10-K


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For transition period from              to             
Commission File Number 001-33390
___________________________________________ 
TFS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
 ___________________________________________ 
United States of America
 
52-2054948
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
7007 Broadway Avenue
 
 
Cleveland, Ohio
 
44105
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(216) 441-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(Title of class)
The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC
(Name of exchange on which registered)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
___________________________________________ 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes x    No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  o    No  x
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  x    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer” and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer  x
 
Accelerated filer  o
 
Non-accelerated filer  o
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
 
 
(do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)    Yes  o    No x
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, computed by reference to the last sale price on March 31, 2015, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was approximately $996.1 million.
At November 23, 2015 there were 289,901,597 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding, of which 227,119,132 shares, or 78.34% of the Registrant’s common stock, were held by Third Federal Savings and Loan Association of Cleveland, MHC, the Registrant’s mutual holding company.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (to the Extent Indicated Herein)
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.




TFS Financial Corporation
INDEX
 
Part I
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
 
Item 1B.
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
Part II
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 
Item 7.
 
 
 
 
Item 7A.
 
 
 
 
Item 8.
 
 
 
 
Item 9.
 
 
 
 
Item 9A.
 
 
 
 
Item 9B.
 
 
 
 
Part III
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 10.
 
 
 
 
Item 11.
 
 
 
 
Item 12.
 
 
 
 
Item 13.
 
 
 
 
Item 14.
 
 
 
 
Part IV
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 15.
 


2



GLOSSARY OF TERMS
TFS Financial Corporation provides the following list of acronyms as a tool for the reader. The acronyms identified below are used throughout the document.
    
AOCI:  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
GAAP:  Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
ARM: Adjustable Rate Mortgage
GVA:  General Valuation Allowances
ASC: Accounting Standards Codification
HARP:  Home Affordable Refinance Program
ASU: Accounting Standards Update
HPI:  Home Price Index
Association: Third Federal Savings and Loan
IRR:  Interest Rate Risk
Association of Cleveland
IRS:  Internal Revenue Service
BAAS:  OCC Bank Accounting Advisory Series
IVA:  Individual Valuation Allowance
BOLI:  Bank Owned Life Insurance
LIHTC: Low Income Housing Tax Credit
CDs:  Certificates of Deposit
LIP:  Loans-in-Process
CFPB:  Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
LTV:  Loan-to-Value
CLTV:  Combined Loan-to-Value
MGIC:  Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation
Company: TFS Financial Corporation and its
MOU:  Memorandum of Understanding
subsidiaries
NOW:  Negotiable Order of Withdrawal
DFA: Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
OCC:  Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Protection Act of 2010
OCI:  Other Comprehensive Income
DIF:  Depository Insurance Fund
OTS:  Office of Thrift Supervision
EaR:  Earnings at Risk
PMI:  Private Mortgage Insurance
EPS:  Earnings per Share

PMIC:  PMI Mortgage Insurance Co.
ESOP:  Third Federal Employee (Associate) Stock
QTL:  Qualified Thrift Lender
Ownership Plan
REMICs:  Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits
EVE:  Economic Value of Equity
REIT:  Real Estate Investment Trust
FASB:  Financial Accounting Standards Board
SVA:  Specific Valuation Allowance
FDIC:  Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
SEC:  United States Securities and Exchange
FHFA:  Federal Housing Finance Agency
Commission
FHLB:  Federal Home Loan Bank
TDR:  Troubled Debt Restructuring
Fannie Mae:  Federal National Mortgage Association
Third Federal Savings, MHC: Third Federal Savings
FRB-Cleveland: Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
and Loan Association of Cleveland, MHC
FRS:  Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
 


3



PART I

Item 1.
Business

Forward Looking Statements
This report contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of such words as estimate, project, believe, intend, anticipate, plan, seek, expect and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, among other things:
statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;
statements regarding our business plans and prospects and growth and operating strategies;
statements concerning trends in our provision for loan losses and charge-offs;
statements regarding the trends in factors affecting our financial condition and results of operations, including asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and
estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.
These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including, among other things, the following important factors that could affect the actual outcome of future events:
significantly increased competition among depository and other financial institutions;
inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our interest margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments;
general economic conditions, either globally, nationally or in our market areas, including employment prospects, real estate values and conditions that are worse than expected;
decreased demand for our products and services and lower revenue and earnings because of a recession or other events;
adverse changes and volatility in the securities markets, credit markets or real estate markets;
legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business, including changes in regulatory costs and capital requirements and changes related to our ability to pay dividends and the ability of Third Federal Savings, MHC to waive dividends;
our ability to enter new markets successfully and take advantage of growth opportunities, and the possible short-term dilutive effect of potential acquisitions or de novo branches, if any;
changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits;
changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;
future adverse developments concerning Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac;
changes in monetary and fiscal policy of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the FRS and changes in the level of government support of housing finance;
changes in policy and/or assessment rates of taxing authorities that adversely affect us;
changes in our organization, or compensation and benefit plans and changes in expense trends (including, but not limited to trends affecting non-performing assets, charge-offs and provisions for loan losses);
the impact of the governmental effort to restructure the U.S. financial and regulatory system, including the extensive reforms enacted in the DFA and the continuing impact of our coming under the jurisdiction of new federal regulators;
the inability of third-party providers to perform their obligations to us;
a slowing or failure of the moderate economic recovery;
the adoption of implementing regulations by a number of different regulatory bodies under the DFA, and uncertainty in the exact nature, extent and timing of such regulations and the impact they will have on us;
the strength or weakness of the real estate markets and of the consumer and commercial credit sectors and its impact on the credit quality of our loans and other assets; and
the ability of the U.S. Government to manage federal debt limits.
Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by any forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this report speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Please see Item 1A. Risk Factors for a discussion of certain risks related to our business.

4



TFS FINANCIAL CORPORATION
TFS Financial Corporation (“we,” “us,” or “our”) was organized in 1997 as the mid-tier stock holding company for the Association. We completed our initial public stock offering on April 20, 2007 and issued 100,199,618 shares of common stock, or 30.16% of our post-offering outstanding common stock, to subscribers in the offering. Additionally, at the time of the public offering, 5,000,000 shares of our common stock, or 1.50% of our outstanding shares, were issued to the newly formed charitable foundation, Third Federal Foundation. Third Federal Savings, MHC, our mutual holding company parent, holds the remainder of our outstanding common stock (227,119,132 shares). Net proceeds from our initial public stock offering were approximately $886 million and reflected the costs we incurred in completing the offering as well as a $106.5 million loan to the ESOP related to its acquisition of shares in the initial public stock offering.
Our ownership of the Association remains our primary business activity.
We also operate Third Capital, Inc. as a wholly-owned subsidiary. See Third Capital, Inc. below.
As the holding company of the Association, we are authorized to pursue other business activities permitted by applicable laws and regulations for savings and loan holding companies, which include making equity investments and the acquisition of banking and financial services companies.
Our cash flow depends primarily on earnings from the investment of the portion of the net offering proceeds we retained, and any dividends we receive from the Association and Third Capital, Inc. All of our officers are also officers of the Association. In addition, we use the services of the support staff of the Association from time to time. We may hire additional employees, as needed, to the extent we expand our business in the future.
THIRD CAPITAL, INC.
Third Capital, Inc. is a Delaware corporation that was organized in 1998 as our wholly-owned subsidiary. At September 30, 2015, Third Capital, Inc. had consolidated assets of $79.6 million, and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, Third Capital, Inc. had consolidated net income of $0.3 million. Third Capital, Inc. has no separate operations other than as the holding company for its operating subsidiaries, and as a minority investor or partner in other entities including minority investments in private equity funds. The following is a description of the entities, other than the private equity funds, in which Third Capital, Inc. is the owner, an investor or a partner.
Hazelmere Investment Group I, Ltd. This Ohio limited liability company engages in net lease transactions of commercial buildings in targeted markets. Third Capital, Inc. is a partner of this entity, receives a priority return on amounts contributed to acquire investment properties and has a 70% ownership interest in remaining earnings. Hazelmere Investment Group I, Ltd.recorded a net loss of $19 thousand during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015.
Third Cap Associates, Inc. This Ohio corporation owns 49% and 60% of two title agencies that provide escrow and settlement services in the State of Ohio, primarily to customers of the Association. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, Third Cap Associates, Inc. recorded net income of $0.5 million.
Third Capital Mortgage Insurance Company. Through March 31, 2014, this Vermont corporation reinsured (on a second tier, excess loss basis) private mortgage insurance on residential mortgage loans originated by the Association. Effective March 31, 2014, all remaining contracts for reinsurance were terminated. The process to dissolve this company is underway as of September 30, 2015. For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, Third Capital Mortgage Insurance Company recorded a net loss of $10 thousand.
THIRD FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF CLEVELAND
General
The Association is a federally chartered savings and loan association headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, that was organized in 1938. In May 1997, the Association reorganized into its current two-tier mutual holding company structure. The Association’s principal business consists of originating and servicing residential real estate mortgage loans and attracting retail savings deposits.
The Association’s business strategy is to originate mortgage loans with interest rates that are competitive with those of similar products offered by other financial institutions in its markets. Similarly, the Association offers high-yield checking accounts and high-yield savings accounts and certificate of deposit accounts, each bearing interest rates that are competitive with similar products offered by other financial institutions in its markets. The Association expects to continue to pursue this business philosophy. While this strategy does not enable the Association to earn the highest rates of interest on loans that it

5



offers or to pay the lowest rates on its deposit accounts, the Association believes that this strategy is the primary reason for its successful growth in the past and will continue to be a successful strategy in the future.
The Association attracts retail deposits from the general public in the areas surrounding its main office and its branch offices. It also utilizes its internet website, direct mail solicitation and its customer service call center to generate loan applications and attract retail deposits. Since September 2013, brokered CDs and more extensive use of longer-term advances from the FHLB of Cincinnati have also been used as a cost effective funding alternatives. In addition to residential real estate mortgage loans, the Association originates residential construction loans to individuals for the construction of their personal residences by a qualified builder. The Association also offers home equity loans and lines of credit subject to certain property and credit performance conditions. The Association retains in its portfolio a large portion of the loans that it originates. Loans that the Association sells consist primarily of long-term, fixed-rate residential real estate mortgage loans. Between June 2010 and May 2013, the volume of loan sales decreased significantly because, until May 2013, the Association had not adopted certain loan origination requirements for the sale of loans to Fannie Mae that became effective on July 1, 2010. The Association retains the servicing rights on all loans that it sells. The Association’s revenues are derived primarily from interest on loans and, to a lesser extent, interest on interest-earning deposits in other financial institutions, deposits maintained at the FRS, federal funds sold, and investment securities, including mortgage-backed securities. The Association also generates revenues from fees and service charges. The Association’s primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowings, principal and interest payments on loans and securities and proceeds from loan sales.
The Association’s website address is www.thirdfederal.com. Filings of the Company made with the SEC are available for free on the Association’s website. Information on that website is not and should not be considered a part of this document.
Market Area
The Association conducts its operations from its main office in Cleveland, Ohio, and from 38 additional, full-service branches and eight loan production offices located throughout the states of Ohio and Florida. In Ohio, the Association maintains 21 full-service offices located in the northeast Ohio counties of Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Medina and Summit, four loan production offices located in the central Ohio counties of Franklin and Delaware (Columbus, Ohio) and four loan production offices located in the southern Ohio counties of Butler and Hamilton (Cincinnati, Ohio). In Florida, the Association maintains 17 full-service branches located in the counties of Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota, Lee, Collier, Palm Beach and Broward. While the economies and housing markets in Ohio and Florida were negatively impacted by the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath, more recently, such markets have improved and are reflected in improving credit metrics (delinquencies, charge-offs). During the past year, the trend in employment has been stable in Ohio and positive in Florida and the trend in housing prices has also generally been increasing in both regions. However, the strength and sustainability of the recovery is not assured and the economy's fragility persists.
The Association also provides savings products in all 50 states and first mortgage refinance loans and home equity loan products in 21 states and the District of Columbia through its customer service call center and its internet site.
Competition
The Association faces intense competition in its market areas both in making loans and attracting deposits. Its market areas have a high concentration of financial institutions, including large money center and regional banks, community banks and credit unions, and it faces additional competition for deposits from money market funds, brokerage firms, mutual funds and insurance companies. Some of its competitors offer products and services that the Association currently does not offer, such as commercial business loans, trust services and private banking.
The majority of the Association’s deposits are held in its offices located in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. As of June 30, 2015 (the latest date for which information is publicly available), the Association had $4.7 billion of deposits in Cuyahoga County, and ranked third among all financial institutions with offices in the county in terms of deposits, with a market share of 9.62%. As of that date, the Association had $6.1 billion of deposits in the State of Ohio, and ranked ninth among all financial institutions in the state in terms of deposits, with a market share of 2.03%. As of June 30, 2015, the Association had $2.5 billion of deposits in the State of Florida, and ranked 27th among all financial institutions in terms of deposits, with a market share of 0.49%.
The DFA, which was signed into law in July 2010, required that the FDIC amend its regulations on assessing insured institutions in order to fund the DIF. The resulting change effectively eliminated the funding cost advantage that borrowed funds generally had when compared to the funding cost associated with deposits. As a result, many financial institutions, including institutions that compete in our markets, have targeted retail deposit gathering as a more attractive funding source than borrowings, and have become more active and more competitive in their deposit product pricing. The combination of reduced demand for borrowed funds, more competition with respect to rates paid to depositors, and low savings rates that lead

6



to reduced appeal for investors that have traditionally allocated a portion of their portfolios to insured savings accounts, has created an increasingly difficult marketplace for attracting deposits, which could adversely affect future operating results.
From October 2014 through September 30, 2015, per data furnished by MarketTrac®, the Association had the third largest market share of conventional purchase mortgage loans originated in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. For the same period, it also had the third largest market share of conventional purchase mortgage loans originated in the seven northeast Ohio counties which comprise the Cleveland and Akron metropolitan statistical areas. In addition, based on the same statistics, the Association has consistently been one of the ten largest lenders in both Franklin County (Columbus, Ohio) and Hamilton County (Cincinnati, Ohio) since it entered those markets in 1999.
The Association’s primary strategy for increasing and retaining its customer base is to offer competitive deposit and loan rates and other product features, delivered with exceptional customer service, in each of the markets it serves.
We rely on the reputation that has been built during the Association’s 77-year history of serving its customers and the communities in which it operates, the Association’s high capital levels, and the Association's extensive liquidity alternatives which, in combination, serve to maintain and nurture customer and marketplace confidence. The Company’s high capital ratio continues to reflect the beneficial impact of our April 2007 initial public offering, which raised net proceeds of $886 million. At September 30, 2015, our ratio of shareholders’ equity to total assets was 14.0%. Our liquidity alternatives include management and monitoring of the level of liquid assets held in our portfolio as well as the maintenance of alternative wholesale funding sources. For the year ended September 30, 2015, our liquidity ratio averaged 9.56% (which we compute as the sum of cash and cash equivalents plus unpledged investment securities for which ready markets exist, divided by total assets) and, through the Association, we had the ability to immediately borrow an additional $584.5 million from the FHLB of Cincinnati under existing credit arrangements along with $116.8 million from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. From the perspective of collateral value securing FHLB of Cincinnati advances, our capacity limit for additional borrowings beyond the immediately available limit at September 30, 2015 was $3.64 billion, subject to satisfaction of the FHLB of Cincinnati's common stock ownership requirement. To satisfy the common stock ownership requirement we would have to increase our ownership of FHLB of Cincinnati common stock by an additional $72.9 million. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
We continue to utilize a multi-faceted approach to support our efforts to instill customer and marketplace confidence. First, we provide thorough and timely information to all of our associates so as to prepare them for their day-to-day interactions with customers and other individuals who are not part of the Company. We believe that it is important that our customers and others sense the comfort level and confidence of our associates throughout their dealings. Second, we encourage our management team to maintain a presence and to be available in our branches and other areas of customer contact, so as to provide more opportunities for informal contact and interaction with our customers and community members. Third, our CEO remains accessible to both local and national media, as a spokesman for our institution as well as an observer and interpreter of financial marketplace situations and events. Fourth, we periodically include advertisements in local newspapers that display our strong capital levels and history of service. We also continue to emphasize our traditional tagline—“STRONG * STABLE * SAFE”—in our advertisements and branch displays. Finally, for customers who adhere to the old adage of trust but verify, we refer them to the safety/security rankings of a nationally recognized, independent rating organization that specializes in the evaluation of financial institutions, which has awarded the Association its highest rating for more than one hundred consecutive quarters.
Lending Activities
The Association’s principal lending activity is the origination of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate, first mortgage loans to purchase or refinance residential real estate. The Association also originates residential construction loans to individuals (for the construction of their personal residences by a qualified builder) and originates home equity loans and lines of credit in Ohio and Florida.  We offer home equity lines of credit in 20 additional states and home equity loans in six additional states. Between June 28, 2010 and March 20, 2012 the Association suspended the acceptance of new home equity line of credit applications. Effective March 20, 2012, the Association began offering new home equity lines of credit to qualifying existing home equity customers. In February 2013, we modified the product design and offered the product to all customers in Ohio, Florida and selected counties in Kentucky and in April 2013 we extended the offer to both existing customers and new consumers in Ohio, Florida and selected counties in Kentucky. Over the course of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, we expanded the product offering to now include 21 states and the District of Columbia. Refer to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - Monitoring and Limiting Our Credit Risk for additional information regarding home equity loans and lines of credit. At September 30, 2015, residential real estate, fixed-rate and adjustable-rate, first mortgage loans totaled $9.60 billion, or 85.1% of our loan portfolio, home equity loans and lines of credit totaled $1.63 billion, or 14.4% of our loan portfolio, and residential construction loans totaled $55.4 million, or 0.5% of

7



our loan portfolio. At September 30, 2015 adjustable-rate, residential real estate, first mortgage loans totaled $3.86 billion and comprised 34.2% of our loan portfolio.

Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of the portfolio of loans held for investment, by type of loan segregated by geographic location for the periods indicated, excluding loans held for sale. The majority of our construction loan portfolio is secured by properties located in Ohio and the balances of consumer loans are immaterial. Therefore, neither was segregated by geographic location.
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
$
5,903,051

 
 
 
$
5,986,801

 
 
 
$
5,947,791

 
 
 
$
6,088,264

 
 
 
$
5,691,614

 
 
Florida
1,621,763

 
 
 
1,570,087

 
 
 
1,465,907

 
 
 
1,396,612

 
 
 
1,269,242

 
 
Other
1,938,125

 
 
 
1,271,951

 
 
 
704,813

 
 
 
458,289

 
 
 
159,933

 
 
Total
9,462,939

 
83.9
%
 
8,828,839

 
82.2
%
 
8,118,511

 
79.4
%
 
7,943,165

 
76.5
%
 
7,120,789

 
71.5
%
Residential Home
    Today(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
129,416

 
 
 
146,974

 
 
 
170,206

 
 
 
199,456

 
 
 
252,879

 
 
Florida
6,050

 
 
 
6,909

 
 
 
7,826

 
 
 
8,540

 
 
 
10,784

 
 
Other
280

 
 
 
313

 
 
 
321

 
 
 
329

 
 
 
356

 
 
Total
135,746

 
1.2

 
154,196

 
1.5

 
178,353

 
1.7

 
208,325

 
2.0

 
264,019

 
2.6

Home equity loans and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
641,321

 
 
 
675,911

 
 
 
721,890

 
 
 
838,492

 
 
 
982,591

 
 
Florida
421,904

 
 
 
475,375

 
 
 
539,152

 
 
 
628,554

 
 
 
712,087

 
 
California
216,233

 
 
 
213,309

 
 
 
227,841

 
 
 
256,900

 
 
 
293,307

 
 
Other
345,781

 
 
 
332,334

 
 
 
369,515

 
 
 
431,550

 
 
 
503,213

 
 
Total
1,625,239

 
14.4

 
1,696,929

 
15.8

 
1,858,398

 
18.2

 
2,155,496

 
20.8

 
2,491,198

 
25.0

Construction
55,421

 
0.5
 
57,104

 
0.5

 
72,430

 
0.7

 
69,152

 
0.7

 
82,048

 
0.8

Other consumer loans
3,468

 

 
4,721

 

 
4,100

 

 
4,612

 

 
6,868

 
0.1

Total loans receivable
11,282,813

 
100.0
%
 
10,741,789

 
100.0
%
 
10,231,792

 
100.0
%
 
10,380,750

 
100.0
%
 
9,964,922

 
100.0
%
Deferred loan expenses (fees), net
10,112

 
 
 
(1,155
)
 
 
 
(13,171
)
 
 
 
(18,561
)
 
 
 
(19,854
)
 
 
Loans in process
(33,788
)
 
 
 
(28,585
)
 
 
 
(42,018
)
 
 
 
(36,736
)
 
 
 
(37,147
)
 
 
Allowance for loan
    losses
(71,554
)
 
 
 
(81,362
)
 
 
 
(92,537
)
 
 
 
(100,464
)
 
 
 
(156,978
)
 
 
Total loans receivable, net
$
11,187,583

 
 
 
$
10,630,687

 
 
 
$
10,084,066

 
 
 
$
10,224,989

 
 
 
$
9,750,943

 
 
 ______________________
(1)
Residential Core and Home Today loans are primarily one- to four-family residential mortgage loans. See the Residential Real Estate Mortgage Loans section which follows for a further description of Home Today and Core loans.

8



Loan Portfolio Maturities. The following table summarizes the scheduled repayments of the loan portfolio at September 30, 2015, according to each loan's final due date. Demand loans, loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity, are reported as being due in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment date and do not reflect the impact of prepayments and scheduled principal amortization.
Due During the Years
Ending September 30,
Residential Real Estate
 
Home  Equity
Loans
and Lines of
Credit
 
Construction
Loans
 
Other Consumer Loans
 
Total
Core
 
Home
Today
 
 
(In thousands)
2016
$
1,143

 
$

 
$
2,059

 
$

 
$
3,468

 
$
6,670

2017
6,996

 
24

 
1,420

 

 

 
8,440

2018
24,002

 
369

 
1,685

 

 

 
26,056

2019 to 2020
66,395

 
560

 
4,803

 

 

 
71,758

2021 to 2025
2,033,374

 
2,169

 
112,383

 

 

 
2,147,926

2026 to 2030
1,254,716

 
437

 
1,217,107

 
4,052

 

 
2,476,312

2031 and beyond
6,076,313

 
132,187

 
285,782

 
51,369

 

 
6,545,651

Total
$
9,462,939

 
$
135,746

 
$
1,625,239

 
$
55,421

 
$
3,468

 
$
11,282,813

The following table sets forth the scheduled repayments of fixed- and adjustable-rate loans at September 30, 2015 that are contractually due after September 30, 2016.
 
Due After September 30, 2016
 
Fixed
 
Adjustable
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
5,604,934

 
$
3,856,862

 
$
9,461,796

Residential Home Today
135,652

 
94

 
135,746

Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit
17,518

 
1,605,662

 
1,623,180

Construction
41,664

 
13,757

 
55,421

Total
$
5,799,768

 
$
5,476,375

 
$
11,276,143

Residential Real Estate Mortgage Loans. The Association’s primary lending activity is the origination of residential real estate mortgage loans. A comparison of 2015 data to the corresponding 2014 data can be found in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.” The Association currently offers fixed-rate conventional mortgage loans with terms of 30 years or less that are fully amortizing with monthly loan payments, and adjustable-rate mortgage loans that amortize over a period of up to 30 years, provide an initial fixed interest rate for three or five years and then adjust annually. At September 30, 2015, there were no “interest only” residential real estate mortgage loans held in the Association's portfolio.
The Association generally originates both fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgage loans in amounts up to the maximum conforming loan limits as established by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, which is currently $417,000 and $625,500, respectively, for single-family homes in most of our lending markets. The Association also originates loans in amounts that exceed the lending limit for conforming loans, which the Association refers to as “jumbo loans.” The Association generally underwrites jumbo loans in a manner similar to conforming loans. Jumbo loans are not uncommon in the Association’s market areas.
The Association has always considered the promotion of home ownership a primary goal. In that regard, it has historically offered affordable housing programs in all of its market areas. These programs are targeted toward low- and moderate-income home buyers. The Association’s primary program is called Home Today and is described in detail below. Prior to March 27, 2009, loans originated under the Home Today program had higher risk characteristics. The Association did not classify Home Today as a sub-prime lending program based on the exclusion provided to community development loans in the Expanded Guidance for Sub-prime Lending issued by the OTS and the OCC. In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, a great deal of attention was focused on sub-prime lending and its negative effect on borrowers and financial markets. Borrowers in our Home Today program are not charged higher fees or interest rates than our Core (non-Home Today) borrowers. Home Today loans are not "interest only" or negative amortizing and contain no low initial payment features or adjustable interest rates, which are features often associated with sub-prime lending. While the credit risk profiles of the Association’s borrowers

9



in the Home Today program are generally higher risk than the credit risk profiles of its Core borrowers, the Association attempts to mitigate that higher risk through the use of private mortgage insurance and continued pre- and post-purchase counseling. The Association’s philosophy has been to provide borrowers the opportunity for home ownership within their financial means.
Since March 27, 2009, borrowers under the Home Today program are subject to substantially the same underwriting requirements as Core borrowers and borrowers must complete a financial management education program. Prior to March 27, 2009, through the Home Today program, the Association originated loans with its standard terms to borrowers who might not have otherwise qualified for such loans. To previously qualify for the Association’s Home Today program, a borrower must have completed financial management education and counseling and must have been referred to the Association by a sponsoring organization with which the Association had partnered as part of the program. Borrowers must have met a minimum credit score threshold. The Association will originate loans with a LTV ratio of up to 90% through its Home Today program, provided that any loan originated through this program with a LTV ratio in excess of 80% must meet the underwriting criteria mandated by the Association's private mortgage insurance carrier. Because the Association previously applied less stringent underwriting and credit standards to these loans, the vast majority of loans originated under the Home Today program generally have greater credit risk than our Core residential real estate mortgage loans. Effective October 2007, the private mortgage insurance carrier that provides coverage for the Home Today loans with LTV ratios in excess of 80% imposed more restrictive lending requirements that decreased the volume of Home Today lending. As of September 30, 2015, the Association had $135.7 million of loans outstanding that were originated through its Home Today program, most of which were originated prior to March 27, 2009. At September 30, 2015, of the loans that were originated under the Home Today program, 13.0% were delinquent 30 days or more in repayments, compared to 0.4% for the portfolio of Core loans as of that date. At September 30, 2015, $9.1 million, or 6.8%, of loans originated under the Home Today program were delinquent 90 days and over and $22.6 million of Home Today loans were non-accruing loans, representing 21.1% of total non-accruing loans as of that date. See “—Non-performing Assets and Restructured Loans—Delinquent Loans” for a discussion of the asset quality of this portion of the Association’s loan portfolio.
Prior to November 2008, the Association also originated loans under its high LTV program. These loans had initial LTV ratios of 90% or greater and could be as high as 95%. To qualify for this program, the loan applicant was required to satisfy more stringent underwriting criteria (credit score, income qualification, and other criteria). Borrowers did not obtain private mortgage insurance with respect to these loans. High LTV loans were originated with higher interest rates than the Association’s other residential real estate loans. The Association believes that the higher credit quality of this portion of the portfolio offsets the risk of not requiring private mortgage insurance. While these loans were not initially covered by private mortgage insurance, the Association had negotiated with a private mortgage insurance carrier a contract under which, at the Association’s option, a pre-determined dollar amount of qualifying loans could be grouped and submitted to the carrier for pooled private mortgage insurance coverage. As of September 30, 2015, the Association had $99.1 million of loans outstanding that were originated through its High LTV program, $86.5 million of which the Association has insured through the private mortgage insurance carrier. The High LTV program was suspended in November 2008.
For loans with LTV ratios in excess of 80% but equal to or less than 95% (which are available only for purchase transactions), the Association requires private mortgage insurance, except that for adjustable-rate, first mortgage loans that meet enhanced credit qualification parameters, LTV ratios of up to 85% may be obtained without private mortgage insurance. LTV ratios in excess of 80% are not available for refinance transactions except that for adjustable-rate, first mortgage loans that meet enhanced credit qualification parameters, LTV ratios of up to 85% may be obtained without private mortgage insurance.
The Association actively monitors its interest rate risk position to determine its desired level of investment in fixed-rate mortgages. While the sales of first mortgage loans remain strategically important for us, since fiscal 2010, they have played a lesser role in our management of interest rate risk.
The Association currently retains the servicing rights on all loans sold in order to generate fee income and reinforce its commitment to customer service. One- to four-family residential mortgage real estate loans that have been sold were underwritten generally to Fannie Mae guidelines and comply with applicable federal, state and local laws. At the time of the closing of these loans the Association owned the loans and subsequently sold them to Fannie Mae and others providing normal and customary representations and warranties, including representations and warranties related to compliance, generally with Fannie Mae underwriting standards. At the time of sale, the loans were free from encumbrances except for the mortgages filed by the Association which, with other underwriting documents, were subsequently assigned and delivered to Fannie Mae and others. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Association recognized servicing fees, net of amortization, related to these servicing rights of $5.4 million and $6.8 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014, the principal balance of loans serviced for others totaled $2.18 billion and $2.51 billion, respectively. In November 2013, the Association entered into a resolution agreement with Fannie Mae pursuant to which, the Association remitted $3.1 million to Fannie Mae. The remittance amount included $0.4 million related to outstanding mortgage insurance claim payments on 42

10



loans. Under the terms of the resolution agreement, Fannie Mae withdrew all outstanding repurchase and make-whole demands and generally waived its right to enforce future repurchase obligations with respect to all mortgage loans (approximately 23,400 active loans or loans with a remaining balance) that were originated by the Association between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2008 and delivered to Fannie Mae prior to January 1, 2009. At September 30, 2015, substantially all of the loans serviced for Fannie Mae and others were performing in accordance with their contractual terms and management believes that it has no material repurchase obligations associated with these loans. However, an accrual for $0.9 million has been maintained for potential repurchase or loss reimbursement requests at September 30, 2015.
The Association currently offers “Smart Rate” adjustable-rate mortgage loan products secured by residential properties with interest rates that are fixed for an initial period of three or five years, after which the interest rate generally resets every year based upon a contractual spread or margin above the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal. These adjustable-rate loans provide the borrower with an attractive rate reset option, based on the Association’s then current lending rates. Adjustable-rate mortgage loans generally present different credit risks than fixed-rate mortgage loans primarily because the underlying debt service payments of the borrowers increase as interest rates increase, thereby increasing the potential for default. Prior to July 2010, the Association’s adjustable-rate mortgage loan products secured by residential properties offered interest rates that were fixed for an initial period ranging from one year to five years, after which the interest rate generally reset every year based upon a contractual spread or margin above the average yield on U.S. Treasury securities, adjusted to a constant maturity of one year, as published weekly by the FRS (“Traditional ARM”). All of the Association’s adjustable-rate mortgage loans are subject to periodic and lifetime limitations on interest rate changes. At September 30, 2015, there were no “interest only” residential real estate mortgage loans held in the Association's portfolio.
All adjustable-rate mortgage loans with initial fixed-rate periods of one, three or five years have initial and periodic caps of two percentage points on interest rate changes, with a cap of six percentage points for the life of the loan for Traditional ARM and five or six percentage points for the life of Smart Rate loans. Previously, the Association also offered Traditional ARM loans with an initial fixed-rate period of seven years. Loans originated under that program, which was discontinued in August 2007, had a cap of five percentage points on the initial change in interest rate, with a two percentage point cap on subsequent changes and a cap of five percentage points for the life of the loan. Many of the borrowers who select adjustable-rate mortgage loans have shorter-term credit needs than those who select long-term, fixed-rate mortgage loans. The Association will permit borrowers to convert non-“Smart Rate” adjustable-rate mortgage loans into fixed-rate mortgage loans at no cost to the borrower. The Association has never offered “Option ARM” loans, where borrowers can pay less than the interest owed on their loan, resulting in an increased principal balance during the life of the loan. At September 30, 2015, "Smart Rate" adjustable-rate mortgage loans totaled $3.72 billion, or 95.9% of the adjustable-rate mortgage loan portfolio and Traditional ARMs totaled $158.5 million, or 4.1% of the adjustable-rate mortgage loan portfolio.
The Association requires title insurance on all of its residential real estate mortgage loans. The Association also requires that borrowers maintain fire and extended coverage casualty insurance (and, if appropriate, flood insurance up to $250 thousand) in an amount at least equal to the lesser of the loan balance or the replacement cost of the improvements. A majority of its residential real estate mortgage loans have a mortgage escrow account from which disbursements are made for real estate taxes and to a lesser extent for hazard insurance and flood insurance. The Association does not conduct environmental testing on residential real estate mortgage loans unless specific concerns for hazards are identified by the appraiser used in connection with the origination of the loan.
Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit. The Association offers home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, which are primarily secured by a second mortgage on residences. The array of home equity products offered by the Association varied significantly between June 28, 2010 and September 30, 2015. Prior to June 28, 2010, the Association offered home equity loans and home equity lines of credit. The Association also offered a home equity lending product that was secured by a third mortgage, although the Association only originated this loan to borrowers where the Association also held the second mortgage. Between June 28, 2010 and March 19, 2012, we suspended the acceptance of new home equity credit applications with the exception of bridge loans (loans where borrowers can utilize the existing equity in their current home to fund the purchase of a new home before they have sold their current home) and, in accordance with a reduction plan that was accepted by our primary federal banking regulator in December 2010, we actively pursued strategies to decrease the outstanding balance of our home equity lending portfolio as well as our exposure to undrawn home equity lines of credit. During the quarter ended June 30, 2011, we achieved the balance and exposure reduction targets included in the home equity lending reduction plan. Beginning March 20, 2012, we again offered new home equity lines of credit to qualifying existing home equity customers. In February 2013, we further modified the product design and in April 2013 we extended the offer to both existing home equity customers and new consumers in Ohio, Florida and selected counties in Kentucky. Over the course of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, we expanded the home equity product offering to now include 21 states and the District of Columbia. These offers were, and are, subject to certain property and credit performance conditions which, among other items, related to CLTV, geography, borrower income verification, minimum credit scores and draw period duration. At September 30, 2015 and 2014, home equity loans totaled $169.0 million, or 1.5%, and $162.1 million, or 1.5%, respectively, of

11



total loans receivable (which included $146.8 million and $135.9 million respectively, of home equity lines of credit which were in the amortization period and no longer eligible to be drawn upon and $2.1 million and $1.1 million of bridge loans), and home equity lines of credit totaled $1.46 billion, or 12.9%, and $1.53 billion, or 14.3%, respectively, of total loans receivable. A bridge loan permits a borrower to utilize the existing equity in their current home to fund the purchase of a new home before the current home is sold. Bridge loans are originated for a one-year term, with no prepayment penalties. These loans have fixed interest rates, and are currently limited to a combined 80% LTV ratio (first and second mortgage liens). The Association charges a closing fee with respect to bridge loans. Additionally, at September 30, 2015 and 2014, the unadvanced amounts of home equity lines of credit totaled $1.20 billion and $1.13 billion, respectively.
Prior to June 28, 2010, the underwriting standards for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit included an evaluation of the applicant’s credit history, an assessment of the applicant’s ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan and the value of the collateral securing the loan. In addition, prior to June 28, 2010, through a series of modifications and program adjustments, the home equity lending parameters became increasingly restrictive and included the additional evaluation of the applicant’s employment and income verification. From a geographic perspective, product offerings peaked in 2008 when offers were extended (primarily via direct mail) to targeted borrowers in 18 states. Generally, the least restrictive qualifications, and the most attractive product features from a borrower’s perspective, were in place during portions of fiscal 2006 and 2007, when combined LTV ratios of up to 89.99% were permitted, minimum credit scores were reduced to 620, maximum loan amounts reached $250,000 and pricing for lines of credit reached Prime minus 1.01% when drawn balances exceeded $50,000. The Association originated its home equity loans and home equity lines of credit without application fees (except for bridge loans) or borrower-paid closing costs. Home equity loans were offered with fixed interest rates, were fully amortizing and had terms of up to 15 years. The Association’s home equity lines of credit were offered with adjustable rates of interest indexed to the Prime Rate, as reported in The Wall Street Journal.

The following table sets forth credit exposure, principal balance, percent delinquent 90 days or more, the mean CLTV percent at the time of origination and the current CLTV percent of our home equity loans, home equity lines of credit and bridge loan portfolio as of September 30, 2015. Home equity lines of credit in the draw period are reported according to geographical distribution.
 
Credit
Exposure
 
Principal
Balance
 
Percent
Delinquent
90 days or more
 
Mean CLTV
Percent at
Origination(2)
 
Current  Mean
CLTV
Percent(3)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity lines of credit in draw period (by
     state):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
$
1,191,002

 
$
542,101

 
0.18
%
 
60
%
 
57
%
Florida
570,734

 
390,689

 
0.30
%
 
61
%
 
67
%
California
330,336

 
206,773

 
0.02
%
 
66
%
 
61
%
Other(1)
561,636

 
316,725

 
0.17
%
 
63
%
 
63
%
Total home equity lines of credit in draw
     period
2,653,708

 
1,456,288

 
0.14
%
 
61
%
 
60
%
Home equity lines in repayment, home equity
     loans and bridge loans
168,951

 
168,951

 
1.70
%
 
67
%
 
49
%
Total
$
2,822,659

 
$
1,625,239

 
0.34
%
 
62
%
 
59
%
______________________
(1)
No individual other state has a committed or drawn balance greater than 10% of total loans and 5% of equities.
(2)
Mean CLTV percent at origination for all home equity lines of credit is based on the committed amount.
(3)
Current Mean CLTV is based on best available first mortgage and property values as of September 30, 2015. Property values are estimated using HPI data published by the FHFA. Current Mean CLTV percent for home equity lines of credit in the draw period is calculated using the committed amount. Current Mean CLTV on home equity lines of credit in the repayment period is calculated using the principal balance.
At September 30, 2015, 43.2% of our home equity lending portfolio was either in first lien position (25.5%) or was in a subordinate (second) lien position behind a first lien that we held (9.7%) or behind a first lien that was held by a loan that we originated, sold and now service for others (8.0%). At September 30, 2015, 18.1% of our home equity line of credit portfolio in the draw period was making only the minimum payment on their outstanding line balance.


12



The following table sets forth by calendar origination year, the credit exposure, principal balance, percent delinquent 90 days or more, the mean CLTV percent at the time of origination and the current mean CLTV percent of our home equity loans, home equity lines of credit and bridge loan portfolio as of September 30, 2015. Home equity lines of credit in the draw period are included in the year originated: 
 
Credit
Exposure
 
Principal
Balance
 
Percent
Delinquent
90 Days or More
 
Mean CLTV
Percent at
Origination(1)
 
Current Mean
CLTV
Percent(2)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity lines of credit in draw period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2005 and prior
$
466,329

 
$
245,280

 
0.17
%
 
56
%
 
55
%
2006
206,546

 
130,260

 
0.62
%
 
65
%
 
69
%
2007
327,502

 
220,567

 
0.35
%
 
66
%
 
71
%
2008
702,069

 
435,731

 
0.16
%
 
63
%
 
62
%
2009
281,766

 
137,371

 
0.03
%
 
55
%
 
55
%
2010
23,404

 
10,513

 
%
 
58
%
 
52
%
2011 (3)
162

 
162

 
%
 
39
%
 
20
%
2012
25,173

 
10,591

 
%
 
50
%
 
44
%
2013
74,351

 
34,441

 
%
 
60
%
 
50
%
2014
260,373

 
114,886

 
%
 
60
%
 
56
%
2015
286,033

 
116,486

 
%
 
61
%
 
60
%
Total home equity lines of credit in
     draw period
2,653,708

 
1,456,288

 
0.14
%
 
61
%
 
60
%
Home equity lines in repayment, home equity
     loans and bridge loans
168,951

 
168,951

 
1.70
%
 
67
%
 
49
%
Total
$
2,822,659

 
$
1,625,239

 
0.34
%
 
62
%
 
59
%
______________________
(1)
Mean CLTV percent at origination for all home equity lines of credit is based on the committed amount.
(2)
Current Mean CLTV is based on best available first mortgage and property values as of September 30, 2015. Property values are estimated using HPI data published by the FHFA. Current Mean CLTV percent for home equity lines of credit in the draw period is calculated using the committed amount. Current Mean CLTV on home equity lines of credit in the repayment period is calculated using the principal balance.
(3)
Amounts represent home equity lines of credit that were previously originated, and that were closed and subsequently replaced in 2011.
In general, the home equity line of credit product originated prior to June 2010 (when new home equity lending was temporarily suspended) was characterized by a ten year draw period followed by a ten year repayment period; however, there were two types of transactions that could result in a draw period that extended beyond ten years. The first transaction involved customer requests for increases in the amount of their home equity line of credit. When the customer’s credit performance and profile supported the increase, the draw period term was reset for the ten year period following the date of the increase in the home equity line of credit amount. A second transaction that impacted the draw period involved extensions. For a period of time prior to June 2008, the Association had a program that evaluated home equity lines of credit that were nearing the end of their draw period and made a determination as to whether or not the customer should be offered an additional ten year draw period. If the account and customer met certain pre-established criteria, an offer was made to extend the otherwise expiring draw period by ten years from the date of the offer. If the customer chose to accept the extension, the origination date of the account remained unchanged but the account would have a revised draw period that was extended by ten years. As a result of these two programs, the reported draw periods for certain home equity line of credit accounts exceed ten years.

13



The following table sets forth by fiscal year when the draw period expires, the principal balance of home equity lines of credit in the draw period as of September 30, 2015, segregated by the current combined LTV range.
 
Current CLTV Category
Home equity lines of credit in draw period (by End of Draw Fiscal Year):
< 80%
 
80 - 89.9%
 
90 - 100%
 
>100%
 
Unknown (2)
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
2016
$78,075
 
$17,884
 
$14,422
 
$25,587
 
$748
 
$136,716
2017
130,528

 
29,046

 
26,654

 
41,045

 
3,608

 
230,881

2018 (1)
378,000

 
77,306

 
40,129

 
35,115

 
7,435

 
537,985

2019 (1)
324,884

 
33,327

 
4,436

 
3,470

 
5,986

 
372,103

2020 (1)
173,609

 
3,125

 
191

 
200

 
1,286

 
178,411

2021
29

 

 

 

 

 
29

Post 2022
91

 
41

 

 

 
31

 
163

   Total
$1,085,216
 
$160,729
 
$85,832
 
$105,417
 
$19,094
 
$1,456,288
______________________
(1)
Home equity lines of credit whose draw period ends in fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2020, include $17.7 million, $92.5 million and $149.7 million, respectively, of lines where the customer has an amortizing payment during the draw period.
(2)
Market data necessary for stratification is not readily available.
As shown in the origination by year table,which is the second preceding table above, the percents of loans delinquent 90 days or more (seriously delinquent) originated during the years preceding the 2008 financial and housing crisis are comparatively higher than the years following 2008. Those years saw rapidly increasing housing prices, especially in our Florida market. As the housing prices declined along with the general economic downturn and higher levels of unemployment that accompanied the 2008 financial crisis, we see that reflected in delinquencies for those years. Home equity lines of credit originated during those years also saw higher loan amounts, higher permitted LTV ratios, and lower credit scores. Reflective of the general decrease in housing values since 2006 and through the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, current mean CLTV percentages remain higher than the mean CLTV percentages at origination.
In light of the past weakness in the housing market, the current level of delinquencies and the uncertainty with respect to future employment levels and economic prospects, we currently conduct an expanded loan level evaluation of our home equity lines of credit which are delinquent 90 days or more.
The following table sets forth the breakdown of current mean CLTV percentages for our home equity lines of credit in the draw period as of September 30, 2015.
 
Credit
Exposure
 
Principal
Balance
 
Percent
of Total
 
Percent
Delinquent
90 days or
More
 
Mean
CLTV
Percent at
Origination(2)
 
Current
Mean
CLTV
Percent(3)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity lines of credit in draw period (by current mean CLTV):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
< 80%
$
2,171,680

 
$
1,085,216

 
74.6
%
 
0.08
%
 
57
%
 
54
%
80 - 89.9%
229,043

 
160,729

 
11.0
%
 
0.36
%
 
78
%
 
84
%
90 - 100%
103,995

 
85,832

 
5.9
%
 
0.33
%
 
80
%
 
94
%
> 100%
114,623

 
105,417

 
7.2
%
 
0.60
%
 
81
%
 
119
%
Unknown (1)
34,367

 
19,094

 
1.3
%
 
0.20
%
 
56
%
 
(1 
) 
 
$
2,653,708

 
$
1,456,288

 
100.0
%
 
0.14
%
 
61
%
 
60
%
______________________
(1)
Market data necessary for stratification is not readily available.
(2)
Mean CLTV percent at origination for all home equity lines of credit is based on the committed amount.
(3)
Current Mean CLTV is based on best available first mortgage and property values as of September 30, 2015. Property values are estimated using HPI data published by the FHFA. Current Mean CLTV percent for home equity lines of credit in

14



the draw period is calculated using the committed amount. Current Mean CLTV on home equity lines of credit in the repayment period is calculated using the principal balance.
Construction Loans. The Association originates construction loans to individuals for the construction of their personal single-family residence by a qualified builder (construction/permanent loans). The Association’s construction/permanent loans generally provide for disbursements to the builder or sub-contractors during the construction phase as work progresses. During the construction phase, the borrower only pays interest on the drawn balance. Upon completion of construction, the loan converts to a permanent amortizing loan without the expense of a second closing. The Association offers construction/permanent loans with fixed or adjustable rates, and a current maximum loan-to-completed-appraised value ratio of 80%. At September 30, 2015, construction loans totaled $55.4 million, or 0.5% of total loans receivable. At September 30, 2015, the unadvanced portion of these construction loans totaled $33.8 million.
Construction financing generally involves greater credit risk than long-term financing on improved, owner-occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the value of the property at completion of construction compared to the estimated cost (including interest) of construction and other assumptions. If the estimate of construction cost proves to be inaccurate, the Association may be required to advance additional funds beyond the amount originally committed in order to protect the value of the property. Moreover, if the estimated value of the completed project proves to be inaccurate, the borrower may hold a property with a value that is insufficient to assure full repayment of the construction loan upon the sale of the property. This is more likely to occur when home prices are falling.
Loan Originations, Purchases, Sales, Participations and Servicing. Lending activities are conducted primarily by the Association’s loan personnel (all of whom are salaried employees) operating at our main and branch office locations and at our loan production offices. All loans that the Association originates are underwritten pursuant to its policies and procedures, which, for real estate loans, are generally consistent with Fannie Mae underwriting guidelines, subject to the discussion below. The Association originates both adjustable-rate and fixed-rate loans and advertises extensively throughout its market area. Its ability to originate fixed- or adjustable-rate loans is dependent upon the relative consumer demand for such loans, which is affected by current market interest rates as well as anticipated future market interest rates. The Association’s loan origination and sales activity may be adversely affected by a rising interest rate environment or economic recession, which typically results in decreased loan demand. The Association’s residential real estate mortgage loan originations are generated by its in-house loan representatives, by direct mail solicitations, by referrals from existing or past customers, by referrals from local builders and real estate brokers, from calls to its telephone call center and from the internet.
The Association decides whether to retain the loans that it originates, sell loans in the secondary market or securitize loans after evaluating current and projected market interest rates, its interest rate risk objectives, its liquidity needs and other factors. The Association sold to Fannie Mae, in either whole loan or security form, $160.1 million of long-term, fixed-rate residential real estate mortgage loans (all on a servicing retained basis) during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. In addition to sales to Fannie Mae, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, the Association also sold to private parties, non-agency eligible, long-term fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans on a servicing retained basis. As described in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - Controlling Our Interest Rate Risk Exposure, effective July 1, 2010, Fannie Mae, historically the Association’s primary loan investor, implemented certain loan origination requirement changes affecting loan eligibility that, prior to May 2013, we had not adopted. In May 2013, we implemented loan origination changes with respect to a portion of our loan originations, which were approved by Fannie Mae on November 15, 2013, which allow that portion of our first mortgage loan originations that were processed using the revised procedures to be eligible for securitization and sale in Fannie Mae mortgage backed security form. The balance of loans held for sale was $0.1 million (one loan) at September 30, 2015 which was originated pursuant to the guidelines of Fannie Mae's HARP II.
Historically, the Association has retained the servicing rights on all residential real estate mortgage loans that it has sold, and intends to continue this practice into the future. At September 30, 2015, the Association serviced loans owned by others with a principal balance of $2.18 billion, including $4.2 million of loans sold to Fannie Mae subject to recourse. All recourse sales occurred prior to the year 2000. Loan servicing includes collecting and remitting loan payments, accounting for principal and interest, contacting delinquent borrowers, supervising foreclosures and property dispositions in the event of unremedied defaults, making certain insurance and tax payments on behalf of the borrowers and generally administering the loans. The Association retains a portion of the interest paid by the borrower on the loans it services as consideration for its servicing activities. The Association did not enter into any loan participations during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 and does not expect to do so in the near future.
Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. The Association’s lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by its Board of Directors. The loan approval process is intended to assess the borrower’s ability to repay the loan and the value of the property that will secure the loan. To assess the

15



borrower’s ability to repay, the Association reviews the borrower’s employment and credit history and information on the historical and projected income and expenses of the borrower.
The Association’s policies and loan approval limits are established by its Board of Directors. The Association’s Board of Directors has delegated authority to its Executive Committee (consisting of the Association’s Chief Executive Officer and two directors) to review and assign lending authorities to certain individuals of the Association to consider and approve loans within their designated authority. Residential real estate mortgage loans and construction loans in amounts above $625,000 require the approval of two individuals with designated underwriting authority. Loans in amounts below $625,000 require the approval of one individual with designated underwriting authority.
The Association also maintains automated underwriting systems for point-of-sale approvals of residential real estate mortgage loans. Applications for loans that meet certain credit and income criteria may receive a credit approval subject to an appraisal of the subject property.
The Association requires independent third-party appraisals of real property. Appraisals are performed by independent licensed appraisers.
Delinquent Loans. The following tables set forth the number and recorded investment in loan delinquencies by type, segregated by geographic location and severity of delinquency at the dates indicated. The majority of our construction loan portfolio is secured by properties located in Ohio and there were no delinquencies in the other consumer loan portfolio; therefore, neither was segregated by geography. 
 
