CENTRAL BANCORP, INC.
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2005
OR
     
o   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: 0-25251
CENTRAL BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Massachusetts   04-3447594
     
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
399 Highland Avenue, Somerville, Massachusetts   02144
     
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
(617) 628-4000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-Accelerated filer þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
     
Common Stock, $1.00 par value   1,590,181 shares
     
Class   Outstanding at February 13, 2006
 
 

 


 

CENTRAL BANCORP, INC.
Form 10-Q
Table of Contents
         
    Page No.  
       
 
       
       
 
       
    1  
 
       
    2  
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    9  
 
       
    17  
 
       
    18  
 
       
       
 
       
    19  
 
       
    19  
 
       
    19  
 
       
    19  
 
       
    19  
 
       
    19  
 
       
    19  
 
       
       
 EX-31.1 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO
 EX-31.2 SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF THE CFO
 EX-32 SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF THE CEO AND CFO

 


Table of Contents

Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(Unaudited)
                 
    December 31,     March 31,  
(Dollars in Thousands)   2005     2005  
 
ASSETS
               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 5,292     $ 6,158  
Short-term investments
    2,373       225  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents
    7,665       6,383  
 
           
Certificates of deposit
    620       606  
Investment securities available for sale (amortized cost of $98,493 at December 31, 2005 and $108,690 at March 31, 2005)
    97,037       108,616  
Stock in Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, at cost
    8,300       8,300  
The Co-operative Central Bank Reserve Fund
    1,576       1,576  
 
           
Total investments
    106,913       118,492  
 
           
 
               
Loans held for sale
    1,056       2,221  
 
               
Loans (Note 2)
    412,731       386,382  
Less allowance for loan losses
    (3,783 )     (3,681 )
 
           
Net loans
    408,948       382,701  
 
           
 
               
Accrued interest receivable
    2,437       2,444  
Banking premises and equipment, net
    3,263       2,807  
Deferred tax asset, net
    2,126       1,639  
Goodwill, net
    2,232       2,232  
Other assets
    1,607       1,546  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 536,867     $ 521,071  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Deposits (Note 3)
  $ 359,540     $ 333,215  
Short-term borrowings
          141  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    126,500       138,135  
Subordinated debenture (Note 4)
    5,258       5,258  
ESOP Loan
    2,629       2,921  
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
    1,364       1,168  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    2,421       1,994  
 
           
Total liabilities
    497,712       482,832  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)
               
Stockholders’ equity (Note 7):
               
Preferred stock $1.00 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued or outstanding
           
Common stock $1.00 par value; authorized 15,000,000 shares; 2,032,609 shares issued at December 31, 2005 and 2,031,026 shares issued at March 31, 2005
    2,033       2,031  
Additional paid-in capital
    12,904       12,883  
Retained income
    40,178       38,728  
Treasury stock (442,428 shares at December 31, 2005 and at March 31, 2005), at cost
    (9,957 )     (9,907 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 5)
    (951 )     (56 )
Unearned compensation — ESOP
    (5,052 )     (5,440 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    39,155       38,239  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 536,867     $ 521,071  
 
           
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

1


Table of Contents

CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Interest and dividend income:
                               
Mortgage loans
  $ 6,275     $ 5,455     $ 18,246     $ 16,295  
Other loans
    110       104       317       275  
Short-term investments
    22       46       88       165  
Investments
    1,295       1,367       3,990       3,778  
 
                       
Total interest and dividend income
    7,702       6,972       22,641       20,513  
 
                       
Interest expense:
                               
Deposits
    1,806       1,184       4,666       3,550  
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston
    1,683       1,709       5,125       5,140  
Other borrowings
    134       105       399       196  
 
                       
Total interest expense
    3,623       2,998       10,190       8,886  
 
                       
 
                               
Net interest and dividend income
    4,079       3,974       12,451       11,627  
Provision for loan losses
                100       50  
 
                       
Net interest and dividend income after
                               
provision for loan losses
    4,079       3,974       12,351       11,577  
 
                       
Non-interest income:
                               
Deposit service charges
    250       147       718       438  
Net gains from sales of investment securities
    93       84       306       432  
Net gains on sales of loans
    44       85       183       204  
Other income
    60       61       340       250  
 
                       
Total non-interest income
    447       377       1,547       1,324  
 
                       
Non-interest expenses:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    1,952       1,918       6,392       5,780  
Occupancy and equipment
    406       323       1,169       948  
Data processing fees
    227       239       705       794  
Professional fees
    161       217       566       825  
Advertising and marketing
    167       109       512       513  
Other expenses
    389       443       1,277       1,394  
 
                       
Total non-interest expenses
    3,302       3,249       10,621       10,254  
 
                       
 
                               
Income before income taxes
    1,224       1,102       3,277       2,647  
Provision for income taxes (Note 6)
    428       416       1,152       1,001  
 
                       
Net income
  $ 796     $ 686     $ 2,125     $ 1,646  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings per common share — basic (Note 8)
  $ 0.56     $ 0.49     $ 1.49     $ 1.10  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings per common share — diluted (Note 8)
  $ 0.55     $ 0.48     $ 1.48     $ 1.09  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
    1,431       1,413       1,427       1,503  
 
