10-K 1 form10-k.htm FLUSHING FINANCIAL CORP 10-K 12-31-2009 form10-k.htm


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

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

Commission file number 000-24272

FLUSHING FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
11-3209278
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1979 Marcus Avenue, Suite E140, Lake Success, New York 11042
(Address of principal executive offices)

(718) 961-5400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock $0.01 par value (and
associated Preferred Stock Purchase Rights)
(Title of each class)
NASDAQ Global Select Market
(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.   o Yes  T   No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.   o Yes  T   No

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.   T Yes  o  No

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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     o Yes    o No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer T
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   o Yes  T   No

As of June 30, 2009, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $192,090,000.  This figure is based on the closing price on that date on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for a share of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value, which was $9.35.

The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of February 28, 2010 was 31,152,004 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 18, 2010 are incorporated herein by reference in Part III.
 


 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
Page
     
PART I
     
Item 1.  Business.
 
1
     
GENERAL
     
Overview
 
1
Market Area and Competition
 
3
Lending Activities
 
3
Loan Portfolio Composition
 
3
Loan Maturity and Repricing
 
7
Multi-Family Residential Lending
 
7
Commercial Real Estate Lending
 
8
One-to-Four Family Mortgage Lending – Mixed-Use Properties
 
8
One-to-Four Family Mortgage Lending – Residential Properties
 
9
Construction Loans
 
10
Small Business Administration Lending
 
10
Commercial Business and Other Lending
 
10
Loan Approval Procedures and Authority
 
11
Loan Concentrations
 
11
Loan Servicing
 
11
Asset Quality
 
11
Loan Collection
 
11
Delinquent Loans and Non-performing Assets
 
12
Real Estate Owned
 
14
Investment Securities
 
14
Environmental Concerns Relating to Loans
 
14
Classified Assets
 
15
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
16
Investment Activities
 
20
General
 
20
Mortgage-backed securities
 
21
Sources of Funds
 
24
General
 
24
Deposits
 
24
Borrowings
 
28
Subsidiary Activities
 
29
Personnel
 
30
Omnibus Incentive Plan
 
30
     
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL TAXATION
     
Federal Taxation
 
30
General
 
30
Bad Debt Reserves
 
30
Distributions
 
30
Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax
 
31
State and Local Taxation
 
31
New York State and New York City Taxation
 
31
Delaware State Taxation
 
31

 
i

 

REGULATION
     
General
 
31
Holding Company Regulation
 
32
Investment Powers
 
33
Real Estate Lending Standards
 
33
Loans-to-One Borrower Limits
 
33
Insurance of Accounts
 
34
Qualified Thrift Lender Test
 
35
Transactions with Affiliates
 
36
Restrictions on Dividends and Capital Distributions
 
36
Federal Home Loan Bank System
 
36
Assessments
 
37
Branching
 
37
Community Reinvestment
 
37
Brokered Deposits
 
37
Capital Requirements
 
37
General
 
37
Tangible Capital Requirement
 
38
Leverage and Core Capital Requirement
 
38
Risk-Based Requirement
 
38
Federal Reserve System
 
38
Financial Reporting
 
39
Standards for Safety and Soundness
 
39
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
 
39
USA Patriot Act
 
40
Prompt Corrective Action
 
40
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
 
40
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
 
42
Helping Families Save Their Homes Act
 
43
Federal Securities Laws
 
43
Available Information
 
43
Item 1A.  Risk Factors
 
43
Changes in Interest Rates May Significantly Impact Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
44
Our Lending Activities Involve Risks that May Be Exacerbated Depending on the Mix of Loan Types
 
44
The Markets in Which We Operate Are Highly Competitive
 
44
Our Results of Operations May Be Adversely Affected by Changes in National and/or Local Economic Conditions
 
45
Changes in Laws and Regulations Could Adversely Affect Our Business
 
45
Current Conditions in, and Regulation of, the Banking Industry May Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Results of Operations
 
46
Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions May Increase the Costs to or Discourage an Acquirer
 
47
We May Not Be Able to Successfully Implement Our New Commercial Business Banking Initiative
 
47
The FDIC’s Recently Adopted Restoration Plan and the Related Increased Assessment Rate Schedule May Have a Material Effect on Our Results of Operations
 
47
The Potential Adoption of Significant Aspects of the Obama Administration Reform Plan May Have a Material Effect on Our Operations
 
48

 
ii

 

We May Need to Recognize Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Charges in the Future
 
48
We May Not Pay Dividends on Our Common Stock.
 
48
There Can Be No Assurance That The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and Other Recently Enacted Government Programs Will Help Stabilize the U.S. Financial System
 
48
Goodwill Recorded as a Result of Acquisitions Could Become Impaired, Negatively Impacting Our Earnings and Capital
 
48
We May Not Fully Realize the Expected Benefit of Our Deferred Tax Assets
 
49
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments
 
49
Item 2.     Properties
 
49
Item 3.     Legal Proceedings
 
49
Item 4.     Reserved
 
49
     
PART II
     
Item 5.     Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
49
Item 6.     Selected Financial Data
 
52
Item 7.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
54
General
 
54
Overview
 
55
Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
 
59
Interests Rate Risk
 
61
Analysis of Net Interest Income
 
61
Rate/Volume Analysis
 
63
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
 
63
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007
 
65
Liquidity, Regulatory Capital and Capital Resources
 
67
Participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program
 
69
Common Stock Offering
 
69
Redemption of Preferred Stock
 
69
Critical Accounting Policies
 
69
Contractual Obligations
 
71
New Authoritative Accounting Pronouncements
 
72
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
74
Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
75
Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
124
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures
 
124
Item 9B.  Other Information
 
125
     
PART III
     
Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
 
125
Item 11.  Executive Compensation
 
125
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
125
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
125
Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services
 
125
     

 
iii

 

PART IV
     
Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
 
126
(a)  1.  Financial Statements
 
126
(a)  2.  Financial Statement Schedules
 
126
(a)  3.  Exhibits Required by Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K
 
127
 
SIGNATURES
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY

 
iv

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Annual Report”) relating to plans, strategies, economic performance and trends, projections of results of specific activities or investments and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, factors discussed under the captions “Business — General — Allowance for Loan Losses” and “Business — General — Market Area and Competition” in Item 1 below, “Risk Factors” in Item 1A below, in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Overview” in Item 7 below, and elsewhere in this Annual Report and in other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Forward-looking statements may be identified by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “forecasts,” “potential” or “continue” or similar terms or the negative of these terms. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.  We have no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

PART I

As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the words “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” are used to refer to Flushing Financial Corporation and our consolidated subsidiaries, including Flushing Savings Bank, FSB (the “Savings Bank”) and Flushing Commercial Bank (the “Commercial Bank” and together with the Savings Bank, the “Banks”).

Item 1.              Business.

GENERAL

Overview

We are a Delaware corporation organized in May 1994 at the direction of the Savings Bank. The Savings Bank was organized in 1929 as a New York State chartered mutual savings bank. In 1994, the Savings Bank converted to a federally chartered mutual savings bank and changed its name from Flushing Savings Bank to Flushing Savings Bank, FSB. The Savings Bank converted from a federally chartered mutual savings bank to a federally chartered stock savings bank on November 21, 1995, at which time Flushing Financial Corporation acquired all of the stock of the Savings Bank. The primary business of Flushing Financial Corporation at this time is the operation of its wholly owned subsidiary, the Savings Bank. The Savings Bank owns four subsidiaries: Flushing Commercial Bank, Flushing Preferred Funding Corporation, Flushing Service Corporation, and FSB Properties Inc. In November, 2006, the Savings Bank launched an internet branch, iGObanking.com®. The activities of Flushing Financial Corporation are primarily funded by dividends, if any, received from the Savings Bank, issuances of junior subordinated debt, and issuances of equity securities. Flushing Financial Corporation’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FFIC.”

Flushing Financial Corporation also owns Flushing Financial Capital Trust II, Flushing Financial Capital Trust III, and Flushing Financial Capital Trust IV (the “Trusts”), which are special purpose business trusts formed during 2007 to issue  a total of $60.0 million of capital securities and $1.9 million of common securities (which are the only voting securities). Flushing Financial Corporation owns 100% of the common securities of the Trusts. The Trusts used the proceeds from the issuance of these securities to purchase junior subordinated debentures from Flushing Financial Corporation. The Trusts are not included in our consolidated financial statements as we would not absorb the losses of the Trusts if losses were to occur. Flushing Financial Corporation previously owned Flushing Financial Capital Trust I (“Trust I”), which was a special purpose business trust formed in 2002 similar to the Trusts discussed above. Trust I called its outstanding capital securities during July 2007, and was then liquidated.

Unless otherwise disclosed, the information presented in this Annual Report reflects the financial condition and results of operations of Flushing Financial Corporation, the Savings Bank and the Savings Bank’s subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (collectively, the “Company”). Management views the Company as operating a single unit – a community savings bank.  Therefore, segment information is not provided. At December 31, 2009, the Company had total assets of $4.1 billion, deposits of $2.7 billion and stockholders’ equity of $360.1 million.

Our principal business is attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing those deposits together with funds generated from ongoing operations and borrowings, primarily in (1) originations and purchases of one-to-four

 
1

 

family (focusing on mixed-use properties, which are properties that contain both residential dwelling units and commercial units), multi-family residential and commercial real estate mortgage loans; (2) construction loans, primarily for residential properties; (3) Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans and other small business loans;  (4) mortgage loan surrogates such as mortgage-backed securities; and (5) U.S. government securities, corporate fixed-income securities and other marketable securities. We also originate certain other consumer loans including passbook loans and overdraft lines of credit. Our revenues are derived principally from interest on our mortgage and other loans and mortgage-backed securities portfolio, and interest and dividends on other investments in our securities portfolio.  Our primary sources of funds are deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB-NY”) borrowings, repurchase agreements, principal and interest payments on loans, mortgage-backed and other securities, proceeds from sales of securities and, to a lesser extent, proceeds from sales of loans. As a federal savings bank, the Savings Bank’s primary regulator is the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”). Deposits are insured to the maximum allowable amount by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Additionally, the Banks are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) system.

We also hold a note evidencing a loan that we made to an employee benefit trust we established for the purpose of holding shares for allocation or distribution under certain employee benefit plans of the Company (the “Employee Benefit Trust”). The funds provided by this loan enabled the Employee Benefit Trust to acquire 2,328,750 shares, or 8%, of the common stock issued in our initial public offering.

During 2006, the Savings Bank established a business banking unit. Our business plan includes a transition from a traditional thrift to a more “commercial-like” banking institution by focusing on the development of a full complement of commercial business deposit, loan and cash management products.

On November 27, 2006, the Savings Bank launched an internet branch, iGObanking.com®, as a new division which provides us access to markets outside our geographic locations.  Accounts can be opened online at www.iGObanking.com or by mail.

During 2007, the Savings Bank formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Flushing Commercial Bank, a New York State chartered commercial bank, for the limited purpose of providing banking services to public entities including counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, libraries, fire districts and the various courts throughout the New York metropolitan area. The Commercial Bank was formed in response to New York State law, which requires that municipal deposits and state funds must be deposited into a bank or trust company as defined in New York State law. The Savings Bank is not considered an eligible bank or trust company for this purpose.

On December 19, 2008 we entered into a Letter Agreement (including the Securities Purchase Agreement – Standard Terms incorporated by reference therein, the “Purchase Agreement”) with the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”) pursuant to which we issued and sold to the U.S. Treasury (i) 70,000 shares of the our Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series B having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), and (ii) a ten-year warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase up to 751,611 shares of the our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at an initial price of $13.97 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $70.0 million in cash. The Series B Preferred Stock qualified as Tier I capital under the risk-based capital guidelines of the OTS (“Tier 1 Capital”) and paid cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum. Dividends were payable on the Series B Preferred Stock quarterly and were payable on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The Series B Preferred Stock had no maturity date and ranked senior to the Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation and winding up of the Company. The Warrant would have expired ten years from the issuance date and was immediately exercisable and transferable. The Purchase Agreement contained limitations on the payment of dividends on and the repurchase of the Common Stock and certain preferred stock.  The Purchase Agreement also required that, until such time as the U.S. Treasury ceased to own any securities acquired from us thereunder, we take all necessary action to ensure that benefit plans with respect to senior executive officers complied with Section 111(b) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) as implemented by any guidance or regulation under Section 111(b) of EESA that has been issued and was in effect as of the date of issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrant and not adopt any benefit plans with respect to, or which cover, senior executive officers that do not comply with EESA. Our senior executive officers consented to the foregoing. During 2009, we issued, in a public offering, 9.3 million common shares for total consideration, after expenses, of $101.5 million. This public offering was a Qualified Equity Offering as defined in the Warrant. As a result of this Qualified Equity Offering, the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrant was reduced by one-half. On October 28, 2009, we redeemed the Series B Preferred Stock for $70.0 million plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. On December 30, 2009, we repurchased the Warrant for $0.9 million.

 
2

 

Market Area and Competition

We are a community oriented savings institution offering a wide variety of financial services to meet the needs of the communities we serve.  Our main office is in Flushing, New York, located in the Borough of Queens.  At December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank operated out of 15 full-service offices, located in the New York City Boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, and in Nassau County, New York, and the Commercial Bank operated out of three offices, one in Brooklyn and two in Nassau County, New York, it shares with the Savings Bank. We also operate an internet branch, iGObanking.com®. We maintain our executive offices in Lake Success in Nassau County, New York. Substantially all of our mortgage loans are secured by properties located in the New York City metropolitan area.

We face intense competition both in making loans and in attracting deposits. Our market area has a high density of financial institutions, many of which have greater financial resources, name recognition and market presence, and all of which are competitors to varying degrees. Particularly intense competition exists for deposits and in all of the lending activities we emphasize. The internet banking arena also has many larger financial institutions which have greater financial resources, name recognition and market presence. Our future earnings prospects will be affected by our ability to compete effectively with other financial institutions and to implement our business strategies. See “Risk Factors – The Markets in Which We Operate Are Highly Competitive” included in Item 1A of this Annual Report.

For a discussion of our business strategies, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Overview — Management Strategy” included in Item 7 of this Annual Report.

Lending Activities

Loan Portfolio Composition.  Our loan portfolio consists primarily of mortgage loans secured by multi-family residential, commercial real estate, one-to-four family mixed-use property, one-to-four family residential property, and construction loans. In addition, we also offer SBA loans, other small business loans and consumer loans. Substantially all of our mortgage loans are secured by properties located within our market area. At December 31, 2009, we had gross loans outstanding of $3,203.4 million (before the allowance for loan losses and net deferred costs).

In recent years, we have focused on the origination of multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans. These loans generally have higher yields than one-to-four family residential properties, and include prepayment penalties that we collect if the loans pay in full prior to the contractual maturity. We expect to continue this emphasis on multi-family residential mortgage loans through marketing and by maintaining competitive interest rates and origination fees. Our marketing efforts include frequent contacts with mortgage brokers and other professionals who serve as referral sources. From time-to-time, we may purchase loans from mortgage bankers and other financial institutions. Loans purchased comply with our underwriting standards. During 2009, we reduced our emphasis on commercial real estate, one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans, and construction loans. We expect to continue to reduce our originations of commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans, and construction loans, in the near term.

Fully underwritten one-to-four family residential mortgage loans generally are considered by the banking industry to have less risk than other types of loans. Multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans generally have higher yields than one-to-four family residential property mortgage loans and shorter terms to maturity, but typically involve higher principal amounts and may expose the lender to a greater risk of credit loss than one-to-four family residential property mortgage loans. Our increased emphasis on multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans during the past several years has increased the overall level of credit risk inherent in our loan portfolio. The greater risk associated with multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans could require us to increase our provisions for loan losses and to maintain an allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans in excess of the allowance we currently maintain. We continually review the composition of our mortgage loan portfolio to manage the risk in the portfolio. As a result of this ongoing review, during 2009 we reduced our reliance on commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans, and tightened our conservative underwriting standards to further reduce the risk associated with these loans. To date, we have not experienced significant losses in our multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loan portfolios.

Our mortgage loan portfolio consists of adjustable rate mortgage (“ARM”) loans and fixed-rate mortgage loans. Interest rates we charge on loans are affected primarily by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes, the rate offered by our competitors and the creditworthiness of the borrower. Many of those factors

 
3

 

are, in turn, affected by regional and national economic conditions, and the fiscal, monetary and tax policies of the federal, state and local governments.

In general, consumers show a preference for ARM loans in periods of high interest rates and for fixed-rate loans when interest rates are low. In periods of declining interest rates, we may experience refinancing activity in ARM loans, as borrowers show a preference to lock-in the lower rates available on fixed-rate loans. In the case of ARM loans we originated, volume and adjustment periods are affected by the interest rates and other market factors as discussed above as well as consumer preferences. We have not in the past, nor do we currently, originate ARM loans that provide for negative amortization.

In recent years, we had grown our construction loan portfolio. During 2007, we began to deemphasize construction loans, as originations of new construction loans declined. We continued to deemphasize construction loans in 2009 and 2008 as we further reduced originations and reduced the balance in the construction loan portfolio.  We intend to continue to deemphasize construction loans in the near term. We obtain a first lien position on the underlying collateral, and generally obtain personal guarantees on construction loans. These loans generally have a term of two years or less. Construction loans involve a greater degree of risk than other loans because, among other things, the underwriting of such loans is based on an estimated value of the developed property, which can be difficult to ascertain in light of uncertainties inherent in such estimations.  In addition, construction lending entails the risk that the project may not be completed due to cost overruns or changes in market conditions. The greater risk associated with construction loans could require us to increase our provision for loan losses, and to maintain an allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans in excess of the allowance we currently maintain. To date, we have not incurred significant losses in our construction loan portfolio.

The business banking unit was formed in 2006 to focus on loans to businesses located within our market area. These loans are generally personally guaranteed by the owners, and may be secured by the assets of the business. The interest rate on these loans is generally an adjustable rate based on a published index, usually the prime rate. These loans, while providing us a higher rate of return, also present a higher level of risk. The greater risk associated with business loans could require us to increase our provision for loan losses, and to maintain an allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans in excess of the allowance we currently maintain. To date, we have not incurred significant losses in our business loan portfolio.

Our lending activities are subject to federal and state laws and regulations. See “— Regulation.”

 
4

 

The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio at the dates indicated.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
         
Percent
         
Percent
         
Percent
         
Percent
         
Percent
 
   
Amount
   
of Total
   
Amount
   
of Total
   
Amount
   
of Total
   
Amount
   
of Total
   
Amount
   
of Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Mortgage Loans:
                                                           
Multi-family residential
  $ 1,158,700       36.18 %   $ 999,185       33.81 %   $ 964,455       35.79 %   $ 870,912       37.52 %   $ 788,071       41.92 %
Commercial real estate
    790,099       24.66       752,120       25.46       625,843       23.23       519,552       22.38       399,081       21.23  
One-to-four family -mixed-use property
    744,560       23.24       751,952       25.45       686,921       25.49       588,092       25.33       477,775       25.42  
One-to-four family -residential (1)
    249,920       7.80       238,711       8.08       161,666       6.01       161,889       6.98       134,641       7.17  
Co-operative apartment (2)
    6,553       0.20       6,566       0.22       7,070       0.26       8,059       0.35       2,161       0.11  
Construction
    97,270       3.04       103,626       3.51       119,745       4.44       104,488       4.50       49,522       2.63  
                                                                                 
Gross mortgage loans
    3,047,102       95.12       2,852,160       96.53       2,565,700       95.22       2,252,992       97.06       1,851,251       98.48  
                                                                                 
Non-mortgage loans:
                                                                               
Small Business Administration
    17,496       0.55       19,671       0.67       18,922       0.70       17,521       0.75       9,239       0.49  
Taxi medallion
    61,424       1.92       12,979       0.44       68,250       2.53       37,450       1.61       13,568       0.72  
Commercial business and other
    77,351       2.41       69,759       2.36       41,796       1.55       13,449       0.58       5,794       0.31  
                                                                                 
Gross non-mortgage loans
    156,271       4.88       102,409       3.47       128,968       4.78       68,420       2.94       28,601       1.52  
                                                                                 
Gross loans
    3,203,373       100.00 %     2,954,569       100.00 %     2,694,668       100.00 %     2,321,412       100.00 %     1,879,852       100.00 %
                                                                                 
Unearned loan fees and deferred costs, net
    17,110               17,121               14,083               10,393               8,409          
                                                                                 
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (20,324 )             (11,028 )             (6,633 )             (7,057 )             (6,385 )        
Loans, net
  $ 3,200,159             $ 2,960,662             $ 2,702,118             $ 2,324,748             $ 1,881,876          


(1)
One-to-four family residential mortgage loans also include home equity and condominium loans.  At December 31, 2009, gross home equity loans totaled $71.7 million and condominium loans totaled $26.9 million.
(2)
Consists of loans secured by shares representing interests in individual co-operative units that are generally owner occupied.

 
5

 

The following table sets forth our loan originations (including the net effect of refinancing) and the changes in our portfolio of loans, including purchases, sales and principal reductions for the years indicated:

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
       
Mortgage Loans
                 
                   
At beginning of year
  $ 2,852,160     $ 2,565,700     $ 2,252,992  
                         
Mortgage loans originated:
                       
Multi-family residential
    212,274       153,023       222,625  
Commercial real estate
    76,334       179,857       165,440  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    33,053       118,270       159,331  
One-to-four family residential
    54,669       57,292       36,397  
Co-operative apartment
    534       800       828  
Construction
    18,263       30,673       54,151  
Total mortgage loans originated
    395,127       539,915       638,772  
                         
Mortgage loans purchased:
                       
Multi-family residential
    -       -       8,717  
Commercial real estate
    2,917       2,500       2,902  
One-to-four family residential
    -       62,330       -  
                         
Total mortgage loans purchased
    2,917       64,830       11,619  
                         
Less:
                       
Principal reductions
    189,062       304,049       284,608  
Mortgage loan sales
    6,233       13,641       53,075  
Charge-offs
    5,387       470       -  
Mortgage loan foreclosures
    2,420       125       -  
                         
At end of year
  $ 3,047,102     $ 2,852,160     $ 2,565,700  
                         
Non-mortgage loans
                       
                         
At beginning of year
  $ 102,409     $ 128,968     $ 68,420  
                         
Loans originated:
                       
Small Business Administration
    4,457       9,880       12,840  
Taxi Medallion
    20,702       7,101       50,434  
Commercial business
    32,384       42,833       41,806  
Other
    4,656       2,618       1,953  
Total other loans originated
    62,199       62,432       107,033  
                         
                         
Non-mortgage loans purchased:
                       
Small Business Administration
    -       423       -  
Taxi Medallion
    40,347       -       -  
                         
Less:
                       
Sales of Small Business Administration loans
    2,005       2,988       4,925  
Principal reductions
    41,887       85,644       41,094  
Charge-offs
    4,792       782       466  
                         
At end of year
  $ 156,271     $ 102,409     $ 128,968  

 
6

 

Loan Maturity and Repricing. The following table shows the maturity of our commercial mortgage loan, construction loan and non-mortgage loan portfolios at December 31, 2009.  Scheduled repayments are shown in the maturity category in which the payments become due.

   
Commercial
                     
Commercial
       
   
Mortgage
                     
Business and
       
(In thousands)
 
Loans
   
Construction
   
SBA
   
Taxi Medallion
   
Other
   
Total
 
                                     
Amounts due within one year
  $ 92,150     $ 18,960     $ 3,836     $ 39,056     $ 56,635     $ 210,637  
Amounts due after one year:
                                               
One to two years
    74,738       78,310       3,371       16,032       9,518       181,969  
Two to three years
    73,353       -       3,006       6,244       5,355       87,958  
Three to five years
    144,965       -       3,363       92       4,465       152,885  
Over five years
    404,893       -       3,920               1,378       410,191  
Total due after one year
    697,949       78,310       13,660       22,368       20,716       833,003  
Total amounts due
  $ 790,099     $ 97,270     $ 17,496     $ 61,424     $ 77,351     $ 1,043,640  
                                                 
Sensitivity of loans to changes in interest rates - loans due after one year:
                                               
Fixed rate loans
  $ 134,847     $ 37,246     $ 310     $ 22,368     $ 8,238     $ 203,009  
Adjustable rate loans
    563,102       41,064       13,350       -       12,478       629,994  
Total loans due after one year
  $ 697,949     $ 78,310     $ 13,660     $ 22,368     $ 20,716     $ 833,003  

Multi-Family Residential Lending.  Loans secured by multi-family residential properties were $1,158.7 million, or 36.18% of gross loans, at December 31, 2009. Our multi-family residential mortgage loans had an average principal balance of $509,000 at December 31, 2009, and the largest multi-family residential mortgage loan held in our portfolio had a principal balance of $7.5 million.  We offer both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate multi-family residential mortgage loans, with maturities of up to 30 years.

In underwriting multi-family residential mortgage loans, we review the expected net operating income generated by the real estate collateral securing the loan, the age and condition of the collateral, the financial resources and income level of the borrower and the borrower’s experience in owning or managing similar properties. We typically require debt service coverage of at least 125% of the monthly loan payment.  During 2008, we increased the required debt service coverage ratio for multi-family residential loans with ten units or less. We generally originate these loans up to only 75% of the appraised value or the purchase price of the property, whichever is less. Any loan with a final loan-to-value ratio in excess of 75% must be approved by the Board of Directors, its Loan Committee or its Executive Committee as an exception to policy. We generally rely on the income generated by the property as the primary means by which the loan is repaid. However, personal guarantees may be obtained for additional security from these borrowers. We typically order an environmental report on our multi-family and commercial real estate loans.

Loans secured by multi-family residential property generally involve a greater degree of risk than residential mortgage loans and carry larger loan balances.  The increased credit risk is a result of several factors, including the concentration of principal in a smaller number of loans and borrowers, the effects of general economic conditions on income producing properties and the increased difficulty in evaluating and monitoring these types of loans. Furthermore, the repayment of loans secured by multi-family residential property is typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related property.  If the cash flow from the property is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired.  Loans secured by multi-family residential property also may involve a greater degree of environmental risk. We seek to protect against this risk through obtaining an environmental report.  See “—Asset Quality — Environmental Concerns Relating to Loans.”

At December 31, 2009, $923.9 million, or 79.74%, of our multi-family mortgage loans consisted of ARM loans. We offer ARM loans with adjustment periods typically of five years and for terms of up to 30 years.  Interest rates on ARM loans currently offered by us are adjusted at the beginning of each adjustment period based upon a fixed spread above the FHLB-NY corresponding Regular Advance Rate. From time to time, we may originate ARM loans at an initial rate lower than the index as a result of a discount on the spread for the initial adjustment period.  Multi-family adjustable-rate mortgage loans generally are not subject to limitations on interest rate increases either on an adjustment period or aggregate basis over the life of the loan. We originated and purchased multi-family ARM loans totaling $183.8 million, $116.4 million and $159.3 million during 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 
7

 

At December 31, 2009, $234.9 million, or 20.26%, of our multi-family mortgage loans consisted of fixed rate loans. Our fixed-rate multi-family mortgage loans are generally originated for terms up to 15 years and are competitively priced based on market conditions and our cost of funds. We originated and purchased $28.5 million, $36.6 million and $72.1 million of fixed-rate multi-family mortgage loans in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 Commercial Real Estate Lending.  Loans secured by commercial real estate were $790.1 million, or 24.66% of gross loans, at December 31, 2009. Our commercial real estate mortgage loans are secured by improved properties such as office buildings, hotels/motels, nursing homes, small business facilities, strip shopping centers, warehouses, and, to a lesser extent, religious facilities. At December 31, 2009, our commercial real estate mortgage loans had an average principal balance of $808,000, and the largest of such loans, which was secured by a multi-tenant shopping center, had a principal balance of $11.1 million. Commercial real estate mortgage loans are generally originated in a range of $100,000 to $6.0 million.

In underwriting commercial real estate mortgage loans, we employ the same underwriting standards and procedures as are employed in underwriting multi-family residential mortgage loans.

Commercial real estate mortgage loans generally carry larger loan balances than one-to-four family residential mortgage loans and involve a greater degree of credit risk for the same reasons applicable to multi-family loans.

At December 31, 2009, $652.8 million, or 82.62%, of our commercial mortgage loans consisted of ARM loans. We offer ARM loans with adjustment periods of one to five years and generally for terms of up to 15 years.  Interest rates on ARM loans currently offered by us are adjusted at the beginning of each adjustment period based upon a fixed spread above the FHLB-NY corresponding Regular Advance Rate.  From time to time, we may originate ARM loans at an initial rate lower than the index as a result of a discount on the spread for the initial adjustment period.  Commercial adjustable-rate mortgage loans generally are not subject to limitations on interest rate increases either on an adjustment period or aggregate basis over the life of the loan. We originated and purchased commercial ARM loans totaling $76.0 million, $125.1 million and $140.0 million during 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

At December 31, 2009, $137.3 million, or 17.38%, of our commercial mortgage loans consisted of fixed-rate loans. Our fixed-rate commercial mortgage loans are generally originated for terms up to 20 years and are competitively priced based on market conditions and our cost of funds. We originated and purchased $3.2 million, $57.3 million and $28.4 million of fixed-rate commercial mortgage loans in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 One-to-Four Family Mortgage Lending – Mixed-Use Properties.  We offer mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family mixed-use properties. These properties contain up to four residential dwelling units and a commercial unit. We offer both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans with maturities of up to 30 years and a general maximum loan amount of $1,000,000.  Loan originations primarily result from applications received from mortgage brokers and mortgage bankers, existing or past customers, and persons who respond to our marketing efforts and referrals. One-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans were $744.6 million, or 23.24% of gross loans, at December 31, 2009.

During the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, we focused our origination efforts with respect to one-to-four family mortgage loans on mixed-use properties. The primary income-producing units of these properties are the residential dwelling units. One-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans generally have a higher interest rate than residential mortgage loans. One-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans also have a higher degree of risk than residential mortgage loans, as repayment of the loan is usually dependent on the income produced from renting the residential units and the commercial unit. At December 31, 2009, one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans amounted to $744.6 million, as compared to $752.0 million at December 31, 2008, $686.9 million at December 31, 2007, and $588.1 million at December 31, 2006, representing an increase of $156.5 million during the three-year period.

In underwriting one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans, we employ the same underwriting standards as are employed in underwriting multi-family residential mortgage loans.

At December 31, 2009, $574.9 million, or 77.21%, of our one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans consisted of ARM loans. We offer adjustable-rate one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans with adjustment periods typically of five years and for terms of up to 30 years.  Interest rates on ARM loans currently offered by the Bank are adjusted at the beginning of each adjustment period based upon a fixed spread above the FHLB-NY corresponding Regular Advance Rate. From time to time, we may originate ARM loans at an initial rate lower than the index as a result of a discount on the spread for the initial adjustment period. One-to-four family mixed-use property adjustable-rate mortgage loans generally are not subject to limitations on interest rate increases either on an adjustment period or aggregate basis over the life of the loan. We originated and purchased one-to-four family mixed-use property ARM loans totaling $23.7 million, $96.6 million and $125.7 million during 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 
8

 

At December 31, 2009, $169.7 million, or 22.79%, of our one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans consisted of fixed-rate loans. Our fixed-rate one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans are originated for terms of up to 30 years and are competitively priced based on market conditions and the Banks’ cost of funds. We originated and purchased $9.4 million, $21.7 million and $33.7 million of fixed-rate one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 One-to-Four Family Mortgage Lending – Residential Properties.  We offer mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family residential properties, including townhouses and condominium units. For purposes of the description contained in this section, one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, co-operative apartment loans and home equity loans are collectively referred to herein as “residential mortgage loans.” We offer both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans with maturities of up to 30 years and a general maximum loan amount of $1,000,000. Loan originations generally result from applications received from mortgage brokers and mortgage bankers, existing or past customers, and referrals. Residential mortgage loans were $256.5 million, or 8.00% of gross loans, at December 31, 2009.

We generally originate residential mortgage loans in amounts up to 80% of the appraised value or the sale price, whichever is less.  We may make residential mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios of up to 90% of the appraised value of the mortgaged property; however, private mortgage insurance is required whenever loan-to-value ratios exceed 80% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan.

In addition to income verified loans, we have originated residential mortgage loans to self-employed individuals within our local community based on stated income and verifiable assets that allows us to assess repayment ability, provided that the borrower’s stated income is considered reasonable for the borrower’s type of business. These loans involve a higher degree of risk as compared to our other fully underwritten residential mortgage loans as there is a greater opportunity for self-employed borrowers to falsify or overstate their level of income and ability to service indebtedness.  This risk is mitigated by our policy to limit the amount of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans to 80% of the appraised value of the property or the sale price, whichever is less. We believe that our willingness to make such loans was an aspect of our commitment to be a community-oriented bank. We originated and purchased $14.6 million, $9.8 million and $2.4 million of these first mortgage loans during 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We also extended $6.9 million, $34.4 million and $43.0 million in home equity lines of credit during 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively with various levels of income verification.

At December 31, 2009, $160.6 million, or 62.61%, of our residential mortgage loans consisted of ARM loans. We offer ARM loans with adjustment periods of one, three, five, seven or ten years. Interest rates on ARM loans currently offered by us are adjusted at the beginning of each adjustment period based upon a fixed spread above the FHLB-NY corresponding Regular Advance Rate. From time to time, we may originate ARM loans at an initial rate lower than the index as a result of a discount on the spread for the initial adjustment period. ARM loans generally are subject to limitations on interest rate increases of 2% per adjustment period and an aggregate adjustment of 6% over the life of the loan. We originated and purchased adjustable rate residential mortgage loans totaling $33.0 million, $58.1 million and $36.8 million during 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The retention of ARM loans in our portfolio helps us reduce our exposure to interest rate risks.  However, in an environment of rapidly increasing interest rates, it is possible for the interest rate increase to exceed the maximum aggregate adjustment on one-to-four family residential ARM loans and negatively affect the spread between our interest income and our cost of funds.

ARM loans generally involve credit risks different from those inherent in fixed-rate loans, primarily because if interest rates rise, the underlying payments of the borrower rise, thereby increasing the potential for default. However, this potential risk is lessened by our policy of originating one-to-four family residential ARM loans with annual and lifetime interest rate caps that limit the increase of a borrower’s monthly payment.

At December 31, 2009, $95.9 million, or 37.39%, of our residential mortgage loans consisted of fixed-rate loans. Our fixed-rate residential mortgage loans typically are originated for terms of 15 and 30 years and are competitively priced based on market conditions and our cost of funds. We originated and purchased $1.2 million and $12.4 million in 15-year fixed-rate residential mortgages in 2009 and 2008, respectively. We did not originate or purchase any 15-year fixed-rate residential mortgage loans in 2007. We did not originate any 30-year fixed-rate mortgages in 2009.  We originated and purchased $50.0 million and $0.5 million of 30-year fixed-rate mortgages in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

At December 31, 2009, home equity loans totaled $71.7 million, or 2.24%, of gross loans. Home equity loans are included in our portfolio of residential mortgage loans. These loans are offered as adjustable-rate “home equity lines

 
9

 

of credit” on which interest only is due for an initial term of 10 years and thereafter principal and interest payments sufficient to liquidate the loan are required for the remaining term, not to exceed 30 years.  These adjustable “home equity lines of credit” may include a “floor” and/or a “ceiling” on the interest rate that we charge for these loans. These loans also may be offered as fully amortizing closed-end fixed-rate loans for terms up to 15 years.  The majority of home equity loans originated are owner occupied one-to-four family residential properties and condominium units.  To a lesser extent, home equity loans are also originated on one-to-four residential properties held for investment and second homes.  All home equity loans are subject to an 80% loan-to-value ratio computed on the basis of the aggregate of the first mortgage loan amount outstanding and the proposed home equity loan. They are generally granted in amounts from $25,000 to $300,000. The underwriting standards for home equity loans have substantially been the same as those for residential mortgage loans. During 2008, the underwriting standards for home equity loans were modified to focus on the repayment ability of the borrower and the current declining housing market.

Construction Loans.  At December 31, 2009, construction loans totaled $97.3 million, or 3.04%, of gross loans. Our construction loans primarily have been made to finance the construction of one-to-four family residential properties, multi-family residential properties and residential condominiums. We also, to a limited extent, finance the construction of commercial real estate. Our policies provide that construction loans may be made in amounts up to 70% of the estimated value of the developed property and only if we obtain a first lien position on the underlying real estate. However, we generally limit construction loans to 60% of the estimated value of the developed property. In addition, we generally require personal guarantees on all construction loans. Construction loans are generally made with terms of two years or less. Advances are made as construction progresses and inspection warrants, subject to continued title searches to ensure that we maintain a first lien position.  We made advances on construction loans of $18.3 million, $30.7 million and $54.2 million during 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Construction loans involve a greater degree of risk than other loans because, among other things, the underwriting of such loans is based on an estimated value of the developed property, which can be difficult to ascertain in light of uncertainties inherent in such estimations.  In addition, construction lending entails the risk that the project may not be completed due to cost overruns or changes in market conditions.

Small Business Administration Lending.  At December 31, 2009, SBA loans totaled $17.5 million, representing 0.55%, of gross loans. These loans are extended to small businesses and are guaranteed by the SBA up to a maximum of 85% of the loan balance for loans with balances of $150,000 or less, and to a maximum of 75% of the loan balance for loans with balances greater than $150,000. Under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the maximum loan guarantee to Banks under the SBA 7a loan program was increased to 90% and the guarantee fee paid by the Bank (up to 3.5% of guaranteed loan amount) has been waived.  We also provide term loans and lines of credit up to $350,000 under the SBA Express Program, on which the SBA provides a 50% guaranty. The maximum loan size under the SBA guarantee program is $2,000,000, with a maximum loan guarantee of $1,500,000. All SBA loans are underwritten in accordance with SBA Standard Operating Procedures which requires collateral and the personal guarantee of the owners with more than 20% ownership from SBA borrowers.  Typically, SBA loans are originated in the range of $25,000 to $2,000,000 with terms ranging from one-seven years and up to 25 years for owner occupied commercial real estate mortgages.  SBA loans are generally offered at adjustable rates tied to the prime rate (as published in the Wall Street Journal) with adjustment periods of one to three months.  We generally sell the guaranteed portion of certain SBA term loans in the secondary market, realizing a gain at the time of sale, and retain the servicing rights on these loans, collecting a servicing fee of approximately 1%. We originated and purchased $4.5 million, $10.3 million, and $12.8 million of SBA loans during 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

 Commercial Business and Other Lending. At December 31, 2009, commercial business and other loans totaled $138.8 million, or 4.33%, of gross loans. We originate other loans for business, personal, or household purposes. Business loans generally require the personal guarantees of the owners and are typically secured by the business assets of the borrower, including accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and real estate.  Included in commercial business loans are loans made to New York City taxi medallion owners. These loans, which totaled $61.4 million at December 31, 2009, are secured through liens on the taxi medallions.  We originate and purchase taxi medallion loans up to 80% of the value of the taxi medallion. The maximum loan size for a non real estate secured business loan is $5,000,000, with a maximum term of seven years. We originated and purchased $93.4 million, $49.9 million, and $92.2 million of commercial business loans during 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. Consumer loans generally consist of passbook loans and overdraft lines of credit. Generally, unsecured consumer loans are limited to amounts of $5,000 or less for terms of up to five years. We offer credit cards to our customers through a third-party financial institution and receive an origination fee and transactional fees for processing such accounts, but do not underwrite or finance any portion of the credit card receivables.

 
10

 

The underwriting standards employed by us for consumer and other loans include a determination of the applicant’s payment history on other debts and assessment of the applicant’s ability to meet payments on all of his or her obligations.  In addition to the creditworthiness of the applicant, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral, if any, to the proposed loan amount.  Unsecured loans tend to have higher risk, and therefore command a higher interest rate.

Loan Approval Procedures and Authority.  Our Board of Directors approved lending policies establish loan approval requirements for our various types of loan products.  Our Residential Mortgage Lending Policy (which applies to all one-to-four family mortgage loans, including residential and mixed-use property) establishes authorized levels of approval. One-to-four family mortgage loans that do not exceed $750,000 require two signatures for approval, one of which must be from either the President, Executive Vice President or a Senior Vice President (collectively, “Authorized Officers”) and the other from a Senior Underwriter, Manager, Underwriter or Junior Underwriter in the Residential Mortgage Loan Department (collectively, “Loan Officers”). For one-to-four family mortgage loans from $750,000 to $1,000,000, three signatures are required for approval, at least two of which must be from Authorized Officers, and the other one may be a Loan Officer. The Loan Committee, the Executive Committee or the full Board of Directors also must approve one-to-four family mortgage loans in excess of $1,000,000. Pursuant to our Commercial Real Estate Lending Policy, all loans secured by commercial real estate and multi-family residential properties must be approved by the President or the Executive Vice President upon the recommendation of the appropriate Senior Vice President.  Such loans in excess of $1,000,000 also require Loan or Executive Committee or Board approval. In accordance with our Business Credit Policy all business and SBA loans up to $1,000,000 and commercial and industrial loans/professional mortgage loans up to $1,500,000 must be approved by the Business Loan Committee and ratified by the Management Loan Committee. Business and SBA loans in excess of $1,000,000 up to $2,000,000, and commercial and industrial loans/professional mortgage loans in excess of $1,500,000 up to $2,500,000, must be approved by the Management Loan Committee and ratified by the Loan Committee of the Savings Bank’s Board of Directors. Commercial business and other loans require two signatures for approval, one of which must be from an Authorized Officer. Our Construction Loan Policy requires that the Loan Committee or the Board of Directors of the Savings Bank must approve all construction loans.  Any loan, regardless of type, that deviates from our written credit policies must be approved by the Loan Committee or the Savings Bank’s Board of Directors.

For all loans originated by us, upon receipt of a completed loan application, a credit report is ordered and certain other financial information is obtained. An appraisal of the real estate intended to secure the proposed loan is required. An independent appraiser designated and approved by us currently performs such appraisals.  Our staff appraiser reviews all appraisals for properties where the loan amount is $2,000,000 or greater. The Savings Bank’s Board of Directors annually approves the independent appraisers used by the Savings Bank and approves the Savings Bank’s appraisal policy.  It is our policy to require borrowers to obtain title insurance and hazard insurance on all real estate loans prior to closing. For certain borrowers the Bank may require escrow funds on a monthly basis together with each payment of principal and interest to a mortgage escrow account from which we make disbursements for items such as real estate taxes and, in some cases, hazard insurance premiums.

Loan Concentrations.  The maximum amount of credit that the Savings Bank can extend to any single borrower or related group of borrowers generally is limited to 15% of the Savings Bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus.  Applicable laws and regulations permit an additional amount of credit to be extended, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral, which generally does not include real estate.  See “-Regulation.”  However, it is currently our policy not to extend such additional credit. At December 31, 2009, there were no loans in excess of the maximum dollar amount of loans to one borrower that the Savings Bank was authorized to make. At that date, the three largest concentrations of loans to one borrower consisted of loans secured by a combination of commercial real estate and multi-family income producing properties with an aggregate principal balance of $36.0 million, $22.8 million and $22.2 million for each of the three borrowers, respectively.

Loan Servicing.  At December 31, 2009, we were servicing $16.2 million of mortgage loans and $17.4 million of SBA loans for others. Our policy is to retain the servicing rights to the mortgage and SBA loans that we sell in the secondary market. In order to increase revenue, management intends to continue this policy.

Asset Quality

Loan Collection.  When a borrower fails to make a required payment on a loan, we take a number of steps to induce the borrower to cure the delinquency and restore the loan to current status. In the case of mortgage loans, personal contact is made with the borrower after the loan becomes 30 days delinquent. We take a proactive approach to managing delinquent loans, including conducting site examinations and encouraging borrowers to meet with one of our representatives. When deemed appropriate, short-term payment plans have been developed that enable borrowers to

 
11

 

bring their loans current, generally within six to nine months. At times, the Bank may restructure a loan to enable a borrower to continue making payments when it is deemed to be in the best long-term interest of the Bank. This restructure may include reducing the interest rate or amount of the monthly payment for a specified period of time, after which the interest rate and repayment terms revert to the original terms of the loan. The Bank classifies these loans as “Troubled Debt Restructured,” and also classifies these loans as non-performing loans. At December 31, 2009, we had $2.5 million of mortgage loans classified as Troubled Debt Restructured. We review delinquencies on a loan by loan basis, diligently exploring ways to help borrowers meet their obligations and return them back to current status and we have increased staffing to handle delinquent loans by hiring people experienced in loan workouts.

When the borrower has indicated that he/she will be unable to bring the loan current, or due to other circumstances which, in our opinion, indicate the borrower will be unable to bring the loan current within a reasonable time, or if the collateral value is deemed to have been impaired, the loan is classified as non-performing. All loans classified as non-performing, which includes all loans past due ninety days or more, are classified as non-accrual unless there is, in our opinion, compelling evidence the borrower will bring the loan current in the immediate future. At December 31, 2009, there were 13 loans, which totaled $3.3 million, past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest.

