and expense from the operation of other real estate owned and valuation allowances are included in operations.  Costs relating to the development and improvement of the property are capitalized, subject to the limit of fair value of the collateral.  Gains or losses are included in operations upon disposal.

Premises and equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost for purchased assets, and, for assets under capital lease, at the lower of fair value or the net present value of the minimum lease payments required over the term of the lease, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Leasehold improvements are capitalized and amortized over the shorter of the terms of the related leases or the estimated economic lives of the improvements.  Depreciation is charged to operations using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets which range from 3 to 20 years.  Gains and losses on dispositions are recognized upon realization.  Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and improvements are capitalized.

Impairment of long-lived assets
 
Long-lived assets, including premises and equipment, which are held and used by the Company, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If impairment is indicated by that review, the asset is written down to its estimated fair value through a charge to noninterest expense.
 
 
F-12

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 


Repurchase agreements

Repurchase agreements, which are classified as secured borrowings, generally mature within one to three days from the transaction date, and are reflected at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction.  The Company may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities.

Income taxes

The Company files consolidated federal and state income tax returns.  The Company recognizes income taxes under the asset and liability method.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and loss carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions  taken will be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained.  The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any.  The evaluation of a tax position taken is considered by itself and not offset or aggregated with other positions.  Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit more than fifty percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority.

Interest and penalties related to income taxes are recorded as provision for income taxes.

Effective January 1, 2007 the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board  Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements and provides guidance on the recognition, de-recognition and measurement of benefits related to an entity’s uncertain income tax positions.  Based on a detailed review of all tax positions, it was determined that the Company has no significant unrecognized tax benefits, and therefore the Company’s adoption of FIN 48 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Stock compensation plans

Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, utilizing the modified prospective transition method.  Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company accounted for stock option grants in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (the intrinsic value method), and accordingly, recognized no compensation expense for stock option grants for the year ended December 31, 2005.  Because there were no unvested share-based awards at January 1, 2006, the adoption of this statement had no initial effect on the Company’s financial statements.
 
 
F-13

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 


 
SFAS 123(R) requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-base payment awards to employees and directors based on the grant-date fair value of the awards and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period.

Related party transactions

Directors and officers of the Company and the Bank and their affiliates have been customers of and have had transactions with the Bank, and it is expected that such persons will continue to have such transactions in the future.  Management believes that all deposit accounts, loans, services and commitments comprising such transactions were made in the ordinary course of business, and on substantially the same terms, including interest rates, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other customers who are not directors or officers.  In the opinion of management, the transactions with related parties did not involve more than normal risks of collectibility or favored treatment or terms, or present other unfavorable features.  Note 14 contains details regarding related party transactions.

Comprehensive income

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income.  Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the shareholders’ equity section of the balance sheets, such items, along with net income or loss, are components of comprehensive income.

Segment Reporting

The Company’s only business segment is Community Banking.  During the periods presented this segment represented all the revenues and income of the consolidated group and therefore, is the only reported segment as defined by SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.

Fair value of financial instruments

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments.

Cash and due from banks, Federal funds sold, short-term investments, accrued interest receivable, accrued interest payable and repurchase agreements

The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Securities
 
Fair values, excluding restricted Federal Home Loan Bank stock, are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes, if available.  If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.  The carrying value of Federal Home Loan Bank stock approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the stock.
 
 
F-14

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 


 
Loans held for sale

The fair value is based on prevailing market prices.

Loans receivable

For variable rate loans which reprice frequently, and have no significant changes in credit risk, fair value is based on the loan’s carrying value.  The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the year-end rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers.

Servicing assets

The fair value is based on market prices for comparable servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income.

Interest only strips

The fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future cash flows.

Deposits

The fair value of demand deposits, regular savings and certain money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date.  The fair value of certificates of deposit and other time deposits is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities to a schedule of aggregated expected maturities on such deposits.

Off-balance-sheet instruments

Fair values for the Company’s off-balance-sheet instruments (lending commitments) 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.

Recent accounting pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.”  This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  It clarifies that fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity operates.  This statement does not require any new fair value measurements, but rather, it provides enhanced guidance to other pronouncements that require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value.  This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with earlier adoption permitted.  The FASB has approved a one-year deferral for the implementation of the statement for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis.  The Company does not expect that the adoption of this statement will have a material impact on its financial statements.
 
 
F-15

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 


 
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” This statement permits companies to elect to follow fair value accounting for certain financial assets and liabilities in an effort to mitigate volatility in earnings without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. The statement also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparison between entities that chose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this statement will have a material impact on its financial statements.

Reclassifications

Certain 2006 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2007 presentation, and such reclassifications had no effect on 2006 net loss or shareholders’ equity.

Note 2.  Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company is required to maintain reserves against its respective transaction accounts and non-personal time deposits.  At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company was required to have cash and liquid assets of approximately $655,000 and $582,000, respectively, to meet these requirements.  In addition, at both December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company was required to maintain $125,000 in the Federal Reserve Bank for clearing purposes.