                               
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding — diluted
    1,440       1,424       1,435       1,515  
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

2


Table of Contents

CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(Unaudited)
                                                         
                                    Accumulated              
            Additional                     Other     Unearned     Total  
    Common     Paid-In     Retained     Treasury     Comprehensive     Compensation     Stockholders’  
(In Thousands)   Stock     Capital     Income     Stock     Income     ESOP     Equity  
 
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2005
                                                       
 
                                                       
Balance at March 31, 2005
  $ 2,031     $ 12,883     $ 38,728     $ (9,907 )   $ (56 )   $ (5,440 )   $ 38,239  
Net income
                    2,125                               2,125  
Other comprehensive income net of tax:
                                                       
Unrealized gain on securities, net of reclassification adjustment (Note 5)
                                    (895 )             (895 )
 
                                                     
Comprehensive income
                                                    1,230  
 
                                                     
 
                                                       
Proceeds from exercise of stock options (1,583 shares)
    2       23                                       25  
Tax benefit of stock option exercises
            5                                       5  
Director deferred compensation transactions
            47               (50 )                     (3 )
Dividends paid ($0.48 per share)
                    (675 )                             (675 )
Amortization of unearned compensation - ESOP -
            (54 )                             388       334  
 
                                                       
 
                                         
Balance at December 31, 2005
  $ 2,033     $ 12,904     $ 40,178     $ (9,957 )   $ (951 )   $ (5,052 )   $ 39,155  
 
                                         
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents

CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    December 31,  
(In thousands)   2005     2004  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
 
               
Net income
  $ 2,125     $ 1,646  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    416       293  
Amortization of premiums
    110       137  
Provision for loan losses
    100       50  
Stock-based compensation
    334       345  
Net gains from sales and write-downs of investment securities
    (306 )     (432 )
Gain on sales of loans held for sale
    (183 )     (204 )
Originations of loans held for sale
    (15,240 )     (17,493 )
Proceeds from sale of loans originated for sale
    16,588       16,219  
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable
    7       (19 )
Decrease (increase) in other assets, net
    (61 )     322  
Increase in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
    196       49  
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities, net
    427       (3,218 )
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    4,513       (2,305 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
 
               
Increase in loans
    (26,347 )     (15,623 )
Principal payments on mortgage-backed securities
    9,261       5,797  
(Increase) decrease in certificate of deposit
    (14 )     609  
Proceeds from sales of investment securities
    3,661       6,188  
Purchases of investment securities
    (4,029 )     (47,404 )
Maturities and calls of investment securities
    1,500       4,495  
Purchase of banking premises and equipment
    (872 )     (688 )
 
           
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (16,840 )     (46,626 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
 
               
Increase in deposits
    26,325       18,402  
Proceeds from advances from FHLB of Boston
    122,184       13,000  
Repayment of advances from FHLB of Boston
    (133,819 )     (9,300 )
Increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings
    (141 )     (699 )
Issuance of subordinated debenture
          5,258  
Repayment of ESOP loan
    (292 )     (292 )
Purchase of shares by ESOP
          (2,565 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    25       19  
Tax benefit from exercise of stock option
    5        
Dividends paid, net
    (675 )     (542 )
Net directors’ deferred compensation
    (3 )     5  
Purchase of treasury stock
          (2,565 )
 
           
Net cash provided by financing activities
    13,609       20,721  
 
           
 
               
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    1,282       (28,210 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    6,383       34,337  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 7,665     $ 6,127  
 
           
 
               
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 9,838     $ 8,874  
Income taxes
  $ 938     $ 655  
See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents

CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005
(1) Basis of Presentation
     The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Central Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Central Co-operative Bank (the “Bank”) (collectively referred to as “the Company”) presented herein should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended March 31, 2005, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with instructions to Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include information or footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. However, in the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation. The results for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006 or any other period.
     The Company owns 100% of the common stock of Central Bancorp Capital Trust I (the “Trust”), which has issued trust preferred securities to the public. In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities – an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51,” as revised by FIN No. 46R (“FIN 46R”) issued in December 2002, the Trust is not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. (See Note 4).
     The Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in its Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2005. For interim reporting purposes, the Company follows the same significant accounting policies.
(2) Loans
     Loans, excluding loans held for sale, as of December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2005 are summarized below (unaudited, in thousands):
                 
    December 31,     March 31,  
    2005     2005  
Real estate loans:
               
Residential real estate (1-4 family)
  $ 160,485     $ 159,838  
Commercial real estate
    208,831       194,326  
Construction
    28,718       17,187  
Home equity lines of credit
    8,513       9,194  
 
           
Total real estate loans
    406,547       380,545  
 
           
Commercial loans
    5,229       4,786  
Consumer loans
    955       1,051  
 
           
Total loans
    412,731       386,382  
Less: allowance for loan losses
    (3,783 )     (3,681 )
 
           
Total loans, net
  $ 408,948     $ 382,701  
 
           
     There was one loan on non-accrual status totaling $120,000 as of December 31, 2005 and two loans on non-accrual status totaling $190,000 as of March 31, 2005. Net interest income not recognized on non-accrual loans amounted to $1,145 for the quarter ended December 31, 2005, $5,375 for the nine months ended December 31, 2005, and $5,027 for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.
     At December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2005, there were no impaired loans. Impaired loans are measured using the fair value of collateral. During the quarter ended December 31, 2005 and for the year ended March 31, 2005, there were no impaired loans. The Bank follows the same policy for recognition of income on impaired loans as it does for all other loans.