Upon classifying a loan as non-performing, we review available information and conditions that relate to the status of the loan, including the estimated value of the loan’s collateral and any legal considerations that may affect the borrower’s ability to continue to make payments. Based upon the available information, we will consider the sale of the loan or retention of the loan. If the loan is retained, we may continue to work with the borrower to collect the amounts due or start foreclosure proceedings. If a foreclosure action is initiated and the loan is not brought current, paid in full, or refinanced before the foreclosure sale, the real property securing the loan is sold at foreclosure or by us as soon thereafter as practicable.

Once the decision to sell a loan is made, we determine what we would consider adequate consideration to be obtained when that loan is sold, based on the facts and circumstances related to that loan. Investors and brokers are then contacted to seek interest in purchasing the loan. We have been successful in finding buyers for some of our non-performing loans offered for sale that are willing to pay what we consider to be adequate consideration. Terms of the sale include cash due upon closing of the sale, no contingencies or recourse to us, servicing is released to the buyer and time is of the essence. These sales usually close within a reasonably short time period.

This strategy of selling non-performing loans was implemented during 2003. This has allowed us to optimize our return by quickly converting our non-performing loans to cash, which can then be reinvested in earning assets. This strategy also allows us to avoid lengthy and costly legal proceedings that may occur with non-performing loans. We sold 17 delinquent mortgage loans totaling $6.3 million, 32 delinquent mortgage loans totaling $13.6 million, and 45 delinquent mortgage loans totaling $33.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. We recorded $83,000 in charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses for the non-performing loans that were sold during 2009.  We did not record any charges to the allowance for loan losses for the non-performing loans that were sold during 2008 and 2007. We realized gross gains of $4,000, $74,000 and $332,000 on the sale of non-performing mortgage loans for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  We realized gross losses of $224,000 on the sale of non-performing mortgage loans for the year ended December 31, 2008. We did not record any gross losses for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2007. There can be no assurances that we will continue this strategy in future periods, or if continued, we will be able to find buyers to pay adequate consideration.

On mortgage loans or loan participations purchased by us for whom the seller retains the servicing rights, we receive monthly reports with which we monitor the loan portfolio.  Based upon servicing agreements with the servicers of the loans, we rely upon the servicer to contact delinquent borrowers, collect delinquent amounts and initiate foreclosure proceedings, when necessary, all in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and the terms of the servicing agreements between us and our servicing agents. The servicers are required to submit monthly reports on their collection efforts on delinquent loans. At December 31, 2009, we held $95.2 million of loans that were serviced by others.

In the case of commercial business or other loans, we generally send the borrower a written notice of non-payment when the loan is first past due. In the event payment is not then received, additional letters and phone calls generally are made in order to encourage the borrower to meet with one of our representatives to discuss the delinquency. If the loan still is not brought current and it becomes necessary for us to take legal action, which typically occurs after a loan is delinquent 90 days or more, we may attempt to repossess personal or business property that secures an SBA loan, commercial business loan or consumer loan.

Delinquent Loans and Non-performing Assets. We generally discontinue accruing interest on delinquent loans when a loan is 90 days past due or foreclosure proceedings have been commenced, whichever first occurs.  At that time,

 
12

 

previously accrued but uncollected interest is reversed from income. Loans in default 90 days or more as to their maturity date but not their payments, however, continue to accrue interest as long as the borrower continues to remit monthly payments.

The following table shows our delinquent loans that are less than 90 days past due and still accruing interest at the periods indicated:

   
December 31, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
    60 - 89     30 - 59     60 - 89     30 - 59  
   
days
   
days
   
days
   
days
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                 
Multi-family residential
  $ 8,958     $ 28,054     $ 5,037     $ 11,296  
Commercial real estate
    5,788       8,003       9,292       5,820  
One-to-four family - mixed-use property
    9,032       22,741       1,413       12,531  
One-to-four family - residential
    1,555       4,015       117       2,208  
Co-operative apartments
    -       -       -       -  
Construction loans
    -       7,619       850       11,224  
Small Business Administration
    10       262       688       464  
Taxi medallion
    -       -       -       -  
Commercial business and other
    21       1,633       1,443       523  
Total
  $ 25,364     $ 72,327     $ 18,840     $ 44,066  

 
13

 

The following table shows our non-performing assets at the dates indicated.  During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the amounts of additional interest income that would have been recorded on non-accrual loans, had they been current, totaled $4.9 million, $1.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively.  These amounts were not included in our interest income for the respective periods.

   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
                               
                               
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing:
                             
Commercial real estate
  $ 471     $ 425     $ -     $ -     $ -  
One-to-four family - residential
    2,784       889       -       -       -  
Construction
    -       -       753       -       530  
Total
    3,255       1,314       753       -       530  
Troubled debt restructured:
                                       
Multi-family residential
    478       -       -       -       -  
Commercial real estate
    1,441       -       -       -       -  
One-to-four family - mixed-use property
    575       -       -       -       -  
Total
    2,494       -       -       -       -  
Non-accrual mortgage loans:
                                       
Multi-family residential
    27,483       12,011       2,477       1,957       861  
Commercial real estate
    18,862       7,409       90       349       -  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    23,422       10,639       2,204       608       960  
One-to-four family residential
    4,959       1,121       -       -       -  
Co-operative apartments
    78       -       -       -       -  
Construction
    1,639       4,457       -       -       -  
Total
    76,443       35,637       4,771       2,914       1,821  
Non-accrual non-mortgage loans:
                                       
Small Business Administration
    1,232       354       366       212       99  
Commercial Business and other
    2,442       2,667       3       -       2  
Total
    3,674       3,021       369       212       101  
                                         
Total non-accrual loans
    80,117       38,658       5,140       3,126       1,922  
                                         
Total non-performing loans
    85,866       39,972       5,893       3,126       2,452  
Other non-performing assets:
                                       
Real Estate Owned
    2,262       125       -       -       -  
Investment securities
    8,193       607       -       -       -  
Total
    10,455       732       -       -       -  
                                         
Total non-performing assets
  $ 96,321     $ 40,704     $ 5,893     $ 3,126     $ 2,452  
                                         
                                         
Non-performing loans to gross loans
    2.68 %     1.35 %     0.22 %     0.13 %     0.13 %
Non-performing assets to total assets
    2.32 %     1.03 %     0.18 %     0.11 %     0.10 %

Real Estate Owned (REO).  We aggressively market any REO properties, when and if, they are acquired through foreclosure. At December 31, 2009, we owned four properties with a combined carrying value of $2.3 million. At December 31, 2008, we owned one property with a carrying value of $0.1 million. At December 31, 2007, we did not own any such properties.

Investment Securities.  At December 31, 2009, non-performing investment securities included two pooled trust preferred securities with a carrying value of $8.1 million and one issue of FHLMC preferred stock with a carrying value of $0.1 million.  At December 31, 2008, non-performing investment securities included FHLMC and FNMA preferred stock with a carrying value of $0.6 million.

Environmental Concerns Relating to Loans. We currently obtain environmental reports in connection with the underwriting of commercial real estate loans, and typically obtain environmental reports in connection with the underwriting of multi-family loans. For all other loans, we obtain environmental reports only if the nature of the current or, to the extent known to us, prior use of the property securing the loan indicates a potential environmental risk.  However, we may not be aware of such uses or risks in any particular case, and, accordingly, there is no assurance that real estate acquired by us in foreclosure is free from environmental contamination or that, if any such contamination or other violation exists, whether we will have any liability.

 
14

 

Classified Assets.   Our policy is to continuously review our assets, focusing primarily on the loan portfolio, real estate owned and the investment portfolios, to ensure that the credit quality is maintained at the highest levels.  When weaknesses are identified, immediate action is taken to correct the problem through direct contact with the borrower or issuer. We then monitor these assets, and, in accordance with our policy and OTS regulations, we classify them as “Special Mention,” “Substandard,” “Doubtful,” or “Loss” as deemed necessary.  We classify an asset as Substandard when a well-defined weakness is identified that jeopardizes the orderly liquidation of the debt. Loans that are non-accrual are generally classified as Substandard.  We classify an asset as Doubtful when it displays the inherent weakness of a Substandard asset with the added provision that collection of the debt in full, on the basis of existing facts, is highly improbable. We classify an asset as Loss if it is deemed the debtor is incapable of repayment.  We classify an asset as Special Mention if the asset does not warrant classification within one of the other classifications, but does contain a potential weakness that deserves closer attention.

The following table sets forth the Banks’ classified assets at December 31, 2009:

(In thousands)
 
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total
 
                               
Loans:
                             
Multi-family residential
  $ 15,311     $ 31,150     $ 2,018     $ -     $ 48,479  
Commercial real estate
    11,451       22,495       -       -       33,946  
One-to-four family - mixed-use property
    14,969       25,028       -       -       39,997  
One-to-four family - residential
    2,226       9,236       -       -       11,462  
Co-operative apartments
    -       78       -       -       78  
Construction loans
    3,839       9,132       -       -       12,971  
Small Business Administration
    404       1,087       -       -       1,491  
Commercial business and other
    2,758       1,991       1,472       -       6,221  
Total loans
    50,958       100,197       3,490       -       154,645  
                                         
Investment Securities: (1)
                                       
Pooled trust preferred securities
    -       12,668       -       -       12,668  
FHMLC preferred stock
    -       50       -       -       50  
Mutual funds
    -       4,614       -       -       4,614  
Private issue CMO
    -       66,014       -       -       66,014  
Total investment securities
    -       83,346       -       -       83,346  
                                         
Real Estate Owned
    -       2,262       -       -       2,262  
Total
  $ 50,958     $ 185,805     $ 3,490     $ -     $ 240,253  

(1) Our investment securities are classified as securities available for sale and as such are carried at their fair value in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The securities above have a fair value at December 31, 2009 of $66.3 million. Under current applicable regulatory guidelines, we are required to disclose the classified investment securities, as shown on the table above, at their book values (amortized cost, or fair value for securities that are under the fair value option). Additionally, the requirement is only for the Banks’ securities. At December 31, 2009, Flushing Financial Corporation had one mutual fund security classified as Substandard with a market value of $2.2 million, which is not included in the above table.

We classify loans as Special Mention when they are on repayment plans until they have been brought current and remain current for at least six months. We also classify loans as Special Mention when they are 60 to 89 days delinquent, or have shown other potential weaknesses. We classify loans as Substandard when they are on non-accrual status, or have other identified significant weaknesses. We classify loans as Doubtful when payment in full is improbable. We allocate a portion of the Allowance for Loan Losses to loans classified Substandard or Doubtful based on an evaluation of each loan.

We classify investment securities as Substandard when the investment grade rating by one or more of the rating agencies is below investment grade. We have classified a total of 20 investment securities as Substandard at December 31, 2009. Our classified investment securities at December 31, 2009 include 15 private issued collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMO”) rated below investment grade by one or more of the rating agencies; three issues of trust preferred securities, one mutual fund, and our holding of FHLMC preferred stock. The Investment Securities which are classified as Substandard at December 31, 2009 are securities that were triple A rated when we purchased them. These securities have each been subsequently downgraded by at least one rating agency to below investment grade. Through

 
15

 

December 31, 2009, these securities, with the exception of the FHLMC stock and two of the pooled trust preferred securities, continued to pay interest and principal as scheduled. We test each of these securities quarterly, through an independent third party, for impairment.

There were $5.9 million, $27.6 million and $4.7 million in credit related other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charges recorded for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  During 2009 we recorded OTTI charges of $3.1 million on four private issue collateralized mortgage obligations and $2.8 million on two pooled trust preferred securities. The OTTI charges for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were the result of reducing the carrying value of investments in FNMA and FHLMC preferred stocks to the securities market value of $0.6 million and $28.2 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Allowance for Loan Losses

We have established and maintain on our books an allowance for loan losses that is designed to provide a reserve against estimated losses inherent in our overall loan portfolio. The allowance is established through a provision for loan losses based on management's evaluation of the risk inherent in the various components of the loan portfolio and other factors, including historical loan loss experience (which is updated at least annually), changes in the composition and volume of the portfolio, collection policies and experience, trends in the volume of non-accrual loans and regional and national economic conditions. The determination of the amount of the allowance for loan losses includes estimates that are susceptible to significant changes due to changes in appraisal values of collateral, national and regional economic conditions and other factors. We review our loan portfolio by separate categories with similar risk and collateral characteristics. Impaired loans are segregated and reviewed separately. All non-accrual loans are classified impaired. Impaired loans secured by collateral are reviewed based on their collateral and the estimated time to recover our investment in the loan, and the estimate of the recovery anticipated. For non-collateralized impaired loans, management estimates any recoveries that are anticipated for each loan. Specific reserves are allocated to impaired loans based on this review. Specific reserves allocated to impaired loans were $9.6 million and $5.6 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In connection with the determination of the allowance, the market value of collateral ordinarily is evaluated by our staff appraiser. On a quarterly basis the property values of impaired mortgage loans are internally reviewed, based on updated cash flows for income producing properties, and at times an updated independent appraisal is obtained.  The loan balance of impaired mortgage loans is then compared to the properties updated estimated value and any balance over 90% of the loans updated estimated value is charged-off.  Impaired mortgage loans that were written down resulted from quarterly reviews or updated appraisals that indicated the properties’ estimated value had declined from when the loan was originated.  Current year charge-offs, charge-off trends, new loan production, current balance by particular loan categories, and delinquent loans by particular loan categories are also taken into account in determining the appropriate amount of allowance. The Board of Directors reviews and approves the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis.

In assessing the adequacy of the allowance, we also review our loan portfolio by separate categories which have similar risk and collateral characteristics, e.g., multi-family residential, commercial real estate, one-to-four family mixed-use property, one-to-four family residential, co-operative apartment, construction, SBA, commercial business, taxi medallion and consumer loans. General provisions are established against performing loans in our portfolio in amounts deemed prudent based on our qualitative analysis of the factors, including the historical loss experience, delinquency trends and regional economic conditions. During 2009, we incurred total net charge-offs of $10.2 million. The national and regional economies were generally considered to be in a recession from December 2007 through the middle of 2009.  This resulted in increased unemployment and declining property values, although the property value declines in the New York metropolitan area have not been as great as many other areas of the country. While the national and regional economies showed signs of improvement during the second half of 2009, unemployment has remained at elevated levels. This deterioration in the economy resulted in an increase in our non-performing loans during 2008 and 2009, with non-performing loans totaling $85.9 million at December 31, 2009 and $40.0 million at December 31, 2008 compared to non-performing loans totaling $5.9 million at December 31, 2007. Our underwriting standards generally require a loan-to-value ratio of no more than 75% at a time the loan is originated. The average current outstanding principal balance of our non-performing mortgage loans are less than 73% of the estimated current value of the supporting collateral, after considering the charge-offs that have been recorded. We have not been affected by the recent increase in defaults of sub-prime mortgages as we do not originate, or hold in portfolio, sub-prime mortgages. A provision for loan losses of $19.5 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $5.6 million recorded in the year ended December 31, 2008. The provision for loan losses recorded in 2009 was primarily due to an increase in both non-performing loans and the level of charge-offs recorded in 2009.  This increase in non-performing loans primarily consists of mortgage loans collateralized by residential income producing properties that are located in the New York City metropolitan market. Given New York City’s low vacancy rates, they have retained value and provided us with low loss

 
16

 

content in our non-performing loans during the year. Prior to 2009, the Bank had recorded minimal losses on mortgage loans. Management has concluded, and the Board of Directors has concurred, that at December 31, 2009, the allowance was sufficient to absorb losses inherent in our loan portfolio.

Our determination as to the classification of our assets and the amount of our valuation allowance is subject to review by the OTS and the FDIC, which can require the establishment of additional general allowances or specific loss allowances or require charge-offs. Such authorities may require us to make additional provisions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. An OTS policy statement provides guidance for OTS examiners in determining whether the levels of general valuation allowances for savings institutions are adequate. The policy statement requires that if a savings institution’s general valuation allowance policies and procedures are deemed to be inadequate, recommendations for correcting deficiencies, including any examiner concerns regarding the level of the allowance, should be noted in the report of examination. Additional supervisory action may also be taken based on the magnitude of the observed shortcomings in the allowance process, including the materiality of any error in the reported amount of the allowance.

Management believes that our current allowance for loan losses is adequate in light of current economic conditions, the composition of our loan portfolio, the level and type of delinquent loans, charge-offs recorded and other available information and the Board of Directors concurs in this belief. At December 31, 2009, the total allowance for loan losses was $20.3 million, representing 23.67% of non-performing loans and 21.10% of non-performing assets, compared to 27.59% of non-performing loans and 27.09% of non-performing assets at December 31, 2008. We continue to monitor and, as necessary, modify the level of our allowance for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance at a level which we consider adequate to provide for probable loan losses based on available information.

Many factors may require additions to the allowance for loan losses in future periods beyond those currently revealed. These factors include further adverse changes in economic conditions, changes in interest rates and changes in the financial capacity of individual borrowers (any of which may affect the ability of borrowers to make repayments on loans), changes in the real estate market within our lending area and the value of collateral, or a review and evaluation of our loan portfolio in the future. The determination of the amount of the allowance for loan losses includes estimates that are susceptible to significant changes due to changes in appraised values of collateral, national and regional economic conditions, interest rates and other factors. In addition, our increased emphasis in the past several years on multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans can be expected to increase the overall level of credit risk inherent in our loan portfolio. The greater risk associated with these loans, as well as construction loans and business loans, could require us to increase our provisions for loan losses and to maintain an allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans that is in excess of the allowance we currently maintain.  Provisions for loan losses are charged against net income.  See “—Lending Activities” and “—Asset Quality.”
 
 
17

 
 
The following table sets forth changes in, and the balance of, our allowance for loan losses.

   
At and for the years ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
                               
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 11,028     $ 6,633     $ 7,057     $ 6,385     $ 6,533  
                                         
Acquisition of Atlantic Liberty
    -       -       -       753       -  
                                         
Provision for loan losses
    19,500       5,600       -       -       -  
                                         
Loans charged-off:
                                       
Multi-family residential
    (2,327 )     (496 )     -       -       -  
Commercial real estate
    (728 )     -       -       -       -  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    (1,009 )     -       -       -       -  
One-to-four family residential
    (284 )     -       -       -       -  
Co-operative apartment
    -       -       -       -       -  
Construction
    (1,075 )     -       -       -       -  
SBA
    (1,106 )     (759 )     (470 )     (57 )     (144 )
Commercial business and other loans
    (3,842 )     (36 )     (2 )     (36 )     (20 )
Total loans charged-off
    (10,371 )     (1,291 )     (472 )     (93 )     (164 )
                                         
Recoveries:
                                       
Mortgage loans
    1       -       29       2       3  
SBA, commercial business and other loans
    166       86       19       10       13  
Total recoveries
    167       86       48       12       16  
                                         
Net charge-offs
    (10,204 )     (1,205 )     (424 )     (81 )     (148 )
                                         
Balance at end of year
  $ 20,324     $ 11,028     $ 6,633     $ 7,057     $ 6,385  
                                         
Ratio of net charge-offs during the year to average loans outstanding during the year
    0.33 %     0.04 %     0.02 %     0.00 %     0.01 %
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to gross loans at end of the year
    0.63 %     0.37 %     0.25 %     0.30 %     0.34 %
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans at the end of the year
    23.67 %     27.59 %     112.57 %     225.72 %     260.39 %
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to non-performing assets at the end of the year
    21.10 %     27.09 %     112.57 %     225.72 %     260.39 %

 
18

 

The following table sets forth our allocation of the allowance for loan losses to the total amount of loans in each of the categories listed at the dates indicated.  The numbers contained in the “Amount” column indicate the allowance for loan losses allocated for each particular loan category.  The numbers contained in the column entitled “Percentage of Loans in Category to Total Loans” indicate the total amount of loans in each particular category as a percentage of our loan portfolio.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
         
Percent
         
Percent
         
Percent
         
Percent
         
Percent
 
         
of Loans in
         
of Loans in
         
of Loans in
         
of Loans in
         
of Loans in
 
         
Category to
         
Category to
         
Category to
         
Category to
         
Category to
 
Loan Category
 
Amount
   
Total loans
   
Amount
   
Total loans
   
Amount
   
Total loans
   
Amount
   
Total loans
   
Amount
   
Total loans
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Mortgage Loans:
                                                           
                                                             
Multi-family residential
  $ 6,581       36.18 %   $ 3,233       33.81 %   $ 1,644       35.79 %   $ 1,122       37.52 %   $ 1,216       41.92 %
Commercial real estate
    4,395       24.66       1,360       25.46       933       23.23       668       22.38       1,272       21.23  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    4,339       23.24       2,904       25.45       1,223       25.49       661       25.33       1,544       25.42  
One-to-four family residential
    844       7.80       393       8.08       251       6.01       80       6.98       524       7.17  
Co-operative apartment
    17       0.20       9       0.22       15       0.26       10       0.35       161       0.11  
Construction
    1,281       3.04       910       3.51       1,172       4.44       851       4.50       64       2.63  
                                                                                 
Gross mortgage loans
    17,457       95.12       8,809       96.53       5,238       95.22       3,392       97.06       4,781       98.48  
                                                                                 
Non-mortgage loans:
                                                                               
                                                                                 
Small Business Administration
    965       0.55       464       0.67       373       0.70       1,895       0.75       964       0.49  
Taxi Medallion
    583       1.92       91       0.44       391       2.53       239       1.61       150       0.72  
Commercial business and other
    1,319       2.41       1,664       2.36       631       1.55       1,531       0.58       490       0.31  
                                                                                 
Gross non-mortgage loans
    2,867       4.88       2,219       3.47       1,395       4.78       3,665       2.94       1,604       1.52  
                                                                                 
Total loans
  $ 20,324       100.00 %   $ 11,028       100.00 %   $ 6,633       100.00 %   $ 7,057       100.00 %   $ 6,385       100.00 %

 
19

 

Investment Activities

General.  Our investment policy, which is approved by the Board of Directors, is designed primarily to manage the interest rate sensitivity of our overall assets and liabilities, to generate a favorable return without incurring undue interest rate and credit risk, to complement our lending activities and to provide and maintain liquidity. In establishing our investment strategies, we consider our business and growth strategies, the economic environment, our interest rate risk exposure, our interest rate sensitivity “gap” position, the types of securities to be held, and other factors. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Overview—Management Strategy” in Item 7 of this Annual Report.

Federally chartered savings institutions have authority to invest in various types of assets, including U.S. government obligations, securities of various federal agencies, mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities, certain certificates of deposit of insured banks and savings institutions, certain bankers acceptances, reverse repurchase agreements, loans of federal funds, and, subject to certain limits, corporate securities, commercial paper and mutual funds. We primarily invest in mortgage-backed securities, U. S. government obligations, and mutual funds that purchase these same instruments.

Our Investment Committee meets quarterly to monitor investment transactions and to establish investment strategy. The Board of Directors reviews the investment policy on an annual basis and investment activity on a monthly basis.

We classify our investment securities as available for sale. We carry some of our investments under the fair value option. Unrealized gains and losses for investments carried under the fair value option are included in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Unrealized gains and losses on the remaining investment portfolio, other than unrealized credit losses considered other than temporary, are excluded from earnings and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a separate component of equity), net of taxes. At December 31, 2009, we had $683.8 million in securities available for sale, which represented 16.50% of total assets. These securities had an aggregate market value at December 31, 2009 that was approximately 1.9 times the amount of our equity at that date. At December 31, 2009, the balance of unrealized net losses on securities available for sale was $2.5 million, net of taxes. This impairment was deemed to be temporary based on the direct relationship of the decline in fair value to: (1) movements in interest rates; (2) widening of credit spreads; and (3) the effect of illiquid markets. We do not have the intent to sell these securities and do not anticipate that these securities will be required to be sold before recovery of full principal and interest due, which may be at maturity. Therefore we deemed these declines in market value to be temporary.  During 2009, we recorded OTTI charges of $3.1 million on four private issue collateralized mortgage obligations due to the level of delinquent mortgage loans in the securities, the losses incurred on foreclosed mortgage loans in the securities, and projected future losses to be incurred on foreclosed mortgage loans in the securities. During 2009 we also recorded OTTI charges of $2.8 million on two pooled trust preferred securities due to defaults, and projected defaults, on securities in the pools. During 2008, we recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges of $27.6 million on our investments in preferred shares of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as we concluded the significant decline in their fair value subsequent to their being placed in conservatorship was other-than-temporary. As a result of the magnitude of our holdings of securities available for sale, changes in interest rates could produce significant changes in the value of such securities and could produce significant fluctuations in our operating results and equity. See Notes 5 and 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

 
20

 

The table below sets forth certain information regarding the amortized cost and market values of our securities portfolio, interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold, at the dates indicated.  Securities available for sale are recorded at market value. See Notes 5 and 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Amortized
   
Market
   
Amortized
   
Market
   
Amortized
   
Market
 
   
Cost
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Value
   
Cost
   
Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Securities available for sale
                                   
Bonds and other debt securities:
                                   
U.S. government and agencies
  $ 3,277     $ 3,389     $ 12,616     $ 12,658     $ 4,406     $ 4,406  
Municipal securities
    2,250       2,250       17,652       17,811       -       -  
Corporate debentures
    2,627       2,627       2,268       2,268       2,643       2,643  
Total bonds and other debt securities
    8,154       8,266       32,536       32,737       7,049       7,049  
                                                 
Mutual funds
    6,860       6,860       19,114       19,114       21,752       21,752  
                                                 
Equity securities:
                                               
Common stock
    1,036       1,036       994       994       1,838       1,838  
Preferred stock
    22,805       19,199       25,709       19,652       46,732       46,732  
Total equity securities
    23,841       20,235       26,703       20,646       48,570       48,570  
                                                 
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                               
FNMA
    124,199       127,364       165,375       167,592       123,121       122,770  
REMIC and CMO
    388,891       380,325       330,767       304,511       182,609       182,730  
FHLMC
    29,201       29,909       47,815       48,108       45,511       45,566  
GNMA
    107,144       110,845       152,350       154,553       11,464       11,663  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    649,435       648,443       696,307       674,764       362,705       362,729  
                                                 
Total securities available for sale
    688,290       683,804       774,660       747,261       440,076       440,100  
                                                 
Interest-earning deposits and Federal funds sold
    23,542       23,542       21,901       21,901       5,758       5,758  
                                                 
Total   $ 711,832     $ 707,346     $ 796,561     $ 769,162     $ 445,834     $ 445,858  

Mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2009, we had $648.4 million invested in mortgage-backed securities, of which $48.5 million was invested in adjustable-rate mortgage-backed securities. The mortgage loans underlying these adjustable-rate securities generally are subject to limitations on annual and lifetime interest rate increases. We anticipate that investments in mortgage-backed securities may continue to be used in the future to supplement mortgage-lending activities. Mortgage-backed securities are more liquid than individual mortgage loans and may be used more easily to collateralize our obligations, including collateralizing of the governmental deposits of our Commercial Bank. However, during 2008 and continuing throughout 2009, the market for private issued mortgage-backed securities was somewhat illiquid. In addition, the ratings assigned to our holdings of private issued mortgage-backed securities were reduced to below investment grade. As a result, we are not able to use private issued mortgage-backed securities to collateralize our obligations.

 
21

 

The following table sets forth our mortgage-backed securities purchases, sales and principal repayments for the years indicated:

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 674,764     $ 362,729     $ 288,851  
                         
Purchases of mortgage-backed securities
    177,036       473,891       117,408  
                         
Amortization of unearned premium, net of accretion of unearned discount
    (1,668 )     (86 )     (193 )
                         
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on mortgage-backed securities available for sale
    20,550       (21,567 )     1,503  
                         
Net realized gains recorded on mortgage-backed securities carried at fair value
    3,941       339       2,877  
                         
Net change in interest due on securities carried at fair value
    (122 )     (69 )     515  
                         
Sales of mortgage-backed securities
    (44,854 )     (87,461 )     -  
                         
Other-than-temporary impairment charges
    (3,144 )     -       -  
                         
In-kind distribution of a mutual fund in the form of mortgage-backed securities
    11,494       -       -  
                         
Principal repayments received on mortgage-backed securities
    (189,554 )     (53,012 )     (48,232 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in mortgage-backed securities
    (26,321 )     312,035       73,878  
                         
Balance at end of year
  $ 648,443     $ 674,764     $ 362,729  

While mortgage-backed securities carry a reduced credit risk as compared to whole loans, such securities remain subject to the risk that a fluctuating interest rate environment, along with other factors such as the geographic distribution of the underlying mortgage loans, may alter the prepayment rate of such mortgage loans and so affect both the prepayment speed and value of such securities. We do not own any derivative instruments that are extremely sensitive to changes in interest rates.

 
22

 

The table below sets forth certain information regarding the amortized cost, fair value, annualized weighted average yields and maturities of our investment in debt and equity securities at December 31, 2009. The stratification of balances is based on stated maturities. Equity securities are shown as immediately maturing, except for preferred stocks with stated redemption dates, which are shown in the period they are scheduled to be redeemed. Assumptions for repayments and prepayments are not reflected for mortgage-backed securities. We carry these investments at their estimated fair value in the consolidated financial statements.

   
One year or Less
   
One to Five Years
   
Five to Ten Years
   
More than Ten Years
   
Total Securities
 
                                                   
Average
                   
         
Weighted
         
Weighted
         
Weighted
         
Weighted
   
Remaining
         
Estimated
   
Weighted
 
   
Amortized
   
Average
   
Amortized
   
Average
   
Amortized
   
Average
   
Amortized
   
Average
   
Years to
   
Amortized
   
Fair
   
Average
 
   
Cost
   
Yield
   
Cost
   
Yield
   
Cost
   
Yield
   
Cost
   
Yield
   
Maturity
   
Cost
   
Value
   
Yield
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Securities available for sale
                                                                       
                                                                         
Bonds and other debt securities:
                                                                       
U.S. government and agencies
  $ -       - %   $ 3,277       4.15 %   $ -       - %   $ -       - %     3.16     $ 3,277     $ 3,389       4.15 %
Municipal securities
    2,250       2.40       -       -       -       -                       0.27       2,250       2,250       2.40  
Corporate debentures
    -       -       2,627       5.54       -       -       -       -       2.62       2,627       2,627       5.54  
Total bonds and other debt securities
    2,250       2.40       5,904       4.77       -       -       -       -       2.19       8,154       8,266       4.10  
                                                                                                 
Mutual funds
    6,860       4.01       -       -       -       -       -       -       N/A       6,860       6,860       4.01  
                                                                                                 
Equity securities:
                                                                                               
Common stock
    -       -       -       -       -       -       1,036       12.63       N/A       1,036       1,036       12.63  
Preferred stock
    -       -       5,000       0.25       -       -       17,805       7.44       N/A       22,805       19,199       5.85  
Total equity securities
    -       -       5,000       0.25       -       -       18,841       7.73       N/A       23,841       20,235       6.14  
                                                                                                 
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                                                                               
FNMA
    673       4.47       950       5.84       1,052       5.98       121,524       5.00       22.62       124,199       127,364       5.02  
REMIC and CMO
    -       -       -       -       14,226       3.99       374,665       5.04       22.51       388,891       380,325       5.00  
FHLMC
    4,111       3.94       -       -       360       5.71       24,730       5.05       16.60       29,201       29,909       4.90  
GNMA
    -       -       -       -       -       -       107,144       5.61       28.41       107,144       110,845       5.61  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    4,784       4.01       950       5.84       15,638       4.16       628,063       5.13       23.24       649,435       648,443       5.10  
                                                                                                 
Interest-bearing deposits
    23,542       0.20       -       -       -       -       -       -       N/A       23,542       23,542       0.20  
                                                                                                 
Total securities
  $ 37,436       1.52 %   $ 11,854       2.95 %   $ 15,638       4.16 %   $ 646,904       5.21 %     22.98     $ 711,832     $ 707,346       4.95 %

 
23

 

Sources of Funds

General.  Deposits, FHLB-NY borrowings, repurchase agreements, principal and interest payments on loans, mortgage-backed and other securities, and proceeds from sales of loans and securities are our primary sources of funds for lending, investing and other general purposes.

Deposits.  We offer a variety of deposit accounts having a range of interest rates and terms.  Our deposits principally consist of savings accounts, money market accounts, demand accounts, NOW accounts and certificates of deposit. We have a relatively stable retail deposit base drawn from our market area through our 15 full service offices. We seek to retain existing depositor relationships by offering quality service and competitive interest rates, while keeping deposit growth within reasonable limits. It is management’s intention to balance its goal to maintain competitive interest rates on deposits while seeking to manage its cost of funds to finance its strategies.

In November, 2006, we launched “iGObanking.com®”, an internet branch, which currently offers savings, money market and checking accounts, and certificates of deposit. This allows us to compete on a national scale without the geographical constraints of physical locations. Since the number of U.S. households with accounts at Web-only banks has grown more than tenfold in the past six years, our strategy was to join the market place by creating a branch that offers clients the simplicity and flexibility of a virtual online bank, which is a division of a stable, traditional bank that was established in 1929.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, total deposits for the internet branch were $323.7 million and $217.7 million, respectively.

In 2007, the Savings Bank formed a new wholly owned subsidiary, Flushing Commercial Bank, a New York State chartered commercial bank, for the limited purpose of providing banking services to public entities including counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, libraries, fire districts, and the various courts throughout the New York metropolitan area. The Commercial Bank offers a full range of deposit products to these entities similar to the products currently being offered by the Savings Bank. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, total deposits for the Commercial Bank were $359.3 million and $211.8 million, respectively.

Our core deposits, consisting of savings accounts, NOW accounts, money market accounts, and non-interest bearing demand accounts, are typically more stable and lower costing than other sources of funding.  However, the flow of deposits into a particular type of account is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in prevailing money market and other interest rates, and competition. We saw an increase in our deposits in each of the past three years, including an increase in due to depositors during 2009 of $228.7 million. The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) began increasing short-term interest rates in the second half of 2004, and continued increasing short-term rates through June 2006. The FOMC held the short-term interest rates through September 2007, and then lowered short-term interest rates to a range of 0.25% to 0.00% at December 31, 2008, a level which was maintained throughout the year ended December 31, 2009. We responded by increasing interest rates paid on savings, money market and certificate of deposit accounts during 2005 and 2006. We held rates through most of 2007, before being able to lower rates near the end of 2007 and throughout 2008 and 2009. This resulted in our cost of funds declining in 2009 and 2008 after increasing in 2007. The cost of deposits decreased to 2.29% in the fourth quarter of 2009 from 3.41% in the fourth quarter of 2008 and 4.31% in the fourth quarter of 2007, after increasing from 3.97% in the fourth quarter of 2006. While we are unable to predict the direction of future interest rate changes, if interest rates rise during 2010, the result could be an increase in our cost of deposits, which could reduce our net interest margin. Similarly, if interest rates remain at their current level or decline in 2010, we could see a decline in our cost of deposits, which could increase our net interest margin.

Included in deposits are certificates of deposit with a balance of $100,000 or more totaling $323.7 million, $413.7 million and $318.5 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

We utilize brokered certificates of deposit as an additional funding source. We have obtained brokered certificates of deposit primarily when the interest rate on these deposits is below the prevailing interest rate in our market, or when obtaining them allowed us to extend the maturities of our deposits at favorable rates. Brokered certificates of deposit are marketed through national brokerage firms to their customers in $1,000 increments. We maintain only one account for the total deposit amount, while the detailed records of owners are maintained by the brokerage firms. The Depository Trust Company is used as the clearing house, maintaining each deposit under the name of CEDE & Co. These deposits are transferable just like a stock or bond investment and the customer can open the account with only a phone call, just like buying a stock or bond. This provides a large deposit for us at a lower operating cost since we only have one account to maintain versus several accounts with multiple interest and maturity checks. Unlike non-brokered certificates of deposit, where the deposit amount can be withdrawn with a

 
24

 

penalty for any reason, including increasing interest rates, a brokered certificate of deposit can only be withdrawn in the event of the death, or court declared mental incompetence, of the depositor. This allows us to better manage the maturity of our deposits. Currently, the rates offered by us for brokered certificates of deposit are comparable to that offered for retail certificates of deposit of similar size and maturity.

We also offer access to $50 million per customer in FDIC insurance coverage through a Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS®”). CDARS® is a deposit placement service. We belong to a network which arranges for placement of funds into certificate of deposit accounts issued by other member banks of the network in increments of less than $100,000 to ensure that both principal and interest are eligible for full FDIC deposit insurance. This allows us to accept deposits in excess of $100,000 from a depositor, and place the deposits through the network to other member banks to provide full FDIC deposit insurance coverage. We may receive deposits from other member banks in exchange for the deposits we place into the network. We may also obtain deposits from other network member banks without placing deposits into the network. We will obtain deposits in this manner primarily as a short term funding source.  We also can place deposits with other member banks without receiving deposits from other member banks. Depositors are allowed to withdraw funds, with a penalty, from these accounts at one or more of the member banks that hold the deposits. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 increased the deposit insurance limit to $250,000 through December 31, 2009. The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, which was signed into law on May 20, 2009, extended the deposit insurance limit to $250,000 through December 31, 2013. As a result, the placement of funds through CDARS® can be made for each depositor in an amount up to $250,000 for maturities on or before December 31, 2013.

We also utilize brokers to obtain money market account deposits. These accounts are similar to brokered certificate of deposit accounts in that we only maintain one account for the total deposit per broker, with the broker maintaining the detailed records of each depositor.

Brokered deposits and funds obtained through the CDARS® network are classified as brokered deposits for financial reporting purposes. At December 31, 2009, we had $430.7 million classified as brokered deposits, with $395.7 million in brokered certificates of deposit and $35.0 million in brokered money market accounts.  The brokered certificates of deposit include $45.8 million obtained through the CDARS® network.

 
25

 

The following table sets forth the distribution of our deposit accounts at the dates indicated and the weighted average nominal interest rates on each category of deposits presented.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
               
Weighted
               
Weighted
               
Weighted
 
         
Percent
   
Average
         
Percent
   
Average
         
Percent
   
Average
 
         
of Total
   
Nominal
         
of Total
   
Nominal
         
of Total
   
Nominal
 
   
Amount
   
Deposits
   
Rate
   
Amount
   
Deposits
   
Rate
   
Amount
   
Deposits
   
Rate
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                                       
Savings accounts
  $ 426,821       15.85 %     0.91 %   $ 359,595       14.57 %     1.84 %   $ 354,746       17.51 %     2.82 %
NOW accounts
    503,159       18.68       1.26       265,762       10.76       2.26       70,817       3.50       2.16  
Demand accounts
    91,376       3.39       -       69,624       2.82       -       69,299       3.42       -  
Mortgagors' escrow deposits
    26,791       0.99       0.21       31,225       1.26       0.16       22,492       1.11       0.23  
Total
    1,048,147       38.91       0.98       726,206       29.41       1.75       517,354       25.54       2.24  
                                                                         
Money market accounts (7)
    414,457       15.40       1.17       306,178       12.41       2.58       340,694       16.82       3.18  
                                                                         
Certificate of deposit accounts
                                                                       
with original maturities of:
                                                                       
Less than 6 Months (2)
    9,670       0.36       0.29       43,472       1.76       2.27       6,090       0.30       4.32  
6 to less than 12 Months (3)
    54,855       2.04       0.73       259,444       10.51       3.24       303,894       15.00       5.07  
12 to less than 30 Months (4)
    511,728       19.00       2.64       643,044       26.05       3.86       421,568       20.82       4.82  
30 to less than 48 Months (5)
    17,479       0.65       3.03       10,732       0.43       3.95       58,424       2.88       4.07  
48 to less than 72 Months (6)
    596,262       22.14       3.84       431,312       17.47       4.54       326,184       16.11       4.69  
72 Months or more
    40,517       1.50       4.80       48,446       1.96       4.77       51,239       2.53       4.79  
Total certificate of deposit accounts
    1,230,511       45.69       3.19       1,436,450       58.18       3.94       1,167,399       57.64       4.81  
                                                                         
Total deposits (1)
  $ 2,693,115       100.00 %     2.02 %   $ 2,468,834       100.00 %     3.12 %   $ 2,025,447       100.00 %     3.88 %

(1)
Included in the above balances are IRA and Keogh deposits totaling $169.3 million, $171.1 million and $173.2 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(2)
Includes brokered deposits of $4.8 million, $7.0 million and $3.0 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(3)
Includes brokered deposits of $0.7 million, $46.3 million and $3.2 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(4)
Includes brokered deposits of $90.7 million, $171.7 million and $40.3 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(5)
Includes brokered deposits of $139.9 million, $101.0 million and $41.3 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(6)
Includes brokered deposits of $159.6million, $59.0 million and $113.9 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(7)
Includes brokered deposits of $35.0 million at December 31, 2009.

 
26

 

The following table presents by various rate categories, the amount of time deposit accounts outstanding at the dates indicated, and the years to maturity of the certificate accounts outstanding at December 31, 2009.

                           
At December 31, 2009
 
         
At December 31,
   
Within
   
One to
             
         
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
One Year
   
Three Years
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
         
(In thousands)
 
Interest rate:
                                               
1.99% or less
  (1 )   $ 276,894     $ 33,006     $ 9,931     $ 247,586     $ 24,907     $ 4,401     $ 276,894  
2.00% to 2.99%
  (2 )     186,821       173,754       5,009       36,986       96,432       53,403       186,821  
3.00% to 3.99%
  (3 )     408,580       533,434       94,249       129,134       72,570       206,876       408,580  
4.00% to 4.99%
  (4 )     210,420       458,418       399,921       157,380       42,814       10,226       210,420  
5.00% to 5.99%
  (5 )     147,796       237,838       657,558       80,819       45,203       21,774       147,796  
6.00% to 6.99%
  (6 )     -       -       94       -       -       -       -  
7.00% to 7.99%
          -       -       637       -       -       -       -  
Total
        $ 1,230,511     $ 1,436,450     $ 1,167,399     $ 651,905     $ 281,926     $ 296,680     $ 1,230,511  

 
(1)
Includes brokered deposits of $18.6 million and $4.8.million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
(2)
Includes brokered deposits of $93.0 million and $48.5 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
(3)
Includes brokered deposits of $178.0 million, $142.8 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
(4)
Includes brokered deposits of $21.9 million, $54.4 million and $65.0 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 respectively.
 
(5)
Includes brokered deposits of $84.2 million, $134.5 million and  $136.3 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively
 
(6)
Includes brokered deposits of $0.1 million at December 31, 2007.
 
The following table presents by remaining maturity categories the amount of certificate of deposit accounts with balances of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2009 and their annualized weighted average interest rates.

         
Weighted
 
   
Amount
   
Average Rate
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Maturity Period:
           
Three months or less
  $ 55,848       2.90 %
Over three through six months
    45,247       2.89  
Over six through 12 months
    122,482       2.68  
Over 12 months
    100,119       3.19  
Total
  $ 323,696       2.91 %

The above table does not include brokered deposits of $395.7 million with a weighted average rate of 3.47%.

The following table presents the deposit activity, including mortgagors’ escrow deposits, for the periods indicated.

   
For the year ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net deposits
  $ 156,696     $ 366,633     $ 183,280  
Amortization of premiums, net
    677       789       855  
Interest on deposits
    66,778       75,965       77,162  
Net increase in deposits
  $ 224,151     $ 443,387     $ 261,297  

 
27

 

The following table sets forth the distribution of our average deposit accounts for the years indicated, the percentage of total deposit portfolio, and the average interest cost of each deposit category presented.  Average balances for all years shown are derived from daily balances.

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
         
Percent
               
Percent
               
Percent
       
   
Average
   
of Total
   
Average
   
Average
   
of Total
   
Average
   
Average
   
of Total
   
Average
 
   
Balance
   
Deposits
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Deposits
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Deposits
   
Cost
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                                       
Savings accounts
  $ 422,399       15.84 %     1.31 %   $ 365,885       16.63 %     2.13 %   $ 310,457       16.09 %     2.44 %
                                                                         
NOW accounts
    373,854       14.02       1.58       147,003       6.68       2.51       57,915       3.00       1.58  
                                                                         
Demand accounts
    76,559       2.86       -       71,613       3.26       -       65,508       3.40       -  
                                                                         
Mortgagors' escrow deposits
    35,879       1.35       0.18       35,465       1.61       0.19       32,403       1.68       0.23  
                                                                         
Total
    908,691       34.07       1.27       619,966       28.18       1.86       466,283       24.17       1.84  
                                                                         
Money market accounts
    334,703       12.55       1.58       303,776       13.81       3.19       294,402       15.26       4.22  
                                                                         
Certificate of deposit accounts
    1,423,746       53.38       3.51       1,275,964       58.01       4.35       1,168,620       60.57       4.88  
                                                                         
Total deposits
  $ 2,667,140       100.00 %     2.50 %   $ 2,199,706       100.00 %     3.49 %   $ 1,929,305       100.00 %     4.04 %

Borrowings.  Although deposits are our primary source of funds, we also use borrowings as an alternative and cost effective source of funds for lending, investing and other general purposes. The Banks are members of, and are eligible to obtain advances from, the FHLB-NY. Such advances generally are secured by a blanket lien against the Banks’ mortgage portfolio and the Banks’ investment in the stock of the FHLB-NY. In addition, the Banks may pledge mortgage-backed securities to obtain advances from the FHLB-NY. See “— Regulation — Federal Home Loan Bank System.” The maximum amount that the FHLB-NY will advance for purposes other than for meeting withdrawals fluctuates from time to time in accordance with the policies of the FHLB-NY. The Banks may also enter into repurchase agreements with broker-dealers and the FHLB-NY. These agreements are recorded as financing transactions and the obligations to repurchase are reflected as a liability in our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we issued junior subordinated debentures with a total par of $61.9 million in June and July 2007. These junior subordinated debentures are carried at fair value in the consolidated statement of financial position. The average cost of borrowings was 4.65%, 4.71% and 4.97% for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The average balances of borrowings were $1,043.2 million, $1,107.6 million and $897.8 million for the same years, respectively.