F-16


SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

 

Note 3.  Available for Sale Securities

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and approximate fair values of available for sale securities at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:


   
Gross
Gross
 
 
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair
2007
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
         
U.S. Government Sponsored Agency
 $     5,199,956
 $                      -
 $         (35,054)
 $     5,164,902
obligations
       
Mortgage-backed securities
            105,417
                          -
               (4,640)
            100,777
 
 $     5,305,373
 $                      -
 $         (39,694)
 $     5,265,679
         
         
   
Gross
Gross
 
 
Amortized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair
2006
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
         
U.S. Government Sponsored Agency
 $     8,199,467
 $                      -
 $       (247,627)
 $     7,951,840
obligations
       
Mortgage-backed securities
            105,431
                          -
               (2,450)
            102,981
 
 $     8,304,898
 $                      -
 $       (250,077)
 $     8,054,821


F-17

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 


 
The following table presents the Company’s available for sale securities’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by the length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, at December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
Fair
Unrealized
 
Fair
Unrealized
 
Fair
Unrealized
2007
Value
Loss
 
Value
Loss
 
Value
Loss
U.S. Government
               
Sponsored Agency
               
obligations
 $          599,831
 $         168
 
 $     4,565,071
 $     34,886
 
 $      5,164,902
 $         35,054
Mortgage-backed
               
securities
                        -
                 -
 
           100,777
          4,640
 
            100,777
              4,640
Totals
 $          599,831
 $         168
 
 $     4,665,848
 $     39,526
 
 $      5,265,679
 $         39,694
                 
                 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
Fair
Unrealized
 
Fair
Unrealized
 
Fair
Unrealized
2006
Value
Loss
 
Value
Loss
 
Value
Loss
U.S. Government
               
Sponsored Agency
               
obligations
 $                     -
 $              -
 
 $     7,951,840
 $   247,627
 
 $      7,951,840
 $       247,627
Mortgage-backed
               
securities
                        -
                 -
 
           102,981
          2,450
 
            102,981
              2,450
Totals
 $                     -
 $              -
 
 $     8,054,821
 $   250,077
 
 $      8,054,821
 $       250,077
 
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company had 10 and 14 available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position, respectively.  Management believes that none of the unrealized losses on available for sale securities are other than temporary because all of the unrealized losses in the Company’s investment portfolio are due to market interest rate changes related to debt and mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government sponsored agencies, which the Company has both the intent and the ability to hold until maturity or until the fair value fully recovers.  In addition, management considers the issuers of the securities to be financially sound and the Company will receive all contractual principal and interest related to these investments.

The amortized cost and fair value of available for sale debt securities at December 31, 2007 by contractual maturity are presented below.  Actual maturities of mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be called or repaid without any penalties.
 
 
F-18

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 


Because mortgage-backed securities are not due at a single maturity date, they are not included in the maturity categories in the following summary:

   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Value
 
             
Maturity:
           
Within one year
  $ 1,500,000     $ 1,491,699  
After 1 but within 5 years
    2,400,000       2,379,534  
After 5 but within 10 years
    799,957       797,504  
Over 10 years
    499,999       496,165  
Mortgage-backed securities
    105,417       100,777  
    $ 5,305,373     $ 5,265,679  
 
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, available for sale securities with a carrying value of $4,169,886 and $4,521,653, respectively, were pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements with Bank customers and to secure public deposits.

There were no sales of available for sale securities in 2007 and 2006.

Note 4.  Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses
 
A summary of the Company's loan portfolio at December 31, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:
 
         
2007
2006
             
Commercial loans secured by real estate
 
 $    38,821,133
 $    32,004,940
Commercial loans
     
       40,763,176
       39,621,667
Construction and land loans
   
          6,248,455
          3,253,511
Residential mortgages
     
             142,333
             149,358
Consumer home equity loans
   
             555,694
             603,394
Consumer installment loans
   
             794,597
             806,026
                    Total loans
     
       87,325,388
       76,438,896
Net deferred loan fees
     
              (73,295)
              (69,980)
Allowance for loan losses
   
        (1,256,965)
        (1,062,661)
                    Loans receivable, net
   
 $    85,995,128
 $    75,306,255
 
Included in the amounts above are $3,736,880 of commercial loans secured by real estate, $3,092,344of commercial loans, and $18,025 of consumer loans that are classified as loans receivable - branch to be disposed of.

 
F-19

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

 
The Company services certain loans that it has sold without recourse to third parties.  The aggregate of loans serviced for others approximated $7,021,000 and $5,673,000 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The balance of capitalized servicing rights, included in other assets at December 31, 2007 and 2006, was $53,613 and $60,448, respectively.  No impairment charges related to servicing rights were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

The changes in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Balance,  beginning of year
  $ 1,062,661     $ 778,051  
   Provision for loan losses
    538,480       253,495  
   Recoveries of loans previously charged-off
    11,973       68,182  
   Loans charged-off
    (356,149 )     (37,067 )
Balance, end of year
  $ 1,256,965     $ 1,062,661  
                 
 
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the unpaid principal balances of loans placed on nonaccrual status were $530,246 and $301,833, respectively.  At December 31, 2007 and 2006, there were no loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing interest.