5


Table of Contents

CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005
     A summary of changes in the allowance for loan losses for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 follows (unaudited, in thousands):
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    December 31,  
    2005     2004  
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 3,783     $ 3,606  
Provision charged to expense
           
Less: charge-offs
    (12 )      
Add: recoveries
    12       15  
 
           
Balance at end of period
  $ 3,783     $ 3,621  
 
           
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    December 31,  
    2005     2004  
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 3,681     $ 3,537  
Provision charged to expense
    100       50  
Less: charge-offs
    (33 )     (1 )
Add: recoveries
    35       35  
 
           
Balance at end of period
  $ 3,783     $ 3,621  
 
           
(3) Deposits
     Deposits at December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2005 are summarized as follows (unaudited, in thousands):
                 
    December 31, 2005     March 31, 2005  
Demand deposit accounts
  $ 36,822     $ 33,982  
NOW accounts
    33,253       39,205  
Passbook and other savings accounts
    66,295       74,316  
Money market deposit accounts
    39,445       50,051  
 
           
Total non-certificate accounts
    175,815       197,554  
 
           
Term deposit certificates
               
Certificates of $100,000 and above
    66,943       47,270  
Certificates of less than $100,000
    116,782       88,391  
 
           
Total term deposit certificates
    183,725       135,661  
 
           
Total deposits
  $ 359,540     $ 333,215  
 
           
(4) Subordinated Debenture
     On September 16, 2004, Central Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) completed a trust preferred securities financing in the amount of $5.1 million. In the transaction, the Company formed a Delaware statutory trust, known as Central Bancorp Capital Trust I (the “Trust”). The Trust issued and sold $5.1 million of trust preferred securities in a private placement and issued $158,000 of trust common securities to the Company. The Trust used the proceeds of these issuances to purchase $5.3 million of the Company’s floating rate junior subordinated debentures due September 16, 2034 (the “Debentures”). The interest rate on the Debentures and the trust preferred securities is variable and adjustable quarterly at 2.44% over three-month LIBOR. At December 31, 2005, the interest rate was 6.93%. The Debentures are the sole assets of the Trust and are subordinate to all of the Company’s existing and future obligations for borrowed money. The trust preferred securities generally rank equal to the trust common securities in priority of payment, but will rank prior to the trust common securities if and so long as the Company

6


Table of Contents

CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005
fails to make principal or interest payments on the Debentures. Concurrently with the issuance of the Debentures and the trust preferred securities, the Company issued a guarantee related to the trust securities for the benefit of the holders and pursuant to which the Company unconditionally guarantees the Trust’s financial obligations.
     On September 17, 2004, the Company completed the repurchase of 77,134 shares of its outstanding common stock, reducing the Company’s outstanding common stock to 1,588,598 shares. In addition, the Central Co-operative Bank Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”) completed the purchase of another 77,134 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company and the ESOP purchased the shares pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated September 13, 2004, by and among the Company and the ESOP and PL Capital, LLC, Financial Edge Fund, L.P., Financial Edge-Strategic Fund, L.P., Goodbody/PL Capital, L.P., Goodbody/PL Capital, LLC, Richard Lashley, John W. Palmer and Richard J. Fates.
(5) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
     The Company has established standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income, which is defined as all changes to equity except investments by, and distributions to, shareholders. Net income is a component of comprehensive income, with all other components referred to, in the aggregate, as other comprehensive income.
     The Company’s other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effect for the nine months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 are as follows (unaudited in thousands):
                         
    For the Nine Months Ended  
    December 31, 2005  
    Before-              
    Tax     Tax     After-Tax  
    Amount     Effect     Amount  
Unrealized losses on securities:
                       
Unrealized net holding losses during period
  $ (1,076 )   $ (379 )   $ (697 )
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
    306       108       198  
 
                 
Other comprehensive loss
  $ (1,382 )   $ (487 )   $ (895 )
 
                 
                         
    For the Nine Months Ended  
    December 31, 2004  
    Before-              
    Tax     Tax     After-Tax  
    Amount     Effect     Amount  
Unrealized losses on securities:
                       
Unrealized net holding losses during period
  $ (1,203 )   $ (424 )   $ (779 )
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income
    432       161       271  
 
                 
Other comprehensive loss
  $ (1,635 )   $ (585 )   $ (1,050 )
 
                 

7


Table of Contents

CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005
(6) Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
     The Company from time to time is involved as a plaintiff or defendant in various legal actions incident to its business. None of these actions are believed to be material, either individually or collectively, to the results of operations and financial condition of the Company.
(7) Subsequent Event
     On January 19, 2006, the Board of Directors voted for the payment of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.18 per share. The dividend is payable on February 17, 2006 to stockholders of record as of February 3, 2006.
(8) Earnings per Share (EPS)
     Unallocated ESOP shares are not treated as being outstanding in the computation of either basic or diluted EPS. At December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, there were approximately 158,000 and 174,000 unallocated ESOP shares, respectively. For the periods ending December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2005 there are no pro forma expenses associated with options granted in either year.
     The following depicts a reconciliation of earnings per share:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    December 31,     December 31,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
    (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 796     $ 686     $ 2,125     $ 1,646  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    1,590       1,589       1,590       1,636  
 