Loans Delinquent For
 
 
 
30-89 Days
 
90 Days or Over
 
Total
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
111

 
$
10,622

 
188

 
$
14,746

 
299

 
$
25,368

Florida
10

 
1,634

 
70

 
7,509

 
80

 
9,143

Other
2

 
309

 
8

 
1,051

 
10

 
1,360

Total Residential Core
123

 
12,565

 
266

 
23,306

 
389

 
35,871

Residential Home Today
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
147

 
8,021

 
231

 
8,371

 
378

 
16,392

Florida
5

 
352

 
11

 
674

 
16

 
1,026

Kentucky

 

 
1

 
23

 
1

 
23

Total Residential Home Today
152

 
8,373

 
243

 
9,068

 
395

 
17,441

Home equity loans and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
128

 
2,633

 
189

 
2,772

 
317

 
5,405

Florida
36

 
1,894

 
124

 
1,608

 
160

 
3,502

California
9

 
680

 
13

 
49

 
22

 
729

Other
30

 
967

 
48

 
1,146

 
78

 
2,113

Total Home equity loans and lines of credit
203

 
6,174

 
374

 
5,575

 
577

 
11,749

Construction

 

 
1

 
427

 
1

 
427

Other consumer loans

 

 

 

 

 

Total
478

 
$
27,112

 
884

 
$
38,376

 
1,362

 
$
65,488


16



 
Loans Delinquent For
 
 
 
 
 
30-89 Days
 
90 Days or Over
 
Total
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
108

 
$
10,416

 
263

 
$
22,218

 
371

 
$
32,634

Florida
14

 
2,006

 
141

 
14,291

 
155

 
16,297

Other
3

 
544

 
4

 
942

 
7

 
1,486

Total Residential Core
125

 
12,966

 
408

 
37,451

 
533

 
50,417

Residential Home Today
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
168

 
9,797

 
328

 
14,256

 
496

 
24,053

Florida
9

 
643

 
18

 
849

 
27

 
1,492

Total Residential Home Today
177

 
10,440

 
346

 
15,105

 
523

 
25,545

Home equity loans and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
123

 
3,753

 
214

 
3,637

 
337

 
7,390

Florida
36

 
2,365

 
184

 
3,010

 
220

 
5,375

California
11

 
753

 
16

 
298

 
27

 
1,051

Other
21

 
958

 
59

 
2,092

 
80

 
3,050

Total Home equity loans and lines of credit
191

 
7,829

 
473

 
9,037

 
664

 
16,866

Construction
1

 
200

 

 

 
1

 
200

Other consumer loans

 

 

 

 

 

Total
494

 
$
31,435

 
1,227

 
$
61,593

 
1,721

 
$
93,028


 
Loans Delinquent For
 
 
 
 
 
30-89 Days
 
90 Days or Over
 
Total
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
165

 
$
17,064

 
340

 
$
31,498

 
505

 
$
48,562

Florida
17

 
2,743

 
200

 
24,405

 
217

 
27,148

Other
3

 
465

 
3

 
581

 
6

 
1,046

Total Residential Core
185

 
20,272

 
543

 
56,484

 
728

 
76,756

Residential Home Today
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
213

 
14,213

 
377

 
17,748

 
590

 
31,961

Florida
6

 
373

 
16

 
593

 
22

 
966

Total Residential Home Today
219

 
14,586

 
393

 
18,341

 
612

 
32,927

Home equity loans and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
151

 
5,304

 
200

 
5,132

 
351

 
10,436

Florida
56

 
4,228

 
170

 
3,589

 
226

 
7,817

California
9

 
749

 
27

 
1,479

 
36

 
2,228

Other
30

 
1,990

 
49

 
1,842

 
79

 
3,832

Total Home equity loans and lines of credit
246

 
12,271

 
446

 
12,042

 
692

 
24,313

Construction

 

 
2

 
41

 
2

 
41

Other consumer loans

 

 

 

 

 

Total
650

 
$
47,129

 
1,384

 
$
86,908

 
2,034

 
$
134,037

 

17



 
Loans Delinquent For
 
 
 
 
 
30-89 Days
 
90 Days or Over
 
Total
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
181

 
$
19,301

 
436

 
$
43,871

 
617

 
$
63,172

Florida
32

 
5,974

 
258

 
30,873

 
290

 
36,847

Other
2

 
401

 
1

 
63

 
3

 
464

Total Residential Core
215

 
25,676

 
695

 
74,807

 
910

 
100,483

Residential Home Today
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
208

 
15,068

 
519

 
26,604

 
727

 
41,672

Florida
7

 
542

 
21

 
913

 
28

 
1,455

Total Residential Home Today
215

 
15,610

 
540

 
27,517

 
755

 
43,127

Home equity loans and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
133

 
4,572

 
145

 
5,994

 
278

 
10,566

Florida
58

 
3,657

 
94

 
6,210

 
152

 
9,867

California
16

 
1,637

 
20

 
1,863

 
36

 
3,500

Other
27

 
2,020

 
43

 
2,520

 
70

 
4,540

Total Home equity loans and lines of credit
234

 
11,886

 
302

 
16,587

 
536

 
28,473

Construction

 

 
8

 
377

 
8

 
377

Other consumer loans

 

 

 

 

 

Total
664

 
$
53,172

 
1,545

 
$
119,288

 
2,209

 
$
172,460


 
Loans Delinquent For
 
 
 
 
 
30-89 Days
 
90 Days or Over
 
Total
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
Number
 
Amount
 
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
204

 
$
20,315

 
529

 
$
62,340

 
733

 
$
82,655

Florida
37

 
8,438

 
272

 
55,700

 
309

 
64,138

Other
3

 
574

 
4

 
477

 
7

 
1,051

Total Residential Core
244

 
29,327

 
805

 
118,517

 
1,049

 
147,844

Residential Home Today
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
213

 
18,395

 
634

 
57,664

 
847

 
76,059

Florida
11

 
1,135

 
25

 
2,321

 
36

 
3,456

Total Residential Home Today
224

 
19,530

 
659

 
59,985

 
883

 
79,515

Home equity loans and lines of credit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
158

 
5,457

 
227

 
10,553

 
385

 
16,010

Florida
103

 
7,408

 
149

 
16,211

 
252

 
23,619

California
18

 
1,789

 
20

 
2,207

 
38

 
3,996

Other
36

 
2,771

 
81

 
7,550

 
117

 
10,321

Total Home equity loans and lines of credit
315

 
17,425

 
477

 
36,521

 
792

 
53,946

Construction
1

 
72

 
20

 
3,770

 
21

 
3,842

Other consumer loans

 

 

 

 

 

Total
784

 
$
66,354

 
1,961

 
$
218,793

 
2,745

 
$
285,147

Total loans seriously delinquent (i.e. delinquent 90 days or over) decreased 23 basis points to 0.34% of total net loans at September 30, 2015, from 0.57% at September 30, 2014. Seriously delinquent loans to total net loans decreased in the residential Core portfolio from 0.35% to 0.21%. Such loans in the residential Home Today portfolio decreased from 0.14% to 0.08%; and in the home equity loans and lines of credit portfolio decreased from 0.10% to 0.05%. The SVA charge-off that was recorded during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 contributed to the decrease in the reported balances of delinquent and

18



nonperforming loans during fiscal 2012. The balance of the SVA at September 30, 2011 was $55.5 million. During the last several years, the inability of borrowers to repay their loans is primarily a result of high unemployment in prior years and uncertain economic prospects in our primary lending markets. Although regional employment levels have improved, the breadth and sustainability of the economic recovery remains tenuous and accordingly, we expect some borrowers who are current on their loans at September 30, 2015 to experience payment problems in the future. The excess number of housing units available for sale in certain markets today also may limit a borrower's ability to sell a home he or she can no longer afford. In many Florida areas, housing values continue to remain depressed due to prior rapid building and speculation, which has resulted in considerable inventory on the market and may limit a borrower’s ability to sell a home. As a result, the level of loan accounts delinquent 90 days or more may increase in the future.
Non-performing Assets and Restructured Loans; Collection Procedures. Within 15 days of a borrower’s delinquency, the Association attempts personal, direct contact with the borrower to determine the reason for the delinquency, to ensure that the borrower correctly understands the terms of the loan and to emphasize the importance of making payments on or before the due date. If necessary, subsequent late charges and delinquent notices are issued and the borrower’s account will be monitored on a regular basis thereafter. The Association also mails system-generated reminder notices on a monthly basis. When a loan is more than 30 days past due, the Association attempts to contact the borrower and develop a plan of repayment. By the 90th day of delinquency, the Association may recommend foreclosure. By this date, if a repayment agreement has not been established, or if an agreement is established but is subsequently broken, the borrower’s credit file is reviewed and, if considered necessary, the loan will be evaluated for impairment. For further discussion on evaluating loans for impairment, see Note 5. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES. A summary report of all loans 30 days or more past due is provided to the Association’s Board of Directors.
Loans are placed in non-accrual status when they are contractually 90 days or more past due or if collection of principal or interest in full is in doubt. Loans restructured in TDRs that were in non-accrual status prior to the restructurings remain in non-accrual status for a minimum of six months. Beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2012, home equity loans and lines of credit which are subordinate to a first mortgage lien where the customer is seriously delinquent, are placed in non-accrual status. Beginning in the quarter ended September 30, 2012, loans in Chapter 7 bankruptcy status where all borrowers have been discharged from their mortgage obligation are placed in non-accrual status. Beginning in the quarter ended June 30, 2014, loans in Chapter 7 bankruptcy status where all borrowers had filed, and had not reaffirmed or been dismissed, are also placed in non-accrual status. For discussion on interest recognition, see Note 5. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES.

19



The table below sets forth the recorded investments and categories of our non-performing assets and TDRs at the dates indicated.
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Non-accrual loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
62,293

 
$
79,388

 
$
91,048

 
$
105,780

 
$
125,014

Residential Home Today
22,556

 
29,960

 
34,813

 
41,087

 
69,602

Home equity loans and lines of credit(1)
21,514

 
26,189

 
29,943

 
35,316

 
36,872

Construction
427

 

 
41

 
377

 
3,770

Other consumer loans

 

 

 

 

Total non-accrual loans(2)(3)(4)
106,790

 
135,537

 
155,845

 
182,560

 
235,258

Real estate owned
17,492

 
21,768

 
22,666

 
19,647

 
19,155

Other non-performing assets

 

 

 

 

Total non-performing assets
$
124,282

 
$
157,305

 
$
178,511

 
$
202,207

 
$
254,413

Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total non-accrual loans to total loans
0.95
%
 
1.27
%
 
1.53
%
 
1.77
%
 
2.37
%
Total non-accrual loans to total assets
0.86
%
 
1.15
%
 
1.38
%
 
1.58
%
 
2.16
%
Total non-performing assets to total assets
1.00
%
 
1.33
%
 
1.58
%
 
1.76
%
 
2.34
%
TDRs (not included in non-accrual
loans above):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
60,175

 
$
59,630

 
$
63,045

 
$
66,988

 
$
50,841

Residential Home Today
35,674

 
39,148

 
46,435

 
57,168

 
67,240

Home equity loans and lines of credit
11,904

 
8,117

 
7,092

 
9,761

 
2,171

Construction

 

 
259

 
613

 
863

Total
$
107,753

 
$
106,895

 
$
116,831

 
$
134,530

 
$
121,115

______________________
(1)
The totals at September 30, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012 include $1.8 million, $2.5 million, $5.3 million and $8.8 million of performing home equity lines of credit, pursuant to regulatory guidance regarding senior lien delinquency issued in January 2012.
(2)
At September 30, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 the totals include $55.5 million, $58.7 million, $54.3 million, $47.7 million and $16.5 million respectively, in TDRs which: are less than 90 days past due but included with non-accrual loans for a minimum period of six months from the restructuring date due to their non-accrual status prior to restructuring; because they have been partially charged off; or because all borrowers have filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and had not reaffirmed or been dismissed.
(3)
At September 30, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011 the totals include $15.0 million, $20.9 million, $30.6 million, $39.1 million, and $28.6 million in TDRs that are 90 days or more past due respectively.
(4)
During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, in accordance with an OCC directive, our SVAs (which had a balance of $55.5 million as of September 30, 2011) were charged off, which reduced the balance of non-accrual loans.
The gross interest income that would have been recorded during the year ended September 30, 2015 on non-accrual loans if they had been accruing during the entire period and TDRs if they had been current and performing in accordance with their original terms during the entire period was $12.7 million. The interest income recognized on those loans included in net income for the year ended September 30, 2015 was $6.7 million.
Impaired Loans. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Association will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. For discussion on impairment measurement, see Note 5. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES.

20



The recorded investment of impaired loans includes accruing TDRs and loans that are returned to accrual status when contractual payments are less than 90 days past due. Also, the recorded investment of non-accrual loans includes loans that are not included in the recorded investment of impaired loans because they are included in loans collectively evaluated for impairment. The table below sets forth a reconciliation of the recorded investments and categories between non-accrual loans and impaired loans at the dates indicated.
 
 
At or For the Years Ended September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance of Non-Accrual Loans
 
$106,790
 
$135,537
 
$155,845
 
$182,560
 
$235,258
Accruing TDRs
 
107,753

 
106,895

 
116,831

 
134,530

 
121,115

Performing Impaired Loans
 
5,276

 
5,389

 
7,761

 
2,776

 
7,975

Less Loans Collectively Evaluated
 
(7,647
)
 
(14,435
)
 
(17,396
)
 
(20,996
)
 
(24,576
)
Balance of Total Impaired loans
 
$212,172
 
$233,386
 
$263,041
 
$298,870
 
$339,772
The level of loan restructurings has decreased, resulting in $178.3 million of total (accrual and non-accrual) TDRs recorded at September 30, 2015, an $8.2 million decrease from September 30, 2014. Of the $178.3 million of TDRs recorded at September 30, 2015, $101.9 million is in the residential, Core portfolio and $53.9 million is in the Home Today portfolio.
Loan restructuring is a method used to help families keep their homes and preserve our neighborhoods. This involves making changes to the borrowers’ loan terms through interest rate reductions, either for a specific period or for the remaining term of the loan; term extensions including those beyond that provided in the original agreement; principal forgiveness; capitalization of delinquent payments in special situations; or some combination of the above. Loans discharged through Chapter 7 bankruptcy are also reported as TDRs per OCC interpretive guidance issued in July 2012. For discussion on impairment measurement, see Note 5. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES.

21



The following table sets forth the recorded investments of accrual and non-accrual TDRs, by the types of concessions granted as of September 30, 2015. 
 
Reduction in
Interest Rates
 
Payment
Extensions
 
Forbearance
or Other
Actions
 
Multiple
Concessions
 
Multiple Restructurings
 
Bankruptcy
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Accrual
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
13,963

 
$
683

 
$
7,574

 
$
17,823

 
$
12,453

 
$
7,679

 
$
60,175

Residential Home Today
5,959

 

 
4,008

 
11,291

 
13,286

 
1,130

 
35,674

Home equity loans and lines of credit
96

 
2,992

 
389

 
3,827

 
342

 
4,258

 
11,904

Construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
20,018

 
$
3,675

 
$
11,971

 
$
32,941

 
$
26,081

 
$
13,067

 
$
107,753

Non-Accrual, Performing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
1,099

 
$
151

 
$
360

 
$
3,504

 
$
8,360

 
$
20,422

 
$
33,896

Residential Home Today
1,124

 
7

 
617

 
882

 
5,199

 
3,761

 
11,590

Home equity loans and lines of credit

 
174

 
78

 
372

 
567

 
8,858

 
10,049

Construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
2,223

 
$
332

 
$
1,055

 
$
4,758

 
$
14,126

 
$
33,041

 
$
55,535

Non-Accrual, Non-Performing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
681

 
$
100

 
$
318

 
$
884

 
$
1,781

 
$
4,114

 
$
7,878

Residential Home Today
651

 
5

 
1,018

 
129

 
3,443

 
1,381

 
6,627

Home equity loans and lines of credit

 
87

 
42

 
15

 

 
322

 
466

Construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
1,332

 
$
192

 
$
1,378

 
$
1,028

 
$
5,224

 
$
5,817

 
$
14,971

Total TDRs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
15,743

 
$
934

 
$
8,252

 
$
22,211

 
$
22,594

 
$
32,215

 
$
101,949

Residential Home Today
7,734

 
12

 
5,643

 
12,302

 
21,928

 
6,272

 
53,891

Home equity loans and lines of credit
96

 
3,253

 
509

 
4,214

 
909

 
13,438

 
22,419

Construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
23,573

 
$
4,199

 
$
14,404

 
$
38,727

 
$
45,431

 
$
51,925

 
$
178,259


TDRs on accrual status are loans accruing interest and performing according to the terms of the restructuring. To be performing, a loan must be less than 90 days past due as of the report date. Non-accrual, performing status indicates that a loan was: not accruing interest at the time of restructuring, continues not to accrue interest and is performing according to the terms of the restructuring, but has not been current for at least six consecutive months since its restructuring; has a partial charge-off; or is being classified as non-accrual per the OCC guidance on loans in Chapter 7 bankruptcy status, where all borrowers have filed and have not reaffirmed or been dismissed. Non-accrual, non-performing status includes loans that are not accruing interest because they are greater than 90 days past due and therefore not performing according to the terms of the restructuring.
Real Estate Owned. Real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure is classified as real estate owned until sold. When property is acquired, it is recorded at the estimated fair market value at the date of foreclosure less estimated costs to sell, establishing a new cost basis. Estimated fair value generally represents the sale price a buyer would be willing to pay on the basis of current market conditions. Subsequent to acquisition, real estate owned is carried at the lower of the cost basis or estimated fair market value less estimated costs to sell. Increases in the fair market value are recognized through income not exceeding the valuation allowance. Holding costs and declines in estimated fair market value result in charges to expense after acquisition. At September 30, 2015, we had $17.5 million in real estate owned.
Classification of Assets. Our policies, consistent with regulatory guidelines, provide for the classification of loans and other assets that are considered to be of lesser quality as substandard, doubtful, or loss assets. An asset is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current payment capacity of the borrower or the collateral pledged has a

22



defined weakness that jeopardizes the liquidation of the debt. Substandard assets include those assets characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as doubtful have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable or improbable. Assets (or portions of assets) classified as loss are those considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as assets is not warranted. Assets that do not expose us to risk sufficient to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but which possess potential weaknesses that deserve management's attention and may result in further deterioration in their repayment prospects and/or the Association's credit position, are required to be designated as special mention.
When we classify assets as either substandard or doubtful, we allocate a portion of the related general loss allowances to such assets as we deem prudent. The allowance for loan losses is the amount estimated by management as necessary to absorb credit losses incurred in the loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonably estimable at the balance sheet date. When we classify a problem asset as loss, we charge-off that portion of the asset that is uncollectible. Our determinations as to the classification of our assets and the amount of our loss allowances are subject to review by the Association's primary federal regulator, the OCC, which can require that we establish additional loss allowances. We regularly review our asset portfolio to determine whether any assets require classification in accordance with applicable regulations. On the basis of our review of assets at September 30, 2015, the recorded investment of classified assets consists of substandard assets of $134.4 million, including $17.5 million of real estate owned, and $4.3 million of assets designated special mention. As of September 30, 2015, there were no individual assets with balances exceeding $1 million that were classified as substandard. Substandard assets at September 30, 2015 include $38.4 million of loans 90 or more days past due and $78.5 million of loans less than 90 days past due displaying a weakness sufficient to warrant an adverse classification, the majority of which are TDRs.
Allowance for Loan Losses. We provide for loan losses based on the allowance method. Accordingly, all loan losses are charged to the related allowance and all recoveries are credited to it. Additions to the allowance for loan losses are provided by charges to income based on various factors which, in our judgment, deserve current recognition in estimating probable losses. We regularly review the loan portfolio and make provisions for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Our allowance for loan losses consists of two components:
(1)
individual valuation allowances (IVAs) established for any impaired loans dependent on cash flows, such as performing TDRs, and IVAs related to a portion of the allowance on loans individually reviewed that represents further deterioration in the fair value of the collateral not yet identified as uncollectible, and prior to December 31, 2011, SVAs for impaired loans;
(2)
general valuation allowances, which are comprised of quantitative GVAs, which are general allowances for loan losses for each loan type based on historical loan loss experience and qualitative GVAs which are adjustments to the quantitative GVAs, maintained to cover uncertainties that affect our estimate of incurred probable losses for each loan type.
    
In an October 2011 directive applicable to institutions subject to its regulation, the OCC required all SVAs on collateral dependent loans maintained by savings institutions to be charged off by March 31, 2012. As permitted, the Association elected to early-adopt this methodology effective for the quarter ended December 31, 2011. Additionally, the OCC issued guidance in July 2012 which requires loans, where at least one borrower has been discharged of their obligation, in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, to be classified as TDRs. Also required is the charge off of performing loans to collateral value when all borrowers have had their obligations discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, regardless of how long the loans have been performing. As a result, reported loan charge-offs for the year ended September 30, 2012 were impacted by the charge-off of SVAs, which had a balance of $55.5 million at September 30, 2011 and the charge-off of $15.8 million in connection with the Chapter 7 related guidance. The one-time SVA related charge-off did not materially impact the provision for loan losses for the year ended September 30, 2012; however, reported loan charge-offs during the year ended September 30, 2012 increased and the balance of the allowance for loan losses as of September 30, 2012 decreased accordingly. Additionally, the SVA charge-off contributed to the decrease in the reported balances of seriously delinquent and non-accrual loans for the year ended September 30, 2012. As a result of our adoption of this required change, effective for the year ended September 30, 2012 and prospectively, the balance of the SVA component of the allowance for loan losses was and will be zero. The Chapter 7 related charge-offs increased the provision for loan losses for the year ended September 30, 2012.
The qualitative GVAs expand our ability to identify and estimate probable losses and are based on our evaluation of the following factors, some of which are consistent with factors that impact the determination of quantitative GVAs. For example, delinquency statistics (both current and historical) are used in developing the quantitative GVAs while the trending of the delinquency statistics is considered and evaluated in the determination of the qualitative GVAs. Factors impacting the determination of qualitative GVAs include:

23



changes in lending policies and procedures including underwriting standards, collection, charge-off or recovery practices;
changes in national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and trends including housing market factors and trends, such as the status of loans in foreclosure, real estate in judgment and real estate owned, and unemployment statistics and trends;
changes in the nature and volume of the portfolios including home equity lines of credit nearing the end of the draw period;
changes in the experience, ability or depth of lending management;
changes in the volume or severity of past due loans, volume of nonaccrual loans, or the volume and severity of adversely classified loans including the trending of delinquency statistics (both current and historical), historical loan loss experience and trends, the frequency and magnitude of multiple restructurings of loans previously the subject of TDRs, and uncertainty surrounding borrowers’ ability to recover from temporary hardships for which short-term loan restructurings are granted;
changes in the quality of the loan review system;
changes in the value of the underlying collateral including asset disposition loss statistics (both current and historical) and the trending of those statistics, and additional charge-offs on individually reviewed loans;
existence of any concentrations of credit;
effect of other external factors such as competition, or legal and regulatory requirements including market conditions and regulatory directives that impact the entire financial services industry.
When loan restructurings qualify as TDRs and the loans are performing according to the terms of the restructuring, we record an IVA based on the present value of expected future cash flows, which includes a factor for subsequent potential defaults, discounted at the effective interest rate of the original loan contract. Potential defaults are distinguished from multiple restructurings as borrowers who default are not eligible for a subsequent restructuring. At September 30, 2015, the balance of such IVAs was $14.1 million. In instances when loans require multiple restructurings, additional valuation allowances may be required. The new valuation allowance on a loan that has multiple restructurings, is calculated based on the present value of the expected cash flows, discounted at the effective interest rate of the original loan contract, considering the new terms of the restructured agreement. Due to the immaterial amount of this exposure to date, we continue to capture this exposure as a component of our qualitative GVA evaluation. The significance of this exposure will be monitored and if warranted, we will enhance our loan loss methodology to include a new default factor (developed to reflect the estimated impact to the balance of the allowance for loan losses that will occur as a result of subsequent future restructurings) that will be assessed against all loans reviewed collectively. If new default factors are implemented, the qualitative GVA methodology will be adjusted to preclude duplicative loss consideration.
We evaluate the allowance for loan losses based upon the combined total of the quantitative and qualitative GVAs and IVAs. Generally when the loan portfolio increases, absent other factors, the allowance for loan loss methodology results in a higher dollar amount of estimated probable losses than would be the case without the increase. Generally when the loan portfolio decreases, absent other factors, the allowance for loan loss methodology results in a lower dollar amount of estimated probable losses than would be the case without the decrease.
Home equity loans and lines of credit generally have higher credit risk than traditional residential mortgage loans. These loans and lines are usually in a second lien position and when combined with the first mortgage, result in generally higher overall LTV ratios. In a stressed housing market with high delinquencies and decreasing housing prices, as arose beginning in 2008, these higher LTV ratios represent a greater risk of loss to the Company. A borrower with more equity in the property has a vested interest in keeping the loan current compared to a borrower with little or no equity in the property. In light of the past weakness in the housing market, the current level of delinquencies and the current uncertainty with respect to future employment levels and economic prospects, we currently conduct an expanded loan level evaluation of our home equity loans and lines of credit, including bridge loans, which are delinquent 90 days or more. This expanded evaluation is in addition to our traditional evaluation procedures. Although the level of home equity loans and lines of credit charge-offs has been reduced during the year from previous levels, our home equity loans and lines of credit portfolio continued to comprise a significant portion of our net charge-offs during the current year. At September 30, 2015, we had a recorded investment of $1.63 billion in home equity loans and equity lines of credit outstanding, 0.3% of which were delinquent 90 days or more.
Construction loans generally have greater credit risk than traditional residential real estate mortgage loans as discussed in the Construction Loans section above.

24



We periodically evaluate the carrying value of loans and the allowance is adjusted accordingly. While we use the best information available to make evaluations, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on unforeseen changes in loan quality and economic conditions. For more information regarding the allowance for loan losses, see Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.”


25



The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for loan losses segregated by geographic location for the periods indicated. The majority of our construction loan portfolio is secured by properties located in Ohio and the balances of Other consumer loans are immaterial; therefore neither was segregated.
 
At or For the Years Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance balance (beginning of the year)
$
81,362

 
$
92,537

 
$
100,464

 
$
156,978

 
$
133,240

Charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
4,522

 
8,406

 
10,534

 
25,828

 
8,915

Florida
1,703

 
7,782

 
6,129

 
29,285

 
8,889

Other
641

 
32

 
56

 
249

 

Total Residential Core
6,866

 
16,220

 
16,719

 
55,362

 
17,804

Residential Home Today
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
3,277

 
7,336

 
11,869

 
41,325

 
6,852

Florida
175

 
286

 
433

 
1,890

 
99

Total Residential Home Today
3,452

 
7,622

 
12,302

 
43,215

 
6,951

Home equity loans and lines of credit(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ohio
5,241

 
4,879

 
4,604

 
13,957

 
10,564

Florida
4,017

 
8,004

 
14,147

 
30,473

 
30,319

California
498

 
1,021

 
2,490

 
5,747

 
4,895

Other
1,278

 
2,039

 
2,302

 
12,858

 
5,636

Total Home equity loans and lines of credit
11,034

 
15,943

 
23,543

 
63,035

 
51,414

Construction

 
192

 
294

 
1,268

 
994

Other consumer loans

 

 

 

 
1

Total charge-offs
21,352

 
39,977

 
52,858

 
162,880

 
77,164

Recoveries:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
5,369

 
2,742

 
2,061

 
850

 
338

Residential Home Today
1,533

 
1,909

 
775

 
162

 
108

Home equity loans and lines of credit
7,468

 
4,918

 
4,964

 
3,318

 
1,921

Construction
174

 
233

 
131

 
36

 
35

Other consumer loans

 

 

 

 

Total recoveries
14,544

 
9,802

 
7,931

 
4,366

 
2,402

Net charge-offs
(6,808
)
 
(30,175
)
 
(44,927
)
 
(158,514
)
 
(74,762
)
Provision for loan losses
(3,000
)
 
19,000

 
37,000

 
102,000

 
98,500

Allowance balance (end of the year)
$
71,554

 
$
81,362

 
$
92,537

 
$
100,464

 
$
156,978

Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding
0.06
%
 
0.29
%
 
0.44
%
 
1.54
%
 
0.76
%
Allowance for loan losses to non-accrual loans at end
     of the year
67.00
%
 
60.03
%
 
59.38
%
 
55.03
%
 
66.73
%
Allowance for loan losses to the total recorded investment
     in loans at end of the year
0.64
%
 
0.76
%
 
0.91
%
 
0.97
%
 
1.58
%
Charge-offs decreased during the year ended September 30, 2015 in all portfolios when compared to the year ended September 30, 2014, reflecting the improving market conditions. We continue to evaluate loans becoming delinquent for potential losses and record provisions for our estimate of those losses.

26



Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following tables set forth the allowance for loan losses allocated by loan category, the percent of allowance in each category to the total allowance, and the percent of loans in each category to total loans at the dates indicated. The allowance for loan losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.
 
At September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Amount
 
Percent of
Allowance
to Total
Allowance
 
Percent of
Loans in
Category to
Total Loans
 
Amount
 
Percent of
Allowance
to Total
Allowance
 
Percent of
Loans in
Category to
Total Loans
 
Amount
 
Percent of
Allowance
to Total
Allowance
 
Percent of
Loans in
Category to
Total Loans
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
22,596

 
31.6
%
 
83.9
%
 
$
31,080

 
38.2
%
 
82.2
%
 
$
35,427

 
38.3
%
 
79.4
%
Residential Home
     Today
9,997

 
14.0

 
1.2

 
16,424

 
20.2

 
1.5

 
24,112

 
26.0

 
1.7

Home equity loans
  and lines of credit
38,926

 
54.4

 
14.4

 
33,831

 
41.6

 
15.8

 
32,818

 
35.5

 
18.2

Construction
35

 

 
0.5

 
27

 

 
0.5

 
180

 
0.2

 
0.7

Other consumer loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total allowance
$
71,554

 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
$
81,362

 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
$
92,537

 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%

 
At September 30,
 
2012
 
2011
 
Amount
 
Percent of
Allowance
to Total
Allowance
 
Percent of
Loans in
Category to
Total Loans
 
Amount
 
Percent of
Allowance
to Total
Allowance
 
Percent of
Loans in
Category to
Total Loans
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
31,618

 
31.5
%
 
76.5
%
 
$
49,484

 
31.5
%
 
71.5
%
Residential Home Today
22,588

 
22.5

 
2.0

 
31,025

 
19.8

 
2.6

Home equity loans and lines of credit
45,508

 
45.3

 
20.8

 
74,071

 
47.2

 
25.0

Construction
750

 
0.7

 
0.7

 
2,398

 
1.5

 
0.8

Other consumer loans

 

 

 

 

 
0.1

Total allowance
$
100,464

 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
$
156,978

 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
During the year ended September 30, 2015, the total allowance for loan losses decreased $9.8 million, to $71.6 million from $81.4 million at September 30, 2014, as we recorded a negative $3.0 million provision for loan losses, which was less than the actual net charge-offs of $6.8 million for the year. The allowance for loan losses related to loans evaluated collectively decreased by $8.3 million during the year ended September 30, 2015, and the allowance for loan losses related to loans evaluated individually decreased by $1.5 million. Refer to the "Activity in the Allowance for Loan Losses" and "Analysis of the Allowance for Loan Losses" tables in Note 5 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for more information. Other than the less significant construction and other consumer loans segments, changes during the year ended September 30, 2015 in the balances of the GVAs, excluding changes in IVAs, related to the significant loan segments are described as follows:

Residential Core The total balance of this segment of the loan portfolio increased 7.3% or $643.5 million while the total allowance for loan losses for this segment decreased 27.3% or $8.5 million. The portion of this loan segment’s allowance for loan losses that was determined by evaluating groups of loans collectively (i.e. those loans that were not individually evaluated), decreased $8.9 million, or 40.3%, from $22.2 million at September 30, 2014 to $13.2 million at September 30, 2015. The ratio of this portion of the allowance for loan losses to the total balance of loans in this loan segment that were evaluated collectively, decreased to 0.14% for September 30, 2015 from 0.26% at September 30, 2014. The decreases in the balance and ratio of the allowance for loan losses were reflective of the improvements in the levels of loan delinquencies and the reduction in the amount of net charge offs during the current year when compared to prior periods. These improvements occurred as the balance of this loan segment grew during the year due to the addition of high credit quality, residential first mortgage loans. Total delinquencies decreased

27



28.9% to $35.9 million at September 30, 2015 from $50.4 million at September 30, 2014. Loans 90 or more days delinquent decreased 37.8% to $23.3 million at September 30, 2015 from $37.5 million at September 30, 2014. Net charge-offs during the current year were less at $1.5 million as compared to $13.5 million during the year ended September 30, 2014. As there continues to be a consistent improving trend in asset quality of this portfolio, additional reductions in the allowance may be warranted.
Residential Home Today – The total balance of this segment of the loan portfolio decreased 11.8% or $18.0 million as new originations have effectively stopped since the imposition of more restrictive lending requirements in 2009. The total allowance for loan losses for this segment decreased by $6.4 million or 39.1%. The portion of this loan segment’s allowance for loan losses that was determined by evaluating groups of loans collectively (i.e. those loans that were not individually evaluated), decreased by 42.0% from $10.1 million at September 30, 2014 to $5.8 million at September 30, 2015. Similarly, the ratio of this portion of the allowance to the total balance of loans in this loan segment that were evaluated collectively, decreased 4.2% to 7.7% at September 30, 2015 from 11.9% at September 30, 2014. Total delinquencies decreased from $25.5 million at September 30, 2014 to $17.4 million at September 30, 2015. Delinquencies greater than 90 days decreased from $15.1 million to $9.1 million during the same period. The credit profile of the remaining Home Today portfolio segment in total improved during the year and net charge-offs were less at $1.9 million during the year ended September 30, 2015 as compared to $5.7 million during the year ended September 30, 2014. Despite the improving trends, there still remains concern surrounding the overall credit profile of the Home Today borrowers based on the generally less stringent credit requirements that were in place at the time that these borrowers qualified for their loans. This increases the risk when impairment is identified through discharged Chapter 7 bankruptcy, restructurings and a high portfolio delinquency when compared to the other portfolios.
Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit – The total balance of this segment of the loan portfolio decreased 4.1% or $69.8 million from $1.70 billion at September 30, 2014 to $1.63 billion at September 30, 2015. The total allowance for loan losses for this segment increased 15.1% to $38.9 million from $33.8 million at September 30, 2014. The portion of this loan segment's allowance for loan losses that was determined by evaluating groups of loans collectively (i.e. those loans that were not individually evaluated) increased by $4.9 million, or 14.6%, from $33.3 million to $38.2 million during the year ended September 30, 2015. The ratio of this portion of the allowance to the total balance of loans in this loan segment that were evaluated collectively also increased to 2.4% at September 30, 2015 from 2.0% at September 30, 2014. Net charge-offs for this loan segment during the current year were less at $3.6 million as compared to $11.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2014. Total delinquencies for this portfolio segment decreased 30.3% to $11.7 million at September 30, 2015 as compared to $16.9 million at September 30, 2014. Delinquencies greater than 90 days decreased 38.3% to $5.6 million at September 30, 2015 from $9.0 million at September 30, 2014. While the credit metrics of this loan segment improved during the current year, the increases in the balance and ratio of this loan segment's allowance for loan losses reflect our consideration of the potentially adverse impact that required payment increases that occur as home equity lines of credit near the end of their draw periods may have on our borrowers ability to meet their debt service obligations.
While the portfolio performance has improved, loan losses on home equity loans and lines of credit continued to comprise a large component of our losses for 2015 and are expected to continue to represent a large portion of our losses for the foreseeable future, until non-performing loan balances begin to decrease by more than the charge-offs.
Our analysis for evaluating the adequacy of and the appropriateness of our loan loss provision and allowance for loan losses is continually refined as new information becomes available and actual loss experience is acquired. During the last several years, numerous modifications to our procedures have been made including the following:
As of September 30, 2011, $7.4 million of the SVA was reclassified as an IVA. This portion represents the allowance on individually reviewed loans dependent on cash flows, such as performing TDRs, and a portion of the allowance on loans that represents further deterioration in the fair value not supported by an appraisal.
As of September 30, 2012, home equity loans and lines of credit where the customer has a severely delinquent first mortgage are also placed in non-accrual status and classified Substandard, receiving a higher GVA factor than if they remained in the performing Pass category. Also, all loans in Chapter 7 bankruptcy status, where at least one borrower has been discharged of their obligation, have been added to the individually reviewed population. Those loans where all borrowers have had their obligation discharged are evaluated for impairment based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. Those loans where at least one borrower has not had the debt discharged are evaluated for impairment based on the present value of cash flow analysis. As noted above, during the year ended September 30, 2012, in accordance with an OCC directive, our SVAs (which had a balance of $55.5 million as of September 30, 2011) were charged off. This one-time charge-off did not impact the provision for loan losses for the year ended September 30, 2012; however, reported loan charge-offs during the year ended September 30, 2012 increased and the

28



balances of loans, the allowance for loan losses, non-accrual status loans and loan delinquencies all decreased accordingly.
During the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 no material changes were made to the allowance or allowance methodology.
Investments
The Association’s Board of Directors is responsible for establishing and overseeing the Association’s investment policy. The investment policy is reviewed at least annually by management and any changes to the policy are recommended to the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, and are subject to its approval. This policy dictates that investment decisions be made based on the safety of the investment, liquidity requirements, potential returns, the ability to provide collateral for pledging requirements, and consistency with our interest rate risk management strategy. The Association’s Investment Committee, which consists of its chief operating officer, chief financial officer and other members of management, oversees its investing activities and strategies. The portfolio manager is responsible for making securities portfolio decisions in accordance with established policies. The portfolio manager has the authority to purchase and sell securities within specific guidelines established in the investment policy, but historically the portfolio manager has executed purchases only after extensive discussions with other Investment Committee members. All transactions are formally reviewed by the Investment Committee at least quarterly. Any investment which, subsequent to its purchase, fails to meet the guidelines of the policy is reported to the Investment Committee, which decides whether to hold or sell the investment.
The Association’s current investment policy requires that it invest primarily in debt securities issued by the U.S. Government, agencies of the U.S. Government, and government-sponsored entities, which include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The policy also permits investments in mortgage-backed securities, including pass-through securities issued and guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae as well as collateralized mortgage obligations and real estate mortgage investment conduits issued or backed by securities issued by these governmental agencies and government-sponsored entities. The investment policy also permits investments in asset-backed securities, banker’s acceptances, money market funds, term federal funds, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements.
The Association’s current investment policy does not permit investment in municipal bonds, corporate debt obligations, preferred or common stock of government agencies or equity securities other than its required investment in the common stock of the FHLB of Cincinnati. As of September 30, 2015, we held no asset-backed securities or securities with sub-prime credit risk exposure, nor did we hold any banker’s acceptances, term federal funds, repurchase agreements or reverse repurchase agreements. As a federal savings association, the Association is not permitted to invest in equity securities. This general restriction does not apply to the Company. The Association’s current investment policy permits the use of interest rate agreements (caps, floors and collars) and interest rate exchange contracts (swaps) in managing our interest rate risk exposure. The use of financial futures, however, is prohibited without specific approval from its Board of Directors.
FASB ASC 320, “Investments-Debt and Equity Securities,” requires that, at the time of purchase, we designate a security as held to maturity, available-for-sale, or trading, depending on our ability and intent. Securities designated as available-for-sale are reported at fair value, while securities designated as held to maturity are reported at amortized cost. During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the Company's primary regulator indicated that the Company's reported balance of liquid assets could not include any investment security not classified as available for sale. In response to the guidance of the Company's primary regulator, all of the Company's investment securities previously classified as held to maturity were transferred to the available for sale portfolio to ensure that the securities would be eligible for inclusion in the computation of regulatory liquidity. At September 30, 2015, all investment securities held by the Company are classified as available for sale. We do not have a trading portfolio.
Our investment portfolio at September 30, 2015, primarily consisted of $2.0 million of U.S. government and federal agency obligations, $9.9 million in primarily fixed-rate securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, and $570.2 million of REMICs collateralized only by securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae.
U.S. Government and Federal Agency Obligations. While U.S. Government and federal agency securities generally provide lower yields than other investments in our securities investment portfolio, we maintain these investments, to the extent appropriate, for liquidity purposes, as collateral for borrowings and as an interest rate risk hedge in the event of significant mortgage loan prepayments.
Mortgage-Backed Securities. We purchase mortgage-backed securities insured or guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. We invest in mortgage-backed securities to achieve positive interest rate spreads with minimal administrative expense, and to lower our credit risk as a result of the guarantees provided by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae or Ginnie Mae. In September 2008, the Federal Housing Finance Agency placed Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae into

29



conservatorship. The U.S. Treasury Department has established financing agreements to ensure that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac meet their obligations to holders of mortgage-backed securities that they have issued or guaranteed.
Mortgage-backed securities are created by the pooling of mortgages and the issuance of a security with an interest rate that is less than the interest rate on the underlying mortgages. Mortgage-backed securities typically represent a participation interest in a pool of single-family or multi-family mortgages, although we invest primarily in mortgage-backed securities backed by one- to four-family mortgages. The issuers of such securities (generally Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) pool and resell the participation interests in the form of securities to investors such as the Association, and guarantee the payment of principal and interest to investors. Mortgage-backed securities generally yield less than the loans that underlie such securities because of the cost of payment guarantees and credit enhancements. However, mortgage-backed securities are more liquid than individual mortgage loans since there is an active trading market for such securities. While there has been significant disruption in the demand for private issuer mortgage-backed securities, the U.S. Treasury support for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guarantees has maintained an orderly market for the mortgage-backed securities the Company typically purchases. In addition, mortgage-backed securities may be used to collateralize our specific liabilities and obligations. Investments in mortgage-backed securities involve a risk that the timing of actual payments will be earlier or later than the timing estimated when the mortgage-backed security was purchased, which may require adjustments to the amortization of any premium or accretion of any discount relating to such interests, thereby affecting the net yield on our securities. We periodically review current prepayment speeds to determine whether prepayment estimates require modifications that could cause amortization or accretion adjustments.
REMICs are types of debt securities issued by a special-purpose entity that aggregates pools of mortgages and mortgage-backed securities and creates different classes of securities with varying maturities and amortization schedules, as well as a residual interest, with each class possessing different risk characteristics. The cash flows from the underlying collateral are generally divided into “tranches” or classes that have descending priorities with respect to the distribution of principal and interest cash flows, while cash flows on pass-through mortgage-backed securities are distributed pro rata to all security holders.
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of our securities portfolio (excluding FHLB of Cincinnati common stock) at the dates indicated.
 
At September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Investments available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
2,000

 
$
2,002

 
$
2,000

 
$
2,023

 
$
2,000

 
$
2,037

Freddie Mac certificates

 

 

 

 
894

 
950

Ginnie Mae certificates

 

 

 

 
11,919

 
12,342

REMICs
570,194

 
572,451

 
557,895

 
555,607

 
448,881

 
444,577

Fannie Mae certificates
9,897

 
10,600

 
10,654

 
11,238

 
11,495

 
11,995

Money market accounts

 

 

 

 
5,475

 
5,475

Total investment securities available for sale
$
582,091

 
$
585,053

 
$
570,549

 
$
568,868

 
$
480,664

 
$
477,376



30



Portfolio Maturities and Yields. The composition and maturities of the investment securities portfolio and the mortgage-backed securities portfolio at September 30, 2015 are summarized in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment dates, and do not reflect the impact of prepayments or early redemptions that may occur. All of our securities at September 30, 2015 were taxable securities.
 