The following information relates to impaired loans as of and for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006:

   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Impaired loans for which there is a specific allowance
  $ 789,591     $ 215,420  
                 
Impaired loans for which there is no specific allowance
  $ 86,413     $ 86,413  
                 
Allowance for loan losses related to impaired loans
  $ 328,410     $ 112,431  
                 
Average recorded investment in impaired loans
  $ 568,641     $ 249,298  

Interest income collected and recognized on impaired loans was $2,248 and $65,051 in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  If nonaccrual loans had been current throughout their terms, additional interest income of approximately $95,800 and $26,600 would have been recognized in 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The Company has no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans are impaired.

The Company’s lending activities were conducted principally in the New Haven and New London (Note 16) Counties of Connecticut.  The Company grants commercial and residential real estate loans, commercial business loans and a variety of consumer loans.  In addition, the Company may grant loans for the construction of residential homes, residential developments and land development projects.  All residential and commercial mortgage loans are collateralized by first or second mortgages on real estate.  The ability and willingness of borrowers to satisfy their loan obligations is dependent in large part upon the status of the regional economy and regional real estate market.  Accordingly, the ultimate collectibility of a substantial portion of the loan portfolio and the recovery of a substantial portion of any resulting real estate acquired is susceptible to changes in market conditions.
 
 
F-20

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

 
The Company has established credit policies applicable to each type of lending activity in which it engages, evaluates the creditworthiness of each customer on an individual basis and, when deemed appropriate, obtains collateral.  Collateral varies by each borrower and loan type.  The market value of collateral is monitored on an ongoing basis and additional collateral is obtained when warranted.  Important types of collateral include business assets, real estate, automobiles, marketable securities and time deposits.  While collateral provides assurance as a secondary source of repayment, the Company ordinarily requires the primary source of repayment to be based on the borrower’s ability to generate continuing cash flows.

Note 5.  Premises and Equipment

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, premises and equipment consisted of the following:

   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Land
  $ 255,766     $ 533,187  
Premises under capital lease
    1,192,036       1,192,036  
Buildings and improvements
    677,474       926,414  
Leasehold improvements
    1,510,627       1,510,627  
Furniture and fixtures
    706,441       694,553  
Equipment
    898,849       850,302  
Software
    82,601       81,510  
      5,323,794       5,788,629  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (1,746,074 )     (1,363,801 )
    $ 3,577,720     $ 4,424,828  
 
Included in the amounts above are $464,855 of leasehold improvements, $148,905 of furniture and fixtures, and $42,501 of equipment, net of accumulated depreciation classified as premises and equipment - branch to be disposed of.
 
For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, depreciation and amortization expense related to premises and equipment totaled $407,156 and $392,980, respectively.

Premises under capital lease of $1,192,036, and related accumulated amortization of $344,098 and $284,496, as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, are included in premises and equipment.
 

 
F-21

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

 

Note 6.  Deposits

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, deposits consisted of the following:
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Noninterest bearing
  $ 27,798,388     $ 29,463,030  
                 
Interest bearing:
               
   Checking
    5,792,493       4,985,187  
   Money Market
    40,721,374       36,324,952  
   Savings
    1,654,000       2,107,354  
   Time certificates, less than $100,000
    16,600,048       14,190,207  
   Time certificates, $100,000 or more
    14,856,089       14,202,790  
    Total interest bearing
    79,624,004       71,810,490  
                 
          Total deposits
  $ 107,422,392     $ 101,273,520  
 
Included in the amounts above are $4,187,632 and $5,712,101 that are classified as noninterest bearing deposits - branch to be disposed of and interest bearing deposits - branch to be disposed of, respectively.
 
Contractual maturities of time certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2007 are summarized below:
 
               Due within:
     
                    1 year
    25,910,367  
                    1-2 years
    2,830,199  
                    2-3 years
    423,782  
                    3-4 years
    2,212,789  
                    4-5 years
    79,000  
    $ 31,456,137  
 
Interest expense on certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or more was $759,076 and $383,531 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Note 7.   Commitments

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings and stock

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLB”).  At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Bank had the ability to borrow from the FHLB based on a certain percentage of the value of the Bank’s qualified collateral, as defined in the FHLB Statement of Products Policy, at the time of the borrowing.  In accordance with an agreement with the FHLB, the qualified collateral must be free and clear of liens, pledges and encumbrances.  There were no borrowings outstanding with the FHLB at December 31, 2007 and 2006.

The Bank is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB in an amount equal to a percentage of its outstanding mortgage loans and contracts secured by residential properties, including mortgage-backed securities.  No ready market exists for FHLB stock and it has no quoted market value.  For disclosure purposes, such stock is assumed to have a market value which is equal to cost since the Bank can redeem the stock with FHLB at cost.
 