                               
Weighted average number of unallocated ESOP shares
    (159 )     (176 )     (163 )     (133 )
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in calculation of basic earnings per share
    1,431       1,413       1,427       1,503  
 
                               
Incremental shares from the assumed exercise of dilutive stock options
    9       11       8       12  
 
                       
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding used in calculating diluted earnings per share
    1,440       1,424       1.435       1,515  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings per share
                               
 
                               
Basic
  $ .56     $ .49     $ 1.49     $ 1.10  
 
                               
Diluted
  $ .55     $ .48     $ 1.48     $ 1.09  

8


Table of Contents

CENTRAL BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2005
(9) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
     In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment.” SFAS No. 123(R) replaces FASB No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” and supersedes Auditing Practices Board (“APB”) opinion No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and requires entities to recognize a compensation cost on the financial statements relating to share-based transactions. Previously, companies had the option of adopting a fair value measurement of the equity or liability instruments issued or disclosing the impact in the footnotes. Under SFAS No. 123(R), companies will be required to adopt the fair value method of measurement over a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including stock options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, stock appreciation rights and employee stock purchase plans. Application of SFAS No. 123(R) as amended by SAB 107 is required the first fiscal quarter for the next fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company does not believe that the application of SFAS No. 123(R) will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations, since there currently are no unvested stock options outstanding at this time.
     The FASB has issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 115-1 and 124-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments.” The guidance in this FSP addresses the determination of when an investment is considered impaired, whether that impairment is other than temporary, and the measurement of an impairment loss. The FSP also includes accounting considerations subsequent to the recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment and requires certain disclosures about unrealized losses that have not been recognized as other than temporary impairments. The guidance in this FSP amends FASB Statement No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and FASB Statement No. 124, Accounting for Certain Investments Held by Not-for-Profit Organizations, and adds a footnote to APB Opinion No. 18, The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock. The guidance in this FSP nullifies certain requirements of EITF Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments,” and supersedes EITF Abstracts, Topic 0-44, “Recognition of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment upon the Planned Sale of a Security Whose Cost Exceeds Fair Value.” The guidance in this FSP is required to be applied to reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2005. The Company does not anticipate that the guidance will have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
     Management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of Central Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” or “Central Bancorp”). The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and footnotes appearing in Part I, Item 1 of this document.
Forward-Looking Statements
     This quarterly report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are not historical facts, but rather are statements based on Central Bancorp’s current expectations regarding its business strategies and their intended results and its future performance. Forward-looking statements are preceded by terms such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends” and similar expressions.
     Management’s ability to predict results or the effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. These factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, changes in the interest rate environment, legislative or regulatory changes that may adversely affect our business, changes in accounting policies and practices, changes in competition and demand for financial services, adverse changes in the securities markets and changes in the quality or composition of the Company’s loan or investment portfolios. These factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Central Bancorp assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

9


Table of Contents

General
     The Company is a Massachusetts holding company established in 1998 to be the holding company for Central Co-operative Bank (the “Bank”). The Company’s primary business activity is the ownership of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank. Accordingly, the information set forth in this report, including the consolidated financial statements and related data, relates primarily to the Bank.
     The Bank is a Massachusetts co-operative bank headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts with eight full-service facilities, a limited service high school branch in suburban Boston, and a stand alone 24-hour automated teller machine in Somerville. The Bank has received approval to open a new branch office in Medford, Massachusetts. The branch is expected to open this Spring. We primarily generate funds in the form of deposits and use the funds to make mortgage loans for construction, purchase and refinancing of residential properties, and to make loans on commercial real estate in our market area.
Critical Accounting Policies
     Accounting policies involving significant judgments and assumptions by management, which have, or could have, a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and impact income, are considered critical accounting policies. The Company considers the allowance for loan losses to be its critical accounting policy. There have been no significant changes in the methods or assumptions used in the accounting policies that require material estimates and assumptions.
     Arriving at an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses necessarily involves a high degree of judgment. The ongoing evaluation process includes a formal analysis of the allowance each quarter, which considers, among other factors, the character and size of the loan portfolio, business and economic conditions, loan growth, delinquency trends, nonperforming loan trends, charge-off experience and other asset quality factors. The Company evaluates specific loan status reports on certain commercial and commercial real estate loans rated “substandard” or worse in excess of a specified dollar amount. Estimated reserves for each of these credits is determined by reviewing current collateral value, financial information, cash flow, payment history and trends and other relevant facts surrounding the particular credit. Provisions for losses on the remaining commercial and commercial real estate loans are based on pools of similar loans using a combination of historical loss experience and qualitative adjustments. For the residential real estate and consumer loan portfolios, the range of reserves is calculated by applying historical charge-off and recovery experience to the current outstanding balance in each loan category. Although management uses available information to establish the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on estimates that are susceptible to change as a result of changes in economic conditions and other factors. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