 
28

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our borrowings at or for the periods ended on the dates indicated.

   
At or for the years ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Securities Sold with the Agreement to Repurchase
                 
Average balance outstanding
  $ 204,192     $ 222,688     $ 229,544  
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end during the period
    222,439       223,191       272,693  
Balance outstanding at the end of period
    186,900       222,657       222,824  
Weighted average interest rate during the period
    4.33 %     4.50 %     5.04 %
Weighted average interest rate at end of period
    4.19       4.52       4.71  
                         
FHLB-NY Advances
                       
Average balance outstanding
  $ 804,545     $ 829,955     $ 625,035  
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end during the period
    854,457       883,240       788,499  
Balance outstanding at the end of period
    838,835       883,240       788,499  
Weighted average interest rate during the period
    4.39 %     4.56 %     4.77 %
Weighted average interest rate at end of period
    3.84       4.16       4.70  
                         
Other Borrowings
                       
Average balance outstanding
  $ 34,465     $ 54,991     $ 43,242  
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end during the period
    38,417       63,643       63,651  
Balance outstanding at the end of period
    34,510       33,052       61,228  
Weighted average interest rate during the period
    12.56 %     7.88 %     7.43 %
Weighted average interest rate at end of period
    12.63       13.20       7.03  
                         
Total Borrowings
                       
Average balance outstanding
  $ 1,043,202     $ 1,107,634     $ 897,821  
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end during the period
    1,110,043       1,138,949       1,075,705  
Balance outstanding at the end of period
    1,060,245       1,138,949       1,072,551  
Weighted average interest rate during the period
    4.65 %     4.71 %     4.97 %
Weighted average interest rate at end of period
    4.18       4.49       4.83  

Subsidiary Activities

At December 31, 2009, Flushing Financial Corporation had four wholly owned subsidiaries: the Savings Bank and the Trusts. In addition, the Savings Bank had four wholly owned subsidiaries: the Commercial Bank, FSB Properties, Inc. (“Properties”), Flushing Preferred Funding Corporation (“FPFC”), and Flushing Service Corporation.

(a)           The Commercial Bank, a New York State chartered commercial bank, was formed in response to a New York State Finance Law which requires that municipal deposits and state funds be deposited into a bank or trust company designated by the New York State Comptroller. It was formed for the limited purpose of providing banking services to public entities including counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, libraries, fire districts and the various courts throughout the New York metropolitan area.

(b)           Properties, which is incorporated in the State of New York, was formed in 1976 under the Savings Bank’s New York State leeway investment authority.  The original purpose of Properties was to engage in joint venture real estate equity investments.  The Bank discontinued these activities in 1986.  The last joint venture in which Properties was a partner was dissolved in 1989. The last remaining property acquired by the dissolution of these joint ventures was disposed of in 1998. Properties is currently used to hold title to real estate owned that is obtained via foreclosure.

(c)           FPFC, which is incorporated in the State of Delaware, was formed in 1997 as a real estate investment trust for the purpose of acquiring, holding and managing real estate mortgage assets. FPFC also provides an additional vehicle for access by the Company to the capital markets for future opportunities.

(d)           Flushing Service Corporation, which is incorporated in the State of New York, was formed in 1998 to market insurance products and mutual funds.

 
29

 

Personnel

At December 31, 2009, we had 309 full-time employees and 47 part-time employees. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining unit, and we consider our relationship with our employees to be good. At the present time, Flushing Financial Corporation only employs certain officers of the Banks. These employees do not receive any extra compensation as officers of Flushing Financial Corporation.

Omnibus Incentive Plan

The 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“Omnibus Plan”) became effective on May 17, 2005 after adoption by the Board of Directors and approval by the stockholders.  The Omnibus Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee to grant a variety of equity compensation awards as well as long-term and annual cash incentive awards, all of which can be structured so as to comply with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. As of December 31, 2009, there are 317,738 shares available under the full value award plan and 209,833 shares under the non-full value plan.  We have applied the shares previously authorized by stockholders under the 1996 Stock Option Incentive Plan and the 1996 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan for use under the non-full value and full value plans, respectively, for future awards under the Omnibus Plan. All grants and awards under the 1996 Stock Option Incentive Plan and 1996 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan prior to the effective date of the Omnibus Plan remain outstanding as issued.  We will continue to maintain separate pools of available shares for full value as opposed to non-full value awards, except that shares can be moved from the non-full value pool to the full value pool on a 3-for-1 basis.  In April 2007 we removed 399,999 shares from the non-full value pool and moved those shares to the full value pool on a 3-for-1 basis resulting in 133,333 shares being added to the full value pool.  In May 2008, the Company’s stockholders approved an additional 350,000 shares for the full value pool and 250,000 shares for the non-full value pool.  The exercise price per share of a stock option grant may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock of the Company on the date of grant, and may not be repriced without the approval of the Company’s stockholders. Options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock based awards granted under the Omnibus Plan are generally subject to a minimum vesting period of three years.

For additional information concerning this plan, see “Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL TAXATION

The following discussion of tax matters is intended only as a summary and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the Company.

Federal Taxation

General.  We report our income using a calendar year and the accrual method of accounting.  We are subject to the federal tax laws and regulations which apply to corporations generally, and, since the enactment of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (the “Act”), those laws and regulations governing the Savings Bank’s deductions for bad debts, described below.

Bad Debt Reserves.  Prior to the enactment of the Act, which was signed into law on August 20, 1996, savings institutions which met certain definitional tests primarily relating to their assets and the nature of their business (“qualifying thrifts”), such as the Savings Bank, were allowed deductions for bad debts under methods more favorable than those granted to other taxpayers.  Qualifying thrifts could compute deductions for bad debts using either the specific charge off method of Section 166 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) or the reserve method of Section 593 of the Code. Section 1616(a) of the Act repealed the Section 593 reserve method of accounting for bad debts by qualifying thrifts, effective for taxable years beginning after 1995.  Qualifying thrifts that are treated as large banks, such as the Savings Bank, are required to use the specific charge off method, pursuant to which the amount of any debt may be deducted only as it actually becomes wholly or partially worthless.

Distributions.  To the extent that the Savings Bank makes “non-dividend distributions” to stockholders that are considered to result in distributions from its pre-1988 reserves or the supplemental reserve for losses on loans (“excess distributions”), then an amount based on the amount distributed will be included in the Savings Bank’s taxable income.  Non-dividend distributions include distributions in excess of the Savings Bank’s current and post-1951 accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes, distributions in redemption of stock and distributions in partial or complete liquidation.  The amount of additional taxable income resulting from an excess distribution is an amount that when reduced by the tax attributable to the income is equal to the amount of the excess distribution.  Thus, slightly more than one and one-half times the amount of the excess distribution made would be includable in gross income for federal income tax purposes, assuming a 35% federal corporate income tax rate.  See “Regulation ___ Restrictions on Dividends and Capital Distributions” for limits on the payment of dividends by the Bank.  The Savings

 
30

 

Bank does not intend to pay dividends or make non-dividend distributions described above that would result in a recapture of any portion of its pre-1988 bad debt reserves.

Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax.  The Code imposes an alternative minimum tax on corporations equal to the excess, if any, of 20% of alternative minimum taxable income (“AMTI”) over a corporation’s regular federal income tax liability.  AMTI is equal to taxable income with certain adjustments.  Generally, only 90% of AMTI can be offset by net operating loss carrybacks and carryforwards.

State and Local Taxation

New York State and New York City Taxation.  We are subject to the New York State Franchise Tax on Banking Corporations in an annual amount equal to the greater of (1) 7.1% of “entire net income” allocable to New York State during the taxable year or (2) the applicable alternative minimum tax.  The alternative minimum tax is generally the greater of (a) 0.01% of the value of assets allocable to New York State with certain modifications, (b) 3% of “alternative entire net income” allocable to New York State or (c) $250.  Entire net income is similar to federal taxable income, subject to certain modifications, including that net operating losses arising during any taxable year prior to January 1, 2001 cannot be carried back or carried forward, and net operating losses arising during any taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 2001 cannot be carried back. Alternative entire net income is equal to entire net income without certain deductions that are allowable in the calculation of entire net income.  We are also subject to a similarly calculated New York City tax of 9% on income allocated to New York City.  For New York City tax purposes, entire net income is similar to federal taxable income, subject to certain modifications, including that net operating losses arising during any taxable year prior to January 1, 2009 cannot be carried back or carried forward, and net operating losses arising during any taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 2009 cannot be carried back and similar alternative taxes.  In addition, we are subject to a tax surcharge at a rate of 17% of the New York State Franchise Tax that is attributable to business activity carried on within the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District.

Notwithstanding the repeal of the federal income tax provisions permitting bad debt deductions under the reserve method, New York State has enacted legislation maintaining the preferential treatment of additional loss reserves for qualifying real property and non-qualifying loans of qualifying thrifts for both New York State and New York City tax purposes.  Calculation of the amount of additions to reserves for qualifying real property loans is limited to the larger of the amount derived by the percentage of taxable income method or the experience method. For these purposes, the applicable percentage to calculate the bad debt deduction under the percentage of taxable income method is 32% of taxable income, reduced by additions to reserves for non-qualifying loans, except that the amount of the addition to the reserve cannot exceed the amount necessary to increase the balance of the reserve for losses on qualifying real property loans at the close of the taxable year to 6% of the balance of the qualifying real property loans outstanding at the end of the taxable year. Under the experience method, the maximum addition to a loan reserve generally equals the amount necessary to increase the balance of the bad debt reserve at the close of the taxable year to the greater of (1) the amount that bears the same ratio to loans outstanding at the close of the taxable year as the total net bad debts sustained during the current and five preceding taxable years bears to the sum of the loans outstanding at the close of those six years, or (2) the balance of the bad debt reserve at the close of the “base year,” or, if the amount of loans outstanding has declined since the base year, the amount which bears the same ratio to the amount of loans outstanding at the close of the taxable year as the balance of the reserve at the close of the base year. For these purposes, the “base year” is the last taxable year beginning before 1988. The amount of additions to reserves for non-qualifying loans is computed under the experience method. In no event may the additions to reserves for qualifying real property loans be greater than the larger of the amount determined under the experience method or the amount which, when added to the additions to reserves for non-qualifying loans, equal the amount by which 12% of the total deposits or withdrawable accounts of depositors of the Savings Bank at the close of the taxable year exceeds the sum of the Savings Bank’s surplus, undivided profits and reserves at the beginning of such year.

Delaware State Taxation.  As a Delaware holding company not earning income in Delaware, we are exempt from Delaware corporate income tax but are required to file an annual report with and pay an annual franchise tax to the State of Delaware.

REGULATION

General

Flushing Financial Corporation is registered with the OTS as a savings and loan holding company and is subject to OTS regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting requirements. In addition, the OTS has enforcement authority over Flushing Financial Corporation and any non-savings institution subsidiaries it may form or acquire. Among other things, this authority permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that it determines may pose a serious risk to the Savings Bank. As a publicly owned company, we are required to file certain reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under federal securities laws. The Banks are members of the FHLB System. The

 
31

 

Savings Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the OTS, as its chartering agency, and the FDIC, as the insurer of the Savings Bank’s deposits. The Savings Bank is also subject to certain regulations promulgated by the other federal agencies. The Savings Bank must file reports with the OTS and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition, in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions such as mergers with or acquisitions of other savings institutions. The Savings Bank is subject to periodic examinations by the OTS and the FDIC to examine whether the Savings Bank is in compliance with various regulatory requirements. The Commercial Bank is subject to extensive regulations promulgated by the FDIC and the New York State Banking Department, similar to those imposed on the Savings Bank. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution is permitted to engage and is intended primarily to ensure the safe and sound operation of the Banks for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of an adequate allowance for possible loan losses for regulatory purposes. Any change in such regulation, whether by the OTS, the FDIC, other federal agencies, the New York State Banking Department, or the United States Congress, could have a material adverse impact on us and our operations.

The activities of federal savings institutions are governed primarily by the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended (“HOLA”) and, in certain respects, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”). Most regulatory functions relating to deposit insurance and to the administration of conservatorships and receiverships of insured institutions are exercised by the FDIC. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), among other things, requires that federal banking regulators intervene promptly when a depository institution experiences financial difficulties, mandated the establishment of a risk-based deposit insurance assessment system, and required imposition of numerous additional safety and soundness operational standards and restrictions. FDICIA and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”) each contain provisions affecting numerous aspects of the operations and regulations of federal savings banks, and these laws empower the OTS and the FDIC, among other agencies, to promulgate regulations implementing their provisions.

Set forth below is a brief description of certain laws and regulations which relate to the regulation of the Banks and the Company. The description does not purport to be a comprehensive description of applicable laws, rules and regulations and is qualified in its entirety by reference to applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Holding Company Regulation

Flushing Financial Corporation is a unitary savings and loan holding company within the meaning of the HOLA. As such, we are required to register with the OTS and are subject to OTS regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting requirements.  In addition, the OTS has enforcement authority over us and any non-savings institution subsidiaries we may form or acquire. Among other things, this authority permits the OTS to restrict or prohibit activities that it determines may pose a serious risk to the Banks.  See “—Restrictions on Dividends and Capital Distributions.”

HOLA prohibits a savings and loan holding company, directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries, from (1) acquiring another savings institution or holding company thereof, without prior written approval of the OTS; (2) acquiring or retaining, with certain exceptions, more than 5% of a non-subsidiary savings institution, a non-subsidiary holding company, or a non-subsidiary company engaged in activities other than those permitted by HOLA; or (3) acquiring or retaining control of a depository institution that is not federally insured.  In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings institutions, the OTS will consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the company and institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the insurance funds, the convenience and needs of the community, and the impact of any competitive factors that may be involved.

As a unitary savings and loan holding company, Flushing Financial Corporation currently is not restricted as to the types of business activities in which it may engage, provided that the Savings Bank continues to meet the qualified thrift lender (“QTL”) test.  See “—Qualified Thrift Lender Test.” Upon any non-supervisory acquisition by the Company of another savings association or savings bank, Flushing Financial Corporation would become a multiple savings and loan holding company (if the acquired institution is held as a separate subsidiary) and would be subject to extensive limitations on the types of business activities in which it could engage.  HOLA limits the activities of a multiple savings and loan holding company and its non-insured institution subsidiaries primarily to activities permissible for bank holding companies under Section 4(c)(8) of the Bank Holding Company Act, subject to the prior approval of the OTS, and activities authorized by OTS regulation.

The OTS 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: (1) emergency acquisitions authorized by the FDIC and (2) the acquisition of a savings institution in another state if the laws of the state of the target savings institution specifically permit such acquisitions. Under New York law, reciprocal interstate acquisitions are

 
32

 

authorized for savings and loan holding companies and savings institutions. Certain states do not authorize interstate acquisitions under any circumstances; however, federal law authorizing acquisitions in supervisory cases preempts such state law.

Federal law generally provides that no “person” acting directly or indirectly or through or in concert with one or more other persons, may acquire “control,” as that term is defined in OTS regulations, of a federally insured savings institution without giving at least 60 days’ written notice to the OTS and providing the OTS an opportunity to disapprove the proposed acquisition. Such acquisitions of control may be disapproved if it is determined, among other things, that (1) the acquisition would substantially lessen competition; (2) the financial condition of the acquiring person might jeopardize the financial stability of the savings institution or prejudice the interests of its depositors; or (3) the competency, experience or integrity of the acquiring person or the proposed management personnel indicates that it would not be in the interest of the depositors or the public to permit the acquisition of control by such person.

Investment Powers

The Savings Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation governing its investments and activities. Among other things, the Savings Bank may invest in (1) residential mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities, education loans and credit card loans in an unlimited amount, (2) non-residential real estate loans up to 400% of total capital, (3) commercial business loans up to 20% of total assets (however, amounts over 10% of total assets must be used only for small business loans) and (4) in general, consumer loans and highly rated commercial paper and corporate debt securities in the aggregate up to 35% of total assets.  In addition, the Savings Bank may invest up to 3% of its total assets in service corporations, an unlimited percentage of its assets in operating subsidiaries (which may only engage in activities permissible for the Savings Bank itself) and under certain conditions may invest in finance subsidiaries. Other than investments in service corporations, operating subsidiaries, finance subsidiaries and certain government-sponsored enterprises, such as FHLMC and FNMA, the Savings Bank generally is not permitted to make equity investments. See “— General — Investment Activities.” A service corporation in which the Savings Bank may invest is permitted to engage in activities that a federal savings bank may conduct directly, other than taking deposits, as well as certain activities pre-approved by the OTS, which include providing certain support services for the institution; originating, investing in, selling, purchasing, servicing or otherwise dealing with specified types of loans and participations (principally loans that the parent institution could make); specified real estate activities, including limited real estate development; securities brokerage services; certain insurance brokerage activities; and other specified investments and services.

Real Estate Lending Standards

FDICIA requires each federal banking agency to adopt uniform regulations prescribing standards for extensions of credit which are either (1) secured by real estate, or (2) made for the purpose of financing the construction of improvements on real estate.  In prescribing these standards, the banking agencies must consider the risk posed to the deposit insurance funds by real estate loans, the need for safe and sound operation of insured depository institutions and the availability of credit.  The OTS and the other federal banking agencies adopted uniform regulations, effective March 19, 1993. The OTS regulation requires each savings association to establish and maintain written internal real estate lending standards consistent with safe and sound banking practices and appropriate to the size of the institution and the nature and scope of its real estate lending activities. The policy must also be consistent with accompanying OTS guidelines, which include maximum loan-to-value ratios for the following types of real estate loans: raw land (65%), land development (75%), nonresidential construction (80%), improved property (85%) and one-to-four family residential construction (85%). Owner-occupied one-to-four family mortgage loans and home equity loans do not have maximum loan-to-value ratio limits, but owner-occupied one-to-four family mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio at origination of 90% or greater are to be backed by private mortgage insurance or readily marketable collateral.  Institutions are also permitted to make a limited amount of loans that do not conform to the proposed loan-to-value limitations so long as such exceptions are appropriately reviewed and justified. The guidelines also list a number of lending situations in which exceptions to the loan-to-value standard are justified.

Loans-to-One Borrower Limits

The Savings Bank generally is subject to the same loans-to-one borrower limits that apply to national banks.  With certain exceptions, total loans and extensions of credit outstanding at one time to one borrower (including certain related entities of the borrower) may not exceed, for loans not fully secured, 15% of the Savings Bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus, plus, for loans fully secured by readily marketable collateral, an additional 10% of the Savings Bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. At December 31, 2009, the largest amount the Savings Bank could lend to one borrower was approximately $54.8 million, and at that date, the Savings Bank’s largest aggregate amount of loans-to-one borrower was $36.0 million, all of which were performing according to their terms.  The Commercial Bank does not originate loans.  See “— General — Lending Activities.”

 
33

 

Insurance of Accounts

The deposits of the Banks are insured up to $100,000 per depositor, excluding retirement accounts, which are insured up to $250,000 per depositor (as defined by federal law and regulations), by the FDIC. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) increased this coverage, effective October 3, 2008, for all accounts in an amount up to $250,000 through December 31, 2009. On May 20, 2009, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act was signed into law. Included in this legislation was a provision that extends the temporary increase in the standard maximum insured deposit amount to $250,000 per depositor through December 31, 2013. The legislation provides that the insured deposit coverage limit will return to $100,000 on January 1, 2014. In addition, the FDIC has implemented a Transaction Account Guarantee Program (“TAGP”) under which, effective October 14, 2008 and through December 31, 2009, transaction accounts that earn interest at a rate of no more than 0.50% are insured for 100% of their balance. The TAGP was provided at no cost to banks through November 12, 2008. Banks had the option to opt out of this program no later than November 12, 2008. Banks which did not opt out of the TAGP paid additional deposit insurance at an annual rate of 0.10% for balances in covered deposit accounts in excess of $250,000. Both the Savings Bank and the Commercial Bank opted to remain in the TAGP. On August 26, 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule extending the TAGP through June 30, 2010. The extension increased the rate institutions will pay to 15 basis points, 20 basis points or 25 basis points, depending on the risk category assigned to the institution under the FDIC’s risk-based premium system. Any institution participating in the TAGP could elect to opt out on or before November 2, 2009. The Banks did not opt out, and are therefore continuing to participate in the TAGP through June 30, 2010.

All of the Banks’ deposits are presently insured, to the maximum extent allowed, by the FDIC under the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”). Previously, the majority of the Savings Bank’s deposits were insured by the Bank Insurance Fund (“BIF”), and the remainder by the Savings Association Insurance Fund (“SAIF”). As insurer, the FDIC is authorized to conduct examinations of, and to require reporting by, insured institutions. It also may prohibit any insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a serious threat to the insurance fund. The FDIC also has the authority to initiate enforcement actions where the OTS has failed or declined to take such action after receiving a request to do so from the FDIC.

On February 8, 2006, as part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005 (“Deposit Act”) was enacted. The Deposit Act required the FDIC to merge the BIF and SAIF into a new insurance fund, the DIF, no later than July 1, 2006. The funds were merged on March 31, 2006. The FDIC was also required to propose regulations to implement the Deposit Act’s provisions. These regulations have been finalized and became effective January 1, 2007. Other major provisions of the Deposit Act include: (1) maintaining basic deposit insurance coverage at $100,000, and increasing deposit insurance coverage to $250,000 for certain retirement accounts, with increases for inflation each five years beginning in 2011, (2) giving the FDIC flexibility to manage the insurance fund by setting the designated reserve ratio between 1.15% and 1.50% (thereby eliminating the 1.25% trigger), (3) requiring all banks to be assessed premiums, (4) providing a one-time assessment credit of $4.7 billion to banks and savings institutions in existence on December 31, 1996, that capitalized the FDIC in the 1990s to offset future premiums under a new risk-based assessment system, and (5) imposing a cap on the growth of the insurance fund by requiring a premium dividend to institutions when certain levels of the DIF are exceeded. The Savings Bank was provided a one-time assessment credit of $1.1 million, which was used to offset the FDIC assessment. During 2007, the Savings Bank utilized $1.0 million of this credit to offset the FDIC assessment, and utilized the remaining credit in 2008 to offset its FDIC assessment.

The FDIC utilizes a risk-based deposit insurance assessment system. Through December 31, 2006, under this system, the FDIC assigned each institution to one of three capital categories — “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized” and “undercapitalized” — which are defined in the same manner as the regulations establishing the prompt corrective action system under Section 38 of FDIA, as discussed below. These three categories were then divided into three subcategories which reflect varying levels of supervisory concern. The matrix so created resulted in nine assessment risk classifications. Effective January 1, 2007, the FDIC revised their risk-based deposit insurance assessment system, and placed institutions into four risk categories based upon supervisory and capital evaluations. Risk Category 1 is further subdivided based upon supervisory ratings and other risk measures to differentiate risk. Due to the insurance fund falling below its required reserve ratio of 1.15% during 2008, effective January 1, 2009, the FDIC increased rates uniformly by seven basis points for the first quarter of 2009 to replenish the insurance fund within five years. The FDIC subsequently adopted additional changes to its risk categories effective April 1, 2009, and extended the period to replenish the insurance fund to seven years. Effective April 1, 2009, the FDIC continued to utilize four risk categories, but to determine initial base assessment rates, the FDIC: (1) introduced a new financial ratio into the financial ratios method applicable to most Risk Category I institutions to include brokered deposits above a threshold that are used to fund rapid asset growth; (2) for a large Risk Category I institution with long-term debt issuer ratings, combined weighted average CAMELS component ratings, the debt issuer ratings, and the financial ratios method assessment rate;

 
34

 

and (3) uses a new uniform amount and pricing multipliers for each method. The FDIC also introduced three adjustments that could be made to an institution’s initial base assessment rate: (1) a decrease for long-term unsecured debt, and, for small institutions, a portion of Tier 1 capital; (2) an increase for secured liabilities above a threshold amount; and (3) for non-Risk Category I institutions, an increase for brokered deposits above a threshold amount. At December 31, 2008, the Banks’ annual assessment rate was 0.05%. This assessment rate for the first quarter of 2009 was increased to a range of 0.12% to 0.14%. This base assessment beginning in the second quarter of 2009 is in a range of 0.12% to 0.16%, The Savings Bank also saw a further increase in its deposit insurance premium beginning in the second quarter of 2009 since it has seen an increase in its secured liabilities above the threshold level defined by the FDIC. The FDIC also imposed a 20 basis point emergency special assessment that was collected on September 30, 2009 based on deposit balances as of June 30, 2009. The rule also provides that, after June 30, 2009, if the reserve ratio of the DIF is estimated to fall to a level that the Board of the FDIC believes would adversely affect public confidence or to a level which shall be close to zero or negative at the end of a calendar quarter, an emergency special assessment of up to 10 basis points may be imposed by a vote of the Board of the FDIC on all insured depository institutions for the corresponding assessment period. Additionally, on September 29, 2009, the Board of Directors of the FDIC proposed to require institutions to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012, which was collected on December 31, 2009. The Banks prepaid a total of $16.9 million in risk-based assessments. The FDIC Board also voted to adopt a uniform three-basis point increase in assessment rates effective on January 1, 2011, and to extend the restoration period from seven to eight years.  The Savings Bank’s assessment rate in effect from time to time will depend upon the risk category to which it is assigned. In addition, the FDIC is authorized to increase federal deposit insurance assessment rates to the extent necessary to protect the fund under current law. Any increase in deposit insurance assessment rates, as a result of a change in the category or subcategory to which the Banks are assigned or the exercise of the FDIC’s authority to increase assessment rates generally, could have an adverse effect on the earnings of the Banks.

Under the FDIA, insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the 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. We do not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of deposit insurance.

On September 30, 1996, as part of an omnibus appropriations bill, the Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 (the “Funds Act”) was enacted. The Funds Act required BIF institutions, beginning January 1, 1997, to pay a portion of the interest due on the Finance Corporation (“FICO”) bonds issued in connection with the savings and loan association crisis in the late 1980s, and required BIF institutions to pay their full pro rata share of the FICO payments starting the earlier of January 1, 2000 or the date at which no savings institution continues to exist. We were required, as of January 1, 2000, to pay our full pro rata share of the FICO payments. The FICO assessment rate is subject to change. The Banks paid $271,000, $238,000 and $224,000 for their share of the interest due on FICO bonds in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which was included in FDIC insurance expense.

Qualified Thrift Lender Test

Institutions regulated by the OTS are required to meet a QTL test to avoid certain restrictions on their operations. FDICIA and applicable OTS regulations require such institutions to maintain at least 65% of their portfolio assets (total assets less intangibles, properties used to conduct the institution’s business and liquid assets not exceeding 20% of total assets) in “qualified thrift investments” on a monthly average basis in nine of every 12 months. Qualified thrift investments constitute primarily residential mortgage loans and related investments, including certain mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities. A savings institution that fails the QTL test must either convert to a bank charter or, in general, it will be prohibited from: (1) making an investment or engaging in any new activity not permissible for a national bank, (2) paying dividends not permissible under national bank regulations and (3) establishing any new branch office in a location not permissible for a national bank in the institution’s home state. One year following the institution’s failure to meet the QTL test, any holding company parent of the institution must register and be subject to supervision as a bank holding company. In addition, beginning three years after the institution failed the QTL test, the institution would be prohibited from retaining any investment or engaging in any activity not permissible for a national bank. At December 31, 2009 the Savings Bank had maintained more than 65% of its “portfolio assets” in qualified thrift investments in at least nine of the preceding 12 months. Accordingly, on that date, the Savings Bank had met the QTL test.

Under the Economic Growth and Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996 (“Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act”), Congress modified and expanded investment authority under the QTL test. The Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act amendments permit federal thrifts to invest in, sell, or otherwise deal in education and credit card loans without limitation and raised from 10% to 20% of total assets the aggregate amount of commercial, corporate, business, or agricultural loans or investments that may be made by a thrift, subject to a requirement that amounts in excess of 10% of

 
35

 

total assets be used only for small business loans.  In addition, the Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act defines “qualified thrift investment” to include, without limit, education, small business, and credit card loans; and removes the 10% limit on personal, family, or household loans for purposes of the QTL test.  The legislation also provides that a thrift meets the QTL test if it qualifies as a domestic building and loan association under the OTS regulations.

Transactions with Affiliates

Transactions between the Savings Bank and any related party or “affiliate” are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. An affiliate is generally any company or entity which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Savings Bank, including Flushing Financial Corporation, the Commercial Bank, the Trusts, the Savings Bank’s subsidiaries, and any other qualifying subsidiary of the Savings Bank or Flushing Financial Corporation that may be formed or acquired in the future. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B: (1) limit the extent to which the Savings Bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of the Savings Bank’s capital stock and surplus, and impose an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus, and (2) require that all such transactions be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the Savings Bank or subsidiary as those provided to a non-affiliate. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee and other similar types of transactions. Each loan or extension of credit to an affiliate by the Savings Bank must be secured by collateral with a market value ranging from 100% to 130% (depending on the type of collateral) of the amount of credit extended. In addition, the Savings Bank may not: (1) loan or otherwise extend credit to an affiliate, except to any affiliate which engages only in activities which are permissible for bank holding companies under Section 4(c) of the Bank Company Act, or (2) purchase or invest in any stocks, bonds, debentures, notes or similar obligations of any affiliates, except subsidiaries of the Savings Bank.

In addition, the Savings Bank is subject to Regulation O promulgated under Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act. Regulation O requires that loans by the Savings Bank to a director, executive officer or to a holder of more than 10% of the Common Stock, and to certain affiliated interests of any such insider, may not, in the aggregate, exceed the Savings Bank’s loans-to-one borrower limit. Loans to insiders and their related interests must also be made on terms substantially the same as offered, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than those applied, in comparable transactions to other persons. Prior Board approval is required for certain loans. In addition, the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by the Savings Bank to all insiders cannot exceed the institution’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. These laws place additional restrictions on loans to executive officers of the Bank.  The Savings Bank is in compliance with these regulations.

Restrictions on Dividends and Capital Distributions

The Savings Bank is subject to OTS limitations on capital distributions, which include cash dividends, stock redemptions or repurchases, cash-out mergers, interest payments on certain convertible debt and some other distributions charged to the Savings Bank’s capital account. In general, the applicable regulation permits specified levels of capital distributions by a savings institution that meets at least its minimum capital requirements, so long as the OTS is provided with at least 30 days’ advance notice and has no objection to the distribution.

Under OTS capital distribution regulations, an institution is not required to file an application with, or to provide a notice to, the OTS if neither the institution nor the proposed capital distribution meets any of the criteria for any such application or notice as provided below. An institution will be required to file an application with the OTS if the institution is not eligible for expedited treatment by the OTS; if the total amount of all its capital distributions for the applicable calendar year exceeds the net income for that year to date plus the retained net income (net income less capital distributions) for the preceding two years; if it would not be at least adequately capitalized following the distribution; or if its proposed capital distribution would violate a prohibition contained in any applicable statute, regulation, or agreement between the association and the OTS. By contrast, only notice to the OTS is required for an institution that is not required to file an application as provided in the preceding sentence, if it would not be well capitalized following the distribution; if the association’s proposed capital distribution would reduce the amount of or retire any part of its common or preferred stock or retire any part of debt instruments such as notes or debentures included in capital under OTS regulations; or if the association is a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company. The Savings Bank is a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company and, therefore, is subject to the 30-day advance notice requirement. As of December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank had $60.0 million in retained earnings available to distribute to the Holding Company in the form of cash dividends.

Federal Home Loan Bank System

In connection with converting to a federal charter, the Savings Bank became a member of the FHLB-NY, which is one of 12 regional FHLB governed and regulated by the Federal Housing Finance Board.  The Commercial Bank is also a member of the FHLB-NY. Each FHLB serves as a source of liquidity for its members within its assigned region. It

 
36

 

is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB System. It makes loans to members (i.e., advances) in accordance with policies and procedures established by its Board of Directors.

As members, the Banks are mandated to purchase and maintain membership stock in the FHLB-NY based on their respective asset sizes. In addition, for all borrowing activity, the Banks are required to purchase or redeem shares of FHLB-NY non-marketable capital stock at par. Pursuant to this requirement, at December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank was required to maintain $45.9 million of FHLB-NY stock, and the Commercial Bank was required to maintain $64,200 of FHLB-NY stock. The Banks were in compliance with these requirements at that time.

Assessments

Savings institutions are required by OTS regulations to pay assessments to the OTS to fund the operations of the OTS. The general assessment, paid on a semi-annual basis, as determined from time to time by the Director of the OTS, is computed upon the savings institution’s total assets, including consolidated subsidiaries, as reported in the institution’s latest quarterly thrift financial report. Based on the average balance of the Savings Bank’s total assets for the year ended December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank’s OTS assessments were $0.7 million for that period.  The Commercial Bank is a New York State chartered commercial bank, and as such is required by the New York State Banking Department to pay an annual assessment.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Commercial Bank paid an assessment of $41,000.

Branching

OTS regulations permit federally chartered savings institutions to branch nationwide to the extent allowed by federal statute. This permits federal savings associations to geographically diversify their loan portfolios and lines of business. The OTS authority preempts any state law purporting to regulate branching by federal savings institutions.

Community Reinvestment

Under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), as implemented by OTS regulations, the Savings Bank has an obligation, consistent with its safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods located in the community. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions, nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA requires the OTS, in connection with its examination of a savings institution, to assess the institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by the institution. The methodology used by the OTS for determining an institution’s compliance with the CRA focuses on three tests: (a) a lending test, to evaluate the institution’s record of making loans in its service areas; (b) an investment test, to evaluate the institution’s record of investing in community development projects, affordable housing, and programs benefiting low or moderate income individuals and businesses; and (c) a service test, to evaluate the range of the institution’s services and the delivery of services through its branches, ATMs, and other offices. The Bank received a CRA rating of “Satisfactory” in its most recent completed CRA examination, which was completed as of August 3, 2009. Institutions that receive less than a satisfactory rating may face difficulties in securing approval for new activities or acquisitions.  The CRA requires all institutions to make public disclosures of their CRA ratings. As a special purpose commercial bank, the Commercial Bank is not required to comply with the CRA.

Brokered Deposits

The FDIC has promulgated regulations implementing the FDICIA limitations on brokered deposits. Under the regulations, well-capitalized institutions are not subject to brokered deposit limitations, while adequately capitalized institutions are able to accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits only with a waiver from the FDIC and subject to restrictions on the interest rate that can be paid on such deposits. Undercapitalized institutions are not permitted to accept brokered deposits and may not solicit deposits by offering an effective yield that exceeds by more than 75 basis points the prevailing effective yields on insured deposits of comparable maturity in the institution’s normal market area or in the market area in which such deposits are being solicited.  Pursuant to the regulation, the Savings Bank, as a well-capitalized institution, may accept brokered deposits. At December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank had $430.8 million in brokered deposit accounts.

Capital Requirements

General.  The Savings Bank is required to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital. Since FIRREA, capital requirements established by the OTS generally must be no less stringent than the capital requirements applicable to national banks. The OTS also is authorized to impose capital requirements in excess of these standards on a case-by-case basis.

 
37

 

Any institution that fails any of its applicable capital requirements is subject to possible enforcement actions by the OTS or the FDIC. Such actions could include a capital directive, a cease and desist order, civil money penalties, the establishment of restrictions on the institution’s operations and the appointment of a conservator or receiver. The OTS’ capital regulation provides that such actions, through enforcement proceedings or otherwise, could require one or more of a variety of corrective actions.  See “—Prompt Corrective Action.”

The OTS’ capital regulations create three capital requirements: a tangible capital requirement, a leverage and core capital requirement and a risk-based capital requirement. At December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank’s capital levels exceeded applicable OTS capital requirements.  The three OTS capital requirements are described below.

Tangible Capital Requirement.  Under current OTS regulations, each savings institution must maintain tangible capital equal to at least 1.50% of its adjusted total assets (as defined by regulation). Tangible capital generally includes common stockholders’ equity and retained income, and certain non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related income. In addition, all intangible assets, other than a limited amount of purchased mortgage servicing rights, must be deducted from tangible capital. Tangible capital also excludes adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income recorded for postretirement benefits. At December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank had $13.9 million in goodwill and $1.9 million in a core deposit intangible which were classified as intangible assets, and no purchased mortgage servicing rights. At that date, the Savings Bank’s tangible capital ratio was 8.84%.

In calculating adjusted total assets, adjustments are made to total assets to give effect to the exclusion of certain assets from capital and to appropriately account for the investments in and assets of both includable and non-includable subsidiaries.

Leverage and Core Capital Requirement.  The current OTS requirement for leverage and core capital (commonly referred to as core capital) ranges between 3% and 5% of adjusted total assets. Savings institutions that receive the highest supervisory rating for safety and soundness are required to maintain a minimum core capital ratio of 3%, while the capital floor for all other savings institutions generally ranges from 4% to 5%, as determined by the OTS on a case-by-case basis. Core capital includes common stockholders’ equity (including retained income), non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus. At December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank’s core capital ratio was 8.84%.

OTS regulations limit the amount of servicing assets, together with purchased credit card receivables, includable in core capital to 100% of such capital, subject to limitations on fair value. At December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank had $0.2 million in capitalized servicing rights and no purchased credit card receivables.

Risk-Based Requirement.  The risk-based capital standard adopted by the OTS requires savings institutions to maintain a minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8%. Total capital consists of core capital, defined above, and supplementary capital, but excludes the effect of recognizing deferred taxes based upon future income after one year. Supplementary capital consists of certain capital instruments that do not qualify as core capital, and general valuation loan and lease loss allowances up to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. Supplementary capital may be used to satisfy the risk-based requirement only in an amount equal to the amount of core capital. In determining the risk-based capital ratios, total assets, including certain off-balance sheet items, are multiplied by a risk weight based on the risks inherent in the type of assets. The risk weights assigned by the OTS for significant categories of assets are (1) 0% for cash and securities issued by the federal government or unconditionally backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government; (2) 20% for securities (other than equity securities) issued by federal government sponsored agencies and mortgage-backed securities issued by, or fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the FNMA or the FHLMC, except for those classes with residual characteristics or stripped mortgage-related securities; (3) 50% for prudently underwritten permanent one-to-four family first lien mortgage loans and certain qualifying multi-family mortgage loans not more than 90 days delinquent and having a loan-to-value ratio of not more than 80% at origination unless insured to such ratio by an insurer approved by the FNMA or the FHLMC; and (4) 100% for all other loans and investments, including consumer loans, home equity loans, commercial loans, and one-to-four family residential real estate loans more than 90 days delinquent, and all repossessed assets or assets more than 90 days past due.  At December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank’s risk-based capital ratio was 13.49%.

The Commercial Bank is required to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital, which are similar to those of the Savings Bank. At December 31, 2009, the Commercial Bank exceeded the regulatory capital requirements to be considered well capitalized, with tangible, leverage and core, and risk-based capital ratios of 11.21%, 11.21%, and 87.68%, respectively.

Federal Reserve System

The Federal Reserve Board requires all depository institutions to maintain reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily NOW and checking accounts) and non-personal time deposits. At December 31, 2009, the Banks were in compliance with these requirements.

 
38

 

The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve Board may be used to satisfy liquidity requirements imposed by the OTS. Because required reserves must be maintained in the form of vault cash or an account at a Federal Reserve Bank directly or through another bank, the effect of this reserve requirement is to reduce an institution’s earning assets. Effective October 9, 2008, the Federal Reserve Bank pays interest on deposits maintained at its bank at a rate that approximates the overnight federal funds rate. The amount of funds necessary to satisfy this requirement has not had a material effect on the Banks’ operations.

As a creditor and financial institution, the Savings Bank is also subject to additional regulations promulgated by the FRB, including, without limitation, regulations implementing requirements of the Truth in Savings Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Truth in Lending Act.

Financial Reporting

The Savings Bank is required to submit independently audited annual reports to the FDIC and the OTS. These publicly available reports must include (a) annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and such other disclosures as required by the FDIC or the OTS and (b) a report, signed by the Savings Bank’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer which contains statements about the adequacy of internal controls and compliance with designated laws and regulations, and an opinion by independent auditors related thereto. The Commercial Bank is required to submit independently audited annual reports to the FDIC and New York State Banking Department.  The Banks are each required to monitor the foregoing activities through independent audit committees.

Standards for Safety and Soundness

The FDIA, as amended by the FDICIA and the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (the “Community Development Act”), requires each federal bank regulatory agency to establish safety and soundness standards for institutions under its authority. On July 10, 1995, the federal banking agencies, including the OTS, jointly released Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness and published a final rule establishing deadlines for submission and review of safety and soundness compliance plans. The guidelines, among other things, require savings institutions to maintain internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems that are appropriate to the size, nature and scope of the institution’s business. The guidelines also establish general standards relating to loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits.  Savings institutions are required to maintain safeguards to prevent the payment of excessive compensation to an executive officer, employee, director or principal shareholder. The OTS may determine that a savings institution is not in compliance with the safety and soundness guidelines and, upon doing so, may require the institution to submit an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the guidelines. An institution must submit an acceptable compliance plan to the OTS within 30 days of receipt or request for such a plan. Failure to submit or implement a compliance plan may subject the institution to regulatory actions. Management believes that the Bank currently meets the standards adopted in the interagency guidelines.

Additionally, under FDICIA, as amended by the Community Development Act, federal banking agencies are required to establish standards relating to asset quality and earnings that the agencies determine to be appropriate. Effective October 1, 1998, the federal banking agencies, including the OTS, adopted guidelines relating to asset quality and earnings which require insured institutions to maintain systems, consistent with their size and the nature and scope of their operations, to identify problem assets and prevent deterioration in those assets as well as to evaluate and monitor earnings and insure that earnings are sufficient to maintain adequate capital and reserves.

Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “Modernization Act”) was signed into law on November 12, 1999. Among other things, the Modernization Act permits qualifying bank holding companies to affiliate with securities firms and insurance companies and engage in other activities that are financial in nature or complementary thereto, as determined by the Federal Reserve Board. Subject to certain limitations, a national bank may, through a financial subsidiary, engage in similar activities. The Modernization Act also prohibits the creation or acquisition of new unitary savings and loan holding companies that are affiliated with non-banking firms, but “grandfathers” existing savings and loan holding companies, such as the Company. Grandfathered companies retain the existing powers available to unitary savings and loan holding companies. See “ Holding Company Regulation.” Certain business combinations which were impermissible prior to the effective date of the Modernization Act are now possible. Management believes the Modernization Act has led to some consolidation in the financial services industry and could lead to further consolidation, which, if completed, would likely result in an increase in the service offerings of our competitors. We cannot assure you that the Modernization Act will not result in further changes in the competitive environment in our market area or otherwise impact us.

 
39

 

In addition, the Modernization Act calls for heightened privacy protection of customer information gathered by financial institutions. The OTS has enacted regulations implementing the privacy protection provisions of the Modernization Act. Under the regulations, each financial institution is to (1) adopt procedures to protect customers’ “non-public personal information,” (2) disclose its privacy policy, including identifying to customers others with whom it shares “non-public personal information,” at the time of establishing the customer relationship and annually thereafter, and (3) provide its customers with the ability to “opt-out” of having the financial institution share their personal information with affiliated third parties. The regulations became effective on November 13, 2000, with compliance voluntary prior to July 1, 2001. Management has reviewed and amended our privacy protection policy and believes we are in compliance with these regulations.

USA Patriot Act

On October 26, 2001, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001 (the “Patriot Act”) was signed into law. The purpose of the Patriot Act is to enhance protections against money laundering and criminal laws against terrorist activities, and give law enforcement authorities greater investigative powers. Among other things, the Patriot Act (1) requires financial institutions that administer, maintain or manage private bank accounts or correspondent accounts for foreign persons to establish due diligence policies; (2) prohibits correspondent accounts with foreign shell banks; (3) permits sharing of information among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement regarding persons engaged in terrorist or money laundering activities; (4) requires financial institutions to verify customer identification at account opening; (5) requires financial institutions to report suspicious activities; and (6) requires financial institutions to establish an anti-money laundering compliance program. Management believes we are in compliance with the Patriot Act.

Prompt Corrective Action

Under Section 38 of the FDIA, as added by the FDICIA, each appropriate banking agency is required to take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital ratios.  Such action must be accomplished at the least possible long-term cost to the appropriate deposit insurance fund.