 
F-22

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

 
Employment agreements

 On February 28, 2007, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “President Agreement”) with the President of the Bank effective as of  February 28, 2007, which replaced the President’s previous employment agreement that became effective as of January 1, 2005.  Under the President Agreement, the President served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and the Bank until June 30, 2007, and on and after July 1, 2007, the President serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank.  The term of the Agreement ends on December 31, 2009 with an automatic extension through December 31, 2010, unless the Company earlier terminates the President’s employment under the terms of the Agreement.  The President will receive a base salary that increases over the term of the agreement.  The President will be eligible for salary increases and other merit bonuses at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors.  The President received 7,500 shares of restricted stock that vest in installments of 40%, 30% and 30% on December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.  The President is provided with health and life insurance, is reimbursed for expenses and is eligible to participate in the profit sharing or 401(k) plan of the Company (or its subsidiary).  The Company also pays the President’s automobile lease payments and certain club membership fees.

In the event of the early termination of the President for any reason other than cause, the Company would be obligated to compensate the President, in accordance with the terms of the President Agreement, through the full term of the President Agreement.  Further, in the event the President’s position shall end or his responsibilities be significantly reduced as a result of a business combination (as defined), the President will be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to three times his then current annual compensation, plus his bonus for the prior calendar year, and all of the President’s previously granted stock options and restricted stock will immediately become fully vested.

On February 8, 2008, the Company entered into an employment agreement with the Executive Vice President (EVP) of the Bank effective January 1, 2008 (the “EVP Agreement”).  Under the EVP Agreement, the EVP will serve as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company through December 31, 2009, unless the Company terminates the EVP Agreement earlier under the terms of the EVP Agreement.  The EVP will receive a base salary that increases over the term of the agreement and is eligible for salary increases and other merit bonuses at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors.

The EVP received 6,000 shares of restricted stock that vest 50% on December 31, 2008 and 50% on December 31, 2009.  The EVP is provided with health and life insurance, is reimbursed for certain business expenses, and is eligible to participate in the profit sharing or 401(k) plan of the Company (or its subsidiary).

If the EVP’s employment is terminated as a result of a business combination (as defined), the EVP will, subject to certain conditions, be entitled to receive a lump sum payment in an amount equal to two times the total of the EVP's then current base annual salary plus the amount of any bonus for the prior calendar year in the event that the employee is not offered a position with the remaining entity at the EVP's then current base annual salary.  The EVP is also entitled to a continuation of benefits under the EVP Agreement for the balance of the unexpired term of his employment, which will be paid at his option as a lump sum payment or ratably over the balance of the unexpired term. 
 
 
F-23

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

 
If the EVP’s employment is terminated for any reason (other than for cause, or as the result of his death or disability), he will be entitled to a continuation of benefits under the EVP Agreement for the balance of the unexpired term of his employment, which will be paid at his option as a lump sum payment or ratably over the balance of the unexpired term.

Other

During 2007, upon the retirement of the former Chief Executive Officer (“Former CEO”), the Company entered into a consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with the Former CEO, whereby the Former CEO would serve as a goodwill ambassador and a director of the Company through December  31, 2010, and receive certain annual compensation.  In December 2007, the Former CEO retired from the board of directors, however the Company agreed to continue payments under the Consulting Agreement.  As a result, the Company considers the future payments under the Consulting Agreement to be a postretirement benefit, and has recorded a liability of approximately $280,000 at December 31, 2007 for the present value of the future payments.

Note 8.  Lease and Subleases

The Company leases the Bank’s main and Branford branch offices under twenty-year capital leases that expire in 2021 and 2022, respectively.  Under the terms of the leases, the Bank will pay all executory costs including property taxes, utilities and insurance.  In 2006, the Company entered into operating leases for its New London and North Haven branches.  The Company also leases the driveway to its main office and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating leases.  As of the close of business on February 29, 2008, the lease for the Company’s location in New London, Connecticut was assigned to Savings Institute Bank and Trust Company (see Note 16).
 

 
F-24

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

 
At December 31, 2007, future minimum lease payments to be made and received under these leases by year and in the aggregate, are as follows:
 
   
Capital
   
Operating
 
Year
 
Leases
   
Leases
 
             
2008
  $ 178,564     $ 58,955  
2009
    183,087       54,871  
2010
    187,609       50,382  
2011
    206,741       53,214  
2012
    214,357       54,635  
2013 and thereafter
    2,031,174       648,726  
      3,001,532     $ 920,783  
Less amount representng interest
    (1,815,489 )        
                 
                 
Present value of future minimum lease
         
   payments - capital lease obligation
  $ 1,186,043          

Total rent expense charged to operations under the operating leases approximated $113,800 and $99,900 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  Rental income under subleases, and a lease of space in premises owned, approximated $30,300 and $30,400 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Note 9.  Income Taxes

