ex99_1.htm

The Company reported a net loss of $6.5 million and loss per share of ($2.63) for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to net income of $1.6 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.62 for the prior year period. For the nine month period ended December 31, 2008, the Company reported a net loss of $5.2 million, or a loss per share of ($2.10), compared to net income of $3.5 million, or $1.36 per diluted share, for the prior year period. The net loss for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2008 primarily relates to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $6.4 million.

“Carver incurred a non-cash charge of $6.4 million reflecting impairment to goodwill attributable to the 2006 acquisition of Community Capital Bank, leading us to our first quarterly and fiscal year loss since 2001. The charge follows a required goodwill impairment assessment, conducted with the assistance of an independent valuation firm, which concluded that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeded its implied fair value. At a time when managers of most financial institutions are taking a hard look at their balance sheets, it is important that Carver recognize changes in market valuations in our industry and move forward from a baseline that acknowledges the reality of today’s economy. While we are extremely disappointed to experience any loss, our capital structure remains very strong as we and our industry continue to manage through unprecedented headwinds from the economy. While this charge flows through the Company’s income statement, it is a non-cash item which will not impact Carver’s liquidity or capital ratios. Carver remains well capitalized and is positioned to continue prudent growth during this period.

“With construction lending representing 23% of our loan portfolio, reductions in LIBOR and Prime indices of 460 and 400 basis points since December 31, 2007, respectively, reduced interest income more than 15% year over year. While deposit rates have also declined over both periods, competitive pressures have prevented commensurate reductions. Nevertheless we were pleased that our funding strategy generated a 3.4% improvement in net interest income before provision for loan losses this quarter.

“On the credit front, non-performing assets decreased from 3.46% of total assets at September 30, 2008 to 1.81% at December 31, 2008, as we substantially addressed matured credits and continued to work through delinquencies. However we increased the provision for loan losses 94% year over year to $431,000, to reflect higher risk in New York City’s current real estate and business markets and the increase in Carver’s non-performing assets over the past year.

“Finally, this quarter’s 10-Q details the events leading to a restatement of our fiscal year 2007 results, due to reconciling items identified by new procedures implemented in preparation for compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This change has resulted in fiscal 2007 earnings per share being adjusted downward to $0.81 from $1.00. Of course, our management team is disappointed by this development and has taken the appropriate corrective steps to solidify financial controls.”

Carver also announced that on February 12, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend on its common stock of ten cents ($0.10) per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The Company noted that this action reflects the Board of Directors’ continued confidence in Carver’s long-term growth and earnings outlook. The dividend will be paid on March 13, 2009 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 27, 2009.

The Company reported a net loss of $6.5 million or a per share loss of ($2.63) for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to net income of $1.6 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.62 for the prior year period. The net loss of $6.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 is the result of an increase in non-interest expense of $6.1 million, primarily due to the non-cash goodwill impairment charge, as well as an increase in the provision for loan losses of $0.2 million, offset by an increase in net interest income of $0.1 million and an increase in the income tax benefit of $0.4 million.

Interest income decreased by $1.9 million, or 15.4%, to $10.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $12.3 million for the prior year period. The decrease in interest income was primarily the result of decreases in interest income on loans of $1.6 million and interest income on investment securities of $0.3 million. This decrease reflects a decrease in the yield on interest-earning assets of 108 basis points to 5.87% for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to 6.95% for the prior year period, which is primarily the result of LIBOR and Prime based construction loans repricing at lower rates. The decrease in yield on interest earning assets was primarily the result of a 112 basis point decrease in the yield on loans as a result of LIBOR and Prime based construction loans repricing at lower rates. The decrease in interest income was also the result of a decline in the average balance of investment securities from $21.4 million in the prior year period to $6.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, as securities matured.

Interest expense decreased by $2.0 million, or 33.2%, to $4.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $6.0 million for the prior year period. The decrease in interest expense was primarily the result of decreases in interest expense on deposits of $2.1 million. The decrease in interest expense primarily reflects a 119 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 2.43% for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to 3.62% for the prior year period, and a decrease in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities of $3.6 million, or 0.54%, to $653.4 million compared to $657.0 million for the prior year period. The decrease in the yield on interest bearing liabilities was primarily the result of our decision not to renew higher relative cost certificates of deposits, which were replaced by short-term advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB-NY”).