One Year or Less
 
More than
One Year Through
Five years
 
More than
Five Years Through
Ten Years
 
More than Ten
Years
 
Total Securities
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair
Value
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Investments
available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Government and agency obligations
$
2,000

 
1.25
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
 
$
2,000

 
$
2,002

 
1.25
%
REMICs

 
%
 
334

 
2.39
%
 
27,833

 
1.60
%
 
542,027

 
1.56
%
 
570,194

 
572,451

 
1.56
%
Fannie Mae certificates

 
%
 
785

 
6.61
%
 
4,868

 
1.74
%
 
4,244

 
6.48
%
 
9,897

 
10,600

 
4.16
%
Total investment securities available-for-sale
$
2,000

 
1.25
%
 
$
1,119

 
5.35
%
 
$
32,701

 
1.62
%
 
$
546,271

 
1.60
%
 
$
582,091

 
$
585,053

 
1.60
%
Sources of Funds
General. Deposits traditionally have been the primary source of funds for the Association’s lending and investment activities. The Association also borrows, primarily from the FHLB of Cincinnati and the FRB-Cleveland Discount Window, to supplement cash flow, to lengthen the maturities of liabilities for interest rate risk management purposes and to manage its cost of funds. Additional sources of funds are scheduled loan payments, maturing investments, loan prepayments, collateralized wholesale borrowings, income on other earning assets, the proceeds from loan sales, and beginning in September 2013, brokered CDs.
Deposits. The Association obtains deposits primarily from the areas in which its branch offices are located, as well as from its customer service call center, its internet website, and beginning in September 2013, from brokered CDs. It relies on its competitive pricing, convenient locations, and customer service to attract and retain its non-brokered deposits. It offers a variety of retail deposit accounts with a range of interest rates and terms. Its retail deposit accounts consist of savings accounts (primarily high-yield savings), NOW accounts (primarily high-yield checking accounts), CDs, individual retirement accounts, and other qualified plan accounts.
Interest rates paid, maturity terms, service fees, and withdrawal penalties are established on a periodic basis. Deposit rates and terms are based primarily on current operating strategies and market interest rates, liquidity requirements, interest rates paid by competitors, and our deposit growth goals.
At September 30, 2015, deposits totaled $8.29 billion. NOW accounts totaled $994.4 million (including $923.5 million of high-yield checking accounts) and savings accounts totaled $1.61 billion (including $1.49 billion of high-yield savings accounts). At September 30, 2015, the Association had a total of $5.68 billion in CDs (including $520.1 million of brokered CDs), of which $1.56 billion had remaining maturities of one year or less. Based on historical experience and its current pricing strategy, management believes the Association will retain a large portion of these accounts upon maturity.


31



The following table sets forth the distribution of the Association’s average total deposit accounts, by account type, for the fiscal years indicated.
 
For the Years Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Average
Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Percent
 
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Deposit type:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW
995,736

 
11.8
%
 
0.14
%
 
$
1,019,909

 
12.1
%
 
0.14
%
 
$
1,023,442

 
11.8
%
 
0.22
%
Savings
1,636,093

 
19.3
%
 
0.19
%
 
1,756,608

 
20.7
%
 
0.19
%
 
1,804,127

 
20.7
%
 
0.31
%
Certificates of deposit
5,836,053

 
68.9
%
 
1.53
%
 
5,695,063

 
67.2
%
 
1.55
%
 
5,877,695

 
67.5
%
 
1.76
%
Total deposits
$
8,467,882

 
100.0
%
 
1.11
%
 
$
8,471,580

 
100.0
%
 
1.10
%
 
$
8,705,264

 
100.0
%
 
1.28
%

As of September 30, 2015, the aggregate amount of the Association’s outstanding CDs in amounts greater than or equal to $100,000 was approximately $2.53 billion. The following table sets forth the maturity of those CDs as of September 30, 2015.
 
At September 30, 2015
 
(In thousands)
Three months or less
$
225,205

Over three months through six months
129,064

Over six months through one year
174,489

Over one year to three years
1,285,617

Over three years
715,656

Total
$
2,530,031


The following table sets forth, by interest rate ranges, information concerning the Association’s CDs at September 30, 2015.
 
Period to Maturity
 
Less Than or
Equal to
One Year
 
More
Than One
to Two
Years
 
More
Than Two
to Three
Years
 
More Than
Three Years
 
Total
 
Percent
of Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Interest Rate Range:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.99% and below
$
1,128,895

 
$
440,650

 
$
53,633

 
$
18,660

 
$
1,641,838

 
28.91
%
1.00% to 1.99%
137,333

 
945,002

 
947,358

 
1,264,271

 
3,293,964

 
58.01
%
2.00% to 2.99%
129,899

 
261,062

 
129,522

 
32,419

 
552,902

 
9.74
%
3.00% to 3.99%
148,682

 
767

 
534

 
8,521

 
158,504

 
2.79
%
4.00% and above
12,546

 
14,148

 
4,017

 
699

 
31,410

 
0.55
%
Total
$
1,557,355

 
$
1,661,629

 
$
1,135,064

 
$
1,324,570

 
$
5,678,618

 
100.00
%


32



The following table sets forth the Association’s CDs classified by interest rate at the dates indicated.
 
At September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
0.99% and below
$
1,641,838

 
$
2,075,835

 
$
2,276,511

1.00% to 1.99%
3,293,964

 
2,674,079

 
1,790,363

2.00% to 2.99%
552,902

 
665,508

 
732,648

3.00% to 3.99%
158,504

 
517,449

 
623,032

4.00% and above
31,410

 
67,345

 
205,295

Total
$
5,678,618

 
$
6,000,216

 
$
5,627,849


Borrowings. At September 30, 2015, the Association had $2.17 billion of borrowings from the FHLB of Cincinnati. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, the Association’s only third party borrowings consisted of loans, commonly referred to as “advances,” from the FHLB of Cincinnati. Borrowings from the FHLB of Cincinnati are secured by the Association’s investment in the common stock of the FHLB of Cincinnati as well as by a blanket pledge of its mortgage portfolio not otherwise pledged. Our current, immediate additional borrowing capacity with the FHLB of Cincinnati is $584.5 million as limited by the amount of FHLB of Cincinnati common stock that we own. Based on the amount of collateral that is subject to the blanket pledge that secures advances, in addition to the existing available capacity, our capacity limit for additional borrowings from the FHLB of Cincinnati at September 30, 2015 was $3.64 billion, subject to satisfaction of the FHLB of Cincinnati common stock ownership requirement. To satisfy the common stock ownership requirement, we would have to increase our ownership of FHLB of Cincinnati common stock by an additional $72.9 million. The ability to borrow from the FRB-Cleveland Discount Window is also available to the Association and is secured by a pledge of specific loans in the Association’s mortgage portfolio. At September 30, 2015, the Association had the capacity to borrow up to $116.8 million from the FRB-Cleveland and had no amount outstanding as of that date.
The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on the Association’s borrowings at and for the periods shown:
 
At or For The Fiscal Years
Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at end of year
$
2,168,627

 
$
1,138,639

 
$
745,117

Average balance during year
$
2,312,977

 
$
974,644

 
$
435,342

Maximum outstanding at any month end
$
2,745,262

 
$
1,138,639

 
$
745,117

Weighted average interest rate at end of year
1.14
%
 
1.16
%
 
0.90
%
Average interest rate during year
0.86
%
 
1.03
%
 
0.92
%

Since September 30, 2010, when the level of the loan securitizations with Fannie Mae was substantially reduced and the proceeds from loan sales no longer provided a significant source of recurring liquidity, the Association has utilized borrowings from the FHLB of Cincinnati to manage its on-balance sheet liquidity. Beginning in September 2012, the Association began to more actively utilize borrowings from the FHLB of Cincinnati to replace maturing, high rate CDs at a lower cost.
Effective October 1, 2014, the Association implemented a strategy to increase net income which involved borrowing, on an overnight basis, approximately $1.00 billion of additional funds from the FHLB at the beginning of a particular quarter and repaying it prior to the end of that quarter. The proceeds of the borrowings, net of the required investment in FHLB stock, were deposited at the Federal Reserve. As a result of this strategy, during a portion of the 2015 fiscal year, the Association had borrowings for which the average short-term balance outstanding during the period was at least 30% of shareholders' equity. There were no short-term borrowings outstanding during fiscal years 2014 and 2013 that were at least 30% of shareholders' equity. The strategy was not utilized at September 30, 2015, however, dependent upon market rates, remains an option in the future.


33



The following table sets forth information concerning balances and interest rates on the Association’s short-term borrowings at and for fiscal year ended September 30, 2015.
 
At or For The Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at end of year
755,000

Maximum outstanding at any month-end
1,535,000

Average balance during year
1,242,380

Average interest rate during the fiscal year
0.15
%
Weighted average interest rate at end of year
0.18
%
Federal Taxation
General. The Company and the Association are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with certain exceptions. Prior to the completion of our initial public stock offering on April 20, 2007, the Company and the Association were included as part of Third Federal Savings, MHC’s consolidated tax group. However, upon completion of the offering, the Company and the Association are no longer a part of Third Federal Savings, MHC’s consolidated tax group because Third Federal Savings, MHC no longer owns at least 80% of the common stock of the Company. At September 30, 2015, Third Federal Savings, MHC, owned 78.08% of the common stock of the Company. Beginning on September 30, 2007 and for each subsequent fiscal year thereafter, the Company has filed consolidated tax returns with the Association and Third Capital Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries. On November 27, 2012, the IRS completed an audit of the federal tax returns of the Company and its subsidiaries for fiscal years ended September 30, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize certain pertinent federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the Company or its subsidiaries.
Bad Debt Reserves. Historically, the Third Federal Savings, MHC consolidated group used the specific charge off method to account for bad debt deductions for income tax purposes, and the Company has used and intends to use the specific charge off method to account for tax bad debt deductions in the future.
Taxable Distributions and Recapture. Prior to 1996, bad debt reserves created prior to 1988 were subject to recapture into taxable income if the Association failed to meet certain thrift asset and definitional tests or made certain distributions. Tax law changes in 1996 eliminated thrift-related recapture rules. However, under current law, pre-1988 tax bad debt reserves remain subject to recapture if the Association makes certain non-dividend distributions, repurchases any of its common stock, pays dividends in excess of earnings and profits, or fails to qualify as a bank for tax purposes.
At September 30, 2015, the total federal pre-base year bad debt reserve of the Association was approximately $105.0 million.
State Taxation
Following its initial public stock offering in 2007, the Company converted from a qualified passive investment company domiciled in the State of Delaware to a qualified holding company in Ohio. Through 2013, the Company was subject to Ohio tax levied on income and a significant majority of state taxes paid by the remaining entities in our corporate structure were also paid to the State of Ohio. The Association was subject to Ohio franchise tax based on equity capital reduced by certain exempted assets taxed at a rate of 1.3%. The other Ohio subsidiaries of the Company were taxed on the greater of a tax based on net income or net worth.
Effective January 1, 2014 for Ohio tax filings based on 2013 financial results, the Third Federal Savings, MHC consolidated group is subject to the Ohio Financial Institutions Tax. The Financial Institutions Tax is based on total equity capital apportioned to Ohio using a single gross receipts factor. Ohio equity capital is taxed at a three-tiered rate of 0.8% on the first $200 million, 0.4% on amounts greater than $200 million and less than or equal to $1.3 billion, and 0.25% on amounts greater than $1.3 billion.
On April 29, 2013, the State of Ohio Department of Taxation completed an audit of the Association's Ohio Franchise Tax Returns for fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2010 and 2011, which resulted in no adjustments.

34



SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
General
The Company is a savings and loan holding company, and is required to file certain reports with, is subject to examination by, and otherwise must comply with the rules and regulations of, the FRS. The Company is also subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal securities laws.
The Association is a federal savings association that is currently examined and supervised by the OCC and the CFPB, and is subject to examination by the FDIC. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC’s deposit insurance fund and depositors. Under this system of federal regulation, financial institutions are periodically examined to ensure that they satisfy applicable standards with respect to their capital adequacy, assets, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to market interest rates. Following completion of its examination, the federal agency critiques the institution’s operations and assigns its rating (known as an institution’s CAMELS rating). Under federal law, an institution may not disclose its CAMELS rating to the public. The Association also is a member of and owns stock in the FHLB of Cincinnati, which is one of the twelve regional banks in the FHLB System. The Association is also regulated to a lesser extent by the FRS, governing reserves to be maintained against deposits and other matters. The OCC will examine the Association and prepare reports for the consideration of the Association’s Board of Directors on any operating deficiencies. The CFPB, which is discussed further in the Federal Legislation section that follows, has examination and enforcement authority over the Association. The Association’s relationship with its depositors and borrowers also is regulated to a great extent by federal law and, to a much lesser extent, state law, especially in matters concerning the ownership of deposit accounts and the form and content of the Association’s mortgage documents.
Any change in these laws or regulations, whether by the FDIC, OCC, FRS, CFPB or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the Company, the Association and their operations.
Certain statutes and regulations of the regulatory requirements that are applicable to the Association and the Company are described below. This description of statutes and regulations is not intended to be a complete explanation of such statutes and regulations and their effects on the Association and the Company, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual statutes and regulations.

Dodd-Frank Act
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, enacted on July 21, 2010, has changed bank regulation and the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of depository institutions and their holding companies. The DFA eliminated our former primary federal regulator, the OTS, and required the Association to be regulated by the OCC (the primary federal regulator for national banks). The DFA also authorized the FRS to supervise and regulate all savings and loan holding companies, including mutual holding companies and their mid-tier holding companies, like Third Federal Savings, MHC and the Company, in addition to bank holding companies that the FRS already regulated. Third Federal Savings, MHC will require the non-objection of the FRS before it may waive the receipt of any dividends from the Company under the standards specified in the DFA and implementing FRS regulations. The DFA also required the FRS to set minimum capital levels for depository institution holding companies that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository subsidiaries with the components of Tier 1 capital restricted to capital instruments that are currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions. The legislation also established a floor for capital of insured depository institutions that cannot be lower than the standards in effect on July 21, 2010, and directed the federal banking regulators to implement new leverage and capital requirements within 18 months from the enactment of the DFA that take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives. A final rule implementing these requirements was effective January 1, 2015.
The DFA also created the CFPB with substantial power to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The CFPB has broad rulemaking authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions such as the Association, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The CFPB has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets are examined by their applicable federal bank regulators. The banking agencies used June 30, 2011 financial information for purposes of initially determining CFPB authority. Since the Association had more than $10 billion of total assets on that date, it is subject to CFPB examination and enforcement authority. The legislation also weakened the federal preemption available for national banks and federal savings associations, and gives state attorneys general the ability to enforce applicable federal consumer protection laws.
The legislation broadened the base for FDIC insurance assessments. Assessments are now based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution. The DFA also permanently increased the

35



maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008, and non-interest bearing transaction accounts had unlimited deposit insurance through December 31, 2012. The DFA increased stockholder influence over boards of directors by requiring companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments. The legislation also directed the FRS to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded. The DFA provided for originators of certain securitized loans to retain a percentage of the risk for transferred loans, directed the FRS to regulate pricing of certain debit card interchange fees and contained a number of reforms related to mortgage origination. Many of the provisions of the DFA have delayed effective dates and the legislation requires various federal agencies to promulgate numerous and extensive implementing regulations. Although the full impact of these regulations cannot be completely determined at this time, it is expected that the legislation and implementing regulations has and will continue to increase our operating and compliance costs.
Federal Banking Regulation
Business Activities. A federal savings association derives its lending and investment powers from the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended, and federal regulations. Under these laws and regulations, the Association may invest in mortgage loans secured by residential real estate without limitations as a percentage of assets, and may invest in non-residential real estate loans up to 400% of capital in the aggregate. The Association may also invest in commercial business loans up to 20% of assets in the aggregate and consumer loans up to 35% of assets in the aggregate, and in certain types of debt securities and certain other assets. An association may also establish subsidiaries that may engage in certain activities not otherwise permissible for an association, including real estate investment and securities and insurance brokerage. The DFA authorized depository institutions to commence paying interest on business checking accounts, effective July 21, 2011.
Capital Requirements. Federal regulations require FDIC insured depository institutions to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets ratio of 8%, and a 4% Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio. The existing capital requirements were effective January 1, 2015 and are the result of a final rule implementing regulatory amendments based on recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the DFA.
As noted, the capital standards require the maintenance of common equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital and total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, 6% and 8%, respectively, and a leverage ratio of at least 4% Tier 1 capital. Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus additional Tier 1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus, meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that have exercised an opt-out election regarding the treatment of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Institutions that have not exercised the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity Tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale-securities). The Association exercised its opt-out election during the first quarter of calendar 2015. Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.
In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests) are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one to four- family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% to 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors.
Federal savings associations must also meet a statutory “tangible capital” standard of 1.5% of total adjusted assets. Tangible capital is generally defined as Tier 1 capital less intangible assets other than certain mortgage servicing rights.
In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted asset above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based

36



capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement is being phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and increasing each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. In assessing an institution’s capital adequacy, the OCC takes into consideration, not only these numeric factors, but qualitative factors as well, and has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual institutions where deemed necessary.
Prior to January 1, 2015, the risk-based capital standards for savings associations required the maintenance of Tier 1 core and total capital (which is defined as core capital and supplementary capital) to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.0% and 8.0%, respectively. The previous leverage ratio required 4.0% (3% for savings associations receiving the highest rating on the CAMELS rating system and meeting certain other requirements) and was calculated based on Tier 1 capital divided by total assets at the end of the quarter. In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets, are multiplied by a risk-weight factor of 0% to 100%, assigned by the applicable regulatory agency, based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Core capital is defined as common shareholders’ equity (including retained earnings), certain non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less intangibles other than certain mortgage servicing rights and credit card relationships. The components of supplementary capital currently include cumulative preferred stock, long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, subordinated debt and intermediate preferred stock, the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Overall, the amount of supplementary capital included as part of the total capital cannot exceed 100% of core capital. Additionally, a savings association that retains credit risk in connection with an asset sale may be required to maintain additional regulatory capital because of the recourse back to the savings association. As presented in Note 3: Regulatory Matters, at September 30, 2014, the Association exceeded all regulatory capital requirements to be considered “Well Capitalized”.
Loans-to-One Borrower. Generally, a federal savings association may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus. An additional amount may be loaned, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral, which generally does not include real estate. As of September 30, 2015, the Association was in compliance with the loans-to-one borrower limitations.
Qualified Thrift Lender Test. As a federal savings association, the Association must satisfy the qualified thrift lender test. Under the QTL test, the Association must maintain at least 65% of its “portfolio assets” in “qualified thrift investments” (primarily residential mortgages and related investments, including mortgage-backed securities) in at least nine months of the most recent 12-month period. “Portfolio assets” generally means total assets of a savings institution, less the sum of specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, and the value of property used in the conduct of the savings association’s business.
The Association also may satisfy the QTL test by qualifying as a “domestic building and loan association” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.
A savings association that fails the qualified thrift lender test must operate under specified restrictions. Under the DFA, non-compliance with the QTL test may subject the Association to agency enforcement action for a violation of law. At September 30, 2015, the Association satisfied the QTL test.
Capital Distributions. Federal regulations govern capital distributions by a federal savings association, which include cash dividends, stock repurchases and other transactions charged to the capital account. A federal savings association must file an application with the OCC and the FRS for approval of a capital distribution if:
the total capital distributions for the applicable calendar year exceed the sum of the savings association’s net income for that year to date plus the savings association’s retained net income for the preceding two years;
the savings association would not be at least adequately capitalized following the distribution;
the distribution would violate any applicable statute, regulation, agreement or condition imposed by a regulator; or
the savings association is not eligible for expedited treatment of its filings.
Even if an application is not otherwise required, every savings association that is a subsidiary of a holding company must still file a notice with the FRS at least 30 days before the board of directors declares a dividend or approves a capital distribution.
The OCC and the FRS have established similar criteria for approving an application or notice, and may disapprove an application or notice if:
the savings association would be undercapitalized following the distribution;

37



the proposed capital distribution raises safety and soundness concerns; or
the capital distribution would violate a prohibition contained in any statute, regulation or agreement.
In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act provides that an insured depository institution may not make any capital distribution, if the institution would be undercapitalized after the distribution.
The Association, in compliance with the preceding requirements, paid a $66 million and an $85 million cash dividend to the Company during the fiscal years ending September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. There were no dividends paid to the Company by the Association during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 and there were no dividends paid to the Company by Third Capital during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 or 2013. Additionally, on February 24, 2015, the Company received the non-objection of its regulators for the Association to pay a special dividend of $150 million to the Company. This amount is equal to the voluntary contribution of capital that the Company made to the Association in October 2010. On November 6, 2015, the Association paid $50,000 of this special dividend to the Company. It is expected that payment of the remaining $100,000 special dividend will be made later in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.
On April 1, 2014, the FRS terminated the February 7, 2011 memorandum of understanding that was issued by the OTS, the Company’s former regulator, and that, among other things, placed restrictions on the Company's ability to pay any cash dividend or repurchase any of its equity stock. During the quarter ended December 31, 2013, the Company, after receiving the non-objection of its current regulator, completed the repurchase of 2,156,250 shares of its common stock, which remained outstanding in its fourth stock repurchase program that was announced in March 2009. The fifth stock repurchase program, for 5,000,000 shares, was announced on April 4, 2014 and completed September 17, 2014. The sixth stock repurchase program for 10,000,000 shares was announced on September 9, 2014 and completed August 3, 2015. The seventh stock repurchase program for 10,000,000 shares was announced on July 30, 2015 and commenced when the sixth stock repurchase program was completed.
Under current FRS regulations, Third Federal Savings, MHC is required to obtain the approval of its members (depositors and certain loan customers of the Association) every 12 months to enable Third Federal Savings, MHC to waive its right to receive dividends on the Company’s common stock that Third Federal Savings, MHC owns. As a result of an August 5, 2015 member vote, Third Federal Savings, MHC has the approval to waive the receipt of up to a total of $0.40 per share of dividends from the Company over the four quarterly periods ending June 30, 2016. Third Federal Savings, MHC waived its right to receive a $0.10 per share dividend payment on September 22, 2015. Third Federal Savings, MHC previously received the approval of its members at a July 31, 2014 meeting to waive receipt of dividends up to $0.28 per share during the 12 months ending July 31, 2015. Third Federal Savings, MHC waived its right to receive four separate $0.07 per share dividend payments between September 26, 2014 and June 26, 2015.
Liquidity. A federal savings association is required to maintain a sufficient amount of liquid assets to ensure its safe and sound operation.
Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws. All savings associations have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act and federal regulations to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. In connection with its examination of a federal savings association, the OCC is required to assess the savings association’s record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. In addition, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act prohibit lenders from discriminating in their lending practices on the basis of characteristics specified in those statutes. A savings association’s failure to comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act could, at a minimum, result in denial of certain corporate applications such as branches or mergers, or in restrictions on its activities. The failure to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act could result in enforcement actions by the OCC, as well as other federal regulatory agencies and the Department of Justice.
The Association received a satisfactory Community Reinvestment Act rating in its most recent federal examination.
Transactions with Related Parties. A federal savings association’s authority to engage in transactions with its affiliates is limited by FRS regulations and by Sections 23A and 23B of the FRS Act and its implementing Regulation W. An affiliate is a company that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with an insured depository institution such as the Association. Third Federal Savings, MHC and the Company are affiliates of the Association. In general, loan transactions between an insured depository institution and its affiliates are subject to certain quantitative and collateral requirements. In this regard, transactions between an insured depository institution and its affiliates are limited to 10% of the institution’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus for transactions with any one affiliate and 20% of unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus for transactions in the aggregate with all affiliates. Collateral in specified amounts ranging from 100% to 130% of the amount of the transaction must usually be provided by affiliates in order to receive loans from the savings association. In addition, federal regulations prohibit a savings association from lending to any of its affiliates that are engaged

38



in activities that are not permissible for bank holding companies and from purchasing the securities of any affiliate, other than a subsidiary. Finally, transactions with affiliates must be consistent with safe and sound banking practices, not involve low-quality assets and be on terms that are as favorable to the institution as comparable transactions with non-affiliates. Savings associations are required to maintain detailed records of all transactions with affiliates.
The Association’s authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the FRS Act and Regulation O of the FRS. Among other things, these provisions require that extensions of credit to insiders:
(i)
are subject to certain exceptions for loan programs made available to all employees, be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features; and
(ii)
do not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of the Association’s capital.
In addition, extensions of credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by the Association’s Board of Directors.
Enforcement. The OCC has primary enforcement responsibility over federal savings institutions and has the authority to bring enforcement action against all “institution-affiliated parties,” including shareholders, attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful action likely to have an adverse effect on an insured institution. Formal enforcement action by the OCC may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order, to removal of officers and/or directors of the institution and the appointment of a receiver or conservator. Civil penalties cover a wide range of violations and actions, and range up to $25,000 per day, unless a finding of reckless disregard is made, in which case penalties may be as high as $1 million per day. The FDIC also has the authority to terminate deposit insurance or to recommend to the OCC that enforcement action be taken with respect to a particular savings institution. If action is not taken by the OCC, the FDIC has authority to take action under specified circumstances.
Standards for Safety and Soundness. Federal law requires each federal banking agency to prescribe certain standards for all insured depository institutions. These standards relate to, among other things, internal controls, information systems, audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, compensation, and other operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate. The federal banking agencies adopted Interagency Guidelines Prescribing Standards for Safety and Soundness to implement the safety and soundness standards required under federal law. 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. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard. If an institution fails to meet these standards, the appropriate federal banking agency may require the institution to submit a compliance plan. On June 11, 2010, the OTS, the Association’s former regulator, notified the Company that it had failed to develop appropriate credit administration and account management procedures and acceptable loss mitigation processes to correspond with the growth in its home equity line of credit portfolio. The OTS concluded that these procedural deficiencies constituted an unsafe and unsound condition and directed the Company, as well as the Association and Third Federal Savings, MHC, not to declare or pay any cash dividends or other capital distributions or purchase, repurchase or redeem or commit to purchase, repurchase or redeem any of the Company’s equity stock without providing 45 days prior written notice to the Regional Director of the OTS and receiving the Regional Director’s written non-objection. Further, the OTS advised the Company that until the Association satisfactorily addressed the problems associated with the home equity line of credit portfolio, the OTS would remove the Association from the FDIC’s prospective bidders list. Effective April 1, 2014 the last of the regulator's concerns have been resolved, and the restrictions related to capital deployments by the Company, as described above, have been terminated.
Prompt Corrective Action Regulations. Under the prompt corrective action regulations, the OCC is required and authorized to take supervisory actions against undercapitalized savings associations. For this purpose, a savings association is placed in one of the following five categories based on the savings association’s capital:
well-capitalized (at least 5% leverage capital, 8% Tier 1 risk-based capital, 10% total risk-based capital, and 6.5% common equity Tier 1 ratios and is not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive or prompt corrective action directive issued under certain statutes and regulations, to maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure);
adequately capitalized (at least 4% leverage capital, 6% Tier 1 risk-based capital, 8% total risk-based capital and 4.5% common equity Tier 1 ratios);

39



undercapitalized (less than 4% leverage capital, 6% Tier 1 risk-based capital, 8% total risk-based capital, or 4.5% common equity Tier 1 ratios);
significantly undercapitalized (less than 3% leverage capital, 4% Tier 1 risk-based capital, 6% total risk-based capital or 3% common equity Tier 1 ratios); and
critically undercapitalized (less than 2% tangible capital to total assets).
The final rule that strengthened regulatory capital requirements adjusted the prompt corrective actions categories to incorporate the new standards, as reflected above.
Generally, the banking regulator is required to appoint a receiver or conservator for a savings association that is “critically undercapitalized” within specific time frames. The regulations also provide that a capital restoration plan must be filed with the OCC within 45 days of the date a savings association receives notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” The criteria for an acceptable capital restoration plan include, among other things, the establishment of the methodology and assumptions for attaining adequately capitalized status on an annual basis, procedures for ensuring compliance with restrictions imposed by applicable federal regulations, the identification of the types and levels of activities the savings association will engage in while the capital restoration plan is in effect, and assurances that the capital restoration plan will not appreciably increase the current risk profile of the savings association. Any holding company for a savings association required to submit a capital restoration plan must guarantee the lesser of an amount equal to 5% of the savings association’s assets at the time it was notified or deemed to be undercapitalized by the OCC, or the amount necessary to restore the savings association to adequately capitalized status. This guarantee remains in place until the OCC notifies the savings association that it has maintained adequately capitalized status for each of four consecutive calendar quarters, and the OCC has the authority to require payment and collect payment under the guarantee. Failure by a holding company to provide the required guarantee will result in certain operating restrictions on the savings association, such as restrictions on the ability to declare and pay dividends, pay executive compensation and management fees, and increase assets or expand operations. The OCC may also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions against undercapitalized associations, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.
As of September 30, 2015 the Association exceeded all regulatory requirements to be considered “Well Capitalized” as presented in the table below (dollar amounts in thousands).
 
Actual
 
Required 
(Well Capitalized)
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount    
 
Ratio    
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
$
1,677,809

 
22.92
%
 
$
731,900

 
10.00
%
Tier 1 (Leverage) Capital to Net Average Assets
1,606,251

 
12.78
%
 
628,230

 
5.00
%
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
1,606,251

 
21.95
%
 
585,520

 
8.00
%
Common Equity Tier I to Risk-Weighted Assets

1,606,237

 
21.95
%
 
475,735

 
6.50
%

Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The DFA permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008. Also, under the DFA, noninterest-bearing checking accounts had unlimited deposit insurance through December 31, 2012.
Effective April 1, 2011, the FDIC implemented a requirement of the DFA to revise its assessment system to base the assessments on each institution’s total assets less Tier 1 capital, instead of deposits. The FDIC also revised its assessment schedule so that it ranges from 2.5 basis points for the least risky institutions to 45 basis points for the riskiest. Institutions with over $10 billion of total assets, such as the Association, are classified for assessment purposes as "Large Institutions", and unless otherwise classified, are subjected to a large institution pricing system that includes a separate “scorecard” methodology, also adopted in 2011.
Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. The Association does not believe that it is taking, or is subject to, any action, condition or violation that could lead to termination of its deposit insurance.
All FDIC-insured institutions are required to pay a pro rata portion of the interest due on obligations issued by the Financing Corporation (“FICO”) for anticipated payments, issuance costs and custodial fees on bonds issued by the FICO in the 1980s to recapitalize the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The bonds issued by the FICO are due to mature in 2017 through 2019. For the quarter ended September 30, 2015, the annualized FICO assessment was equal to 0.62 basis

40



points of total assets less Tier 1 capital. The DFA increased the minimum target ratio for the Deposit Insurance Fund from 1.15% of estimated insured deposits to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC must seek to achieve the 1.35% ratio by September 30, 2020. Insured institutions with assets of $10 billion or more are supposed to fund the increase. The DFA eliminated the 1.5% maximum fund ratio, instead leaving the ratio to be set at the discretion of the FDIC. The FDIC has exercised that discretion by establishing a long-term fund ratio of 2%.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, the Association paid $605 thousand related to the FICO bonds and $8.0 million, applicable to deposit insurance assessments. The deposit insurance payments are assessed on an arrears basis. At September 30, 2015, the balance of the Association's accrued deposit insurance assessment was $2.0 million.
Prohibitions Against Tying Arrangements. Federal savings associations are prohibited, subject to some exceptions, from extending credit to or offering any other service, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that the customer obtain some additional service from the institution or its affiliates or not obtain services of a competitor of the institution.
Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Association is a member of the FHLB System, which consists of 11 regional FHLBs. The FHLB System provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. As a member of the FHLB of Cincinnati, the Association is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB.
As of September 30, 2015, outstanding borrowings (including accrued interest) from the FHLB of Cincinnati were $2.17 billion and the Association was in compliance with the stock investment requirement.
Other Regulations
Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by the Association are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. The Association’s operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as the:
Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;
Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit;
Fair Credit Reporting Act, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies;
Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies; and
rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws.
The operations of the Association also are subject to:
The Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records;
The Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E promulgated thereunder, which govern automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services;
The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (also known as “Check 21”), which gives “substitute checks,” such as digital check images and copies made from those images, the same legal standing as the original paper check;
Title III of The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (referred to as the “USA PATRIOT Act”), which significantly expanded the responsibilities of financial institutions, including savings associations, in preventing the use of the U.S. financial system to fund terrorist activities. Among other provisions, the USA PATRIOT Act and the related regulations of the OCC require savings associations operating in the United States to develop new anti-money laundering compliance programs, due diligence policies and controls to ensure the detection and reporting of money laundering. Such compliance programs are intended to supplement existing compliance requirements, also applicable to financial institutions, under the Bank Secrecy Act and the Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulations; and
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which placed limitations on the sharing of consumer financial information by financial institutions with unaffiliated third parties. Specifically, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires all financial institutions

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offering financial products or services to retail customers to provide such customers with the financial institution’s privacy policy and provide such customers the opportunity to “opt out” of the sharing of certain personal financial information with unaffiliated third parties.
Holding Company Regulation
General. Third Federal Savings, MHC, and the Company are non-diversified savings and loan holding companies within the meaning of the Home Owners’ Loan Act. As such, Third Federal Savings, MHC and the Company are registered with the FRS and subject to FRS regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting requirements. In addition, the FRS has enforcement authority over Third Federal Savings, MHC, the Company and the Association. Among other things, this authority permits the FRS to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the Association. As federal corporations, Third Federal Savings, MHC and the Company are generally not subject to state business organization laws.
Permitted Activities. Pursuant to Section 10(o) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act and FRS regulations, a mutual holding company, such as Third Federal Savings, MHC and its mid-tier companies, such as the Company, may, with appropriate regulatory approval, engage in the following activities:
(i)
investing in the stock of a savings association;
(ii)
acquiring a mutual association through the merger of such association into a savings association subsidiary of such holding company or an interim savings association subsidiary of such holding company;
(iii)
merging with or acquiring another holding company, one of whose subsidiaries is a savings association;
(iv)
investing in a corporation, the capital stock of which is available for purchase by a savings association under federal law or under the law of any state where the subsidiary savings association has its home offices;
(v)
furnishing or performing management services for a savings association subsidiary of such company;
(vi)
holding, managing or liquidating assets owned or acquired from a savings association subsidiary of such company;
(vii)
holding or managing properties used or occupied by a savings association subsidiary of such company;
(viii)
acting as trustee under deeds of trust;
(ix)
any other activity:
(A) that the FRS, by regulation, has determined to be permissible for bank holding companies under Section 4(c) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, unless the Director, by regulation, prohibits or limits any such activity for savings and loan holding companies; or
(B) in which multiple savings and loan holding companies were authorized (by regulation) to directly engage on March 5, 1987;
(x) if the savings and loan holding company meets the criteria to qualify as a financial holding company, any activity permissible for financial holding companies under Section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act, including securities and insurance underwriting; and
(xi) purchasing, holding, or disposing of stock acquired in connection with a qualified stock issuance if the purchase of such stock by such savings and loan holding company is approved by the Director. If a mutual holding company acquires or merges with another holding company, the holding company acquired or the holding company resulting from such merger or acquisition may only invest in assets and engage in activities listed in (i) through (x) above, and has a period of two years to cease any nonconforming activities and divest any nonconforming investments.
The Home Owners’ Loan Act prohibits a savings and loan holding company, including the Company, directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries, from acquiring more than 5% of another savings institution or holding company thereof, without prior written approval of the FRS. It also prohibits the acquisition or retention of, with certain exceptions, more than 5% of a non-subsidiary company engaged in activities other than those permitted by the Home Owners’ Loan Act or acquiring or retaining control of an institution that is not federally insured. In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings institutions, the FRS must consider the financial and managerial resources, future prospects of the company and institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the federal deposit insurance fund, the convenience and needs of the community and competitive factors.
The FRS is prohibited from approving any acquisition that would result in a multiple savings and loan holding company controlling savings institutions in more than one state, subject to two exceptions:
(i)
the approval of interstate supervisory acquisitions by savings and loan holding companies; and

42



(ii)
the acquisition of a savings institution in another state if the laws of the state of the target savings institution specifically permit such acquisition.
The states vary in the extent to which they permit interstate savings and loan holding company acquisitions.
Capital. Savings and loan holding companies were historically not subject to specific regulatory capital requirements. The DFA, however, required the FRS to promulgate consolidated capital requirements for depository institution holding companies that are no less stringent, both quantitatively and in terms of components of capital, than those applicable to depository institutions themselves. Instruments such as cumulative preferred stock and trust preferred securities can no longer be included as Tier 1 capital, as was previously permitted for bank holding companies.

The previously discussed final rule regarding regulatory capital requirements implements the DFA’s directive as to savings and loan holding companies. Consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to those applicable to the subsidiary depository institutions generally applied to savings and loan holding companies as of January 1, 2015. As is the case with institutions themselves, the capital conservation buffer is being phased in between 2016 and 2019.
Dividends and Repurchases. The FRS has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares of common stock by bank holding companies that it has made applicable to savings and loan holding companies as well. In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization's capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Regulatory guidance provides for prior regulatory review of capital distributions in certain circumstances such as where the company's net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the company's overall rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with the company's capital needs and overall financial condition. The ability of a holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. The policy statement also provides for regulatory review prior to a holding company redeeming or repurchasing regulatory capital instruments when the holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock that would result in a net reduction as of the end of a quarter in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of the Company to pay dividends, repurchase shares of common stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions.
Source of Strength. The DFA extended the “source of strength” doctrine, which has traditionally been applicable to bank holding companies, to savings and loan holding companies as well. The FRS has issued regulations requiring that all savings and loan holding companies serve as a source of strength to their subsidiary depository institutions by providing capital, liquidity and other support in times of financial stress.
Waivers of Dividends by Third Federal Savings, MHC. Federal regulations require Third Federal Savings, MHC to notify the FRS of any proposed waiver of its receipt of dividends from the Company. The OTS, the previous regulator for Third Federal Savings, MHC, allowed dividend waivers provided the mutual holding company’s Board of Directors determined that the waiver was consistent with its fiduciary duties and the waiver would not be detrimental to the safety and soundness of its subsidiary institution. In February 2008, the Company declared its first quarterly dividend and continued to declare and pay quarterly dividends through May 2010, when the Company suspended future dividend payments until concerns expressed by OTS regarding the Association’s home equity line of credit portfolio were satisfactorily resolved. Prior to the suspension of the dividends, Third Federal Savings, MHC waived its right to receive each dividend paid by the Company. Section 625(a) of DFA preserved, for mutual holding companies, including Third Federal Savings, MHC, that had reorganized into mutual holding company form, issued minority stock and waived dividends prior to December 1, 2009, the right to waive dividends if the waiver was not detrimental to the safe and sound operation of the savings association and the board of directors expressly determines that the waiver is consistent with the fiduciary duties of the board to the mutual members of the mutual holding company. However, on August 12, 2011, the FRS issued an interim final rule that added a requirement that a majority of the mutual holding company’s members eligible to vote must approve a dividend waiver by a mutual holding company within 12 months prior to the declaration of the dividend being waived. The FRS is reviewing comments on the interim final rule, which were required to be submitted by November 1, 2011, as part of its rulemaking process, and there can be no assurance that the final rule will not require such a member vote. On August 5, 2015, Third Federal Savings, MHC received the approval of its members (depositors and certain loan customers of the Association) with respect to the waiver of dividends, and subsequently received the non-objection of the FRB-Cleveland, to waive receipt of dividends on the Company’s common stock the MHC owns up to $0.40 per share during the four quarterly periods ending June 30, 2016. Third Federal Savings, MHC previously received the approval of its members at a July 31, 2014 meeting to waive receipt of dividends up to $0.28 per share during the 12 months ending July 31, 2015.

43



Conversion of Third Federal Savings, MHC to Stock Form. Federal regulations permit Third Federal Savings, MHC to convert from the mutual form of organization to the capital stock form of organization (a “Conversion Transaction”). There can be no assurance when, if ever, a Conversion Transaction will occur, and the Board of Directors has no current intention or plan to undertake a Conversion Transaction. In a Conversion Transaction, a new stock holding company would be formed as the successor to the Company, Third Federal Savings, MHC’s corporate existence would end, and certain depositors of the Association would receive the right to subscribe for additional shares of common stock of the new holding company. In a Conversion Transaction, each share of common stock held by stockholders other than Third Federal Savings, MHC (“Minority Stockholders”) would be automatically converted into a number of shares of common stock of the new holding company determined pursuant to an exchange ratio that ensures that Minority Stockholders own the same percentage of common stock in the new holding company as they owned in the Company immediately prior to the Conversion Transaction. Under a provision of the DFA applicable to Third Federal Savings, MHC, Minority Stockholders should not be diluted because of any dividends waived by Third Federal Savings, MHC (and waived dividends should not be considered in determining an appropriate exchange ratio), in the event Third Federal Savings, MHC converts to stock form. Any such Conversion Transaction would require various member and stockholder approvals, as well as regulatory approval.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related regulations address, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information. We have prepared policies, procedures and systems designed to ensure compliance with these regulations.