10


Table of Contents

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2005 and March 31, 2005
     Total assets increased by $15.8 million, or 3%, from $521.1 million at March 31, 2005 to $536.9 million at December 31, 2005. During the quarter ended December 31, 2005, loans (excluding loans held for sale) increased by $26.3 million due primarily to increases in commercial real estate loans ($17.0 million), construction loans ($11.6 million) and commercial loans ($402 thousand) as the Company continues to emphasize the origination of these types of loans. There were declines of $57 thousand in other consumer loans and in residential loans of $2.6 million. Management regularly assesses the desirability of holding newly originated long-term fixed-rate residential mortgage loans in portfolio or selling such loans in the secondary market. A number of factors are evaluated to determine whether or not to hold such loans in portfolio including current and projected liquidity, current and projected interest rates, projected growth in other interest-earning assets and the current and projected interest rate risk profile. Based on its consideration of these factors, management determined that most long term fixed-rate residential mortgage loans originated during the current quarter should be sold in the secondary market which contributed to the decline in residential loans. The decision to sell or hold loans is made at the time the loan commitment is issued and the Bank simultaneously enters into a best efforts forward commitment to sell the loan to manage the interest rate risk associated with the decision to sell the loan. Loans are sold servicing released.
     The Company experienced a decrease of $21.7 million in core deposits (consisting of all non-certificate accounts) and growth of $48.0 million in term deposits resulting in a net increase in total deposits of $26.3 million, or 7.9%. The decrease in core deposits was related to declines in NOW accounts, savings accounts and money market deposit accounts, at least in part as customers took advantage of higher certificate of deposit rates, partly offset by an increase in total demand deposits of $2.8 million. The increase in demand deposits reflects the successful marketing efforts in expanding the promotion of the Bank’s free checking product to customers during 2005. The increase in term deposits is the result of special promotional rates offered on shorter-term deposits (7-months to 13-months) in anticipation of changing interest rates in the market place. These shorter-term deposits have been marketed to a larger target base to solicit new customers and to increase balances of existing customer accounts.
     Total borrowings decreased $11.6 million from $138.1 million at March 31, 2005 to $126.5 million at December 31, 2005. The Bank was able to decrease borrowed funds by the increase in deposits due to the successful promotion of certificates of deposit during the first three quarters of fiscal year 2006.
     Total stockholders’ equity increased during the first nine months of fiscal 2006 by $916 thousand primarily due to net income earned during the year. Net income was partially offset by the payment of dividends to shareholders and a decline in other comprehensive income.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Quarters Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
     Net income increased by $110 thousand to $796 thousand, or $0.55 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2005, compared to $686,000, or $0.48 per diluted share, for the corresponding quarter in the prior year. The increase in net interest income received by the Company is the most significant reason for the increase in net income.
     Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the period ended December 31, 2005 increased $105 thousand or 2.64% when compared to the period ended December 31, 2004, primarily as a result of an increase in total average earning assets, as well as an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets from 5.65% for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 to 5.86% for the quarter ended December 31, 2005. Total average-earning assets have increased $32.3 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2006 as compared to the corresponding quarter in fiscal 2005.
     The Company’s net interest margin decreased twelve basis points from 3.22% in the prior year’s quarter to 3.10% in the current quarter. The eleven basis point decrease in net interest margin is attributable to the shift in deposit growth from core deposits to certificates of deposit. The average balance of certificates of deposit during the quarter ended December 31, 2004 was $110 million or $45.6 million less than the average balance of $155.6 million during the same quarter ended 2005. The Company has continued to hold its core deposit rates at a static level, while pricing its shorter term certificates of deposit accounts to compete with the increasing short-term market interest rates.
     Interest Income. Interest and dividend income for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 increased approximately $730 thousand to $7.7 million as compared to $7.0 million in the prior year quarter. This increase was

11


Table of Contents

a result of the yield on interest-earning assets increasing from 5.65% in the quarter ended December 31, 2004 to 5.86% in the current quarter. In addition, average interest-earning assets increased by $32.3 million as compared to the prior corresponding period.
     Interest Expense. Interest expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 increased by $625 thousand to $3.6 million as compared to $3.0 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2004. An increase of thirty eight basis points in the cost of funds from 2.79% in the quarter ended December 31, 2004 to 3.17% in the quarter ended December 31, 2005, resulting from a general increase in short-term interest rates and special certificate of deposit promotions, and an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities of $27.4 million as compared to the prior year‘s corresponding period resulted in this increase.
     The following table presents average balances and average rates earned/paid by the Company for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2004:
                                                 
    Three Months Ended December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    Average             Average     Average             Average  
    Balance     Interest     Rate     Balance     Interest     Rate  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Interest-earning assets:
                                               
Mortgage loans
  $ 406,727     $ 6,275       6.17 %   $ 357,470     $ 5,455       6.10 %
Other loans
    5,716       110       7.70       6,328       104       6.57  
Investment securities
    110,140       1,295       4.70       118,443       1,367       4.62  
Short-term investments
    3,314       22       2.66       11,354       46       1.62  
 
                                       
Total interest-earning assets
    525,897       7,702       5.86       493,595       6,972       5.65  
 
                                       
 
                                               
Allowance for loan losses
    (3,786 )                     (3,613 )                
Non-interest-earning assets
    16,662                       15,588                  
 
                                           
Total assets
  $ 538,773                     $ 505,570                  
 
                                           
 