The Company recorded a $0.4 million provision for loan losses for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to a $0.2 million provision for the prior year period. The increase reflects deterioration in the housing market and the New York City economy. The Bank’s future level of non-performing loans will be influenced by economic conditions, including the impact of those conditions on the Bank’s customers, interest rates and other factors existing at the time.

Non-interest income decreased $2.0 million, or 62.4%, to $1.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $3.2 million for the prior year period. The decrease was due primarily to a reduction of $1.6 million in other income and a $0.2 million reduction in the value of mortgage servicing rights, reported as gain (loss) on loans. The decrease in other income is primarily related to a $1.7 million fee generated by a New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) transaction in the prior year period that did not recur.

Non-interest expense increased $6.1 million, or 77.1%, to $14.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to $8.0 million for the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to a $6.4 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge as well as increases in occupancy expense of $0.3 million and FDIC insurance of $0.2 million, offset by decreases in employee compensation and benefits of $0.4 million and other expenses of $0.3 million. The reduction in employee compensation and benefits expense was the result of a reduction in the number of employees and resulting cost of employee benefit plans during the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

The income tax benefit was $0.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared to a tax benefit of $0.3 million for the prior year period. The tax benefit for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 primarily reflects a tax benefit of $0.5 million for the NMTC transaction. The Company expects to receive additional NMTC tax benefits of approximately $10.6 million from its $40.0 million investment through the period ending March 31, 2014.

Carver’s net loss for the nine month period ended December 31, 2008 was $5.2 million or a per share loss of ($2.10) compared to net income of $3.5 million for the prior year period and diluted earnings per share of $1.36 for the prior year period. The net loss of $5.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 was the result of an increase in non interest expense of $7.1 million, primarily due to the non-cash goodwill impairment charge as well as a decrease in non-interest income of $1.3 million and an increase in provision for loan losses of $0.5 million, offset by an increase in income tax benefit of $1.1 million.

For the nine month period ended December 31, 2008, interest income decreased $4.3 million, or 11.8%, to $32.1 million, compared to $36.4 million for the prior year period. The decrease in interest income was primarily the result of decreases in interest income on loans of $3.5 million and interest income on investment securities of $1.0 million, offset by an increase in interest income on mortgage-backed securities of $0.2 million. The decrease in interest income reflects a decrease in the yield on interest-earning assets of 75 basis points to 6.16% for the nine months ended December 31, 2008 compared to 6.91% for the prior year period. The decrease in yield on interest earning assets was primarily the result of an 80 basis point decrease in the yield on loans as a result of LIBOR and Prime rate based construction loans repricing at lower rates. The decrease in interest income was also the result of the decline in the average balance of investment securities from $27.0 million in the prior year period to $5.7 million for the nine month period ended December 31, 2008 due to securities that matured, offset by a $7.0 million increase in mortgage-backed securities from $37.7 million to $44.7 million.

For the nine month period ended December 31, 2008, interest expense decreased $3.7 million, or 22.0%, to $13.2 million, compared to $16.9 million for the prior year period. The decrease in interest expense resulted primarily from an 81 basis point decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 2.68%, compared to 3.49% for the prior year period, offset partially by growth in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities of $10.1 million, or 1.6%, to $654.8 million compared to $644.7 million for the prior year period.

For the nine month period ended December 31, 2008, the Bank provided a $0.8 million provision for loan losses compared to $0.2 million for the prior year period. The increase reflects deterioration in the housing market and the New York City economy. The Bank’s future level of non-performing loans will be influenced by economic conditions, including the impact of those conditions on the Bank’s customers, interest rates and other factors existing at the time.

During the nine month period ended December 31, 2008, non-interest expense increased $7.1 million, or 32.7%, to $28.7 million compared to $21.7 million for the prior year period. The increase in non-interest expense was primarily due to the $6.4 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge as well as increases of $0.6 million in occupancy and equipment expense, $0.3 in employee compensation and benefits, $0.3 million in FDIC insurance and $0.2 million in equipment expense, offset by a decrease in other expenses of $0.6 million. The reduction in other expenses was primarily related to a reduction of consulting expenses during the nine months ended December 31, 2008.

For the nine month period ended December 31, 2008, the Bank recorded a tax benefit of $1.3 million compared to income tax benefit of $0.2 million for the prior year period. The tax benefit for the nine month period ended December 31, 2008 reflects a tax benefit of $1.5 million for the NMTC investment transaction offset by tax expense of $0.2 million related to income before income taxes excluding the effect of the non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $6.4 million.