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Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Future changes in interest rates could reduce our net income.
Our net income largely depends on our net interest income, which could be negatively affected by changes in interest rates. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.
The vast majority of our assets and liabilities are financial in nature, and as a result, changes in market and competitive interest rates can impact our customers’ actions as well as the types and amount of business opportunities that are available to us. In general, when changes occur in interest rates that prompt our existing customers to pursue strategies that are beneficial to them, the results are generally unfavorable for us.
For example, in a period of rising interest rates, the interest income earned on our assets may not increase as rapidly as the interest paid on our liabilities because, like many savings institutions, our liabilities generally have shorter contractual maturities than our assets. However, if mortgage interest rates decline, our customers may seek to refinance, without penalty, their mortgage loans with us or repay their mortgage loans with us and borrow from another lender. When that happens, either the yield that we earn on the customer’s loan is reduced (if the customer refinances with us) or the mortgage is paid off and we are faced with the challenge of reinvesting the cash received to repay the mortgage in a lower interest rate environment. This is frequently referred to as reinvestment risk, which is the risk that we may not be able to reinvest the proceeds of loan prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates we earned on the loans prior to receipt of the repayment. Reinvestment risk also exists with the securities in our investment portfolio that are backed by mortgage loans.
Another example of changes in interest rates that can have an unfavorable impact on our net interest income occurs in situations where interest rates paid on certificates of deposit experience a significant increase. In this circumstance, a CD customer may determine that it is in his/her best interest to incur the existing penalty for early withdrawal, tender the certificate for cash and either reinvest the proceeds in a new CD with us, or withdraw the funds and leave us. As a result, we either establish a new, higher rate certificate (if the customer stays with us) or we must fund the customer’s withdrawal by: (1) reducing our cash reserves; (2) selling assets to generate cash to fund the withdrawal; (3) attracting deposits from another customer at the then-higher interest rate; or (4) borrowing from a wholesale lender like the FHLB of Cincinnati, again at the then-higher interest rate. Each of these alternatives can have an unfavorable impact on us.
Our net interest income can also be negatively impacted when assets and funding sources with seemingly similar, but not identical re-pricing characteristics react differently to changing interest rates. An example is our home equity lines of credit loan portfolio and our high yield checking and high yield savings deposit products. Interest rates charged on our home equity lines of credit loans are linked to the prime rate of interest, which generally adjusts in a direct relationship to changes in the FRS’s Federal Funds target rate. Similarly, our High Yield Checking and High Yield Savings deposit products are generally expected to adjust when changes are made to the Federal Funds target rate. However, to the extent that increases or decreases are made to the Federal Funds target rate, and those increases or decreases translate into increases or decreases of the prime rate and the rate charged on our home equity lines of credit loans, but do not extend to equivalent adjustments to our High Yield Checking and High Yield Savings deposit products, we can experience a reduction in our net interest income. At September 30, 2015, we held $1.63 billion of home equity lines of credit loans and $2.42 billion of High Yield Checking and High Yield Savings deposits.
Our net income can also be reduced by the impact that changes in interest rates can have on the value of our capitalized mortgage servicing rights. As of September 30, 2015, we serviced $2.18 billion of loans sold to third parties, and the mortgage servicing rights associated with such loans had an amortized cost of $10.0 million and an estimated fair value, at that date, of $21.1 million. Because the estimated life and estimated income to be derived from servicing the underlying mortgage loans generally increase with rising interest rates and decrease with falling interest rates, the value of mortgage servicing rights generally increases as interest rates rise and decreases as interest rates fall. If interest rates fall and the value of our capitalized servicing rights decrease, we may be required to recognize an additional impairment charge against income for the amount by which amortized cost exceeds estimated fair market value.
Our securities portfolio may be impacted by fluctuations in market value, potentially reducing accumulated other comprehensive income and/or earnings. Fluctuations in market value may be caused by changes in market interest rates, lower market prices for securities and limited investor demand. Changes in interest rates can also have an adverse effect on our financial condition, as our available-for-sale securities are reported at their estimated fair value, and therefore are impacted by fluctuations in interest rates. We increase or decrease our stockholders’ equity by the amount of change in the estimated fair

45



value of the available-for-sale securities, net of taxes. The declines in market value could result in other-than-temporary impairments of these assets, which would lead to accounting charges that could have a material adverse effect on our net income and capital levels
In general, changes in market and competitive interest rates result from events that we do not control and over which we generally have little or no influence. As a result, mitigation of the adverse affects of changing interest rates is generally limited to controlling the composition of the assets and liabilities that we hold. To monitor our positions, we maintain an interest rate risk modeling system which is designed to measure our interest rate risk sensitivity. Using customized modeling software, the Association prepares periodic estimates of the amounts by which the net present value of its cash flows from assets, liabilities and off balance sheet items (the institution’s economic value of equity) would change in the event of a range of assumed changes in market interest rates. The simulation model uses a discounted cash flow analysis and an option-based pricing approach in measuring the interest rate sensitivity of EVE. At September 30, 2015, in the event of an immediate 200 basis point increase in all interest rates, our model projects that we would experience a $324.6 million, or 14.61%, decrease in EVE. Our calculations further project that, at September 30, 2015, in the event of an immediate 200 basis point increase in all interest rates, we would expect our projected net interest income for the twelve months ended September 30, 2016 to decrease by 2.6%. See “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”
A continuation of historically low interest rates may adversely affect our net interest income and profitability.
During the past several years it has been the policy of the Board of Governors of the FRS to maintain interest rates at historically low levels through its targeted federal funds rate and the purchase of U.S. Treasury and mortgage-backed securities. As a result, market rates on the loans we have originated and the yields on securities we have purchased have been at lower levels than available prior to 2008. This has been a significant factor in the decrease in the amount of our interest income to $383.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 from $550.2 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 while the average balance of total interest earning assets increased to $12.44 billion for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 from $10.10 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008. As a general matter, our interest-bearing liabilities reprice or mature more quickly than our interest-earning assets, which, as interest rates declined, has generally resulted in progressive increases in net interest income since 2008. However, because interest rates have been low for so long, our ability to further lower our interest expense may become increasingly difficult while the average yield on our interest-earning assets may continue to decrease. Accordingly, our net interest income (the difference between interest income earned on assets and interest expense paid on liabilities) may be adversely affected which may have an adverse effect on our profitability.
Difficult market conditions, geographic concentration and heightened regulatory scrutiny have already affected us and our industry and may continue to do so.
Our performance is significantly impacted by the general economic conditions in our primary markets in the states of Ohio and Florida, and surrounding areas, which were severely affected during the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath. A recurrence of those or similar difficult market conditions is likely to again result in high levels of unemployment, which will further weaken recently, and in some cases, continuing distressed local economies and could result in additional defaults of mortgage loans. Most of the loans in our loan portfolio are secured by real estate located in our primary market areas. Negative conditions, such as layoffs, in the markets where collateral for a mortgage loan is located could adversely affect a borrower’s ability to repay the loan and the value of the collateral securing the loan. Declines in the U.S. housing market during and in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, as manifested by falling home prices and increasing foreclosures, as well as unemployment and under-employment, all negatively impacted the credit performance of mortgage loans and resulted in significant write-downs of asset values by financial institutions.
In response to the financial crisis of 2008, many lenders and institutional investors reduced or ceased providing funding to borrowers, including other financial institutions. This market turmoil and tightening of credit led to an increased level of commercial and consumer delinquencies, lack of consumer confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity generally. The resulting economic pressure on consumers and lack of confidence in the financial markets adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. While the economy has progressed on a tenuous road to recovery and we have experienced significant improvements in the credit metrics in our mortgage portfolio, a relapse or worsening of the conditions associated with the 2008 financial crisis would likely exacerbate the adverse effects that those difficult market conditions had on us and others in the financial industry. In particular, we already face and would expect to continue to face the following risks in connection with these events:
Increased regulation of our industry, heightened supervisory scrutiny related to the USA Patriot Act, Bank Secrecy Act, Fair Lending and other laws and regulations, including those still contemplated by the DFA, along with enhanced monitoring of compliance with such regulation, including, as an institution with assets in excess of $10 billion, direct supervision by the CFPB. Each aspect of amplified supervision and regulation will in all likelihood increase our costs,

46



may be accompanied by the risk of unexpected fines, sanctions, penalties, litigation and corresponding management diversion and may limit our ability to pursue business opportunities.
Our ability to assess the creditworthiness of our customers may be impaired if the models and approaches we use to select, manage, and underwrite our customers become less predictive of future behaviors.
The processes we use to estimate losses inherent in our credit exposure require difficult, subjective, and complex judgments, including forecasts of economic conditions and how these economic predictions might impair the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans, which may no longer be capable of viable estimation and which may, in turn, impact the reliability of our evaluation processes, the comfort of our regulators with respect to the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses and who may require adjustments thereto, and ultimately could result in increased provisions for loan losses and reduced levels of earnings and capital.
Our ability to engage in sales of mortgage loans to third parties (including mortgage loan securitization transactions with governmental entities) on favorable terms or at all could be adversely affected by further disruptions in the capital markets or other events, including deteriorating investor expectations.
Competition in our industry could intensify as a result of increasing consolidation of financial services companies in connection with current market conditions.
Changes in laws and regulations and the cost of compliance with new laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations and our income.
We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the FRS, the OCC, the CFPB and the FDIC. These regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the ability to impose restrictions on a bank’s operations, reclassify assets, determine the adequacy of a bank’s allowance for loan losses and determine the level of deposit insurance premiums assessed. Because our business is highly regulated, the laws and applicable regulations are subject to frequent change. Any change in these regulations and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, new regulations or legislation or additional deposit insurance premiums could have a material impact on our operations.
The potential exists for additional federal or state laws and regulations, or changes in policy, affecting lending and funding practices and liquidity standards. Moreover, bank regulatory agencies have been active in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, and have issued many formal enforcement orders requiring capital ratios in excess of regulatory requirements. Bank regulatory agencies, such as the FRS, the OCC, the CFPB and the FDIC, govern the activities in which we may engage, primarily for the protection of depositors, and not for the protection or benefit of potential investors. In addition, new laws and regulations may increase our costs of regulatory compliance and of doing business, and otherwise affect our operations. New laws and regulations may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the markets for and value of our loans and investments, the fees we can charge and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability.
Strong competition within our market areas may limit our growth and profitability.
Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense. In our market areas, we compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, money market funds, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms operating locally and elsewhere. Some of our competitors have greater name recognition and market presence that benefit them in attracting business, and offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide. In addition, larger competitors may be able to price loans and deposits more aggressively than we do. Troubled financial institutions may significantly increase the interest rates paid to depositors in pursuit of retail deposits when wholesale funding sources are not available to them. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to successfully compete in our market areas. For additional information see PART 1 Item 1. Business-THIRD FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF CLEVELAND-Competition.
Certain aspects of our corporate structure related to dividend payment ability and governance could adversely affect the value of our common stock.
The value of the Company’s common stock is significantly affected by our ability to pay dividends to our public stockholders. The Company’s ability to pay dividends to our stockholders is subject to the availability of cash at the holding company and, in the event earnings are not sufficient to fund the dividends, eventually, the ability of the Association to make capital distributions to the Company. Moreover, our ability to pay dividends and the amount of such dividends is affected by the ability of Third Federal Savings, MHC, our mutual holding company, to waive the receipt of dividends declared by the Company.
Federal regulations require Third Federal Savings, MHC to notify the FRS of any proposed waiver of its receipt of dividends from the Company. In August 2011, the FRS issued an interim final rule pursuant to the DFA, providing that the FRS “may not” object to dividend waivers by grandfathered mutual holding companies, such as Third Federal Savings, MHC, under

47



standards substantially similar to those previously required by the OTS. However, the interim final rule added a requirement that a majority of the mutual holding company’s members eligible to vote must approve a dividend waiver by a mutual holding company within 12 months prior to the declaration of the dividend being waived. As part of its rulemaking process, the FRS is reviewing comments on the interim final rule and there can be no assurance that the final rule will not require such a member vote. Third Federal Savings, MHC has twice received the approval of its members (in July 2014 and August 2015) to waive the receipt of dividends for a twelve-month period, and the FRS has twice “non-objected” to Third Federal Savings, MHC’s waiver. However, future approvals of members and non-objections from the FRS are not assured and if not obtained, the discontinuance of dividend payments would adversely affect the value of our common stock.
Third Federal Savings, MHC, as our majority shareholder, is able to control the outcome of virtually all matters presented to our shareholders for their approval, including any proposal to acquire us. Accordingly, Third Federal Savings, MHC may prevent the sale of control or merger of the Company or its subsidiaries even if such a transaction were favored by a majority of the public shareholders of the Company.
Cyber-attacks, other security breaches or failure or interruption of information systems could adversely affect our operations, net income or reputation.
We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business . We regularly collect, process, transmit and store significant amounts of data and confidential information regarding our customers, employees and others and concerning our own business, operations, plans and strategies. In some cases, this confidential or proprietary information is collected, compiled, processed, transmitted or stored by third parties on our behalf.
Information security risks have generally increased in recent years because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial and other transactions and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks and mobile phishing. Mobile phishing, a means for identity thieves to obtain sensitive personal information through fraudulent e-mail, text or voice mail, is an emerging threat targeting the customers of popular financial entities. A failure in or breach of our operational or information security systems, or those of our third-party service providers, as a result of cyber-attacks or information security breaches or due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions could adversely affect our business, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs and/or cause losses.
If this confidential or proprietary information were to be mishandled, misused or lost, we could be exposed to significant regulatory consequences, reputational damage, civil litigation and financial loss.
Although we employ a variety of physical, procedural and technological safeguards to protect this confidential and proprietary information from mishandling, misuse or loss, these safeguards do not provide absolute assurance that mishandling, misuse or loss of the information will not occur, and that if mishandling, misuse or loss of the information did occur, those events will be promptly detected and addressed. Similarly, when confidential or proprietary information is collected, compiled, processed, transmitted or stored by third parties on our behalf, our policies and procedures require that the third party agree to maintain the confidentiality of the information, establish and maintain policies and procedures designed to preserve the confidentiality of the information, and permit us to confirm the third party’s compliance with the terms of the agreement. As information security risks and cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to enhance our information security measures and/or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities.
We have experienced no known material breaches.
Hurricanes or other adverse weather events could negatively affect the economy in our Florida market area or cause disruptions to our branch office locations, which could have an adverse effect on our business or results of operations.
A significant portion of our operations are conducted in the State of Florida, a geographic region with coastal areas that are susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms. Such weather events can disrupt our operations, result in damage to our branch office locations and negatively affect the local economy in which we operate. We cannot predict whether or to what extent damage caused by future hurricanes or tropical storms will affect our operations or the economy in our market area, but such weather events could result in fewer loan originations and greater delinquencies, foreclosures or loan losses. These and other negative effects of future hurricanes or tropical storms may adversely affect our business or results of operations.
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

48




Item 2.
Properties
We operate from our main office in Cleveland, Ohio, our 38 full-service branch offices located in Ohio and Florida and our eight loan production offices located in Ohio. Our branch offices are located in the Ohio counties of Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Medina and Summit and in the Florida counties of Broward, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota. Our loan production offices are located in the Ohio counties of Franklin, Butler, Delaware and Hamilton. The Company owns the building in which its home office and executive offices are located, and five other office locations. The net book value of our land, premises, equipment and software was $57.2 million at September 30, 2015. Included in the net book value are two commercial buildings located in Canton, Massachusetts, valued at $17.5 million, which are owned by our Hazelmere entity and leased to third parties in net lease transactions.

Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business.  In the opinion of management, the resolution of these legal actions is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, or statements of cash flows.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our common stock is listed and traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “TFSL”. As of November 23, 2015, we had 7,674 shareholders of record, which number does not include persons or entities holding shares in “nominee” or “street” name through brokerage firms. Shares of our common stock began trading on April 23, 2007 following the completion of our initial public offering. Quarterly trading information for the periods indicated is provided by NASDAQ and included in the following table.
 
Traded Market Prices
 
 
 
High    
 
Low    
 
Dividends
Quarter ended December 31, 2013
$
12.38

 
$
11.48

 

Quarter ended March 31, 2014
12.47

 
11.38

 

Quarter ended June 30, 2014
14.48

 
12.07

 

Quarter ended September 30, 2014
14.60

 
13.32

 
0.07

Quarter ended December 31, 2014
15.28

 
13.87

 
0.07

Quarter ended March 31, 2015
14.73

 
14.02

 
0.07

Quarter ended June 30, 2015
16.98

 
14.39

 
0.07

Quarter ended September 30, 2015
17.68

 
16.09

 
0.10

Payment of dividends is subject to declaration by our Board of Directors and is dependent on a number of factors, including:
our capital requirements and, to the extent that funds for any such dividend are provided by the Association, the regulatory capital requirements imposed on the Association by the OCC;
our financial position and results of operations;
tax considerations;
our alternative uses of funds;
statutory and regulatory limitations; and

49



general economic conditions.
Pursuant to IRS regulations, any payment of dividends by the Association to the Company that would be deemed to be drawn from the Association’s bad debt reserves would require a payment of taxes at the then-current tax rate by the Association on the amount of earnings deemed to be removed from the reserves for such distribution. The Association does not intend to make any distribution to the Company that would create such a federal tax liability.
Through September 30, 2010, Third Federal Savings, MHC, waived its right to receive dividends. The waivers complied with regulatory authorizations (in the form of non-objection) obtained by Third Federal Savings, MHC. Requests for future regulatory authorizations to waive receipts of dividends will be submitted to the FRS. Please refer to the preceding discussion of dividend waivers presented in Part I, Item 1. Business, SUPERVISION AND REGULATION, Holding Company Regulation, sections—Dividends and Waivers of Dividends by Third Federal Savings, MHC. Regulatory non-objection is subject to periodic regulatory review and no assurances can be given regarding future regulatory non-objection. In addition, interim final rules issued by the FRS on August 12, 2011 require that a majority of the mutual holding company's members eligible to vote must approve a dividend waiver by a mutual holding company within 12 months prior to the declaration of the dividend being waived. There can be no assurance that a final rule will not require such a member vote.
On August 5, 2015, at a special meeting of members of Third Federal Savings, MHC, the members (depositors and certain loan customers of the Association) of Third Federal Savings, MHC voted to approve Third Federal Savings, MHC's proposed waiver of dividends, aggregating up to $0.40 per share, to be declared on the Company’s common stock during the four quarters ending June 30, 2016. The members approved the waiver by casting 63% of the eligible votes in favor of the waiver. Of the votes cast, 97% were in favor of the proposal. Third Federal Savings, MHC is the 78% majority shareholder of the Company.
Following the receipt of the members’ approval at the August 5, 2015 special meeting, Third Federal Savings, MHC filed a notice with, and subsequently received the non-objection of the FRB-Cleveland, to waive receipt of dividends on the Company’s common stock. Third Federal Savings, MHC owns up to $0.40 per share during the four quarters ending June 30, 2016.


50



In the table and graph that follow, we have provided summary information regarding the performance of the cumulative total return of our common stock from September 30, 2010 through September 30, 2015, relative to the cumulative total return on stocks included in the SNL Bank and Thrift Index, SNL Thrift Index and NASDAQ Composite, in each case for the same period. The cumulative return data is presented in dollars, based on starting investments of $100 and assuming the reinvestment of dividends.

 
Measurement Date
Index (with base price at 9/30/2010)
9/30/2010
 
9/30/2011
 
9/30/2012
 
9/30/2013
 
9/30/2014
 
9/30/2015
TFS Financial Corporation
100.00

 
88.47

 
98.69

 
130.25

 
156.57

 
192.44

SNL Bank and Thrift Index
100.00

 
79.24

 
111.97

 
145.67

 
171.68

 
175.27

SNL Thrift Index
100.00

 
84.79

 
110.19

 
132.66

 
146.32

 
174.75

NASDAQ Composite
100.00

 
103.00

 
134.56

 
165.51

 
199.72

 
208.01

Source: SNL Financial LC, Charlottesville, VA
 ______________________
We did not sell any securities during the quarter ended September 30, 2015.

51



The following table summarizes our stock repurchase activity during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and the stock repurchase plans approved by our Board of Directors.
 
 
 
Average
 
Total Number of
 
Maximum Number
 
Total Number
 
Price
 
Shares Purchased
 
of Shares that May
 
of Shares
 
Paid per
 
as Part of Publicly
 
Yet be Purchased
Period
Purchased
 
Share
 
Announced Plans (1)(2)
 
Under the Plans
July 1, 2015 through July 31, 2015
880,000

 
$
16.70

 
880,000

 
10,025,450

August 1, 2015 through August 31, 2015
1,285,450

 
17.08

 
1,285,450

 
8,740,000

September 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015
630,000

 
17.05

 
630,000

 
8,110,000

 
2,795,450

 
16.95

 
2,795,450

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
On September 9, 2014, the Company announced its sixth stock repurchase plan of 10,000,000 shares. The repurchase plan commenced on September 17, 2014 and was completed on August 3, 2015.
(2)
On July 30, 2015, the Company announced its seventh stock repurchase program, which authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 10,000,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Purchases under the program will be on an ongoing basis and subject to the availability of stock, general market conditions, the trading price of the stock, alternative uses of capital, and our financial performance. Repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and be available for general corporate use. The program has 8,110,000 shares yet to be purchased as of September 30, 2015.
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
 
At September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Selected Financial Condition Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
12,368,886

 
$
11,803,195

 
$
11,269,346

 
$
11,518,125

 
$
10,892,948

Cash and cash equivalents
155,369

 
181,403

 
285,996

 
308,262

 
294,846

Investment securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available for sale
585,053

 
568,868

 
477,376

 
421,430

 
15,899

Held to maturity

 

 

 

 
392,527

Loans held for sale
116

 
4,962

 
4,179

 
124,528

 

Loans, net
11,187,583

 
10,630,687

 
10,084,066

 
10,224,989

 
9,750,943

Bank owned life insurance
195,861

 
190,152

 
183,724

 
177,279

 
170,845

Prepaid expenses and other assets(1)
58,277

 
64,880

 
71,639

 
90,720

 
88,853

Deposits
8,285,858

 
8,653,878

 
8,464,499

 
8,981,419

 
8,715,910

Borrowed funds
2,168,627

 
1,138,639

 
745,117

 
488,191

 
139,856

Shareholders’ equity
1,729,370

 
1,839,457

 
1,871,477

 
1,806,850

 
1,773,924

______________________
(1)
Prepaid expenses and other assets include the remaining balance in prepaid FDIC assessments of $12.1 million at September 30, 2012 and $23.4 million at September 30, 2011.


52



 
For the Years Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Selected Operating Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
383,477

 
$
374,684

 
$
383,972

 
$
417,853

 
$
427,493

Interest expense
113,350

 
103,251

 
115,419

 
155,646

 
179,845

Net interest income
270,127

 
271,433

 
268,553

 
262,207

 
247,648

Provision for loan losses
(3,000
)
 
19,000

 
37,000

 
102,000

 
98,500

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
273,127

 
252,433

 
231,553

 
160,207

 
149,148

Non-interest income
24,260

 
21,900

 
28,468

 
24,463

 
30,982

Non-interest expenses
187,992

 
175,476

 
177,660

 
171,058

 
168,055

Earnings before income tax expense
109,395

 
98,857

 
82,361

 
13,612

 
12,075

Income tax expense
36,804

 
32,966

 
26,402

 
2,133

 
2,735

Net earnings after income tax expense
$
72,591

 
$
65,891

 
$
55,959

 
$
11,479

 
$
9,340

Earnings per share—basic and fully diluted
$
0.25

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.04

 
$
0.03

Cash dividends declared per share
$
0.31

 
$
0.07

 
$

 
$

 
$





53



 
At or For The Years Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Return on average assets
0.57
%
 
0.57
%
 
0.50
%
 
0.10
%
 
0.09
%
  Return on average equity
4.04
%
 
3.52
%
 
3.05
%
 
0.64
%
 
0.53
%
  Interest rate spread(1)
2.03
%
 
2.26
%
 
2.25
%
 
2.11
%
 
1.97
%
  Net interest margin(2)
2.17
%
 
2.42
%
 
2.46
%
 
2.39
%
 
2.32
%
  Efficiency ratio(3)
63.86
%
 
59.82
%
 
59.81
%
 
59.67
%
 
60.31
%
  Noninterest expense to average total assets
1.47
%
 
1.53
%
 
1.58
%
 
1.52
%
 
1.54
%
  Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing
  liabilities
115.43
%
 
118.51
%
 
119.58
%
 
119.60
%
 
120.39
%
  Dividend payout ratio(4)
124.00
%
 
31.82
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
Asset Quality Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Non-performing assets as a percent of total assets(5)
1.00
%
 
1.33
%
 
1.58
%
 
1.76
%
 
2.34
%
  Non-accruing loans as a percent of total loans(5)
0.95
%
 
1.27
%
 
1.53
%
 
1.77
%
 
2.37
%
  Allowance for loan losses as a percent of non-accruing loans(5)
67.00
%
 
60.03
%
 
59.38
%
 
55.03
%
 
66.73
%
  Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans(5)
0.64
%
 
0.76
%
 
0.91
%
 
0.97
%
 
1.58
%
Capital Ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Association
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital to risk weighted assets(6)
NA

 
25.25
%
 
26.16
%
 
22.19
%
 
22.29
%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets(7)
22.92
%
 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

Tier 1 core capital to adjusted tangible assets(6)
NA

 
13.47
%
 
14.18
%
 
13.31
%
 
13.90
%
Tier 1 (leverage) capital to net average assets(7)(8)
12.78
%
 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

Tier 1 risk-based capital to risk weighted assets(6)
NA

 
24.02
%
 
24.91
%
 
20.94
%
 
21.04
%
       Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets(7)
21.95
%
 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

       Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets(7)
21.95
%
 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

TFS Financial Corporation(9)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total risk-based capital to risk weighted assets(6)
NA

 
29.00
%
 
29.11
%
 
25.03
%
 
NA

Total capital to risk-weighted assets(7)
24.54
%
 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

Tier 1 core capital to adjusted tangible assets(6)
NA

 
15.60
%
 
16.59
%
 
15.33
%
 
NA

Tier 1 (leverage) capital to net average assets(7)(8)
13.76
%
 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

Tier 1 risk-based capital to risk weighted assets(6)
NA

 
27.77
%
 
30.36
%
 
23.78
%
 
NA

       Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets(7)
23.57
%
 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

       Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets(7)
23.57
%
 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

 
NA

Average equity to average total assets
14.09
%
 
16.28
%
 
16.38
%
 
16.00
%
 
16.07
%
Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Association
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of full service offices
38

 
38

 
38

 
39

 
39

Loan production offices
8

 
8

 
8

 
8

 
8

______________________
(1)
Represents the difference between the weighted-average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted-average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the year.
(2)
The net interest margin represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets for the year.
(3)
The efficiency ratio represents non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
(4)
Represents dividends paid per share divided by diluted earnings per share. Receipt of dividends on shares owned by Third Federal Savings, MHC has been waived and dividends paid on unallocated shares of the ESOP are used to pay down the loan to the ESOP.
(5)
The SVA was eliminated during fiscal year 2012.

54



(6)
Calculated using the regulatory capital methodology applicable to the Association prior to January 1, 2015.
(7)
Calculated using the regulatory capital methodology applicable to the Association beginning January 1, 2015. Please refer to Part I, Item 1, Business, Federal Banking Regulation, Capital Requirements for a detailed discussion of the new Basel III rules.
(8)
Tier 1 (leverage) capital to net average assets ratio disclosures were based on net average assets for the quarter end September 30, 2015.
(9)
TFS Financial Corporation capital ratios were not calculated prior to 2012.

55



Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
Overview
Our business strategy is to operate as a well-capitalized and profitable financial institution dedicated to providing exceptional personal service to our customers.
Since being organized in 1938, we grew to become, at the time of our initial public offering of stock in April 2007, the nation’s largest mutually-owned savings and loan association based on total assets. We credit our success to our continued emphasis on our primary values: “Love, Trust, Respect, and a Commitment to Excellence, along with Having Fun.” Our values are reflected in the design and pricing of our loan and deposit products, and historically, in our Home Today program, as described below. Our values are further reflected in the Broadway Redevelopment Initiative (a long-term revitalization program encompassing the three-mile corridor of the Broadway-Slavic Village neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio where our main office was established and continues to be located) and the educational programs we have established and/or supported. We intend to continue to adhere to our primary values and to support our customers and the communities in which we operate.
In connection with the financial crisis of 2008 and its subsequent turmoil, regionally high unemployment, weak residential real estate values, less than robust capital and credit markets, and a general lack of confidence in the financial services sector of the economy presented significant challenges for us. Since the latter portion of calendar 2012 however, improving regional employment levels, recovering residential real estate values, recovering capital and credit markets and greater confidence in the financial services sector have resulted in better credit metrics and improved operating results for us.
Management believes that the following matters are those most critical to our success: (1) controlling our interest rate risk exposure; (2) monitoring and limiting our credit risk; (3) maintaining access to adequate liquidity and diverse funding sources; and (4) monitoring and controlling operating expenses.
Controlling Our Interest Rate Risk Exposure. Although the significant housing and credit quality issues that arose in connection with the 2008 financial crisis had a distinctly negative effect on our operating results and, as described below, are a matter of continuing concern for us, historically our greatest risk has been our exposure to changes in interest rates. When we hold long-term, fixed-rate assets, funded by liabilities with shorter re-pricing characteristics, we are exposed to potentially adverse impacts from changing interest rates, and most notably when interest rates are rising. Generally, and particularly over extended periods of time that encompass full economic cycles, interest rates associated with longer-term assets, like fixed-rate mortgages, have been higher than interest rates associated with shorter-term funding sources, like deposits. This difference has been an important component of our net interest income and is fundamental to our operations. We manage the risk of holding longer-term, fixed-rate mortgage assets primarily by maintaining high levels of regulatory capital and by promoting adjustable-rate loans and shorter-term, fixed-rate loans.
High Levels of Capital
At September 30, 2015, as computed in accordance with the revised capital requirements and computational methodologies promulgated by the federal banking agencies, that were effective January 1, 2015, the Company’s Tier 1 (leverage) capital totaled $1.73 billion or 13.76% of net average assets and 23.57% of risk-weighted assets, while the Association’s Tier 1(leverage) capital totaled $1.61 billion or 12.78% of net average assets and 21.95% of risk-weighted assets. Each of these measures was more than twice the minimum requirements currently in effect for the Association, for designation as “well capitalized” under regulatory prompt corrective action provisions which set minimum levels of 5.00% of net average assets and 8.00% of risk-weighted assets. Refer to the Liquidity and Capital Resources of this Item 7 for additional discussion regarding regulatory capital requirements.
Promotion of Adjustable-Rate Loans and Shorter-Term, Fixed-Rate Loans
In July 2010, we began marketing an adjustable-rate mortgage loan product that provides us with improved interest rate risk characteristics when compared to a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage loan. Since its introduction, our “Smart Rate” adjustable rate mortgage has offered borrowers an interest rate lower than that of a 30-year, fixed-rate loan. The interest rate in the Smart Rate mortgage is locked for three or five years then resets annually after that. The Smart Rate mortgage contains a feature to re-lock the rate an unlimited number of times at our then current interest rate and fee schedule, for another three or five years (which must be the same as the original lock period) without having to complete a full refinance transaction. Re-lock eligibility is subject to a satisfactory payment performance history by the borrower (current at the time of re-lock, and no foreclosures or bankruptcies since the Smart Rate application was taken). In addition to a satisfactory payment history, re-lock eligibility requires that the property continues to be the borrower’s primary residence. The loan term cannot be extended in connection with a re-lock nor can new funds be advanced. All interest rate caps and floors remain as originated.

56



Beginning in the latter portion of fiscal 2012, we began to feature a ten-year, fully amortizing fixed-rate first mortgage loan in our product promotions. The ten-year, fixed-rate loan has a less severe interest rate risk profile when compared to loans with fixed-rate terms of 15 to 30 years and helps us to more effectively manage our interest rate risk exposure, yet provides our borrowers with the certainty of a fixed interest rate throughout the life of the obligation.
The following tables set forth our first mortgage loan production and balances segregated by loan structure at origination.
 
For the Years Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
First Mortgage Loan Originations:
(Dollars in thousands)
ARM (all Smart Rate) production
$
1,025,453

 
43.8
%
 
$
834,262

 
39.3
%
Fixed-rate production:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Terms less than or equal to 10 years
650,861

 
27.8

 
841,036

 
39.6

    Terms greater than 10 years
662,368

 
28.4

 
449,356

 
21.1

        Total fixed-rate production
1,313,229

 
56.2

 
1,290,392

 
60.7

Total First Mortgage Loan Originations:
$
2,338,682

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,124,654

 
100.0
%
 
September 30, 2015
 
September 30, 2014
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
Balances of Residential Mortgage Loans Held For Investment:
(Dollars in thousands)
ARM (primarily Smart Rate) Loans
$
3,855,890

 
40.2
%
 
$
3,453,067

 
38.4
%
Fixed-rate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Terms less than or equal to 10 years
1,859,516

 
19.4

 
1,494,206

 
16.6

    Terms greater than 10 years
3,883,279

 
40.4

 
4,035,762

 
45.0

        Total fixed-rate loans
5,742,795

 
59.8

 
5,529,968

 
61.6

Total Residential Mortgage Loans Held For Investment:
$
9,598,685

 
100.0
%
 
$
8,983,035

 
100.0
%
The following table sets forth the balances as of September 30, 2015 for all ARM loans segregated by the next scheduled interest rate reset date.
 
Current Balance of ARM Loans Scheduled for Interest Rate Reset
During the Fiscal Years Ending September 30,
(in thousands)
2016
$
219,557

2017
803,365

2018
1,017,616

2019
742,741

2020
889,169

2021
183,442

     Total
$
3,855,890

At September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, mortgage loans held for sale, all of which were long-term, fixed-rate first mortgage loans and all of which were held for sale to Fannie Mae, totaled $0.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

Other Interest Rate Risk Management Tools
In years prior to fiscal 2010, in addition to maintaining high levels of regulatory capital, we also managed interest rate risk by actively selling long-term, fixed-rate mortgage loans in the secondary market, a strategy pursuant to which we were able

57



to modulate the amount of long-term, fixed-rate loans held in our portfolio. At September 30, 2015, we service $2.18 billion of loans for others. Also prior to fiscal 2010, we actively marketed home equity lines of credit which carry an adjustable rate of interest indexed to the prime rate and provide interest rate sensitivity to that portion of our assets. In light of the economic and regulatory environments that existed between 2010 and 2012, neither of these strategies were utilized during that period in managing our interest rate risk exposure. Beginning in March 2012, the Association began offering redesigned home equity lines of credit subject to certain property and credit performance conditions. Through these redesigned products, we have begun the process of re-establishing home equity line of credit lending as a meaningful strategy to manage our interest rate risk profile. At September 30, 2015, home equity lines of credit totaled $1.46 billion. Our home equity lending is discussed in the preceding Lending Activities section of Item 1. Business in Part I.THIRD FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF CLEVELAND.
While sales of first mortgage loans and originations of new home equity lines of credit remain strategically important for us, since fiscal 2010, they have played only minor roles in our management of interest rate risk. Loan sales are discussed later in this Part I1, Item 7. under the heading Liquidity and Capital Resources, and in Part I1, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Notwithstanding our efforts to manage interest rate risk, should a rapid and substantial increase occur in general market interest rates, it is probable that, prospectively and particularly over a multi-year time horizon, the level of our net interest income would be adversely impacted.
Monitoring and Limiting Our Credit Risk. While, historically, we had been successful in limiting our credit risk exposure by generally imposing high credit standards with respect to lending, the confluence of unfavorable regional and macro-economic events that culminated in the 2008 housing market collapse and financial crisis, coupled with our pre-2010 expanded participation in the second lien mortgage lending markets, significantly refocused our attention with respect to credit risk. In response to the evolving economic landscape, we continuously revise and update our quarterly analysis and evaluation procedures, as needed, for each category of our lending with the objective of identifying and recognizing all appropriate credit impairments. At September 30, 2015, 90% of our assets consisted of residential real estate loans (both “held for sale” and “held for investment”) and home equity loans and lines of credit, which were originated predominantly to borrowers in the states of Ohio and Florida. Our analytic procedures and evaluations include specific reviews of all home equity loans and lines of credit that become 90 or more days past due, as well as specific reviews of all first mortgage loans that become 180 or more days past due. We transfer performing home equity lines of credit subordinate to first mortgages delinquent greater than 90 days to non-accrual status. We also charge-off performing loans to collateral value and classify those loans as non-accrual within 60 days of notification of all borrowers filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy, that have not reaffirmed or been dismissed, regardless of how long the loans have been performing. Loans where at least one borrower has been discharged of their obligation in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, are classified as TDRs. At September 30, 2015, $48.0 million of loans in Chapter 7 bankruptcy status were included in total TDRs. At September 30, 2015, the recorded investment in non-accrual status loans included $45.6 million of performing loans in Chapter 7 bankruptcy status, of which $43.3 million are also reported as TDRs.
In response to the unfavorable regional and macro-economic environment that arose beginning in 2008, and in an effort to limit our credit risk exposure and improve the credit performance of new customers, we tightened our credit eligibility criteria in evaluating a borrower’s ability to successfully fulfill his or her repayment obligation and we revised the design of many of our loan products to require higher borrower down-payments, limited the products available for condominiums, eliminated certain product features (such as interest-only adjustable-rate loans and loans above certain LTV ratios), and we suspended home equity lending products with the exception of bridge loans between June 2010 and March 2012. The delinquency level related to loan originations prior to 2009, compared to originations in 2009 and after, reflect the higher credit standards to which we have subjected all new originations. As of September 30, 2015, loans originated prior to 2009 had a balance of $2.55 billion, of which $58.5 million, or 2.3%, were delinquent, while loans originated in 2009 and after had a balance of $8.71 billion, of which $7.0 million, or 0.1%, were delinquent.
One aspect of our credit risk concern relates to high concentrations of our loans that are secured by residential real estate in specific states, such as Ohio and Florida, particularly in light of the difficulties that arose in connection with the 2008 housing crisis with respect to the real estate markets in those two states. At September 30, 2015, approximately 62.6% and 17.0% of the combined total of our Residential Core and Construction loans held for investment were secured by properties in Ohio and Florida, respectively. Our 30 or more days delinquency ratios on those loans in Ohio and Florida at September 30, 2015 were 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively. Our 30 or more days delinquency ratio for the Core portfolio as a whole was 0.4% at September 30, 2015. Also, at September 30, 2015, approximately 39.5% and 26.0% of our home equity loans and lines of credit were secured by properties in Ohio and Florida, respectively. Our 30 days or more delinquency ratios on those loans in Ohio and Florida at September 30, 2015 were 0.84% and 0.83%, respectively. Our 30 or more days delinquency ratio for the home equity loans and lines of credit portfolio as a whole at September 30, 2015 was 0.7%. While we focus our attention on, and are concerned with respect to the resolution of, all loan delinquencies, our highest concern relates to loans that are secured by

58



properties in Florida. The “Allowance for Loan Losses” portion in the preceding Lending Activities section of Item 1. Business in Part I.THIRD FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF CLEVELAND, provides extensive details regarding our loan portfolio composition, delinquency statistics, our methodology in evaluating our loan loss provisions and the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. In an effort to moderate the concentration of our credit risk exposure in individual states, particularly Ohio and Florida, we have utilized direct mail marketing, our internet site and our customer service call center to extend our lending activities to other attractive geographic locations. Currently, in addition to Ohio and Florida, we are actively lending in 19 other states and the District of Columbia, and as a result of that activity, the concentration ratios of the combined total of our residential, Core and construction loans held for investment for Ohio and Florida, as disclosed earlier in this paragraph, have trended downward from their September 30, 2010 levels when the concentrations were 79.1% in Ohio and 19.0% in Florida. Of the total mortgage and equity loan originations for the years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, 37.6% and 31.9%, respectively, are secured by properties in states other than Ohio or Florida. Although somewhat dissipating during the last two years, the lingering effects of the adverse economic conditions and market for real estate in Ohio and Florida that arose in connection with the financial crisis of 2008, continue to unfavorably impact the ability of borrowers in those areas to repay their loans.
Our residential Home Today loans are another area of heightened credit risk. Although the principal balance in these loans totaled $135.7 million at September 30, 2015, and constituted only 1.2% of our total “held for investment” loan portfolio balance, these loans comprised 23.6% and 26.6% of our 90 days or greater delinquencies and our total delinquencies, respectively, at that date. At September 30, 2015, approximately 95.3% and 4.5% of our residential, Home Today loans were secured by properties in Ohio and Florida, respectively. At September 30, 2015, the percentages of those loans delinquent 30 days or more in Ohio and Florida were 12.8% and 17.2%, respectively. The disparity between the portfolio composition ratio and delinquency composition ratio reflects the nature of the Home Today loans. We do not offer, and have not offered, loan products frequently considered to be designed to target sub-prime borrowers containing features such as higher fees or higher rates, negative amortization, or low initial payment features with adjustable interest rates. Our Home Today loans, the majority of which were entered into prior to March 27, 2009, with borrowers that had credit profiles that would not have otherwise qualified for our loan products due to deficient credit scores, generally contained the same features as loans offered to our Core borrowers. The overriding objective of our Home Today lending, just as it is with our Core lending, was to create successful homeowners. We attempted to manage our Home Today credit risk by requiring that borrowers attend pre- and post-borrowing financial management education and counseling and that the borrowers be referred to us by a sponsoring organization with which we partnered. Further, to manage the credit aspect of these loans, inasmuch as the majority of these buyers do not have sufficient funds for required down payments, many loans include private mortgage insurance. At September 30, 2015, 34.3% of Home Today loans included private mortgage insurance coverage. From a peak recorded investment of $306.6 million at December 31, 2007, the total recorded investment of the Home Today portfolio has declined to $134.0 million at September 30, 2015. This trend generally reflects the evolving conditions in the mortgage real estate market and the tightening of standards imposed by issuers of private mortgage insurance. As part of our effort to manage credit risk, effective March 27, 2009, the Home Today underwriting guidelines were revised to be substantially the same as our traditional mortgage product. At September 30, 2015, the recorded investment in Home Today loans originated subsequent to March 27, 2009 was $2.7 million. Unless private mortgage insurance requirements loosen, among other things, we expect the Home Today portfolio to continue to decline in balance due to contractual amortization.
Maintaining Access to Adequate Liquidity and Diverse Funding Sources. For most insured depositories, customer and community confidence are critical to their ability to maintain access to adequate liquidity and to conduct business in an orderly fashion. The Company believes that maintaining high levels of capital is one of the most important factors in nurturing customer and community confidence. Accordingly, we have managed the pace of our growth in a manner that reflects our emphasis on high capital levels. At September 30, 2015, the Association’s ratio of Tier 1 (leverage) capital to net average assets (a basic industry measure under which 5.00% or above is deemed to represent a “well capitalized” status) was 12.78%. The Association's current Tier 1 (leverage) capital ratio is lower than its ratio at September 30, 2014 (13.47%), due primarily to:
the implementation, effective January 1, 2015, of the modified calculation methodology for the Tier 1 (leverage) capital ratio related to the standardized approach of the Basel III capital framework for U.S. banking organizations ("Basel III Rules"). This computational change reduced our Tier 1 (leverage) capital ratio by an estimated 46 basis points. The new methodology specifies that the denominator of the ratio is defined as "net average assets" rather than "adjusted tangible assets", as had previously been the case. As more fully described below in this Part II, Item 7. under the heading Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015 and 2014, the strategy to increase net income that we employed beginning October 1, 2014, increased the balance of our average assets during a portion of the quarter, but did not impact our adjusted tangible assets at quarter end, as used in the denominator of the previous methodology's calculation; and
a $66 million cash dividend payment that the Association made to the Company, its sole shareholder, in December 2014 that reduced the Association's Tier 1 (leverage) capital ratio by an estimated 55 basis points. The amount of the

59



dividend was determined using regulatory guidelines that generally provide a "safe harbor" authorization for dividends in an amount that does not exceed the Association's current calendar year-to-date net income, plus the preceding two year's retained net income, less prior dividend payments made during that time frame. Because of its intercompany nature, this dividend payment did not impact the Company's consolidated capital ratios. Additionally, on February 24, 2015, the Company received the non-objection of its regulators for the Association to pay a special dividend of $150 million to the Company. This amount is equal to the voluntary contribution of capital that the Company made to the Association in October 2010. Payment of this special dividend will be made in the future as funds are needed by the Company. Because of its intercompany nature, this future dividend payment will have no impact on the Company's capital ratios or its consolidated statement of condition but will reduce the Association's reported capital ratios.
We expect to continue to remain a well capitalized institution.
In managing its level of liquidity, the Company monitors available funding sources, which include attracting new deposits (including brokered CDs), borrowing from others, the conversion of assets to cash and the generation of funds through profitable operations. The Company has traditionally relied on retail deposits as its primary means in meeting its funding needs. At September 30, 2015, deposits totaled $8.29 billion (including $520.1 million of brokered CDs), while borrowings totaled $2.17 billion and borrowers’ advances and servicing escrows totaled $135.8 million, combined. In evaluating funding sources, we consider many factors, including cost, duration, current availability, expected sustainability, impact on operations and capital levels.
To attract deposits, we offer our customers attractive rates of return on our deposit products. Our deposit products typically offer rates that are highly competitive with the rates on similar products offered by other financial institutions. We intend to continue this practice, subject to market conditions.
We preserve the availability of alternative funding sources through various mechanisms. First, by maintaining high capital levels, we retain the flexibility to increase our balance sheet size without jeopardizing our capital adequacy. Effectively, this permits us to increase the rates that we offer on our deposit products thereby attracting more potential customers. Second, we pledge available real estate mortgage loans and investment securities with the FHLB of Cincinnati and the FRB-Cleveland. At September 30, 2015 these collateral pledge support arrangements provide the Association with the ability to immediately borrow an additional $584.5 million from the FHLB of Cincinnati and $116.8 million from the FRB-Cleveland Discount Window. From the perspective of collateral value securing FHLB of Cincinnati advances, our capacity limit for additional borrowings beyond the immediately available limits at September 30, 2015 was $3.64 billion, subject to satisfaction of the FHLB of Cincinnati common stock ownership requirement. To satisfy the common stock ownership requirement we would need to increase our ownership of FHLB of Cincinnati common stock by an additional $72.9 million. Third, we invest in high quality marketable securities that exhibit limited market price variability, and to the extent that they are not needed as collateral for borrowings, can be sold in the institutional market and converted to cash. At September 30, 2015, our investment securities portfolio totaled $585.1 million. Finally, cash flows from operating activities have been a regular source of funds. During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, cash flows from operations totaled $102.1 million and $103.5 million, respectively.
Historically, a portion of the residential first mortgage loans that we originated were considered to be highly liquid as they were eligible for delivery/sale to Fannie Mae. However, due to delivery requirement changes imposed by Fannie Mae during and subsequent to the 2008 financial crisis, effective July 1, 2010, that was no longer an available source of liquidity. In response to Fannie Mae's delivery requirement changes, during fiscal 2013 we took the following measures: (1) we completed $279.6 million of non-agency eligible, whole loan sales, all on a servicing retained basis; and (2) we implemented certain loan origination changes required by Fannie Mae which resulted in our November 15, 2013 reinstatement as an approved seller to Fannie Mae. The non-agency sales, which included both fixed-rate and Smart Rate loans, demonstrated that, with adequate lead time, the majority of our residential, first mortgage loan portfolio could be available for liquidity management purposes. Also, implementation of the loan origination changes required by Fannie Mae, to which a portion of our loan production will be subjected, elevates the level of liquidity available for those loans. At September 30, 2015, one agency eligible, long-term, fixed-rate HARP II first mortgage loan was classified as “held for sale”. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, $27.5 million of agency-compliant HARP II loans and $132.6 million of long-term, fixed-rate, agency-compliant, non-HARP II first mortgage loans were sold to Fannie Mae.
Overall, while customer and community confidence can never be assured, the Company believes that our liquidity is adequate and that we have adequate access to alternative funding sources.
Monitoring and Controlling Operating Expenses. We continue to focus on managing operating expenses. Our ratio of non-interest expense to average assets was 1.47% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 and 1.53% for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2015, our average assets per full-time employee and our average deposits per

60



full-time employee were $12.5 million and $8.4 million, respectively. We believe that each of these measures compares favorably with the averages for our peer group. Our average deposits (exclusive of brokered CDs) held at our branch offices ($204.4 million per branch office as of September 30, 2015) contributes to our expense management efforts by limiting the overhead costs of serving our deposit customers. We will continue our efforts to control operating expenses as we grow our business.
Critical Accounting Policies
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that involve significant judgments and uncertainties, and could potentially give rise to materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We believe that the most critical accounting policies upon which our financial condition and results of operations depend, and which involve the most complex subjective decisions or assessments, are our policies with respect to our allowance for loan losses, income taxes and pension benefits.
Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is the amount estimated by management as necessary to absorb credit losses incurred in the loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonably estimable at the balance sheet date. The amount of the allowance is based on significant estimates and the ultimate losses may vary from such estimates as more information becomes available or conditions change. The methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses is considered a critical accounting policy by management due to the high degree of judgment involved, the subjectivity of the assumptions used and the potential for changes in the economic environment that could result in changes to the amount of the recorded allowance for loan losses. At September 30, 2015, the allowance for loan losses was $71.6 million or 0.63% of total loans. An increase or decrease of 10% in the allowance at September 30, 2014 would result in a $7.2 million charge or credit, respectively, to income before income taxes.
As a substantial percentage of our loan portfolio is collateralized by real estate, appraisals of the underlying value of property securing loans are critical in determining the charge-offs for specific loans. Assumptions are instrumental in determining the value of properties. Overly optimistic assumptions or negative changes to assumptions could significantly affect the valuation of a property securing a loan and the related allowance determined. Management carefully reviews the assumptions supporting such appraisals to determine that the resulting values reasonably reflect amounts realizable on the related loans.
Management performs a quarterly evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. We consider a variety of factors in establishing this estimate including, but not limited to, current economic conditions, delinquency statistics, geographic concentrations, the adequacy of the underlying collateral, the financial strength of the borrower, results of internal loan reviews and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates by management that may be susceptible to significant change based on changes in economic and real estate market conditions.
Historically, the evaluation has been comprised of a specific component and a general component. The specific component relates to loans that are delinquent or otherwise identified as a problem loan through the application of our loan review process and our loan grading system. All such loans are evaluated individually, with principal consideration given to the value of the collateral securing the loan. Through September 30, 2011, SVAs were established as required by this analysis and charge-offs, when necessary, were recorded when the loan was resolved through deed in lieu, foreclosure or short sales. In September 2011, a portion of the SVA was reclassified as IVA. This portion represented the allowance on individually reviewed loans dependent on cash flows, such as performing TDRs, and a portion of the allowance on loans that represented further deterioration in the fair value not supported by an appraisal. During the quarter ended December 31, 2011, the SVA (exclusive of the reclassified IVA) was charged-off. This one-time charge-off of SVAs, which was $55.5 million at September 30, 2011, was recorded by the Company in connection with the adoption of the OCC's prescribed methodology regarding loan impairments. Refer to the Allowance for Loan Losses section in PART I, Item 1, BusinessTHIRD FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION OF CLEVELAND—Lending Activities, for additional details. Additionally, effective September 30, 2012, pursuant to OCC issued guidance, $15.8 million of performing loans, where all borrowers have been discharged of their obligation through Chapter 7 bankruptcy procedures, were charged-off. The general component of the evaluation is determined by segregating the remaining loans by type of loan, risk weighting (if applicable) and payment history. We also analyze historical loss experience, delinquency trends, general economic conditions and geographic concentrations. Quantitative loss factors used in determining an appropriate allowance level are supplemented by more qualitative factors that impact potential losses. Qualitative factors include various market conditions, such as collateral values and unemployment rates. This analysis establishes factors that are applied to the loan groups to determine the amount of the general component of the allowance for loan losses.
Actual loan losses may be significantly more than the allowances we have established, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

61




Income Taxes. We consider accounting for income taxes a critical accounting policy due to the subjective nature of certain estimates that are involved in the calculation. We use the asset/liability method of accounting for income taxes in which deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities. We must assess the realization of the deferred tax asset and, to the extent that we believe that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance is established. Adjustments to increase or decrease existing valuation allowances, if any, are charged or credited, respectively, to income tax expense. At September 30, 2015, no valuation allowances were outstanding and even though we have determined a valuation allowance is not required for deferred tax assets at September 30, 2015, there is no guarantee that those assets will be recognizable in the future.
Pension Benefits. The determination of our obligations and expense for pension benefits is dependent upon certain assumptions used in calculating such amounts. Key assumptions used in the actuarial valuations include the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Actual results could differ from the assumptions and market driven rates may fluctuate. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in the assumptions could materially affect future pension obligations and expense.

Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015 and 2014
Total assets increased $565.7 million, or 5%, to $12.37 billion at September 30, 2015 from $11.80 billion at September 30, 2014. This increase was mainly the result of increases in the balances of our loans held for investment portfolio, FHLB stock, and investment securities available for sale portfolio, partially offset by a decrease in the balance of cash and cash equivalents.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $26.0 million, or 14%, to $155.4 million at September 30, 2015 from $181.4 million at September 30, 2014, as our most liquid assets have been reinvested into investment securities and loans, which increased our interest income. However, the average balance of interest-earning cash equivalents for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 was $851.0 million, compared to $217.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, reflecting the larger investment balance maintained part of the year in connection with the strategy to increase net income discussed later in this section.
Investment securities increased $16.2 million, or 3%, to $585.1 million at September 30, 2015 from $568.9 million at September 30, 2014. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 there were $171.1 million in purchases of investment securities, which were partially offset by $153.9 million in principal paydowns and $5.6 million of net acquisition premium amortization which occurred in the mortgage-backed securities portfolio. There were no sales of investment securities during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015.
Loans held for investment, net, increased $556.9 million, or 5%, to $11.19 billion at September 30, 2015 from $10.63 billion at September 30, 2014. Residential mortgage loans increased $615.7 million, or 7%, to $9.60 billion at September 30, 2015 from $8.98 billion at September 30, 2014 as new originations exceeded the combination of principal repayments, loan sales and net charge-offs. The increase in residential mortgage loans reflected the negative impact of $3.4 million in net charge-offs during the year ended September 30, 2015. The total allowance for loan losses decreased $9.8 million, or 12%, to $71.6 million from $81.4 million at September 30, 2014, primarily reflecting improved credit metrics, including reduced net charge-offs and lower loan delinquencies. During the year ended September 30, 2015, $1.03 billion of three- and five-year “SmartRate” loans were originated while $1.31 billion of 10-, 15-, and 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage loans were originated. During the year ended September 30, 2015 the total fixed-rate portion of our first mortgage loan portfolio increased $212.8 million and was comprised of an increase of $365.3 million in the balance of fixed-rate loans with original terms of 10 years or less, and a decrease of $152.5 million in the balance of fixed-rate loans with original terms greater than 10 years. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, we completed $160.1 million in loan sales to Fannie Mae, which included $27.5 million of agency-compliant HARP II loans and $132.6 million of long-term, fixed-rate, agency-compliant, non-HARP II first mortgage loans. The volume of long-term, fixed-rate first mortgage loan sales reflected the impact of changes imposed by Fannie Mae, the Association’s primary loan investor, related to requirements for loans that it accepts, as well as the strategy of originating adjustable-rate loans and fixed-rate loans with original terms of 10 years or less with the expectation that such loans would be carried as held for investment loans on our balance sheet. Refer to the Controlling Our Interest Rate Risk Exposure section of the Overview for additional discussion regarding loan sales to Fannie Mae and our management of interest rate risk.
Partially offsetting the increase in residential mortgage loans was a $71.7 million decrease in home equity loans and lines of credit during the current period as repayments exceeded new originations and additional draws on existing accounts. Between June 2010 and March 2012, we suspended the acceptance of new home equity loan and line of credit applications with

62



the exception of bridge loans. Beginning in March 2012, we offered redesigned home equity lines of credit, subject to certain property and credit performance conditions. At September 30, 2015, the recorded investment related to home equity lines of credit originated subsequent to March 2012, totaled $282.9 million. At September 30, 2015, pending commitments to extend new home equity lines of credit totaled $29.2 million. Refer to the Controlling Our Interest Rate Risk Exposure section of the Overview for additional information.
Our investment in FHLB stock increased $29.1 million, or 72%, to $69.5 million at September 30, 2015 from $40.4 million at September 30, 2014. The increase relates to our strategy to increase net income that was implemented effective October 1, 2014. This strategy involves borrowing, on an overnight basis, approximately $1.00 billion of additional funds from the FHLB at the beginning of a particular quarter and repaying it prior to the end of that quarter. The proceeds of the borrowings, net of the required investment in FHLB stock, are deposited at the Federal Reserve. The increased borrowings necessitate additional purchases of FHLB stock, which generally remain outstanding over the quarter end. Because of increases in the interest rates charged by the FHLB, the borrowing and reinvest portion of the strategy was used opportunistically during the year and was not utilized at September 30, 2015. However, dependent upon market rates, this strategy remains an option in the future.
Deposits decreased $368.0 million, or 4%, to $8.29 billion at September 30, 2015 from $8.65 billion at September 30, 2014. The decrease in deposits was the result of a $321.6 million decrease in our CDs combined with a $46.4 million decrease in our high-yield savings accounts (a subcategory of our savings accounts) partially offset by a $4.3 million increase in our high-yield checking accounts (a subcategory of our negotiable order of withdrawal accounts) during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015. The change in CDs is attributed to a $484.7 million net decrease in our traditional CDs which was partially offset by a $163.1 million increase (net of premium) in brokered CDs acquired during the current fiscal year which had original terms of 42 to 60 months. The balance of CDs at September 30, 2015 included $520.1 million in brokered CDs. We believe that our high-yield savings accounts as well as our high-yield checking accounts provide a stable source of funds. In addition, our high yield savings accounts are expected to reprice in a manner similar to our equity loan products, and, therefore, assist us in managing interest rate risk.
Borrowed funds, all from the FHLB of Cincinnati, increased $1.03 billion, or 90%, to $2.17 billion at September 30, 2015 from $1.14 billion at September 30, 2014. The increase reflects an additional $600.3 million of mainly four- to five- year term advances and a $444.0 million increase in lower cost, short-term borrowings, offset by principal repayments on maturing term advances. The increases in advances, as well as brokered CDs, were used to fund loan growth and the purchase of investment securities. To facilitate the increase in FHLB borrowings, an additional $29.1 million of FHLB stock was purchased during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015.
Shareholders’ equity decreased $110.1 million, or 6%, to $1.73 billion at September 30, 2015 from $1.84 billion at September 30, 2014. This net decrease primarily reflected the effect of $172.4 million of repurchases of outstanding common stock and $19.5 million of dividend payments, which were partially offset by $72.6 million of net income and the positive impact related to awards under the stock-based compensation plan and the allocation of shares held by the ESOP. Refer to Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities for additional details regarding the repurchase of shares of common stock and the payment of dividends.


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Analysis of Net Interest Income
Net interest income represents the difference between the income we earn on our interest-earning assets and the expense we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends on the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the rates earned on such assets and the rates paid on such liabilities.

Average balances and yields. The following table sets forth average balances, average yields and costs, and certain other information at and for the fiscal years indicated. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments were made, as the effect thereof was not material. Average balances are derived from daily average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances, but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or interest expense. 
 
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense
 
Yield/
Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense
 
Yield/
Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
Income/
Expense
 
Yield/
Cost
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Interest-earning cash equivalents
$
851,047

 
$
2,206

 
0.26
%
 
$
217,928

 
$
554

 
0.25
%
 
$
243,538

 
$
635

 
0.26
%
  Investment securities
2,015

 
25

 
1.24
%
 
3,759

 
28

 
0.74
%
 
8,980

 
36

 
0.40
%
  Mortgage-backed securities
572,232

 
9,546

 
1.67
%
 
499,083

 
9,184

 
1.84
%
 
441,907

 
4,905

 
1.11
%
  Loans
10,951,984

 
369,302

 
3.37
%
 
10,435,065

 
363,409

 
3.48
%
 
10,200,360

 
376,840

 
3.69
%
  Federal Home Loan Bank stock
67,360

 
2,398

 
3.56
%
 
38,951

 
1,509

 
3.87
%
 
35,620

 
1,556

 
4.37
%
Total interest-earning assets
12,444,638

 
383,477

 
3.08
%
 
11,194,786

 
374,684

 
3.35
%
 
10,930,405

 
383,972

 
3.51
%
Noninterest-earning assets
319,063

 
 
 
 
 
311,078

 
 
 
 
 
286,993

 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
12,763,701

 
 
 
 
 
$
11,505,864

 
 
 
 
 
$
11,217,398

 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  NOW accounts
$
995,736

 
1,371

 
0.14
%
 
$
1,019,909

 
1,442

 
0.14
%
 
$
1,023,442

 
2,273

 
0.22
%
  Savings accounts
1,636,093

 
3,045

 
0.19
%
 
1,756,608

 
3,420

 
0.19
%
 
1,804,127

 
5,669

 
0.31
%
  Certificates of deposit
5,836,053

 
89,110

 
1.53
%
 
5,695,063

 
88,316

 
1.55
%
 
5,877,695

 
103,466

 
1.76
%
  Borrowed funds
2,312,977

 
19,824

 
0.86
%
 
974,644

 
10,073

 
1.03
%
 
435,342

 
4,011

 
0.92
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
10,780,859

 
113,350

 
1.05
%
 
9,446,224

 
103,251

 
1.09
%
 
9,140,606

 
115,419

 
1.26
%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
184,587

 
 
 
 
 
186,777

 
 
 
 
 
239,702

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities
10,965,446

 
 
 
 
 
9,633,001

 
 
 
 
 
9,380,308

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity
1,798,255

 
 
 
 
 
1,872,863

 
 
 
 
 
1,837,090

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and
     shareholders’ equity
$
12,763,701

 
 
 
 
 
$
11,505,864

 
 
 
 
 
$
11,217,398

 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 
$
270,127

 
 
 
 
 
$
271,433

 
 
 
 
 
$
268,553

 
  
Interest rate spread(1)
 
 
 
 
2.03
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.26
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.25
%
Net interest-earning assets(2)
$
1,663,779

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,748,562

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,789,799

 
 
 
 
Net interest margin(3)
 
 
2.17
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.42
%
 
 
 
 
 
2.46
%
 
 
Average interest-earning assets to
     average interest-bearing liabilities
115.43
%
 
 
 
 
 
118.51
%
 
 
 
 
 
119.58
%
 
 
 
 
______________________
(1)
Interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
(2)
Net interest-earning assets represent total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.
(3)
Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by total interest-earning assets.


64



Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table presents the effects of changing rates (yields) and volumes (average balances)on our net interest income for the fiscal years indicated. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The net column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately, based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
 
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2015 vs. 2014
 
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2014 vs. 2013
 
Increase (Decrease)
Due to
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
Due to
 
 
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Net
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Net
 
(In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Interest-earning cash equivalents
$
1,641

 
$
11

 
$
1,652

 
$
(65
)
 
$
(16
)
 
$
(81
)
  Investment securities
(17
)
 
14

 
(3
)
 
(28
)
 
20

 
(8
)
  Mortgage-backed securities
999

 
(637
)
 
362

 
703

 
3,576

 
4,279

  Loans
16,411

 
(10,518
)
 
5,893

 
8,529

 
(21,960
)
 
(13,431
)
  Federal Home Loan Bank stock
1,000

 
(111
)
 
889

 
138

 
(185
)
 
(47
)
Total interest-earning assets
20,034

 
(11,241
)
 
8,793

 
9,277

 
(18,565
)
 
(9,288
)
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  NOW accounts
(34
)
 
(37
)
 
(71
)
 
(8
)
 
(823
)
 
(831
)
  Passbook savings
(228
)
 
(147
)
 
(375
)
 
(146
)
 
(2,103
)
 
(2,249
)
  Certificates of deposit
2,098

 
(1,304
)
 
794

 
(3,136
)
 
(12,014
)
 
(15,150
)
  Borrowed funds
11,135

 
(1,384
)
 
9,751

 
5,520

 
542

 
6,062

Total interest-bearing liabilities
12,971

 
(2,872
)
 
10,099

 
2,230

 
(14,398
)
 
(12,168
)
Net change in net interest income
$
7,063

 
$
(8,369
)
 
$
(1,306
)
 
$
7,047

 
$
(4,167
)
 
$
2,880

Comparison of Operating Results for the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014
General. Net income increased $6.7 million, or 10%, to $72.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 compared to $65.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. This change was attributed to a $22.0 million, decrease in the provision for loan losses and a $2.4 million increase in non-interest income, partially offset by an increase of $12.5 million in non-interest expense and a decrease in net interest income of $1.3 million.
Interest and Dividend Income. Total interest income increased $8.8 million, or 2%, to $383.5 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 compared to $374.7 million for the prior fiscal year. The increase in interest income resulted primarily from an increase in interest income from loans combined with increases in interest income from other interest-earning cash equivalents, and to a lesser extent, FHLB stock and mortgage-backed securities.
Interest income on loans increased $5.9 million, or 2%, to $369.3 million compared to $363.4 million for the prior fiscal year. This increase was attributed to a $516.9 million increase in the average balance of loans to $10.95 billion in the current fiscal year compared to $10.44 billion during the prior fiscal year as new loan production exceeded repayments and loan sales. The impact from the increase in the average balance of loans was partially offset by an 11 basis point decrease in the average yield on loans to 3.37% from 3.48% as historically low interest rates have kept the level of refinance activity relatively high resulting in new originations at lower rates compared to the rest of our portfolio. Additionally, both our “Smart Rate” adjustable-rate first mortgage loan and our 10-year, fixed-rate first mortgage loan originations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, were originated at interest rates below rates offered on our traditional 15- and 30-year fixed-rate products and contributed to the lower average yield. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, loan sales totaled $160.1 million while during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, loan sales totaled $76.0 million. No loan sales were made to private investors in fiscal years 2015 and 2014.
Interest income on interest-earning cash equivalents increased $1.6 million, or 267%, to $2.2 million compared to $0.6 million for the prior fiscal year. The increase can be attributed to implementing a strategy to increase income as discussed earlier in the paragraph describing the increase in our investment in FHLB stock included in the Comparison of Financial Condition section. Additionally, as a result of the additional required investment in FHLB stock, dividend income on FHLB stock increased $0.9 million, or 60%, to $2.4 million compared to $1.5 million during the prior fiscal year.

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Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $10.1 million, or 10%, to $113.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 from $103.3 million for the 2014 fiscal year. The change resulted primarily from a $9.7 million increase in interest expense on borrowed funds combined with an increase in interest expense on CDs partially offset by modest decreases in interest expense on NOW accounts and savings accounts.
Interest expense on CDs increased $0.8 million, or 1%, to $89.1 million compared to $88.3 million for fiscal 2014. The change was attributed to a $141.0 million, or 2%, increase in the average balance of CDs to $5.84 billion from $5.70 billion partially offset by a two basis point decrease in the average rate we paid on CDs to 1.53% from 1.55%. Rates were adjusted on deposits in response to changes in general market rates as well as to changes in the rates paid by our competition on short-term CDs. Additionally, to optimally manage our funding costs during the current fiscal year, many maturing, higher rate CDs that were not renewed were replaced with with longer-term brokered CDs or lower rate borrowed funds.
Interest expense on borrowed funds increased $9.7 million, or 96%, to $19.8 million compared to $10.1 million for fiscal 2014. The increase was attributed to a $1.3 billion increase in the average balance of borrowed funds to $2.3 billion from $974.6 million during fiscal 2014. Partially offsetting the impact of the increased volume in borrowed funds is a 17 basis point decrease in the average rate paid for these funds, to 0.86% from 1.03% for fiscal 2014. The increase in FHLB of Cincinnati borrowings and the lower average rate paid can be attributed to implementing the strategy to increase income, using lower cost overnight borrowings, discussed earlier. To better manage funding costs, longer term borrowed funds from the FHLB of Cincinnati were also used to fund mortgage loan originations and supplement the decrease in deposits.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income decreased $1.3 million, or less than 1%, to $270.1 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 compared to $271.4 million for the prior fiscal year. Average interest-earning assets increased during the current fiscal year by $1.25 billion or 11% when compared to the prior fiscal year. However, due to a greater increase in average interest-bearing liabilities, average net interest-earning assets decreased $84.8 million, to $1.66 billion during the current fiscal year from $1.75 billion during the prior fiscal year. The change in average assets can be attributed primarily to the implementation of the strategy to increase income discussed earlier and to a lesser extent, growth of our loan and investments portfolios. The net income strategy increased other interest-earning cash equivalents, while the change in average liabilities is due mainly to that same net income strategy and the growth of our loan and investments portfolios, but also to the funds required for our stock repurchase program and the payments of dividends on our common stock. The net income strategy serves to increase net income slightly but also negatively impacts the interest rate spread and net interest margin due to the increase in the average balance of low-yield, interest-earning cash equivalents. Our interest rate spread decreased 23 basis points to 2.03% compared to 2.26% for the prior fiscal year. Our net interest margin decreased 25 basis points to 2.17% compared to 2.42% for the prior fiscal year.
Provision for Loan Losses. We establish provisions for loan losses, which are charged to operations, in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level we consider necessary to absorb credit losses incurred in the loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonably estimable at the balance sheet date. In determining the level of the allowance for loan losses, we consider past and current loss experience, evaluations of real estate collateral, current economic conditions, volume and type of lending, adverse situations that may affect a borrower’s ability to repay a loan and the levels of non-performing and other classified loans. The amount of the allowance is based on estimates and the ultimate losses may vary from such estimates as more information becomes available or conditions change. We assess the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis and make provisions for loan losses in order to maintain the adequacy of the allowance as described in the next paragraph. Recently, improving regional employment levels, stabilization in residential real estate values in many markets, recovering capital and credit markets, and upturns in consumer confidence have resulted in better credit metrics for us. Nevertheless, the depth of the decline in housing values that accompanied the 2008 financial crisis still presents significant challenges for many of our borrowers who may attempt to sell their homes or refinance their loans as a means to self-cure a delinquency.
Based on our evaluation we recorded a negative provision for loan losses of $3.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 and a provision of $19.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. The current negative loan loss provision reflected reduced levels of loan delinquencies and charge-offs and increased levels of recoveries of previously charged off loans, but we continue our awareness of the relative values of residential properties in comparison to their cyclical peaks as well as the uncertainty that persists in the current economic environment, which continues to challenge many of our loan customers. As delinquencies in the portfolio have been resolved through pay-off, short sale or foreclosure, or management determines the collateral is not sufficient to satisfy the loan, uncollected balances have been charged against the allowance for loan losses previously provided. The reduced level of net charge-offs during the 2015 fiscal year, $6.8 million as compared to $30.2 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 occurred throughout the entire loan portfolio. The net charge-offs of $30.2 million during the prior fiscal year included $5.3 million of loans charged-off due to a new practice, instituted in fiscal year 2014, of fully charging off loans that have not been resolved due to prolonged foreclosure proceedings and have remained delinquent for more than 1,500 days. In addition, Net charge-offs in fiscal year 2014 included $1.3 million in recoveries that were recorded during the March 2014 quarter, representing the cumulative one-time payment received as a

66



result of PMIC increasing the cash percentage of the partial claim payment plan. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements: LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES for further discussion. Net charge-offs combined with the $3.0 million negative provision for loan losses recorded for the current fiscal year resulted in a decrease in the balance of the allowance for loan losses. Net charge-offs of $30.2 million recorded for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 exceeded the loan loss provision of $19.0 million. The allowance for loan losses was $71.6 million, or 0.64% of the total recorded investment in loans receivable, at September 30, 2015, compared to $81.4 million, or 0.76% of the total recorded investment in loans receivable, at September 30, 2014. Balances of recorded investments are net of deferred fees and any applicable loans-in-process.
The total recorded investment in non-accrual loans decreased $28.7 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 compared to a $20.3 million decrease during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.
The recorded investment in non-accrual loans in our residential, Core portfolio decreased $17.1 million, or 22%, during the current fiscal year, to $62.3 million at September 30, 2015, compared to an $11.7 million decrease during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2015, the recorded investment in our Core portfolio was $9.47 billion, compared to $8.82 billion at September 30, 2014. During the current fiscal year, Core portfolio net charge-offs were $1.5 million, as compared to net charge-offs of $13.5 million, which included $4.4 million of charge-offs related to loans delinquent more than 1,500 days and $0.9 million of recoveries related to the PMIC partial claim catch-up payment during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. The $62.3 million balance at September 30, 2015 includes $33.9 million in TDRs which are current but included with non-accrual loans for a minimum period of six months from their restructuring date. The recorded investment in non-accrual loans in our residential, Home Today portfolio decreased $7.4 million, or 25% during the current fiscal year, to $22.6 million at September 30, 2015 compared to a $4.9 million decrease during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2015, the recorded investment in our Home Today portfolio was $134.0 million, compared to $152.0 million at September 30, 2014. During the current fiscal year, Home Today net charge-offs were $1.9 million as compared to net charge-offs of $5.7 million, which included $0.9 million of charge-offs related to loans delinquent more than 1,500 days and $0.4 million of recoveries related to the PMIC partial claim catch-up payment during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. The $22.6 million balance in Home Today non-accrual loans includes $11.6 million in TDRs which are current but included with non-accrual loans for a minimum period of six months from their restructuring date.
The recorded investment in non-accrual home equity loans and lines of credit decreased $4.7 million, or 18%, during the current fiscal year, to $21.5 million at September 30, 2015 compared to a $3.8 million decrease during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. The recorded investment in our home equity loans and lines of credit portfolio at September 30, 2015, was $1.63 billion, compared to $1.70 billion at September 30, 2014. During the current fiscal year, home equity loans and lines of credit net charge-offs were $3.6 million as compared to net charge-offs of $11.0 million, of which there were no charge-offs related to loans delinquent more than 1,500 days, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. We believe that non-performing home equity loans and lines of credit, on a relative basis, represent a higher level of credit risk than Core loans as these home equity loans and lines of credit generally hold subordinated lien positions. The seriously delinquent balances of home equity loans and lines of credit were $5.6 million, or less than 1%, of the home equity loans and lines of credit portfolio at September 30, 2015 compared to $9.0 million, or less than 1%, at September 30, 2014.
At September 30, 2015 and 2014, we believe we had recorded an allowance for loan losses that provides for all losses that are both probable and reasonable to estimate at September 30, 2015 and 2014.
Refer to Item 1. Business for additional discussion and disclosure related to our provisions for loan losses.
Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income increased $2.4 million, or 11%, to $24.3 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 compared to $21.9 million for the prior fiscal year mainly as a result of net gain on the sale of loans combined with an increase in bank owned life insurance contracts, partially offset by a decrease in loan fees and service charges. The increase in the net gain on sales of loans primarily reflected a higher volume of loan sales in the current fiscal year, $160.1 million, as compared to $76.0 million during the prior fiscal year. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in net loan servicing fees received in connection with the smaller portfolio of loans serviced for others.
Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense increased $12.5 million, or 7%, to $188.0 million for fiscal 2015 when compared to $175.5 million for fiscal 2014. This net increase resulted primarily from an increase in marketing services, higher salaries and employee benefits, office property and equipment, and federal insurance premiums partially offset by decreases in state franchise tax and other operating expenses. Marketing services increased $5.6 million, or 40%, to $19.9 million during the current fiscal year compared to $14.3 million during the prior fiscal year as a result of expenditures incurred in support of our lending activities. Salaries and employee benefits increased $5.3 million, or 6%, to $95.6 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 compared to $90.3 million for the prior fiscal year. This increase was primarily due to a $3.0 million increase in associate compensation costs, a $1.6 million increase in expenses related to the ESOP and stock-based

67



compensation incurred as the market price of the Company's common stock rose, and a $1.1 million increase in compensation costs related to health insurance partially offset by a $0.7 million decrease in expenses related to the pension plan.
Income Tax Expense. The provision for income taxes was $36.8 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015 compared to $33.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. The provision for fiscal 2015 included $36.7 million of federal income tax provision and $143 thousand of state income tax provision. The provision for fiscal 2014 included $32.6 million of federal income tax provision and $324 thousand of state income tax provision. Our federal effective tax rate increased to 33.6% during fiscal 2015 from 33.1% during fiscal year 2014. Our expected federal effective income tax rate is less than the federal statutory rate of 35.0%, primarily because of our ownership of bank owned life insurance contracts. Non-taxable income on bank owned insurance contracts was $7.3 million during fiscal 2015 and $6.4 million during fiscal 2014.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013
General. Net income increased $9.9 million, or 18%, to $65.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 compared to $56.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. This change was attributed to an $18.0 million, decrease in the provision for loan losses and further impacted by an increase in net interest income of $2.8 million and a decrease of $2.2 million in non-interest expense partially offset by a $6.3 million decrease in gain on sale of loans.
Interest Income. Gross interest income decreased $9.3 million, or 2%, to $374.7 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 compared to $384.0 million for the prior fiscal year. The decrease in interest income resulted primarily from a decrease in interest income from loans that was partially offset by an increase in interest income from mortgage-backed securities.
Interest income on mortgage-backed securities increased $4.3 million, or 88%, to $9.2 million from $4.9 million for the prior fiscal year. The average yield on mortgage-backed securities increased 73 basis points to 1.84% compared to 1.11% in the prior fiscal year. The increase in market interest rates during the year provided higher yields on newly purchased securities and extended the expected durations for the securities held in portfolio, most of which had been purchased at a premium, which, in turn, increased our expected yields as the purchase premiums will be amortized over longer periods of time. The average balance of mortgage-backed securities increased $57.2 million to $499.1 million compared to $441.9 million for the prior fiscal year. There were $250.8 million in purchases which occurred in the current fiscal year which was partially offset by $157.4 million in sales, principal paydowns and maturities.
Interest income on loans decreased $13.4 million, or 4%, to $363.4 million compared to $376.8 million for the prior fiscal year. This change was attributed to a 21 basis point decrease in the yield to 3.48% from 3.69% as historically low interest rates have kept the amount of refinance activity high, or approximately 74% of total originations, resulting in new originations at rates that are lower compared to the rest of the portfolio. Additionally, both our “Smart Rate” adjustable-rate first mortgage loan and our 10-year, fixed-rate first mortgage loan originations for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, were originated at interest rates below rates offered on our traditional 15- and 30-year fixed-rate products and contributed to the lower average yield. The decrease in interest income on loans during fiscal 2014 was partially offset by a $234.7 million increase in the average balance of loans to $10.44 billion for fiscal 2014 compared to $10.20 billion for the prior fiscal year. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, loan sales, which did not include any sales to private investors, totaled $76.0 million while during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, loan sales, including $276.9 million of sales to private investors, totaled $349.2 million.
Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $12.1 million, or 10%, to $103.3 million for the 2014 fiscal year from $115.4 million for the 2013 fiscal year. The change resulted primarily from a decrease in interest expense on CDs combined with modest decreases in interest expense on NOW accounts and savings accounts partially offset by a $6.1 million increase in interest expense on borrowed funds.
Interest expense on CDs decreased $15.2 million, or 15%, to $88.3 million compared to $103.5 million for fiscal 2013. The change was attributed to a 21 basis point decrease in the average rate we paid on CDs to 1.55% from 1.76% combined with a $182.6 million, or 3%, decrease in the average balance to $5.70 billion from $5.88 billion. Rates were adjusted on deposits in response to changes in general market rates as well as to changes in the rates paid by our competition on short-term CDs. Additionally, to optimally manage our funding costs during the current fiscal year, many maturing, higher rate CDs were replaced with lower rate borrowed funds.
Interest expense on borrowed funds increased $6.1 million, or 153%, to $10.1 million compared to $4.0 million for fiscal 2013. The increase was attributed to a $539.3 million increase in the average balance of borrowed funds to $974.6 million from $435.3 million during fiscal 2013. In addition, the average rate paid on borrowed funds increased 11 basis points to 1.03% from

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0.92% for fiscal 2013. To better manage funding costs, longer term borrowed funds from the FHLB of Cincinnati were used to replace maturing higher rate CDs.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased approximately $2.8 million, or 1%, to $271.4 million compared to $268.6 million for the prior fiscal year. Our interest rate spread increased one basis point to 2.26% compared to 2.25% for the prior fiscal year. Our net interest margin decreased four basis points to 2.42% compared to 2.46% for the prior fiscal year. Our average net interest-earning assets decreased $41.2 million, to $1.75 billion for the current fiscal year compared to $1.79 billion for the prior fiscal year.
Provision for Loan Losses. Based on our evaluation we recorded a provision for loan losses of $19.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 and a provision of $37.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. The current provision reflected reduced levels of loan delinquencies but was tempered by our awareness of the relative values of residential properties in comparison to their cyclical peaks as well as the uncertainty that persists in the current economic environment, which continues to challenge many of our loan customers. The reduced level of net charge-offs during the 2014 fiscal year, $30.2 million as compared to $44.9 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, was attributable to the improvement in credit quality in the current fiscal year. As delinquencies in the portfolio have been resolved through pay-off, short sale or foreclosure, or management determines the collateral is not sufficient to satisfy the loan, uncollected balances have been charged against the allowance for loan losses previously provided. The net charge-offs of $30.2 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 included $5.3 million of loans charged-off due to a new practice, instituted this year, of fully charging off loans that have not been resolved due to prolonged foreclosure proceedings and have remained delinquent for more than 1,500 days. These loans previously were recorded at estimated net realizable value, with the potential for additional loss recognized within the allowance for loan losses. Any future foreclosure proceeds on these loans will result in recoveries of prior charge-offs. Net charge-offs also included $1.3 million in recoveries that were recorded during the March 2014 quarter, representing the cumulative one-time payment received as a result of PMIC increasing the cash percentage of the partial claim payment plan as discussed in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements: LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES. Net charge-offs exceeded the $19.0 million loan loss provision recorded for the current fiscal year and resulted in a decrease in the balance of the allowance for loan losses. Net charge-offs of $44.9 million recorded for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 exceeded the loan loss provision of $37.0 million. The allowance for loan losses was $81.4 million, or 0.76% of the total recorded investment in loans receivable, at September 30, 2014, compared to $92.5 million, or 0.91% of the total recorded investment in loans receivable, at September 30, 2013. Balances of recorded investments are net of deferred fees and any applicable loans-in-process.
The total recorded investment in non-accrual loans decreased $20.3 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 compared to a $26.8 million decrease during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.
The recorded investment in non-accrual loans in our residential, Core portfolio decreased $11.7 million, or 13%, during the current fiscal year, to $79.4 million at September 30, 2014, compared to a $14.7 million decrease during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. At September 30, 2014, the recorded investment in our Core portfolio was $8.82 billion, compared to $8.10 billion at September 30, 2013. During fiscal 2014, Core portfolio net charge-offs were $13.5 million, inclusive of $4.4 million of charge-offs related to loans delinquent more than 1,500 days and $0.9 million of recoveries related to the PMIC partial claim catch-up payment, as compared to net charge-offs of $14.7 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. The $79.4 million balance at September 30, 2014 includes $35.5 million in troubled debt restructurings which are current but included with non-accrual loans for a minimum period of six months from their restructuring date.
The recorded investment in non-accrual loans in our residential, Home Today portfolio decreased $4.9 million, or 14% during fiscal 2014, to $30.0 million at September 30, 2014 compared to a $6.3 million decrease during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. At September 30, 2014, the recorded investment in our Home Today portfolio was $152.0 million, compared to $175.6 million at September 30, 2013. During fiscal 2014, Home Today net charge-offs were $5.7 million, inclusive of $0.9 million of charge-offs related to loans delinquent more than 1,500 days and $0.4 million of recoveries related to the PMIC partial claim catch-up payment, as compared to net charge-offs of $11.5 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. The $30.0 million balance in Home Today non-accrual loans includes $12.0 million in troubled debt restructurings which are current but included with non-accrual loans for a minimum period of six months from their restructuring date.
The recorded investment in non-accrual home equity loans and lines of credit decreased $3.8 million, or 13%, during fiscal 2014, to $26.2 million at September 30, 2014 compared to a $5.4 million decrease during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. The recorded investment in our home equity loans and lines of credit portfolio at September 30, 2014, was $1.70 billion, compared to $1.87 billion at September 30, 2013. During fiscal 2014, home equity loans and lines of credit net charge-offs were $11.0 million as compared to net charge-offs of $18.6 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. There were no charge-offs related to loans delinquent more than 1,500 days or recoveries due to PMIC claim payments.

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We believe that non-performing home equity loans and lines of credit are, on a relative basis, of greater concern than Core loans as these home equity loans and lines of credit generally hold subordinated positions, and accordingly, represent a higher level of risk. The non-performing balances of home equity loans and lines of credit were $9.0 million, or less than 1%, of the home equity loans and lines of credit portfolio at September 30, 2014 compared to $12.0 million, also less than 1%, at September 30, 2013.
At September 30, 2014 and 2013, we believe we had recorded an allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2014 and 2013, that provides for all losses that are both probable and reasonable to estimate at September 30, 2014 and 2013.
Refer to Item1. Business for additional discussion and disclosure related to our provisions for loan losses.
Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income decreased $6.6 million, or 23%, to $21.9 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 compared to $28.5 million for the prior fiscal year mainly as a result of net gain on the sale of loans.
Net gain on the sale of loans decreased $6.3 million, to $2.0 million during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 from $8.3 million during the 2013 fiscal year as a result of $76.0 million in loan sales during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $349.2 million (which included $276.9 million in fixed- and adjustable-rate first mortgage loans to four private investors) in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. There were no sales to private investors in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014.
Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense decreased $2.2 million, or 1%, to $175.5 million for fiscal 2014 when compared to $177.7 million for fiscal 2013. This net reduction occurred as decreases in other operating expenses and federal insurance premiums and assessments exceeded increases in salaries and employee benefits, marketing and real estate owned expense (which includes associated legal and maintenance expenses and the amount of net gains/losses on the disposal of properties). The decrease in other operating expenses primarily reflected lower costs (including loss reimbursements and the cost of negotiated settlements) during fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 related to our portfolio of loans serviced for others. Salaries and employee benefits increased $3.8 million, or 4%, to $90.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 compared to $86.5 million during fiscal year 2013, reflecting normal annual salary merit and cost of living adjustments, higher health care costs and increased expense recognition related to our employee stock ownership plan that occurred as the market price of the Company's common stock rose. Increased real estate owned expense resulted primarily from net losses that were recognized on property disposals in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 as compared to net gains in fiscal 2013.
Income Tax Expense. The provision for income taxes was $33.0 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014 compared to $26.4 million for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013. The provision for fiscal 2014 included $32.6 million of federal income tax provision and $324 thousand of state income tax provision. The provision for fiscal 2013 included $26.2 million of federal income tax provision and $165 thousand of state income tax provision. Our federal effective tax rate increased to 33.0% during fiscal 2014 from 31.9% during fiscal year 2013. Our expected federal effective income tax rate is less than the federal statutory rate of 35.0%, primarily because of our ownership of bank-owned life insurance contracts. Non-taxable income on bank owned insurance contracts was $6.4 million during fiscal 2014 and $6.5 million during fiscal 2013. The impact it has on the federal effective tax rate has decreased in the 2014 fiscal year as a result of increased pre-tax income. Income before income taxes was $98.9 million and $82.4 million during the fiscal years ended 2014 and 2013, respectively.
On September 13, 2013 and August 18, 2014, the IRS released final tangible property regulations under Sections 162 and 263 and Section 168, respectively, of the Internal Revenue Code. These regulations generally apply to taxable years beginning after January 1, 2014 and will affect all taxpayers that acquire, produce or improve tangible property. We do not expect the adoption of these regulations to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future financial obligations of a short-term nature. Our primary sources of funds consist of deposit inflows, loan repayments, advances from the FHLB of Cincinnati, borrowings from the FRB-Cleveland Discount Window, proceeds from brokered CDs transactions, principal repayments and maturities of securities, and sales of loans. As described below, the available liquidity from loan sales has decreased significantly from pre-June 2010 levels.
In addition to the primary sources of funds described above, we have the ability to obtain funds through the use of collateralized borrowings in the wholesale markets, and from sales of securities. Also, access to the equity capital markets via a supplemental minority stock offering or a full (second step) transaction remain as other potential sources of liquidity, although these channels generally require six to nine months of lead time.

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While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. The Association’s Asset/Liability Management Committee is responsible for establishing and monitoring our liquidity targets and strategies in order to ensure that sufficient liquidity exists for meeting the borrowing needs and deposit withdrawals of our customers as well as unanticipated contingencies. We generally seek to maintain a minimum liquidity ratio of 5% (which we compute as the sum of cash and cash equivalents plus unencumbered investment securities for which ready markets exist, divided by total assets). For the year ended September 30, 2015, our liquidity ratio averaged 9.56% and was favorably impacted by the strategy to increase income as discussed earlier in the paragraph describing the increase in our investment in FHLB stock included in the Comparison of Financial Condition section. We believe that we had sufficient sources of liquidity to satisfy our short- and long-term liquidity needs as of September 30, 2015.
We regularly adjust our investments in liquid assets based upon our assessment of expected loan demand, expected deposit flows, yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities and the objectives of our asset/liability management program. Excess liquid assets are generally invested in interest-earning deposits and short- and intermediate-term securities.
Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents. The levels of these assets are dependent on our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period. At September 30, 2015, cash and cash equivalents totaled $155.4 million which represented a decrease of 14% from September 30, 2014. The decrease reflects the reinvestment of our most liquid assets into higher yield investment securities and loans.
Investment securities classified as available-for-sale, which provide additional sources of liquidity, totaled $585.1 million at September 30, 2015.
Between July 1, 2010 and May 2013, our traditional mortgage loan processing did not comply with Fannie Mae’s standard requirements and accordingly, during that time, and until Fannie Mae reinstated the Association as an approved seller on November 15, 2013, our ability to meaningfully manage liquidity through the use of loan sales was limited. In response to this limitation and the accompanying interest rate risk management implications, the following steps were taken:
during the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the Association implemented the procedures necessary for participation in Fannie Mae's HARP II program;
during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013, the Association negotiated several loan sales with private investors; and
in May 2013, the Association adopted the loan origination process changes required by Fannie Mae. These loan origination process changes are applied to a portion of its fixed-rate loan originations. Subsequent to the Association's November 15, 2013 reinstatement as an approved seller by Fannie Mae, the Association is able to securitize and sell those loans that are originated using the Fannie Mae compliant procedures, in the secondary market.
During the year ended September 30, 2015, loan sales totaled $160.1 million, which included $27.5 million of loans that qualified under Fannie Mae's HARP II initiative with the remainder comprised of long-term, fixed-rate residential, non-HARP II first mortgage loans, which were sold to Fannie Mae subsequent to the Association's reinstatement as an approved seller. Loans originated under the HARP II initiative are classified as “held for sale” at origination. Loans originated under non-HARP II Fannie Mae compliant procedures are classified as “held for investment” until they are specifically identified for sale. At September 30, 2015, one $0.1 million long-term, fixed-rate residential first mortgage loan was classified as “held for sale”, which qualified under Fannie Mae's HARP II initiative. There were no loan sale commitments outstanding at September 30, 2015.
Our cash flows are derived from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities as reported in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
At September 30, 2015, we had $415.9 million in loan commitments outstanding. In addition to commitments to originate loans, we had $1.20 billion in undisbursed home equity lines of credit to borrowers. CDs due within one year of September 30, 2015 totaled $1.56 billion, or 18.8% of total deposits. If these deposits do not remain with us, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including loan sales, sales of investment securities, other deposit products, including new CDs, brokered CDs, FHLB advances, borrowings from the FRB-Cleveland Discount Window or other collateralized borrowings. Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on the CDs due on or before September 30, 2016. We believe, however, based on past experience, that a significant portion of such deposits will remain with us. Generally, we have the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates offered.

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Our primary investing activities are originating residential mortgage loans and purchasing investments. During the year ended September 30, 2015, we originated $2.34 billion of residential mortgage loans, and during the year ended September 30, 2014, we originated $2.12 billion of residential mortgage loans. We purchased $171.1 million of securities during the year ended September 30, 2015, and $250.8 million during the year ended September 30, 2014.
Financing activities consist primarily of changes in deposit accounts, changes in the balances of principal and interest owed on loans serviced for others, FHLB advances and borrowings from the FRB-Cleveland Discount Window. We experienced a net decrease in total deposits of $368.0 million during the year ended September 30, 2015, which reflected the active management of the offered rates on maturing CDs, compared to a net increase of $189.4 million during the year ended September 30, 2014. Deposit flows are affected by the overall level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by us and our local competitors, and by other factors. The net decrease in total deposits during the year ended September 30, 2015, was partially offset by the $163.4 million increase in the balance of brokered CDs, to $520.1 million, from $356.7 million at September 30, 2014. During the year ended September 30, 2014 the balance of brokered CDs increased by $343.7 million. Principal and interest owed on loans serviced for others decreased $5.2 million to $49.5 million during the year ended September 30, 2015 compared to a net decrease of $21.1 million to $54.7 million during the year ended September 30, 2014. During the year ended September 30, 2015, we increased our advances from the FHLB of Cincinnati by $1.03 billion, as we replaced our net savings outflow, funded new loan originations and actively managed our liquidity ratio. During the year ended September 30, 2014, our advances from the FHLB of Cincinnati increased by $393.5 million.
Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business management. If we require funds beyond our ability to generate them internally, borrowing agreements exist with the FHLB of Cincinnati and the FRB-Cleveland Discount Window, each of which provides an additional source of funds. Additionally, in evaluating funding alternatives, we may participate in the brokered CDs market. At September 30, 2015 we had $2.17 billion of FHLB of Cincinnati advances and no outstanding borrowings from the FRB-Cleveland Discount Window. Additionally, at September 30, 2015 we had $520.1 million of brokered CDs. During the year ended September 30, 2015, we had average outstanding advances from the FHLB of Cincinnati of $2.31 billion as compared to average outstanding advances of $974.6 million during the year ended September 30, 2014. In addition to funding the growth of our loan and investments portfolios, the significant increase in the balance of average outstanding advances during the current period reflects the impact of the strategy to increase net income as discussed earlier in the Comparison of Financial Condition section. At September 30, 2015 we had the ability to immediately borrow an additional $584.5 million from the FHLB of Cincinnati and $116.8 million from the FRB-Cleveland Discount Window. From the perspective of collateral value securing FHLB of Cincinnati advances, our capacity limit for additional borrowings beyond the immediately available limits at September 30, 2015 was $3.64 billion, subject to satisfaction of the FHLB of Cincinnati common stock ownership requirement. To satisfy the common stock ownership requirement, we would have to increase our ownership of FHLB of Cincinnati common stock by an additional $72.9 million. During the 2015 fiscal year, we purchased an additional $29.1 million of FHLB of Cincinnati common stock. Substantially all of the additional purchases arose in connection with the previously described strategy to increase net income.
The Association and the Company are subject to various regulatory capital requirements, including a risk-based capital measure. The Basel III capital framework for U.S. banking organizations ("Basel III Rules") includes both a revised definition of capital and guidelines for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories. In July 2013, the OCC and the other federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that, effective January 1, 2015 for the standardized approach, revised their leverage and risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the DFA and revised the definition of assets used in the Tier 1 (leverage) capital ratio from adjusted tangible assets (a measurement computed based on quarter-end asset balances) to net average assets (a measurement that captures the intra-quarter impact of our strategy to increase net income that was described earlier in this section). Among other things, the rule established a new common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement (4.5% of risk-weighted assets) and increased the minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets requirement (from 4% to 6% of risk-weighted assets). The final rule also requires unrealized gains and losses on certain "available-for-sale" security holdings and change in defined benefit plan to be included for purposes of calculating regulatory capital requirements unless a one-time opt-in or opt-out is exercised. The Association exercised its one time opt-out election with the filing of its March 31, 2015 regulatory call report. The rule limits a banking organization's capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments if the banking organization does not hold a "capital conservation buffer" consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement will be phased in beginning January 1, 2016 and ending January 1, 2019, when the full capital conservation buffer requirement will be effective. Effective January 1, 2015, the Association implemented the new capital requirements for the standardized approach to the Basel III Rules, subject to transitional provisions extending through the end of 2018. The final rule also implemented consolidated capital requirements for savings and loan holding companies effective January 1, 2015.

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As of September 30, 2015, the Association exceeded all regulatory capital requirements to be considered "Well Capitalized".
Prior to its July 21, 2011 merger into the OCC, the OTS issued, effective February 7, 2011, memoranda of understanding covering the Association, Third Federal Savings, MHC and the Company. On December 22, 2012, the Association's primary regulator terminated the MOU applicable to the Association. On April 1, 2014, the FRS, the primary regulator for Third Federal Savings, MHC and the Company, terminated the MOUs applicable to Third Federal Savings, MHC and the Company. The items in the MOUs applicable to Third Federal Savings, MHC and the Company during the year ended September 30, 2014, pertained to plans for new debt, dividends or stock repurchases and the further refinement and enhancement of our enterprise risk management processes. Specifically, the Company was required to submit a written request for non-objection to the FRS at least 45 days prior to the anticipated date of proposed debt, dividend or capital distribution (e.g. stock repurchase) transactions and without the receipt of a written non-objection from the FRS, was prohibited from consummating any such proposed transaction. On September 26, 2013, the Company announced that it had received the FRS's written non-objection to the resumption of its fourth stock repurchase plan that, at that time, had 2,156,250 shares of its outstanding common stock remaining to be purchased under the terms of the plan. Repurchases of those shares were completed during the quarter ended December 31, 2013. Concurrently with the April 4, 2014 announcement of the termination of the MOUs enforced by the FRS, the Company announced its fifth stock repurchase plan, covering 5,000,000 shares. The fifth repurchase plan was completed on September 17, 2014. On September 9, 2014, the Company announced its sixth stock repurchase program, covering 10,000,000 shares. The sixth stock repurchase plan was completed on August 3, 2015. Repurchases under the seventh stock repurchase authorization, covering 10,000,000 shares and which was announced on July 30, 2015, began on August 4, 2015. There were 1,890,000 shares repurchased under the seventh authorized program between its start date and September 30, 2015.
In addition to the operational liquidity considerations described above, which are primarily those of the Association, the Company, as a separate legal entity, also monitors and manages its own, parent company only liquidity which provides the source of funds necessary to support all of the parent company's stand-alone operations, including its capital distribution strategies which encompass its share repurchase and dividend payment programs. The Company's primary source of liquidity is dividends received from the Association. The amount of dividends that the Association may declare and pay to the Company in any calendar year, without the receipt of prior approval from the OCC but with prior notice to the FRB-Cleveland, cannot exceed net income for the current calendar year-to-date period plus retained net income (as defined) for the preceding two calendar years, reduced by prior dividend payments made during those periods. During the year ended September 30, 2015 the Company received a $66 million dividend from the Association and repurchased $172.5 million of common stock. During each of the four quarters ending June 30, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors declared and paid $0.07 per share dividends. Third Federal Savings, MHC received, on July 31, 2014, the approval of its members (depositors and certain loan customers of the Association) with respect to the waiver of dividends, and subsequently received the non-objection of the FRB-Cleveland, to waive receipt of dividends on the Company’s common stock that Third Federal Savings, MHC owned, up to $0.28 per share during the 12 months ending July 31, 2015. Third Federal Savings, MHC waived its right to receive each of the four $0.07 per share dividend payments. During the year ended September 30, 2015, common stock dividends paid by the Company totaled $19.5 million. On August 5, 2015, at a special meeting of members of Third Federal Savings, MHC, the members voted to approve Third Federal Savings, MHC's proposed waiver of dividends, aggregating up to $0.40 per share, to be declared on the Company’s common stock during the four quarters ending June 30, 2016. Following the receipt of the members’ approval at the August 5, 2015 special meeting, Third Federal Savings, MHC filed a notice with, and subsequently received the non-objection of the FRB-Cleveland, to waive receipt of dividends on the Company’s common stock. Third Federal Savings, MHC waived its right to receive a $0.10 per share dividend payment on September 22, 2015.
At September 30, 2015, the Company had, in the form of cash and a demand loan from the Association, $35.8 million of funds readily available to support its stand-alone operations. Additionally, the Company has received the non-objection of its regulators for the Association to pay a special dividend of $150.0 million to the Company. This amount is equal to the voluntary contribution of capital that the Company made to the Association in October 2010. On November 6, 2015, the Association paid $50.0 million of this special dividend to the Company. It is expected that payment of the remaining $100.0 million special dividend will be made later in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016. Because of its intercompany nature, this future dividend payment will have no impact on the Company's capital ratios or its consolidated statement of condition but will reduce the Association's reported capital ratios.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
Commitments. As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans we make. In addition,

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we routinely enter into commitments to securitize and sell mortgage loans. For additional information, see Note 15 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Contractual Obligations. In the ordinary course of our operations, we enter into certain contractual obligations. Such obligations include operating leases for premises and equipment, agreements with respect to borrowed funds and deposit liabilities and agreements with respect to investments.
The following table summarizes our significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations and other funding needs by payment date at September 30, 2015. The payment amounts represent those amounts due to the recipient and do not include any unamortized premiums or discounts or other similar carrying amount adjustments.
 