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Deposits
  $ 315,527     $ 1,806       2.29     $ 283,304     $ 1,184       1.67  
Advances from FHLB of Boston
    133,833       1,683       5.03       138,343       1,709       4.94  
Other borrowings
    8,174       134       6.56       8,466       105       4.96  
 
                                       
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    457,534       3,623       3.17       430,113       2,998       2.79  
 
                                       
 
                                               
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
    42,184                       36,971                  
 
                                           
Total liabilities
    499,718                       467,084                  
 
                                               
Stockholders’ equity
    39,055                       38,486                  
 
                                           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 538,773                     $ 505,570                  
 
                                           
 
                                               
Net interest and dividend income
          $ 4,079                     $ 3,974          
 
                                           
Net interest spread
                    2.69 %                     2.86 %
 
                                           
Net interest margin
                    3.10 %                     3.22 %
 
                                           
     Provision for Loan Losses. The Company provides for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level that management estimates is adequate to absorb probable losses based on an evaluation of known and inherent risks in the portfolio. In determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers past and anticipated loss experience, evaluations of underlying collateral, prevailing economic conditions, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio and the levels of non-performing and other classified loans. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates and ultimate losses may vary from such estimates. Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and provides for loan losses monthly when appropriate to maintain the adequacy of the allowance.

12


Table of Contents

     During the quarter ended December 31, 2005, the Company made no provision for loan losses and had no provision during the corresponding quarter in 2004. While the Company’s high asset quality, as measured continually by delinquency rates, charge-offs and loan classifications, continues to be satisfactory, the shifting of the mix of the loan portfolio to a greater portion of commercial real estate loans indicates the need for the Company to continue to assess the adequacy of the reserve for loan losses and provide additional provisions when required. Changes in the mix of the loan portfolio are detailed in footnote 2 of this document.
     Non-Interest Income. Total non-interest income was $447 thousand for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 compared to $377,000 in the same period of 2004. The primary reason for the $70 thousand increase in the current year’s quarter was due to the increased fees earned in 2005 on transaction deposit accounts of $103 thousand. Gains on sales of investments totaled $93 thousand during the current quarter, up $9 thousand from the $84,000 recognized in the prior year’s quarter. Gains on sales of loans totaled $44 thousand during the current quarter, down $41 thousand from the $85,000 recognized in the prior year’s quarter, due to a decline in residential lending volume.
     Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense increased $53 thousand, or 1.6 %, to $3.3 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2005 as compared to $3.2 million during the same quarter in 2004 due principally to increases in salaries and employee benefits ($34,000), office occupancy and equipment ($83,000), and marketing expenses ($58,000) partially offset by declines in professional fees ($56,000) and other non-operating expenses ($54,000).
     The increase in salaries and employee benefits of $34,000, or 1.8 %, to $2.0 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2005, was due primarily to increases in salary in the ordinary course of business, and increases in staffing and healthcare costs. This increase of $34,000 was partially offset by decreases in commissions paid to employees, ESOP compensation expense, and staff bonus expense.
     Office occupancy and equipment expenses increased $83,000, or 25.7%, to $406,000 during the current quarter ended December 31, 2005 due to higher utility costs, increased maintenance costs and increased depreciation of equipment.
     Data processing costs declined $12,000, or 5.0%, to $227,000 primarily as a result of the renegotiation and extension of our contact with our primary data processing provider during fiscal year 2005.
     Professional fees decreased $56,000, or 25.8%, to $161,000 during the current quarter ended December 31, 2005 due to a decrease of legal expenses of $63,000, which includes an insurance recovery of litigation costs of $25,400. Increased professional fees of $9,000 due to outside consulting in the quarter ended December 31, 2005 for compliance and risk management partially offset the decrease in overall professional fees.
     Marketing expenses increased $58,000, or 53.2%, to $167,000 during the current quarter ended December 31, 2005 as compared to December 31, 2004 due to increased costs for newspaper advertising, ad production, and printing costs for brochures and flyers related to the current promotions for demand deposit accounts and certificates of deposit during the quarter ending December 31, 2005.
     Other non-interest expenses decreased $54,000 or 12.2%, to $389,000 during the current quarter ended December 31, 2005 primarily due to an insurance litigation settlement recovery of $36,300, along with decreases in general overhead costs primarily attributable to a decrease in the cost of office supplies and other services provided to the Bank.
     Income Taxes. The effective tax rates for the quarters ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 were 35% and 37.7%, respectively. The 2004 quarter was negatively impacted by certain non-deductible expenses associated with the stock buyback completed during the quarter, resulting in a higher than expected effective rate for the period.