At December 31, 2008 total assets decreased $6.2 million, or 0.8%, to $789.9 million compared to $796.1 million at March 31, 2008, primarily as a result of decreases in cash and cash equivalents of $5.5 million, non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $6.4 million and other assets of $4.0 million, partially offset by increases in total net loans receivable of $3.2 million and investment securities of $7.4 million.

Total securities increased $7.4 million, or 19.5%, to $45.6 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $38.2 million at March 31, 2008, reflecting an increase of $8.6 million in available-for-sale securities and a $1.1 million decrease in held-to-maturity securities. Available-for-sale securities increased $8.6 million, or 41.1%, to $29.4 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $20.9 million at March 31, 2008, primarily due to purchases of mortgage-backed securities of $12.4 million. Held to maturity securities decreased $1.1 million, or 6.6%, to $16.2 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $17.3 million at March 31, 2008, primarily due to principal repayments and maturities of securities.

Total loans receivable, net including loans held-for-sale, increased $1.1 million, or 0.2%, to $652.7 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $651.7 million at March 31, 2008. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in commercial real estate loans of $26.7 million and an increase in commercial business loans of $3.4 million, offset by decreases in one- to four- family loans of $16.2 million and construction loans of $11.4 million.

Total liabilities decreased $0.4 million, or 0.1%, to $722.7 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $723.1 million at March 31, 2008. The decrease in total liabilities was primarily the result of a $33.1 million reduction in deposits, offset by an increase of $32.9 million in advances from the FHLB-NY and other borrowed money. The Bank made a strategic decision to allow higher cost certificates of deposit to run off and replaced them with lower cost borrowings.

Deposits decreased $33.1 million, or 5.1%, to $621.5 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $654.7 million at March 31, 2008. The decrease in deposit balances was primarily the result of decreases in certificates of deposit of $23.5 million, savings accounts of $8.8 million, money market accounts of $0.3 million and demand accounts of $1.2 million, which were partially offset by an increase of $1.9 million in NOW accounts.

Advances from the FHLB-NY and other borrowed money increased $32.9 million, or 56.1%, to $91.5 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $58.6 million at March 31, 2008. The increase in advances and other borrowed money was primarily the result of an increase of $32.9 million in FHLB-NY advances. At December 31, 2008, based on available collateral held at the FHLB-NY, the Bank had the ability to borrow from the FHLB-NY an additional $36.4 million on a secured basis.

Total stockholders’ equity decreased $5.8 million, or 10.9%, to $48.1 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $53.9 million at March 31, 2008. The decrease in total stockholders’ equity was primarily attributable to a net loss for the nine month period ended December 31, 2008 totaling $5.2 million, dividends paid of $0.7 million, partially offset by an increase of $0.1 million of accumulated other comprehensive income. The Bank’s capital levels meet regulatory requirements of a well-capitalized financial institution.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company purchased no additional shares of common stock under its stock repurchase program. As of December 31, 2008, the Company has purchased a total of 176,174 shares at an average price per share of $15.72. The number of shares yet to be repurchased is 55,461 shares. However, during the Company’s participation in the Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program (“TARP Program”), the U.S. Treasury’s prior approval is required to make further repurchases.

Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors, risks and uncertainties. More information about these factors, risks and uncertainties is contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

	December 31,			March 31,
	2008			2008
				(As Restated)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and due from banks	$	20,954		$	15,920
Federal funds sold		-			10,500
Interest earning deposits		947			948
Total cash and cash equivalents		21,901			27,368
Securities:
Available-for-sale, at fair value (including pledged as collateral of $29,397 and $20,621 at December 31 and March 31, 2008, respectively)		29,442			20,865
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (including pledged as collateral of $15,525 and $16,643 at December 31 and March 31, 2008, respectively; fair value of $15,912 and $17,167 at December 31 and March 31, 2008, respectively)		16,169			17,307
Total securities		45,611			38,172

Loans held-for-sale		21,563			23,767

Loans receivable:
Real estate mortgage loans		579,309			578,957
Commercial business loans		55,554			52,109
Consumer loans		1,793			1,728
Allowance for loan losses		(5,512	)		(4,878	)
Total loans receivable, net		631,144			627,916
Office properties and equipment, net		15,621			15,780
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost		3,117			1,625
Bank owned life insurance		9,400			9,141
Accrued interest receivable		3,645			4,063
Goodwill		-			6,370
Core deposit intangibles, net		418			532
Other assets		37,484			41,437
Total assets	$	789,904		$	796,171