The federal banking agencies, including the OTS and the FDIC, adopted substantially similar regulations to implement Section 38 of the FDIA.  Under the regulations, an institution is deemed to be (1) “well capitalized” if it has total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or more, has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% or more, has a leverage capital ratio of 5% or more and is not subject to any order or final capital directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure, (2) “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or more, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4% or more and a leverage capital ratio of 4% or more (3% under certain circumstances) and does not meet the definition of “well capitalized,” (3) “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio that is less than 4% or a leverage capital ratio that is less than 4% (3% under certain circumstances), (4) “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 6%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio that is less than 3% or a leverage capital ratio that is less than 3%, and (5) “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2%.  Section 38 of the FDIA and the regulations promulgated thereunder also specify circumstances under which a federal banking agency may reclassify a well capitalized institution as adequately capitalized and may require an adequately capitalized institution or an undercapitalized institution to comply with supervisory actions as if it were in the next lower category (except that the FDIC may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized).  At December 31, 2009, each of the Banks met the criteria to be considered a “well capitalized” institution.

Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

On October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) was signed into law. EESA’s stated purpose is to provide the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury (the “Secretary”) with the authority and facilities to restore liquidity and stability to the United States financial system and to ensure that such authority and facilities are used to protect home values, college funds, retirement accounts and life savings, preserve homeownership and promote jobs and economic growth, maximize overall returns to U.S. taxpayers and provide accountability for the Secretary’s exercise of such authority.

EESA includes a federal program to purchase troubled mortgages and financial instruments from financial institutions, which is referred to as the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”). EESA also includes provisions that place limits on executive pay practices by institutions participating in the TARP, measures to facilitate acquisitions of financial institutions with troubled assets without government assistance, temporary enhancements to the federal deposit insurance program, enhanced tax benefits for losses incurred in the sale of certain assets, possible relief from fair value accounting, and an acceleration of the date on which the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”) can pay interest to banks on reserves on deposit with the FRB. On October 6, 2008, the FRB stated that it will begin paying

 
40

 

interest on both excess and required reserves on October 9, 2008. The Banks each maintain funds on deposit at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and each has received interest on these deposits since October 9, 2008.

The Secretary utilized his authority under the TARP to invest in preferred stocks of financial institutions under a Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”). Under the CPP, we were eligible to submit an application for between $23 million and $70 million.  We submitted an application for $70.0 million, for which we received preliminary approval on December 3, 2008.

On December 19, 2008, as part of the CPP, we entered into a Letter Agreement (including the Securities Purchase Agreement – Standard Terms incorporated by reference therein, the “Purchase Agreement”) with the U.S. Treasury pursuant to which we issued and sold to the U.S. Treasury (i) 70,000 shares of the our Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series B having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), and (ii) a ten-year warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase up to 751,611 shares of the our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), at an initial price of $13.97 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $70.0 million in cash.

The Series B Preferred Stock qualified as Tier I capital under the risk-based capital guidelines of the OTS (“Tier 1 Capital”) and paid cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum. Dividends were payable on the Series B Preferred Stock quarterly and were payable on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The Series B Preferred Stock had no maturity date and ranked senior to the Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation and winding up of the Company.

The Warrant was scheduled to expire ten years from the issuance date and was immediately exercisable and transferable. If, on or prior to December 31, 2009, we received from one or more Qualified Equity Offerings gross proceeds of at least $70.0 million, one-half of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrant would be retired unexercised. The U.S. Treasury agreed not to transfer one-half of the Warrant prior to the earlier of the date of closing of such Qualified Equity Offering and December 31, 2009. The U.S. Treasury also agreed not to exercise voting power with respect to any shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of the Warrant.

The Purchase Agreement contained limitations on the payment of dividends on and the repurchase of the Common Stock and certain preferred stock.  The Purchase Agreement also required that, until such time as the U.S. Treasury ceased to own any securities acquired from us thereunder, we would take all necessary action to ensure that benefit plans with respect to senior executive officers comply with Section 111(b) of EESA as implemented by any guidance or regulation under Section 111(b) of EESA that has been issued and was in effect as of the date of issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrant and not adopt any benefit plans with respect to, or which cover, senior executive officers that do not comply with EESA. Our senior executive officers consented to the foregoing.

The Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrant were issued in a private placement exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We agreed to register the resale of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrant, and the issuance of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrant, as soon as practicable. We registered these securities with the SEC, with the registration statement being declared effective on February 20, 2009.

We completed a Qualified Equity Offering in September 2009, which resulted in one-half of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrant being retired. We redeemed the Series B Preferred Stock on October 28, 2009 for $70.0 million plus all accrued and unpaid dividends, and repurchased the Warrant on December 30, 2009 for $0.9 million.

EESA immediately raised the FDIC insurance limit from $100,000 to $250,000 to be effective through December 31, 2009.

EESA also provides that gains or losses from the sale or exchange of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac preferred stocks by an applicable institution (which includes banks, thrifts and their holding companies) shall be treated as ordinary gains or losses. Previously, these gains or losses were treated as capital gains or losses. This provision allows us to deduct losses realized on the sale of the preferred stocks of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that we hold. Prior to the passage of the Act, the tax deductibility of these losses for us was limited to offset capital gains. Due to the provisions of the tax code, we have a limited ability to realize capital gains other than from the sale of our facilities.

The FDIC adopted the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program to free up credit markets and maintain confidence in uninsured transaction accounts. The FDIC guaranteed senior unsecured debt issued between October 14, 2008 and October 31, 2009. The insurance will run through June 30, 2012. The annualized guarantee fee is a 75 basis point charge of the debt issued. All FDIC-insured institutions were eligible for the program, except “troubled” institutions and a small number of grandfathered savings and loan holding companies with commercial owners. The

 
41

 

FDIC also provided full insurance coverage for non-interest bearing transaction accounts and NOW accounts with interest rates no higher than 50 basis points at insured institutions through December 31, 2009 under the TAGP. The cost was a 10 basis point annualized charge on amounts in excess of $250,000. Both programs had no cost for the first 30 days. After that, institutions remained in the program unless they notified the FDIC that they were opting out of one or both programs by December 12, 2008. For those institutions that opted out of the program, they were not allowed to opt back in. Participating banks in both programs are subject to enhanced supervisory oversight to prevent rapid growth or excessive risk-taking. If the costs of the programs are not covered by the special fees, all FDIC-insured institutions will be assessed even if they did not participate in the programs. The Banks each opted to participate in these programs. On August 26, 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule extending the TAGP through June 30, 2010. The extension increased the rate institutions will pay to 15 basis points, 20 basis points or 25 basis points, depending on the risk category assigned to the institution under the FDIC’s risk-based premium system. Any institution participating in the TAGP could elect to opt out on or before November 2, 2009. The Banks did not opt out, and are therefore continuing to participate in the TAGP through June 30, 2010.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Stimulus Act”) was signed into law. The purpose of the Stimulus Act is to provide stimulus for the U.S. economy. The Stimulus Act provided additional restrictions and standards throughout the period during which our obligations under the CPP Purchase Agreement remained outstanding, including:

 
·
Limits on compensation incentives for risk taking by senior executive officers;
 
·
Recovery of any compensation paid based on inaccurate financial information;
 
·
Prohibition on “Golden Parachute Payments”;
 
·
Prohibition on compensation plans that would encourage manipulation of reported earnings to enhance the compensation of employees;
 
·
Publicly registered TARP recipients must establish a board compensation committee comprised entirely of independent directors, for the purpose of reviewing employee compensation plans;
 
·
Prohibition on bonuses, retention awards, or incentive compensation, except for payments of long term restricted stock;
 
·
Limitation on luxury expenditures;
 
·
TARP recipients may be required to permit a separate shareholder vote to approve the compensation of executives, as disclosed pursuant to the SEC’s compensation disclosure rules; and
 
·
The chief executive officer and chief financial officer of each TARP recipient will be required to provide a written certification of compliance with these standards to the SEC.

The Stimulus Act required the Secretary to issue additional regulations governing executive compensation at institutions participating in the CPP. These regulations did not have a significant effect on our operations and, as noted above, we no longer have any outstanding obligations under the CPP as of December 30, 2009.

 
42

 

Helping Families Save Their Homes Act

On May 20, 2009, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act (the “HFSTHA”) was signed into law. The purpose of the HFSTHA is to protect homeowners. The HFSTHA:

 
·
Amended the Housing Act of 1949 with respect to guaranteed rural housing loans to require mortgagees, upon either actual or imminent default of a guaranteed mortgage, to engage in loss mitigation actions as an alternative to foreclosure;
 
·
Amended the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008, with respect to emergency assistance for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes;
 
·
Amended the Truth in Lending Act to modify the fiduciary duty requirements of servicers of pooled residential mortgages as duty requirements for any servicer of residential mortgages that agrees to enter into a qualified loss mitigation plan for residential mortgages originated before the date of enactment of the HFSTHA;
 
·
Amended the ESSA to extend to December 31, 2013 the temporary increase in FDIC deposit insurance;
 
·
Amended the FDIA to extend from five years to eight years the time period applicable to a DIF restoration plan;
 
·
Amended the FDIA by increasing the borrowing authority of the FDIC from $30 billion to $100 billion.   Permits a temporary increase up to $500 billion, ending on December 31, 2010, in order to fund losses under TARP; and
 
·
Instructed the U.S. Treasury Secretary, when using certain ESSA funds, to prevent and mitigate foreclosures on residential properties.

Federal Securities Laws

Our Common Stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We are subject to the information and reporting requirements, regulations governing proxy solicitations, insider trading restrictions and other requirements applicable to companies whose stock is registered under the Exchange Act.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “2002 Act”), enacted on July 30, 2002, aims to increase the reliability of financial information by, among other things, (1) heightening accountability of Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers to issue accurate financial statements, (2) increasing the authority and independence of corporate audit committees, (3) creating a new regulatory entity to oversee the activities of accountants that audit public companies, (4) prohibiting activities and relationships that may compromise the independence of auditors, (5) increasing required financial statement disclosures, and (6) providing tough new penalties for issuing noncompliant financial statements and for other violations related to securities laws.

In furtherance of the 2002 Act, the SEC has issued rules. Compliance with these rules, and the related corporate governance rules adopted by NASDAQ with the approval of the SEC, has, and will continue to, increase costs to the Company, including, but not limited to, fees to our independent accountants, consultants, legal fees and Board service fees, and may require additions to staff. To date, compliance with the 2002 Act has not had a material effect on our results of operations. We cannot assure you that compliance with the 2002 Act and its regulations will not have a material effect on our business or operations in the future.

Available Information

We are a reporting company and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.  We make available free of charge on or through our web site at www.flushingsavings.com our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.   Our SEC filings are also available to the public free of charge over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s public reference room located at 100 F. Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information about the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  You may request copies of these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost.

Item 1A.            Risk Factors.

In addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report, the following factors and other considerations should be considered carefully in evaluating us and our business.

 
43

 

Changes in Interest Rates May Significantly Impact Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Like most financial institutions, our results of operations depend to a large degree on our net interest income. When interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice more quickly than interest-earning assets, a significant increase in market interest rates could adversely affect net interest income. Conversely, a significant decrease in market interest rates could result in increased net interest income.  As a general matter, we seek to manage our business to limit our overall exposure to interest rate fluctuations.  However, fluctuations in market interest rates are neither predictable nor controllable and may have a material adverse impact on our operations and financial condition. Additionally, in a rising interest rate environment, a borrower’s ability to repay adjustable rate mortgages can be negatively affected as payments increase at repricing dates.

Prevailing interest rates also affect the extent to which borrowers repay and refinance loans. In a declining interest rate environment, the number of loan prepayments and loan refinancing may increase, as well as prepayments of mortgage-backed securities. Call provisions associated with our investment in U.S. government agency and corporate securities may also adversely affect yield in a declining interest rate environment. Such prepayments and calls may adversely affect the yield of our loan portfolio and mortgage-backed and other securities as we reinvest the prepaid funds in a lower interest rate environment. However, we typically receive additional loan fees when existing loans are refinanced, which partially offset the reduced yield on our loan portfolio resulting from prepayments. In periods of low interest rates, our level of core deposits also may decline if depositors seek higher-yielding instruments or other investments not offered by us, which in turn may increase our cost of funds and decrease our net interest margin to the extent alternative funding sources are utilized. An increasing interest rate environment would tend to extend the average lives of lower yielding fixed rate mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, which could adversely affect net interest income. In addition, depositors tend to open longer term, higher costing certificate of deposit accounts which could adversely affect our net interest income if rates were to subsequently decline. Additionally, adjustable rate mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities generally contain interim and lifetime caps that limit the amount the interest rate can increase or decrease at repricing dates. Significant increases in prevailing interest rates may significantly affect demand for loans and the value of bank collateral. See “— Local Economic Conditions.”

Our Lending Activities Involve Risks that May Be Exacerbated Depending on the Mix of Loan Types

Multi-family residential and one-to-four family mixed use property mortgage loans and commercial business loans (the increased origination of which is part of management’s strategy), and commercial real estate mortgage loans and construction loans, are generally viewed as exposing the lender to a greater risk of loss than fully underwritten one-to-four family residential mortgage loans and typically involve higher principal amounts per loan. Repayment of multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans generally is dependent, in large part, upon sufficient income from the property to cover operating expenses and debt service. Repayment of commercial business loans is contingent on the successful operation of the related business. Repayment of construction loans is contingent upon the successful completion and operation of the project. Changes in local economic conditions and government regulations, which are outside the control of the borrower or lender, also could affect the value of the security for the loan or the future cash flow of the affected properties. We continually review the composition of our mortgage loan portfolio to manage the risk in the portfolio.

In addition, from time-to-time, we have originated one-to-four family residential mortgage loans without verifying the borrower’s level of income. These loans involve a higher degree of risk as compared to our other fully underwritten one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. These risks are mitigated by our policy to generally limit the amount of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans to 80% of the appraised value or sale price, whichever is less, as well as charging a higher interest rate than when the borrower’s income is verified.  These loans are not as readily saleable in the secondary market as our other fully underwritten loans, either as whole loans or when pooled or securitized.

 There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement our business strategies with respect to these higher-yielding loans.  In assessing our future earnings prospects, investors should consider, among other things, our level of origination of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans (including loans originated without verifying the borrowers income), our emphasis on multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans, and commercial business and construction loans, and the greater risks associated with such loans.  See “Business — Lending Activities” in Item 1 of this Annual Report.

The Markets in Which We Operate Are Highly Competitive

We face intense and increasing competition both in making loans and in attracting deposits. Our market area has a high density of financial institutions, many of which have greater financial resources, name recognition and market presence than us, and all of which are our competitors to varying degrees. Particularly intense competition exists for deposits and in all of the lending activities we emphasize. Our competition for loans comes principally from commercial

 
44

 

banks, other savings banks, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking companies, insurance companies, finance companies and credit unions. Management anticipates that competition for mortgage loans will continue to increase in the future. Our most direct competition for deposits historically has come from other savings banks, commercial banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions. In addition, we face competition for deposits from products offered by brokerage firms, insurance companies and other financial intermediaries, such as money market and other mutual funds and annuities. Consolidation in the banking industry and the lifting of interstate banking and branching restrictions have made it more difficult for smaller, community-oriented banks, such as us, to compete effectively with large, national, regional and super-regional banking institutions. We launched an internet branch, “iGObanking.com®” a division of the Savings Bank, to provide us with access to markets outside our geographic locations. The internet banking arena also has many larger financial institutions which have greater financial resources, name recognition and market presence than we do.

Notwithstanding the intense competition, we have been successful in increasing our loan portfolios and deposit base. However, no assurances can be given that we will be able to continue to increase our loan portfolios and deposit base, as contemplated by management’s current business strategy.

Our Results of Operations May Be Adversely Affected by Changes in National and/or Local Economic Conditions

 Our operating results are affected by national and local economic and competitive conditions, including changes in market interest rates, the strength of the local economy, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities.  The national and regional economies were generally considered to be in a recession from December 2007 through the middle of 2009.  This resulted in increased unemployment and declining property values, although the property value declines in the New York metropolitan area have not been as great as many other areas of the country. While the national and regional economies showed signs of improvement during the second half of 2009, unemployment has remained at elevated levels.  The housing market in the United States continued to see a significant slowdown during 2009, and foreclosures of single family homes rose to levels not seen in the prior five years.  These economic conditions can result in borrowers defaulting on their loans, or withdrawing their funds on deposit at the Banks to meet their financial obligations.  While we have seen an increase in deposits, we have also seen a significant increase in delinquent loans, resulting in an increase in our provision for loan losses in 2009. We cannot predict the effect of these economic conditions on our financial condition or operating results.  .

A decline in the local economy, national economy or metropolitan area real estate market could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, including through decreased demand for loans or increased competition for good loans, increased non-performing loans and loan losses and resulting additional provisions for loan losses and for losses on real estate owned.  Although management believes that the current allowance for loan losses is adequate in light of current economic conditions, many factors could require additions to the allowance for loan losses in future periods above those currently maintained.  These factors include: (1) adverse changes in economic conditions and changes in interest rates that may affect the ability of borrowers to make payments on loans, (2) changes in the financial capacity of individual borrowers, (3) changes in the local real estate market and the value of our loan collateral, and (4) future review and evaluation of our loan portfolio, internally or by regulators.  The amount of the allowance for loan losses at any time represents good faith estimates that are susceptible to significant changes due to changes in appraisal values of collateral, national and regional economic conditions, prevailing interest rates and other factors. See “Business — General — Allowance for Loan Losses” in Item 1 of this Annual Report.

These same factors have caused delinquencies to increase for the mortgages which are the collateral for the mortgage-backed securities we hold in our investment portfolio. Combining the increased delinquencies with liquidity problems in the market has resulted in a decline in the market value of our investments in mortgage-backed securities. There can be no assurance that the decline in the market value of these investments will not result in an other-than-temporary impairment charge being recorded in our financial statements.

Changes in Laws and Regulations Could Adversely Affect Our Business

From time to time, legislation is enacted or regulations are promulgated that have the effect of increasing the cost of doing business, limiting or expanding permissible activities or affecting the competitive balance between banks and other financial institutions.  Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the operations and taxation of banks and other financial institutions are frequently made in Congress, in the New York legislature and before various bank regulatory agencies.  No prediction can be made as to the likelihood of any major changes or the impact such changes might have on us. For a discussion of regulations affecting us, see “Business —Regulation” and “Business—Federal, State and Local Taxation” in Item 1 of this Annual Report.

 
45

 

Current Conditions in, and Regulation of, the Banking Industry May Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Results of Operations

Financial institutions have been the subject of significant legislative and regulatory changes and may be the subject of further significant legislation or regulation in the future, none of which is within our control. Significant new laws or regulations or changes in, or repeals of, existing laws or regulations, including those with respect to federal and state taxation, may cause our results of operations to differ materially. In addition, the cost and burden of compliance, over time, have significantly increased and could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.

During 2008 and 2009, there has been unprecedented government intervention in response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and financial markets.  In October 2008, President Bush signed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act (“EESA”) into law, which granted the U.S. Treasury the authority to, among other things, purchase up to $700 billion of troubled assets (including mortgages, mortgage-backed securities and certain other financial instruments) from financial institutions to stabilize and provide liquidity to the U.S. financial markets (although in November 2008, the U.S. Treasury stated that the government would not use any of the $700 billion that Congress granted under the EESA to purchase troubled assets).  Shortly thereafter, the U.S. Treasury, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”) and the FDIC announced additional steps aimed at stabilizing the financial markets. First, the U.S. Treasury announced the CPP, a $250 billion voluntary capital purchase program under which qualifying financial institutions may sell preferred shares to the Treasury (to be funded from the $700 billion authorized for troubled asset purchases).  Second, the FDIC announced that its Board of Directors, under the authority to prevent “systemic risk” in the U.S. banking system, approved the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”), which permits the FDIC to (1) guarantee certain newly issued senior unsecured debt issued by participating institutions under the Debt Guarantee Program and (2) fully insure non-interest bearing transaction deposit accounts held at participating FDIC-insured institutions, regardless of dollar amount, under the Transaction Account Guarantee Program. Third, the FRB announced further details of its Commercial Paper Funding Facility (“CPFF”), which provides a broad backstop for the commercial paper market.

We participated in the CPP, and are currently participating in the TLGP, but not the CPFF.  Participation in the TLGP may adversely affect our results of operations as a result of higher FDIC assessments payable by participants in the TLGP.

In February 2009, the U.S. Treasury announced the terms and conditions for the Capital Assistance Program (“CAP”).  The purpose of the CAP is to restore confidence throughout the financial system that the nation’s largest banking institutions have a sufficient capital cushion against larger than expected future losses and to support lending to creditworthy borrowers.  The CAP consists of two core elements. The first is a forward-looking capital assessment to determine whether any of the major U.S. banking organizations need to establish an additional capital buffer during this period of heightened uncertainty. The second is access for qualifying financial institutions to contingent common equity provided by the U.S. government as a bridge to private capital in the future.  We are not participating in the CAP.

As a complement to the CAP, the FRB and other U.S. federal banking regulators were engaged in a comprehensive capital assessment exercise, the Supervisory Capital Assessment Program (“SCAP”), sometimes referred to as “stress testing,” with each of the 19 largest U.S. bank holding companies.  The federal banking regulators measured how much of an additional capital buffer, if any, each institution would need to establish to ensure that it would have sufficient capital to comfortably exceed minimum regulatory requirements at year-end 2010.  As a result of SCAP, many of the 19 institutions underwent capital raising or restructuring transactions to improve their capital base.

In March 2009, the U.S. Treasury announced guidelines for the “Making Home Affordable” loan modification program. Among other things, this program intends for the U.S. Treasury to partner with financial institutions and investors to reduce certain homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments and provides mortgage holders and servicers financial incentives to modify existing first mortgages of certain qualifying homeowners. Under this program, the U.S. Treasury also shares in certain costs associated with reductions in monthly payment amounts.  We have not participated in the “Making Home Affordable” loan modification program.  If we do participate at some point in the future, among other things, modification of mortgage loans that we hold may result in lower payment obligations for borrowers, which could lead us to experience reduced cash flow.

There can be no assurance as to the actual impact that the foregoing programs or any other governmental program that may be introduced or implemented in the future will have on the financial markets and the economy.  A continuation or worsening of current financial market conditions could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, access to credit or the trading price of our common stock. In addition, we expect to face increased regulation and supervision of our industry as a result of the existing financial crisis, and there will be additional

 
46

 

requirements and conditions imposed on us to the extent that we participate in any of the programs established or to be established by the U.S. Treasury or by the federal bank regulatory agencies. Such additional regulation and supervision may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities.

Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions May Increase the Costs to or Discourage an Acquirer

On September 5, 2006, the Board of Directors renewed our Stockholder Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”), which was originally adopted on and had been in place since September 17, 1996 and had been scheduled to expire on September 30, 2006. The Rights Plan was designed to preserve long-term values and protect stockholders against inadequate offers and other unfair tactics to acquire control of us.  Under the Rights Plan, each stockholder of record at the close of business on September 30, 2006 received a dividend distribution of one right to purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A junior participating preferred stock at a price of $65.  The rights will become exercisable only if a person or group acquires 15% or more of our common stock or commences a tender or exchange offer which, if consummated, would result in that person or group owning at least 15% of the Common Stock (the “acquiring person or group”).  In such case, all stockholders other than the acquiring person or group will be entitled to purchase, by paying the $65 exercise price, Common Stock (or a common stock equivalent) with a value of twice the exercise price.  In addition, at any time after such event, and prior to the acquisition by any person or group of 50% or more of the Common Stock, the Board of Directors may, at its option, require each outstanding right (other than rights held by the acquiring person or group) to be exchanged for one share of Common Stock (or one common stock equivalent).  If a person or group becomes an acquiring person and we are acquired in a merger or other business combination or sell more than 50% of our assets or earning power, each right will entitle all other holders to purchase, by payment of $65 exercise price, common stock of the acquiring company with a value of twice the exercise price. The renewed rights plan expires on September 30, 2016.

The Rights Plan, as well as certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, the Savings Bank’s federal stock charter and bylaws, certain federal regulations and provisions of Delaware corporation law, and certain provisions of remuneration plans and agreements applicable to employees and officers of the Bank may have anti-takeover effects by discouraging potential proxy contests and other takeover attempts, particularly those which have not been negotiated with the Board of Directors.  The Rights Plan and those other provisions, as well as applicable regulatory restrictions, may also prevent or inhibit the acquisition of a controlling position in the Common Stock and may prevent or inhibit takeover attempts that certain stockholders may deem to be in their or other stockholders’ interest or in our interest, or in which stockholders may receive a substantial premium for their shares over then current market prices. The Rights Plan and those other provisions may also increase the cost of, and thus discourage, any such future acquisition or attempted acquisition, and would render the removal of the current Board of Directors or management of the Company more difficult.

We May Not Be Able to Successfully Implement Our Commercial Business Banking Initiative

Our strategy includes a transition to a more “commercial-like” banking institution. We have developed a complement of deposit, loan and cash management products to support this initiative, and intend to expand these product offerings. A business banking unit builds relationships in order to obtain lower-costing deposits, generate fee income, and originate commercial business loans. The success of this initiative is dependent on developing additional product offerings, and building relationships to obtain the deposits and loans. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement our business strategy with respect to this initiative.

The FDIC’s Recently Adopted Restoration Plan and the Related Increased Assessment Rate Schedule May Have a Material Effect on Our Results of Operations

The FDIC adopted a restoration plan that raised the deposit insurance assessment rate schedule, uniformly across all four risk categories into which the FDIC assigns insured institutions, by seven basis points (annualized) of insured deposits beginning on January 1, 2009.  Beginning with the second quarter of 2009, the initial base assessment rates were increased further depending on an institution’s risk category, with adjustments resulting in increased assessment rates for institutions with a significant reliance on secured liabilities and brokered deposits.  The FDIC adopted a final rule in May 2009, imposing a five basis point special assessment on each insured depository institution’s assets minus Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009, which was collected on September 30, 2009. The final rule also allowed the FDIC to impose possible additional special assessments of up to five basis points thereafter to maintain public confidence in the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”).  Additionally, on September 29, 2009, the Board of Directors of the FDIC proposed to require institutions to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012, which was collected on December 31, 2009.  The FDIC Board also voted to adopt a uniform three-basis point increase in assessment rates effective on January 1, 2011, and to extend the restoration period from seven to eight years.  There is no guarantee that the higher premiums and special assessments described above will be sufficient

 
47

 

for the DIF to meet its funding requirements, which may necessitate further special assessments or increases in deposit insurance premiums.  Any such future assessments or increases could have a further material impact on our results of operations.

The Potential Adoption of Significant Aspects of the Obama Administration Reform Plan May Have a Material Effect on Our Operations

In June 2009, the Obama Administration released a white paper setting forth its comprehensive plan for financial regulatory reform (the “Reform Plan”).  The Reform Plan contains a number of recommendations and proposals that are intended to address perceived weaknesses in the U.S. financial regulatory system and prevent future economic and financial crises. Most significantly for us, the Reform Plan contains proposals eliminating the federal thrift charter, which would result in Flushing Savings Bank, FSB becoming a national bank, Flushing Financial Corporation becoming a bank holding company subject to consolidated capital requirements and Bank Holding Company Act activity limitations and potential significant erosion of federal preemption of state law.

Legislation has been introduced in Congress to implement the Reform Plan.  This legislation is in an early stage of consideration in Congress, and at this point in time we cannot determine which provisions of the Reform Plan will result in final legislation.  If the more significant provisions of the Reform Plan become law, our operations could be significantly affected.

We May Need to Recognize Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Charges in the Future

We conduct a periodic review and evaluation of the securities portfolio to determine if the decline in the fair value of any security below its cost basis is other-than-temporary. Factors which we consider in our analysis include, but are not limited to, the severity and duration of the decline in fair value of the security, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, whether the decline appears to be related to issuer conditions or general market or industry conditions, our intent and ability to retain the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value and the likelihood of any near-term fair value recovery.  We generally view changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary. However, we have recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges on some securities in our portfolio.  If we deem such decline to be other-than-temporary, the security is written down to a new cost basis and the resulting loss is charged to earnings as a component of non-interest income.

We continue to monitor the fair value of our securities portfolio as part of our ongoing other-than-temporary impairment evaluation process.  There can be no assurance that we will not need to recognize other-than-temporary impairment charges related to securities in the future.

We May Not Pay Dividends on Our Common Stock

Holders of shares of our common stock are only entitled to receive such dividends as our board of directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. Although we have historically declared cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and may reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future. This could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

There Can Be No Assurance That The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act Of 2008 and Other Recently Enacted Government Programs Will Help Stabilize The U.S. Financial System

There are no assurances as to what impact EESA, the Stimulus Act, and similar programs will have on the financial markets, including the extreme levels of volatility and limited credit availability currently being experienced. The failure of EESA, the Stimulus Act and other programs to stabilize the financial markets and a continuation or worsening of current financial market conditions could materially and adversely affect our businesses, financial condition, results of operations, access to credit or the trading price of our common stock.  EESA, the Stimulus Act and similar programs are relatively new initiatives and, as such, are subject to change and evolving interpretation. There can be no assurances as to the effects that any further changes will have on the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to stabilize the credit markets or on our businesses, financial condition or results of operations.

Goodwill Recorded as a Result of Acquisitions Could Become Impaired, Negatively Impacting Our Earnings and Capital

Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite life and is tested annually, or when certain conditions are met, for impairment. If the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than the goodwill amount, no further evaluation is required and no impairment is recorded. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the goodwill amount, further evaluation would be required to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the goodwill amount and determine if a write down is required. At December 31, 2009, we had goodwill with a carrying amount of $16.1 million.  Declines in the fair value of

 
48

 

the reporting unit may result in a future impairment charge.  Any such impairment charge could have a material affect on our earnings and capital.

We May Not Fully Realize the Expected Benefit of Our Deferred Tax Assets

At December 31, 2009, we have a deferred tax asset of $23.2 million. This represents the anticipated federal, state and local tax benefits expected to be realized in future years upon the utilization of the underlying tax attributes comprising this balance. In order to use the future benefit of these deferred tax assets, we will need to report taxable income for federal, state and local tax purposes.  Although we have reported taxable income for federal, state, and local tax purposes in each of the past three years, there can be no assurance that this will continue in the future.

Item 1B.            Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2.               Properties.

At December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank conducted its business through 15 full-service offices and its internet branch, “iGObanking.com®”. The Commercial Bank conducted its business through three full-service branch offices which it shares with the Savings Bank. The Company’s executive offices are located in Lake Success, in Nassau County, NY.

Flushing Financial Corporation neither owns nor leases any property but instead uses the premises and equipment of the Savings Bank.

Item 3.               Legal Proceedings.

We are involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business which, in the aggregate, involve amounts which are believed by management to be immaterial to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Item 4.               Reserved.

PART II

Item 5.               Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Flushing Financial Corporation Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market® under the symbol “FFIC.”  As of December 31, 2009, we had approximately 801 shareholders of record, not including the number of persons or entities holding stock in nominee or street name through various brokers and banks.  Our stock closed at $11.26 on December 31, 2009.  The following table shows the high and low sales price of the Common Stock and the dividends declared on the Common Stock during the periods indicated.  Such prices do not necessarily reflect retail markups, markdowns, or commissions.  See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report for dividend restrictions.

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
High
   
Low
   
Dividend
   
High
   
Low
   
Dividend
 
First Quarter
  $ 12.16     $ 4.03     $ 0.13     $ 18.54     $ 12.51     $ 0.13  
Second Quarter
    11.86       5.86       0.13       20.31       16.30       0.13  
Third Quarter
    14.18       8.09       0.13       21.50       14.39       0.13  
Fourth Quarter
    11.89       10.17       0.13       17.70       10.88       0.13  
 
 
49

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the shares of common stock repurchased by us during the quarter ended December 31, 2009.

                     
Maximum
 
               
Total Number of
   
Number of
 
   
Total
         
Shares Purchased
   
Shares That May
 
   
Number
         
as Part of Publicly
   
Yet Be Purchased
 
   
of Shares
   
Average Price
   
Announced Plans
   
Under the Plans
 
Period
 
Purchased
   
Paid per Share
   
or Programs
   
or Programs
 
October 1 to October 31, 2009
    -     $ -       -       362,050  
November 1 to November 30, 2009
    -       -       -       362,050  
December 1 to December 31, 2009
    -       -       -       362,050  
Total
    -     $ -       -          

Our current common stock repurchase program was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors on August 17, 2004.  This repurchase program authorized the repurchase of 1,000,000 common shares.  The repurchase program does not have an expiration date or a maximum dollar amount that may be paid to repurchase the common shares.  Stock repurchases under this program will be made from time to time, on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, at the discretion of the management of the Company.

The following table sets forth securities authorized for issuance under all equity compensation plans of the Company at December 31, 2009:

   
( a )
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
   
( b )
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
   
( c )
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    1,414,008     $ 14.33       527,571 (1)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
                 
Total
    1,414,008     $ 14.33       527,571 (1)

(1) Consists of 209,833 shares available for future non-full value awards and 317,738 shares available for future full value awards.

 
50

 

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s common stock since December 31, 2004 with the cumulative total returns of a broad equity market index as well as two published industry indices. The broad equity market index chosen was the Nasdaq Composite. The published industry indices chosen were the SNL Thrift Index and SNL Mid-Atlantic Thrift Index. The SNL Mid-Atlantic Thrift Index has been included in the Company’s Stock Performance Graph because the Company believes it provides valuable comparative information reflecting the Company’s geographic peer group. The SNL Thrift Index has been included in the Stock Performance because it uses a broader group of thrifts and therefore more closely reflects the Company’s size. The Company believes that both geographic area and size are important factors in analyzing the Company’s performance against its peers. The graph below reflects historical performance only, which is not indicative of possible future performance of the common stock.


The total return assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2004 and all dividends reinvested through the end of the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. The performance graph above is based upon closing prices on the trading date specified.


    Period Ending  
Index
 
12/31/04
   
12/31/05
   
12/31/06
   
12/31/07
   
12/31/08
   
12/31/09
 
Flushing Financial Corporation
    100.00       79.44       89.40       86.60       66.67       66.77  
NASDAQ Composite
    100.00       101.37       111.03       121.92       72.49       104.31  
SNL Thrift Index
    100.00       103.53       120.68       72.40       46.07       42.97  
SNL Mid-Atlantic Thrift Index
    100.00       97.51       113.70       93.61       77.58       74.00  

 
51

 

Item 6.               Selected Financial Data.

At or for the years ended December 31,
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Selected Financial Condition Data
                             
Total assets
  $ 4,143,246     $ 3,949,471     $ 3,354,519     $ 2,836,521     $ 2,353,208  
Loans, net
    3,200,159       2,960,662       2,702,118       2,324,748       1,881,876  
Securities available for sale
    683,804       747,261       440,100       330,587       337,761  
Deposits
    2,693,115       2,468,834       2,025,447       1,764,150       1,467,287  
Borrowed funds
    1,060,245       1,138,949       1,072,551       832,413       689,710  
Total stockholders' equity
    360,144       301,492       233,654       218,415       176,467  
Common stockholders' equity
    360,144       231,492       233,654       218,415       176,467  
Book value per common share (1)
  $ 11.57     $ 10.70     $ 10.96     $ 10.34     $ 9.07  
                                         
Selected Operating Data
                                       
Interest and dividend income
  $ 230,061     $ 216,701     $ 193,562     $ 158,384     $ 132,439  
Interest expense
    115,275       128,972       122,624       90,680       64,229  
Net interest income
    114,786       87,729       70,938       67,704       68,210  
Provision for loan losses
    19,500       5,600       -       -       -  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    95,286       82,129       70,938       67,704       68,210  
Non-interest income:
                                       
Net gains (losses) on sales of securities and loans
    1,401       354       700       813       (45 )
Other-than-temporary credit impairment charge on securities
    (5,894 )     (27,575 )     (4,710 )     -       -  
Net gain from fair value adjustments
    4,968       20,090       2,685       -       -  
Other income
    10,480       14,099       11,578       8,982       6,692  
Total non-interest income
    10,955       6,968       10,253       9,795       6,647  
Non-interest expense
    64,909       54,781       50,076       42,742       36,264  
Income before income tax provision
    41,332       34,316       31,115       34,757       38,593  
Income tax provision
    15,771       12,057       10,930       13,118       15,051  
Net income
  $ 25,561     $ 22,259     $ 20,185     $ 21,639     $ 23,542  
                                         
Basic earnings per common share (2)
  $ 0.91     $ 1.10     $ 1.02     $ 1.16     $ 1.34  
Diluted earnings per common share (2)
  $ 0.91     $ 1.09     $ 1.01     $ 1.14     $ 1.31  
Dividends declared per common share (2)
  $ 0.52     $ 0.52     $ 0.48     $ 0.44     $ 0.40  
Dividend payout ratio
    57.1 %     47.3 %     47.1 %     37.9 %     29.8 %
                   
(Footnotes on the following page)
 
 
 
52

 

At or for the years ended December 31,
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
                               
Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data
                             
                               
Performance ratios:
                             
Return on average assets
    0.63 %     0.62 %     0.66 %     0.84 %     1.07 %
Return on average equity
    7.80       9.55       9.15       11.14       14.27  
Average equity to average assets
    8.06       6.54       7.19       7.58       7.47  
Equity to total assets
    8.69       7.63       6.97       7.70       7.50  
Interest rate spread
    2.76       2.43       2.23       2.54       3.03  
Net interest margin
    2.96       2.60       2.44       2.78       3.24  
Non-interest expense to average assets
    1.60       1.54       1.63       1.67       1.64  
Efficiency ratio
    51.76       55.11       60.20       55.21       48.03  
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
    1.07 x     1.04 x     1.05 x     1.06 x     1.07 x
                                         
Regulatory capital ratios: (3)
                                       
Tangible capital
    8.84 %     7.92 %     7.27 %     6.91 %     7.14 %
Core capital
    8.84       7.92       7.27       6.91       7.14  
Total risk-based capital
    13.49       13.02       11.20       10.99       12.12  
                                         
Asset quality ratios:
                                       
Non-performing loans to gross loans (4)
    2.68 %     1.35 %     0.22 %     0.13 %     0.13 %
Non-performing assets to total assets (5)
    2.32       1.03       0.18       0.11       0.10  
Net charge-offs to average loans
    0.33       0.04       0.02       -       0.01  
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans
    0.63       0.37       0.25       0.30       0.34  
Allowance for loan losses to total non-performing assets (5)
    21.10       27.09       112.57       225.72       260.39  
Allowance for loan losses to total non-performing loans (4)
    23.67       27.59       112.57       225.72       260.39  
                                         
Full-service customer facilities
    15       14       14       12       9  

(1)
Calculated by dividing common stockholders’ equity of $360.1 million and $231.5 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, by 31,127,664 and 21,625,709 shares outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Common stockholders’ equity is total stockholders’ equity less the liquidation preference value of preferred shares outstanding.
(2)
The shares held in the Company’s Employee Benefit Trust are not included in shares outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per share.
(3)
Represents Flushing Savings Bank’s capital ratios, which exceeded all minimum regulatory capital requirements during the periods presented.
(4)
Non-performing loans consist of non-accrual loans and loans delinquent 90 days or more that are still accruing.
(5)
Non-performing assets consist of non-performing loans, real estate owned and non-performing investment securities.

 
53

 

Item 7.               Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

As used in this discussion and analysis, the words “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” are used to refer to Flushing Financial Corporation and our consolidated subsidiaries, including Flushing Savings Bank, FSB (the “Savings Bank”) and Flushing Commercial Bank (the “Commercial Bank” and together with the Savings Bank, the “Banks”).

General

We are a Delaware corporation organized in May 1994 at the direction of the Savings Bank. The Savings Bank was organized in 1929 as a New York State chartered mutual savings bank. In 1994, the Savings Bank converted to a federally chartered mutual savings bank and changed its name from Flushing Savings Bank to Flushing Savings Bank, FSB. The Savings Bank converted from a federally chartered mutual savings bank to a federally chartered stock savings bank in 1995. As a federal savings bank, the Savings Bank’s primary regulator is the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”). The Banks’ deposits are insured to the maximum allowable amount by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).  The Savings Bank owns four subsidiaries: Flushing Commercial Bank, Flushing Preferred Funding Corporation, Flushing Service Corporation, and FSB Properties Inc.

Flushing Financial Corporation also owns Flushing Financial Capital Trust II, Flushing Financial Capital Trust III, and Flushing Financial Capital Trust IV (the “Trusts”), which are special purpose business trusts formed during 2007 to issue a total of $60.0 million of capital securities, and $1.9 million of common securities (which are the only voting securities). Flushing Financial Corporation owns 100% of the common securities of the Trusts. The Trusts used the proceeds from the issuance of these securities to purchase junior subordinated debentures from Flushing Financial Corporation. Flushing Financial Corporation previously owned Flushing Financial Capital Trust I (“Trust I”), which was a special purpose business trust formed in 2002 similar to the Trusts discussed above. Trust I called its outstanding capital securities during July 2007, and was then liquidated. The Trusts are not included in our consolidated financial statements as we would not absorb the losses of the Trusts if losses were to occur.

The following discussion of financial condition and results of operations includes the collective results of the Flushing Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), but reflects principally the Savings Bank’s activities. Management views the Company as operating as a single unit - a community savings bank. Therefore, segment information is not provided.

On November 27, 2006, we launched a new internet branch, iGObanking.com®, a division of the Savings Bank. iGObanking.com® provides access to markets outside our geographic locations.

During 2007, the Savings Bank formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Flushing Commercial Bank, a New York State chartered commercial bank, for the limited purpose of providing banking services to public entities including counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, libraries, fire districts and the various courts throughout the New York metropolitan area. The Commercial Bank was formed in response to New York State law, which requires that municipal deposits and state funds must be deposited into a bank or trust company as defined in New York State law. The Savings Bank is not considered an eligible bank or trust company for this purpose.

On December 19, 2008 we entered into a Letter Agreement (including the Securities Purchase Agreement – Standard Terms incorporated by reference therein, the “Purchase Agreement”) with the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”) pursuant to which we issued and sold to the U.S. Treasury (i) 70,000 shares of the our Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series B having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), and (ii) a ten-year warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase up to 751,611 shares of the our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at an initial price of $13.97 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $70.0 million in cash. The Series B Preferred Stock qualified as Tier I capital under the risk-based capital guidelines of the OTS (“Tier 1 Capital”) and paid cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum. Dividends were payable on the Series B Preferred Stock quarterly and were payable on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The Series B Preferred Stock had no maturity date and ranked senior to the Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation. The Warrant would have expired ten years from the issuance date and was immediately exercisable and transferable. The Purchase Agreement contained limitations on the payment of dividends on and the repurchase of the Common Stock and certain preferred stock.  The Purchase Agreement also required that, until such time as the U.S. Treasury ceased to own any securities acquired from us thereunder, we take all necessary action to ensure that benefit plans with respect to senior executive officers complied with Section 111(b) of EESA as implemented by any guidance or regulation under Section 111(b) of EESA that had been issued and was in effect as of the date of issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrant and not adopt any benefit plans with respect to, or which cover, senior executive officers that do not comply with EESA. Our senior executive officers consented to the foregoing. During 2009, we issued, in a public offering, 9.3 million common shares for total consideration, after expenses, of $101.5 million. This public offering was a Qualified Equity Offering as defined in the Warrant. As a result of this Qualified Equity Offering, the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrant

 
54

 

were reduced by one-half. On October 28, 2009, we redeemed the Series B Preferred Stock for $70.0 million plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. On December 30, 2009, we repurchased the Warrant for $0.9 million. At the time we redeemed the preferred stock, we wrote off the unamortized issuance costs of the preferred stock of $1.3 million. This write-off reduced diluted earnings per common share by $0.06 for the full year of 2009.

Overview

Our principal business is attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing those deposits together with funds generated from ongoing operations and borrowings, primarily in (1) originations and purchases of one-to-four family (focusing on mixed-use properties, which are properties that contain both residential dwelling units and commercial units), multi-family residential and, to a lesser extent, commercial real estate mortgage loans; (2) construction loans, primarily for residential properties; (3) Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans and other small business loans;  (4) mortgage loan surrogates such as mortgage-backed securities; and (5) U.S. government securities, corporate fixed-income securities and other marketable securities. We also originate certain other consumer loans.

Our results of operations depend primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between the income earned on its interest-earning assets and the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is the result of our interest rate margin, which is the difference between the average yield earned on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities, adjusted for the difference in the average balance of interest-earning assets as compared to the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities. We also generate non-interest income from loan fees, service charges on deposit accounts, mortgage servicing fees, and other fees, income earned on Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”), dividends on Federal Home Bank of New York (“FHLB-NY”) stock and net gains and losses on sales of securities and loans. Our operating expenses consist principally of employee compensation and benefits, occupancy and equipment costs, other general and administrative expenses and income tax expense. Our results of operations also can be significantly affected by our periodic provision for loan losses and specific provision for losses on real estate owned.

Management Strategy. Our strategy is to continue our focus on being an institution serving consumers, businesses, and governmental units in our local markets. In furtherance of this objective, we intend to:

 
·
continue our emphasis on the origination of multi-family residential and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans;

 
·
transition from a traditional thrift to a more ‘commercial-like’ banking institution;

 
·
increase our commitment to the multi-cultural marketplace, with a particular focus on the Asian community in Queens;

 
·
maintain asset quality;

 
·
manage deposit growth and maintain a low cost of funds through

 
§
business banking deposits,
 
§
municipal deposits through government banking, and
 
§
new customer relationships via iGObanking.com®;

 
·
cross sell to lending and deposit customers;

 
·
take advantage of market disruptions to attract talent and customers from competitors; and

 
·
manage interest rate risk and capital.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively implement this strategy. Our strategy is subject to change by the Board of Directors.