13


Table of Contents

Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
     For the nine months ended December 31, 2005, net income increased 29.1% to $2.1 million or $1.48 per diluted share, compared to $1.6 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, in the year earlier period. This change was primarily the result of the Company’s increased net interest income.
     Interest Income. Interest income for the nine months ended December 31, 2005 was $22.6 million, or $2.1 million more than the amount earned in the same period in the prior year due to increased loan balances and increasing rates. The yield on interest-earning assets increased from 5.61% in the first nine months of the prior year to 5.79% in the same period of the current year. Average interest-earning assets increased by $34 million, or 6.96%, to $521.7 million during the nine months ended December 31, 2005, from $487.7 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004.
     Interest Expense. Interest expense for the nine months ended December 31, 2005 was $10.2 million compared to $8.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $1.3 million or 14.7%. This increase resulted from a twenty basis point increase in the cost of funds from 2.79% in the nine months ended December 31, 2004 to 2.99% in the nine months ended December 31, 2005 and an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities of $30 million to $454.6 million from $424.6 million primarily from the promotion of certificates of deposit.
     The increase in the cost of funds during the first nine months of the current year was entirely due to an increase in the cost of deposits from 1.69% during the prior year period to 2.03% during the nine months ended December 31, 2005. The cost of FHLB advances, the Company’s other primary interest-bearing liability, decreased slightly during the nine months ended December 31, 2005 to 4.90% from 4.92% in the comparable prior year period.

14


Table of Contents

     The following table presents average balances and average rates earned/paid by the Company for the nine months ended December 31, 2005 compared to the nine months ended December 31, 2004:
                                                 
    Nine Months Ended December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    Average             Average     Average           Average  
    Balance     Interest     Rate     Balance     Interest     Rate  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Interest-earning assets:
                                               
Mortgage loans
  $ 398,024     $ 18,246       6.11 %   $ 354,935     $ 16,295       6.12 %
Other loans
    5,905       317       7.16       5,722       275       6.41  
Investment securities
    113,685       3,990       4.68       108,100       3,778       4.66  
Short-term investments
    4,092       88       2.87       18,988       165       1.16  
 
                                       
Total interest-earning assets
    521,706       22,641       5.79       487,745       20,513       5.61  
 
                                       
 
                                               
Allowance for loan losses
    (3,744 )                     (3,596 )                
Non-interest-earning assets
    16,898                       17,511                  
 
                                           
Total assets
  $ 534,860                     $ 501,660                  
 
                                           
 
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Deposits
  $ 306,342       4,666       2.03     $ 279,742       3,550       1.69  
Advances from FHLB of Boston
    139,451       5,125       4.90       139,163       5,140       4.92  
Other borrowings
    8,855       399       6.01       5,709       196       4.58  
 
                                       
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    454,648       10,190       2.99       424,614       8,886       2.79  
 
                                       
 
                                               
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
    41,075                       37,178                  
 
                                           
Total liabilities
    495,723                       461,792                  
 
                                               
Stockholders’ equity
    39,137                       39,868                  
 
                                           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 534,860                     $ 501,660                  
 
                                           
 
                                               
Net interest and dividend income
          $ 12,451                     $ 11,627          
 
                                           
Net interest spread
                    2.80 %                     2.82 %
 
                                             
Net interest margin
                    3.18 %                     3.18 %
 
                                             
     Provision for Loan Losses. The Company provides for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level that management estimates is adequate to absorb probable losses based on an evaluation of known and inherent risks in the portfolio. In determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses, management considers past and anticipated loss experience, evaluations of underlying collateral, prevailing economic conditions, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio and the levels of non-performing and other classified loans. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates and ultimate losses may vary from such estimates. Management assesses the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and provides for loan losses monthly when appropriate to maintain the adequacy of the allowance.
     During the first nine months of the current year, the Company provided $100,000 for loan losses. While the Company’s asset quality, as measured principally by delinquency rates, charge-offs and loan classifications, continues to be high, the shifting of the mix of the loan portfolio to a greater portion of commercial real estate loans, which generally carries a higher risk of default than residential loans, indicated the need for an increase in the reserve for loan losses in the first nine months of fiscal 2006, while $50,000 was recorded in the corresponding period of the prior year.
     Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income increased to $1.5 million during the nine months ended December 31, 2005 from $1.3 million in the prior year period. An increase in fees for deposit accounts of $280,000 was offset by a decrease in gains on sales of investment securities of $126,000. Other income increased by $90,000 primarily due to loan prepayment fees and increased fees from third-party investment services.

15


Table of Contents

     Net gains from sales and write-downs of investment securities were $306,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2005 compared to net gains of $432,000 in the comparable prior year period. During the nine months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company did not record any write-downs of equity securities which had experienced a decline in fair value judged to be other than temporary.
     Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense increased 3.6% during the nine months ended December 31, 2005, as compared to the corresponding period in the prior year. Non–interest expense increased $367,000 due principally to increases in salaries and employee benefits of $612,000 and occupancy costs of $221,000 offset by decreases in professional fees of $259,000, data processing costs of $89,000, and other expense costs of $117,000.
     The increase in salaries and employee benefits of $612,000 or 10.6%, during the nine months ended December 31, 2005, was due primarily to an accrued severance expense of $283,000 due to branch staffing restructuring, overall salary increases in the ordinary course of business, increases in staffing to support a larger asset base and increased health care costs.
     Office occupancy and equipment expenses increased $221,000 or 23.3%, to $1,169 during the nine months ended December 31, 2005 due to higher utility costs, increased maintenance costs and increased depreciation of equipment.
     Data processing costs declined $89,000 or 11.2%, to $705,000 primarily as a result of the renegotiation and extension of our contact with our primary data processing provider during fiscal year 2005.
     Professional fees decreased $259,000 or 31.4% to $566,000 during the nine months ended December 31, 2005 mainly due to a decrease of legal expenses of $134,000 and a decrease of $112,000 in professional fees paid to outside consulting services related to services utilized in 2004 that were discontinued in 2005.
     Other non-interest expenses decreased $117,000 or 8.4%, to $1.3 million during the nine months ended December 31, 2005 due primarily to an overall decrease in general overhead costs, specifically office supplies and other services provided to the Bank.
     Income Taxes. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 were 35.2% and 37.8%, respectively. The 2004 period was negatively impacted by certain non-deductible expenses associated with the stock buyback completed during the period, resulting in a higher than expected effective rate for the period.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future financial obligations of a short-term nature. The Company’s principal sources of liquidity are customer deposits, short-term investments, loan repayments, advances from the FHLB of Boston and funds from operations. The Bank is a voluntary member of the FHLB of Boston and, as such, is entitled to borrow up to the value of its qualified collateral that has not been pledged to others. Qualified collateral generally consists of residential first mortgage loans, U.S. Government and agencies securities, mortgage-backed securities and funds on deposit at the FHLB of Boston. At December 31, 2005, the Company had approximately $53.9 million in unused borrowing capacity at the FHLB of Boston.
     At December 31, 2005, the Company had commitments to originate loans, unused outstanding lines of credit and undisbursed proceeds of loans totaling $43 million. Since many of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet its current loan commitments.