A reconciliation of the anticipated income tax benefit (computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate of 34% to the loss before income taxes) to the amount reported in the statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 is as follows:

   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Benefit for income taxes at statutory Federal rate
  $ (195,052 )   $ (40,050 )
State tax benefit, net of Federal benefit
    (27,902 )     (5,171 )
Increase in valuation allowance
    239,267       55,043  
Other
    (16,313 )     (9,822 )
    $ -     $ -  
 
 
 
F-25

 
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

 
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Deferred tax assets:
           
   Allowance for loan losses
  $ 489,588     $ 413,906  
   Net operating loss carryforwards
    810,896       921,018  
   Postretirement benefits
    160,468       -  
   Unrealized loss on available for sale securities
    15,461       97,405  
   Other
    282,003       182,964  
    Gross deferred tax assets
    1,758,416       1,615,293  
   Less valuation allowance
    (1,662,364 )     (1,505,041 )
    Deferred tax assets - net of valuation allowance
    96,052       110,252  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
   Tax bad debt reserve
    57,378       40,438  
   Depreciation
    38,674       69,814  
    Gross deferred tax liabilities
    96,052       110,252  
                 
    Net deferred taxes
  $ -     $ -  
 
As of December 31, 2007, the Company had tax net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $2,224,000 and $2,207,000 available to reduce future Federal and state taxable income, respectively, which expire in 2021 through 2027
 
The net changes in the valuation allowance for 2007 and 2006 were increases of $157,323 and $20,566, respectively.  The changes in the valuation allowance have been allocated between operations and equity to adjust the deferred tax asset to an amount considered by management more likely than not to be realized.  The portion of the change in the valuation allowance allocated to equity is to eliminate the tax benefit related to the unrealized holding losses on available for sale securities.

During 2007, the Company will have a tax deduction for compensation related to the shares issued to the former Chairman (Note 10) that will exceed the book compensation recorded for such shares  and predecessor stock options.  The tax benefit for this excess tax deduction is typically recorded as an increase to shareholders’ equity.  However, because the Company is in a net operating loss position for tax purposes and has a full valuation allowance recorded for its net deferred tax asset, the Company has not recorded the tax benefit of this deduction in 2007, and will not record such benefit until the Company’s net operating losses are fully utilized.  At December 31, 2007, approximately $140,000 of net operating losses resulting from this deduction, and related tax benefit of approximately $55,000, have been excluded from the calculation of deferred tax assets.
 

F-26

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

 
Note 10.  Shareholders’ Equity

Stock repurchases

The Company’s board of directors has approved the repurchase of up to 146,879 shares of the Company’s common stock.  No shares of the Company’s common stock were purchased through December 31, 2007.  As of March 10, 2008, the Company has repurchased 2,900 of its shares.

Loss per share

The Company is required to present basic loss per share and diluted loss per share in its statements of operations.  Basic and diluted loss per share are computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted per share amounts assume exercise of all potential common stock instruments unless the effect is to reduce the loss or increase the income per share.  Weighted average shares outstanding were 2,945,289 and 2,939,399 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Share-based plans

The Company has adopted three share-based plans, the 2001 Stock Option Plan (the “2001 Plan”), the 2002 Stock Option Plan (the “2002 Plan”), and the 2005 Stock Option and Award Plan (the “2005 Plan”), under which an aggregate of 462,019 shares of the Company’s common stock are reserved for issuance of the Company’s common stock, or upon the exercise of incentive options, nonqualified options and restricted stock granted under the share-based plans.

Under all three plans, the exercise price for each share covered by an option may not be less than the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  For incentive options granted to a person who owns more than 10% of the combined voting power of the Company or any subsidiary (“ten percent shareholder”), the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value on the date of grant.

Options under all three plans have a term of ten years unless otherwise determined at the time of grant, except that incentive options granted to any ten percent shareholder will have a term of five years unless a shorter term is fixed.  Under the 2001 and 2002 plans, unless otherwise fixed at the time of grant, 40% of the options become exercisable one year from the date of grant, and 30% of the options become exercisable at each of the second and third anniversaries from the date of grant.  Under the 2005 plan, the vesting terms of the awards is determined at the date of grant.  Dividends are not paid on unexercised options.

Also, under the 2005 Plan, awards in the form of the Company’s common stock may be granted.  The vesting terms of the awards are determined at the time of the grant.

Upon adoption of the 2002 Option Plan in May 2002, the Company determined that no additional options will be granted under the 2001 Option Plan.