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Deposits	$	621,534		$	654,663
Advances from the FHLB-New York and other borrowed money		91,524			58,625
Other liabilities		9,561			9,835
Total liabilities		722,619			723,123
Minority interest		19,150			19,150

Stockholders' equity:
Common stock (par value $0.01 per share: 10,000,000 shares authorized; 2,524,691 shares issued; 2,475,037 and 2,481,706 shares outstanding at December 31 and March 31, 2008, respectively)		25			25
Additional paid-in capital		24,188			24,113
Retained earnings		24,085			30,005
Treasury stock, at cost (49,654 and 42,985 shares at December 31 and March 31, 2008, respectively)		(760	)		(670	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		597			425
Total stockholders' equity		48,135			53,898
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	789,904		$	796,171

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	December 31,						December 31,
	2008			2007			2008			2007

Interest Income:
Loans	$	9,800		$	11,403		$	30,093		$	33,579
Mortgage-backed securities		578			518			1,742			1,494
Investment securities		39			328			209			1,183
Federal funds sold		4			68			44			109
Total interest income		10,421			12,317			32,088			36,365

Interest expense:
Deposits		3,016			5,069			10,516			13,970
Advances and other borrowed money		991			932			2,699			2,962
Total interest expense		4,007			6,001			13,215			16,932

Net interest income before provision for loan losses		6,414			6,316			18,873			19,433

Provision for loan losses		431			222			770			222
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		5,983			6,094			18,103			19,211

Non-interest income:
Depository fees and charges		732			666			2,114			1,981
Loan fees and service charges		264			327			1,070			1,218
Write-down of loans held for sale		-			-			(16	)		-
Gain on sale of securities		-			102			-			181
Gain (loss) on loans		(208	)		75			38			103
Other		407			2,008			1,309			2,284
Total non-interest income		1,195			3,178			4,515			5,767

Non-interest expense:
Employee compensation and benefits		2,968			3,413			9,998			9,731
Net occupancy expense		1,223			908			3,142			2,673
Equipment, net		794			827			2,103			1,931
Federal deposit insurance premiums		233			18			389			56
Other		2,515			2,797			6,740			7,271
Goodwill Impairment		6,370			-			6,370			-
Total non-interest expense		14,103			7,963			28,742			21,662

Income (loss) before income taxes		(6,925	)		1,309			(6,124	)		3,316
Income tax benefit		(550	)		(268	)		(1,293	)		(168	)
Minority Interest, net of income taxes		124			-			361			-
Net income (loss)	$	(6,499	)	$	1,577		$	(5,192	)	$	3,484

Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	(2.63	)	$	0.63		$	(2.10	)	$	1.40
Diluted	$	(2.63	)	$	0.62		$	(2.10	)	$	1.36

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	December 31,						December 31,
Selected Statistical Data:	2008			2007			2008			2007

Return on average assets (1)(11)	NM				0.82	%	NM				0.61	%
Return on average equity (2)(11)	NM				12.27	%	NM				8.36	%
Net interest margin (3)		3.61	%		3.59	%		3.62	%		3.71	%
Interest rate spread (4)		3.44	%		3.33	%		3.48	%		3.42	%
Efficiency ratio (5)		101.61	%		83.87	%		95.66	%		85.96	%
Operating expenses to average assets (6)		6.36	%		4.14	%		4.05	%		3.78	%
Average equity to average assets (7)		6.98	%		6.68	%		6.90	%		7.27	%

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities		1.09	x		1.08	x		1.06	x		1.09	x

Net income per share - basic	$	(2.63	)	$	0.63		$	(2.10	)	$	1.40
Net income per share - diluted	$	(2.63	)	$	0.62		$	(2.10	)	$	1.36
Average shares outstanding - basic		2,470,082			2,489,101			2,472,305			2,494,801
Average shares outstanding - diluted		2,470,082			2,549,924			2,472,305			2,564,926
Cash dividends	$	0.10		$	0.10		$	0.20		$	0.29
Dividend payout ratio (8)(11)	NM				15.85	%	NM				20.75	%