16


Table of Contents

     The Company’s and the Bank’s capital ratios at December 31, 2005 were as follows:
                 
    Company   Bank
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)
    8.01 %     7.39 %
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    11.99 %     11.05 %
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    13.05 %     12.11 %
     These ratios place the Company in excess of regulatory standards and the Bank in the “well capitalized” category as set forth by the FDIC.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
     In the normal course of operations, we engage in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are not recorded in our financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments and lines of credit.
     For the three and nine months ended December 31, 2005, we engaged in no off-balance sheet transactions reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
     The Company’s earnings are largely dependent on its net interest income, which is the difference between the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The Company seeks to reduce its exposure to changes in interest rate, or market risk, through active monitoring and management of its interest-rate risk exposure. The policies and procedures for managing both on- and off-balance sheet activities are established by the Bank’s asset/liability management committee (“ALCO”). The Board of Directors reviews and approves the ALCO policy annually and monitors related activities on an ongoing basis.
     Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. The Company’s market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in its lending, borrowing and deposit taking activities.
     The main objective in managing interest rate risk is to minimize the adverse impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income and preserve capital, while adjusting the asset/liability structure to control interest-rate risk. However, a sudden and substantial increase or decrease in interest rates may adversely impact earnings to the extent that the interest rates borne by assets and liabilities do not change at the same speed, to the same extent, or on the same basis.
     The Company quantifies its interest-rate risk exposure using a sophisticated simulation model. Simulation analysis is used to measure the exposure of net interest income to changes in interest rates over a specific time horizon. Simulation analysis involves projecting future interest income and expense under various rate scenarios. The simulation is based on both actual and forecasted cash flows and assumptions of management about the future changes in interest rates and levels of activity (loan originations, loan prepayments, deposit flows, etc). The assumptions are inherently uncertain and, therefore, actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes as well as changes in market conditions and strategies. The net interest income projection resulting from use of actual and forecasted cash flows and management’s assumptions is compared to net interest income projections based on an immediate shift of 300 basis points upward and 200 basis points downward. Internal guidelines on interest rate risk state that for every immediate shift in interest rates of 100 basis points, estimated net interest income over the next twelve months should decline by no more than 5%.

17


Table of Contents

     The following table indicates the projected change in net interest income and sets forth such change as a percentage of estimated net interest income, for the twelve-month period following the date indicated assuming an immediate and parallel shift for all market rates with other rates adjusting to varying degrees in each scenario based on both historical and expected spread relationships:
                                 
    December 31,     March 31,  
    2005     2005  
    Amount     % Change     Amount     % Change  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
300 basis point increase in rates
  $ (2,324 )     (14.42 )%   $ (2,361 )     (13.8 )%
150 basis point decrease in rates
                (455 )     (2.7 )%
200 basis point decrease in rates
    (514 )     (3.19 )%            
     As noted, this policy provides broad, visionary guidance for managing the Bank’s balance sheet, not absolute limits. When the simulation results indicate a variance from the stated parameters, ALCO will intensify its scrutiny of the reasons for the variance and take whatever actions are deemed appropriate under the circumstances. The current simulation was negatively impacted by the current relatively flat yield curve.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
     The Company’s management has carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
     In addition, based on that evaluation, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

18


Table of Contents

Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
     Periodically, there have been various claims and lawsuits against us, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which we hold security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans and other issues incident to our business. We are not a party to any pending legal proceedings that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
     Not applicable.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
     The Company did not repurchase any of its securities during the quarter ended December 31, 2005.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
     Not applicable.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
     Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
     None.
Item 6. Exhibits
      Exhibits
  31.1   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
  31.2   Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 
  32   Section 1350 Certifications

19


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
    CENTRAL BANCORP, INC.
           Registrant
 
       
February 14, 2006
  By:   /s/ John D. Doherty
 
       
 
      John D. Doherty
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
       
February 14, 2006
  By:   /s/ Paul S. Feeley
 
       
 
      Paul S. Feeley
Senior Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer

20