 
Payments due by period
Contractual Obligations
 
Less than
One year
 
 
One to
Three years
 
Three to
Five years
 
More than
Five years
 
Total
 
 
(In thousands)
FHLB advances(1)
 
$
780,960

  
 
$
475,000

 
$
805,294

 
$
107,373

 
$
2,168,627

Operating leases
 
5,058

  
 
9,306

 
5,642

 
5,058

 
25,064

Certificates of deposit(1)
 
1,559,149

  
 
2,796,693

 
1,231,096

 
93,474

 
5,680,412

Private equity investments
 
12,941

  
 

 

 

 
12,941

Total
 
$
2,358,108

  
 
$
3,280,999

 
$
2,042,032

 
$
205,905

 
$
7,887,044

Commitments to extend credit
 
$
1,807,957

(2)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,807,957

______________________
(1)
Includes accrued interest payable, computed on an actual days outstanding basis, at September 30, 2015.
(2)
Includes the unused portion (including commitments for accounts suspended as a result of material default or a decline in equity) of home equity lines of credit of $1.36 billion.
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
Our consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. GAAP generally requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration for changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations. Unlike industrial companies, our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature. As a result, changes in market interest rates have a greater impact on performance than the effects of inflation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Pending as of September 30, 2015
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share. Under this amendment, investments for which fair value is measured at net value per share (or its equivalent) using the practical expedient should not be categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The amendments in this Update are effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the amendments on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810) Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. This amendment modifies the consolidation model for reporting legal entities under both the variable interest model and the voting interest model. This ASU will require all legal entities to reevaluate previous consolidation conclusions under the revised model and will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. A reporting entity may apply the ASU by using a modified retrospective approach (by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the year of adoption) or a full retrospective approach (by restating all periods presented). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the amendments on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), affecting any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards. ASC Topic 606 does not apply to rights or obligations associated with financial instruments. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. An entity should disclose sufficient information to enable users

74



of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The amendments in this update become effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the amendments on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40), Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure, to reduce diversity by clarifying when an in-substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The amendments require interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. The amendments are effective for public business entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. The only impact of these amendments on the Company's consolidated financial statements will be an additional disclosure in the Loan and Allowance for Loan Losses footnote. The Company's timing for derecognition of the receivable and the recognition of the real estate property clarified in these amendments will not change as a result of this amendment.
Adopted in fiscal year ended September 30, 2015
FASB ASU 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects, which was issued in January 2014, permits entities to make an accounting policy election to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statements as a component of income tax expense or benefit. The company early adopted the amendments in ASC 323-740 related to investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects for quarter ended March 31, 2015, to utilize the proportional amortization method for a recent tax credit investment. The adoption of ASU 2014-1 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Related disclosures are included in Note 7. Income Taxes.
The Company has determined that all other recently issued accounting pronouncements will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements or do not apply to its operations.
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
General. The majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. Consequently, our most significant form of market risk has historically been interest rate risk. In general, our assets, consisting primarily of mortgage loans, have longer maturities than our liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits. As a result, a principal part of our business strategy is to manage interest rate risk and limit the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates. Accordingly, our Board of Directors has established risk parameter limits deemed appropriate given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives. Additionally, our Board of Directors has also authorized the formation of an Asset/Liability Management Committee comprised of key operating personnel which is responsible for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines and risk limits approved by the Board of Directors. Further, the Board has established the Directors Risk Committee which, among other responsibilities, conducts regular oversight and review of the guidelines, policies and deliberations of the Asset/Liability Management Committee. We have sought to manage our interest rate risk in order to control the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates. As part of our ongoing asset-liability management, we have historically used the following strategies to manage our interest rate risk:
(i)
marketing adjustable-rate and shorter-maturity (10-year, fixed-rate mortgage) loan products;
(ii)
lengthening the weighted average remaining term of major funding sources, primarily by offering attractive interest rates on deposit products, particularly longer-term certificates of deposit, and through the use of longer-term advances from the FHLB of Cincinnati and longer-term brokered certificates of deposit;
(iii)
investing in shorter- to medium-term investments and mortgage-backed securities;
(iv)
maintaining high levels of capital; and
(v)
securitizing and/or selling long-term, fixed-rate residential real estate mortgage loans.
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2015, $160.1 million of agency-compliant, long-term, fixed-rate mortgage loans were sold on a servicing retained basis, and, at September 30, 2015, $0.1 million of agency-compliant, long-term, fixed-rate residential first mortgage loans were classified as “held for sale”. Of the loan sales during fiscal 2015, $27.5 million was

75



comprised of long-term, (15 to 30 years), fixed-rate first mortgage loans which were sold under Fannie Mae's HARP II program, and $132.6 million was comprised of long-term (15 to 30 years), fixed-rate first mortgage loans which had been originated under our revised procedures and were sold to Fannie Mae under our re-instated seller contract, as described in the next paragraph. At September 30, 2015, we had no outstanding loan sales commitments.
Fannie Mae, historically the Association’s primary loan investor, implemented, effective July 1, 2010, certain loan origination requirement changes affecting loan eligibility that we chose not to adopt until May 2013. Subsequent to the May 2013 implementation date of our revised procedures, and, upon review and validation by Fannie Mae which was received on November 15, 2013, fixed-rate, first mortgage loans (primarily fixed-rate, mortgage refinances with terms of 15 years or more and HARP II loans) that are originated under the revised procedures are eligible for sale to Fannie Mae either as whole loans or as mortgage-backed securities. We expect that certain loan types (i.e. our Smart Rate adjustable-rate loans, purchase fixed-rate loans and 10-year fixed-rate loans) will continue to be originated under our legacy procedures. For loans originated prior to May 2013 and for those loans originated subsequent to April 2013 that are not originated under the revised (Fannie Mae) procedures, the Association’s ability to reduce interest rate risk via loan sales is limited to those loans that have established payment histories, strong borrower credit profiles and are supported by adequate collateral values that meet the requirements of private third-party investors similar to the four transactions that were completed during fiscal 2013.
In response to the evolving secondary market environment, since July 2010, we have actively marketed an adjustable-rate mortgage loan product and beginning in fiscal 2012, have promoted a 10-year fixed-rate mortgage loan product. Each of these products provides us with improved interest rate risk characteristics when compared to longer-term, fixed-rate mortgage loans. Shortening the average maturity of our interest-earning assets by increasing our investments in shorter-term loans and investments, as well as loans and investments with variable rates of interest, helps to better match the maturities and interest rates of our assets and liabilities, thereby reducing the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates. By following these strategies, we believe that we are better positioned to react to increases in market interest rates.
Economic Value of Equity. Using customized modeling software, the Association prepares periodic estimates of the amounts by which the net present value of its cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items (the institution’s economic value of equity or EVE) would change in the event of a range of assumed changes in market interest rates. The simulation model uses a discounted cash flow analysis and an option-based pricing approach in measuring the interest rate sensitivity of EVE. The model estimates the economic value of each type of asset, liability and off-balance sheet contract under the assumption that instantaneous changes (measured in basis points) occur at all maturities along the United States Treasury yield curve and other relevant market interest rates. A basis point equals one, one-hundredth of one percent, and 100 basis points equals one percent. An increase in interest rates from 2% to 3% would mean, for example, a 100 basis point increase in the “Change in Interest Rates” column below. The model is tailored specifically to our organization, which, we believe, improves its predictive accuracy. The following table presents the estimated changes in the Association’s EVE at September 30, 2015 that would result from the indicated instantaneous changes in the United States Treasury yield curve and other relevant market interest rates. Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions, including relative levels of market interest rates, loan prepayments and deposit decay, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results.
Change in
Interest Rates
(basis points) (1)
 
Estimated 
EVE (2)
 
Estimated Increase
(Decrease) in EVE
 
EVE as a Percentage
of Present Value of
Assets (3)
EVE
Ratio (4)
 
Increase
(Decrease)
(basis points)
Amount
 
Percent
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
+300
 
$
1,658,638

 
$
(563,195
)
 
(25.35
)%
 
14.40
%
 
(297
)
+200
 
1,897,224

 
(324,609
)
 
(14.61
)%
 
15.86
%
 
(151
)
+100
 
2,099,033

 
(122,800
)
 
(5.53
)%
 
16.93
%
 
(44
)
0
 
2,221,833

 

 
 %
 
17.37
%
 

-100
 
2,160,918

 
(60,915
)
 
(2.74
)%
 
16.59
%
 
(78
)
_________________
(1)
Assumes an instantaneous uniform change in interest rates at all maturities.
(2)
EVE is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts.
(3)
Present value of assets represents the discounted present value of incoming cash flows on interest-earning assets.
(4)
EVE Ratio represents EVE divided by the present value of assets.

76



The table above indicates that at September 30, 2015, in the event of an increase of 200 basis points in all interest rates, the Association would experience a 14.61% decrease in EVE. In the event of a 100 basis point decrease in interest rates, the Association would experience a 2.74% decrease in EVE.
The following table is based on the calculations contained in the previous table, and sets forth the change in the EVE at a +200 basis point rate of shock at September 30, 2015, with comparative information as of September 30, 2014. By regulation the Association must measure and manage its interest rate risk for interest rate shocks relative to established risk tolerances in EVE.
 
At September 30,
Risk Measure (+200 bp Rate Shock)
2015
 
2014
Pre-Shock EVE Ratio
17.37
 %
 
18.46
 %
Post-Shock EVE Ratio
15.86
 %
 
16.37
 %
Sensitivity Measure in basis points
(151
)
 
(209
)
Percentage Change in EVE Ratio
(14.61
)%
 
(17.36
)%
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in measuring interest rate risk through changes in EVE. Modeling changes in EVE requires making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the EVE tables presented above assume:
no new growth or business volumes;
that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured, except for reductions to reflect mortgage loan principal repayments along with modeled prepayments and defaults; and
that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or repricing of specific assets and liabilities.
Accordingly, although the EVE tables provide an indication of our interest rate risk exposure as of the indicated dates, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our EVE and will differ from actual results. In addition to our core business activities, which primarily sought to originate Smart Rate (adjustable) and 10-year fixed-rate loans funded by borrowings from the FHLB and intermediate term CDs (including brokered CDs), and which generally had a favorable impact on our IRR profile, the impact of three other items resulted in the 2.75% improvement in the Percentage Change in EVE measure at September 30, 2015, when compared to the measure at September 30, 2014. While our core business activities, as described earlier in this paragraph, improved our Percentage Change in EVE by 0.97%, the most significant factor contributing to the overall improvement was the change in market interest rates. Since September 30, 2014, the change in market interest rates ranged from an increase of six basis points for the two year term to a decrease of 40 basis points for the five year term and a decrease of 45 basis points for the ten-year term. The changes in interest rates resulted in an improvement of 3.47% in the Percentage Change in EVE. Partially offsetting the beneficial impacts of the changes in market interest rates and the balance sheet repositioning was the impact of the $66 million cash dividend that the Association paid to the Company. Because of its intercompany nature, this payment had no impact on the Company's capital position, or the Company's overall IRR profile but reduced the Association's regulatory capital and regulatory capital ratios and negatively impacted the Association's Percentage Change in EVE by approximately 0.41%. Additionally, numerous modifications and enhancements to our modeling assumptions and methodologies, which are continually challenged and evaluated, have been implemented since September 30, 2014 and, on a net basis, negatively impacted the Association's Percentage Change in EVE by 1.28%. These changes primarily impacted the estimated timing of cash flows related to our Smart Rate portfolio of adjustable rate, first mortgage loans, and attempt to more closely align the model’s projections with our historical experience for those products. The IRR simulation results presented above were in line with management's expectations and were within the risk limits established by our Board of Directors.
Our simulation model possesses random patterning capabilities and accommodates extensive regression analytics applicable to the prepayment and decay profiles of our borrower and depositor portfolios. The model facilitates the generation of alternative modeling scenarios and provides us with timely decision making data that is integral to our IRR management processes. Modeling our IRR profile and measuring our IRR exposure are processes that are subject to continuous revision, refinement, modification, enhancement, back testing and validation. We continually evaluate, challenge and update the methodology and assumptions used in our IRR model, including behavioral equations that have been derived based on third-party studies of our customer historical performance patterns. Changes to the methodology and/or assumptions used in the model will result in reported IRR profiles and reported IRR exposures that will be different, and perhaps significantly, from the results reported above.

77



Earnings at Risk. In addition to EVE calculations, we use our simulation model to analyze the sensitivity of our net interest income to changes in interest rates (the institution’s EaR). Net interest income is the difference between the interest income that we earn on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest that we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. In our model, we estimate what our net interest income would be for prospective 12 and 24 month periods using customized (based on our portfolio characteristics) assumptions with respect to loan prepayment rates, default rates and deposit decay rates, and the implied forward yield curve as of the market date for assumptions as to projected interest rates. We then calculate what the net interest income would be for the same period in the event of instantaneous changes in market interest rates. The simulation process is subject to continual enhancement, modification, refinement and adaptation in order that it might most accurately reflect our current circumstances, factors and expectations. As of September 30, 2015, we estimated that our EaR for the 12 months ending September 30, 2016 would decrease by 2.6% in the event of an instantaneous 200 basis point increase in market interest rates. As is the case with any model that projects future results, the further into the future that the model extends, the less precise/reliable the results become. As of September 30, 2015, we also estimated that our EaR for a second 12 month period ending September 30, 2017, would decrease by 3.1% in the event of an instantaneous 200 basis point increase in market interest rates. At September 30, 2015, the IRR simulations results were in line with management's expectations and were within the risk limits established by our Board of Directors.
Certain shortcomings are also inherent in the methodologies used in determining interest rate risk through changes in EaR. Modeling changes in EaR require making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the interest rate risk information presented above assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although interest rate risk calculations provide an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on our net interest income and will differ from actual results. In addition to the preparation of computations as described above, we also formulate simulations based on a variety of non-linear changes in interest rates and a variety of non-constant balance sheet composition scenarios.
Other Considerations. The EVE and EaR analyses are similar in that they both start with the same month end balance sheet amounts, weighted average coupon and maturity. The underlying prepayment, decay and default assumptions are also the same and they both start with the same month end "markets" (Treasury and Libor yield curves, etc.). From that similar starting point, the models follow divergent paths. EVE is a stochastic model using 300 different interest rate paths to compute market value at the cohorted transaction level for each of the categories on the balance sheet whereas EaR uses the implied forward curve to compute interest income/expense at the cohorted transaction level for each of the categories on the balance sheet.
EVE is considered as a point in time calculation with a "liquidation" view of the Association where all the cash flows (including interest, principal and prepayments) are modeled and discounted using discount factors derived from the current market yield curves. It provides a long term view and helps to define changes in equity and duration as a result of changes in interest rates. On the other hand, EaR is based on balance sheet projections going one year and two year forward and assumes new business volume and pricing to calculate net interest income under different interest rate environments. EaR is calculated to determine the sensitivity of net interest income under different interest rate scenarios. With each of these models specific policy limits have been established that are compared with the actual month end results. These limits have been approved by the Association's Board of Directors and are used as benchmarks to evaluate and moderate interest rate risk. In the event that there is a breach of policy limits, management is responsible for taking such action, similar to those described under the preceding heading of General, as may be necessary in order to return the Association's interest rate risk profile to a position that is in compliance with the policy. At September 30, 2015 the IRR profile as disclosed above did not breach our internal limits.
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The Financial Statements are included in Part IV, Item 15 of this Form 10-K.
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.

78



Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision of and with the participation of the Company’s management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report Regarding Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such terms are defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act of 1934. Our system of internal controls is designed to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements that we provide to the public are fairly presented.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets, (ii) provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Accordingly, absolute assurance cannot be provided that the effectiveness of the internal control systems may not become inadequate in future periods because of changes in conditions, or because the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2015. In making this assessment, the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) was utilized. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of September 30, 2015, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective at the reasonable assurance level.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certifications have been filed as Exhibit 31.1 and Exhibit 31.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


79



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
TFS Financial Corporation
Cleveland, OH

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of TFS Financial Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of September 30, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report Regarding Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's Board of Directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2015 of the Company and our report dated November 25, 2015, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Cleveland, OH
November 25, 2015

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Item 9B.
Other Information
Not applicable.

PART III

Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Incorporated by reference from the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Proxy Statement”) sections entitled “Proposal One: Election of Directors,” “Executive Compensation,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Corporate Governance.” Such information will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
The table below sets forth information, as of September 30, 2015, regarding our executive officers other than Mr. Stefanski and Ms. Weil.
Name
Title
Age
David S. Huffman
Chief Financial Officer
63
Paul J. Huml
Chief Accounting Officer Chief Operating Officer, the Company
56
Anna Maria P. Motta
Chief Information Officer, the Association
56
Judith Z. Adam
Chief Risk Officer
60
Cathy W. Zbanek
Chief Marketing and Human Resources Officer, the Association
42
The executive officers of the Company and the Association are elected annually and hold office until their respective successors are elected or until death, resignation, retirement or removal by the Board of Directors.
The Business Background of Our Executive Officers
The business experience for the past five years of each of our executive officers other than Mr. Stefanski and Ms. Weil is set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, executive officers have held their positions for the past five years.
David S. Huffman joined the Association in 1993, and has served as its Chief Financial Officer since 2000. He has also served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company since 2004. Mr. Huffman has more than 30 years of experience in the financial institutions industry, including serving as Chief Financial Officer of First American Savings Bank of Canton, Ohio, from 1989 to 1993.
Paul J. Huml joined the Association as a Vice President in 1998 and was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Company in 2002 and Chief Accounting Officer in June 2009. Prior to joining the Association, Mr. Huml spent 10 years in the hotel industry, focusing on the areas of finance, real estate development and risk management. Mr. Huml is a certified public accountant in the state of Ohio.
Anna Maria P. Motta joined the Association in 1989 and was named Chief Information Officer in 2014.  During her time with the Association, Ms. Motta has managed a number of different operational areas including Northeast Ohio Retail Operations, Customer Service, Internet Services, Loan Servicing, Default Servicing, Deposit Operations, and Information Services. Ms. Motta’s more than 30 years in the banking industry also included serving as Treasurer of ParkView Federal Savings and Loan, in Cleveland, Ohio, from 1987 to 1989.
Judith Z. Adam joined the Association in 2000 and was named Chief Risk Officer in 2015. During her time with the Association, Ms. Adam has managed the Accounting, Internet Services and Loan Production teams. Ms. Adam’s 29 years in the banking industry have included serving in various accounting roles at TransOhio Savings Bank and Metropolitan Bank & Trust.
Cathy W. Zbanek joined the Association in 2001 and was named the Chief Marketing Officer in January 2013 and also serves as the Human Resource Officer for the Association. Prior to her current role, she directed several key strategic business projects as well as systems design and development. She also managed several departments, including Customer Service. Before joining the Association, Ms. Zbanek served as a senior consultant with Waterstone Consulting, working in their Management Consulting Group. Her experience also includes working with the consulting group, Price Waterhouse Coopers.

81



The Company has adopted a policy statement entitled CODE OF ETHICS FOR SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS that applies to our chief executive officer and our senior financial officers. A copy of the CODE OF ETHICS FOR SENIOR FINANCIAL OFFICERS is available on our website, www.thirdfederal.com.

Item 11.
Executive Compensation
Incorporated by reference from the sections of the Proxy Statement entitled “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Report,” and “Director Compensation.” Such information will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Incorporated by reference from the section of the Proxy Statement entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.” Such information will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.
The Company’s only equity compensation program that was not approved by shareholders is its employee stock ownership plan, which was established in conjunction with our initial stock offering completed in April 2007.
The following table provides information as of September 30, 2015 regarding our 2008 Equity Incentive Plan that was approved by shareholders on May 29, 2008:
Plan Category
 
Number of Shares to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Rights and Warrants
 
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Rights and Warrants
 
Number of Shares
Remaining Available
for Future Issuance
Under the Plan
Equity Compensation Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Approved by Stockholders
 
 
8,208,395

 
 
 
$
10.07

(1)
 
 
11,815,024

 
Equity Compensation Plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not Approved by Stockholders
 
 
N/A

 
 
 
N/A

 
 
 
N/A

 
Total
 
 
8,208,395

 
 
 
$
10.07

(1)
 
 
11,815,024

 
 ______________________
(1)
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Rights and Warrants is calculated using 1,264,625 shares of restricted stock awards at $0.00 and 6,943,770 shares of stock option awards at $11.91.

Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Incorporated by reference from the sections of the Proxy Statement entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Corporate Governance.” Such information will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.

Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Incorporated by reference from the section of the Proxy Statement entitled “Fees Paid to Deloitte & Touche LLP.” Such information will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report.


PART IV

Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)(1) Financial Statements
The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

82



a.
The consolidated financial statements of TFS Financial Corporation and subsidiaries contained in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
Consolidated Statements of Condition as of September 30, 2015 and 2014;
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013;
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013;
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013,
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013; and
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
b. The exhibits listed in the Exhibits Index beginning on Page 132 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



83



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
TFS Financial Corporation
Cleveland, OH

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of condition of TFS Financial Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2015. 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of TFS Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated November 25, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.




/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Cleveland, OH
November 25, 2015




84



TFS FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
As of September 30, 2015 and 2014
(In thousands, except share data)
 
 
2015
 
2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
22,428

 
$
26,886

Other interest-earning cash equivalents
132,941

 
154,517

Cash and cash equivalents
155,369

 
181,403

Investment securities available for sale (amortized cost $582,091 and $570,549, respectively)
585,053

 
568,868

Mortgage loans held for sale, at lower of cost or market ($0 and $4,570 measured at fair value, respectively)
116

 
4,962

Loans held for investment, net:
 
 
 
Mortgage loans
11,245,557

 
10,708,483

Other loans
3,468

 
4,721

Deferred loan expenses (fees), net
10,112

 
(1,155
)
Allowance for loan losses
(71,554
)
 
(81,362
)
Loans, net
11,187,583

 
10,630,687

Mortgage loan servicing assets, net
9,988

 
11,669

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
69,470

 
40,411

Real estate owned, net
17,492

 
21,768

Premises, equipment, and software, net
57,187

 
56,443

Accrued interest receivable
32,490

 
31,952

Bank owned life insurance contracts
195,861

 
190,152

Other assets
58,277

 
64,880

TOTAL ASSETS
$
12,368,886

 
$
11,803,195

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Deposits
$
8,285,858

 
$
8,653,878

Borrowed funds
2,168,627

 
1,138,639

Borrowers’ advances for insurance and taxes
86,292

 
76,266

Principal, interest, and related escrow owed on loans serviced
49,493

 
54,670

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
49,246

 
40,285

Total liabilities
10,639,516

 
9,963,738

Commitments and contingent liabilities

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 700,000,000 shares authorized; 332,318,750 shares issued; 290,882,379 and 301,654,581 outstanding at September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively
3,323

 
3,323

Paid-in capital
1,707,629

 
1,702,441

Treasury stock, at cost; 41,436,371 and 30,664,169 shares at September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively
(548,557
)
 
(379,109
)
Unallocated ESOP shares
(61,751
)
 
(66,084
)
Retained earnings—substantially restricted
641,791

 
589,678

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(13,065
)
 
(10,792
)
Total shareholders’ equity
1,729,370

 
1,839,457

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$
12,368,886

 
$
11,803,195

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

85



TFS FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2015
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
$
369,302

 
$
363,409

 
$
376,840

Investment securities available for sale
9,571

 
9,212

 
4,941

Other interest and dividend earning assets
4,604

 
2,063

 
2,191

Total interest and dividend income
383,477

 
374,684

 
383,972

INTEREST EXPENSE:
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
93,526

 
93,178

 
111,408

Borrowed funds
19,824

 
10,073

 
4,011

Total interest expense
113,350

 
103,251

 
115,419

NET INTEREST INCOME
270,127

 
271,433

 
268,553

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
(3,000
)
 
19,000

 
37,000

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
273,127

 
252,433

 
231,553

NON-INTEREST INCOME:
 
 
 
 
 
Fees and service charges, net of amortization
7,972

 
9,266

 
8,921

Net gain on the sale of loans
4,519

 
2,031

 
8,267

Increase in and death benefits from bank owned life insurance contracts
7,324

 
6,439

 
6,464

Other
4,445

 
4,164

 
4,816

Total non-interest income
24,260

 
21,900

 
28,468

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
95,638

 
90,333

 
86,471

Marketing services
19,904

 
14,256

 
12,983

Office property, equipment, and software
22,048

 
20,694

 
21,009

Federal insurance premium and assessments
11,135

 
9,911

 
13,019

State franchise tax
5,914

 
6,503

 
6,627

Real estate owned expense, net
9,705

 
9,337

 
6,724

Other operating expenses
23,648

 
24,442

 
30,827

Total non-interest expense
187,992

 
175,476

 
177,660

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
109,395

 
98,857

 
82,361

INCOME TAX EXPENSE
36,804

 
32,966

 
26,402

NET INCOME
$
72,591

 
$
65,891

 
$
55,959

Earnings per share—basic and diluted
$
0.25

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.18

Weighted average shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
289,935,861

 
298,974,062

 
301,832,758

Diluted
292,210,417

 
300,556,767

 
302,746,766

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



86



TFS FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2015
(In thousands)



 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net income
 
$
72,591

 
$
65,891

 
$
55,959

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale
 
3,018

 
1,044

 
(4,746
)
Change in pension obligation
 
(5,291
)
 
(3,232
)
 
2,058

Total other comprehensive loss
 
(2,273
)
 
(2,188
)
 
(2,688
)
Total comprehensive income
 
$
70,318

 
$
63,703

 
$
53,271

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


87



TFS FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2015
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
Common
stock
 
Paid-in
capital
 
Treasury
stock
 
Unallocated
common stock
held by ESOP
 
Retained
earnings
 
Accumulated other
comprehensive 
income (loss)
 
Total
shareholders’
equity
Balance at September 30, 2012
$
3,323

 
1,691,884

 
(280,937
)
 
(74,751
)
 
473,247

 
(5,916
)
 
$
1,806,850

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income

 

 

 

 
55,959

 

 
55,959

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 
(2,688
)
 
(2,688
)
ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released

 
166

 

 
4,333

 

 

 
4,499

Compensation costs for stock-based plans

 
6,703

 

 

 

 

 
6,703

Treasury stock allocated to restricted stock plan

 
(2,383
)
 
2,722

 

 
(185
)
 

 
154

Balance at September 30, 2013
$
3,323

 
1,696,370

 
(278,215
)
 
(70,418
)
 
529,021

 
(8,604
)
 
$
1,871,477

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income

 

 

 

 
65,891

 

 
65,891

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 
(2,188
)
 
(2,188
)
ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released

 
1,221

 

 
4,334

 

 

 
5,555

Compensation costs for stock-based plans

 
6,862

 

 

 

 

 
6,862

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

 
91

 

 

 

 

 
91

Purchase of treasury stock (7,770,300 shares)

 

 
(103,085
)
 

 

 
 
 
(103,085
)
Treasury stock allocated to restricted stock plan

 
(2,103
)
 
2,191

 

 
(348
)
 

 
(260
)
Dividends paid to common shareholders ($0.07 per common share)

 

 

 

 
(4,886
)
 

 
(4,886
)
Balance at September 30, 2014
$
3,323

 
1,702,441

 
(379,109
)
 
(66,084
)
 
589,678

 
(10,792
)
 
$
1,839,457

Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income

 

 

 

 
72,591

 

 
72,591

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 
(2,273
)
 
(2,273
)
ESOP shares allocated or committed to be released

 
2,284

 

 
4,333

 

 

 
6,617

Compensation costs for stock-based plans

 
7,363

 

 

 

 

 
7,363

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

 
1,582

 

 

 

 

 
1,582

Purchase of treasury stock (11,275,950 shares)

 

 
(172,366
)
 

 

 

 
(172,366
)
Treasury stock allocated to restricted stock plan

 
(6,041
)
 
2,918

 

 
(988
)
 

 
(4,111
)
Dividends paid to common shareholders ($0.31 per common share)

 

 

 

 
(19,490
)
 

 
(19,490
)
Balance at September 30, 2015
$
3,323

 
1,707,629

 
(548,557
)
 
(61,751
)
 
641,791

 
(13,065
)
 
$
1,729,370

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

88



TFS FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2015
(In thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
72,591

 
$
65,891

 
$
55,959

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
ESOP and stock-based compensation expense
13,980

 
12,157

 
11,356

Depreciation and amortization
17,453

 
13,285

 
21,315

Deferred income taxes
9,185

 
9,659

 
6,486

Provision for loan losses
(3,000
)
 
19,000

 
37,000

Net gain on the sale of loans
(4,519
)
 
(2,031
)
 
(8,267
)
Net gain on the sale of securities

 
(276
)
 

Other net losses (gains)
2,962

 
2,529

 
(756
)
Principal repayments on and proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
27,815

 
27,475

 
74,170

Loans originated for sale
(27,011
)
 
(27,907
)
 
(65,545
)
Increase in and death benefits for bank owned life insurance contracts
(6,491
)
 
(6,449
)
 
(6,468
)
Net (increase) decrease in interest receivable and other assets
(2,173
)
 
(2,392
)
 
16,908

Net increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities
1,014

 
(7,537
)
 
(1,739
)
Other
296

 
104

 
391

Net cash provided by operating activities
102,102

 
103,508

 
140,810

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans originated
(2,760,277
)
 
(2,425,032
)
 
(2,459,635
)
Principal repayments on loans
2,052,276

 
1,783,108

 
2,369,786

Proceeds from sales, principal repayments and maturities of:
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale
153,945

 
157,389

 
206,388

Proceeds from sale of:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans
133,456

 
48,564

 
282,221

Real estate owned
25,134

 
25,738

 
25,817

Purchases of:
 
 
 
 
 
FHLB Stock
(29,059
)
 
(4,791
)
 

Securities available for sale
(171,125
)
 
(250,832
)
 
(276,454
)
Premises and equipment
(5,522
)
 
(2,816
)
 
(2,819
)
Other
784

 
25

 
(116
)
Net cash (used in) provided by in investing activities
(600,388
)
 
(668,647
)
 
145,188

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in deposits
(368,020
)
 
189,379

 
(516,920
)
Net increase in borrowers' advances for insurance and taxes
10,026

 
4,878

 
3,524

Net decrease in principal and interest owed on loans serviced
(5,177
)
 
(21,075
)
 
(51,794
)
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowed funds
444,830

 
(5,430
)
 
(52,732
)
Proceeds from long-term borrowed funds
600,294

 
450,000

 
320,000

Repayment of long-term borrowed funds
(15,136
)
 
(51,048
)
 
(10,342
)
Purchase of treasury shares
(172,546
)
 
(101,363
)
 

Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation
1,582

 
91

 

Acquisition of treasury shares through net settlement

(4,111
)
 

 

Dividends paid to common shareholders
(19,490
)
 
(4,886
)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) in financing activities
472,252

 
460,546

 
(308,264
)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(26,034
)
 
(104,593
)
 
(22,266
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of year
181,403

 
285,996

 
308,262

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of year
$
155,369

 
$
181,403

 
$
285,996

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest on deposits
$
93,093

 
$
92,143

 
$
111,707

Cash paid for interest on borrowed funds
18,994

 
9,503

 
3,743

Cash paid for income taxes
22,533

 
25,100

 
19,642

SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
Transfer of loans to real estate owned
23,761

 
27,000

 
27,741

Transfer of loans from held for investment to held for sale
127,066

 
48,088

 
337,009

Transfer of loans from held for sale to held for investment

 

 
155,028

Treasury stock issued for stock benefit plans

7,041

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

89



TFS FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of and for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014, and 2013
(Dollars in thousands unless otherwise indicated)

1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business—TFS Financial Corporation, a federally chartered stock holding company, conducts its principal activities through its wholly owned subsidiaries. The principal line of business of the Company is retail consumer banking, including mortgage lending, deposit gathering, and other insignificant financial services. Third Federal Savings and Loan Association of Cleveland, MHC, its federally chartered mutual holding company parent, owned 78.08% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company at September 30, 2015.
The Company’s primary operating subsidiaries include the Association and Third Capital, Inc. The Association is a federal savings association, which provides retail loan and savings products to its customers in Ohio and Florida, through its 38 full-service branches, eight loan production offices, customer service call center and internet site. The Association also provides savings products and first mortgage refinance loans and home equity lines of credit in states outside of its branch footprint. Third Capital, Inc. was formed to hold non-thrift investments and subsidiaries, which include a limited liability company that acquires and manages commercial real estate.
The accounting and reporting policies of TFS Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and to general practices within the thrift industry.
In preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements, subsequent events were evaluated through the time the consolidated financial statements were issued. Other than as disclosed in Note 3, no material subsequent events have occurred requiring recognition in the consolidated financial statements or disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
The following is a description of the significant accounting and reporting policies, which the Company follows in preparing and presenting its consolidated financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of TFS Financial Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents consist of working cash on hand, and demand and interest bearing deposits at other financial institutions with maturities of three months or less. For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents also includes federal funds sold. The Company has acknowledged informal agreements with banks where it maintains deposits. Under these agreements, service fees charged to the Company are waived provided certain average compensating balances are maintained throughout each month.
Investment Securities—Securities are all classified as available for sale. Securities held as available for sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a component of AOCI. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities based on the intent and ability at the time of purchase.
Gains and losses on the sale of investment and mortgage-backed securities available for sale are computed on a specific identification basis. Purchases and sales of securities are accounted for on a trade-date or settlement-date basis, depending on the settlement terms.
A decline in the fair value of any available for sale security, below cost, that is deemed to be other than temporary, results in a reduction in the carrying amount to fair value. The impairment loss is bifurcated between that related to credit loss which is recognized in non-interest income and that related to all other factors which is recognized in other comprehensive income. To determine whether an impairment is other than temporary, the Company considers, among other things, the duration and extent to which the fair value of an investment is less than its cost, changes in value subsequent to year end, forecast performance of the issuer, and whether the Company has the intent to hold the investment until market price recovery, or, for debt securities, whether the Company has the intent to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery.
Premiums and discounts are amortized using the level-yield method.

90



Mortgage Banking Activity—Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Mortgage loans included in pending agency contracts to sell and securitize loans are carried at fair value. Fair value is based on quoted secondary market pricing for loan portfolios with similar characteristics and includes consideration of deferred fees (costs). Net unrealized losses, or net unrealized gains and losses on loans carried at fair value, are recognized in a valuation allowance by charges to income.
The Company retains servicing on loans that are sold and initially recognizes an asset for mortgage loan servicing rights based on the fair value of the servicing rights. Residential mortgage loans represent the single class of servicing rights and are measured at the lower of cost or fair value on a recurring basis. Mortgage loan servicing rights are reported net of accumulated amortization, which is recorded in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenues. The Company monitors prepayments and changes amortization of mortgage servicing rights accordingly. Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flows based on current interest rates and prepayment assumptions, and impairment is monitored each quarterly reporting period. The impairment analysis is based on predominant risk characteristics of the loans serviced, such as type, fixed and adjustable rate loans, original terms and interest rates. The amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the mortgage loan servicing assets exceed their fair value.
Servicing fee income net of amortization and other loan fees collected on loans serviced for others are included in Fees and service charges, net of amortization on the consolidated financial statements.
Derivative Instruments—The Company enters into certain transactions, referred to as forward commitments, for the sale of mortgage loans principally to protect against the risk of adverse interest rate movements on the value of those assets. The Company recognizes the fair value of the contracts when the characteristics of those contracts meet the definition of a derivative. These derivatives are not designated in a hedging relationship; therefore, gains and losses are recognized immediately in the statement of income.
The Company enters into commitments to originate loans which, when funded, will be classified as held for sale. Such commitments meet the definition of a derivative and are not designated in a hedging relationship; therefore, gains and losses are recognized immediately in the statement of income.
Loans and Related Fees—Loans originated with the intent to hold into the foreseeable future are carried at unpaid principal balances adjusted for partial charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses and net deferred origination fees. Interest on loans is accrued and credited to income as earned. Interest is not accrued on loans when collectability is uncertain.
Loan fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to interest income using the level-yield method over the contractual lives of related loans, if the loans are held for investment. If the loans are held for sale, net deferred fees (costs) are not amortized, but rather are recognized when the related loans are sold.
Loans are classified as TDRs when the original contractual terms are restructured to provide a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty under terms that would not otherwise be available and the restructuring is the result of an agreements between the Company and the borrower or is imposed by a court or law. Concessions granted in TDRs may include a reduction of the stated interest rate, a reduction or forbearance of principal, an extension of the maturity date, a significant delay in payments, the removal of one or more borrowers from the obligation, or any combination of these.
Allowance for Loan Losses—The allowance for loan losses is assessed on a quarterly basis and provisions for loan losses are made in order to maintain the allowance at a level sufficient to absorb credit losses in the portfolio. Impairment evaluations are performed on loans segregated into homogeneous pools based on similarities in credit profile, product and property types. Through the evaluation, general allowances for loan losses are assessed based on historical loan loss experience for each homogeneous pool. General allowances are adjusted to address other factors that affect estimated probable losses including the size of the portion of the portfolio that is not subjected to individual review; current delinquency statistics; the status of loans in foreclosure, real estate in judgment and real estate owned; national, regional and local economic factors and trends; asset disposition loss statistics (both current and historical); and the relative level of individually allocated valuation allowances to the balances of loans individually reviewed. The allowance for loan losses is increased by charges to income and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries). Management believes the allowance is adequate.
For further discussion on the allowance for loan losses, non-accrual, impairment, and TDRs, see Note 5. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses.
Real Estate Owned, net—Real estate owned, net represents real estate acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure and is initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell. Subsequent to acquisition, real estate owned is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs. Management performs periodic valuations and a valuation allowance is established by a charge to income for any excess of the carrying value over the fair value less estimated costs to

91



sell the property. Recoveries in fair value during the holding period are recognized until the valuation allowance is reduced to zero. Costs related to holding and maintaining the property are charged to expense.
Premises, Equipment, and Software—Depreciation and amortization of premises, equipment and software is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Estimated lives are 31.5 years for office facilities and three to 10 years for equipment and software. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed on a straight-line basis over 10 years.
Bank Owned Life Insurance—Life insurance is provided under both whole and split dollar life insurance agreements. Policy premiums were prepaid and the Company will recover the premiums paid from the proceeds of the policies. The Company recognizes death benefits and growth in the cash surrender value of the policies in other non-interest income.
Goodwill—The excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets of acquired companies is classified as goodwill and reported in Other Assets. Goodwill was $9,732 at September 30, 2015 and 2014. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment on an annual basis as of September 30. No impairment was identified as of September 30, 2015 or 2014.
Taxes on Income—Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. 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. Additional information about policies related to income taxes is included in Note 12. Income Taxes.
Deposits—Interest on deposits is accrued and charged to expense monthly and is paid or credited in accordance with the terms of the accounts.
Treasury Stock—Acquisitions of treasury stock are recorded at cost using the cost method of accounting. Repurchases may be made through open market purchases, block trades and in negotiated private transactions, subject to the availability of stock, general market conditions, the trading price of the stock, alternative uses for capital, and the Company’s financial performance. Repurchased shares will be available for general corporate purposes.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss—Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of pension liability adjustments and gains (losses) on securities available for sale, net of the related tax effects.
Share-Based Compensation—Compensation expense for awards of equity instruments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 718 “Compensation—Stock Compensation”. Share-based compensation expense is included in Salaries and employee benefits in the consolidated statements of income.
The grant date fair value of stock options is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model using assumptions for the expected option term, expected stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividend yield. Due to limited historical data on exercise of share options, the simplified method is used to estimate expected option term.
Marketing Costs—Marketing costs are expensed as incurred.
Earnings per Share—Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Outstanding shares include shares sold to subscribers, shares held by the Third Federal Foundation, shares of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan which have been allocated or committed to be released for allocation to participants, and shares held by Third Federal Savings, MHC. Unvested shares awarded in the Company's restricted stock plans are treated as participating securities as they contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends and are not included in the number of shares in the computation of EPS. The two-class method is an earnings allocation that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating security.
Diluted earnings per share is computed using the same method as basic earnings per share, but the weighted-average number of shares reflects the potential dilution, if any, of unexercised stock options and unvested shares of restricted stock units that could occur if stock options were exercised and restricted stock units were issued and converted into common stock. These potentially dilutive shares would then be included in the number of weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period using the treasury stock method. At September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, potentially dilutive shares include stock options and restricted stock units issued through stock-based compensation plans.

92



Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
2. STOCK TRANSACTIONS
TFS Financial Corporation completed its initial public stock offering on April 20, 2007 and sold 100,199,618 shares, or 30.16% of its post-offering outstanding common stock, to subscribers in the offering. Third Federal Savings, MHC, the Company’s mutual holding company parent, holds 227,119,132 shares of TFS Financial Corporation’s outstanding common stock. TFS Financial Corporation issued 5,000,000 shares of common stock, or 1.50% of its post-offering outstanding common stock, to Third Federal Foundation.
In August, 2015 the sixth repurchase program allowing the repurchase of up to 10,000,000 shares of TFS Financial Corporation's outstanding common stock, which was originally authorized by the Board of Directors in September, 2014, was completed. The Board of Directors authorized a seventh repurchase program for the repurchase of 10,000,000 shares in July, 2015. A total of 11,275,950 shares were repurchased during the year ended September 30, 2015. 7,770,300 shares were repurchased during the year ended September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2015, there were 8,110,000 shares remaining to be purchased under the seventh repurchase program. The Company previously repurchased 31,300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock as part of the first five previous Board of Directors-approved share repurchase programs. In total, the Company has repurchased 43,190,000 shares of the Company's common stock as of September 30, 2015.
3. REGULATORY MATTERS
The Association is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements of the Association. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Association must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Association to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in table below) of common equity Tier 1, Tier 1, and Total capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and Tier 1 capital (as defined) to net average assets (as defined). The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet assets to broad risk categories. At September 30, 2015, the Association exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and is considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines.
The following table summarizes the actual capital amounts and ratios of the Association as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, compared to the minimum capital adequacy requirements and the requirements for classification as a well capitalized institution.
 
 
 
 
 
Minimum Requirements
 
Actual
 
For Capital
Adequacy Purposes
 
To be “Well Capitalized”
Under Prompt Corrective
Action Provision
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount  
 
Ratio  
 
Amount    
 
Ratio    
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
$
1,677,809

 
22.92
%
 
$
585,520

 
8.00
%
 
$
731,900

 
10.00
%
Tier 1 (Leverage) Capital to Net Average Assets
1,606,251

 
12.78
%
 
502,584

 
4.00
%
 
628,230

 
5.00
%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
1,606,251

 
21.95
%
 
439,140

 
6.00
%
 
585,520

 
8.00
%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets

1,606,237

 
21.95
%
 
329,355

 
4.50
%
 
475,735

 
6.50
%
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
$
1,665,477

 
25.25
%
 
$
527,702

 
8.00
%
 
$
659,627

 
10.00
%
Core Capital to Adjusted Tangible Assets
1,584,115

 
13.47
%
 
470,513

 
4.00
%
 
588,141

 
5.00
%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets
1,584,115

 
24.02
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
395,776

 
6.00
%


93



The following table reconciles the Association’s total capital under GAAP to reported regulatory capital amounts as of September 30, 2015 and 2014. 
 
2015
 
2014
Total capital as reported under GAAP
$
1,597,791

 
$
1,579,573

Goodwill and intangible software (1)
(4,619
)
 
(6,250
)
AOCI related to pension obligation
14,991

 
9,699

Other (1)
(1,926
)
 
1,093

Total common equity tier 1 capital (1)
1,606,237

 
N/A

Includable minority interest (1)
14

 

Total tier 1 and core capital (1)
1,606,251

 
1,584,115

Includable minority interest (1)
4

 

Allowable allowance for loan losses
71,554

 
81,362

Total capital (1)
$
1,677,809

 
$
1,665,477


(1)
As of September 30, 2014, capital was calculated using the regulatory capital methodology applicable to the Association prior to January 1, 2015. As of September 30, 2015, capital was calculated using the regulatory capital methodology applicable to the Association beginning January 1, 2015. Please refer to Part I, Item 1, Business, Federal Banking Regulation, Capital Requirements for a detailed discussion of the new Basel III rules.
The Association paid a dividend of $66,000 and $85,000 to the Company during the years ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. Additionally, the Company has received the non-objection of its regulators for the Association to pay a special dividend of $150,000 to the Company. This amount is equal to the voluntary contribution of capital that the Company made to the Association in October 2010. On November 6, 2015, the Association paid $50,000 of this special dividend to the Company. It is expected that payment of the remaining $100,000 special dividend will be made later in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

On August 5, 2015, as dictated under interim final rules issued by the FRS on August 12, 2011, a majority of Third Federal Savings, MHC's members eligible to vote, approved Third Federal Savings, MHC waiving its right to receive dividends on the Company's stock that Third Federal Savings, MHC owns, up to $0.40 per share during the four quarters ending June 30, 2016. Unless the FRS amends its interim rule, a member vote will be required for Third Federal Savings, MHC to waive its right to receive dividends beyond June 30, 2016.
4. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
Investments available for sale are summarized as follows:
 
September 30, 2015
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
 
Fair
Value
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
U.S. government and agency obligations
$
2,000

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
2,002

REMICs
570,194

 
3,135

 
(878
)
 
572,451

Fannie Mae certificates
9,897

 
703

 

 
10,600

 
$
582,091

 
$
3,840

 
$
(878
)
 
$
585,053

 
September 30, 2014
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
 
Fair
Value
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
U.S. government and agency obligations
$
2,000

 
$
23

 
$

 
$
2,023

REMICs
557,895

 
1,896

 
(4,184
)
 
555,607

Fannie Mae certificates
10,654

 
749

 
(165
)
 
11,238

 
$
570,549

 
$
2,668

 
$
(4,349
)
 
$
568,868


94



 
Over the last three fiscal years the only sales from the investment securities available for sale portfolio occurred in the year ended September 30, 2014, which resulted in $38,725 of proceeds and a net realized gain of $276..
Gross unrealized losses on securities and the estimated fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, at September 30, 2015 and 2014, were as follows: 
 
September 30, 2015
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
Available for sale—
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REMICs
$
86,754

 
$
299

 
$
80,639

 
$
579

 
$
167,393

 
$
878

Fannie Mae certificates

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
86,754

 
$
299

 
$
80,639

 
$
579

 
$
167,393

 
$
878

 
September 30, 2014
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
Available for sale—
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REMICs
$
182,151

 
$
947

 
$
162,321

 
$
3,237

 
$
344,472

 
$
4,184

Fannie Mae certificates

 

 
4,826

 
165

 
4,826

 
165

Total
$
182,151

 
$
947

 
$
167,147

 
$
3,402

 
$
349,298

 
$
4,349


The unrealized losses on investment securities were attributable to market interest rate increases. The contractual terms of U.S. government and agency obligations do not permit the issuer to settle the security at a price less than the par value of the investment. The contractual cash flows of mortgage-backed securities are guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae. REMICs are issued by or backed by securities issued by these governmental agencies. It is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price substantially less than the amortized cost of the investment.
Since the decline in value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality and because the Association has neither the intent to sell the securities nor is it more likely than not the Association will be required to sell the securities for the time periods necessary to recover the amortized cost, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired. At September 30, 2015, the amortized cost and fair value of U.S. government and agency obligations available for sale, categorized as due within one year, are $2,000 and $2,002, respectively. At September 30, 2014, the amortized cost and fair value of those obligations, then categorized as due in more than one year but less than five years, were $2,000 and $2,023, respectively.