F-27

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

 
Southern Connecticut Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
       
 
A summary of the status of stock options at December 31, 2007, and changes during the year then ended, is as follows:
 
   
2007
           
Weighted-
 
       
Weighted-
Average
   
   
Number     
Average
Remaining  
Aggregate
   
of
 
Exercise
Contractual
Intrinsic
   
Shares
 
Price
 
Term
 
Value
Outstanding at beginning of year
   458,566
 
 $      7.97
       
Granted
 
           -
 
            -
       
Exercised
 
     (1,280)
 
         7.68
       
Exchanged
 
  (115,500)
 
            -
       
Forfeited
 
    (22,711)
 
         7.29
       
Outstanding at end of year
   319,075
 
         7.69
 
           6.6
 
 $   28,960
                 
Vested or expected to vest at
             
the end of year
 
   314,144
 
 $      7.68
 
           6.6
 
 $   28,900
                 
Exercisable at end of year
   292,075
 
 $      7.71
 
           6.4
 
 $   28,630
 
The weighted-average fair value per option of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2006 was $3.40. There were no stock options granted in 2007.  The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2007 was $21.  There were no stock options exercised in 2006.
 
The fair value of options exchanged for shares during the year ended December 31, 2007 and options granted during the year ended December 31, 2006, was estimated at the grant or exchange date using the Black-Sholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
 
   
 2007
 
 2006
Dividend rate
 
 -
 
 -
Risk free rate
 
 2.99% to 3.32%
 
 5.05% to 5.17%
Expected term (in years)
 
 2.63 years - 4.50 years
 
 9 Years
Weighted-average volatility
 
 23%
 
 25%
Expected volatility
 
 23%
 
 25%
                 
 
The exchange of options for shares during the year ended December 31, 2007 consisted of 115,500 options exchanged for 20,532 shares.  The exchange was accounted for as a modification to the stock options and as a result, the incremental fair value of the shares over the fair value of the options  of $10,013 was charged to operations.
 
 
F-28

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

A summary of the status of the Company's nonvested shares related to restricted stock at December 31, 2007 and changes during the year then ended is as follows:

   
2007
 
         
Weighted-
 
   
Number
   
Average
 
   
of
   
Grant-Date
 
   
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
Nonvested restricted stock at beginning
           
  of the period
    2,500     $ 7.48  
Granted
    7,500       7.30  
Vested and Issued
    (4,000 )     7.35  
Forfeited
    -          
Nonvested restricted stock at end of the period
6,000       7.35  

As of December 31, 2007, there was $59,928 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested options granted under the option plans and $40,564 of total unrecognized compensation related to restricted stock.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.  During the twelve months ended December 31, 2007,  $48,367 for options and $28,211 for restricted stock, was recognized as compensation cost.  During the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, $32,719 for options and $4,675 for restricted stock, was recognized as compensation cost.  No tax benefit related to the compensation cost was recognized due to the uncertainty of realizing the tax benefit in the future.
 
As of January 1, 2006, compensation of members of the Board of Directors was paid fifty percent in cash and fifty percent in stock, versus one hundred percent in options as done in prior years.   The total director fees paid or to be paid in stock charged to noninterest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2006 was $34,695.  During the twelve months ended December 31, 2006, 3,772 shares of stock with a fair value of $26,889 were issued in payment of director fees accrued.  Beginning April 1, 2007, directors fees are all paid in cash.  The total director fees paid or to be paid in stock charged to noninterest expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007 was $11,704.  During the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, 2,605 shares of stock with a fair value of $19,509 were issued in payment of director fees accrued.

Stock warrants

The Company adopted the 2001 Warrant Plan and the 2001 Supplemental Warrant Plan (the “Warrant Plans”), under which an aggregate of 77,184 shares of the Company’s common stock are reserved for issuance upon the exercise of warrants granted to non-employee directors of the Company and the Bank, and certain other individuals involved in the organization of the Bank.

Warrants under the Warrant Plans have a term of ten years.  Forty percent of the warrants became exercisable one year from the date of grant, and 30% of the warrants became exercisable at each of the second and third anniversaries from the date of grant.
 
 
F-29

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

 
      2007  
               
Weighted-
       
         
Weighted-
   
Average
       
   
Number
   
Average
   
Remaining
   
Aggregate
 
   
of
   
Exercise
   
Contractual
   
Intrinsic
 
   
Shares
   
Price
   
Term
   
Value
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
    77,184     $ 10.39              
Granted
    -                      
Exercised
    -                      
Terminated
    -                      
Outstanding at end of period
    77,184       10.39       3.7     $ -  
                                 
Exercisable and vested at end of period
    77,184     $ 10.39       3.7     $ -  
                                 

Note 11.  401(k) Profit Sharing Plan

The Bank’s employees are eligible to participate in The Bank of Southern Connecticut 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the “Plan”) under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The Plan covers substantially all employees of the Bank.  Under the terms of the Plan, participants can contribute a discretionary percentage of compensation, with total annual contributions subject to Federal limitations.  The Bank may make discretionary contributions to the Plan.  Participants are immediately vested in their contributions and become fully vested in employer contributions after three years of service.  There were no discretionary contributions made by the Bank during 2007 and 2006, however, the Company accrued $30,000 in 2007 for the Plan to be paid in the first  quarter of 2008.

Note 12.  Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk

In the normal course of business, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the financial statements.  The contractual amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.