Multi-Family Residential and One-to-Four Family Lending.  In recent years, we have emphasized the origination of higher-yielding multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans. During 2009, we reduced our emphasis on commercial real estate lending. We expect to continue this emphasis on higher-yielding multi-family residential and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loan products, while we continue to deemphasize commercial real estate lending.

 
55

 

The following table shows loan originations and purchases during 2009, and loan balances as of December 31, 2009.

   
Loan
Originations and
Purchases
   
Loan Balances
December 31,
2009
   
Percent of
Gross Loans
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Multi-family residential
  $ 212,274     $ 1,158,700       36.18 %
Commercial real estate
    79,251       790,099       24.66  
One-to-four family ― mixed-use property
    33,053       744,560       23.24  
One-to-four family ― residential
    54,669       249,920       7.80  
Co-operative apartment
    534       6,553       0.20  
Construction
    18,263       97,270       3.04  
Small Business Administration
    4,457       17,496       0.55  
Taxi Medallion
    61,049       61,424       1.92  
Commercial Business and Other
    37,040       77,351       2.41  
Total
  $ 500,590     $ 3,203,373       100.00 %

Our increased emphasis in recent years on multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans has increased the overall level of credit risk inherent in our loan portfolio. The greater risk associated with multi-family, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans could require us to increase our provisions for loan losses and to maintain an allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans in excess of the allowance currently maintained.

Transition to a More ‘Commercial-like’ Banking Institution. We established a business banking unit during 2006 staffed with a team of experienced commercial bankers. We have developed a complement of deposit, loan and cash management products to support this initiative, and expanded these product offerings. The business banking unit is responsible for building business relationships in order to obtain lower-costing deposits, generate fee income, and originate commercial business loans. Building these business relationships could provide us with a lower-costing source of funds and higher-yielding adjustable-rate loans, which would help us manage our interest-rate risk.

Increase Our Commitment to the Multi-Cultural Marketplace, with a Particular Focus on the Asian Community in Queens.   Our branches are all located in the New York City metropolitan area with particular concentration in the borough of Queens.  Queens in particular exhibits a high level of ethnic diversity.  An important element of our strategy is to service the multi-ethnic consumer and business.  We have a particular concentration in the Asian communities- among them Chinese and Korean populations.  Both groups are noted for high levels of savings, education and entrepreneurship.  In order to service these and other important ethnic groups in our market, our staff speaks more than 30 languages.   We have an Asian advisory board to help broaden our link to the community by providing guidance and fostering awareness of our active role in the local community.  Our focus on the Asian community in Queens, where we have four branches, has resulted in us obtaining over $400 million in deposits in these branches.  We also have over $200 million of loans outstanding to borrowers in the Asian community.

Maintain Asset Quality.  By adherence to our strict underwriting standards, we have been able to minimize net losses from impaired loans with net charge-offs of $10.2 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. We seek to maintain our loans in performing status through, among other things, strict collection efforts, and consistently monitoring non-performing assets in an effort to return them to performing status. To this end, we review the quality of our loans and report to the Loan Committee of the Board of Directors of the Savings Bank on a monthly basis. We have sold and may continue to sell delinquent mortgage loans. We sold 17 delinquent mortgage loans totaling $6.3 million, 32 delinquent mortgage loans totaling $13.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2009, and 2008, respectively. We recorded $83,000 in charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses for the non-performing loans that were sold during 2009.  We did not record any charges to the allowance for loan losses for the non-performing loans that were sold during 2008. We realized gross gains of $4,000, and $74,000 on the sale of non-performing mortgage loans for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  We realized gross losses of $224,000 on the sale of non-performing mortgage loans for the year ended December 31, 2008. We did not record any gross losses for the year ended December 31, 2009. There can be no assurances that we will continue this strategy in future periods, or if continued, we will be able to find buyers to pay adequate consideration. Non-performing

 
56

 

assets amounted to $96.3 million and $40.7 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets were 2.32% and 1.03% at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Manage Deposit Growth and Maintain Low Cost of Funds. We have a relatively stable retail deposit base drawn from our market area through our full-service offices. Although we seek to retain existing deposits and maintain depositor relationships by offering quality service and competitive interest rates to our customers, we also seek to keep deposit growth within reasonable limits and our strategic plan. In 2006, we initiated our business banking operation that we designed specifically to develop full business relationships thereby bringing in lower cost checking and money market deposits. At December 31, 2009, deposits balances in the business sector are $60.0 million. We also have an internet branch, “iGObanking.com®”, as a division of the Savings Bank, to compete for deposits from sources outside the geographic footprint of our full-service offices. In creating iGObanking.com®, our strategy is to reduce our reliance on wholesale borrowings and reduce our funding costs. Deposit balances in iGObanking.com® were $323.8 million at December 31, 2009, at rates lower than our current certificates of deposit base and borrowings. During 2007, the Savings Bank formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Flushing Commercial Bank, a New York State chartered commercial bank, for the limited purpose of accepting municipal deposits and state funds, including certain court ordered funds from New York State Courts, in the State of New York as an additional source of deposits. At December 31, 2009, deposits in Flushing Commercial Bank totaled $359.3 million at rates below our average cost of funds.  We also obtain deposits through brokers and the CDARS® network. Management intends to balance its goal to maintain competitive interest rates on deposits while seeking to manage its overall cost of funds to finance its strategies. We generally rely on our deposit base as our principal source of funding. In addition, the Banks are members of the FHLB-NY, which provides us with a source of borrowing. We also utilize reverse purchase agreements, established with other financial institutions. These borrowings help us fund asset growth and increase net interest income. During 2009, we realized an increase in due to depositors of $228.7 million, with lower-costing core deposits increasing $434.7 million and higher-costing certificates of deposit decreasing $205.9 million, and a decrease in borrowings of $78.7 million.

Cross Sell to Lending and Deposit Customers. A significant portion of our lending and deposit customers do not have both their loans and deposits with us. We intend to focus on obtaining additional deposits from our lending customers and originating additional loans to our deposit customers. Product offerings were expanded in the past four years and are expected to be further expanded in 2010 to accommodate perceived customer demands. In addition, specific employees are assigned responsibilities of generating these additional deposits and loans by coordinating efforts between lending and deposit gathering departments.

Take Advantage of Market Disruptions to Attract Talent and Customers From Competitors. The New York City market place has been dominated by large institutions, many of which recently have run into difficult situations due to the recessionary environment.  During this time period we have been able to attract talent from such large commercial banks. That talent has brought with it significant business relationships. The preoccupation of our large competitors with significant profitability concerns has caused them to reduce lending and make their customer base more vulnerable.  We have been able to see a larger number of strong companies that have been caught in a retrenchment by their existing large institution. We anticipate this environment remaining for some period of time as large banks work through their continuing problems.

We have in the past increased growth through acquisitions of financial institutions and branches of other financial institutions, and will continue to pursue growth through acquisitions that are, or are expected to be within a reasonable time frame, accretive to earnings, as well as evaluating the feasibility of opening additional branches.  We have in the past opened new branches.  In 2006, we completed the acquisition of Atlantic Liberty Savings and opened a branch in Bayside, Queens.  Two branches were also opened in Queens in the first quarter of 2007, and one branch has been opened in Nassau County in the first quarter of 2009.  We plan to continue to seek and review potential acquisition opportunities that complement our current business, are consistent with our strategy to build a bank that is focused on the unique personal and small business banking needs of the multi-ethnic communities we serve.

Manage Interest Rate Risk and Capital. We seek to manage our interest rate risk by actively reviewing the repricing and maturities of our interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities.  The mix of loans we originate (fixed or ARM) is determined in large part by borrowers’ preferences and prevailing market conditions.  We seek to manage the interest rate risk of our loan portfolio by actively managing our security portfolio and borrowings.  By adjusting the mix of fixed and adjustable rate securities, as well as the maturities of the securities, we have the ability to manage the combined interest rate sensitivity of our assets.  Additionally, we

 
57

 

seek to balance the interest rate sensitivity of our assets by managing the maturities of our liabilities.  The Savings Bank faces several minimum capital requirements imposed by the OTS.  These requirements limit the dividends the Savings Bank is allowed to pay to Flushing Financial Corporation, and can limit the annual growth of the Savings Bank.

Trends and Contingencies. Our operating results are significantly affected by national and local economic and competitive conditions, including changes in market interest rates, the strength of the local economy, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities. As short-term interest rates rose during the first half of 2006, remained at those levels throughout most of 2007, and declined throughout 2008 and 2009, we remained strategically focused on the origination of multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans. As a result of this strategy, we were able to continue to achieve a higher yield on our mortgage portfolio than we would have otherwise experienced. We also established a business banking unit during the second half of 2006, and launched an internet branch in November 2006.

Prevailing interest rates affect the extent to which borrowers repay and refinance loans. In a declining interest rate environment, the number of loan prepayments and loan refinancing tends to increase, as do prepayments of mortgage-backed securities. Call provisions associated with our investments in U.S. government agency and corporate securities may also adversely affect yield in a declining interest rate environment. Such prepayments and calls may adversely affect the yield of our loan portfolio and mortgage-backed and other securities as we reinvest the prepaid funds in a lower interest rate environment. However, we typically receive additional loan fees when existing loans are refinanced, which partially offsets the reduced yield on our loan portfolio resulting from prepayments. In periods of low interest rates, our level of core deposits also may decline if depositors seek higher-yielding instruments or other investments not offered by us, which in turn may increase our cost of funds and decrease our net interest margin to the extent alternative funding sources are utilized. By contrast, an increasing interest rate environment would tend to extend the average lives of lower yielding fixed rate mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, which could adversely affect net interest income. In addition, depositors tend to open longer term, higher costing certificate of deposit accounts which could adversely affect our net interest income if rates were to subsequently decline. Additionally, adjustable rate residential mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities generally contain interim and lifetime caps that limit the amount the interest rate can increase at re-pricing dates.

During the first half of 2006, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) increased short term interest rates through their meeting in June, while longer-term interest rates remained relatively stable. As a result, the yield curve flattened to the point where there was little difference between the rate on overnight funds and the rate on ten year bonds. During the second half of 2006 and through September 2007, the FOMC maintained the overnight rate, while longer term rates declined, resulting in an inverted yield curve. As a result, our net interest margin declined as the spread between the rates we received on loans originated narrowed compared to the rates paid on new deposits. The FOMC began lowering the overnight interest rate in the fourth quarter of 2007, and the treasury yield curve returned to a more normal slope by the end of 2007. The FOMC continued to lower the overnight interest rate throughout 2008, and maintained this low interest rate environment throughout 2009. The treasury yield curve remained positively sloped throughout 2008 and 2009. While demand for our higher-yielding loan products declined during 2009, we grew our loan portfolio $239.5 million in 2009. We funded this growth with principal payments received on our securities portfolio and deposit growth. At December 31, 2009, we had loan applications in process of $158.4 million.

As a result of balance sheet growth combined with a 33 basis point improvement in our net interest spread, net interest income increased $27.1 million to $114.8 million in 2009 from $87.7 million in 2008.  The yield on interest-earning assets decreased 49 basis points to 5.93% for the year ended December 31, 2009 from 6.42% for the year ended December 31, 2008. However, this was more than offset by a decline in the cost of funds of 82 basis points to 3.17% for the year ended December 31, 2009 from 3.99% for the comparable prior year period.  The net interest margin increased 36 basis points to 2.96% for 2009 as compared to 2.60% for 2008. The net interest margin increased to 3.14% in the fourth quarter of 2009 as compared to 2.55% in the fourth quarter of 2008.

The 82 basis point decline in the cost of deposits for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008 was partially the result of a shift in our deposit concentrations during 2009.  During the year ended December 31, 2009, lower-costing core deposits increased $434.7 million while higher costing certificates of deposit and borrowings decreased $205.9 million and $78.7 million, respectively. The cost of funds declined to 2.96% in the fourth quarter of 2009 from 3.85% in the fourth quarter of 2008.

We are unable to predict the direction of future interest rate changes. Approximately 46% of our certificates of deposit accounts and borrowings reprice or mature during the next year, which could result in a decrease in the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities. Also, in a decreasing interest rate environment, mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities with higher rates tend to prepay, which could result in a reduction in the yield on our interest-earning assets.

 
58

 

The national and regional economies were generally considered to be in a recession from December 2007 through the middle of 2009.  This resulted in increased unemployment and declining property values, although the property value declines in the New York metropolitan area have not been as great as many other areas of the country. While the national and regional economies showed signs of improvement during the second half of 2009, unemployment has remained at elevated levels. These economic conditions can result in borrowers defaulting on their loans, or withdrawing their funds on deposit to meet their financial obligations. This deterioration in the economy resulted in an increase in our non-performing loans during 2008 and 2009, with non-performing loans totaling $85.9 million at December 31, 2009 and $40.0 million at December 31, 2008 compared to non-performing loans totaling $5.9 million at December 31, 2007. We recorded a $19.5 million provision for loan losses in 2009. However, we also saw an increase in our loan portfolio and deposits in 2009. We cannot predict the effect of these economic conditions on the Company’s future financial condition or operating results.

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

A financial institution’s exposure to the risks of changing interest rates may be analyzed, in part, by examining the extent to which its assets and liabilities are “interest rate sensitive” and by monitoring the institution’s interest rate sensitivity “gap.” An asset or liability is said to be interest rate sensitive within a specific time period if it will mature or reprice within that time period. The interest rate sensitivity gap is defined as the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within a specific time period and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within that time period. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing exceeds the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within the same period. A gap is considered negative when the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing exceeds the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within the same period. Accordingly, a positive gap may enhance net interest income in a rising rate environment and reduce net interest income in a falling rate environment. Conversely, a negative gap may enhance net interest income in a falling rate environment and reduce net interest income in a rising rate environment.

 
59

 

The table below sets forth the amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at December 31, 2009 which are anticipated by the Company, based upon certain assumptions, to reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown. Except as stated below, the amount of assets and liabilities shown that reprice or mature during a particular period was determined in accordance with the earlier of the term to repricing or the contractual terms of the asset or liability. Prepayment assumptions for mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities are based on our experience and industry averages, which generally range from 6% to 40%, depending on the contractual rate of interest and the underlying collateral. Money market accounts and savings accounts were assumed to have a withdrawal or “run-off” rate of 13% and 19%, respectively, based on our experience. While management bases these assumptions on actual prepayments and withdrawals experienced by us, there is no guarantee that these trends will continue in the future.

   
Interest Rate Sensitivity Gap Analysis at December 31, 2009
 
         
More Than
   
More Than
   
More Than
   
More Than
             
   
Three
   
Three
   
One Year
   
Three Years
   
Five Years
             
   
Months
   
Months To
   
To Three
   
To Five
   
To Ten
   
More Than
       
   
And Less
   
One Year
   
Years
   
Years
   
Years
   
Ten Years
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Interest-Earning Assets
                                         
Mortgage loans
  $ 323,103     $ 545,355     $ 1,060,779     $ 794,413     $ 280,836     $ 42,616     $ 3,047,102  
Other loans
    13,856       95,880       37,296       4,625       4,614       -       156,271  
Short-term securities (1)
    23,542       -       -       -       -       -       23,542  
Securities available for sale:
                                                       
Mortgage-backed securities
    57,393       95,518       180,570       94,424       102,761       117,777       648,443  
Other
    8,015       1,249       7,574       3,388       -       15,135       35,361  
Total interest-earning assets
    425,909       738,002       1,286,219       896,850       388,211       175,528       3,910,719  
                                                         
Interest-Bearing Liabilities
                                                       
Savings accounts
    20,274       60,822       162,192       91,767       91,766       -       426,821  
NOW accounts
    -       -       -       -       -       503,159       503,159  
Money market accounts
    13,470       40,410       107,760       107,760       145,057       -       414,457  
Certificate of deposit accounts
    186,647       465,394       281,791       270,590       26,089       -       1,230,511  
Mortgagors' escrow deposits
    -       -       -       -       -       26,791       26,791  
Borrowings
    197,447       202,263       340,098       152,437       168,000       -       1,060,245  
Total interest-bearing liabilities (2)
  $ 417,838     $ 768,889     $ 891,841     $ 622,554     $ 430,912     $ 529,950     $ 3,661,984  
                                                         
Interest rate sensitivity gap
  $ 8,071     $ (30,887 )   $ 394,378     $ 274,296     $ (42,701 )   $ (354,422 )   $ 248,735  
Cumulative interest-rate sensitivity gap
  $ 8,071     $ (22,816 )   $ 371,562     $ 645,858     $ 603,157     $ 248,735          
Cumulative interest-rate sensitivity gap as a percentage of total assets
    0.19 %     -0.55 %     8.97 %     15.59 %     14.56 %     6.00 %        
Cumulative net interest-earning assets as a percentage of interest-bearing liabilities
    101.93 %     98.08 %     117.88 %     123.91 %     119.26 %     106.79 %        

(1)  Consists of interest-earning deposits.
(2)  Does not include non-interest bearing demand accounts totaling $91.4 million at December 31, 2009.

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing table. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar estimated maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in differing degrees to changes in market interest rates and may bear rates that differ in varying degrees from the rates that would apply upon maturity and reinvestment or upon repricing. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as ARM loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Further, in the event of a significant change in the level of interest rates, prepayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities, and deposit withdrawal or “run-off” levels, would likely deviate materially from those assumed in calculating the above table. In the event of an interest rate increase, some borrowers may be unable to meet the increased payments on their adjustable-rate debt. The interest rate sensitivity analysis assumes that the nature of the Company’s assets and liabilities remains static. Interest rates may have an effect on customer preferences for deposits and loan products. Finally, the maturity and repricing characteristics of many assets and liabilities as set forth in the above table are not governed by contract but rather by management’s best judgment based on current market conditions and anticipated business strategies.

 
60

 

Interest Rate Risk

Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the changes in fair value of certain investments due to changes in interest rates. Generally, the fair value of financial investments such as loans and securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. As a result, increases in interest rates could result in decreases in the fair value of our interest-earning assets which could adversely affect our results of operations if such assets were sold, or, in the case of securities classified as available for sale, decreases in our stockholders’ equity if such securities were retained.

We manage the mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities on a continuous basis to maximize return and adjust our exposure to interest rate risk. On a quarterly basis, management prepares the “Earnings and Economic Exposure to Changes in Interest Rate” report for review by the Board of Directors, as summarized below. This report quantifies the potential changes in net interest income and net portfolio value should interest rates go up or down (shocked) 200 basis points, assuming the yield curves of the rate shocks will be parallel to each other. The OTS currently places its focus on the net portfolio value ratio, focusing on a rate shock up or down of 200 basis points. The OTS uses the change in Net Portfolio Value Ratio to measure the interest rate sensitivity of the Company. Net portfolio value is defined as the market value of assets net of the market value of liabilities. The market value of assets and liabilities is determined using a discounted cash flow calculation. The net portfolio value ratio is the ratio of the net portfolio value to the market value of assets. All changes in income and value are measured as percentage changes from the projected net interest income and net portfolio value at the base interest rate scenario. The base interest rate scenario assumes interest rates at December 31, 2009. Various estimates regarding prepayment assumptions are made at each level of rate shock. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. At December 31, 2009, we were within the guidelines established by the Board of Directors for each interest rate level.

   
Projected Percentage Change In
   
Net Portfolio
 
Change in Interest Rate
 
Net Interest Income
   
Net Portfolio Value
   
Value Ratio
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
-200 basis points
    -0.49 %     0.27 %     4.06 %     12.57 %     13.25 %     10.10 %
-100 basis points
    0.74       0.37       7.38       8.70       12.85       9.89  
Base interest rate
                            12.14       9.26  
+100 basis points
    -3.52       -3.38       -10.59       -13.31       11.08       8.20  
+200 basis points
    -3.76       -9.25       -11.22       -28.59       10.06       6.93  


Analysis of Net Interest Income

Net interest income represents the difference between income on interest-earning assets and expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends upon the relative amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rate earned or paid on them.

The following table sets forth certain information relating to our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods shown. Average balances are derived from average daily balances. The yields include amortization of fees that are considered adjustments to yields.
 
 
61

 
 
   
For the year ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Average
         
Yield/
   
Average
         
Yield/
   
Average
         
Yield/
 
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                                     
Mortgage loans, net (1)(2)
  $ 2,952,400     $ 187,760       6.36 %   $ 2,731,823     $ 182,832       6.69 %   $ 2,438,479     $ 167,537       6.87 %
Other loans, net (1)(2)
    133,495       6,557       4.91       110,110       7,172       6.51       95,771       7,450       7.78  
Total loans, net
    3,085,895       194,317       6.30       2,841,933       190,004       6.69       2,534,250       174,987       6.90  
Mortgage-backed securities
    690,181       33,430       4.84       420,815       21,836       5.19       300,196       14,945       4.98  
Other securities
    55,805       2,223       3.98       82,351       4,267       5.18       51,767       2,923       5.65  
Total securities
    745,986       35,653       4.78       503,166       26,103       5.19       351,963       17,868       5.08  
Interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold
    47,639       91       0.19       32,350       594       1.84       15,222       707       4.64  
Total interest-earning assets
    3,879,520       230,061       5.93       3,377,449       216,701       6.42       2,901,435       193,562       6.67  
Other assets
    186,087                       184,377                       164,966                  
Total assets
  $ 4,065,607                     $ 3,561,826                     $ 3,066,401                  
                                                                         
                                                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Deposits:
                                                                       
Savings accounts
  $ 422,399       5,529       1.31     $ 365,885       7,793       2.13     $ 310,457       7,574       2.44  
NOW accounts
    373,854       5,906       1.58       147,003       3,688       2.51       57,915       913       1.58  
Money market accounts
    334,703       5,290       1.58       303,776       9,704       3.19       294,402       12,425       4.22  
Certificate of deposit accounts
    1,423,746       49,987       3.51       1,275,964       55,501       4.35       1,168,620       57,029       4.88  
Total due to depositors
    2,554,702       66,712       2.61       2,092,628       76,686       3.66       1,831,394       77,941       4.26  
Mortgagors' escrow accounts
    35,879       66       0.18       35,465       68       0.19       32,403       76       0.23  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,590,581       66,778       2.58       2,128,093       76,754       3.61       1,863,797       78,017       4.19  
Borrowings
    1,043,202       48,497       4.65       1,107,634       52,218       4.71       897,821       44,607       4.97  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    3,633,783       115,275       3.17       3,235,727       128,972       3.99       2,761,618       122,624       4.44  
Non interest-bearing demand deposits
    76,559                       71,613                       65,508                  
Other liabilities
    27,379                       21,413                       18,668                  
Total liabilities
    3,737,721                       3,328,753                       2,845,794                  
Equity
    327,886                       233,073                       220,607                  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 4,065,607                     $ 3,561,826                     $ 3,066,401                  
                                                                         
Net interest income /net interest rate spread (3)
          $ 114,786       2.76 %           $ 87,729       2.43 %           $ 70,938       2.23 %
                                                                         
Net interest-earning assets /net interest margin (4)
  $ 245,737               2.96 %   $ 141,722               2.60 %   $ 139,817               2.44 %
                                                                         
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
                    1.07 X                     1.04 X                     1.05 X


(1)
Average balances include non-accrual loans.
(2)
Loan interest income includes loan fee income (which includes net amortization of deferred fees and costs, late charges, and prepayment penalties) of approximately $0.7 million, $3.7 million and $3.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
(3)
Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average rate on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(4)
Net interest margin represents net interest income before the provision for loan losses divided by average interest-earning assets.

 
62

 

Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table presents the impact of changes in interest rates and in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities on the Company’s interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to (1) changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by the prior rate), (2) changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by the prior volume) and (3) the net change. The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.

   
Increase (Decrease) in Net Interest Income
 
   
Year Ended December 31, 2009
   
Year Ended December 31, 2008
 
   
Compared to
   
Compared to
 
   
Year Ended December 31, 2008
   
Year Ended December 31, 2007
 
   
Due to
         
Due to
       
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Interest-Earning Assets:
                                   
Mortgage loans, net
  $ 14,252     $ (9,324 )   $ 4,928     $ 19,768     $ (4,473 )   $ 15,295  
Other loans, net
    1,348       (1,963 )     (615 )     1,031       (1,309 )     (278 )
Mortgage-backed securities
    13,154       (1,560 )     11,594       6,237       654       6,891  
Other securities
    (1,189 )     (855 )     (2,044 )     1,604       (260 )     1,344  
Interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold
    195       (698 )     (503 )     481       (594 )     (113 )
Total interest-earning assets
    27,760       (14,400 )     13,360       29,121       (5,982 )     23,139  
                                                 
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
                                               
Deposits:
                                               
Savings accounts
    1,070       (3,334 )     (2,264 )     1,252       (1,033 )     219  
NOW accounts
    3,993       (1,775 )     2,218       2,007       768       2,775  
Money market accounts
    901       (5,315 )     (4,414 )     386       (3,107 )     (2,721 )
Certificate of deposit accounts
    5,970       (11,484 )     (5,514 )     4,976       (6,504 )     (1,528 )
Mortgagors' escrow accounts
    1       (3 )     (2 )     6       (14 )     (8 )
Borrowings
    (3,052 )     (669 )     (3,721 )     10,033       (2,422 )     7,611  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    8,883       (22,580 )     (13,697 )     18,660       (12,312 )     6,348  
                                                 
Net change in net interest income
  $ 18,877     $ 8,180     $ 27,057     $ 10,461     $ 6,330     $ 16,791  

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008

General.  Net income for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $25.6 million, an increase of $3.3 million or 14.8%, as compared to $22.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Diluted earnings per common share were $0.91 for the year ended December 31, 2009, a decrease of $0.18, or 16.5%, from $1.09 in the year ended December 31, 2008. Diluted earnings per common share for the year ended December 31, 2009 were reduced by $0.13 from income allocated to preferred shareholders, including dividends and the amortization of preferred issuance costs and were further reduced by an additional $0.06 due to the write-off of unamortized issuance costs upon the redemption of the preferred stock.  In addition, earnings per diluted common share were reduced by $0.11 due to a 2.5 million share increase in average common shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2009 as a result of the issuance of 9.3 million shares in a common stock offering completed in 2009.

Return on average equity was 7.80% for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 9.55% for the year ended December 31, 2008. The decrease in the return on average equity is due to an increase in the average balance of equity of $94.8 million. Return on average assets was 0.63% and 0.62% for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Interest Income. Interest income increased $13.4 million, or 6.2%, to $230.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $216.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. This is the result of a $502.1 million increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets during 2009 compared to 2008, partially offset by a 49 basis point decrease in the yield of interest-earning assets during 2009 compared to 2008. The decline in the yield of interest-earning assets was primarily due to a 39 basis point reduction in the yield of the loan portfolio combined with a $258.1 million increase in the combined average balances of the lower yielding securities portfolio and interest-earning deposits, with each having a lower yield than the average yield of total interest-earning assets.  The 39 basis point reduction in the

 
63

 

yield of the loan portfolio to 6.30% for the year ended December 31, 2009 from 6.69% for the year ended December 31, 2008 was primarily due to a decline in prepayment penalty income, adjustable rate loans adjusting down as rates have continued to decline, and an increase in non-accrual loans for which we do not accrue interest income.  The yield on the mortgage loan portfolio declined 33 basis points to 6.36% for the year ended December 31, 2009 from 6.69% for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The yield on the mortgage loan portfolio, excluding prepayment penalty income, declined 24 basis points to 6.31% for the year ended December 31, 2009 from 6.55% for the year ended December 31, 2008. The decline in the yield of interest-earning assets was partially offset by an increase of $244.0 million in the average balance of the loan portfolio to $3,085.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.

  Interest income from securities increased $9.6 million, as the average balance increased $242.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $746.0 million, partially offset by a 41 basis point decrease in the yield to 4.78% during 2009 from 5.19% during 2008. The increase in the average balance of the securities portfolios was used to support the activities of Flushing Commercial Bank. Interest income from interest-bearing deposits and federal funds sold decreased $0.5 million as an increase in the average balance of $15.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $47.6 million was more than offset by a decrease in the yield of 165 basis points to 0.19% during 2009 from 1.84% during 2008.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $13.7 million, or 10.6%, to $115.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $129.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. An 82 basis point reduction in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 3.17% for the year ended December 31, 2009 from 3.99% for the year ended December 31, 2008 more than offset an increase of $398.1 million in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities to $3,633.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $3,235.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities is primarily attributed to the Federal Open Market Committee lowering the overnight interest rate throughout 2008, and maintaining the targeted Fed Funds rate in a range of 0.00% to 0.25% during the year ended December 31, 2009. This has allowed the Bank to reduce the rates it pays on its deposit products. The cost of certificates of deposit, money market accounts, savings accounts and NOW accounts decreased 84 basis points, 161 basis points, 82 basis points and 93 basis points respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.  The cost of due to depositors was also reduced due to the Banks’ focus on increasing lower-costing core deposits. The combined average balances of lower-costing savings, money market and NOW accounts increased a total of $314.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, partially offset by the average balance of higher-costing certificates of deposits increasing $147.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the comparable period in 2008. This resulted in a decrease in the cost of due to depositors of 105 basis points to 2.61% for the year ended December 31, 2009 from 3.66% for the year ended December 31, 2008. The increase in deposits allowed the Bank to reduce its reliance on borrowings, as the average balance of borrowings declined $64.4 million to $1,043.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $1,107.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, with the cost of borrowings decreasing six basis points to 4.65% for the year ended December 31, 2009 from 4.71% for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2009 totaled $114.8 million, an increase of $27.1 million, or 30.8%, from $87.7 million for 2008.  The net interest spread increased 33 basis points to 2.76% for 2009 from 2.43% in 2008. The yield on interest-earning assets decreased 49 basis points to 5.93% for the year ended December 31, 2009 from 6.42% for the year ended December 31, 2008. However, this was more than offset by a decline in the cost of funds of 82 basis points to 3.17% for the year ended December 31, 2009 from 3.99% for the comparable prior year period. The net interest margin improved 36 basis points to 2.96% for the year ended December 31, 2009 from 2.60% for the year ended December 31, 2008. Excluding prepayment penalty income, the net interest margin would have been 2.92% and 2.48% for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Provision for Loan Losses.  A provision for loan losses of $19.5 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $5.6 million recorded in the year ended December 31, 2008. In assessing the adequacy of the Company's allowance for loan losses, management considered the Company's historical loss experience, recent trends in losses, collection policies and collection experience, trends in the volume of non-performing loans, changes in the composition and volume of the gross loan portfolio, and local and national economic conditions. The provision for loan losses recorded in 2009 was primarily due to an increase in both non-performing loans and the level of charge-offs recorded in 2009.  This increase in non-performing loans primarily consists of mortgage loans collateralized by residential income producing properties that are located in the New York City metropolitan market. Prior to 2009, the Savings Bank had recorded minimal losses on mortgage loans. The Savings Bank continues to maintain conservative underwriting standards that include, among other things, a loan to value ratio of 75% or less and a debt coverage ratio of at least 125%. However, given the increase in non-performing loans, the current economic uncertainties, and the charge-

 
64

 

offs recorded during 2009, management, as a result of the regular quarterly analysis of the allowance for loans losses, deemed it necessary to record an additional provision for loan losses in the year ended 2009.

The ratio of non-performing loans to gross loans was 2.68% and 1.35% at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The allowance for loan losses as percentage of non-performing loans was 24% and 28% at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The ratio of allowance for loan losses to gross loans was 0.63% and 0.37% at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company experienced net charge-offs of $10.2 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

        Non-Interest Income.  Non-interest income increased $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $11.0 million, or 57.2%, as compared to $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The net gain recorded from financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value decreased $15.1 million to a net gain of $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to a net gain of $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The $15.1 million decline in fair value net gains was more than offset by a $21.7 million decline in other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charges to $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 from $27.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The OTTI charges for 2009 related to two pooled trust preferred securities totaling $2.8 million and four private issue collateralized mortgage obligations totaling $3.1 million compared to a $27.6 million OTTI charge on investments in Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae preferred stocks for the year ended December 31, 2008. The year ended December 31, 2008 also included income of $2.4 million representing a partial recovery of a loss sustained in 2002 on a WorldCom, Inc. senior note. This amount was received as a result of a class action litigation settlement, and was included in Other Income.

           Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense was $64.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of $10.1 million, or 18.5%, from $54.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Employee salary and benefits increased $3.8 million, which is primarily attributed to the growth of the Bank, including one new branch and the expansion of the collections department, and increased costs for postretirement benefits. Occupancy and equipment, data processing, and depreciation and amortization increased $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, primarily due to the growth of the Bank.  Other operating expense increased $0.8 million primarily due an increase in foreclosure expense as non-performing loans increased from the prior year period. FDIC insurance increased $4.9 million compared to the comparable prior year period, as the FDIC raised the deposit insurance premiums during 2009, and a $2.0 million special assessment was levied during the quarter ended June 30, 2009 by the FDIC to partially replenish the deposit insurance fund.  The efficiency ratio was 51.8% and 55.1% for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Income Tax Provisions.  Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2009 increased $3.7 million to $15.8 million, compared to $12.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.  This increase is primarily attributed to the increase of $7.0 million in income before income taxes combined with an increase in the effective tax rate to 38.2% for the year ended December 31, 2009 from 35.1% for the year ended December 31, 2008. The increase in the effective tax rate was the result of an increase in net income before income taxes combined with a decline in tax preference items for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

             General.  Diluted earnings per common share increased 6.9% to $1.09 for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $1.02 for the year ended December 31, 2007. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $22.3 million, an increase of $2.1 million, or 10.3%, from the $20.2 million earned in the year ended December 31, 2007. The years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 included after-tax other-than-temporary impairment charges of $15.3 million, or $0.76 per diluted common share, and $2.6 million, or $0.13 per diluted common share, respectively, related to the Company’s investments in preferred stock of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.  The years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 also included net after-tax gains attributed to changes in fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value of $11.2 million, or $0.55 per diluted common share, and $1.5 million, or $0.08 per diluted common share, respectively. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $87.7 million, an increase of $16.8 million, or 23.7% from $70.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.  Non-interest income decreased $3.3 million, or 32.0%, as increases seen in most sources of income were more than offset by the other-than-temporary impairment charge. Non-interest expense increased $4.7 million, or 9.4%, primarily due to expenditures related to our growth and expansion, and an increase in deposit insurance expense.

Return on average assets decreased to 0.62% for the year ended December 31, 2008 from 0.66% for the year ended December 31, 2007. Return on average equity increased to 9.55% for the year ended December 31, 2008 from 9.15% for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 
65

 

Interest Income. Interest income increased $23.1 million, or 12.0%, to $216.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $193.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. This was the result of a $476.0 million increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets during 2008 compared to 2007, partially offset by a 25 basis point decrease in the yield of interest-earning assets during 2008 compared to 2007. The decline in the yield of interest-earning assets was primarily due to a 21 basis point reduction in the yield of the loan portfolio combined with a $168.3 million increase in the combined average balances of the lower yielding securities portfolio and interest-earning deposits, with each having a lower yield than the average yield of total interest-earning assets.  The 21 basis point reduction in the yield of the loan portfolio to 6.69% for the year ended December 31, 2008 from 6.90% for the year ended December 31, 2007 was primarily the result of adjustable rate loans adjusting downward, as rates declined throughout 2008. Additionally, an increase in non-accrual loans reduced the yield of the loan portfolio. The yield was positively impacted by the average rate on mortgage loans originated during the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 being higher than the average rate of both the existing loan portfolio and mortgage loans that were paid-in-full during the period.  The yield on the mortgage loan portfolio declined 18 basis points to 6.69% for the year ended December 31, 2008 from 6.87% for the year ended December 31, 2007.  The yield on the mortgage loan portfolio, excluding prepayment penalty income, declined 17 basis points to 6.55% for the year ended December 31, 2008 from 6.72% for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decline in the yield of interest-earning assets was partially offset by an increase of $307.7 million in the average balance of the loan portfolio to $2,841.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Interest income from securities increased $8.2 million, as the average balance increased $151.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $503.2 million, combined with an 11 basis point increase in the yield to 5.19% during 2008 from 5.08% during 2007. The increase in the average balance of the securities portfolios was primary to support the activities of Flushing Commercial Bank. Interest income from interest-bearing deposits and federal funds sold decreased $0.1 million as an increase in the average balance of $17.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $32.4 million was more than offset by a decrease in the yield to 1.84% during 2008 from 4.64% during 2007.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased $6.3 million, or 5.2%, to $129.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $122.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. An increase of $474.1 million in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities was partly offset by a 45 basis point decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 3.99% for the year ended December 31, 2008 from 4.44% for the year ended December 31, 2007.  The decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily attributed to the FOMC lowering the overnight interest rate to a range of 0.00% to 0.25% as of December 31, 2008. Certificates of deposit, money market accounts and saving accounts decreased 53 basis points, 103 basis points and 31 basis points respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the year ended December 31, 2007.  NOW accounts increased 93 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the year ended December 31, 2007 due to the introduction and promotion of new products which, although carrying a higher rate than other products in these types of accounts, had a lower rate during the year ended December 31, 2008 than the average cost of deposits.  This resulted in a decrease in the cost of due to depositors of 60 basis points to 3.66% for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to 4.26% for the year ended December 31, 2007. The cost of borrowings also decreased 26 basis points to 4.71% for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to 4.97% for the year ended December 31, 2007. The average balance of higher-costing certificates of deposit and borrowings increased $107.3 million and $209.8 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the prior year period. In addition, the combined average balances of lower-costing savings, money market and NOW accounts increased a total of $153.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the prior year period.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2008 totaled $87.7 million, an increase of $16.8 million, or 23.7%, from $70.9 million for 2007.  The net interest spread increased 20 basis points to 2.43% for 2008 from 2.23% in 2007. The yield on interest-earning assets decreased 25 basis points to 6.42% for the year ended December 31, 2008 from 6.67% for the year ended December 31, 2007. However, this was more than offset by a decline in the cost of funds of 45 basis points to 3.99% for the year ended December 31, 2008 from 4.44% for the comparable prior year period. The net interest margin improved 16 basis points to 2.60% for the year ended December 31, 2008 from 2.44% for the year ended December 31, 2007. Excluding prepayment penalty income, the net interest margin would have been 2.48% and 2.32% for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Provision for Loan Losses. A provision for loan losses of $5.6 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2008. There was no provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2007. In assessing the adequacy of the Company's allowance for loan losses, management considered the Company's historical loss experience, recent trends in losses, collection policies and collection experience, trends in the volume of non-performing loans, changes in the composition and volume of the gross loan portfolio, and local and national economic conditions. The provision for loan losses recorded in 2008 was primarily due to an increase in non-performing loans.  This increase in

 
66

 

non-performing loans primarily consisted of mortgage loans that are located in the New York City metropolitan market. Historically, through December 31, 2008, we had not incurred losses on mortgage loans, primarily due to our conservative underwriting standards that include, among other things, a loan to value ratio of 75% or less and a debt coverage ratio of at least 125%. However, given the increase in non-performing loans and current economic uncertainties, management, as a result of the regular quarterly analyses of the allowance for loans losses, deemed it necessary to record additional provisions for possible loan losses in the year ended December 31, 2008. The ratio of non-performing loans to gross loans was 1.35% and 0.22% at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The allowance for loan losses as percentage of non-performing loans was 28% and 113% at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The ratio of allowance for loan losses to gross loans was 0.37% and 0.25% at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Company experienced net charge-offs of $1.2 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Non-Interest Income.  Non-interest income decreased $3.3 million, or 32.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $7.0 million, as compared to $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Increases of $17.4 million in the net gain attributed to changes in fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value, $0.2 million in dividends received from FHLB-NY stock, and $0.5 million in income from Bank Owned Life Insurance were more than offset by a $0.5 million decrease in fee income and a $22.9 million increase in other-than-temporary impairment charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2007. The net gain in fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value was primarily the result of widening credit spreads in credit markets on trust preferred securities and the related junior subordinated debentures.  The other-than-temporary impairment charges in both years were on the preferred stock issues of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, two government sponsored entities. These preferred shares were written down to their market value of $0.6 million at December 31, 2008.  The year ended December 31, 2008 included income of $2.4 million representing a partial recovery of a loss sustained in 2002, on a WorldCom, Inc. senior note. This amount was received as a result of a class action litigation settlement, and was included in Other Income.

 Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense was $54.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, an increase of $4.7 million, or 9.4%, from $50.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase from the comparable prior year period was primarily attributed to increases of: $2.6 million in employee salary and benefits, $0.6 million in professional services and $0.4 million in data processing expense, each of which is primarily attributed to the growth of the Bank over the twelve months ended December 31, 2008.  Additionally, other operating expense increased $1.2 million, primarily due to an increase in deposit insurance expense.  The efficiency ratio was 55.1% and 60.2% for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Income Tax Provisions.  Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased $1.1 million to $12.1 million, compared to $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.  This increase was primarily attributed to the increase of $3.2 million in income before income taxes. The effective tax rate was 35.1% for the year ended December 31, 2008, the same as that for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Liquidity, Regulatory Capital and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowings, principal and interest payments on loans, mortgage-backed and other securities, and proceeds from sales of securities and loans. Deposit flows and mortgage prepayments, however, are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. At December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank had an approved overnight line of credit of $100.0 million with the FHLB-NY. In total, as of December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank may borrow up to $1,242.9 million from the FHLB-NY in Federal Home Loan advances and overnight lines of credit. As of December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank had $838.8 million in FHLB-NY advances. In addition, Flushing Financial Corporation has junior subordinated debentures with a face amount of $61.9 million and a carrying amount of $34.5 million (which are included in Borrowed Funds) and the Savings Bank had $186.9 million in repurchase agreements to fund lending and investment opportunities. (See Note 8 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.) Management believes its available sources of funds are sufficient to fund current operations.

Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents, which include cash and due from banks, overnight interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold with original maturities of 90 days or less. The level of these assets is dependent on our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period. At December 31, 2009, cash and cash equivalents totaled $28.4 million, a decrease of $2.0 million from December 31, 2008. We also held marketable securities available for sale with a carrying value of $683.8 million at December 31, 2009.

At December 31, 2009, we had commitments to extend credit (principally real estate mortgage loans) of $39.6 million and open lines of credit for borrowers (principally construction loan and home equity loan lines of credit) of

 
67

 

$73.5 million. Since generally all of the loan commitments are expected to be drawn upon, the total loan commitments approximate future cash requirements, whereas the amounts of lines of credit may not be indicative of our future cash requirements. The loan commitments generally expire in 90 days, while construction loan lines of credit mature within 18 months and home equity loan lines of credit mature within 10 years. We use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as we do for on-balance-sheet instruments.

Our total interest and operating expenses in 2009 were $115.3 million and $64.9 million, respectively. Certificate of deposit accounts that are scheduled to mature in one year or less as of December 31, 2009 totaled $651.9 million.

We maintain three postretirement defined benefit plans for our employees: a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan which was frozen as of September 30, 2006, a contributory medical plan, and a noncontributory life insurance plan. The life insurance plan was amended to discontinue providing life insurance benefits to future retirees after January 1, 2010. We also maintain a noncontributory defined benefit plan for certain of our non-employee directors, which was frozen as of January 1, 2004. The employee pension plan is the only plan that we have funded. During 2009, we did not make a contribution to the employee pension plan, and incurred cash expenditures of $0.1 million for the medical and life insurance plans and $0.1 million for the non-employee director plan. We expect to pay similar amounts for these plans in 2010. (See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.)

The amounts reported in our financial statements are obtained from reports prepared by independent actuaries, and are based on significant assumptions. The most significant assumption is the discount rate used to determine the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) for these plans. The APBO is the present value of projected benefits that employees and retirees have earned to date. The discount rate is a single rate at which the liabilities of the plans are discounted into today’s dollars and could be effectively settled or eliminated. The discount rate used is based on the Citigroup Pension Liability Index, and reflects a rate that could be earned on bonds over a similar period that we anticipate the plans’ liabilities will be paid. An increase in the discount rate would reduce the APBO, while a reduction in the discount rate would increase the APBO. During the past several years, when interest rates have been at historically low levels, the discount rate used for our plans has declined from 7.25% for 2001 to 5.75% for 2009. This decline in the discount rate has resulted in an increase in our APBO.

The Company’s actuaries use several other assumptions that could have a significant impact on our APBO and periodic expense for these plans. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the rate of increase in future compensation levels, expected rate of return on plan assets, future increases in medical and life insurance premiums, turnover rates of employees, and life expectancy. The accounting standards for postretirement plans involve mechanisms that serve to limit the volatility of earnings by allowing changes in the value of plan assets and benefit obligations to be amortized over time when actual results differ from the assumptions used, there are changes in the assumptions used, or there are plan amendments. At December 31, 2009, our employee pension plan and medical and life insurance plan have unrecognized losses of $8.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively.  The non-employee director plan has a $0.5 million unrecognized gain, due to experience different from what had been estimated and changes in actuarial assumptions. The employee pension plan’s unrecognized loss is primarily attributed to the reduction in the discount rate over the past several years and the net decline in the market value of the pension plan’s investments, which was the result of the decline in the major stock markets in 2008. The medical and life insurance plans’ unrecognized loss is attributed to the reduction in the discount rate over the past several years.   In addition, the non-employee director pension plan has an unrecognized past service liability of $0.3 million due to plan amendments in prior years and the medical and life insurance plan have a $1.0 million past service credit due to plan amendments.  The life insurance plan was amended to discontinue providing life insurance benefits to future retirees after January 1, 2010. The net after tax effect of the unrecognized gains and losses associated with these plans has been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity, resulting in a reduction of stockholders’ equity of $4.1 million as of December 31, 2009.