95



5. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
Loans held for investment consist of the following:
 
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
9,462,939

 
$
8,828,839

Residential Home Today
135,746

 
154,196

Home equity loans and lines of credit
1,625,239

 
1,696,929

Construction
55,421

 
57,104

Real estate loans
11,279,345

 
10,737,068

Other consumer loans
3,468

 
4,721

 
 
 
 
Deferred loan fees—net
10,112

 
(1,155
)
Loans-in-process (“LIP”)
(33,788
)
 
(28,585
)
Allowance for loan losses
(71,554
)
 
(81,362
)
Loans held for investment, net
$
11,187,583

 
$
10,630,687


At September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, $116 and $4,962 of long-term, fixed-rate loans were classified as mortgage loans held for sale.
A large concentration of the Company’s lending is in Ohio and Florida. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014, the percentage of total Residential Core and Home Today loans held in Ohio were 63% and 68%, respectively, and the percentage held in Florida was 17% as of both dates. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014, equity loans and lines of credit were concentrated in the states of Ohio (39% and 40%), Florida (26% and 28%) and California (13% as of both dates). The economic conditions and market for real estate in Ohio and Florida have impacted the ability of borrowers in those areas to repay their loans.
Home Today is an affordable housing program targeted to benefit low- and moderate-income home buyers. While effective March 27, 2009, the Home Today underwriting guidelines were changed to be substantially the same as the Association’s traditional first mortgage product, the majority of loans in this program were originated prior to that date. Through this program the Association provided the majority of loans to borrowers who would not otherwise qualify for the Association’s loan products, generally because of low credit scores. Although the credit profiles of borrowers in the Home Today program might be described as sub-prime, Home Today loans generally contain the same features as loans offered to our Core borrowers. Borrowers in the Home Today program must have completed financial management education and counseling and must have been referred to the Association by a sponsoring organization with which the Association partnered as part of the program. Borrowers must also meet a minimum credit score threshold. Because the Association applied less stringent underwriting and credit standards to the majority of Home Today loans, loans originated under the program have greater credit risk than its traditional residential real estate mortgage loans. As of September 30, 2015 and 2014, the principal balance of Home Today loans originated prior to March 27, 2009 was $132,762 and $151,164 respectively. The Association does not offer, and has not offered, loan products frequently considered to be designed to target sub-prime borrowers containing features such as higher fees or higher rates, negative amortization, a LTV ratio greater than 100%, or pay option adjustable-rate mortgages.
The Association currently offers home equity lines of credit that include monthly principal and interest payments throughout the entire term. Prior to March 11, 2009, the Association offered residential mortgage loan products where the borrower pays only interest for a portion of the loan term. Between June 28, 2010 and March 20, 2012, due to the deterioration in overall housing conditions including concerns for loans and lines in a second lien position, home equity lines of credit and home equity loans were not offered by the Association. The recorded investment in interest only loans is comprised of equity lines of credit with balances of $1,465,385 and $1,542,020 for the years ending September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 
Home equity lines of credit prior to February 2013 require interest only payments for a maximum of 10 years and convert to fully amortizing for the remaining term, up to 20 years, at which time they are included in the home equity loan balance. Residential loans were interest only for a maximum of 5 years and converted to fully amortizing for the remaining term of up to 30 years.

96



An age analysis of the recorded investment in loan receivables that are past due at September 30, 2015 and 2014 is summarized in the following tables. When a loan is more than one month past due on its scheduled payments, the loan is considered 30 days or more past due. Balances are net of deferred fees and any applicable loans-in-process. 
 
30-59 Days
Past Due
 
60-89 Days
Past Due
 
90 Days
or More
Past Due
 
Total Past
Due
 
Current
 
Total
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
8,242

 
$
4,323

 
$
23,306

 
$
35,871

 
$
9,430,189

 
$
9,466,060

Residential Home Today
5,866

 
2,507

 
9,068

 
17,441

 
116,535

 
133,976

Home equity loans and lines of credit
5,012

 
1,162

 
5,575

 
11,749

 
1,622,683

 
1,634,432

Construction

 

 
427

 
427

 
20,774

 
21,201

Total real estate loans
19,120

 
7,992

 
38,376

 
65,488

 
11,190,181

 
11,255,669

Other consumer loans

 

 

 

 
3,468

 
3,468

Total
$
19,120

 
$
7,992

 
$
38,376

 
$
65,488

 
$
11,193,649

 
$
11,259,137

 
 
30-59
Days
Past Due
 
60-89
Days
Past Due
 
90 Days
or More
Past Due
 
Total Past
Due
 
Current
 
Total
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
9,067

 
$
3,899

 
$
37,451

 
$
50,417

 
$
8,772,180

 
$
8,822,597

Residential Home Today
7,887

 
2,553

 
15,105

 
25,545

 
126,417

 
151,962

Home equity loans and lines of credit
6,044

 
1,785

 
9,037

 
16,866

 
1,687,349

 
1,704,215

Construction
200

 

 

 
200

 
28,354

 
28,554

Total real estate loans
23,198

 
8,237

 
61,593

 
93,028

 
10,614,300

 
10,707,328

Other consumer loans

 

 

 

 
4,721

 
4,721

Total
$
23,198

 
$
8,237

 
$
61,593

 
$
93,028

 
$
10,619,021

 
$
10,712,049

The recorded investment of loan receivables in non-accrual status is summarized in the following table. Balances are net of deferred fees.
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
62,293

 
$
79,388

Residential Home Today
22,556

 
29,960

Home equity loans and lines of credit
21,514

 
26,189

Construction
427

 

Total non-accrual loans
$
106,790

 
$
135,537


Loans are placed in non-accrual status when they are contractually 90 days or more past due. Loans restructured in TDRs that were in non-accrual status prior to the restructurings remain in non-accrual status for a minimum of six months after restructuring. Additionally, home equity loans and lines of credit where the customer has a severely delinquent first mortgage loan and loans in Chapter 7 bankruptcy status where all borrowers have filed, and not reaffirmed or been dismissed, are placed in non-accrual status. Prior to June 30, 2014, loans in Chapter 7 bankruptcy status where all borrowers filed were only placed in non-accrual status upon discharge. At September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, the recorded investment in non-accrual loans includes $68,415 and $73,946 which are performing according to the terms of their agreement, of which $45,575 and $49,019 are loans in Chapter 7 bankruptcy status, primarily where all borrowers have filed, and have not reaffirmed or been dismissed.

97



Interest on loans in accrual status, including certain loans individually reviewed for impairment, is recognized in interest income as it accrues, on a daily basis. Accrued interest on loans in non-accrual status is reversed by a charge to interest income and income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received. Cash payments on loans in non-accrual status are applied to the oldest scheduled, unpaid payment first. Cash payments on loans with a partial charge-off are applied fully to principal, then to recovery of the charged off amount prior to interest income being recognized. A non-accrual loan is generally returned to accrual status when contractual payments are less than 90 days past due. However, a loan may remain in nonaccrual status when collectability is uncertain, such as a TDR that has not met minimum payment requirements, a loan with a partial charge-off, an equity loan or line of credit with a delinquent first mortgage greater than 90 days, or a loan in Chapter 7 bankruptcy status where all borrowers have filed, and have not reaffirmed or been dismissed. The number of days past due is determined by the number of scheduled payments that remain unpaid, assuming a period of 30 days between each scheduled payment.
The recorded investment in loan receivables at September 30, 2015 and 2014 is summarized in the following table. The table provides details of the recorded balances according to the method of evaluation used for determining the allowance for loan losses, distinguishing between determinations made by evaluating individual loans and determinations made by evaluating groups of loans not individually evaluated. Balances of recorded investments are net of deferred fees and any applicable loans-in-process.
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Individually
 
Collectively
 
Total
 
Individually
 
Collectively
 
Total
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
119,588

 
$
9,346,472

 
$
9,466,060

 
$
131,719

 
$
8,690,878

 
$
8,822,597

Residential Home Today
58,046

 
75,930

 
133,976

 
67,177

 
84,785

 
151,962

Home equity loans and lines of credit
34,112

 
1,600,320

 
1,634,432

 
34,490

 
1,669,725

 
1,704,215

Construction
426

 
20,775

 
21,201

 

 
28,554

 
28,554

Total real estate loans
212,172

 
11,043,497

 
11,255,669

 
233,386

 
10,473,942

 
10,707,328

Other consumer loans

 
3,468

 
3,468

 

 
4,721

 
4,721

Total
$
212,172

 
$
11,046,965

 
$
11,259,137

 
$
233,386

 
$
10,478,663

 
$
10,712,049

An analysis of the allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2015 and 2014 is summarized in the following table. The analysis provides details of the allowance for loan losses according to the method of evaluation, distinguishing between allowances for loan losses determined by evaluating individual loans and allowances for loan losses determined by evaluating groups of loans not individually evaluated.
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Individually
 
Collectively
 
Total
 
Individually
 
Collectively
 
Total
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
9,354

 
$
13,242

 
$
22,596

 
$
8,889

 
$
22,191

 
$
31,080

Residential Home Today
4,166

 
5,831

 
9,997

 
6,366

 
10,058

 
16,424

Home equity loans and lines of credit
772

 
38,154

 
38,926

 
532

 
33,299

 
33,831

Construction
26

 
9

 
35

 

 
27

 
27

Total real estate loans
$
14,318

 
$
57,236

 
$
71,554

 
$
15,787

 
$
65,575

 
$
81,362

At September 30, 2015 and 2014, individually evaluated loans that required an allowance were comprised only of loans evaluated for impairment based on the present value of cash flows, such as performing TDRs, and loans with a further deterioration in the fair value of collateral not yet identified as uncollectible. All other individually evaluated loans received a charge-off if applicable.
Because many variables are considered in determining the appropriate level of general valuation allowances, directional changes in individual considerations do not always align with the directional change in the balance of a particular component of the general valuation allowance. At September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, allowances on individually reviewed loans evaluated for impairment based on the present value of cash flows, such as performing TDRs were $14,117 and $15,787; and

98



allowances on loans with further deteriorations in the fair value of collateral not yet identified as uncollectible were $201 and $0.
Residential Core mortgage loans represent the largest piece of the residential real estate portfolio. The Company believes the allowance aligns with the overall credit risk based on the nature, composition, collateral, products, lien position and performance of the portfolio. The portfolio does not include loan types or structures that have recently experienced severe performance problems at other financial institutions (sub-prime, no documentation or pay option adjustable rate mortgages).
As described earlier in this note, Home Today loans have greater credit risk than traditional residential real estate mortgage loans. At September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, approximately 34% and 42% of Home Today loans include private mortgage insurance coverage. The majority of the coverage on these loans was provided by PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., which the Arizona Department of Insurance seized in 2011 and indicated that all claims payments would be reduced by 50%. In March 2013, PMIC notified the Association that all payments would be paid at 55% of the claim with the remainder deferred. In March 2014, PMIC notified the Association that the cash percentage of the partial claim payment plan would increase further to 67% of the claim. In April 2015, the Association was notified that, in addition to a catch-up adjustment for prior claims, all future claims will be paid at 70%. Appropriate adjustments have been made to all of the Association’s affected valuation allowances and charge-offs, as well as the estimated loss severity factors that are used for loans evaluated collectively. The amount of loans in our owned portfolio covered by mortgage insurance provided by PMIC as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, was $132,857 and $186,233 of which $122,025 and $170,128 was current. The amount of loans in our owned portfolio covered by mortgage insurance provided by Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation as of September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, was $56,898 and $74,254 of which $56,295 and $73,616 was current. As of September 30, 2015, MGIC's long-term debt rating, as published by the major credit rating agencies, did not meet the requirements to qualify as "investment grade"; however, MGIC continues to make claims payments in accordance with its contractual obligations and the Association has not increased its estimated loss given default factors related to MGIC's claim paying ability. No other loans were covered by mortgage insurers that were deferring claim payments or which we assessed as being non-investment grade.
Home equity lines of credit represent a significant portion of the residential real estate portfolio. The state of the economy and low housing prices in certain segments of the markets that we serve, continue to have an adverse impact on a portion of this portfolio since the home equity lines generally are in a second lien position. Post-origination deterioration in economic and housing market conditions may also impact a borrower's ability to afford the higher payments required during the end of draw repayment period that follows the period of interest only payments on home equity lines of credit originated prior to 2012 or the ability to secure alternative financing. When the Association began to offer new home equity lines of credit again, the product was designed with prudent property and credit performance conditions to reduce future risk. Beginning in February 2013, the terms on new home equity lines of credit included monthly principal and interest payments throughout the entire term to minimize the potential payment differential between the during draw and after draw periods.
The Association originates construction loans to individuals for the construction of their personal single-family residence by a qualified builder (construction/permanent loans). The Association’s construction/permanent loans generally provide for disbursements to the builder or sub-contractors during the construction phase as work progresses. During the construction phase, the borrower only pays interest on the drawn balance. Upon completion of construction, the loan converts to a permanent amortizing loan without the expense of a second closing. The Association offers construction/permanent loans with fixed or adjustable rates, and a current maximum loan-to-completed-appraised value ratio of 80%.
Other consumer loans are comprised of loans secured by certificate of deposit accounts, which are fully recoverable in the event of non-payment.

99



The recorded investment and the unpaid principal balance of impaired loans, including those whose terms have been restructured in TDRs, as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows. Balances of recorded investments are net of deferred fees.
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
With no related IVA recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
62,177

 
$
80,622

 
$

 
$
72,840

 
$
94,419

 
$

Residential Home Today
23,038

 
50,256

 

 
28,045

 
57,854

 

Home equity loans and lines of credit
23,046

 
32,312

 

 
26,618

 
38,046

 

Construction

 

 

 

 

 

Total
$
108,261

 
$
163,190

 
$

 
$
127,503

 
$
190,319

 
$

With an IVA recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
57,411

 
$
58,224

 
$
9,354

 
$
58,879

 
$
59,842

 
$
8,889

Residential Home Today
35,008

 
35,479

 
4,166

 
39,132

 
39,749

 
6,366

Home equity loans and lines of credit
11,066

 
11,034

 
772

 
7,872

 
7,909

 
532

Construction
426

 
572

 
26

 

 

 

Total
$
103,911

 
$
105,309

 
$
14,318

 
$
105,883

 
$
107,500

 
$
15,787

Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
119,588

 
$
138,846

 
$
9,354

 
$
131,719

 
$
154,261

 
$
8,889

Residential Home Today
58,046

 
85,735

 
4,166

 
67,177

 
97,603

 
6,366

Home equity loans and lines of credit
34,112

 
43,346

 
772

 
34,490

 
45,955

 
532

Construction
426

 
572

 
26

 

 

 

Total
$
212,172

 
$
268,499

 
$
14,318

 
$
233,386

 
$
297,819

 
$
15,787

At September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, the recorded investment in impaired loans includes $178,259 and $186,428 of loans restructured in TDRs of which $14,971 and $20,851 are 90 days or more past due.
For all classes of loans, a loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered in determining that a loan is impaired may include the deteriorating financial condition of the borrower indicated by missed or delinquent payments, a pending legal action, such as bankruptcy or foreclosure, or the absence of adequate security for the loan.

Charge-offs on residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and construction loans are recognized when triggering events, such as foreclosure actions, short sales, or deeds accepted in lieu of repayment, result in less than full repayment of the recorded investment in the loans.

Partial or full charge-offs are also recognized for the amount of impairment on loans considered collateral dependent that meet the conditions described below.
For residential mortgage loans, payments are greater than 180 days delinquent;
For home equity lines of credit, equity loans, and residential loans restructured in a TDR, payments are greater than 90 days delinquent;
For all classes of loans, a sheriff sale is scheduled within 60 days to sell the collateral securing the loan;
For all classes of loans, all borrowers have been discharged of their obligation through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy;
For all classes of loans, within 60 days of notification, all borrowers obligated on the loan have filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy and have not reaffirmed or been dismissed;
For all classes of loans, a borrower obligated on a loan has filed bankruptcy and the loan is greater than 30 days delinquent;
For all classes of loans, it becomes evident that a loss is probable.


100



Collateral dependent residential mortgage loans and construction loans are charged off to the extent the recorded investment in a loan, net of anticipated mortgage insurance claims, exceeds the fair value less costs to dispose of the underlying property. Management can determine the loan is uncollectible for reasons such as foreclosures exceeding a reasonable time frame and recommend a full charge-off. Home equity loans or lines of credit are charged off to the extent the recorded investment in the loan plus the balance of any senior liens exceeds the fair value less costs to dispose of the underlying property or management determines the collateral is not sufficient to satisfy the loan. A loan in any portfolio that is identified as collateral dependent will continue to be reported as impaired until it is no longer considered collateral dependent, is less than 30 days past due and does not have a prior charge-off. A loan in any portfolio that has a partial charge-off consequent to impairment evaluation will continue to be individually evaluated for impairment until, at a minimum, the impairment has been recovered.

The following summarizes the effective dates of charge-off policies that changed or were first implemented during the current and previous four fiscal years and the portfolios to which those policies apply.
Effective Date
Policy
Portfolio(s) Affected
6/30/2014
A loan is considered collateral dependent and any collateral shortfall is charged off when, within 60 days of notification, all borrowers obligated on a loan filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy and have not reaffirmed or been dismissed (1)
All
9/30/2012
Pursuant to an OCC directive, a loan is considered collateral dependent and any collateral shortfall is charged off when all borrowers obligated on a loan are discharged through Chapter 7 bankruptcy
All
6/30/2012
Loans in any form of bankruptcy greater than 30 days past due are considered collateral dependent and any collateral shortfall is charged off
All
12/31/2011
Pursuant to an OCC directive, impairment on collateral dependent loans previously reserved for in the allowance were charged off. Charge-offs are recorded to recognize confirmed collateral shortfalls on impaired loans (2)
All

(1)
Prior to 6/30/2014, collateral shortfalls on loans in Chapter 7 bankruptcy were charged off when all borrowers were discharged of the obligation or when the loan was 30 days or more past due. Adoption of this policy did not result in a material change to total charge-offs or the provision for loan losses in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014.
(2)
Prior to 12/31/2011, partial charge-offs were not used, but a reserve in the allowance was established when the recorded investment in the loan exceeded the fair value of the collateral less costs to dispose. Individual loans were only charged off when a triggering event occurred, such as a foreclosure action was culminated, a short sale was approved, or a deed was accepted in lieu of repayment.
Loans restructured in TDRs that are not evaluated based on collateral are separately evaluated for impairment on a loan by loan basis at the time of restructuring and at each subsequent reporting date for as long as they are reported as TDRs. The impairment evaluation is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate of the original loan. Expected future cash flows include a discount factor representing a potential for default. Valuation allowances are recorded for the excess of the recorded investments over the result of the cash flow analysis. Loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy are reported as TDRs and also evaluated based on the present value of expected future cash flows unless evaluated based on collateral. We evaluate these loans using the expected future cash flows because we expect the borrower, not liquidation of the collateral, to be the source of repayment for the loan. Other consumer loans are not considered for restructuring. A loan restructured in a TDR is classified as an impaired loan for a minimum of one year. After one year, that loan may be reclassified out of the balance of impaired loans if the loan was restructured to yield a market rate for loans of similar credit risk at the time of restructuring and the loan is not impaired based on the terms of the restructuring agreement. No loans whose terms were restructured in TDRs were reclassified from impaired loans during the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

101



The average recorded investment in impaired loans and the amount of interest income recognized during the time within the period that the loans were impaired are summarized below.
 
For the Years Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
With no related IVA recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
67,509

 
$
1,464

 
$
79,440

 
$
1,125

 
$
91,134

 
$
1,169

Residential Home Today
25,542

 
271

 
30,604

 
261

 
34,871

 
234

Home equity loans and lines of credit
24,832

 
299

 
27,056

 
357

 
25,946

 
467

Construction

 

 
211

 
6

 
696

 
18

Total
$
117,883

 
$
2,034

 
$
137,311

 
$
1,749

 
$
152,647

 
$
1,888

With an IVA recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
58,145

 
$
2,570

 
$
60,971

 
$
2,792

 
$
65,978

 
$
3,198

Residential Home Today
37,070

 
1,877

 
42,517

 
2,110

 
52,340

 
2,487

Home equity loans and lines of credit
9,469

 
271

 
7,383

 
245

 
9,756

 
266

Construction
213

 
10

 
33

 

 
237

 
10

Total
$
104,897

 
$
4,728

 
$
110,904

 
$
5,147

 
$
128,311

 
$
5,961

Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
125,654

 
$
4,034

 
$
140,411

 
$
3,917

 
$
157,112

 
$
4,367

Residential Home Today
62,612

 
2,148

 
73,121

 
2,371

 
87,211

 
2,721

Home equity loans and lines of credit
34,301

 
570

 
34,439

 
602

 
35,702

 
733

Construction
213

 
10

 
244

 
6

 
933

 
28

Total
$
222,780

 
$
6,762

 
$
248,215

 
$
6,896

 
$
280,958

 
$
7,849


Interest on loans in non-accrual status is recognized on a cash-basis. The amount of interest income on impaired loans recognized using a cash-basis method is $1,347, $1,213 and $1,463 for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Cash payments on loans with a partial charge-off are applied fully to principal, then to recovery of the charged off amount prior to interest income being recognized. Interest income on the remaining impaired loans is recognized on an accrual basis.

The recorded investment in TDRs as of September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014 is shown in the tables below.
September 30, 2015
 
Reduction
in Interest 
Rates
 
Payment
Extensions
 
Forbearance
 or Other Actions
 
Multiple
Concessions
 
Multiple
Restructurings
 
Bankruptcy
 
Total
Residential Core
 
$
15,743

 
$
934

 
$
8,252

 
$
22,211

 
$
22,594

 
$
32,215

 
$
101,949

Residential Home Today
 
7,734

 
12

 
5,643

 
12,302

 
21,928

 
6,272

 
53,891

Home equity loans and lines of credit
 
96

 
3,253

 
509

 
4,214

 
909

 
13,438

 
22,419

Total
 
$
23,573

 
$
4,199

 
$
14,404

 
$
38,727

 
$
45,431

 
$
51,925

 
$
178,259

September 30, 2014
 
Reduction
in Interest 
Rates
 
Payment
Extensions
 
Forbearance
 or Other Actions
 
Multiple
Concessions
 
Multiple
Restructurings
 
Bankruptcy
 
Total
Residential Core
 
$
16,693

 
$
1,265

 
$
10,248

 
$
21,113

 
$
22,687

 
$
33,576

 
$
105,582

Residential Home Today
 
11,374

 
78

 
7,448

 
15,085

 
20,823

 
5,301

 
60,109

Home equity loans and lines of credit
 
74

 
1,833

 
769

 
1,213

 
819

 
16,029

 
20,737

Total
 
$
28,141

 
$
3,176

 
$
18,465

 
$
37,411

 
$
44,329

 
$
54,906

 
$
186,428


TDRs may be restructured more than once. Among other requirements, a subsequent restructuring may be available for a borrower upon the expiration of temporary restructured terms if the borrower cannot return to regular loan payments. If the

102



borrower is experiencing an income curtailment that temporarily has reduced his/her capacity to repay, such as loss of employment, reduction of hours, non-paid leave or short term disability, a temporary restructuring is considered. If the borrower lacks the capacity to repay the loan at the current terms due to a permanent condition, a permanent restructuring is considered. In evaluating the need for a subsequent restructuring, the borrower’s ability to repay is generally assessed utilizing a debt to income and cash flow analysis. As the economy slowly improves, the need for multiple restructurings continues to linger. Loans discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy are classified as multiple restructurings if the loan's original terms had also been restructured by the Association.

For all loans restructured during the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (set forth in the tables below), the pre-restructured outstanding recorded investment was not materially different from the post-restructured outstanding recorded investment.
The following tables set forth the recorded investment in TDRs restructured during the years presented, according to the types of concessions granted. 
 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2015
 
Reduction
in Interest 
Rates
 
Payment
Extensions
 
Forbearance
 or Other Actions
 
Multiple
Concessions
 
Multiple
Restructurings
 
Bankruptcy
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential Core
$
2,490

 
$

 
$
745

 
$
4,464

 
$
4,437

 
$
6,720

 
$
18,856

Residential Home Today
80

 

 
758

 
301

 
5,306

 
2,096

 
8,541

Home equity loans and lines of credit

 
1,800

 
88

 
3,079

 
290

 
1,634

 
6,891

Total
$
2,570

 
$
1,800

 
$
1,591

 
$
7,844

 
$
10,033

 
$
10,450

 
$
34,288


 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014
 
Reduction
in Interest 
Rates
 
Payment
Extensions
 
Forbearance
 or Other Actions
 
Multiple
Concessions
 
Multiple
Restructurings
 
Bankruptcy
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential Core
$
3,330

 
$

 
$
890

 
$
5,316

 
$
6,716

 
$
5,084

 
$
21,336

Residential Home Today
340

 

 
542

 
443

 
4,016

 
761

 
6,102

Home equity loans and lines of credit

 
1,442

 
211

 
1,013

 
401

 
2,282

 
5,349

Total
$
3,670

 
$
1,442

 
$
1,643

 
$
6,772

 
$
11,133

 
$
8,127

 
$
32,787


 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2013
 
Reduction
in Interest 
Rates
 
Payment
Extensions
 
Forbearance
 or Other Actions
 
Multiple
Concessions
 
Multiple
Restructurings
 
Bankruptcy
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential Core
$
3,470

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,108

 
$
4,957

 
$
8,156

 
$
21,691

Residential Home Today
409

 

 

 
693

 
8,433

 
1,517

 
11,052

Home equity loans and lines of credit
13

 
129

 

 
67

 
117

 
3,673

 
3,999

Total
$
3,892

 
$
129

 
$

 
$
5,868

 
$
13,507

 
$
13,346

 
$
36,742


103



The following table provides information on TDRs restructured within the previous 12 months of the period listed for which there was a subsequent payment default, at least 30 days past due on one scheduled payment, during the period presented. 
 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2015
 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014
 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2013
TDRs That Subsequently Defaulted
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of
Contracts
 
Recorded
Investment
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential Core
34

 
$
3,296

 
35

 
$
3,384

 
61

 
$
6,709

Residential Home Today
26

 
1,179

 
46

 
2,073

 
70

 
3,368

Home equity loans and lines of credit
44

 
689

 
53

 
1,078

 
68

 
1,277

Total
104

 
$
5,164

 
134

 
$
6,535

 
199

 
$
11,354


The following tables provide information about the credit quality of residential loan receivables by an internally assigned grade. Balances are net of deferred fees and any applicable LIP.
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard
 
Loss
 
Total
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
9,399,409

 
$

 
$
66,651

 
$

 
$
9,466,060

Residential Home Today
110,105

 

 
23,871

 

 
133,976

Home equity loans and lines of credit
1,604,226

 
4,279

 
25,927

 

 
1,634,432

Construction
20,774

 

 
427

 

 
21,201

Total real estate loans
$
11,134,514

 
$
4,279

 
$
116,876

 
$

 
$
11,255,669

 
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention
 
Substandard
 
Loss
 
Total
September 30, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real Estate Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
8,739,183

 
$

 
$
83,414

 
$

 
$
8,822,597

Residential Home Today
120,827

 

 
31,135

 

 
151,962

Home equity loans and lines of credit
1,667,939

 
6,084

 
30,192

 

 
1,704,215

Construction
28,554

 

 

 

 
28,554

Total real estate loans
$
10,556,503

 
$
6,084

 
$
144,741

 
$

 
$
10,707,328

Residential loans are internally assigned a grade that complies with the guidelines outlined in the OCC’s Handbook for Rating Credit Risk. Pass loans are assets well protected by the current paying capacity of the borrower. Special Mention loans have a potential weakness that the Association feels deserve management’s attention and may result in further deterioration in their repayment prospects and/or the Association’s credit position. Substandard loans are inadequately protected by the current payment capacity of the borrower or the collateral pledged with a defined weakness that jeopardizes the liquidation of the debt. Also included in Substandard are performing home equity loans and lines of credit where the customer has a severely delinquent first mortgage to which the performing home equity loan or line of credit is subordinate and loans in Chapter 7 bankruptcy status where all borrowers have filed, and have not reaffirmed or been dismissed. Loss loans are considered uncollectible and are charged off when identified.
At September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, the recorded investment of impaired loans includes $103,390 and $103,459 of TDRs that are individually evaluated for impairment, but have adequately performed under the terms of the restructuring and are classified as pass loans. At September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, there are $8,094 and $14,814 of loans classified substandard and $4,279 and $6,084 of loans classified special mention that are not included in the recorded investment of impaired loans; rather, they are included in loans collectively evaluated for impairment.
Consumer loans are internally assigned a grade of nonperforming when they are considered 90 days or more past due. At September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, no consumer loans were graded as nonperforming.

104



During the years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, $415 and $1,300 in recoveries were recorded representing payments received as a result of PMIC increasing the cash percentage of the partial claim payment plan as discussed earlier in this note. During the quarter ended December 31, 2013, $5,321 of residential loans were deemed uncollectible and fully charged-off as a result of implementing a new practice of charging off the remaining balance on loans that had remained delinquent and in the foreclosure process for greater than 1,500 days. These loans previously were recorded at estimated net realizable value, with the potential for additional loss recognized within the allowance for loan losses. Any future foreclosure proceeds on these loans would result in recoveries of prior charge-offs.
Activity in the allowance for loan losses is summarized as follows: 
 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2015
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Provisions
 
Charge-offs
 
Recoveries
 
Ending
Balance
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
31,080

 
$
(6,987
)
 
$
(6,866
)
 
$
5,369

 
$
22,596

Residential Home Today
16,424

 
(4,508
)
 
(3,452
)
 
1,533

 
9,997

Home equity loans and lines of credit
33,831

 
8,661

 
(11,034
)
 
7,468

 
38,926

Construction
27

 
(166
)
 

 
174

 
35

Total real estate loans

$
81,362

 
$
(3,000
)
 
$
(21,352
)
 
$
14,544

 
$
71,554


 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Provisions
 
Charge-offs
 
Recoveries
 
Ending
Balance
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
35,427

 
$
9,131

 
$
(16,220
)
 
$
2,742

 
$
31,080

Residential Home Today
24,112

 
(1,975
)
 
(7,622
)
 
1,909

 
16,424

Home equity loans and lines of credit
32,818

 
12,038

 
(15,943
)
 
4,918

 
33,831

Construction
180

 
(194
)
 
(192
)
 
233

 
27

Total real estate loans
$
92,537

 
$
19,000

 
$
(39,977
)
 
$
9,802

 
$
81,362

 
 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2013
 
Beginning
Balance
 
Provisions
 
Charge-offs
 
Recoveries
 
Ending
Balance
Real estate loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential Core
$
31,618

 
$
18,467

 
$
(16,719
)
 
$
2,061

 
$
35,427

Residential Home Today
22,588

 
13,051

 
(12,302
)
 
775

 
24,112

Home equity loans and lines of credit
45,508

 
5,889

 
(23,543
)
 
4,964

 
32,818

Construction
750

 
(407
)
 
(294
)
 
131

 
180

Total real estate loans
$
100,464

 
$
37,000

 
$
(52,858
)
 
$
7,931

 
$
92,537

6. MORTGAGE LOAN SERVICING RIGHTS
The Company sells certain types of loans through whole loan sales and through securitizations. In each case, the Company retains a servicing interest in the loans or securitized loans. Certain assumptions and estimates are used to determine the fair value allocated to these retained interests at the date of transfer and at subsequent measurement dates. These assumptions and estimates include loan repayment rates and discount rates.
Changes in interest rates can affect the average life of loans and mortgage-backed securities and the related servicing rights. A reduction in interest rates normally results in increased prepayments, as borrowers refinance their debt in order to reduce their borrowing costs. This creates reinvestment risk, which is the risk that the Company may not be able to reinvest the proceeds of loan and securities prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates earned on the loans or securities prior to receipt of the repayment.

105



During 2015, 2014 and 2013, $160,052, $76,039 and $349,192, respectively, of mortgage loans were securitized and/or sold including accrued interest thereon. In these transactions, the Company retained residual interests in the form of mortgage loan servicing rights. Primary economic assumptions used to measure the value of the Company’s retained interests at the date of sale resulting from the completed transactions were as follows (per annum):
 
2015
 
2014
Primary prepayment speed assumptions (weighted average annual rate)
8.4
%
 
10.5
%
Weighted average life (years)
22.7

 
21.0

Amortized cost to service loans (weighted average)
0.12
%
 
0.12
%
Weighted average discount rate
12
%
 
12
%
Key economic assumptions and the sensitivity of the current fair value of mortgage loan servicing rights to immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in those assumptions are as presented in the following table. The three key economic assumptions that impact the valuation of the mortgage loan servicing rights are: (1) the prepayment speed, or how long the mortgage servicing right will be outstanding; (2) the estimate of servicing costs that will be incurred in fulfilling the mortgage servicing right responsibilities; and (3) the discount factor applied to future net cash flows to convert them to present value. The Company established these factors based on independent analysis of our portfolio and reviews these assumptions periodically to ensure that they reasonably reflect current market conditions and our loan portfolio experience. Additionally, to confirm the appropriateness of the Company's mortgage loan servicing rights valuation, an independent third party is engaged at least annually, and more frequently if warranted by market volatility, to value our mortgage loan servicing rights portfolio. The results of the third party valuation are compared and reconciled to the Company's valuation, thereby validating the Company's approach and assumptions.
 
September 30, 2015
Fair value of mortgage loan servicing rights
$
21,084

Prepayment speed assumptions (weighted average annual rate)
19.4
%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
$
(824
)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change
$
(1,572
)
Estimated prospective annual cost to service loans (weighted average)
0.12
%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
$
(2,032
)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change
$
(4,064
)
Discount rate
12.0
%
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
$
(727
)
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change
$
(1,400
)
These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As indicated in the table above, changes in fair value based on a 10% variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship in the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the retained interest is calculated without changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another (for example, increases in market interest rates may result in lower prepayments), which could magnify or counteract the sensitivities.
Servicing rights are evaluated periodically for impairment based on the fair value of those rights. Nineteen risk tranches are used in evaluating servicing rights for impairment, segregated primarily by interest rate stratum within original term to maturity categories with additional strata for less uniform account types.

106



Activity in mortgage servicing rights is summarized as follows: 
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Balance—beginning of year
$
11,669

 
$
14,074

 
$
19,613

   Additions from loan securitizations/sales
907

 
396

 
1,089

   Amortization
(2,588
)
 
(2,801
)
 
(6,628
)
   Net change in valuation allowance

 

 

Balance—end of year
$
9,988

 
$
11,669

 
$
14,074

Fair value of capitalized amounts
$
21,084

 
$
27,417

 
$
28,784

The Company receives annual servicing fees ranging from 0.02% to 0.98% of the outstanding loan balances. Servicing income, net of amortization of capitalized servicing rights, included in Non-interest income, amounted to $5,444 in 2015, $6,759 in 2014 and $5,435 in 2013. The unpaid principal balance of mortgage loans serviced for others was approximately $2,181,436, $2,511,864 and $2,971,909 at September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The ratio of capitalized servicing rights to the unpaid principal balance of mortgage loans serviced for others was 0.46%, 0.46%, and 0.47% at September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
7. PREMISES, EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE, NET
Premises, equipment and software at cost are summarized as follows: 
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Land
$
11,050

 
$
11,050

Office buildings
71,860

 
69,381

Furniture, fixtures and equipment
30,990

 
35,759

Software
16,010

 
15,348

Leasehold improvements
11,939

 
11,864

 
141,849

 
143,402

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(84,662
)
 
(86,959
)
Total
$
57,187

 
$
56,443

During the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, depreciation and amortization expense on premises, equipment, and software was $4,798, $4,621 and $5,392, respectively.
The Company leases certain of its branches under renewable operating lease agreements. Future minimum payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more consisted of the following at September 30, 2015: 
Years Ended September 30,
 
2016
$
5,058

2017
4,922

2018
4,384

2019
3,344

2020
2,298

Thereafter
5,058


During the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, rental expense was $6,421, $6,363 and $6,187, respectively, and appears in office property, equipment, and software in the accompanying statements.

107




The Company, as lessor, leases certain commercial office buildings. The Company anticipates receiving future minimum payments of the following as of September 30, 2015: 
Years Ended September 30,
 
2016
$
1,551

2017
1,368

2018
1,294

2019
964

2020
303

Thereafter
303

During each of the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014, and 2013, rental income was $1,414, $1,290 and $1,254 respectively, and appears in other non-interest income in the accompanying statements.
8. ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE
Accrued interest receivable is summarized as follows: 
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Investment securities
$
1,320

 
$
1,285

Loans
31,170

 
30,667

Total
$
32,490

 
$
31,952

9. DEPOSITS
Deposit account balances are summarized by interest rate as follows: 
 
Stated
Interest
Rate
 
September 30,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
Negotiable order of withdrawal accounts
 
0.00–0.30%
 
$
994,447

 
12.0
%
 
$
990,326

 
11.4
%
Savings accounts
 
0.00–0.55
 
1,610,944

 
19.4

 
1,661,920

 
19.2

Subtotal
 
 
 
2,605,391

 
31.4

 
2,652,246

 
30.6

Certificates of deposit
 
0.00–0.99
 
1,641,838

 
19.8

 
2,075,835

 
24.0

 
 
1.00–1.99
 
3,293,964

 
39.8

 
2,674,079

 
30.9

 
 
2.00–2.99
 
552,902

 
6.7

 
665,508

 
7.7

 
 
3.00–3.99
 
158,504

 
1.9

 
517,449

 
6.0

 
4.00 and above
 
31,410

 
0.4

 
67,345

 
0.8

 
 
 
 
5,678,618

 
68.6

 
6,000,216

 
69.4

Subtotal
 
 
 
8,284,009

 
100.0

 
8,652,462

 
100.0

Accrued interest
 
 
 
1,849

 

 
1,416

 

Total deposits
 
 
 
$
8,285,858

 
100.0
%
 
$
8,653,878

 
100.0
%

At September 30, 2015 and 2014, the weighted average interest rate was 0.18% and 0.19% on savings accounts, respectively; 0.14% and 0.14% on negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, respectively; 1.50% and 1.58% on certificates of deposit, respectively; and 1.08% and 1.15% on total deposits, respectively.
The aggregate amount of certificates of deposit in denominations of $100 or more totaled approximately $2,530,031 and $2,542,222 at September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. On July 21, 2010, the DFA was signed into law, which, in part, permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance to $250 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008.
Brokered certificates of deposit, which are used as a cost effective funding alternative, totaled $520,110 and $356,685 at September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. The FDIC places restrictions on banks with regard to issuing

108



brokered deposits based on the bank's capital classification. A well-capitalized institution may accept brokered deposits without FDIC restrictions. An adequately capitalized institution must obtain a waiver from the FDIC in order to accept brokered deposits, while an undercapitalized institution is prohibited by the FDIC from accepting brokered deposits.
The scheduled maturity of certificates of deposit is as follows:
 
September 30, 2015
 
Amount
 
Percent
12 months or less
$
1,557,355

 
27.4
%
13 to 24 months
1,661,629

 
29.3
%
25 to 36 months
1,135,064

 
20.0
%
37 to 48 months
751,537

 
13.2
%
49 to 60 months
479,559

 
8.5
%
Over 60 months
93,474

 
1.6
%
Total
$
5,678,618

 
100.0
%
Interest expense on deposits is summarized as follows: 
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Certificates of deposit
$
89,110

 
$
88,316

Negotiable order of withdrawal accounts
1,371

 
1,442

Savings accounts
3,045

 
3,420

Total
$
93,526

 
$
93,178

10. BORROWED FUNDS
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings at September 30, 2015 are summarized in the table below: 
 
Amount
 
Weighted
Average
Rate
Maturing in:
 
 
 
2016
$
779,104

 
0.24
%
2017
200,000

 
1.16
%
2018
275,000

 
1.53
%
2019
415,000

 
1.79
%
2020
390,294

 
1.81
%
thereafter
107,373

 
1.71
%
Total FHLB Advances
2,166,771

 
1.14
%
Accrued interest
1,856

 
 
Total
$
2,168,627

 
 
At September 30, 2015, the Association had $755,000 in short-term advances with a weighted average interest rate of 0.18%. During fiscal year 2015, the average balance of short-term advances was $1,242,380 with a weighted average rate of 0.15%. At September 30, 2014, the Association had $311,000 in short-term advances with a weighted average interest rate of 0.11%. During fiscal year 2014, the average balance of short-term advances was $344,643 with a weighted average rate of 0.10%. The interest expense generated on the short-term borrowings was $1,811 and $352 for fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Association implemented a strategy in the current fiscal year to increase net income, which involved borrowing, on an overnight basis, approximately 1,000,000 of additional funds from the FHLB at the beginning of a particular quarter and repaying it prior to the end of that quarter. The proceeds of the borrowings, net of the required investment in FHLB stock, were deposited at the Federal Reserve. The strategy was not utilized at September 30, 2015, however, dependent upon market rates, remains an option in the future.
The Association’s maximum borrowing capacity at the FHLB, under the most restrictive measure, was an additional $584,519 at September 30, 2015. Pursuant to collateral agreements with FHLB of Cincinnati, advances are secured by a

109



blanket lien on qualifying first mortgage loans. In addition to the existing available capacity, the Association’s capacity limit for additional borrowings from the FHLB of Cincinnati was $3,644,043 at September 30, 2015, subject to satisfaction of the FHLB of Cincinnati common stock ownership requirement. To satisfy the common stock ownership requirement, we would have to increase our ownership of FHLB of Cincinnati common stock by an additional $72,881. The terms of the advances include various restrictive covenants including limitations on the acquisition of additional debt in excess of specified levels. As of September 30, 2015, the Association was in compliance with all such covenants. The Association’s borrowing capacity at the FRB-Cleveland Discount Window was $116,776 at September 30, 2015.
11. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component is as follows:
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale
 
Defined Benefit Plan
 
Total
Fiscal year 2013 activity
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2012
$
2,610

 
$
(8,526
)
 
$
(5,916
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax benefit of $1,916
(4,746
)
 
1,188

 
(3,558
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax expense of $468

 
870

 
870

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(4,746
)
 
2,058

 
(2,688
)
Balance at September 30, 2013
$
(2,136
)
 
$
(6,468
)
 
$
(8,604
)
Fiscal year 2014 activity
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax benefit of $1,504
1,223

 
(4,017
)
 
(2,794
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax expense of $326
(179
)
 
785

 
606

Other comprehensive income (loss)
1,044

 
(3,232
)
 
(2,188
)
Balance at September 30, 2014
$
(1,092
)
 
$
(9,700
)
 
$
(10,792
)
Fiscal year 2015 activity
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax benefit of $1,490
3,018

 
(5,785
)
 
(2,767
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax expense of $265

 
494

 
494

Other comprehensive income (loss)
3,018

 
(5,291
)
 
(2,273
)
Balance at September 30, 2015
$
1,926

 
$
(14,991
)
 
$
(13,065
)
 
 
 
 
 
 

110



The following table presents the reclassification adjustment out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in net income and the corresponding line item on the consolidated statements of income for the periods indicated:
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
 
For the Years Ended September 30,
 
Line Item in the Statement of Income
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gain on securities available for sale
 
$

 
$
(276
)
 
$

 
 Other
Income tax
 

 
97

 

 
 Income tax expense
Net of income tax
 
$

 
$
(179
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of pension plan:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial loss
 
$
759

 
$
296

 
556

 
 (a)
Realized loss due to settlement
 

 
912

 
782

 
 (a)
Income tax
 
(265
)
 
(423
)
 
(468
)
 
 Income tax expense
Net of income tax
 
494

 
785

 
870

 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
494

 
$
606

 
$
870

 
 
(a) These items are included in the computation of net period pension cost. See Note 13. Employee Benefit Plans for additional disclosure.
12. INCOME TAXES
The components of the income tax provision are as follows: 
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Current tax expense:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
27,056

 
$
22,983

 
$
19,751

State
564

 
324

 
165

Deferred tax expense (benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
9,605

 
9,659

 
6,486

State
(421
)
 

 

Income tax provision
$
36,804

 
$
32,966

 
$
26,402

Reconciliation from tax at the statutory rate to the income tax provision is as follows: 
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Tax at statutory rate
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
State tax, net
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.1

Non-taxable income from bank owned life insurance contracts
(2.4
)
 
(2.3
)
 
(2.7
)
Other, net
0.9

 
0.4

 
(0.3
)
Income tax provision
33.6
 %
 
33.3
 %
 
32.1
 %


111



Temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities that gave rise to significant portions of net deferred taxes relate to the following: 
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Loan loss reserve
$
33,767

 
$
39,745

Deferred compensation
12,536

 
12,843

Pension
4,931

 
2,895

Property, equipment and software basis difference
2,466

 
2,460

Other
3,158

 
2,453

Total deferred tax assets
56,858

 
60,396

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
FHLB stock basis difference
7,808

 
7,696

Mortgage servicing rights
1,194

 
1,110

Goodwill
3,431

 
3,406

Deferred loan costs, net of fees
8,095

 
4,470

Other
2,690

 
2,114

Total deferred tax liabilities
23,218

 
18,796

Net deferred tax asset
$
33,640

 
$
41,600

In the accompanying statement of condition the net deferred tax asset is included in Other assets.
A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that the related tax benefits will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. There was no valuation allowance required at September 30, 2015 or 2014.
Retained earnings at September 30, 2015 and 2014 included approximately $104,861 for which no provision for federal or state income tax has been made. This amount represents allocations of income during years prior to 1988 to bad debt deductions for tax purposes only. These qualifying and nonqualifying base year reserves and supplemental reserves will be recaptured into income in the event of certain distributions and redemptions. Such recapture would create income for tax purposes only, which would be subject to the then current corporate income tax rate. However, recapture would not occur upon the reorganization, merger, or acquisition of the Association, nor if the Association is merged or liquidated tax-free into a bank or undergoes a charter change. If the Association fails to qualify as a bank or merges into a nonbank entity, these reserves will be recaptured into income.
The provisions of Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, codified within FASB ASC 740 “Income Taxes,” prescribe a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FASB ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold in order for the related tax benefit to be recognized or continue to be recognized. As of September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. The Company does not anticipate the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly change within the next 12 months.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income tax assessments or income tax refunds, where applicable, in the financial statements as a component of its provision for income taxes. The Company recognized interest expense (benefit) of $0, $1 and $(186), net of tax, during the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Total interest accrued was $0 at September 30, 2015 and 2014.
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and city jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations in its major jurisdictions for tax years prior to 2012.