The contractual amounts of commitments to extend credit represents the amounts of potential accounting loss should  the contract be fully drawn upon, the customer default, and the value of any existing collateral become worthless.  The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments and evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. Management believes that the Company controls the credit risk of these financial instruments through credit approvals, credit limits, monitoring procedures and the receipt of collateral as deemed necessary.
 
 
F-30

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

 
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk are as follows at December 31:
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Commitments to extend credit
           
    Future loan commitments
  $ 4,348,250     $ 7,044,313  
    Unused lines of credit
    27,961,313       22,537,570  
    Undisbursed construction loans
    663,931       1,588,933  
    Financial standby letters of credit
    4,225,778       3,100,188  
    $ 37,199,272     $ 34,271,004  

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 to extend credit generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee by the borrower.  Since these commitments could expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  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 and commercial property, deposits and securities.

Standby letters of credit are written commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  As of January 1, 2003, newly issued or modified guarantees that are not derivative contracts have been recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at their fair value at inception.  The liability related to guarantees recorded at December 31, 2007 and 2006 was not significant.

Note 13.  Regulatory Matters

The Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are 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 and the Bank’s financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  The capital amounts and classification 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 Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined).  Management believes, as of December 31, 2007, that the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

As of December 31, 2007, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the State of Connecticut Department of Banking categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table.  There are no conditions or events since then, that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.
 
 
F-31

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006 

 
The Company's and the Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios at December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were (dollars in thousands):
 
           
To Be Well
           
Capitalized Under
       
For Capital
Prompt Corrective
2007
 
Actual
Adequacy Purposes
Action Provisions
   
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
The Company:
             
               
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
 $ 21,381
19.97%
 $  8,565
8.00%
 N/A
 N/A
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
    20,124
18.80%
     4,282
4.00%
 N/A
 N/A
Tier 1 (Leverage) Capital to Average Assets
    20,124
15.08%
     5,338
4.00%
 N/A
 N/A
               
           
To Be Well
           
Capitalized Under
       
For Capital
Prompt Corrective
   
 Actual
Adequacy Purposes
Action Provisions
   
 Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
The Bank:
             
               
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
 $ 18,054
17.34%
 $  8,329
8.00%
 $ 10,412
10.00%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
    16,797
16.13%
     4,165
4.00%
      6,248
6.00%
Tier 1 (Leverage) Capital to Average Assets
    16,797
12.88%
     5,216
4.00%
      6,521
5.00%
               
           
To Be Well
           
Capitalized Under
       
For Capital
Prompt Corrective
2006
 
Actual
Adequacy Purposes
Action Provisions
   
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
The Company:
             
               
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
 $ 21,677
22.96%
 $  7,554
8.00%
 N/A
 N/A
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
    20,582
21.80%
     3,776
4.00%
 N/A
 N/A
Tier 1 (Leverage) Capital to Average Assets
    20,582
17.56%
     4,689
4.00%
 N/A
 N/A
               
           
To Be Well
           
Capitalized Under
       
For Capital
Prompt Corrective
   
 Actual
Adequacy Purposes
Action Provisions
   
 Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
The Bank:
             
               
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
 $ 18,044
19.72%
 $  7,321
8.00%
 $   9,151
10.00%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
    16,949
18.52%
     3,660
4.00%
 $   5,490
6.00%
Tier 1 (Leverage) Capital to Average Assets
    16,949
14.82%
     4,574
4.00%
 $   5,718
5.00%

 
 
F-32

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006  

 
Restrictions on dividends, loans or advances

The Company’s ability to pay cash dividends is dependent on the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company.  However, certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the Bank to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances.  Regulatory approval is required to pay cash dividends in excess of the Bank’s net earnings retained in the current year plus retained net earnings for the preceding two years.  The Bank is also prohibited from paying dividends that would reduce its capital ratios below minimum regulatory requirements, and the Federal Reserve Board may impose further dividend restrictions on the Company.  At December 31, 2007 and 2006, no dividends may be declared by the Bank without regulatory approval.

Under Federal Reserve regulation, the Bank is also limited to the amount it may loan to the Company, unless such loans are collateralized by specified obligations.  Loans or advances to the Company by the Bank are limited to 10% of the Bank’s capital stock and surplus on a secured basis.

Note 14.  Related Party Transactions

In the normal course of business, the Company may grant loans to executive officers, directors and members of their immediate families, as defined, and to entities in which these individuals have more than a 10% equity ownership.  Such loans are transacted at terms including interest rates, similar to those available to unrelated customers.

Changes in loans outstanding to such related parties during 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
  Balance, at beginning of year   $ 1,759,576     $ 1,393,330  
  Additional loans     2,294,936       3,051,659  
  Repayments     (2,387,338 )     (2,685,413 )
  Other     (997,117 )     -  
  Balance, end of year   $ 670,057     $ 1,759,576  
 
Other related party loan transactions represent loans to related parties who either became related parties, or ceased being related parties, during the year.