The change in the discount rate, the reduction in medical premiums and discontinued life insurance benefits to future retirees are the only significant changes made to the assumptions used for these plans for each of the years in the three years ended December 31, 2009. During the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2007 the actual return on the employee pension plan’s assets has approximated the assumed return used to determine the periodic pension expense. During 2008, the return on the pension plan’s assets was negative due to the decline in the major stock markets. Our actuaries had assumed a positive return on the plan’s assets for 2008.

The market value of the assets of our employee pension plan is $12.3 million at December 31, 2009, which is $3.7 million less than the projected benefit obligation. We do not anticipate a change in the market value of these assets which would have a significant effect on liquidity, capital resources, or results of operations.

During 2009, funds provided by our operating activities amounted to $28.0 million.  These funds, together with $162.8 million provided by financing activities, were utilized to fund net investing activities of $192.8 million.  Funds provided by financing activities were primarily the result of growth in due to depositors of $228.7 million and the

 
68

 

issuance of common stock which raised $101.5 million, partially offset by the redemption of preferred shares and common stock Warrant of $70.9 million and the net repayment of borrowings of $76.4 million. Principal payments and calls on loans and securities provided additional funds.  Our primary investment activity is the origination and purchase of loans, and the purchase of mortgage-backed securities. During 2009, we had loan originations and purchases of $500.6 million. In addition during 2009, we purchased $189.0 million of mortgage-backed and other securities.

At the time of the Savings Bank’s conversion from a federally chartered mutual savings bank to a federally chartered stock savings bank, the Savings Bank was required by the OTS to establish a liquidation account which is reduced as and to the extent that eligible account holders reduce their qualifying deposits. The balance of the liquidation account at December 31, 2009 was $2.0 million. In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of the Savings Bank, each eligible account holder will be entitled to receive a distribution from the liquidation account. The Savings Bank is not permitted to declare or pay a dividend or to repurchase any of its capital stock if the effect would be to cause the Savings Bank’s regulatory capital to be reduced below the amount required for the liquidation account. Unlike the Savings Bank, Flushing Financial Corporation is not subject to OTS regulatory restrictions on the declaration or payment of dividends to its stockholders, although the source of such dividends could depend upon dividend payments from the Savings Bank. Flushing Financial Corporation is subject, however, to the requirements of Delaware law, which generally limit dividends to an amount equal to the excess of its net assets (the amount by which total assets exceed total liabilities) over its stated capital or, if there is no such excess, to its net profits for the current and/or immediately preceding fiscal year.

Regulatory Capital Position.  Under applicable regulatory capital regulations, the Banks are required to comply with each of three separate capital adequacy standards: tangible capital, leverage and core capital and total risk-based capital. Such classifications are used by the OTS and other bank regulatory agencies to determine matters ranging from each institution’s quarterly FDIC deposit insurance premium assessments, to approvals of applications authorizing institutions to grow their asset size or otherwise expand business activities. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, each of the Banks exceeded each of their three regulatory capital requirements. (See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.)

Participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program

Throughout the recessionary environment, we remained a profitable, “well capitalized” institution, so it was not without significant consideration that we elected to participate in the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program. On December 19, 2008, we issued 70,000 shares of the preferred stock (with a liquidation preference value of $1,000 per share) and a warrant to purchase 751,611 shares of the Company’s common stock at $13.97 per share to the Treasury for an aggregate purchase price of $70.0 million. We did so because our historically strong ability to grow deposits and make quality loans enabled the Savings Bank to put this additional capital to good work.

Common Stock Offering

On September 22, 2009, we completed a public offering for 8,317,400 shares of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. On October 1, 2009, the underwriters exercised their over-allotment option to purchase an additional 1,012,610 common shares at $11.50 per share. The net proceeds of the offering after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses were $101.5 million.

Redemption of Preferred Stock

The common stock offering discussed above was a Qualified Equity Offering. As a result of this Qualified Equity Offering, the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury was reduced by one-half. On October 28, 2009, we redeemed the Series B Preferred Stock for $70.0 million plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. On December 30, 2009, we repurchased the Warrant for $0.9 million.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s accounting policies are integral to understanding the results of operations and statement of financial condition. These policies are described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Several of these policies require management’s judgment to determine the value of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The Company has established detailed written policies and control procedures to ensure consistent application of these policies. The Company has identified four accounting policies that require significant management valuation judgment: the allowance for loan losses, fair value of financial instruments, goodwill impairment and income taxes.

Allowance for Loan Losses. An allowance for loan losses is provided to absorb probable estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Management reviews the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses by reviewing all impaired loans on an individual basis. The remaining portfolio is evaluated based on the Company's historical loss experience, recent trends in losses, collection policies and collection experience, trends in the volume of non-performing

 
69

 

loans, changes in the composition and volume of the gross loan portfolio, and local and national economic conditions.  Judgment is required to determine how many years of historical loss experience are to be included when reviewing historical loss experience. A full credit cycle must be used, or loss estimates may be inaccurate. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available.

Notwithstanding the judgment required in assessing the components of the allowance for loan losses, the Company believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The policy has been applied on a consistent basis for all periods presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The Company carries certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 825 “Financial Instruments” and values those financial assets and financial liabilities in accordance with ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”  ASC Topic 820 defines fair value 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, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  ASC topic 825 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Management selected the fair value option for certain investment securities, primarily mortgage-backed securities, and certain borrowings. Changes in the fair value of financial instruments for which the fair value election is made are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Management selected, as of January 1, 2007, financial assets and financial liabilities with fair values of $160.7 million and $120.1 million, respectively, for the fair value option. We elected to measure at fair value junior subordinated debt (commonly known as trust preferred securities) with a face amount of $61.8 million that was issued during 2007. We also elected to measure at fair value securities that were purchased during 2008 and 2007 at a cost of $5.0 million and $21.4 million, respectively.

The securities portfolio also consists of mortgage-backed and other securities for which the fair value election was not selected. These securities are classified as Available for Sale and are carried at fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, with changes in fair value recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. If any decline in fair value for these securities is deemed other-than-temporary, the security is written down to a new cost basis with the resulting loss recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income. During 2009 and 2008, we recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges of $5.9 million and $27.6 million, respectively, for certain pooled trust preferred securities, private label collateralized mortgage obligations, and preferred stocks.

Financial assets and financial liabilities reported at fair value are required to be measured based on the following alternatives: (1) quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments (level 1), (2) significant other observable inputs (level 2), or (3) significant unobservable inputs (level 3). Judgment is required in selecting the appropriate level to be used to determine fair value. The majority of financial assets and financial liabilities for which the fair value election was made, and the majority of investments classified as Available for Sale, were measured using level 2 inputs, which requires judgment to determine the fair value. The trust preferred securities held in the investment portfolio, and the Company’s junior subordinated debentures, were measured using Level 3 inputs due to the inactive market for these securities. The private label collateralized mortgage obligations for which other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded in 2009 were valued using a level 2 input. The pooled trust preferred securities for which other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded in 2009 were valued using a level 3 input. The preferred stocks for which other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded in 2008 were valued using a level 1 input.

Goodwill Impairment. Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite life and is tested for impairment, rather than amortized, on at least an annual basis. For the purpose of goodwill impairment testing, management has concluded that the Company has one reporting unit. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, there is no impairment of goodwill. However, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, further evaluation is required to determine if a write down of goodwill is required.

Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value and are to be used as the basis for measurement, when available. Other acceptable valuation methods include an asset approach, which determines a fair value based upon the value of assets net of liabilities, an income approach, which determines fair value using one or more methods that convert anticipated economic benefits into a present single amount, and a market approach, which determines a fair value based on the similar businesses that have been sold.

The Company conducts its annual impairment testing of goodwill as of December 31. The impairment testing as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 did not show an impairment of goodwill based on the fair value of the Company.

 
70

 

Income Taxes. The Company estimates its income taxes payable based on the amounts it expects to owe to the various taxing authorizes (i.e. federal, state and local). In estimating income taxes, management assesses the relative merits and risks of the tax treatment of transactions, taking into account statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance in the context of the Company’s tax position. Management also relies on tax opinions, recent audits, and historical experience.

The Company also recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is required for deferred tax assets that the Company estimates are more likely than not to be unrealizable, based on evidence available at the time the estimate is made. These estimates can be affected by changes to tax laws, statutory tax rates, and future income levels.

Contractual Obligations

   
Payments Due By Period
 
                           
More
 
         
Less Than
    1 - 3     3 - 5    
Than
 
   
Total
   
1 Year
   
Years
   
Years
   
5 Years
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Borrowings
  $ 1,060,244     $ 525,709     $ 422,098     $ 112,437     $ -  
Deposits
    2,693,115       2,114,509       281,926       270,591       26,089  
Loan commitments
    113,074       113,074       -       -       -  
Capital lease obligations
    -       -       -       -       -  
Operating lease obligations
    22,165       2,921       5,061       4,123       10,060  
Purchase obligations
    6,906       4,124       2,782       -       -  
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    8,745       435       899       1,013       6,398  
Deferred compensation plans
    5,779       414       804       741       3,820  
Total
  $ 3,910,028     $ 2,761,186     $ 713,570     $ 388,905     $ 46,367  


We have significant obligations that arise in the normal course of business. We finance our assets with deposits and borrowings. We also use borrowings to manage our interest-rate risk. We have the means to refinance these borrowings as they mature through financing arrangements with the FHLB-NY and our ability to arrange repurchase agreements with broker-dealers and the FHLB-NY. (See Notes 7 and 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.)

We focus our balance sheet growth on the origination of mortgage loans. At December 31, 2009, we had commitments to extend credit and lines of credit of $113.1 million for mortgage and other loans. These loans will be funded through principal and interest payments received on existing mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, growth in customer deposits, and, when necessary, additional borrowings. (See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.)

At December 31, 2009, the Savings Bank had fifteen branches, nine of which are leased, and the Commercial Bank utilized space within three of the Savings Bank’s branch offices. The Savings Bank leases its branch locations primarily when it is not the sole tenant. Whether the Savings Bank will purchase its future branch locations will depend in part on the availability of suitable locations and the availability of properties. In addition, we lease our executive offices.

We currently outsource our data processing, loan servicing and check processing functions. We believe that this is the most cost effective method for obtaining these services. These arrangements are usually volume dependent and have varying terms. The contracts for these services usually include annual increases based on the increase in the consumer price index. The amounts shown above for purchase obligations represent the current term and volume of activity of these contracts. We expect to renew these contracts as they expire.

The amounts shown for pension and other postretirement benefits reflect our employee and directors’ pension plans, the supplemental retirement benefits of our president, and amounts due under our plan for medical and life insurance benefits for retired employees. The amount shown in the “Less Than 1 Year” column represents our current estimate for these benefits, some of which are based on information supplied by actuaries. The amounts shown in columns reflecting periods over one year represent our current estimate based on the past year’s actual disbursements and information supplied by actuaries. The amounts do not include an increase for possible future retirees or increases in

 
71

 

health plan costs. The amount shown in the “More Than 5 Years” column represents the amount required to increase the total amount to the projected benefit obligation of the directors’ plan and the medical and life insurance benefit plans, since these are unfunded plans and the underfunded portion of the employee pension plan. (See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.)

We currently provide a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for officers who have achieved the level of at least senior vice president (certain officers who had achieved the level of at least vice president are included in this plan under previously existing guidelines). In addition to the amounts deferred by the officers, we match 50% of their contributions, generally up to a maximum of 5% of the officer’s salary. These plans generally require the deferred balance to be credited with earnings at a rate earned by certain mutual funds. Through December 31, 2009, employees could not receive a distribution from these plans until their employment is terminated. The amounts shown in the columns for less than five years represent the estimate of the amounts we will contribute to a rabbi trust with respect to matching contributions under these plans, and the amounts to be paid from the rabbi trust to two executives who have retired. The amount shown in the “More Than 5 Years” column represents the current accrued liability for these plans, adjusted for the activity in the columns for less than five years. This expense is provided in the Consolidated Statements of Income, and the liability has been provided in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

New Authoritative Accounting Pronouncements

The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) became effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The ASC became FASB’s officially recognized source of authoritative generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) applicable to all public and non-public non-governmental entities, superseding existing FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Emerging Issues Task Force and related literature. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under the authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. All other accounting literature is considered non-authoritative. All references to accounting standards in this 10-K now refer to the relevant ASC Topic.

In September 2006, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 715 “Compensation-Retirement Benefits.”  The update requires the accrual of a liability for the cost of the insurance policy during postretirement periods when an employer has effectively agreed to maintain a life insurance policy during the employee’s retirement. At December 31, 2007 the Company had endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements with forty-seven present or former employees, which currently provides approximately $7.9 million of life insurance benefits to these employees. The amount of the benefit for each employee is based on the employee’s salary when their employment terminates. This update was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. Adoption of the updated guidance was a $1.1 million charge to stockholders’ equity.

In June 2008, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 260 “Earnings Per Share.”  This update addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share (“EPS”) under the two-class method.  The update concluded that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities and shall be included in the computations of EPS pursuant to the two-class method. The Company’s unvested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards are considered participating securities under this update. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years. All prior-period EPS data presented shall be adjusted retrospectively to conform to the provisions of this ASC Topic. Early application is not permitted. Adoption of this ASC Topic did not have a material impact on the Company’s computation of EPS.

In December 2008, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 715 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits.” The update provides guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. The update clarifies that the objectives of the disclosures about plan assets in an employer’s defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan are to provide users of financial statements with an understanding of: (1) how investment allocation decisions are made, including the factors that are pertinent to an understanding of investment policies and strategies; (2) the categories of plan assets; (3) the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets; (4) the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) on changes in plan assets for the period; and (5) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. The update also expands the disclosures related to these objectives. The disclosures about plan assets required by this update are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. Upon initial application, the provisions of this update are not required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes, although application of the provisions of the update to prior periods is permitted. Early adoption is not permitted.  Adoption of the update did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

 
72

 

In January 2009, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 325 “Investments – Other.”  This update aligns impairment guidance with that in ASC Topic 320 “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities” and related implementation guidance. The update was effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2008, and is applied prospectively. Adoption of the update did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In April 2009, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 320 “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities.”  The update amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in financial statements. The update replaces the existing requirement that an entity’s management assert it has both the intent and ability to hold an impaired security until recovery with a requirement that management assert that it does not have the intent to sell the security and it is more likely than not it will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. The update requires an entity to recognize impairment losses on a debt security attributed to credit in income, and to recognize noncredit impairment losses in accumulated other comprehensive income. This requirement applies to debt securities held to maturity as well as debt securities held as available for sale. Upon adoption of this update, an entity will be required to record a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the period of adoption to reclassify the noncredit component of a previously recognized other-than-temporary impairment from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income if the entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery. The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Early adoption was permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements “Securities Available for Sale.”

In April 2009, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” The update provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with previous guidance under ASC Topic 820, when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased when compared with normal market activity for the asset or liability (or similar assets and liabilities). The update also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. The update also requires disclosure in interim and annual periods of the inputs and valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques and related inputs, if any, during the period. The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Early adoption was permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  Adoption of the update did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In April 2009, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments.”  The update requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements.  The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Early adoption was permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. An entity may have adopted this update early only if it also elected to adopt the update to ASC Topic 820 early. Adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In August 2009, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”  This Update provides amendments to Subtopic 820-10 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures—Overall,” for the fair value measurement of liabilities. This update provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or more of the following techniques: (1) a valuation technique that uses the quoted price of an identical liability when traded as an asset, and or, quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets or (2) another valuation technique that is consistent with the principals of ASC Topic 820. The amendments in this update also clarify that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to include a separate input or adjustment to other inputs relating to the existence of a restriction that prevents the transfer of the liability. The amendments in this update also clarify that both a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability at the measurement date and the quoted price for the identical liability when traded as an asset in an active market when no adjustments to the quoted price of the asset are required are Level 1 fair value measurements.  The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after issuance.  Adoption of the update did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”  The update requires the following additional disclosures.  1) Separately disclose the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. 2) Information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements need to be

 
73

 

disclosed separately in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using Level 3.  The update provides for amendments to existing disclosures as follows.  1)  Fair value measurement disclosures are to be made for each class of assets and liabilities.  2) Disclosures about valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements.  The update also includes conforming amendments to guidance on employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets.  The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements.  Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of this update is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 855 “Subsequent Events.”  The update provides that an SEC filer is required to evaluate subsequent events through the date financial statements are issued.  However, an SEC filer is not required to disclose the date through which subsequent events has been evaluated. The update was effective as of the date of issuance.  Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

Item 7A.            Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

This information is contained in the section captioned “Interest Rate Risk” on page 61 and in Notes 14 and 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

 
74

 

Item 8.               Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Assets
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 28,426     $ 30,404  
Securities available for sale:
               
Mortgage-backed securities (including assets pledged of $579,441 and $549,339 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively; $80,299 and $110,833 at fair value pursuant to the fair value option at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively)
    648,443       674,764  
Other securities ($17,229 and $28,688 at fair value pursuant to the fair value option at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively)
    35,361       72,497  
Loans
    3,220,483       2,971,690  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (20,324 )     (11,028 )
Net loans
    3,200,159       2,960,662  
Interest and dividends receivable
    19,116       18,473  
Bank premises and equipment, net
    22,830       22,806  
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock
    45,968       47,665  
Bank owned life insurance
    69,231       57,499  
Goodwill
    16,127       16,127  
Core deposit intangible, net
    1,874       2,342  
Other assets
    55,711       46,232  
Total assets
  $ 4,143,246     $ 3,949,471  
                 
Liabilities
               
Due to depositors:
               
Non-interest bearing
  $ 91,376     $ 69,624  
Interest-bearing
    2,574,948       2,367,985  
Mortgagors' escrow deposits
    26,791       31,225  
Borrowed funds ($106,167 and $107,689 at fair value pursuant to the fair value option at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively)
    873,345       916,292  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ($25,757 at fair value pursuant to the fair value option at December 31, 2008)
    186,900       222,657  
Other liabilities
    29,742       40,196  
Total liabilities
    3,783,102       3,647,979  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
               
                 
Stockholders' Equity
               
Preferred stock ($0.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none and 70,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively liquidation preference value of $70,000)
    -       1  
Common stock ($0.01 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 31,131,059  shares and 21,625,709 shares issued at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively;31,127,664 shares and 21,625,709 shares outstanding at December 31, 2009 and2008, respectively)
    311       216  
Additional paid-in capital
    185,842       150,662  
Treasury stock, at average cost (3,395 and none at December 31,2009 and 2008, respectively)
    (36 )     -  
Unearned compensation
    (575 )     (1,300 )
Retained earnings
    181,181       172,216  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
    (6,579 )     (20,303 )
Total stockholders' equity
    360,144       301,492  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 4,143,246     $ 3,949,471  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
75

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Interest and dividend income
                 
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 194,317     $ 190,004     $ 174,987  
Interest and dividends on securities:
                       
Interest
    34,523       23,363       16,687  
Dividends
    1,130       2,740       1,181  
Other interest income
    91       594       707  
Total interest and dividend income
    230,061       216,701       193,562  
                         
Interest expense
                       
Deposits
    66,778       76,754       78,017  
Other interest expense
    48,497       52,218       44,607  
Total interest expense
    115,275       128,972       122,624  
                         
Net interest income
    114,786       87,729       70,938  
Provision for loan losses
    19,500       5,600       -  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    95,286       82,129       70,938  
                         
Non-interest income
                       
Other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charge
    (17,454 )     (27,575 )     (4,710 )
Less: Non-credit portion of OTTI charge recorded in Other Comprehensive Income, before taxes
    11,560       -       -  
Net OTTI charge recognized in earnings
    (5,894 )     (27,575 )     (4,710 )
Loan fee income
    1,755       2,585       3,171  
Banking services fee income
    1,755       1,638       1,566  
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale
    212       151       359  
Net (loss) gain on sale of loans
    -       (151 )     341  
Net gain on sale of securities
    1,401       354       -  
Net gain from fair value adjustments
    4,968       20,090       2,685  
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock dividends
    2,237       2,863       2,654  
Bank owned life insurance
    2,476       2,239       1,743  
Other income
    2,045       4,774       2,444  
Total non-interest income
    10,955       6,968       10,253  
                         
Non-interest expense
                       
Salaries and employee benefits
    29,934       26,160       23,564  
Occupancy and equipment
    6,874       6,528       6,527  
Professional services
    5,716       5,828       5,220  
FDIC deposit insurance
    6,407       1,533       218  
Data processing
    4,121       3,958       3,605  
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    2,663       2,407       2,417  
Other operating expenses
    9,194       8,367       8,525  
Total non-interest expense
    64,909       54,781       50,076  
                         
Income before income taxes
    41,332       34,316       31,115  
                         
Provision for income taxes
                       
Federal
    12,187       9,769       9,272  
State and local
    3,584       2,288       1,658  
Total provision for income taxes
    15,771       12,057       10,930  
                         
Net income
  $ 25,561     $ 22,259     $ 20,185  
                         
Preferred dividends and amortization of issuance costs
  $ 4,443     $ 126     $ -  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 21,118     $ 22,133     $ 20,185  
                         
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 0.91     $ 1.10     $ 1.02  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 0.91     $ 1.09     $ 1.01  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
76

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Preferred Stock
                 
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 1     $ -     $ -  
Preferred shares issued (70,000 preferred shares for the year ended December 31, 2008)
    -       1       -  
Preferred shares redeemed (70,000 preferred shares for the year ended December 31, 2009)
    (1 )                
Balance, end of year
    -       1       -  
                         
Common Stock
                       
Balance, beginning of year
    216       213       212  
Shares issued upon the exercise of stock options (96,742,  210,710 and 127,499 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively)
    1       2       1  
Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock unit awards (78,598, 93,435 and 29,013 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively)
    1       1       -  
Shares issued in common stock offering (9,330,010 common shares for the year ended December 31, 2009)
    93       -       -  
Balance, end of year
    311       216       213  
                         
Additional Paid-In Capital
                       
Balance, beginning of year
    150,662       74,861       71,079  
Preferred shares issued (70,000 preferred shares for the year ended December 31, 2008)
    -       68,579       -  
Amortization of preferred stock issuance costs, net
    109       9       -  
Preferred shares redeemed (70,000 preferred shares for the year ended December 31, 2009)
    (69,597 )     -       -  
Award of common shares released from Employee Benefit Trust (169,353,  85,422 and 6,783 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively)
    886       882       88  
Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock unit awards (95,779,  92,925 and 65,068 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively)
    1,513       1,587       500  
Forfeiture of restricted stock awards (690 common shares for the year ended December 31, 2007)
    -       -       8  
Options exercised (97,642, 210,710 and 127,499 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively)
    669       2,370       1,124  
Stock-based compensation activity, net
    340       303       315  
Stock-based income tax (provision) benefit
    (184 )     677       439  
Issuance of common stock warrants (751,611 common stock warrants for the year ended December 31, 2008)
    -       1,394       -  
Shares issued in common stock offering (9,330,010 common shares for the year ended December 31, 2009)
    101,444       -       -  
Adjustment to the purchase price of Atlantic Liberty
    -       -       1,308  
Balance, end of year
    185,842       150,662       74,861  
                         
                         
                   
Continued
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
77

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Treasury Stock
                 
Balance, beginning of year
  $ -     $ -     $ (592 )
Purchases of common shares outstanding (38,000 shares for the year ended December 31, 2007)
    -       -       (627 )
Issuance upon exercise of stock options (26,458, 8,493 and 39,986 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively)
    268       151       673  
Repurchase of restricted stock awards to satisfy tax obligations (22,186, 22,303 and 25,785 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively
    (232 )     (409 )     (429 )
Forfeiture of restricted stock awards (690 common shares for the year ended December 31, 2007)
    -       -       (8 )
Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock unit awards (17,181, 13,810 and 71,216 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively)
    179       258       1,198  
Purchase of common shares to fund options exercised (24,848 and 12,949 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2007, respectively)
    (251 )     -       (215 )
Balance, end of year
    (36 )     -       -  
                         
Unearned Compensation
                       
Balance, beginning of year
    (1,300 )     (2,110 )     (2,897 )
Release of shares from Employee Benefit Trust (212,314,  237,702 and 231,341 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively)
    725       810       787  
Balance, end of year
    (575 )     (1,300 )     (2,110 )
                         
Retained Earnings
                       
Balance, beginning of year
    172,216       161,598       156,879  
Cumulative adjustment related to the adoption of the fair value option
    -       -       (5,811 )
Net income
    25,561       22,259       20,185  
Stock options exercised (25,558,  8,493 and 39,986 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively)
    (52 )     (66 )     (224 )
Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock unit awards (11,320 and 35,161 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2008, and 2007, respectively)
    -       (34 )     (30 )
Cumulative adjustment related to postretirement benefits related to Bank Owned Life Insurance
    -       (1,119 )     -  
Cash dividends declared and paid on common shares  ($0.52, $0.52, and $0.48 share for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively)
    (11,985 )     (10,383 )     (9,401 )
Cash dividends declared and paid on preferred shares  (5.00% cumulative preferred  dividends for the year ended December 31, 2009)
    (3,004 )     -       -  
                         
                   
Continued
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
78

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (continued)

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Retained Earnings (continued)
                 
Effects of changing the pension plan measurement date:
                 
Service cost, interest cost, and expected return on plan assets for October 1 - December 31, 2007, net of taxes of approximately $13
  $ -     $ (17 )   $ -  
Amortization of net actuarial losses for October 1 - December 31, 2007,net of taxes of approximately $7
    -       (9 )     -  
Amortization of prior service costs for October 1 - December 31, 2007,net of taxes of approximately $3
    -       (4 )     -  
Amortization of preferred stock issuance costs including deemed dividend upon redemption of preferred shares
    (1,555 )     (9 )     -  
Balance, end of year
    181,181       172,216       161,598  
                         
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Taxes
                       
Balance, beginning of year
    (20,303 )     (908 )     (6,266 )
Cumulative adjustment related to the adoption of the fair value option, net of taxes ($2,875)
    -       -       3,636  
Effects of changing the pension plan measurement date:
                       
Amortization of net actuarial losses for October 1 - December 31, 2007,net of taxes of approximately ($7)
    -       9       -  
Amortization of prior service costs for October 1 - December 31, 2007,net of taxes of approximately ($3)
    -       4       -  
Amortization of prior service costs, net of taxes of ($21), ($11) and ($65) for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively
    26       14       70  
Amortization of net actuarial losses, net of taxes of ($135), ($30) and ($56) for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively
    168       37       61  
Unrecognized actuarial (losses) gains, net of taxes ($178), $3,427 and ($386) for years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively
    203       (4,259 )     492  
Unrecognized prior service credit, net of taxes ($512) for December 31, 2009
    641       -       -  
Change in net unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale, net of taxes of approximately ($8,231), $24,238 and $1,444 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and  2007, respectively
    10,187       (30,360 )     (1,533 )
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income, net of taxes of approximately ($1,994),  ($12,113) and ($2,078) for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively
    2,499       15,160       2,632  
Balance, end of year
    (6,579 )     (20,303 )     (908 )
                         
Total Stockholders' Equity
  $ 360,144     $ 301,492     $ 233,654  
                         
Comprehensive Income
                       
Net income
  $ 25,561     $ 22,259     $ 20,185  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
                       
Unrecognized actuarial (losses) gains
    203       (4,259 )     492  
Unrecognized prior service credit
    641       -       -  
Amortization of actuarial losses
    168       37       61  
Amortization of prior service costs
    26       14       70  
OTTI charges included in income
    3,278       15,356       2,632  
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in income
    (779 )     (196 )     -  
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities
    10,187       (30,360 )     (1,533 )
Comprehensive income
  $ 39,285     $ 2,851     $ 21,907  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
79

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Operating Activities
                 
                   
Net income
  $ 25,561     $ 22,259     $ 20,185  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Provision for loan losses
    19,500       5,600       -  
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    2,663       2,407       2,417  
Origination of loans held for sale
    (2,005 )     (2,988 )     (22,026 )
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
    2,213       3,126       22,237  
Net gain on sales of loans held for sale
    (212 )     (151 )     (359 )
Net loss (gain) on sales of loans (including delinquent loans)
    -       151       (341 )
Net gain on sales of securities
    (1,401 )     (354 )     -  
Other-than-temporary impairment charge on securities
    5,894       27,575       4,710  
Amortization of premium, net of accretion of discount
    4,393       2,205       1,402  
Fair value adjustment for financial assets and financial liabilities
    (4,968 )     (20,090 )     (2,685 )
Income from bank owned life insurance
    (2,476 )     (2,239 )     (1,743 )
Stock based compensation expense
    2,067       2,158       2,008  
Deferred compensation
    1       (751 )     (652 )
Amortization of core deposit intangibles
    468       468       469  
Excess tax provision (benefits) from stock-based payment arrangements
    184       (677 )     (439 )
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
    7,872       (6,357 )     (848 )
Prepaid FDIC assesment
    (15,815 )     -       -  
(Increase) decrease in other assets
    (11,662 )     (3,599 )     (2,841 )
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    (4,253 )     598       4,043  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    28,024       29,341       25,537  
                         
Investing Activities
                       
                         
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (2,687 )     (1,277 )     (3,311 )
Net purchase (redemption) of Federal Home Loan Bank-NY shares
    1,697       (4,996 )     (6,509 )
Purchases of securities available for sale
    (189,017 )     (510,245 )     (204,606 )
Proceeds from sales and calls of securities available for sale
    61,784       96,950       5,501  
Proceeds from maturities and prepayments of
                       
securities available for sale
    207,601       53,482       90,130  
Net originations and repayments of loans
    (225,999 )     (213,672 )     (401,232 )
Purchases of loans
    (43,264 )     (65,253 )     (11,619 )
Proceeds from sale of loans
    -       -       2,050  
Proceeds from sale of delinquent loans
    6,233       13,641       33,996  
Purchase of bank owned life insurance
    (9,256 )     (3,000 )     (10,000 )
Proceeds from sale of Real Estate Owned
    114       -       -  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (192,794 )     (634,370 )     (505,600 )

Continued

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
80

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Financing Activities
                 
                   
Net increase (decrease) in non-interest bearing deposits
  $ 21,752     $ 325     $ (10,762 )
Net increase in interest bearing deposits
    206,038       433,540       268,467  
Net increase (decrease) in mortgagors' escrow deposits
    (4,434 )     8,730       2,737  
Net proceeds from short-term borrowed funds
    98,700       28,300       -  
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
    79,911       275,203       470,757  
Repayment of long-term borrowings
    (255,035 )     (209,035 )     (235,547 )
Purchases of treasury stock
    (231 )     (409 )     (1,056 )
Excess tax benefits (provision) from stock-based payment arrangements
    (184 )     677       439  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options
    627       2,363       1,326  
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares
    101,537       -       -  
Net (repayments) proceeds from (redemption) issuance of preferred stock and common stock warrant
    (70,900 )     69,974       -  
Cash dividends paid
    (14,989 )     (10,383 )     (9,401 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    162,792       599,285       486,960  
                         
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (1,978 )     (5,744 )     6,897  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    30,404       36,148       29,251  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 28,426     $ 30,404     $ 36,148  
                         
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure
                       
Interest paid
  $ 116,124     $ 125,935     $ 119,977  
Income taxes paid
    9,630       17,899       11,874  
Taxes paid if excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation were not tax deductible
    9,446       18,576       12,313  
Fair value of assets acquired
    -       -       1,309  
Non-cash activities:
                       
Securities purchase transaction, not yet settled
    5,804       10,097       -  
Loans transferred to Real Estate Owned
    2,612       125       -  
Loans provided for the sale of Real Estate Owned
    325       -       -  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
81

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

1. Nature of Operations

Flushing Financial Corporation (the “Holding Company”), a Delaware business corporation, is a savings and loan holding company organized at the direction of its subsidiary, Flushing Savings Bank, FSB (the “Bank”), in connection with the Bank’s conversion from a mutual to capital stock form of organization. The Holding Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Bank, Flushing Commercial Bank, Flushing Preferred Funding Corporation, Flushing Service Corporation, and FSB Properties Inc., are collectively herein referred to as the “Company.”

The Bank’s principal business is attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing those deposits together with funds generated from ongoing operations and borrowings, primarily in (1) originations and purchases of one-to-four family (focusing on mixed-use properties – properties that contain both residential dwelling units and commercial units), multi-family residential and commercial real estate mortgage loans; (2) construction loans, primarily for multi-family residential properties; (3) Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans and other small business loans;  (4) mortgage loan surrogates such as mortgage-backed securities; and (5) U.S. government securities, corporate fixed-income securities and other marketable securities. The Bank also originates certain other consumer loans. The Bank primarily conducts its business through fifteen full-service banking offices, nine of which are located in Queens County, two in Nassau County, three in Kings County (Brooklyn), and one in New York County (Manhattan), New York. The Bank also operates “iGObanking.com®”, an internet branch, offering checking, savings and certificates of deposit accounts.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company follow generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and general practices within the banking industry. The policies which materially affect the determination of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows are summarized below.

Principles of consolidation:
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Holding Company and the following direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Holding Company: the Bank, Flushing Commercial Bank (“FCB”), Flushing Preferred Funding Corporation (“FPFC”), Flushing Service Corporation (“FSC”), and FSB Properties Inc. (“Properties”). FCB is a limited-purpose commercial bank formed to accept municipal deposits and state funds, including certain court ordered funds from New York State Courts, in the State of New York. FPFC is a real estate investment trust formed to hold a portion of the Bank’s mortgage loans to facilitate access to capital markets. FSC was formed to market insurance products and mutual funds. Properties is currently used to hold title to real estate owned that is obtained via foreclosure.  All intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated in consolidation. The Holding Company currently has three unconsolidated subsidiaries in the form of wholly-owned statutory business trusts, which were formed to issue guaranteed capital debentures (“capital securities”). Please see Note 8, “Borrowed Funds and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase,” for additional information regarding these trusts. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

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, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Cash and cash equivalents:
For the purpose of reporting cash flows, the Company defines cash and due from banks, overnight interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold with original maturities of 90 days or less as cash and cash equivalents. The Bank and FCB are required to maintain cash reserves equal to a percentage of certain deposits. The combined reserve requirements totaled $3.1 million and $14.6 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Securities available for sale:
Securities are classified as available for sale when management intends to hold the securities for an indefinite period of time or when the securities may be utilized for tactical asset/liability purposes and may be sold from time to time to effectively manage interest rate exposure and resultant prepayment risk and liquidity needs. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted, respectively, using the level-yield method. Realized gains and losses on the sales of securities are determined using the specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses (other than unrealized losses considered other-than-temporary which are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income) on securities available for sale are excluded from earnings and reported as accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes. In estimating other-than-

 
82

 

temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, if applicable, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Goodwill:
Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite life and is tested annually, or when certain conditions are met, for impairment, rather than amortized. If the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than the goodwill amount, no further evaluation is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the goodwill amount, further evaluation would be required to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the goodwill amount and determine if a write down is required. At December 31, 2009, the annual impairment tests did not result in recognizing an impairment of goodwill.

Loans:
Loans are reported at their principal outstanding balance net of any unearned income, charge-offs, deferred loan fees and costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Interest on loans is recognized on the accrual basis. The accrual of income on loans is discontinued when certain factors, such as contractual delinquency of ninety days or more, indicate reasonable doubt as to the timely collectability of such income. Uncollected interest previously recognized on non-accrual loans is reversed from interest income at the time the loan is placed on non-accrual status. A non-accrual loan can be returned to accrual status after the loan meets certain criteria. Subsequent cash payments received on non-accrual loans that do not meet the criteria are applied first as a reduction of principal until all principal is recovered and then subsequently to interest. Loan fees and certain loan origination costs are deferred. Net loan origination costs and premiums or discounts on loans purchased are amortized into interest income over the contractual life of the loans using the level-yield method. Prepayment penalties received on loans which pay in full prior to their scheduled maturity are included in interest income.

Allowance for loan losses:
The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses at an amount, which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb probable estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Management’s judgment in determining the adequacy of the allowance is based on evaluations of the collectability of loans. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available. In assessing the adequacy of the Company's allowance for loan losses, management considers the Company's historical loss experience, recent trends in losses, collection policies and collection experience, trends in the volume of non-performing loans, changes in the composition and volume of the gross loan portfolio, and local and national economic conditions. The Company’s Board of Directors reviews and approves management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis.

A loan is considered impaired when, based upon current information, the Company believes it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due, both principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Interest income on impaired loans is recorded on the cash basis. The Company reviews all non-accrual loans for impairment.

The allowance for loan losses is established through charges to earnings in the form of a provision for loan losses. Increases and decreases in the allowance other than charge-offs and recoveries are included in the provision for loan losses. When a loan or a portion of a loan is determined to be uncollectible, the portion deemed uncollectible is charged against the allowance, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

Loans held for sale:
Loans held for sale are initially recorded at the principal amount outstanding net of deferred origination costs and fees and any premiums or discounts. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of adjusted cost or market, which is computed by the aggregate method (unrealized losses are offset by unrealized gains). Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. The Company did not have any loans held for sale as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

Bank owned life insurance:
Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) represents life insurance on the lives of certain employees who have provided positive consent allowing the Bank to be the beneficiary of such policies. BOLI is carried in the consolidated statements of financial position at its cash surrender value. Increases in the cash value of the policies, as well as proceeds received, are recorded in other non-interest income, and are not subject to income taxes.

 
83

 

Real estate owned:
Real estate owned consists of property acquired by foreclosure. These properties are carried at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value (which is based on appraised value with certain adjustments less estimated costs to sell). This determination is made on an individual asset basis. If the fair value of a property is less than the carrying amount, the deficiency is recognized as a valuation allowance. Further decreases to the estimated realizable value will be charged directly to expense.

Bank premises and equipment:
Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost, less depreciation accumulated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets (3 to 40 years). Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related leases or the lives of the assets, whichever is shorter. Maintenance, repairs and minor improvements are charged to non-interest expense in the period incurred.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock:
The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB-NY”) has assigned to the Bank a mandated membership stock purchase, based on the Bank’s asset size.  In addition, for all borrowing activity, the Bank is required to purchase shares of FHLB-NY non-marketable capital stock at par.  Such shares are redeemed by FHLB-NY at par with reductions in the Bank’s borrowing levels. The Bank carries this investment at historical cost, as it does not consider the value of this investment to be impaired.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are accounted for as collateralized financing and are carried at amounts at which the securities will be subsequently reacquired as specified in the respective agreements. Interest incurred under these agreements is included in other interest expense.

Income Taxes:
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between book and tax bases of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities, and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws.

Stock compensation plans:
The Company accounts for its stock based compensation in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718 “Stock Compensation” which establishes fair value as the measurement objective in accounting for share-based payment arrangements and requires a fair-value-based measurement method in accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees. It also requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of an equity instrument based on the grant date fair value of the award.  That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The requisite service period is usually the vesting period.

Segment Reporting:
Management views the Company as operating as a single unit, a community savings bank. Therefore, segment information is not provided.

Advertising Expense:
Costs associated with advertising are expensed as incurred. The Company recorded advertising expenses of $1.5 million, $2.0 million, and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Earnings per common share:
Earnings per share are computed in accordance with ASC Topic 260 “Earnings Per Share.”  Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted new authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 260, which provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and as such should be included in the calculation of earnings per share.  Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the total weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which includes unvested participating securities. The Company’s unvested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards are considered participating securities. Therefore, weighted average common shares outstanding used for computing basic earnings per common share includes common shares outstanding plus unvested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards. Earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the effects of ASC Topic 260. The computation of diluted earnings per share includes the additional dilutive effect of stock options outstanding during the period.  Common stock

 
84

 

equivalents that are anti-dilutive are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share. The numerator for calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share is net income available to common shareholders. The shares held in the Company’s Employee Benefit Trust are not included in shares outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per common share. Earnings per common share have been computed based on the following, for the years ended December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Net income, as reported
  $ 25,561     $ 22,259     $ 20,185  
Preferred dividends and amortization of issuance costs
    (4,443 )     (126 )     -  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 21,118     $ 22,133     $ 20,185  
Divided by:
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    23,238       20,200       19,818  
Weighted average common stock equivalents
    10       171       232  
Total weighted average common shares outstanding and common stock equivalents
    23,248       20,371       20,050  
                         
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 0.91     $ 1.10     $ 1.02  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 0.91     $ 1.09     $ 1.01  

Options to purchase 1,413,648 shares, at an average exercise price of $14.33, 535,250 shares, at an average exercise price of $17.75 and 483,475 shares, at an average exercise price of $17.47 are anti-dilutive and were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. A Warrant to purchase 751,611 shares at an average exercise price of $13.97 is anti-dilutive and is not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the year ended December 31, 2008.

3. Loans

The composition of loans is as follows at December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Multi-family residential
  $ 1,158,700     $ 999,185  
Commercial real estate
    790,099       752,120  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    744,560       751,952  
One-to-four family residential
    249,920       238,711  
Co-operative apartments
    6,553       6,566  
Construction
    97,270       103,626  
Small Business Administration
    17,496       19,671  
Taxi medallion
    61,424       12,979  
Commercial business and other
    77,351       69,759  
Gross loans
    3,203,373       2,954,569  
Unearned loan fees and deferred costs, net
    17,110       17,121  
Total loans
  $ 3,220,483     $ 2,971,690  
 
The total amount of loans on non-accrual status was $80.1 million, $38.7 million and $5.1 million, at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The total amount of loans classified as impaired was $85.9 million, $40.1 million and $5.9 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The portion of the allowance for loan losses allocated to impaired loans was $9.6 million, or 47.2%, $5.6 million, or 50.9% and $0.5 million, or 9.1% at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  Additionally, any portion of an impaired loan amount above 90% of its loan-to-value ratio is charged off. The average balance of impaired loans was $69.5 million, $19.5 million and $5.1 million for 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 
85

 

The following is a summary of interest foregone on non-accrual loans for the years ended December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Interest income that would have been recognized had the loans performed in accordance with their original terms
  $ 5,839     $ 2,556     $ 341  
Less:  Interest income included in the results of operations
    960       997       85  
Foregone interest
  $ 4,879     $ 1,559     $ 256  
 
 

The following are changes in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31:


   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 11,028     $ 6,633     $ 7,057  
Provision for loan losses
    19,500       5,600       -  
Charge-offs
    (10,371 )     (1,291 )     (472 )
Recoveries
    167       86       48  
Balance, end of year
  $ 20,324     $ 11,028     $ 6,633  


The following are net loan charge-offs (recoveries) by loan type for the years ended December 31:


   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Multi-family residential
  $ 2,326     $ 496     $ (29 )
Commercial real estate
    728       -       -  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    1,009       -       -  
One-to-four family residential
    284       -       -  
Construction
    1,075       -       -  
Small Business Administration
    1,062       673       451  
Commercial business and other
    3,720       36       2  
                         
Total net loan charge-offs
  $ 10,204     $ 1,205     $ 424  


4. Real Estate Owned

The following are changes in Real Estate Owned during the periods indicated:

   
For the year ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 125     $ -  
Acquisitions
    2,612       125  
Reductions to carrying value
    (27 )     -  
Sales
    (448 )     -  
                 
Balance at end of year
  $ 2,262     $ 125  


During the year ended December 31, 2009 the Company recorded a $7,000 loss on the sale of REO properties.   There were no gains or losses recorded from the sale of REO properties during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 
86

 

5. Debt and Equity Securities

Investments in equity securities that have readily determinable fair values and all investments in debt securities are classified in one of the following three categories and accounted for accordingly: (1) trading securities, (2) securities available for sale and (3) securities held-to-maturity.

The Company did not hold any trading securities or securities held-to-maturity during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value.

The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s securities, classified as available for sale at December 31, 2009 are as follows:

               
Gross
   
Gross
 
   
Amortized
         
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Gains
   
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
 
U.S. government agencies
  $ 3,277     $ 3,389     $ 112     $ -  
Other
    28,718       25,112       90       3,696  
Mutual funds
    6,860       6,860       -       -  
Total other securities
    38,855       35,361       202       3,696  
REMIC and CMO
    388,891       380,325       7,666       16,232  
GNMA
    107,144       110,845       3,701       -  
FNMA
    124,199       127,364       3,561       396  
FHLMC
    29,201       29,909       708       -  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    649,435       648,443       15,636       16,628  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 688,290     $ 683,804     $ 15,838     $ 20,324  

Mortgage-backed securities shown in the table above include one private issued CMO that is collateralized by commercial real estate mortgages with an amortized cost and market value of $13.9 million and $14.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2009.  The remaining mortgage-backed securities are backed by one-to-four family residential mortgage loans.

The following table shows the Company’s available for sale securities with gross unrealized losses and their fair value, aggregated by category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2009.