Capital Ratios:
Tier I leverage capital ratio (9)		7.71	%		7.77	%		7.71	%		7.77	%
Tier I risk-based capital ratio (9)		9.54	%		9.57	%		9.54	%		9.57	%
Total risk-based capital ratio (9)		10.40	%		10.45	%		10.40	%		10.45	%

	December 31,						December 31,
	2008			2007			2008			2007
Asset Quality Ratios:
Non performing assets to total assets (10)		1.81	%		0.52	%		1.81	%		0.52	%
Non performing loans to total loans receivable (10)		2.08	%		0.61	%		2.08	%		0.61	%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans receivable		0.84	%		0.84	%		0.84	%		0.84	%
Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans		40.19	%		137.51	%		40.19	%		137.51	%

	Three months ended December 31,
	2008							2007
	Average				Average			Average				Average
Interest Earning Assets:	Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost			Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost
	(Dollars in thousands)
Loans (1)	$	655,324	$	9,800		5.98	%	$	642,600	$	11,403		7.10	%
Mortgage-backed securities		44,636		578		5.18	%		38,317		518		5.41	%
Investment securities (2)		6,382		39		2.42	%		21,439		328		6.07	%
Federal funds sold		4,025		4		0.39	%		6,020		68		4.48	%
Total interest earning assets		710,367		10,421		5.87	%		708,376		12,317		6.95	%
Non-interest earning assets		76,436							61,406
Total assets	$	786,803						$	769,782


Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Deposits:
Now Accounts	$	25,820	$	13		0.20	%	$	26,003		58		0.88	%
Savings and clubs		118,456		145		0.49	%		129,669		282		0.86	%
Money market accounts		44,424		218		1.95	%		42,096		352		3.32	%
Certificates of deposit		359,731		2,627		2.90	%		385,035		4,364		4.50	%
Mortgagor's deposit		2,965		14		1.87	%		2,745		13		1.88	%
Total deposits		551,396		3,017		2.17	%		585,548		5,069		3.43	%
Borrowed money		101,996		991		3.85	%		71,416		932		5.18	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		653,392		4,008		2.43	%		656,964		6,001		3.62	%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand		52,442							50,117
Other Liabilities		6,869							11,276
Total liabilities		712,703							718,357
Minority Interest		19,150							-
Stockholders' equity		54,950							51,425
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	786,803						$	769,782
Net interest income			$	6,413						$	6,316

Average interest rate spread						3.44	%						3.33	%

Net interest margin						3.61	%						3.57	%

	Nine months ended December 31,
	2008							2007
	Average				Average			Average				Average
Interest Earning Assets:	Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost			Balance		Interest		Yield/Cost
	(Dollars in thousands)
Loans (1)	$	640,044	$	30,093		6.27	%	$	633,335	$	33,579		7.07	%
Mortgage-backed securities		44,705		1,742		5.20	%		37,749		1,494		5.28	%
Investment securities (2)		5,747		209		4.76	%		27,023		1,183		5.81	%
Federal funds sold		4,060		44		1.44	%		3,049		109		4.74	%
Total interest earning assets		694,556		32,088		6.16	%		701,156		36,365		6.91	%
Non-interest earning assets		94,338							63,448
Total assets	$	788,894						$	764,604


Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Deposits:
Now Accounts	$	24,460	$	49		0.27	%	$	25,303		116		0.61	%
Savings and clubs		121,904		474		0.52	%		133,296		812		0.81	%
Money market accounts		45,125		736		2.16	%		44,822		852		2.52	%
Certificates of deposit		373,143		9,218		3.28	%		362,265		12,157		4.45	%
Mortgagor's deposit		2,887		38		1.75	%		2,786		33		1.57	%
Total deposits		567,519		10,515		2.46	%		568,472		13,970		3.26	%
Borrowed money		87,261		2,699		4.11	%		76,252		2,962		5.16	%
Total interest bearing liabilities		654,780		13,214		2.68	%		644,724		16,932		3.49	%
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand		52,957							52,574
Other Liabilities		7,548							11,753
Total liabilities		715,285							709,051
Minority Interest		19,150							-
Stockholders' equity		54,459							55,553
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	788,894						$	764,604
Net interest income			$	18,874						$	19,433

Average interest rate spread						3.48	%						3.42	%

Net interest margin						3.62	%						3.70	%

Contact:	David Lilly / Joseph Kuo	Mark Ricca
	Kekst and Company	Carver Bancorp, Inc.
	(212) 521-4800	(212) 360-8820