Related party deposits aggregated approximately $3,407,200 and $5,070,800 as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
Included in professional services for the year ended December 31, 2007 was approximately $51,000 in consulting fees paid to the former Chairman as well as $500 of legal fees incurred for services provided by law firms, principals of which were directors of the Company.  No such services were provided for the year ended December 31, 2006.

During 2007 and 2006, the Company paid approximately $3,500 and $1,200, respectively, for capital expenditures and maintenance to certain companies, principals of which are directors of the Company.

Rental income and expense reimbursements of approximately $17,700 and $19,000 were received in 2007 and 2006, respectively, from a tenant, the principal of which is related to the Company’s Chairman.
 

 
F-33

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006  

 

Note 15.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Interest Rate Risk

SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments" ("Statement No. 107"), requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, 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 rates and estimates of future cash flows.  In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparisons to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.  Statement No. 107 excludes certain financial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

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 presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction at December 31, 2007 and 2006.  The estimated fair value amounts for 2007 and 2006 have been measured as of their respective year-ends, and have not been reevaluated or updated for purposes of these consolidated financial statements subsequent to those respective dates.  As such, the fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different from the amounts reported at each year-end.

The information presented should not be interpreted as an estimate of the fair value of the entire Company since a fair value calculation is only required for a limited portion of the Company's assets and liabilities.  Due to the wide range of valuation techniques and the degree of subjectivity used in making the estimate, comparisons between the Company's disclosures and those of other bank holding companies may not be meaningful.
 

 
F-34

 
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006  

 
As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the recorded book balances and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments were:
 
 
2007
2006
 
Recorded
 
Recorded
 
 
Book
 
Book
 
 
Balance
Fair Value
Balance
Fair Value
         
Financial Assets:
       
Cash and due from banks
 $   3,891,258
 $   3,891,258
 $   5,821,084
 $   5,821,084
Federal funds sold
    21,100,000
    21,100,000
    22,700,000
    22,700,000
Short-term investments
      8,355,686
      8,355,686
      6,288,663
      6,288,663
Available for sale securities
      5,265,679
      5,265,679
      8,054,821
      8,054,821
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
           66,100
           66,100
           66,100
           66,100
Loans receivable, net
    85,995,128
    86,861,000
    75,306,255
    74,930,000
Loans held for sale
         354,606
         354,606
         118,223
         118,223
Accrued interest receivable
         533,690
         533,690
         467,698
         467,698
Servicing rights
           53,613
           66,842
           60,448
           97,454
Interest only strips
           63,470
           80,004
           82,203
           94,863
         
Financial Liabilities:
       
Noninterest-bearing deposits
    27,798,388
    27,798,388
    29,463,030
    29,463,030
Interest bearing checking accounts
      5,792,493
      5,792,493
      4,985,187
      4,985,187
Money market deposits
    40,721,374
    40,721,374
    36,324,952
    36,324,952
Savings deposits
      1,654,000
      1,654,000
      2,107,354
      2,107,354
Time certificates of deposits
    31,456,137
    31,919,000
    28,392,997
    28,491,000
Repurchase agreements
         544,341
         544,341
         883,603
         883,603
Accrued interest payable
         182,909
         182,909
         171,610
         171,610
 
Unrecognized financial instruments

Loan commitments on which the committed interest rate is less than the current market rate are insignificant at December 31, 2007 and 2006.

The Company assumes interest rate risk (the risk that general interest rate levels will change) as a result of its normal operations.  As a result, the fair values of the Company's financial instruments will change when interest rate levels change and that change may be either favorable or unfavorable to the Company.  Management attempts to match maturities of assets and liabilities to the extent believed necessary to minimize interest rate risk.  However, borrowers with fixed rate obligations are less likely to prepay in a rising rate environment and more likely to prepay in a falling rate environment.  Conversely, depositors who are receiving fixed rates are more likely to withdraw funds before maturity in a rising rate environment and less likely to do so in a falling rate environment.  Management monitors rates and maturities of assets and liabilities and attempts to minimize interest rate risk by adjusting terms of new loans and deposits and by investing in securities with terms that mitigate the Company's overall interest rate risk.
 
 
F-35

SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007 and 2006  

 

Note 16.  Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale

During 2007, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale of the majority of the assets and liabilities of its branch located in New London, Connecticut to another bank, and the sale was completed as of the close of business February 29, 2008.  As a result, certain loans, premises and equipment and deposits aggregating approximately $6,847,000, $656,000 and $9,900,000, respectively, are classified as held for sale and are identified on the face of the balance sheet in their respective categories as being  part of “branch to be disposed of”.  The Company will not incur a loss from the disposition of these assets and liabilities.

In June 2005, the Company purchased a one acre improved site with two buildings in Clinton, Connecticut for the primary purpose of establishing a branch office of the Bank.  During 2007, the Bank determined that it would not establish a branch at this location and subsequently retained a commercial real estate broker to represent the Company with respect to the sale of the property, and the property is classified as other assets held for sale as of December 31, 2007.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

F-36