   
Total
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Other
  $ 7,354     $ 3,696     $ -     $ -     $ 7,354     $ 3,696  
Total other securities
    7,354       3,696       -       -       7,354       3,696  
REMIC and CMO
    78,712       16,232       4,529       2,386       74,183       13,846  
FNMA
    9,761       396       9,761       396       -       -  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    88,473       16,628       14,290       2,782       74,183       13,846  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 95,827     $ 20,324     $ 14,290     $ 2,782     $ 81,537     $ 17,542  
 
 
The Company conducts reviews of each investment that has an unrealized loss. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an investment is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses on available for sale securities that are deemed to be temporary are recorded, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Unrealized losses that are considered to be other-than-temporary are split between credit related and noncredit related impairments, with the credit related impairment being recorded as a charge against earnings in the Consolidated Statement of Income and the noncredit impairment being recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.   There were $5.9 million, $27.6 million and $4.7 million in credit related other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charges recorded for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  The OTTI charges for the years ended December 31,

 
87

 

2008 and 2007 were the result of reducing the carrying value of investments in FNMA and FHLMC preferred stocks to the securities market value of $0.6 million and $28.2 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The unrealized losses in Other securities at December 31, 2009 were caused by market interest volatility, a significant widening of credit spreads across markets for these securities, and illiquidity and uncertainty in the financial markets. These securities consist of two single issuer trust preferred securities and two pooled trust preferred issues. The Company evaluates these securities using an impairment model that is applied to debt securities. This review includes evaluating the financial condition of each counter party. One of the pooled trust preferred securities is over 90 days past due and the Company has stopped accruing interest.  The remaining pooled trust preferred security as well as the two single issuer trust preferred securities remain performing in accordance to their terms.  Based on these reviews, an OTTI charge was recorded on the two pooled trust preferred securities of $6.4 million before tax, of which $2.8 million was charged against earnings in the Consolidated Statement of Income and $3.6 million before tax ($2.0 million after-tax) was recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.  The Company also owns a pooled trust preferred security that is carried under the fair value option, whereas the unrealized losses are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  This security is over 90 days past due and the Company has stopped accruing interest.

The portion of the above mentioned OTTI that was related to credit losses was calculated using a discounted cash flow model.  Significant assumptions used to calculate the credit related impairment were (1) all amounts currently deferring interest will default with no recovery, (2) additional defaults of 1.2% will occur every three years with no recoveries, (3) no issues will prepay, (4) senior classes will not call the debt on their portions, (4) use of the forward LIBOR curve, and (5) the discounting of future cash flows at 2.15% and 2.3%, the current coupon rates of the securities.

It is not anticipated at this time that the two single issuer trust preferred securities would be settled at a price that is less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities is performing according to its terms, and, in the opinion of management, will continue to perform according to their terms. The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and does not anticipate that these securities will be required to be sold before recovery of full principal and interest due, which may be at maturity.  Therefore the Company did not consider the two single issuer trust preferred securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2009.

The unrealized losses in REMIC and CMO securities at December 31, 2009 were caused by market interest volatility, a significant widening of credit spreads across markets for these securities, and illiquidity and uncertainty in the financial markets. These securities consist of three issues from FHLMC, four issues from FNMA, three issues from GNMA and 10 private issues.

The unrealized losses on the REMIC and CMO securities issued by FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA were caused by movements in interest rates. It is not anticipated that these securities would be settled at a price that is less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities is performing according to its terms, and, in the opinion of management, will continue to perform according to their terms. The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and does not anticipate that these securities will be required to be sold before recovery of full principal and interest due, which may be at maturity.  Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2009.

The unrealized losses on REMIC and CMO securities issued by private issuers were caused by movements in interest rates, a significant widening of credit spreads across markets for these securities, and illiquidity and uncertainty in the financial markets. Each of these securities has some level of credit enhancements, and none are collateralized by sub-prime loans. Each of these securities is currently performing according to its terms. Management periodically reviews the characteristics of these securities, including delinquency and foreclosure levels, projected losses at various loss severity levels, and credit enhancement and coverage. Based on these reviews, during the year ended December 31, 2009, OTTI charges were recorded on four private issued collateralized mortgage obligations of $11.2 million before tax, of which $3.1 million was charged against earnings in the Consolidated Statement of Income and $8.1 million before tax ($4.5 million after-tax) was recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.

The portion of the above mentioned OTTI that was related to credit losses was calculated using a discounted cash flow model.  Significant assumptions used to calculate the credit related impairment were (1) default rates of 8%-12% for the first year, 2%-12% for the second year, 2%-8% for the third year and 2% thereafter (2) a loss severity of 40% of principal of defaults and (3) prepayment speeds of 10%-20%.

It is not anticipated at this time that the six private issued securities that did not incur OTTI charges would be settled at a price that is less than the current amortized cost of the Company’s investment at December 31, 2009. Each of these securities was performing according to its terms, and, in the opinion of management, will continue to perform according to their terms. The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and does not anticipate that these securities will be required to be sold before recovery of full principal and interest due, which may be at maturity.  Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2009.


 
88

 

The unrealized losses on the FNMA mortgage-backed securities were caused by movements in interest rates. It is not anticipated that these securities would be settled at a price that is less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities is performing according to its terms, and, in the opinion of management, will continue to perform according to their terms. The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and does not anticipate that these securities will be required to be sold before recovery of full principal and interest due, which may be at maturity.  Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2009.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Company’s securities, classified as available for sale at December 31, 2009, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.


   
Amortized
       
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Due in one year or less
  $ 9,110     $ 9,110  
Due after one year through five years
    10,904       11,016  
Due after five years through ten years
    -       -  
Due after ten years
    18,841       15,235  
                 
Total other securities
    38,855       35,361  
Mortgage-backed securities
    649,435       648,443  
                 
Total securities available for sale
  $ 688,290     $ 683,804  


The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s securities, classified as available for sale at December 31, 2008 are as follows:


               
Gross
   
Gross
 
   
Amortized
         
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
 
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Gains
   
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
 
U.S. government agencies
  $ 12,616     $ 12,658     $ 42     $ -  
Other
    46,623       40,725       169       6,067  
Mutual funds
    19,114       19,114       -       -  
Total other securities
    78,353       72,497       211       6,067  
REMIC and CMO
    330,767       304,511       3,386       29,642  
GNMA
    152,350       154,553       2,270       67  
FNMA
    165,375       167,592       2,341       124  
FHLMC
    47,815       48,108       293       -  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    696,307       674,764       8,290       29,833  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 774,660     $ 747,261     $ 8,501     $ 35,900  

 
89

 

The following table shows the Company’s available for sale securities with gross unrealized losses and their fair value, aggregated by category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2008.

   
Total
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Other
  $ 7,733     $ 6,067     $ 7,733     $ 6,067     $ -     $ -  
Total other securities
    7,733       6,067       7,733       6,067       -       -  
REMIC and CMO
    92,659       29,642       74,970       19,475       17,689       10,167  
GNMA
    12,187       67       12,187       67       -       -  
FNMA
    17,151       124       9,999       101       7,152       23  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    121,997       29,833       97,156       19,643       24,841       10,190  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 129,730     $ 35,900     $ 104,889     $ 25,710     $ 24,841     $ 10,190  

The unrealized losses in Other securities at December 31, 2008 were primarily caused by market interest volatility, a significant widening of credit spreads across markets for these securities, and illiquidity and uncertainty in the financial markets. These securities consist of two single issuer trust preferred securities and three pooled trust preferred issues. The Company evaluated these securities using an impairment model that is applied to debt securities. This review included evaluating the financial condition of each counter party. Each of these securities was performing according to its terms, and, in the opinion of management, would continue to perform according to their terms. Because the Company did not have the intent to sell these securities and did not anticipate that these securities would be required to be sold before recovery of full principal and interest due, which may be at maturity, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2008.

The unrealized losses in REMIC and CMO securities at December 31, 2008 were primarily caused by market interest volatility, a significant widening of credit spreads across markets for these securities, and illiquidity and uncertainty in the financial markets. These securities consist of three issues that were issued by each of GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC, and 10 private issues.

The unrealized losses on the REMIC and CMO securities issued by GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC were primarily caused by movements in interest rates rather than credit risk. It was not anticipated that these securities would be settled at a price that was less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Because the Company did not have the intent to sell these securities and did not anticipate that these securities would be required to be sold before recovery of full principal and interest due, which may be at maturity, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2008.

The unrealized losses on REMIC and CMO securities issued by private issuers were primarily caused by movements in interest rates, a significant widening of credit spreads across markets for these securities, and illiquidity and uncertainty in the financial markets. Each of these securities has some level of credit enhancements, and none are collateralized by sub-prime loans. Management periodically reviews the characteristics of these securities, including delinquency and foreclosure levels, projected losses at various severity levels, and credit enhancement and coverage. Based on these reviews, it was not anticipated that these securities would be settled at a price that was less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Because the Company did not have the intent to sell these securities and did not anticipate that these securities will be required to be sold before recovery of full principal and interest due, which may be at maturity, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2008.

The unrealized losses on GNMA (one security) and FNMA (five securities) mortgage-backed securities were primarily caused by movements in interest rates. It was not anticipated that these securities would be settled at a price that was less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Because the Company did not have the intent to sell these securities and did not anticipate that these securities would be required to be sold before recovery of full principal and interest due, which may be at maturity, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2008.

There were $1.4 million and $0.5 million in gross gains realized from the sale of securities available for sale for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  There were $0.1 million in gross losses realized from the sale of securities available for sale for the year ended December 31, 2008.  There were no gains realized from the sale of

 
90

 

securities available for sale for the year ended December 31, 2007, and there were no losses realized on sales of securities available for sale for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2007.

6. Bank Premises and Equipment, Net

Bank premises and equipment are as follows at December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Land
  $ 3,551     $ 3,551  
Building and leasehold improvements
    19,675       19,093  
Equipment and furniture
    19,030       16,935  
Total
    42,256       39,579  
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    19,426       16,773  
Bank premises and equipment, net
  $ 22,830     $ 22,806  


7. Deposits

Total deposits at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the weighted average rate on deposits at December 31, 2009, are as follows:

               
Weighted
 
               
Average
 
               
Rate
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
       
Interest-bearing deposits:
                 
Certificate of deposit accounts
  $ 1,230,511     $ 1,436,450       3.19 %
Savings accounts
    426,821       359,595       0.91  
Money market accounts
    414,457       306,178       1.17  
NOW accounts
    503,159       265,762       1.26  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,574,948       2,367,985          
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
    91,376       69,624          
Total due to depositors
    2,666,324       2,437,609          
Mortgagors' escrow deposits
    26,791       31,225       0.21  
Total deposits
  $ 2,693,115     $ 2,468,834          

All of FCB deposits are collateralized by mortgaged-backed securities or letters of credit issued by FHLB-NY.  The letters of credit are collateralized by mortgage loans pledged by the Bank.  At December 31, 2009, there were $354.1 million in mortgaged-backed securities and $55.6 million of letters of credit pledged as collateral for $359.3 million in deposits at FCB. At December 31, 2008, there were $221.9 million in mortgaged-backed securities pledged as collateral for $211.8 million in deposits at FCB.

The aggregate amount of time deposits with denominations of $100,000 or more (excluding brokered deposits) was $323.7 million and $413.7 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The aggregate amount of brokered deposits was $430.7 million and $384.9 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
 
91

 

Interest expense on deposits is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Certificate of deposit accounts
  $ 49,987     $ 55,501     $ 57,029  
Savings accounts
    5,529       7,793       7,574  
Money market accounts
    5,290       9,704       12,425  
NOW accounts
    5,906       3,688       913  
Total due to depositors
    66,712       76,686       77,941  
Mortgagors' escrow deposits
    66       68       76  
Total interest expense on deposits
  $ 66,778     $ 76,754     $ 78,017  


Scheduled remaining maturities of certificate of deposit accounts are summarized as follows for the years ended December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Within 12 months
  $ 651,905     $ 894,494  
More than 12 months to 24 months
    221,203       376,567  
More than 24 months to 36 months
    60,723       92,941  
More than 36 months to 48 months
    88,938       22,730  
More than 48 months to 60 months
    181,653       29,639  
More than 60 months
    26,089       20,079  
Total certificate of deposit accounts
  $ 1,230,511     $ 1,436,450  

 
92

 

8. Borrowed Funds and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Borrowed funds and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are summarized as follows at December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
 
         
Weighted
         
Weighted
 
         
Average
         
Average
 
   
Amount
   
Rate
   
Amount
   
Rate
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Repurchase agreements - adjustable rate:
                       
Due in 2009
  $ -       - %   $ 10,000       3.93 %
Due in 2010
    10,000       0.75       10,000       4.01  
                                 
Total repurchase agreements - adjustable rate
    10,000       0.75       20,000       3.97  
                                 
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate:
                               
Due in 2009
    -       -       35,757       5.08  
Due in 2010
    10,900       4.86       10,900       4.86  
Due in 2011
    10,000       4.87       10,000       4.87  
Due in 2012
    18,000       4.71       18,000       4.71  
Due in 2013
    50,000       3.78       40,000       3.97  
Due in 2016
    30,000       4.98       30,000       4.98  
Due in 2017
    58,000       4.32       58,000       4.32  
                                 
Total repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    176,900       4.38       202,657       4.57  
                                 
Total repurchase agreements
    186,900       4.19       222,657       4.52  
                                 
                                 
FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate:
                               
Due in 2009
    -       -       238,300       2.94  
Due in 2010
    378,809       3.43       254,790       5.01  
Due in 2011
    141,588       4.49       141,623       4.49  
Due in 2012
    136,000       4.37       136,000       4.37  
Due in 2013
    32,527       3.51       32,527       3.51  
Due in 2014
    69,911       3.21       -       -  
Due in 2017
    80,000       4.41       80,000       4.41  
Total FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate
    838,835       3.84       883,240       4.16  
                                 
Total FHLB-NY advances
    838,835       3.84       883,240       4.16  
                                 
Junior subordinated debentures - adjustable rate
                               
Due in 2037
    34,510       12.63       33,052       13.20  
                                 
Total borrowings
  $ 1,060,245       4.19 %   $ 1,138,949       4.49 %

 
93

 

Borrowings which have call provisions are summarized as follows at December 31, 2009:


   
Amount
   
Rate
 
Maturity Date
Call Date
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
  $ 10,000       5.07 %
7/27/2013
1/27/2010
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    10,000       5.08  
6/27/2013
3/29/2010
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    18,000       4.71  
4/19/2012
4/19/2010
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    10,000       4.89  
7/28/2016
7/28/2010
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    20,000       4.25  
9/19/2017
9/20/2010
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    20,000       4.26  
9/21/2017
9/21/2010
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    18,000       4.48  
10/18/2017
10/18/2010
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    10,000       2.81  
5/7/2013
5/9/2011
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    20,000       5.02  
7/28/2016
7/28/2011
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    10,000       2.91  
8/7/2013
8/8/2011
FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate
    10,000       4.32  
9/18/2017
9/17/2011
FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate
    10,000       4.15  
9/18/2017
9/18/2010
FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate
    10,000       4.13  
9/18/2017
9/17/2010
FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate
    20,000       4.43  
10/10/2017
10/9/2011
FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate
    30,000       4.60  
10/10/2017
10/9/2012


As part of the Company’s strategy to finance investment opportunities and manage its cost of funds, the Company enters into repurchase agreements with broker-dealers and the FHLB-NY. These agreements are recorded as financing transactions and the obligations to repurchase are reflected as a liability in the consolidated financial statements.  The securities underlying the agreements were delivered to the broker-dealers or the FHLB-NY who arranged the transaction. The securities remain registered in the name of the Company and are returned upon the maturity of the agreement. The Company retains the right of substitution of collateral throughout the terms of the agreements.  All the repurchase agreements are collateralized by mortgage-backed securities.  Information relating to these agreements at or for the years ended December 31 is as follows:


   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Book value of collateral
  $ 224,624     $ 276,024  
Estimated fair value of collateral
    224,624       276,024  
Average balance of outstanding agreements during the year
    204,192       222,688  
Maximum balance of outstanding agreements at a month end during the year
    222,439       223,191  
Average interest rate of outstanding agreements during the year
    4.33 %     4.50 %


Pursuant to a blanket collateral agreement with the FHLB-NY, advances are secured by all of the Bank’s stock in the FHLB-NY and certain qualifying mortgage loans in an amount at least equal to 110% of the advances outstanding. The Bank may also pledge mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities, and other securities not otherwise pledged.

The Holding Company has three trusts formed under the laws of the State of Delaware for the purpose of issuing capital and common securities, and investing the proceeds thereof in junior subordinated debentures of the Holding Company. Each of these trusts issued $20.6 million of securities with a fixed-rate for the first five years, after which they will reset quarterly based on a spread over 3-month LIBOR. The securities are first callable at par after five years, and pay cumulative dividends. The Holding Company has guaranteed the payment of these trusts’ obligations under their capital securities. The terms of the junior subordinated debentures are the same as those of the capital securities issued by the trusts. The junior subordinated debentures issued by the Holding Company are carried at fair value in the consolidated financial statements.

 
94

 

The table below shows the terms of the securities issued by the trusts.


   
Flushing Financial Capital Trust II
Flushing Financial Capital Trust III
Flushing Financial Capital Trust IV
Issue Date
 
June 20, 2007
June 21, 2007
July 3, 2007
Initial Rate
 
7.14%
6.89%
6.85%
First Reset Date
 
September 1, 2012
June 15, 2012
July 30,2012
Spread over 3-month LIBOR
 
1.41%
1.44%
1.42%
Maturity Date
 
September 1, 2037
September 15, 2037
July 30, 2037

The Holding Company also had a trust formed under the laws of the State of Delaware for the purpose of issuing capital and common securities and investing the proceeds thereof in $20.6 million of junior subordinated debentures of the Holding Company. On July 11, 2002, the trust issued $20.0 million of floating rate capital securities, which had a floating per annum rate of interest, reset quarterly, equal to 3.65% over 3-month LIBOR. The capital securities had a maturity date of October 7, 2032, and were first callable at par on July 7, 2007, at which time they were redeemed. The Holding Company had guaranteed the payment of the trust’s obligations under its capital securities. The terms of the junior subordinated debentures were the same as those of the capital securities issued by the trust.

The consolidated financial statements do not include the securities issued by the trusts, but rather include the junior subordinated debentures of the Holding Company.

9. Income Taxes

Flushing Financial Corporation files consolidated Federal and combined New York State and New York City income tax returns with its subsidiaries, with the exception of the trusts, which file separate Federal income tax returns as trusts. The Company remains subject to examination for its Federal, New York State and New York City income tax returns for the years ending on or after December 31, 2006. A deferred tax liability is recognized on all taxable temporary differences and a deferred tax asset is recognized on all deductible temporary differences and operating losses and tax credit carry-forwards.  A valuation allowance is recognized to reduce the potential deferred tax asset if it is “more likely than not” that all or some portion of that potential deferred tax asset will not be realized.  The Company must also take into account changes in tax laws or rates when valuing the deferred income tax amounts it carries on its Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

The Company’s annual tax liability for New York State and New York City was the greater of a tax based on “entire net income,” “alternative entire net income,” “taxable assets” or a minimum tax. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company’s state and city tax were based on “alternative entire net income.” For the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company’s state and city tax was based on “entire net income.” For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company’s state tax was based on “alternative entire net income,” with the city tax based on “entire net income.”

Income tax provisions are summarized as follows for the years ended December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Federal:
                 
Current
  $ 6,767     $ 15,153     $ 10,151  
Deferred
    5,420       (5,384 )     (879 )
Total federal tax provision
    12,187       9,769       9,272  
State and Local:
                       
Current
    1,131       3,261       1,627  
Deferred
    2,453       (973 )     31  
Total state and local tax provision
    3,584       2,288       1,658  
Total income tax provision
  $ 15,771     $ 12,057     $ 10,930  

 
95

 

The income tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Income has been provided at effective rates of 38.1%, 35.1% and 35.1% for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The effective rates differ from the statutory federal income tax rate as follows for the years ended December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Taxes at federal statutory rate
  $ 14,466       35.0 %   $ 12,011       35.0 %   $ 10,890       35.0 %
Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:
                                               
State and local income tax, net of Federal income tax benefit
    2,330       5.6       1,487       4.3       1,078       3.4  
Other
    (1,025 )     (2.4 )     (1,441 )     (4.2 )     (1,038 )     (3.3 )
Taxes at effective rate
  $ 15,771       38.2 %   $ 12,057       35.1 %   $ 10,930       35.1 %


The components of the income taxes attributable to income from operations and changes in equity are as follows for the years ended December 31:


   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Income from operations
  $ 15,771     $ 12,057     $ 10,930  
Equity:
                       
Change in fair value of securities available for sale
    10,225       (12,225 )     634  
Current year actuarial (losses) gains of postretirement plans
    156       (3,427 )     386  
Amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service costs
    (690 )     41       121  
Effect of change in measurement date of postretirement plans
    -       (13 )     -  
Cumulative adjustment related to the adoption of the fair value option
    -       -       (1,721 )
Compensation expense for tax purposes in (excess) or less than that recognized for financial reporting purposes
    184       (677 )     (439 )
Total income taxes
  $ 25,646     $ (4,244 )   $ 9,911  
 
 
96

 

The components of the net deferred tax asset are as follows at December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Deferred tax asset:
           
Postretirement benefits
  $ 3,432     $ 2,929  
Allowance for loan losses
    3,538       -  
Stock based compensation
    1,842       1,727  
Depreciation
    606       331  
Unrealized losses on securities available for sale
    1,992       12,217  
Fair value adjustment on financial assets carried at fair value
    2,819       5,260  
Other-than-temporary impairment charges
    4,592       14,368  
Adjustment required to recognize funded status of postretirement pension plans
    3,260       4,106  
Other
    1,167       1,246  
Deferred tax asset
    23,248       42,184  
                 
Deferred tax liability:
               
Allowance for loan losses
    -       700  
Core deposit intangibles
    832       1,042  
Valuation differences resulting from acquired assets and liabilities
    3,032       3,132  
Fair value adjustment on financial liabilities carried at fair value
    11,770       10,906  
Other
    1,928       1,774  
Deferred tax liability
    17,562       17,554  
                 
Net deferred tax asset included in other assets
  $ 5,686     $ 24,630  

The Company has recorded a net deferred tax asset of $5.7 million. This represents the anticipated net federal, state and local tax benefits expected to be realized in future years upon the utilization of the underlying tax attributes comprising this balance. The Company has reported taxable income for federal, state, and local tax purposes in each of the past three years. In management’s opinion, in view of the Company’s previous, current and projected future earnings trend, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be fully realized. Accordingly, no valuation allowance was deemed necessary for the deferred tax asset at December 31, 2009 and 2008.

The Company does not have uncertain tax positions that are deemed material. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties on income taxes in operating expenses. During the three years ended December 31, 2009, the Company did not recognize any material amounts of interest or penalties on income taxes.

10. Stock Based Compensation

For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company’s net income, as reported, includes $2.1 million, $2.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation costs and $0.8 million, $0.8 million and $0.7 million of income tax benefits related to the stock-based compensations plans.

The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the table below. Key assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options include the exercise price of the award, the expected option term, the expected volatility of the Company’s stock price, the risk-free interest rate over the options’ expected term and the annual dividend yield. The Company uses the fair value of the common stock on the date of award to measure compensation cost for restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the vesting period of the award, using the straight line method. There were 118,100, 88,100 and 95,200 stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  There were 143,987, 128,570 and 110,950 restricted stock units granted for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
 
97

 

The following are the significant weighted assumptions relating to the valuation of the Company’s stock options granted for the periods indicated for the years ended December 31:
   
2009 Grants
   
2008 Grants
   
2007 Grants
 
                   
Dividend yield
    6.16 %     3.38 %     3.60 %
Expected volatility
    34.99 %     28.91 %     28.75 %
Risk-free interest rate
    2.27 %     3.82 %     5.03 %
Expected option life (years)
 
7 years
   
7 years
   
7 years
 

The 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“Omnibus Plan”) became effective on May 17, 2005 after adoption by the Board of Directors and approval by the stockholders.  The Omnibus Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee to grant a variety of equity compensation awards as well as long-term and annual cash incentive awards, all of which can be structured so as to comply with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company has applied the shares previously authorized by stockholders under the 1996 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan and the 1996 Stock Option Incentive Plan for use as full value awards and non-full value awards, respectively, for future awards under the Omnibus Plan.  On May 20, 2008 stockholders approved an amendment to the Omnibus Plan authorizing an additional 600,000 shares for the Omnibus Plan, of which 350,000 shares are available for use for full value awards and 250,000 shares are available for use for non-full value awards.  As of December 31, 2009, there are 317,738 shares available for full value awards and 209,833 shares available for non-full value awards. To satisfy stock option exercises or fund restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, shares are issued from treasury stock, if available, otherwise new shares are issued.  All grants and awards under the 1996 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan and the 1996 Stock Option Incentive Plan prior to the effective date of the Omnibus Plan are still outstanding as issued. The Company will maintain separate pools of available shares for full value as opposed to non-full value awards, except that shares can be moved from the non-full value pool to the full value pool on a 3-for-1 basis. During the year ended December 31, 2007, 399,999 shares were transferred from the non-full value pool to the full value pool, which increased the full value pool by 133,333 shares.  The exercise price per share of a stock option grant may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock of the Company, as defined in the Omnibus Plan, on the date of grant, and may not be repriced without the approval of the Company’s stockholders. Options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock based awards granted under the Omnibus Plan are generally subject to a minimum vesting period of three years with stock options having a 10-year contractual term. Other awards do not have a contractual term of expiration. Restricted stock unit awards include participants who have reached or are close to reaching retirement eligibility, at which time such awards fully vest. These amounts are included in stock-based compensation expense.

Full Value Awards: The first pool is available for full value awards, such as restricted stock unit awards. The pool will be decreased by the number of shares granted as full value awards. The pool will be increased from time to time by the number of shares that are returned to or retained by the Company  as a result of the cancellation, expiration, forfeiture or other termination of a full value award (under the Omnibus Plan or the 1996 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan); the settlement of such an award in cash; the delivery to the award holder of fewer shares than the number underlying the award, including shares which are withheld from full value awards; or the surrender of shares by an award holder in payment of the exercise price or taxes with respect to a full value award. The Omnibus Plan will allow the Company to transfer shares from the non-full value pool to the full value pool on a 3-for-1 basis, but does not allow the transfer of shares from the full value pool to the non-full value pool.

The following table summarizes the Company’s full value awards at or for the year ended December 31, 2009:

         
Weighted-Average
 
         
Grant-Date
 
Full Value Awards  
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
             
Non-vested at December 31, 2008
    211,158     $ 18.02  
Granted
    143,987       8.79  
Vested
    (116,437 )     14.68  
Forfeited
    (6,310 )     14.20  
Non-vested at December 31, 2009
    232,398     $ 14.08  
                 
Vested but unissued at December 31, 2009
    83,035     $ 13.71  
 
 
98

 

As of December 31, 2009, there was $2.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested full value awards granted under the Omnibus Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.9 years.  The total fair value of awards vested for the year ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $1.1 million, $2.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively.  The vested but unissued full value awards consist of awards made to employees and directors who are eligible for retirement. According to the terms of the Omnibus Plan, these employees and directors have no risk of forfeiture.  These shares will be issued at the original contractual vesting dates.

Non-Full Value Awards: The second pool is available for non-full value awards, such as stock options. The pool will be increased from time to time by the number of shares that are returned to or retained by the Company as a result of the cancellation, expiration, forfeiture or other termination of a non-full value award (under the Omnibus Plan or the 1996 Stock Option Incentive Plan).  The second pool will not be replenished by shares withheld or surrendered in payment of the exercise price or taxes, retained by the Company as a result of the delivery to the award hold of fewer shares than the number underlying the award, or the settlement of the award in cash.

The following table summarizes certain information regarding the non-full value awards, all of which have been granted as stock options, at or for the year ended December 31, 2009:

         
Weighted-
 
Weighted-Average
 
Aggregate
 
         
Average
 
Remaining
 
Intrinsic
 
         
Exercise
 
Contractual
 
Value
 
Non-Full Value Awards
 
Shares
   
Price
 
Term
  ($000)*  
                       
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    1,428,033     $ 14.18            
Granted
    118,100       8.44            
Exercised
    (123,200 )     7.13            
Forfeited
    (8,925 )     12.01            
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    1,414,008     $ 14.33  
5.0 years
  $ 394  
Exercisable shares at December 31, 2009
    1,134,458     $ 14.44  
4.3 years
  $ 72  
Vested but unexercisable shares at December 31, 2009
    7,500     $ 15.76  
7.7 years
  $ 3  
 
 * The intrinsic value of a stock option is the difference between the market value of the underlying stock and the exercise price of the option.

As of December 31, 2009, there was $0.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested non-full value awards granted under the Omnibus Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.  The vested but unexercisable non-full value awards were made to employees and directors who are eligible for retirement. According to the terms of the Omnibus Plan, these employees and directors have no risk of forfeiture.  These shares will be exercisable at the original contractual vesting dates.

Cash proceeds, fair value received, tax benefits, and intrinsic value related to stock options exercised, and the weighted average grant date fair value for options granted, during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are provided in the following table:

(In thousands, except grant date fair value)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Proceeds from stock options exercised
  $ 627     $ 2,363     $ 1,385  
Fair value of shares received upon exercise of stock options
    251       -       155  
Tax benefit related to stock options exercised
    39       502       435  
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised
    177       1,752       1,243  
                         
Weighted average fair value on grant date
    1.26       4.66       4.30  

Phantom Stock Plan: the Company maintains a non-qualified phantom stock plan as a supplement to its profit sharing plan for officers who have achieved the level of Senior Vice President and above and completed one year of service.  However, officers who had achieved at least the level of Vice President and completed one year of service prior to January 1, 2009 remain eligible to participate in the phantom stock plan.  Awards are made under this plan on certain compensation not eligible for awards made under the profit sharing plan, due to the terms of the profit sharing plan and the Internal Revenue Code. Employees receive awards under this plan proportionate to the amount they would have received under the profit sharing plan, but for limits imposed by the profit sharing plan and the Internal Revenue Code.

 
99

 

The awards are made as cash awards, and then converted to common stock equivalents (phantom shares) at the then current market value of the Company’s common stock. Dividends are credited to each employee’s account in the form of additional phantom shares each time the Company pays a dividend on its common stock. In the event of a change of control (as defined in this plan), an employee’s interest is converted to a fixed dollar amount and deemed to be invested in the same manner as his interest in the Bank’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Employees vest under this plan 20% per year for 5 years. Employees also become 100% vested upon a change of control. Employees receive their vested interest in this plan in the form of a cash lump sum payment or installments, as elected by the employee, after termination of employment. The Company adjusts its liability under this plan to the fair value of the shares at the end of each period.

The following table summarizes the Company’s Phantom Stock Plan at or for the year ended December 31, 2009:

Phantom Stock Plan
 
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
             
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    15,760     $ 11.96  
Granted
    9,908       8.62  
Forfeited
    (60 )     7.49  
Distributions
    (588 )     9.68  
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    25,020     $ 11.26  
Vested at December 31, 2009
    24,092     $ 11.26  

The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense (benefit) for the phantom stock plan of $27,000, $(51,000) and $(8,000) for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The total fair value of distributions from the phantom stock plan were $6,000, $22,000 and $39,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors a qualified pension, 401(k), and profit sharing plans for its employees. The Company also sponsors postretirement health care and life insurance benefits plans for its employees, a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for officers who have achieved the level of at least senior vice president, and a non-qualified pension plan for its outside directors.  Effective January 1, 2010, life insurance benefits will not be available for future retirees.

The Company recognizes the funded status of a benefit plan – measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation – in the statement of financial condition, with the unrecognized credits and charges recognized, net of taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. These credits or charges arose as a result of gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arose during prior periods but were not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. The amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, on a pre-tax basis, consist of the following, as of December 31:

   
Net Actuarial
   
Prior Service
                   
   
loss (gain)
   
cost (credit)
   
Total
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Employee Retirement Plan
  $ 8,042     $ 9,100     $ 1,872     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 8,042     $ 9,100     $ 1,872  
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
    491       (80 )     (251 )     (1,049 )     111       95       (558 )     31       (156 )
Atlantic Liberty Retirement Plan
    78       96       (52 )     -       -       -       78       96       (52 )
Outside Directors Plan
    (549 )     (370 )     (429 )     330       369       419       (219 )     (1 )     (10 )
Total
  $ 8,062     $ 8,746     $ 1,140     $ (719 )   $ 480     $ 514     $ 7,343     $ 9,226     $ 1,654  
 
 
100

 

Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income to be recognized as components of net periodic expense for these plans in 2010 are as follows:

   
Net Actuarial
   
Prior Service
       
   
loss (gain)
   
cost (credit)
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Employee Retirement Plan
  $ 362     $ -     $ 362  
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
    -       (77 )     (77 )
Atlantic Liberty Retirement Plan
    3       -       3  
Outside Directors Plan
    (58 )     40       (18 )
    $ 307     $ (37 )   $ 270  

Employee Retirement Plan:
The Bank has a funded noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan covering substantially all of its salaried employees who were hired before September 1, 2005 (the “Retirement Plan”). The benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation during the three consecutive years out of the final ten years of service that produces the highest average. The Bank’s funding policy is to contribute annually the amount recommended by the Retirement Plan’s actuary. The Bank’s Retirement Plan invests in diversified equity and fixed-income funds, which are independently managed by a third party. Effective September 30, 2006, the Bank’s Retirement Plan was frozen so that no employee may become a participant in the Retirement Plan on or after that date and no further benefits will accrue to any participants under the Retirement Plan after that date. As a result, the Company did not make a contribution to the Retirement Plan during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. Freezing the Retirement Plan resulted in a curtailment gain of $1.7 million. This curtailment gain was not recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income, but was instead used to reduce the unrecognized net loss from past experience different from that assumed and effects of changes in assumptions for the Retirement Plan. Effective October 1, 2006, the Bank added a new program to its 401(k) Plan to replace the Retirement Plan. The Retirement Plan was frozen to reduce annual operating expense. The Company used a December 31 measurement date for the Retirement Plan for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

The following table sets forth, for the Retirement Plan, the change in benefit obligation and assets, and for the Company, the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Change in benefit obligation:
           
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 15,959     $ 15,002  
Service cost
    -       -  
Interest cost
    911       914  
Adjustment for measurement date change
    -       228  
Actuarial (gain) loss
    (125 )     866  
Benefits paid
    (775 )     (1,051 )
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
    15,970       15,959  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Market value of assets at beginning of year
    11,130       16,977  
Actual return on plan assets
    1,897       (4,796 )
Employer contributions
    -       -  
Benefits paid
    (775 )     (1,051 )
Market value of plan assets at end of year
    12,252       11,130  
                 
Accrued pension cost included in other liabilities
  $ (3,718 )   $ (4,829 )

Assumptions used to determine the Retirement Plan’s benefit obligations were:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Weighted average discount rate
    5.75 %     5.87 %
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
 
NA
   
NA
 
Expected long-term rate of return on assets
    8.50 %     8.50 %
 
 
101

 

The accumulated benefit obligation for the Retirement Plan was $16.0 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008.

The components of the net pension expense for the Retirement Plan are as follows for the years ended December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Service cost
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
Interest cost
    911       914       868  
Amortization of unrecognized loss
    318       97       135  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,282 )     (1,350 )     (1,284 )
Net pension benefit
    (53 )     (339 )     (281 )
                         
Current year actuarial (gain) loss
    (740 )     7,349       (782 )
Amortization of actuarial loss due to measurement date change
    -       (24 )     -  
Amortization of actuarial loss
    (318 )     (97 )     (135 )
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
    (1,058 )     7,228       (917 )
Total recognized in net pension benefit and other comprehensive income
  $ (1,111 )   $ 6,889     $ (1,198 )


Assumptions used to develop periodic pension benefit for the Retirement Plan for the years ended December 31 were:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Weighted average discount rate
    5.75 %     5.87 %     6.00 %
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
 
NA
   
NA
   
NA
 
Expected long-term rate of return on assets
    8.50 %     8.50 %     8.50 %


The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid by the Retirement Plan:

For the years ending December 31:
 
Future Benefit Payments
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2010
  $ 873  
2011
    872  
2012
    888  
2013
    921  
2014
    947  
2015 – 2019
    5,250  


The long-term rate-of-return-on-assets assumption was set based on historical returns earned by equities and fixed income securities, adjusted to reflect expectations of future returns as applied to the plan's target allocation of asset classes. Equities and fixed income securities were assumed to earn real rates of return in the ranges of 6-10% and 3-7%, respectively. The long-term inflation rate was estimated to be 3%. When these overall return expectations are applied to the plans target allocation, the result is an expected rate return of 6% to 10%.

The Retirement Plan’s weighted average asset allocations at December 31, by asset category, were:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Equity securities
    61 %     59 %
Debt securities
    39 %     41 %

Plan assets are invested in a diversified mix of stock and bond investment funds on the pooled account, group annuity platform of Prudential Retirement Services. Each fund has its own investment objectives, investment strategies and risks as detailed in its prospectus.
 
 
102

 

The long-term investment objectives are to maintain plan assets at a level that will sufficiently cover long-term obligations and to generate a return on plan assets that will meet or exceed the rate at which long-term obligations will grow. A broadly diversified combination of equity and fixed income portfolios are used to help achieve these objectives based on a long-term, liability based strategic mix of 60% equities and 40% fixed income. Tactical adjustments to this mix are made periodically based on current capital market conditions and plan funding levels. Performance of the investment fund managers is monitored on an ongoing basis using modern portfolio risk analysis and appropriate index benchmarks.

The Bank does not expect to make a contribution to the Retirement Plan in 2010.

The following table sets forth the employee pension plan’s assets that are carried at fair value, and the method that was used to determine their fair value, at December 31, 2009:

         
Quoted Prices
   
Significant
   
Significant
 
         
in Active
   
Other
   
Other
 
         
Markets for
   
Observable
   
Unobservable
 
         
Identical Assets
   
Inputs
   
Inputs
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Mutual Funds - Equity
                       
U.S. large-cap growth (a)
  $ 2,498     $ 2,498     $ -     $ -  
U.S. large-cap value (b)
    2,450       2,450       -       -  
U.S. small-cap blend (c)
    1,251       1,251       -       -  
International blend (d)
    1,226       1,226       -       -  
                                 
Fixed Income Securities
                               
PIMCO bond fund (e)
    3,611       -       3,611       -  
                                 
Other
                               
Prudential short term (f)
    1,216               1,216       -  
                                 
Total
  $ 12,252     $ 7,425     $ 4,827     $ -  

 
(a)
Comprised of large-cap stocks seeking to outperform, over the long term, the Russell 1000 Growth and S&P 500 Indexes.  The portfolio is relatively diverse and will typically hold between 55 and 70 stocks.
 
(b)
Comprised of large-cap stocks seeking to outperform the Russell 1000® Value benchmark over the rolling three and five year periods, or a full market cycle, whichever is longer.
 
(c)
Comprised of stocks with market capitalization of between $100 million and the market capitalization of the largest stock in the Russell 2000 index at the time of purchase.  The portfolio will typically hold between 40 and 100 stocks.
 
(d)
Comprised of a broadly diversified portfolio of non-U.S. domiciled stocks.  The portfolio will typically hold between 80 and 90 stocks.
 
(e)
Comprised of a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities including U.S agency mortgage-backed securities and investment grade bonds.
 
(f)
Comprised of high quality money market instruments with an emphasis on safety and liquidity.

In connection with the Company’s acquisition of Atlantic Liberty Savings on June 30, 2006, the Company acquired The Retirement Plan of Atlantic Liberty Savings, F.A. (“Atlantic Liberty Plan”), a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan, which was frozen effective as of June 30, 2006. As of that date, no employee will be permitted to commence participation and no further benefits will accrue to participants. No contributions were made to the Atlantic Liberty Plan during 2008, 2007 and 2006. The Atlantic Liberty Plan has not been merged with the Retirement Plan and is not material in amount.

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans:
The Company sponsors two unfunded postretirement benefit plans (the “Postretirement Plans”) that cover all retirees who were full-time permanent employees with at least five years of service, and their spouses. One plan provides medical benefits

 
103

 

through a 50% cost sharing arrangement. Effective January 1, 2000, the spouses of future retirees will be required to pay 100% of the premiums for their coverage. The other plan provides life insurance benefits and is noncontributory. Effective January 1, 2010, life insurance benefits will not be available for future retirees. Under these programs, eligible retirees receive lifetime medical and life insurance coverage for themselves and lifetime medical coverage for their spouses. The Company reserves the right to amend or terminate these plans at its discretion.

Comprehensive medical plan benefits equal the lesser of the normal plan benefit or the total amount not paid by Medicare. Life insurance benefits for retirees are based on annual compensation and age at retirement. As of December 31, 2009, the Company has not funded these plans. The Company used a December 31 measurement date for these plans for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

The following table sets forth, for the Postretirement Plans, the change in benefit obligation and assets, and for the Company, the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31:


   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Change in benefit obligation:
           
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 3,959     $ 3,425  
Service cost
    219       158  
Interest cost
    228       211  
Adjustment for measurement date change
    -       91  
Actuarial loss
    571       171  
Benefits paid
    (97 )     (97 )
Plan amendments
    (1,153 )     -  
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
    3,727       3,959  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Market value of assets at beginning of year
    -       -  
Employer contributions
    97       97  
Benefits paid
    (97 )     (97 )
Market value of plan assets at end of year
    -       -  
                 
Accrued pension cost included in other liabilities
  $ (3,727 )   $ (3,959 )

The accumulated benefit obligation for the Postretirement Plans was $3.7 million and $4.0 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Assumptions used in determining the actuarial present value of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations at December 31 are as follows:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Rate of return on plan assets
    N/A       N/A  
Discount rate
    5.75 %     5.87 %
Rate of increase in health care costs
               
Initial
    12.00 %     7.75 %
Ultimate (year 2012)
    5.00 %     4.50 %
Annual rate of salary increase for life insurance
    n/a       4.00 %
 
 
104

 

The resulting net periodic postretirement expense consisted of the following components for the years ended December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Service cost
  $ 219     $ 158     $ 123  
Interest cost
    228       211       170  
Amortization of unrecognized (gain) loss
    -       -       (26 )
Amortization of past service liability
    8       (14 )     (14 )
Net postretirement benefit expense
    455       355       253  
                         
Current year actuarial loss
    571       171       337  
Current year prior service credit
    (1,153 )     -       -  
Amortization of actuarial gain
    -       -       26  
Amortization of prior service liability due to measurement date change
    -       3       -  
Amortization of prior service liability
    (8 )     13       14  
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
    (590 )     187       377  
Total recognized in net postretirement expense and other comprehensive income
  $ (135 )   $ 542     $ 630  

Assumptions used to develop periodic postretirement expense for the Postretirement Plans for the years ended December 31 were:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Rate of return on plans assets
 
NA
   
NA
   
NA
 
Discount rate
    5.75 %     5.87 %     6.00 %
Rate of increase in health care costs
                       
Initial
    12.00 %     7.75 %     9.00 %
Ultimate (year 2012)
    5.00 %     4.50 %     4.50 %
Annual rate of salary increases for life insurance
    n/a       4.00 %     3.50 %

The health care cost trend rate assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. A one percentage point change in assumed health care trend rates would have the following effects:

   
Increase
   
Decrease
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
  $ 466     $ (373 )
Effect on total service and interest cost
    47       (37 )

The Company expects to pay benefits of $154,000 under its Postretirement Plans in 2010.