112



13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Benefit PlanThe Third Federal Savings Retirement Plan (the “Plan”) is a defined benefit pension plan. Effective December 31, 2002, the Plan was amended to limit participation to employees who met the Plan’s eligibility requirements on that date. Effective December 31, 2011, the Plan was amended to freeze future benefit accruals for participants in the Plan. After December 31, 2002, employees not participating in the Plan, upon meeting the applicable eligibility requirements, and those eligible participants who no longer receive service credits under the Plan, participate in a separate tier of the Company’s defined contribution 401(k) Savings Plan. Benefits under the Plan are based on years of service and the employee’s average annual compensation (as defined in the Plan) through December 31, 2011. The funding policy of the Plan is consistent with the funding requirements of U.S. federal and other governmental laws and regulations. In fiscal year 2014, a settlement adjustment was recognized as a result of lump sum payments exceeding the sum of interest and service costs for the year.
The following table sets forth the change in projected benefit obligation for the defined benefit plan: 
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
73,482

 
$
68,044

Interest cost
3,130

 
3,204

Actuarial loss and other
3,926

 
7,527

Settlement

 
(4,491
)
Benefits paid
(3,803
)
 
(802
)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
$
76,735

 
$
73,482

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the fair value of Plan assets and presents the funded status of the Plan recognized in the statement of condition at the September 30 measurement dates:  
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of the year
$
63,212

 
$
60,937

Actual return on plan assets
(560
)
 
5,568

Employer contributions
2,000

 
2,000

Benefits paid
(3,803
)
 
(802
)
Settlement

 
(4,491
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
$
60,849

 
$
63,212

Funded status of the plan—asset (liability)
$
(15,886
)
 
$
(10,270
)

The components of net periodic benefit cost recognized in the statement of income are as follows: 
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Interest Cost
3,130

 
3,204

 
2,938

Expected return on plan assets
(4,414
)
 
(4,221
)
 
(4,116
)
Amortization of net loss and other
759

 
296

 
556

Recognized net loss due to settlement

 
912

 
782

Net periodic benefit (income) cost
$
(525
)
 
$
191

 
$
160

There were no required minimum employer contributions during the twelve months ended September 30, 2015. The Company made a voluntary contribution of $2,000 during the fiscal year.
Plan assets carried at fair value are classified into one of the three levels of the fair value hierarchy based on an assessment of inputs used in the valuation techniques. See Note. 16 Fair Value for additional information about fair value measurements, the fair value hierarchy, and a description of the inputs used within each level of the hierarchy.

113



Plan assets consist of investments in pooled separate accounts that invest in mutual funds, equity securities, debt securities, or real estate investments. Pooled separate accounts are valued at net asset value of shares held by the Plan at the reporting date. Net asset value is categorized as a level 2 fair value measurement except when the investment so measured could not have been redeemed at net asset value as of the measurement date. At September 30, 2015 and 2014, there were no such restrictions on Plan assets. Unless otherwise restricted, pooled separate accounts can be redeemed on a daily basis.
The following tables present the fair value of Plan assets by asset category at the measurement date. 
 
September 30,
2015
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Asset Category:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap equity portfolios
$
18,339

 
$

 
$
18,339

 
$

U.S. small/mid cap equity portfolios
4,555

 

 
4,555

 

International equity portfolios
6,938

 

 
6,938

 

Debt securities(1)
24,608

 

 
24,608

 

Balanced/asset allocation portfolios
2,872

 

 
2,872

 

Real estate investments portfolios
3,537

 

 
3,537

 

Total
$
60,849

 
$

 
$
60,849

 
$


 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
September 30,
2014
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Asset Category:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large cap equity portfolios
$
18,830

 
$

 
$
18,830

 
$

U.S. small/mid cap equity portfolios
4,762

 

 
4,762

 

International equity portfolios
7,798

 

 
7,798

 

Debt securities(1)
25,455

 

 
25,455

 

Balanced/asset allocation portfolios
3,174

 

 
3,174

 

Real estate investments portfolios
3,193

 

 
3,193

 

Total
$
63,212

 
$

 
$
63,212

 
$

  ______________________
(1)
Includes pooled separate accounts that invest mainly in fixed income securities such as corporate bonds, asset backed securities, commercial mortgage backed securities or in a single mutual fund.

Asset allocation ranges have been established by broad asset categories to build an efficient, well-diversified portfolio. The ranges are designed to provide an appropriate balance between risk and return, while positioning Plan assets, over extended economic cycles, in a manner consistent with the long-term return assumptions used in measurements and valuations. For equity securities the target is 50% to 60% while the target for debt and real estate securities (including cash equivalents) is 40% to 50%.

114



The following additional information is provided with respect to the Plan: 
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Assumptions and dates used to determine benefit obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
4.40
%
 
4.40
%
 
4.90
%
Rate of compensation increase
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a

Census date
1/1/2015

 
1/1/2014

 
1/1/2013

Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
4.40
%
 
4.90
%
 
4.30
%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets
7.50
%
 
7.50
%
 
7.50
%
Rate of compensation increase (graded scale)
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a


The expected long-term return on assets assumption has been derived based upon the average rates of earnings expected on the funds invested to provide for Plan benefits. Management evaluates the historical performance of the various asset categories, as well as current expectations in determining the adequacy of the assumed rates of return in meeting Plan obligations. If warranted, the assumption is modified.
The following table provides estimates of expected future benefit payments during each of the next five fiscal years, as well as in the aggregate for years six through ten. Additionally, the table includes the minimum employer contributions expected during the next fiscal year. 
Expected Benefit Payments During the Fiscal Years Ending September 30:
 
2016
$
4,030

2017
3,640

2018
3,270

2019
3,820

2020
4,010

Aggregate expected benefit payments during the five fiscal year period beginning October 1, 2021, and ending September 30, 2025
$
21,690

Minimum employer contributions expected to be paid during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016
$

Effective September 30, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB ASC 715 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits” which requires an employer to recognize the funded status of its Plan in the statement of financial condition by a charge to AOCI. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015, 2014, and 2013, AOCI includes $23,063, $14,922, and $9,950, respectively, of net actuarial losses, which have not been recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs as of the measurement date (there was no transition obligation at any date).
The Company expects that $1,542 of net actuarial losses will be recognized as AOCI components of net periodic benefit cost during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

401(k) Savings PlanThe Company maintains a 401(k) savings plan that is comprised of three tiers. The first tier allows eligible employees to contribute up to 75% of their compensation to the plan, subject to limitations established by the Internal Revenue Service, with the Company matching 100% of up to 4% on funds contributed. The second tier permits the Company to make a profit-sharing contribution at its discretion. The first and second tiers cover substantially all employees who have reached age 21 and have worked 1,000 hours in one year of service. The third tier permits the Company to make discretionary contributions allocable to eligible employees including those eligible employees who are participants, but no longer receiving service credits, under the Company’s defined benefit pension plan. Voluntary contributions made by employees are vested at all times whereas Company contributions and Company matching contributions are subject to various vesting periods which range from immediately vested to fully vesting upon five years of service.
The total of the Company’s matching and discretionary contributions related to the 401(k) savings plan for the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $3,204, $2,907 and $2,972, respectively.

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Employee (Associate) Stock Ownership PlanThe Company established an ESOP for its employees effective January 1, 2006. The ESOP is a tax-qualified plan designed to invest primarily in the Company’s common stock and provides employees with an opportunity to receive a funded retirement benefit, based primarily on the value of the Company’s common stock. The ESOP covers all eligible employees of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Employees are eligible to participate in the ESOP after attainment of age 18, completion of 1,000 hours of service, and employment on the last day of the plan’s calendar year. Company contributions to the plan are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The ESOP is accounted for in accordance with the provisions for stock compensation in FASB ASC 718. Compensation expense for the ESOP is based on the market price of the Company’s stock and is recognized as shares are committed to be released to participants. The total compensation expense related to this plan in the 2015, 2014 and 2013 fiscal years was $6,617, $5,554 and $4,499, respectively.
The ESOP was authorized to purchase, and did purchase, 11,605,824 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $10 per share with a 2006 plan year cash contribution and the proceeds of a loan from the Company to the ESOP. The outstanding loan principal balance as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $69,110 and $72,644, respectively. Shares of the Company’s common stock pledged as collateral for the loan are released from the pledge for allocation to participants as loan payments are made. At September 30, 2015, 5,105,728 shares have been allocated to participants and 325,005 shares were committed to be released. Shares that are committed to be released will be allocated to participants at the end of the plan year (December 31). ESOP shares that are unallocated or not yet committed to be released totaled 6,175,091 at September 30, 2015, and had a fair market value of $106,520. Participants have the option to receive dividends on allocated shares in cash or leave the dividend in the ESOP. Dividends are reinvested in Company stock for those participants who choose to leave their dividends in the ESOP or who do not make an election. The purchase of Company stock for reinvestment of dividends is made in the open market on or about the date of the cash disbursement to the participants who opt to take dividends in cash. Dividends on unallocated shares held in the Employer Stock fund were paid to the trustee to be used to make payments on the outstanding loan obligation.
14. EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
At a special meeting of shareholders held on May 29, 2008, shareholders of the Company approved the TFS Financial Corporation 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Plan”). The Company adopted the provisions related to share-based compensation in FASB ASC 718 and FASB ASC 505, upon approval of the Equity Plan, and began to expense the fair value of all share-based compensation granted over the requisite service periods.
During the year ended September 30, 2015, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved the issuance of an additional 1,394,400 stock options and 377,100 restricted stock units to certain directors, officers and employees of the Company. The awards were made pursuant to the Equity Plan.
FASB ASC 718 requires the Company to report as a financing cash flow the benefits of realized tax deductions in excess of the deferred tax benefits previously recognized for compensation expense. The Company recorded an excess tax benefit of $1,582, $91, and $0 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The stock options have a contractual term of 10 years and vest over a one to seven year service period. The Company recognizes compensation expense for the fair values of these awards, which have installment vesting, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards.
Restricted stock units vest over a one to ten year service period. The product of the number of units granted and the grant date market price of the Company’s common stock determines the fair value of restricted stock units under the Equity Plan. The Company recognizes compensation expense for the fair value of restricted stock units on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.
During the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded $7,363, $6,862 and $6,703, respectively, of share-based compensation expense, comprised of stock option expense of $3,391, $3,195 and $3,303, respectively and restricted stock units expense of $3,972, $3,667 and $3,400, respectively. The tax benefit recognized in net income related to share-based compensation expense was $2,505, $2,342 and $2,099, respectively.

116



The following is a summary of the status of the Company’s restricted stock units as of September 30, 2015 and changes therein during the year then ended: 
 
Number of
Shares
Awarded
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Outstanding at September 30, 2014
1,352,777

 
$
10.90

     Granted
377,100

 
14.98

     Exercised
(454,768
)
 
9.32

     Forfeited
(10,484
)
 
13.12

Outstanding at September 30, 2015
1,264,625

 
$
12.67

Vested and exercisable, at September 30, 2015
438,703

 
$
11.98

Vested and expected to vest, at September 30, 2015
1,257,462

 
$
12.65

The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $14.98, $11.73 and $9.43 per share, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock units vested during the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $5,042, $2,235, and $2,921, respectively. Expected future compensation expense relating to the non-vested restricted stock units at September 30, 2015 is $4,595 over a weighted average period of 2.34 years.
The following is a summary of the Company’s stock option activity and related information for the Equity Plan for the year ended September 30, 2015: 
 
Number of
Stock Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at September 30, 2014
6,734,075

 
$
11.13

 
5.23
 
$
21,457

     Granted
1,394,400

 
$
14.91

 
 
 
 
     Exercised
(1,093,671
)
 
$
11.02

 
 
 
$
4,977

     Forfeited
(91,034
)
 
$
11.48

 
 
 
$
353

Outstanding at September 30, 2015
6,943,770

 
$
11.91

 
5.35
 
$
37,110

Vested and exercisable, at September 30, 2015
5,147,768

 
$
11.19

 
4.08
 
$
31,181

Vested or expected to vest, at September 30, 2015
6,935,006

 
$
11.90

 
5.34
 
$
37,091


The fair value of the option grants was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions.  
 
2015
 
2014
Expected dividend yield
1.88
%
 
%
Expected volatility
23.99
%
 
26.12
%
Risk-free interest rate
1.79
%
 
1.77
%
Expected option term (in years)
6.16

 
5.98

The expected dividend yield for 2015 was estimated based on the then current annualized dividend payout of $0.28 per share which was not expected to change. The expected dividend yield for 2014 was assumed to be 0% since, at the date the award was granted, no dividends had been paid since May 2010. Volatility of the company’s stock was used in the estimation of fair value. Management estimated the expected life of the options using the simplified method allowed under SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 110, which expresses the views of the SEC regarding the use of a “simplified” method, as discussed in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107. The five and seven year Treasury yield in effect at the time of the grant provides the risk-free rate of return for periods within the expected term of the options.
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $3.08, $3.39, and $2.64 per share, respectively. Expected future compensation expense relating to the non-vested options outstanding as of September 30, 2015 is $3,240 over a weighted average period of 2.68 years. Upon exercise of vested options, management expects to draw on treasury stock as the source of the shares. At September 30, 2015, the number of common

117



shares authorized for award under the Equity Plan was 23,000,000, of which 11,815,024 shares remain available for future award.
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into commitments with off-balance-sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers. 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 originate loans generally have fixed expiration dates of 60 to 360 days or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Unfunded commitments related to home equity lines of credit generally expire from 5 to 10 years following the date that the line of credit was established, subject to various conditions including compliance with payment obligation, adequacy of collateral securing the line and maintenance of a satisfactory credit profile by the borrower. Since some of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
Off-balance sheet commitments to extend credit involve elements of credit risk and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statements of condition. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the commitment is represented by the contractual amount of the commitment. The Company generally uses the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. Interest rate risk on commitments to extend credit results from the possibility that interest rates may have moved unfavorably from the position of the Company since the time the commitment was made.
At September 30, 2015, the Company had commitments to originate loans as follows: 
Fixed-rate mortgage loans
$
174,971

Adjustable-rate mortgage loans
209,017

Equity loans and lines of credit including bridge loans
31,936

Total
$
415,924


At September 30, 2015, the Company had unfunded commitments outstanding as follows: 
Equity lines of credit
$
1,197,420

Construction loans
33,788

Private equity investments
12,941

Total
$
1,244,149

At September 30, 2015, the unfunded commitment on home equity lines of credit, including commitments for accounts suspended as a result of material default or a decline in equity, is $1,358,245.
At September 30, 2015 and 2014, the Company had $0 and $4,570, respectively, in commitments to securitize and sell mortgage loans.
In management’s opinion, the above commitments will be funded through normal operations.
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal actions arising in the normal course of business.  In the opinion of management, the resolution of these legal actions is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operation, or statements of cash flows.

118



16. FAIR VALUE
Under U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and a fair value framework is established whereby assets and liabilities measured at fair value are grouped into three levels of a fair value hierarchy, based on the transparency of inputs and the reliability of assumptions used to estimate fair value. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers between levels of the hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period in which the transfer occurs. The three levels of inputs are defined as follows:
Level 1 –
 
quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 –
 
quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets with few transactions, or model-based valuation techniques using assumptions that are observable in the market.
Level 3 –
 
a company’s own assumptions about how market participants would price an asset or liability.

As permitted under the fair value guidance in U.S. GAAP, the Company elects to measure at fair value, mortgage loans classified as held for sale that are subject to pending agency contracts to securitize and sell loans. This election is expected to reduce volatility in earnings related to market fluctuations between the contract trade and settlement dates. At September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, there were $0 and $4,570 of loans held for sale, with unpaid principal balances of $0 and $4,491, subject to pending agency contracts for which the fair value option was elected. For the years ended September 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, net gain (loss) on the sale of loans includes $(111), $14 and $(113), respectively, related to changes during the period in the fair value of loans held for sale subject to pending agency contracts.
Presented below is a discussion of the methods and significant assumptions used by the Company to estimate fair value.
Investment Securities Available for SaleInvestment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. At September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, this includes $585,053 and $568,868 of investments in U.S. government and agency obligations including U.S. Treasury notes and sequentially structured, highly liquid collateralized mortgage obligations issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae. The fair values of investment securities are measured using the market approach and represent price estimates obtained from third party independent nationally recognized pricing services using pricing models or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics. They are included in Level 2 of the hierarchy. At the time of initial measurement and, subsequently, when changes in methodologies occur, management obtains and reviews documentation of pricing methodologies used by third party pricing services to verify that prices are determined in accordance with fair value guidance in U.S. GAAP and to ensure that assets are properly classified in the fair value hierarchy. Additionally, third party pricing is reviewed on a monthly basis for reasonableness based on the market knowledge and experience of company personnel that interact daily with the markets for these types of securities.
Mortgage Loans Held for SaleThe fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is estimated on an aggregate basis using a market approach based on quoted secondary market pricing for loan portfolios with similar characteristics. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value except, as described above, the Company elects the fair value measurement option for mortgage loans held for sale subject to pending agency contracts to securitize and sell loans. Loans held for sale are included in Level 2 of the hierarchy. At September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, there were $0 and $4,570 of loans held for sale measured at fair value and $116 and $392 of loans held for sale carried at cost.
Impaired LoansImpaired loans represent certain loans held for investment that are subject to a fair value measurement under U.S. GAAP because they are individually evaluated for impairment and that impairment is measured using a fair value measurement, such as the fair value of the underlying collateral. Impairment is measured using a market approach based on the fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to dispose for loans the Company considers to be collateral-dependent due to a delinquency status or other adverse condition severe enough to indicate that the borrower can no longer be relied upon as the continued source of repayment. These conditions are described more fully in Note 5. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses. Fair value of the collateral is estimated using exterior appraisals in the majority of instances. Costs to dispose, derived from historical experience and recent market conditions, are considered unobservable inputs. The range and weighted average impact of these costs on the fair value of impaired loans can be found later in this note in the table that describes quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs. The excess of the recorded investment of the loan over the fair value of the collateral less costs to dispose is considered impairment loss and is recognized by a charge to the allowance for loan losses. When no impairment loss is indicated, the carrying amount is considered to approximate the fair value of that loan to the Company because contractually that is the maximum recovery the Company can expect. The recorded investment of loans individually evaluated for impairment based on the fair value of the collateral is included in Level 3 of the hierarchy with assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

119



Loans held for investment that have been restructured in TDRs and are performing according to the restructured terms of the loan agreement are individually evaluated for impairment using the present value of future cash flows based on the loan’s effective interest rate, which is not a fair value measurement. At September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, this included $103,777 and $105,954 in recorded investment of TDRs with related allowances for loss of $14,117 and $15,787.
Real Estate OwnedReal estate owned includes real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure and is carried at the lower of the cost basis or fair value less estimated costs to dispose. Fair value is estimated under the market approach using independent third party appraisals. As these properties are actively marketed, estimated fair values may be adjusted by management to reflect current economic and market conditions. At September 30, 2015 and 2014, these adjustments were not significant to reported fair values. At September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, $15,094 and $17,970 of real estate owned is included in Level 3 of the hierarchy with assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis where the cost basis equals or exceeds the estimate of fair values less costs to dispose of these properties. Real estate owned, as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Condition, includes estimated costs to dispose of $1,756 and $1,667 related to properties measured at fair value. Also included in real estate owned are $4,154 and $5,465 of properties carried at their original or adjusted cost basis at September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

DerivativesDerivative instruments include interest rate locks on commitments to originate loans for the held for sale portfolio and forward commitments on contracts to deliver mortgage loans. Derivatives are reported at fair value in other assets or other liabilities on the Consolidated Statement of Condition with changes in value recorded in current earnings. Fair value is estimated using a market approach based on quoted secondary market pricing for loan portfolios with characteristics similar to loans underlying the derivative contracts. The fair value of interest rate lock commitments is adjusted by a closure rate based on the estimated percentage of commitments that will result in closed loans. The range and weighted average impact of the closure rate is included in quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs later in this note. A significant change in the closure rate may result in a significant change in the ending fair value measurement of these derivatives relative to their total fair value. Because the closure rate is a significantly unobservable assumption, interest rate lock commitments are included in Level 3 of the hierarchy. Forward commitments on contracts to deliver mortgage loans are included in Level 2 of the hierarchy.

Assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the Consolidated Statements of Condition at September 30, 2015 and 2014 are summarized below. There were no liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2015.
 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
September 30,
2015
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agency obligations
$
2,002

 
$

 
$
2,002

 
$

REMIC’s
572,451

 

 
572,451

 

Fannie Mae certificates
10,600

 

 
10,600

 

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments
79

 

 

 
79

Total
$
585,132

 
$

 
$
585,053

 
$
79

 

120



 
 
 
Recurring Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
September 30,
2014
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investment securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government and agency obligations
$
2,023

 
$

 
$
2,023

 
$

REMIC’s
555,607

 

 
555,607

 

Fannie Mae certificates
11,238

 

 
11,238

 

Mortgage loans held for sale
4,570

 

 
4,570

 

Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments
59

 

 

 
59

Total
$
573,497

 
$

 
$
573,438

 
$
59

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward commitments for the sale of mortgage loans
14

 

 
14

 

Total
$
14

 
$

 
$
14

 
$

The table below presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances and the location within the Consolidated Statements of Income where gains due to changes in fair value are recognized on interest rate lock commitments which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
 
Interest Rate Lock Commitments
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning balance
$
59

 
$
158

 
$
404

Gain (loss) during the period due to changes in fair value:
 
 
 
 
 
Included in other non-interest income
20

 
(99
)
 
(246
)
Ending balance
$
79

 
$
59

 
$
158

Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for
  assets held at end of the reporting date
$
79

 
$
59

 
$
158

Summarized in the tables below are those assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. This includes loans held for investment that are individually evaluated for impairment, excluding performing TDRs valued using the present value of cash flow method, and properties included in real estate owned that are carried at fair value less estimated costs to dispose at the reporting date. 
 
 
 
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
September 30,
2015
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Impaired loans, net of allowance
$
108,194

 
$

 
$

 
$
108,194

Real estate owned(1)
15,094

 

 

 
15,094

Total
$
123,288

 
$

 
$

 
$
123,288

______________________
(1) Amounts represent fair value measurements of properties before deducting estimated costs to dispose.


121



 
 
 
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
September 30,
2014
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Impaired loans, net of allowance
$
127,432

 
$

 
$

 
$
127,432

Real estate owned(1)
17,970

 

 

 
17,970

Total
$
145,402

 
$

 
$

 
$
145,402

 ______________________
(1)    Amounts represent fair value measurements of properties before deducting estimated costs to dispose. 
The following provides quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs categorized within Level 3 of the Fair Value Hierarchy.
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
9/30/2015
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
Average
Impaired loans, net of allowance
 
$108,194
 
Market comparables of collateral discounted to estimated net proceeds
 
Discount appraised value to estimated net proceeds based on historical experience:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  • Residential Properties
 
0
-
24%
 
8.0%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments
 
$79
 
Quoted Secondary Market pricing
 
Closure rate
 
0
-
100%
 
78.7%

 
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
 
9/30/2014
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
Average
Impaired loans, net of allowance
 
$127,432
 
Market comparables of collateral discounted to estimated net proceeds
 
Discount appraised value to estimated net proceeds based on historical experience:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• Residential Properties
 
0
-
24%
 
8.3%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments
 
$59
 
Quoted Secondary Market pricing
 
Closure rate
 
0
-
100%
 
76.0%


122



The following table presents the estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. 
 
September 30, 2015
 
Carrying
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Amount
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Cash and due from banks
$
22,428

 
$
22,428

 
$
22,428

 
$

 
$

  Interest earning cash equivalents
132,941

 
132,941

 
132,941

 

 

  Investment securities available for sale
585,053

 
585,053

 

 
585,053

 

  Mortgage loans held for sale
116

 
119

 

 
119

 

  Loans-net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans held for investment
11,184,115

 
11,650,701

 

 

 
11,650,701

Other loans
3,468

 
3,645

 

 

 
3,645

  Federal Home Loan Bank stock
69,470

 
69,470

 
N/A

 

 

  Private equity investments
255

 
255

 

 

 
255

  Accrued interest receivable
32,490

 
32,490

 

 
32,490

 

Derivatives
79

 
79

 

 

 
79

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  NOW and passbook accounts
$
2,605,391

 
$
2,605,391

 
$

 
$
2,605,391

 
$

  Certificates of deposit
5,680,467

 
5,634,860

 

 
5,634,860

 

  Borrowed funds
2,168,627

 
2,196,476

 

 
2,196,476

 

  Borrowers’ advances for taxes and insurance
86,292

 
86,292

 

 
86,292

 

Principal, interest and escrow owed on loans serviced
49,493

 
49,493

 

 
49,493

 


123



 
September 30, 2014
 
Carrying
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Amount
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Cash and due from banks
$
26,886

 
$
26,886

 
$
26,886

 
$

 
$

  Interest earning cash equivalents
154,517

 
154,517

 
154,517

 

 

  Investment securities available for sale

568,868

 
568,868

 

 
568,868

 

  Mortgage loans held for sale
4,962

 
4,974

 

 
4,974

 

  Loans-net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage loans held for investment
10,625,966

 
10,876,564

 

 

 
10,876,564

Other loans
4,721

 
4,894

 

 

 
4,894

  Federal Home Loan Bank stock
40,411

 
40,411

 
N/A

 

 

  Private equity investments
551

 
551

 

 

 
551

  Accrued interest receivable
31,952

 
31,952

 

 
31,952

 

  Derivatives
59

 
59

 

 

 
59

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  NOW and passbook accounts
$
2,652,246

 
$
2,652,246

 
$

 
$
2,652,246

 
$

  Certificates of deposit
6,001,632

 
5,875,499

 

 
5,875,499

 

  Borrowed funds
1,138,639

 
1,139,647

 

 
1,139,647

 

  Borrowers’ advances for taxes and insurance
76,266

 
76,266

 

 
76,266

 

Principal, interest and escrow owed on loans serviced
54,670

 
54,670

 

 
54,670

 

  Derivatives
14

 
14

 

 
14

 

Presented below is a discussion of the valuation techniques and inputs used by the Company to estimate fair value.
Cash and Due from Banks, Interest Earning Cash EquivalentsThe carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Investment and Mortgage-Backed SecuritiesEstimated fair value for investment and mortgage-backed securities is based on quoted market prices, when available. If quoted prices are not available, management will use as part of their estimation process fair values which are obtained from third party independent nationally recognized pricing services using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flows.
Mortgage Loans Held for SaleFair value of mortgage loans held for sale is based on quoted secondary market pricing for loan portfolios with similar characteristics.
LoansFor mortgage loans held for investment and other loans, fair value is estimated by discounting contractual cash flows adjusted for prepayment estimates using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining term. The use of current rates to discount cash flows reflects current market expectations with respect to credit exposure. Impaired loans are measured at the lower of cost or fair value as described earlier in this footnote.
Federal Home Loan Bank StockIt is not practical to estimate the fair value of FHLB stock due to restrictions on its transferability. The fair value is estimated to be the carrying value, which is par. All transactions in capital stock of the FHLB Cincinnati are executed at par.
Private Equity InvestmentsPrivate equity investments are initially valued based upon transaction price. The carrying value is subsequently adjusted when it is considered necessary based on current performance and market conditions. The carrying values are adjusted to reflect expected exit values. These investments are included in Other Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Condition at fair value.
DepositsThe fair value of demand deposit accounts is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using discounted cash flows and rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

124



Borrowed FundsEstimated fair value for borrowed funds is estimated using discounted cash flows and rates currently charged for borrowings of similar remaining maturities.
Accrued Interest Receivable, Borrowers’ Advances for Insurance and Taxes, and Principal, Interest and Related Escrow Owed on Loans ServicedThe carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
DerivativesFair value is estimated based on the valuation techniques and inputs described earlier in this footnote.
17. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The Company has entered into forward commitments for the sale of mortgage loans principally to protect against the risk of adverse interest rate movements on net income. The Company recognizes the fair value of the contracts when the characteristics of those contracts meet the definition of a derivative. These derivatives are not designated in a hedging relationship; therefore, gains and losses are recognized immediately in the statement of income. In addition, the Company enters into commitments to originate a portion of its loans, which when funded, are classified as held for sale. Such commitments meet the definition of a derivative and are not designated in a hedging relationship; therefore, gains and losses are recognized immediately in the statement of income. The Company had no derivatives designated as hedging instruments under FASB ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” at September 30, 2015 or 2014.

The following tables provide the locations within the Consolidated Statements of Condition and the fair values for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments.
 
Asset Derivatives
 
At September 30, 2015
 
At September 30, 2014
 
Location
 
Fair Value
 
Location
 
Fair Value
Interest rate lock commitments
Other Assets
 
$
79

 
Other Assets
 
$
59

 
Liability Derivatives
 
At September 30, 2015
 
At September 30, 2014
 
Location
 
Fair Value
 
Location
 
Fair Value
Forward commitments for the sale of mortgage loans
Other Liabilities
 
$

 
Other Liabilities
 
$
14

The following table summarizes the location and amount of the gains and losses recognized within the Consolidated Statements of Income on derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments. 
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) 
Recognized in Income
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized
in Income on Derivative
 
Year Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Interest rate lock commitments
Other non-interest income
 
$
20

 
$
(99
)
 
$
(246
)
Forward commitments for the sale of mortgage loans
Net gain (loss) on the sale of loans
 
14

 
(8
)
 
237

Total
 
 
$
34

 
$
(107
)
 
$
(9
)

125



18. PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following condensed financial statements for TFS Financial Corporation (parent company only) reflect the investments in, and transactions with, its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany activity is eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. 
 
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
Statements of Condition
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
2,099

 
$
2,099

Other loans:
 
 
 
Demand loan due from Third Federal Savings and Loan
33,651

 
155,908

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) loan receivable
69,110

 
72,644

Accrued interest receivable
120

 
1,281

Investments in:
 
 
 
Third Federal Savings and Loan
1,597,791

 
1,579,414

Non-thrift subsidiaries
78,679

 
78,347

Prepaid federal and state taxes
58

 
2,177

Deferred income taxes
3,246

 
2,985

Other assets
6,577

 
5,463

Total assets
$
1,791,331

 
$
1,900,318

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Line of credit due non-thrift subsidiary
$
58,361

 
$
57,188

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
3,600

 
3,673

Total liabilities
61,961

 
60,861

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 700,000,000 shares authorized; 332,318,750 shares issued; 290,882,379 and 301,654,581 outstanding at September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively
3,323

 
3,323

Paid-in capital
1,707,629

 
1,702,441

Treasury stock, at cost; 41,436,371 and 30,664,169 shares at September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively
(548,557
)
 
(379,109
)
Unallocated ESOP shares
(61,751
)
 
(66,084
)
Retained earnings—substantially restricted
641,791

 
589,678

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(13,065
)
 
(10,792
)
Total shareholders’ equity
1,729,370

 
1,839,457

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
1,791,331

 
$
1,900,318


126



 
Years Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
Demand loan due from Third Federal Savings and Loan
$
139

 
$
166

 
$
203

ESOP loan
2,276

 
2,388

 
2,499

Total interest income
2,415

 
2,554

 
2,702

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowed funds from non-thrift subsidiaries
253

 
168

 
116

Total interest expense
253

 
168

 
116

Net interest income
2,162

 
2,386

 
2,586

Non-interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany service charges
218

 
600

 
600

Dividend from Third Federal Savings and Loan
66,000

 
85,000

 

Total other income
66,218

 
85,600

 
600

Non-interest expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
6,216

 
5,921

 
6,015

Professional services
997

 
1,014

 
904

Office property and equipment
13

 
13

 
13

Other operating expenses
255

 
380

 
40

Total non-interest expenses
7,481

 
7,328

 
6,972

Income (loss) before income taxes
60,899

 
80,658

 
(3,786
)
Income tax benefit
(2,583
)
 
(1,870
)
 
(1,715
)
Income (loss) before undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
63,482

 
82,528

 
(2,071
)
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries (dividend in excess of earnings):
 
 
 
 
 
Third Federal Savings and Loan
8,777

 
(16,974
)
 
57,516

Non-thrift subsidiaries
332

 
337

 
514

Net income
72,591

 
65,891

 
55,959

Change in net unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale
3,018

 
1,044

 
(4,746
)
Change in pension obligation
(5,291
)
 
(3,232
)
 
2,058

Total other comprehensive (loss) income
(2,273
)
 
(2,188
)
 
(2,688
)
Total comprehensive income
$
70,318

 
$
63,703

 
$
53,271


127



 
Years Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
72,591

 
$
65,891

 
$
55,959

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
(Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries) dividend in excess of earnings:
 
 
 
 
 
Third Federal Savings and Loan
(8,777
)
 
16,974

 
(57,516
)
Non-thrift subsidiaries
(332
)
 
(337
)
 
(514
)
Deferred income taxes
(261
)
 
(491
)
 
(960
)
ESOP and Stock-based compensation expense
2,107

 
2,879

 
3,010

Net decrease (increase) in interest receivable and other assets
2,166

 
(215
)
 
(561
)
Net increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other liabilities
107

 
(193
)
 
874

Other

 

 
6

Net cash provided by operating activities
67,601

 
84,508

 
298

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from principal repayments and maturities of securities available for sale

 

 
385

Decrease (increase) in balances lent to Third Federal Savings and Loan
122,257

 
14,160

 
(5,553
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
122,257

 
14,160

 
(5,168
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Principal reduction of ESOP loan
3,534

 
3,422

 
3,315

Purchase of treasury shares
(172,546
)
 
(101,363
)
 

Dividends paid to common shareholders
(19,490
)
 
(4,886
)
 

Excess tax benefit related to stock-based compensation
1,582

 
91

 

Acquisition of treasury shares through net settlement for taxes

(4,111
)
 

 

Net increase in borrowings from non-thrift subsidiaries
1,173

 
4,068

 
1,948

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
(189,858
)
 
(98,668
)
 
5,263

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 
393

Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year
2,099

 
2,099

 
1,706

Cash and cash equivalents—end of year
$
2,099

 
$
2,099

 
$
2,099

19. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share is the amount of earnings available to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share is the amount of earnings available to each share of common stock outstanding during the reporting period adjusted to include the effect of potentially dilutive common shares. For purposes of computing earnings per share amounts, outstanding shares include shares held by the public, shares held by the ESOP that have been allocated to participants or committed to be released for allocation to participants, the 227,119,132 shares held by Third Federal Savings, MHC, and, for purposes of computing dilutive earnings per share, stock options and restricted stock units with a dilutive impact. Unvested shares awarded pursuant to the Company's restricted stock plans are treated as participating securities in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method as they contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends. The two-class method is an earnings allocation that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating security. At September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, the ESOP held 6,175,091 and 6,608,430 shares that were neither allocated to participants nor committed to be released to participants.


128



The following is a summary of the Company’s earnings per share calculations. 
 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2015
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per share
 amount
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net income
$
72,591

 
 
 
 
Less: income allocated to restricted stock units
626

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Income available to common shareholders
71,965

 
289,935,861

 
$
0.25

Diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of dilutive potential common shares
 
 
2,274,556

 
 
Income available to common shareholders
$
71,965

 
292,210,417

 
$
0.25

 
 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2014
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per share
 amount
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net income
$
65,891

 
 
 
 
Less: income allocated to restricted stock units
384

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Income available to common shareholders
65,507

 
298,974,062

 
$
0.22

Diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of dilutive potential common shares
 
 
1,582,705

 
 
Income available to common shareholders
$
65,507

 
300,556,767

 
$
0.22

 
 
For the Year Ended September 30, 2013
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Per share
 amount
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net income
$
55,959

 
 
 
 
Less: income allocated to restricted stock units
286

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Income available to common shareholders
55,673

 
301,832,758

 
$
0.18

Diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of dilutive potential common shares
 
 
914,008

 
 
Income available to common shareholders
$
55,673

 
302,746,766

 
$
0.18

The following is a summary of outstanding stock options and restricted stock units that are excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
 
For the Year Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Options to purchase shares
1,382,900

 
829,300

 
5,297,050

Restricted stock units

 

 
20,000

20. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has made loans and extensions of credit, in the ordinary course of business, to certain Directors. These loans were under normal credit terms, including interest rate and collateralization, and do not represent more than the normal risk of collection. The aggregate amount of loans to such related parties at September 30, 2015 and 2014 was $189 and $197, respectively. None of these loans were past due, considered impaired or on nonaccrual at September 30, 2015.

129



21. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Pending as of September 30, 2015
In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07 Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share. Under this amendment, investments for which fair value is measured at net value per share (or its equivalent) using the practical expedient should not be categorized in the fair value hierarchy. Entities will continue to provide information helpful to understanding the nature and risks of these investments and whether the investments, if sold, are probable of being sold at amounts different from net asset value. The amendments in this Update are effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2015-07 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810) Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. This amendment modifies the consolidation model for reporting legal entities under both the variable interest model and the voting interest model. This ASU will require all legal entities to reevaluate previous consolidation conclusions under the revised model and will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. A reporting entity may apply the ASU by using a modified retrospective approach (by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the year of adoption) or a full retrospective approach (by restating all periods presented). The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the amendments on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), affecting any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards. ASC Topic 606 does not apply to rights or obligations associated with financial instruments. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. An entity should disclose sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 which deferred the effective dates of ASU 2014-09 by one year, permitting public entities to apply this guidance to annual reporting periods and interim period within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the amendments on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-04, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40), Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure, to reduce diversity by clarifying when an in-substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, that is, when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The amendments require interim and annual disclosure of both (1) the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and (2) the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. The amendments will be adopted by the Company on October 1, 2015. The only impact of these amendments on the Company's consolidated financial statements will be an additional disclosure in the Loan and Allowance for Loan Losses footnote. The Company's timing for derecognition of the receivable and the recognition of the real estate property clarified in these amendments will not change as a result of this amendment.

Adopted in fiscal year ended September 30, 2015
FASB ASU 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects, which was issued in January 2014, permits entities to make an accounting policy election to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statements as a component of income tax expense or benefit. The company early adopted the amendments in ASC 323-740 related to investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, to utilize the proportional amortization method for a recent tax credit investment. The adoption of ASU 2014-1 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Related disclosures are included in Note 7. Income Taxes.
The Company has determined that all other recently issued accounting pronouncements will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements or do not apply to its operations.

130



22. SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
The following tables are a summary of certain quarterly financial data for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.
 
Fiscal 2015 Quarter Ended
 
December 31
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
Interest income
$
95,736

 
$
95,647

 
$
95,672

 
$
96,422

Interest expense
28,600

 
28,225

 
28,083

 
28,442

Net interest income
67,136

 
67,422

 
67,589

 
67,980

Provision for loan losses
2,000

 
1,000

 

 
(6,000
)
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
65,136

 
66,422

 
67,589

 
73,980

Non-interest income
5,953

 
5,895

 
6,126

 
6,286

Non-interest expense
45,973

 
48,829

 
47,819

 
45,371

Income before income tax
25,116

 
23,488

 
25,896

 
34,895

Income tax expense
8,472

 
7,822

 
8,638

 
11,872

Net income
$
16,644

 
$
15,666

 
$
17,258

 
$
23,023

Earnings per share—basic and diluted
$
0.06

 
$
0.05

 
$
0.06

 
$
0.08

 
 
Fiscal 2014 Quarter Ended
 
December 31
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
Interest income
$
93,019

 
$
93,345

 
$
93,756

 
$
94,564

Interest expense
25,224

 
24,311

 
25,884

 
27,832

Net interest income
67,795

 
69,034

 
67,872

 
66,732

Provision for loan losses
6,000

 
5,000

 
4,000

 
4,000

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
61,795

 
64,034

 
63,872

 
62,732

Non-interest income
5,078

 
5,534

 
5,710

 
5,578

Non-interest expense
42,859

 
44,931

 
42,849

 
44,837

Income before income tax
24,014

 
24,637

 
26,733

 
23,473

Income tax expense
7,990

 
8,252

 
9,102

 
7,622

Net income
$
16,024

 
$
16,385

 
$
17,631

 
$
15,851

Earnings per share—basic and diluted
$
0.05

 
$
0.05

 
$
0.06

 
$
0.05

Per share amounts for the full fiscal year, as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income may differ from the totals of the four fiscal quarters as presented above, due to rounding.



131



FORM 10-K EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
 
If Incorporated by Reference, Documents with
Which Exhibit was Previous Filed with SEC
 
 
 
 
 
2.1
 
TFS Financial Corporation Stock Issuance Plan, dated May 25, 2006
 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 333-139295 (filed with the SEC on December 13, 2006; Exhibit 2 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Charter of TFS Financial Corporation, dated January 16, 2007
 
Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 333-139295 (filed with the SEC on February 9, 2006; Exhibit 3.2 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of TFS Financial Corporation
 
Current Report on Form 8-K No. 001-33390 (filed with the SEC on April 28, 2008; Exhibit 3.2 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
4.1
 
Form of Common Stock Certificate of TFS Financial Corporation
 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 333-139295 (filed with the SEC on December 13, 2006; Exhibit 4 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
10.1
 
Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated January 1, 2006
 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 333-139295 (filed with the SEC on December 13, 2006; Exhibit 10.1 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
10.2
 
Financial, Retirement & Estate Planning Program as amended and restated January 1, 2006
 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 333-139295 (filed with the SEC on December 13, 2006; Exhibit 10.2 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
10.3
 
Resolution Regarding Executive Physical Program, dated May 16, 2002
 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 333-139295 (filed with the SEC on December 13, 2006; Exhibit 10.3 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
10.4
 
Company Car Program, dated February 24, 1995
 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 333-139295 (filed with the SEC on December 13, 2006; Exhibit 10.4 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
10.5
 
Executive Retirement Benefit Plan I, dated January 1, 2006
 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 333-139295 (filed with the SEC on December 13, 2006; Exhibit 10.5 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
10.6
 
Benefit Equalization Plan, dated January 1, 2005
 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 333-139295 (filed with the SEC on December 13, 2006; Exhibit 10.6 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
10.7
 
Split Dollar Agreement, dated January 29, 2002
 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 333-139295 (filed with the SEC on December 13, 2006; Exhibit 10.7 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
10.8
 
Resolution Regarding Supplemental Split Dollar Life Insurance Plan, dated August 22, 2002
 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 333-139295 (filed with the SEC on December 13, 2006; Exhibit 10.8 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
10.9
 
Amendment No. 1 to Employee Stock Ownership Plan, dated February 22, 2007
 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q No. 001-33390 (filed with the SEC on May 15, 2007; Exhibit 10.9 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
10.10
 
2008 Equity Incentive Plan
 
Current Report on Form 8-K No. 001-33390 (filed with the SEC on May 30, 2008; Exhibit 10.1 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
10.11
 
Management Incentive Compensation Plan
 
Current Report on Form 8-K No. 001-33390 (filed with the SEC on May 30, 2008; Exhibit 10.2 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
10.12
 
First Amendment to the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (August 11, 2008 award), dated August 9, 2012
 
Current Report on Form 8-K No. 001-33390 (filed with the SEC on August 9, 2012; Exhibit 10.1 therein)

132



Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
 
If Incorporated by Reference, Documents with
Which Exhibit was Previous Filed with SEC
 
 
 
 
 
10.13
 
First Amendment to the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (May 12, 2009 award), dated August 9, 2012
 
Current Report on Form 8K No. 001-33390 (filed with the SEC on August 9, 2012; Exhibit 10.2 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
10.14
 
First Amendment to the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (May 14, 2010 award), dated August 9, 2012
 
Current Report on Form 8K No. 001-33390 (filed with the SEC on August 9, 2012; Exhibit 10.3 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
14
 
Code of Ethics
 
Available on our website, www.thirdfederal.com
 
 
 
 
 
21.1
 
Subsidiaries of Registrant
 
Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 333-139295 (filed with the SEC on December 13, 2006; Exhibit 21 therein)
 
 
 
 
 
23.1
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Filed herewith
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of chief executive officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Filed herewith
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of chief financial officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Filed herewith
 
 
 
 
 
32
 
Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
Filed herewith
 
 
 
 
 
100
 
XBRL related documents
 
The following financial statements from TFS Financial Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015 filed on November 25, 2015 formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS  
 
Interactive datafile
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
Interactive datafile
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
Interactive datafile
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
Interactive datafile
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
Interactive datafile
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
Interactive datafile
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

133



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
TFS Financial Corporation
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     MARC A. STEFANSKI        
 
 
 
 
 
Marc A. Stefanski
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     MARC A. STEFANSKI        
 
 
 
 
 
Marc A. Stefanski
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     DAVID S. HUFFMAN        
 
 
 
 
 
David S. Huffman
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     PAUL J. HUML        
 
 
 
 
 
Paul J. Huml
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     ANTHONY J. ASHER        
 
 
 
 
 
Anthony J. Asher, Director
 
 
 
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     MARTIN J. COHEN        
 
 
 
 
 
Martin J. Cohen, Director
 
 
 
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     ROBERT A. FIALA        
 
 
 
 
 
Robert A. Fiala, Director
 
 
 
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     ROBERT B. HEISLER JR.        
 
 
 
 
 
Robert B. Heisler Jr., Director
 
 
 
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     WILLIAM C. MULLIGAN        
 
 
 
 
 
William C. Mulligan, Director
 
 
 
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     TERRENCE R. OZAN        
 
 
 
 
 
Terrence R. Ozan, Director
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     JOHN P. RINGENBACH       
 
 
 
 
 
John P. Ringenbach, Director
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     PAUL W. STEFANIK        
 
 
 
 
 
Paul W. Stefanik, Director
 
 
 
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     BEN S. STEFANSKI III        
 
 
 
 
 
Ben S. Stefanski III, Director
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dated:
November 25, 2015
 
 
 
/S/     MEREDITH S. WEIL
 
 
 
 
 
Meredith S. Weil, Director


134