The following benefit payments under the Postretirement Plan, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid
For the years ending December 31:
 
Future Benefit Payments
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2010
  $ 154  
2011
    161  
2012
    176  
2013
    192  
2014
    205  
2015 - 2019
    1,188  

 
105

 

Defined Contribution Plans:
The Company maintains a tax qualified 401(k) plan which covers substantially all salaried employees who have completed one year of service. Currently, annual matching contributions under the Bank’s 401(k) plan equal 50% of the employee’s contributions, up to a maximum of 3% of the employee’s compensation. In addition, the 401(k) plan includes the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan (“DCRP”), under which the Bank contributes an amount equal to 4% of an employee’s eligible compensation as defined in the plan, and the Profit Sharing Plan (“PSP”), under which at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors a contribution is made.  Contributions for the DCRP and PSP are made in the form of Company common stock at or after the end of each year. Annual contributions under these plans are subject to the limits imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions by the Company into the 401(k) plan vest 20% per year over the employee's first five years of service. Contributions to these plans also 100% vest upon a change of control (as defined in the applicable plan). Compensation expense recorded by the Company for these plans amounted to $1.8 million, $1.6 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The Bank provides a non-qualified deferred compensation plan as an incentive for officers who have achieved the level of at least Senior Vice President and have at least one year of service. However, officers who had achieved at least the level of Vice President and completed one year of service prior to January 1, 2009 remain eligible to participate in the plan.  In addition to the amounts deferred by the officers, the Bank matches 50% of their contributions, generally up to a maximum of 5% of the officers’ salary. Matching contributions under this plan vest 20% per year for five years. They also become 100% vested upon a change of control (as defined in the plan). Compensation expense recorded by the Company for these plans amounted to $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Employee Benefit Trust:
An Employee Benefit Trust (“EBT”) has been established to assist the Company in funding its benefit plan obligations. In connection with the Bank’s conversion to a federal stock savings bank in 1995, the EBT borrowed $7,928,000 from the Company and used $7,000 of cash received from the Bank to purchase 2,328,750 shares of the common stock of the Company. The loan will be repaid principally from the Company’s discretionary contributions to the EBT and dividend payments received on common stock held by the EBT, or may be forgiven by the Company, over a period of 30 years. At December 31, 2009, the loan had an outstanding balance of $0.6 million, bearing a fixed interest rate of 6.22% per annum. The loan obligation of the EBT is considered unearned compensation and, as such, is recorded as a reduction of the Company’s stockholders’ equity. Both the loan obligation and the unearned compensation are reduced by the amount of loan repayments made by the EBT or forgiven by the Company. Shares purchased with the loan proceeds are held in a suspense account for contribution to specified benefit plans as the loan is repaid or forgiven. Shares released from the suspense account are used solely for funding matching contributions under the Bank’s 401(k) plan, contributions to the 401(k) plan for the Defined Contribution Retirement Program, and contributions to the Company’s profit-sharing plan. Since annual contributions are discretionary with the Company or dependent upon employee contributions, compensation payable under the EBT cannot be estimated. For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company funded $1.5 million, $1.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of employer contributions to the 401(k) and profit sharing plans from the EBT.  For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, Company contributions to the Defined Contribution Retirement Program and the Company’s profit-sharing plan were made the following year, while prior to 2007 contributions were made before year end.

Upon a change of control (as defined in the EBT), the EBT will terminate and any trust assets remaining after repayment of the Company’s loan to the EBT and certain benefit plan contributions will be distributed to all full-time employees of the Company with at least one year of service, in proportion to their compensation over the four most recently completed calendar years plus the portion of the current year prior to the termination of the EBT.

The shares held in the suspense account are pledged as collateral and are reported as unallocated EBT shares in stockholders’ equity. As shares are released from the suspense account, the Company reports compensation expense equal to the current market price of the shares, and the shares become outstanding for earnings per share computations. The EBT shares are as follows at December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Shares owned by Employee Benefit Trust, beginning balance
    1,552,052       1,637,474  
Shares released and allocated
    (169,353 )     (85,422 )
Shares owned by Employee Benefit Trust, ending balance
    1,382,699       1,552,052  
                 
Market value of unallocated shares.
  $ 15,569,191     $ 18,562,542  

 
106

 

Outside Director Retirement Plan:
The Bank has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit Outside Director Retirement Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”), which provides benefits to each non-employee director who became a non-employee director before January 1, 2004, who has at least five years of service as a non-employee director and whose years of service as a non-employee director plus age equals or exceeds 55. Benefits are also payable to a non-employee director who became a non-employee director before January 1, 2004 and whose status as a non-employee director terminates because of death or disability or who is a non-employee director upon a change of control (as defined in the Directors’ Plan). Any person who becomes a non-employee director after January 1, 2004 is not eligible to participate in the Directors’ Plan. An eligible director who terminates after November 22, 2005 will be paid an annual retirement benefit equal to $48,000. Such benefit will be paid in equal monthly installments for the lesser of the number of months such director served as a non-employee director or 120 months. In the event of a termination of Board service due to a change of control, a non-employee director who has completed at least two years of service as a non-employee director will receive a cash lump sum payment equal to 120 months of benefit, and a non-employee director with less than two years service will receive a cash lump sum payment equal to a number of months of benefit equal to the number of months of his service as a non-employee director. In the event of the director’s death, the surviving spouse will receive the equivalent benefit. No benefits will be payable to a director who is removed for cause. The Holding Company has guaranteed the payment of benefits under the Directors’ Plan. Upon adopting the Directors’ Plan, the Bank elected to immediately recognize the effect of adopting the Directors’ Plan. Subsequent plan amendments are amortized as a past service liability. The Bank used a December 31 measurement date for the Directors’ Plan for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

The following table sets forth, for the Directors’ Plan, the change in benefit obligation and assets, and for the Company, the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Change in benefit obligation:
           
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 2,456     $ 2,276  
Service cost
    80       56  
Interest cost
    138       139  
Adjustment for measurement date change
    -       49  
Actuarial loss (gain)
    (200 )     20  
Benefits paid
    (87 )     (84 )
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
    2,387       2,456  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Market value of assets at beginning of year
    -       -  
Employer contributions
    87       84  
Benefits paid
    (87 )     (84 )
Market value of plan assets at end of year
    -       -  
                 
Accrued pension cost included in other liabilities
  $ (2,387 )   $ (2,456 )

The accumulated benefit obligation for the Directors’ Plan was $2.4 million and $2.5 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 
107

 

The components of the net pension expense for the Directors’ Plan are as follows for the years ended December 31:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Service cost
  $ 80     $ 56     $ 54  
Interest cost
    138       139       149  
Amortization of unrecognized (gain) loss
    (21 )     (31 )     -  
Amortization of past service liability
    40       40       141  
Net pension expense
    237       204       344  
                         
Current actuarial (gain) loss
    (199 )     20       (388 )
Amortization of actuarial loss due to measurement date change
    -       8       -  
Amortization of prior service cost due to measurement date change
    -       (10 )     -  
Amortization of actuarial loss
    21       31       -  
Amortization of prior service cost
    (40 )     (40 )     (141 )
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
    (218 )     9       (529 )
Total recognized in net pension expense and other comprehensive income
  $ 19     $ 213     $ (185 )


Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and periodic pension expense for the Directors’ Plan for the years ended December 31 were:


   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Weighted average discount rate for the benefit obligation
    5.75 %     5.87 %     6.25 %
Weighted average discount rate for periodic pension benefit expense
    5.75 %     5.87 %     6.00 %
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
 
NA
   
NA
   
NA
 


The following benefit payments under the Directors’ Plan, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid:

For the years ending December 31:
 
Future Benefit Payments
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2010
  $ 231  
2011
    231  
2012
    231  
2013
    256  
2014
    260  
2015 – 2019
    1,275  

The Bank expects to make payments of $231,000 under its Directors’ Plan in 2010.

12. Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred Stock and Dividend Restrictions on the Company:

On December 19, 2008, pursuant to a Purchase Agreement, the Company issued to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”) for aggregate consideration of $70.0 million (i) 70,000 shares of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), par value $0.01 per share and liquidation preference $1,000 per share, and (ii) a Warrant to purchase up to 751,611 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at an initial price of $13.97 per share.  Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company’s ability to declare or pay dividends on any of its shares was limited. Specifically, the Company was unable to declare dividend payments on common, junior preferred or pari passu preferred shares if it was in arrears on the dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock. Further, the Company could not increase dividends on its common stock above the amount of the last quarterly cash dividend per share declared prior to October 14, 2008, or $0.13 per common share, without the U.S. Treasury’s approval until the third anniversary of the investment unless all of the Series B Preferred Stock has been redeemed or transferred.  In addition, the Company’s ability to repurchase its common shares was restricted.  U.S. Treasury consent generally was required for any stock repurchase until the third anniversary of the

 
108

 

investment by the U.S. Treasury unless all of the Series B Preferred Stock has been redeemed or transferred. Further, common, junior preferred or pari passu preferred shares could not be repurchased if the Company was in arrears on the Series B Preferred Stock dividends.

The proceeds from issuance of these securities were allocated to the Series B Preferred Stock and to the Warrant based on their relative fair values, which resulted in an initial book value of $68.6 million for the Series B Preferred Stock and $1.4 million for the Warrant. The resulting discount for the Series B Preferred Stock was to be accreted over five years through retained earnings as a preferred stock dividend. The Warrant was to remain in additional paid-in-capital at its initial book value until it was exercised or expired.

The redemption of the Series B Preferred Stock on October 28, 2009 removed the restrictions on Company’s ability to declare and pay dividends or repurchase its common stock. The unamortized discount related to the Series B Preferred Stock was charged to retained earnings on its redemption date.

Issuance of Common Stock:

On September 22, 2009, we completed a public offering for 8,317,400 shares of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. On October 1, 2009, the underwriters exercised their over-allotment option to purchase an additional 1,012,610 common shares at $11.50 per share. The net proceeds of the offering after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses were $101.5 million.

Redemption of Preferred Stock

The common stock offering discussed above was a Qualified Equity Offering. As a result of this Qualified Equity Offering, the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury was reduced by one-half. On October 28, 2009, we redeemed the Series B Preferred Stock for $70.0 million plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. On December 30, 2009, we repurchased the Warrant for $0.9 million.

Other Dividend Restrictions on the Bank:

In connection with the Bank’s conversion from mutual to stock form in November 1995, a special liquidation account was established at the time of conversion, in accordance with the requirements of the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”), which was equal to its capital as of June 30, 1995. The liquidation account is reduced as and to the extent that eligible account holders have reduced their qualifying deposits. Subsequent increases in deposits do not restore an eligible account holder’s interest in the liquidation account. In the event of a complete liquidation of the Bank, each eligible account holder will be entitled to receive a distribution from the liquidation account in an amount proportionate to the current adjusted qualifying balances for accounts then held. As of December 31, 2009, the Bank’s liquidation account was $2.0 million, and was presented within retained earnings.

In addition to the restriction described above, Federal banking regulations place certain restrictions on dividends paid by the Bank to the Holding Company. The total amount of dividends which may be paid at any date is generally limited to the net income of the Bank for the current year and prior two years, less any dividends previously paid from those earnings. As of December 31, 2009, the Bank had $60.0 million in retained earnings available to distribute to the Holding Company in the form of cash dividends.

In addition, dividends paid by the Bank to the Holding Company would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements.

Stockholder Rights Plan:

The Holding Company has adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan under which each stockholder has one right to purchase from the Holding Company, for each share of common stock owned, one one-hundredth of a share of Series A junior participating preferred stock at a price of $65. The rights will become exercisable only if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the Holding Company’s common stock or commences a tender or exchange offer which, if consummated, would result in that person or group owning at least 15% of the Common Stock (the “acquiring person or group”). In such case, all stockholders other than the acquiring person or group will be entitled to purchase, by paying the $65 exercise price, Common Stock (or a common stock equivalent) with a value of twice the exercise price.  In addition, at any time after such event, and prior to the acquisition by any person or group of 50% or more of the Common Stock, the Board of Directors may, at its option, require each outstanding right (other than rights held by the acquiring person or group) to be exchanged for one share of Common Stock (or one common stock equivalent). If a person or group becomes an acquiring person and the Holding Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination or sells more than 50% of its assets or earning power, each right will entitle all other holders to purchase, by payment of $65 exercise price, common stock of the acquiring company with a value of twice the exercise price. The rights plan expires on September 30, 2016.
 
 
109

 

Treasury Stock Transactions:

The Holding Company did not repurchase any common shares in 2009 and 2008 in the open market under its stock repurchase programs. The Company has a stock repurchase program which authorizes the purchase of 1,000,000 shares. At December 31, 2009, 362,050 shares remain to be repurchased under this plan.  Stock repurchases under the program will be made from time to time, on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, at the discretion of the management of the Company.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the changes during the year ended December 31, 2009 are as follows:

                   
         
Other
       
   
December 31,
   
Comprehensive
   
December 31,
 
   
2008
   
Income
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale
  $ (15,183 )   $ 12,686     $ (2,497 )
Net actuarial loss on pension plans and other postretirement benefits
    (4,853 )     371       (4,482 )
Prior service (cost) credit on pension plans and other postretirement benefits
    (267 )     667       400  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ (20,303 )   $ 13,724     $ (6,579 )

Shelf Registration Statement:

On November 26, 2008, the Company filed a shelf registration statement which allows the Company to periodically offer and sell, individually or in any combination, preferred stock, common stock, warrants to purchase preferred or common stock, and debt securities, up to a total of $170.0 million. The shelf registration was declared effective on January 8, 2009. The Company’s ability to issue debt or equity under this shelf registration is subject to market conditions and its capital needs. The common shares issued during 2009 were issued under this shelf registration statement. The preferred shares and warrants to purchase common stock the Company issued to the U.S. Treasury were registered under a separate shelf registration.

13. Regulatory Capital

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) imposes a number of mandatory supervisory measures on banks and thrift institutions. Among other matters, FDICIA established five capital zones or classifications (well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized). Such classifications are used by the OTS and other bank regulatory agencies to determine matters ranging from each institution’s quarterly FDIC deposit insurance premium assessments, to approvals of applications authorizing institutions to grow their asset size or otherwise expand business activities. Under OTS capital regulations, the Bank is required to comply with each of three separate capital adequacy standards. As of December 31, 2009, the Bank continues to be categorized as “well-capitalized” by the OTS under the prompt corrective action regulations and continues to exceed all regulatory capital requirements.

 
110

 

Set forth below is a summary of the Bank’s compliance with OTS capital standards.

   
December 31, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
         
Percent of
         
Percent of
 
   
Amount
   
Assets
   
Amount
   
Assets
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Tangible capital:
                       
Capital level
  $ 365,090       8.84 %   $ 312,966       7.92 %
Requirement
    61,961       1.50       59,297       1.50  
Excess
    303,129       7.34       253,669       6.42  
                                 
Leverage and Core (Tier I) capital:
                               
Capital level
  $ 365,090       8.84 %   $ 312,966       7.92 %
Requirement
    123,922       3.00       118,594       3.00  
Excess
    241,168       5.84       194,372       4.92  
                                 
Total risk-based capital:
                               
Capital level
  $ 385,414       13.49 %   $ 323,995       13.02 %
Requirement
    228,557       8.00       199,115       8.00  
Excess
    156,857       5.49       124,880       5.02  

FCB is subject to identical capital standards. At December 31, 2009, FCB’s tangible, leverage and core, and risk-based capital ratios were 11.21%, 11.21%, and 87.68%, respectively. FCB was categorized “well-capitalized” under regulatory guidelines at December 31, 2009.

14. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments:
The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and lines of credit.  The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and market risks in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty to the financial instrument for loan commitments and lines of credit is represented by the contractual amounts of these instruments.

Commitments to extend credit (principally real estate mortgage loans) and lines of credit (principally construction loans and home equity lines of credit) amounted to $39.6 million and $73.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2009. Included in these commitments were $36.7 million of fixed-rate commitments at a weighted average rate of 6.92%, and $76.4 million of adjustable-rate commitments with a weighted average rate, as of December 31, 2009, of 4.31%. Since generally all of the loan commitments are expected to be drawn upon, the total loan commitments approximate future cash requirements, whereas the amounts of lines of credit may not be indicative of the Company’s future cash requirements. The loan commitments generally expire in ninety days, while construction loan lines of credit mature within eighteen months and home equity lines of credit mature within ten years. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and require payment of a fee. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. Collateral held consists primarily of real estate.

FCB collateralized a portion of their deposits with letters of credit issued by FHLB-NY.  At December 31, 2009, there were $55.6 million of letters of credit outstanding.   The letters of credit are collateralized by mortgage loans pledged by the Savings Bank on behalf of FCB, thorough an agreement among the Bank, FCB and the FHLB-NY.

The Trusts issued capital securities in June and July 2007 with a par value of $61.9 million. The Holding Company has guaranteed the payment of the Trusts’ obligations under these capital securities.

 
111

 

The Company’s minimum annual rental payments for Bank premises due under non-cancelable leases are as follows:

   
Minimum Rental
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Years ended December 31:
     
2010
  $ 3,041  
2011
    3,078  
2012
    2,356  
2013
    2,358  
2014
    2,160  
Thereafter
    11,233  
Total minimum payments required
  $ 24,226  

The leases have escalation clauses for operating expenses and real estate taxes. Certain lease agreements provide for increases in rental payments based upon increases in the consumer price index. Rent expense under these leases for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $3.1 million, $2.9 million and $2.9 million, respectively.

 Contingencies:

The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. Management of the Company, after consultation with outside legal counsel, believes that the resolution of these various matters will not result in any material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

15. Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company’s lending is concentrated in the metropolitan New York area. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis under the Company’s established underwriting policies. The collateral obtained by the Company generally consists of first liens on one-to-four family residential, multi-family residential, and commercial real estate. At December 31, 2009, the largest amount the Bank could lend to one borrower was approximately $54.8 million, and at that date, the Bank’s largest aggregate amount of loans to one borrower was $36.0 million, all of which were performing according to their terms.

16. Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The Company carries certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments” and values those financial assets and financial liabilities in accordance with ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”  ASC Topic 820 defines fair value 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, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  ASC topic 825 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. At December 31, 2009, the Company carried financial assets and financial liabilities under the fair value option with fair values of $97.5 million and $106.2 million, respectively. At December 31, 2008, the Company carried financial assets and financial liabilities under the fair value option with fair values of $139.5 million and $133.4 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company did not elect to carry any additional financial assets or financial liabilities under the fair value option.  The Company elected to measure at fair value securities with a cost of $5.0 million that were purchased during the year ended December 31, 2008.

During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company received an in-kind distribution from a mutual fund carried at fair value under the fair value option classified as Other securities.  This mutual fund had a fair value of $11.5 million on the date of distribution.  The in-kind distribution was primarily made in the form of mortgaged-backed securities, which were the mutual funds underlying investments.  All of the mortgaged-backed securities received from the in-kind distribution are carried at fair value under the fair value option.
 
 
112

 

The following table presents the financial assets and financial liabilities reported at fair value under the fair value option, and the changes in fair value included in the Consolidated Statement of Income – Net gain (loss) from fair value adjustments, at or for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:

                               
                               
                               
   
Fair Value
   
Fair Value
   
Changes in Fair Values For Items Measured at Fair Value
 
   
Measurements
   
Measurements
   
Pursuant to Election of the Fair Value Option
 
   
at December 31,
   
at December 31,
   
For the year ended
   
For the year ended
   
For the year ended
 
Description
 
2009
   
2008
   
December 31, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
   
December 31, 2007
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                             
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 80,299     $ 110,833     $ 3,933     $ 239     $ 2,876  
Other securities
    17,229       28,688       659       (8,243 )     57  
Borrowed funds
    106,167       107,689       1,523       27,931       91  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    -       25,757       485       163       (339 )
Net gain from fair value adjustments *
            $ 6,600     $ 20,090     $ 2,685  


* The net gain from fair value adjustments presented in the above table does not include losses of $1.6 million from the change in the fair value of interest rate caps recorded during the year ended December 31, 2009.

Included in the fair value of the financial assets and financial liabilities selected for the fair value option is the accrued interest receivable or payable for the related instrument. One pooled trust preferred securities is over 90 days past due and the Company has stopped accruing interest. The Company continues to accrue on the remaining financial instruments, and report as interest income or interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income, the interest receivable or payable on the financial instruments selected for the fair value option at their respective contractual rates.

The borrowed funds have a contractual principal amount of $131.9 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008.  During 2009, the securities sold under an agreement to repurchase were repaid at its contractual maturity date.  The securities sold under an agreement to repurchase had a contractual principal amount of $25.0 million at December 31, 2008. The fair value of borrowed funds includes accrued interest payable of $0.8 million at both December 31, 2009 and 2008.  The fair value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase included accrued interest payable of $0.3 million at December 31, 2008.

The Company generally holds its earning assets, other than securities available for sale, to maturity and settles its liabilities at maturity. However, fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time and are based on relevant market information. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular instrument. Accordingly, as assumptions change, such as interest rates and prepayments, fair value estimates change and these amounts may not necessarily be realized in an immediate sale.

Disclosure of fair value does not require fair value information for items that do not meet the definition of a financial instrument or certain other financial instruments specifically excluded from its requirements. These items include core deposit intangibles and other customer relationships, premises and equipment, leases, income taxes, foreclosed properties and equity.

Further, fair value disclosure does not attempt to value future income or business. These items may be material and accordingly, the fair value information presented does not purport to represent, nor should it be construed to represent, the underlying “market” or franchise value of the Company.

Financial assets and financial liabilities reported at fair value are required to be measured based on either: (1) quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments (level 1), (2) significant other observable inputs (level 2), or (3) significant unobservable inputs (level 3).
 
 
113

 

A description of the methods and significant assumptions utilized in estimating the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:

Level 1 – where quoted market prices are available in an active market.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, Level 1 includes preferred stock issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. During the year ended December 31, 2008, other-than-temporary impairment write-downs of $27.6 million were recorded to reduce the carrying amount of investments in these preferred stock issues.

Level 2 – when quoted market prices are not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar financial instruments and adjusted for differences between the quoted instrument and the instrument being valued.  Fair value can also be estimated by using pricing models, or discounted cash flows.  Pricing models primarily use market-based or independently sourced market parameters as inputs, including, but not limited to, yield curves, interest rates, equity or debt prices, and credit spreads.  In addition to observable market information, models also incorporate maturity and cash flow assumptions. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, Level 2 includes mortgage related securities, corporate debt, interest rate caps, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and FHLB-NY advances.  During the year ended December 31, 2009, other-than-temporary impairment write-downs of $3.1 million were recorded to reduce the carrying amount of investments in private issued collateralized mortgage obligations classified as level 2.

Level 3 – when there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, financial instruments are classified as Level 3.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, Level 3 includes trust preferred securities owned by and junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company. During 2008, certain financial instruments previously classified as Level 2 were reclassified to Level 3.   During the year ended December 31, 2009, other-than-temporary impairment write-downs of $2.8 million were recorded to reduce the carrying amount of investments in trust preferred securities classified as level 3.

The methods described above may produce fair values that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with those of other market participants, the use of different methodologies, assumptions, and models to determine fair value of certain financial instruments could produce different estimates of fair value at the reporting date.

The following table sets forth the Company's assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis, classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy for the period indicated:

   
For the year ended
   
For the year ended
 
   
December 31, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Trust preferred
   
Junior subordinated
   
Trust preferred
   
Junior subordinated
 
   
securities
   
debentures
   
securities
   
debentures
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Beginning balance
  $ 10,699     $ 33,052     $ -     $ -  
Transfer into Level 3
    -       -       11,594       37,079  
Net loss from fair value adjustment of financial assets
    (107 )     -       (202 )     -  
Net loss (gain) from fair value adjustment of financial liabilities
    -       1,458               (4,027 )
Increase in accrued interest
    2       -       -       -  
Other-than-temporary impairment
    (2,750 )     -       -       -  
Change in unrealized losses included in other comprehensive loss
    2,309       -       (693 )     -  
Ending balance
  $ 10,153     $ 34,510     $ 10,699     $ 33,052  


The financial assets and financial liabilities that were transferred to Level 3 during 2008 were transferred due to an inactive market for these financial instruments. In valuing these financial instruments, trust preferred securities owned by the Company and the Company’s junior subordinated debentures, the determination of fair value required models which take into consideration market spread data for similar instruments and other contractual features. The Company uses an independent third party to model these assumptions.
 
 
114

 

The following table sets forth the Company's assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis, and the method that was used to determine their fair value, at December 31, 2009 and 2008:
 
   
Quoted Prices
                                     
   
in Active Markets
   
Significant Other
   
Significant Other
             
   
for Identical Assets
   
Observable Inputs
   
Unobservable Inputs
   
Total carried at fair value
 
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
on a recurring basis
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                                                 
Assets:
                                               
Securities available for sale
                                               
Mortgage-backed Securities
  $ -     $ -     $ 648,443     $ 674,764     $ -     $ -     $ 648,443     $ 674,764  
Other securities
    140       607       25,068       61,191       10,153       10,699       35,361       72,497  
Interest rate caps
    -       -       7,403       -       -       -       7,403       -  
                                                                 
Total assets
  $ 140     $ 607     $ 680,914     $ 735,955     $ 10,153     $ 10,699     $ 691,207     $ 747,261  
                                                                 
                                                                 
Liabilities:
                                                               
Borrowings
  $ -     $ -     $ 71,656     $ 74,637     $ 34,510     $ 33,052     $ 106,166     $ 107,689  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    -       -       -       25,757       -       -       -       25,757  
                                                                 
Total liabilities
  $ -     $ -     $ 71,656     $ 100,394     $ 34,510     $ 33,052     $ 106,166     $ 133,446  

The following table sets forth the Company's assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a non-recurring basis, and the method that was used to determine their fair value, at December 31, 2009 and 2008:

   
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
   
Significant Other
Unobservable Inputs
   
Total carried at fair value
 
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 2)
   
(Level 3)
   
on a recurring basis
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                                                 
Assets:
                                               
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 25,879     $ -     $ 25,879     $ -  
Real estate owned
    -       -       -       -       2,262       125       2,262       125  
                                                                 
Total assets
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 28,141     $ 125     $ 28,141     $ 125  

The company did not have any liabilities that were carried at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2009 and 2008.

The estimated fair value of each material class of financial instruments at December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the related methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value are as follows:

Cash and due from banks, overnight interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold, FHLB-NY stock, bank owned life insurance, interest and dividends receivable, mortgagors’ escrow deposits and other liabilities:

The carrying amounts are a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Securities available for sale:

The estimated fair values of securities available for sale are contained in Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Fair value is based upon quoted market prices (level 1 input), where available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities and adjusted for differences between the quoted instrument and the instrument being valued (level 2 input). When there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, securities are valued using level 3 inputs.
 
 
115

 

Loans:

The estimated fair value of loans, with carrying amounts of $3,220.5 million and $2,971.7 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, was $3,358.1 million and $3,060.1 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Fair value is estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and remaining maturities (level 2 input).

For impaired loans, fair value is estimated based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent (level 3 input).

Due to depositors:

The estimated fair value of due to depositors, with carrying amounts of $2,666.3 million and $2,437.6 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, was $2,639.6 million and $2,457.7 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The fair values of demand, passbook savings, NOW and money market deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting dates (i.e. their carrying value). The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposits are estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities (level 2 input).

Borrowings:

The estimated fair value of borrowings, with carrying amounts of $1,060.2 million and $1,138.9 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, was $1,068.0 million and $1,136.0 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The fair value of borrowings is estimated by discounting the contractual cash flows using interest rates in effect for borrowings with similar maturities and collateral requirements (level 2 input) or using a market-standard model (level 3 input).

Interest Rate Caps:

The estimated fair value of interest rate caps at December 31, 2009 was $7.4 million. We have not designated our interest rate cap agreements as hedges as defined under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB ASC. Interest rate caps are carried at fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements in Other assets and changes in their fair value are recorded through earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Income in Net gain from fair value adjustments.  The Company purchased interest rate caps during 2009 with a notional amount of $100.0 million. The Company uses interest rate caps to manage its exposure to rising interest rates on its financial liabilities without stated maturities. Fair value for interest rate caps is based upon broker quotes (level 2 input). During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded a loss of $1.6 million in the fair value of interest rate caps.

Real Estate Owned (“REO”):

REO are carried at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value.  The estimated realizable value is based on appraised value through a current appraisal, or sometimes through an internal review, additionally adjusted by the estimated costs to sell the property. (level 3 input).

Other financial instruments:

The fair values of commitments to sell, lend or borrow are estimated using the fees currently charged or paid to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle with the counterparties at the reporting date. For fixed-rate loan commitments to sell, lend or borrow, fair values also consider the difference between current levels of interest rates and committed rates (where applicable).

At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the fair values of the above financial instruments approximate the recorded amounts of the related fees and were not considered to be material.

17. New Authoritative Accounting Pronouncements

The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) became effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The ASC became FASB’s officially recognized source of authoritative GAAP applicable to all public and non-public non-governmental entities, superseding existing FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Emerging Issues Task Force and related literature. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under the authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for

 
116

 

SEC registrants. All other accounting literature is considered non-authoritative. All references to accounting standards in this 10-K now refer to the relevant ASC Topic.

In September 2006, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 715 “Compensation-Retirement Benefits.”  The update requires the accrual of a liability for the cost of the insurance policy during postretirement periods when an employer has effectively agreed to maintain a life insurance policy during the employee’s retirement. At December 31, 2007 the Company had endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements with forty-seven present or former employees, which currently provides approximately $7.9 million of life insurance benefits to these employees. The amount of the benefit for each employee is based on the employee’s salary when their employment terminates. This update was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. Adoption of the updated guidance was a $1.1 million charge to stockholders’ equity.

In June 2008, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 260 “Earnings Per Share.”  This update addresses whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share (“EPS”) under the two-class method.  The update concluded that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities and shall be included in the computations of EPS pursuant to the two-class method. The Company’s unvested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards are considered participating securities under this update. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years. All prior-period EPS data presented shall be adjusted retrospectively to conform to the provisions of this ASC Topic. Early application is not permitted. Adoption of this ASC Topic did not have a material impact on the Company’s computation of EPS.

In December 2008, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 715 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits.” The update provides guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. The update clarifies that the objectives of the disclosures about plan assets in an employer’s defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan are to provide users of financial statements with an understanding of: (1) how investment allocation decisions are made, including the factors that are pertinent to an understanding of investment policies and strategies; (2) the categories of plan assets; (3) the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets; (4) the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) on changes in plan assets for the period; and (5) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. The update also expands the disclosures related to these objectives. The disclosures about plan assets required by this update are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. Upon initial application, the provisions of this update are not required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes, although application of the provisions of the update to prior periods is permitted. Early adoption is not permitted.  Adoption of the update did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In January 2009, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 325 “Investments – Other.”  This update aligns impairment guidance with that in ASC Topic 320 “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities” and related implementation guidance. The update was effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2008, and is applied prospectively. Adoption of the update did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In April 2009, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 320 “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities.”  The update amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in financial statements. The update replaces the existing requirement that an entity’s management assert it has both the intent and ability to hold an impaired security until recovery with a requirement that management assert that it does not have the intent to sell the security and it is more likely than not it will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. The update requires an entity to recognize impairment losses on a debt security attributed to credit in income, and to recognize noncredit impairment losses in accumulated other comprehensive income. This requirement applies to debt securities held to maturity as well as debt securities held as available for sale. Upon adoption of this update, an entity will be required to record a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the beginning of the period of adoption to reclassify the noncredit component of a previously recognized other-than-temporary impairment from retained earnings to accumulated other comprehensive income if the entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery. The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Early adoption was permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements “Securities Available for Sale.”
 
 
117

 

In April 2009, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” The update provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with previous guidance under ASC Topic 820, when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased when compared with normal market activity for the asset or liability (or similar assets and liabilities). The update also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. The update also requires disclosure in interim and annual periods of the inputs and valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques and related inputs, if any, during the period. The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Early adoption was permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009.  Adoption of the update did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In April 2009, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments.”  The update requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements.  The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Early adoption was permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. An entity may have adopted this update early only if it also elected to adopt the update to ASC Topic 820 early. Adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In August 2009, the FASB issued an update to the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”  This Update provides amendments to Subtopic 820-10 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures—Overall,” for the fair value measurement of liabilities. This update provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or more of the following techniques: (1) a valuation technique that uses the quoted price of an identical liability when traded as an asset, and or, quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets or (2) another valuation technique that is consistent with the principals of ASC Topic 820. The amendments in this update also clarify that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to include a separate input or adjustment to other inputs relating to the existence of a restriction that prevents the transfer of the liability. The amendments in this update also clarify that both a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability at the measurement date and the quoted price for the identical liability when traded as an asset in an active market when no adjustments to the quoted price of the asset are required are Level 1 fair value measurements.  The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after issuance.  Adoption of the update did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”  The update requires the following additional disclosures.  1) Separately disclose the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. 2) Information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements need to be disclosed separately in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using Level 3.  The update provides for amendments to existing disclosures as follows.  1)  Fair value measurement disclosures are to be made for each class of assets and liabilities.  2) Disclosures about valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements.  The update also includes conforming amendments to guidance on employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets.  The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements.  Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of this update is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 855 “Subsequent Events.”  The update provides that an SEC filer is required to evaluate subsequent events through the date financial statements are issued.  However, an SEC filer is not required to disclose the date through which subsequent events has been evaluated. The update was effective as of the date of issuance.  Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
 
118

 

18. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

Selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 is presented below:


   
2009
   
2008
 
   
4th
   
3rd
   
2nd
   
1st
   
4th
   
3rd
   
2nd
   
1st
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Quarterly operating data:
                                               
Interest income
  $ 57,467     $ 57,223     $ 58,203     $ 57,168     $ 55,708     $ 54,204     $ 53,362     $ 53,427  
Interest expense
    26,730       28,151       29,282       31,112       32,917       32,074       31,269       32,712  
Net interest income
    30,737       29,072       28,921       26,056       22,791       22,130       22,093       20,715  
Provision for loan losses
    5,000       5,000       5,000       4,500       2,000       3,000       300       300  
Other operating income (loss)
    (643 )     4,557       2,361       4,680       2,917       (2,662 )     2,741       3,972  
Other operating expense
    15,862       15,333       17,722       15,992       13,625       13,615       14,324       13,217  
Income before income tax expense
    9,232       13,296       8,560       10,244       10,083       2,853       10,210       11,170  
Income tax expense
    3,252       5,186       3,398       3,935       3,604       723       3,711       4,019  
Net income
  $ 5,980     $ 8,110     $ 5,162     $ 6,309     $ 6,479     $ 2,130     $ 6,499     $ 7,151  
                                                                 
Preferred dividends and amortization of issuance costs
  $ 1,590     $ 951     $ 951     $ 951     $ 126     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 4,390     $ 7,159     $ 4,211     $ 5,358     $ 6,353     $ 2,130     $ 6,499     $ 7,151  
                                                                 
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 0.15     $ 0.33     $ 0.20     $ 0.26     $ 0.31     $ 0.10     $ 0.32     $ 0.36  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 0.15     $ 0.33     $ 0.20     $ 0.26     $ 0.31     $ 0.10     $ 0.32     $ 0.35  
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13  
                                                                 
Average common shares outstanding for:
                                                         
Basic earnings per share
    30,040       21,519       20,718       20,590       20,346       20,325       20,142       19,988  
Diluted earnings per share
    30,051       21,534       20,718       20,596       20,434       20,486       20,377       20,173  
 
 
119

 

19. Parent Company Only Financial Information

Earnings of the Bank are recognized by the Holding Company using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, earnings of the Bank are recorded as increases in the Holding Company’s investment, any dividends would reduce the Holding Company’s investment in the Bank, and any changes in the Bank’s unrealized gain or loss on securities available for sale, net of taxes, would increase or decrease, respectively, the Holding Company’s investment in the Bank. The condensed financial statements for the Holding Company are presented below:

   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
 
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Assets:
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 21,769     $ 25,609  
Securities available for sale:
               
Other securities ($3,283 and $3,633 at fair value pursuant to the fair value option at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively)
    3,938       4,229  
Interest receivable
    13       13  
Investment in subsidiaries
    373,273       307,717  
Goodwill
    2,185       2,185  
Other assets
    4,324       6,169  
Total assets
  $ 405,502     $ 345,922  
                 
Liabilities:
               
Borrowings  (at fair value pursuant to the fair value option at December 31, 2009 and 2008)
  $ 34,510     $ 33,052  
Other liabilities
    10,848       11,378  
Total liabilities
    45,358       44,430  
                 
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Preferred stock
    -       1  
Common stock
    311       216  
Additional paid-in capital
    185,842       150,662  
Treasury stock, at average cost (3,395 shares and none at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively)
    (36 )     -  
Unearned compensation
    (575 )     (1,300 )
Retained earnings
    181,181       172,216  
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes
    (6,579 )     (20,303 )
Total equity
    360,144       301,492  
                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 405,502     $ 345,922  
 
 
   
For the years ended December 31,
 
Condensed Statements of Income
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Dividends from the Bank
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
Interest income
    1,175       1,018       1,213  
Interest expense
    (4,325 )     (4,328 )     (3,210 )
Gain on sale of securities
    7       -       -  
Other-than-temporary impairment charge on securities
    -       (197 )     (34 )
Net (loss) gain from fair value adjustments
    (1,415 )     26,504       1,212  
Other operating expenses
    (829 )     (997 )     (1,262 )
Income before taxes and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary
    (5,387 )     22,000       (2,081 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
    2,397       (9,863 )     898  
Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary
    (2,990 )     12,137       (1,183 )
Equity in undistributed earnings of the Bank
    28,551       10,122       21,368  
Net income
  $ 25,561     $ 22,259     $ 20,185  
 
 
120

 

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Operating activities:
                 
Net income
  $ 25,561     $ 22,259     $ 20,185  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Equity in undistributed earnings of the Bank
    (28,551 )     (10,122 )     (21,368 )
Other-than-temporary impairment charge on securities
    -       197       34  
Net loss on sale of securities
    7       -       -  
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision
    (502 )     11,709       -  
Fair value adjustments for financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value
    1,415       (26,504 )     (1,212 )
Stock based compensation expense
    2,041       2,209       2,016  
Net change in operating assets and liabilities
    3,258       (173 )     17  
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    3,229       (425 )     (328 )
                         
Investing activities:
                       
Purchases of securities available for sale
    (107 )     (139 )     (2,021 )
Proceeds from sales and calls of securities available for sale
    494       -       769  
Investment in subsidiary
    (23,500 )     (60,000 )     (30,000 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (23,113 )     (60,139 )     (31,252 )
                         
Financing activities:
                       
Purchase of treasury stock
    (231 )     (409 )     (1,056 )
Cash dividends paid
    (14,989 )     (10,383 )     (9,401 )
Issuance of common stock
    101,537       -       -  
(Redemption) issuance of preferred stock
    (70,900 )     69,974       -  
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
    -       -       61,857  
Repayments of long-term borrowings
    -       -       (20,619 )
Stock options exercised
    627       2,363       1,326  
Net cash provided by  financing activities
    16,044       61,545       32,107  
                         
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (3,840 )     981       527  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    25,609       24,628       24,101  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 21,769     $ 25,609     $ 24,628  

 
121

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Flushing Financial Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Flushing Financial Corporation (a Delaware Corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009.  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 also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Flushing Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted new accounting guidance related to Compensation-Retirement Benefits for the Split-Dollar Life Insurance in 2008.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Flushing Financial Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated March 12, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion.

GRANT THORNTON LLP

New York, New York
March 12, 2010

 
122

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Flushing Financial Corporation

We have audited Flushing Financial Corporation (a Delaware Corporation) and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).  Flushing Financial Corporation and subsidiaries’ 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 on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Flushing Financial Corporation and subsidiaries’ 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 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Flushing Financial Corporation and subsidiaries’ maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statements of financial condition of Flushing Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 and our report dated March 12, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion.

GRANT THORNTON LLP

New York, New York
March 12, 2010

 
123

 

Item 9.               Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A.            Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2009, the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective. During the period covered by this Annual Report, there have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, and for performing an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.  Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers 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.  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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 based upon criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).  Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2009 based on those criteria issued by COSO.

Grant Thornton, LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued a report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, as stated in its report which appears on page 123.
 
 
124

 

Item 9B.            Other Information.

None.

PART III

Item 10.             Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Other than the disclosures below, information regarding the directors and executive officers of the Company appears in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 18, 2010 (“Proxy Statement”) under the captions “Board Nominees,” “Continuing Directors,” “Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors” and “Meeting and Committees of the Board of Directors – Audit Committee” and is incorporated herein by this reference. Information regarding Section 16(a) beneficial ownership appears in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and is incorporated herein by this reference.

Code of Ethics. The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of its directors, officers and employees. This code is publicly available on the Company’s website at: http://www.snl.com/Cache/1500017426.PDF?D=&O=PDF&IID=102398&Y=&T=&FID=1500017426 
Any substantive amendments to the code and any grant of a waiver from a provision of the code requiring disclosure under applicable SEC or NASDAQ rules will be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K.

Audit Committee Financial Expert. The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that Louis C. Grassi, the Chairman of the Audit Committee, is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K, and that he is independent as defined under applicable NASDAQ listing standards. Mr. Grassi is a certified public accountant and a certified fraud examiner.

Item 11.             Executive Compensation.

Information regarding executive compensation appears in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Executive Compensation” and is incorporated herein by this reference.

Item 12.             Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners appears in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and is incorporated herein by this reference.

Information regarding security ownership of management appears in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Stock Ownership of Management” and is incorporated herein by this reference.

Item 13.             Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and directors independence, appears in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Related Party Transactions” and is incorporated herein by this reference.

Item 14.             Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

Information regarding fees paid to the Company’s independent auditor appears in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Schedule of Fees to Independent Auditors” and is hereby incorporated by this reference.

PART IV

 
125

 

Item 15.             Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)      1.      Financial Statements

The following financial statements are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report and are incorporated herein by this reference:

 
·
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2009 and 2008

 
·
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009

 
·
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009

 
·
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009

 
·
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
·
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

2.      Financial Statement Schedules

Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Annual Report and are incorporated herein by this reference.

 
126

 

3.       Exhibits Required by Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K


Exhibit
Number
 
Description
2.1
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 20, 2005 by and between Flushing Financial Corporation  and Atlantic Liberty Financial Corp. (10)
3.1
 
Certificate of Incorporation of Flushing Financial Corporation (1)
3.2
 
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Flushing Financial Corporation (5)
3.3
 
Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Flushing FinancialCorporation (6)
3.4
 
Certificate of Increase of Shares Designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Flushing Financial Corporation (13)
3.5
 
By-Laws of Flushing Financial Corporation (1)
3.6
 
Certificate of Designation relating to the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series B (15)
4.1
 
Rights Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2006, between Flushing Financial Corporation. and Computershare Trust Company N.A., as Rights Agent, which includes the form of Certificate of Increase of Shares Designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock as Exhibit A, form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock as Exhibit C (12)
4.2
 
Flushing Financial Corporation has outstanding certain long-term debt. None of such debt exceeds ten percent of Flushing Financial Corporation’s total assets; therefore, copies of constituent instruments defining the rights of the holders of such debt are not included as exhibits. Copies of instruments with respect to such long-term debt will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
4.3
 
Form of Certificate for the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series B (15)
4.4
 
Warrant for Purchase of Shares of Common Stock (15)
10.1*
 
Form of Amended and Restated Employment Agreements between Flushing Savings Bank, FSB andCertain Officers (16)
10.2*
 
Form of Amended and Restated Employment Agreements between Flushing Financial Corporation andCertain Officers (16)
10.3*
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Flushing Financial Corporation and John R.Buran (16)
10.4*
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Flushing Savings Bank, FSB and John R. Buran (16)
10.5*
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Flushing Financial Corporation and Maria A. Grasso (16)
10.6*
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Flushing Savings Bank, FSB and Maria A. Grasso (16)
10.7*
 
Flushing Savings Bank Assistant Vice President and Vice President Change in Control Severance Policy (16)
10.8*
 
Amended and Restated Employee Severance Compensation Plan of Flushing Savings Bank, FSB (4)
10.9*
 
Amended and Restated Outside Director Retirement Plan (11)
10.10*
 
Amended and Restated Flushing Savings Bank, FSB Outside Director Deferred Compensation Plan (4)
10.11*
 
Amended and Restated Flushing Savings Bank, FSB Supplemental Savings Incentive Plan (16)
10.12
 
Form of Indemnity Agreement among Flushing Savings Bank, FSB, Flushing Financial Corporation, and each Director (2)
10.13
 
Form of Indemnity Agreement among Flushing Savings Bank, FSB, Flushing Financial Corporation, and Certain Officers (2)
10.14*
 
Employee Benefit Trust Agreement (1)
10.15*
 
Amendment to the Employee Benefit Trust Agreement (3)
10.16*
 
Loan Document for Employee Benefit Trust (1)
10.17*
 
Guarantee by Flushing Financial Corporation (1)
10.18*
 
Consulting Agreement between Flushing Savings Bank, FSB, Flushing FinancialCorporation and Gerard P. Tully, Sr. (16)
10.19*
 
1996 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan of Flushing Financial Corporation (8)
10.20*
 
1996 Stock Option Incentive Plan of Flushing Financial Corporation (7)
10.21*
 
Description of Outside Director Fee Arrangements (16)
10.22*
 
Form of Outside Director Restricted Stock Award Letter (9)
10.23*
 
Form of Outside Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Letter (9)
10.24*
 
Form of Outside Director Stock Option Grant Letter (9)
10.25*
 
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Letter (9)
10.26*
 
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Unit Award Letter (9)

 
127

 

10.27*
 
Form of Employee Stock Option Award Letter (9)
10.28*
 
Amended and Restated 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (16)
10.29*
 
Annual Incentive Plan for Executives and Senior Officers (14)
10.30*
 
Form of Waiver executed by each of John R. Buran, Maria A. Grasso, David W. Fry, Francis W. Korzekwinski and Theresa Kelly (15)
10.31
 
Letter Agreement dated December 19, 2008 between Flushing Financial Corporation and the United States Department of the Treasury, including the Securities Purchase Agreement – Standard Terms, with respect to the issuance and sale of the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series B and the Warrant (15)
21.1
 
Subsidiaries information incorporated herein by reference to Part I – Subsidiary Activities
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Executive Officer
 
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Financial Officer
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C, Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of theSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Executive Officer
 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C, Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of theSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Financial Officer
 
Certification pursuant to ESSA §111(b)(4) by the Chief Executive Officer
 
Certification pursuant to ESSA §111(b)(4) by the Chief Financial Officer

*Indicates compensatory plan or arrangement.

_______________
 
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-96488.
 
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
 
(3)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.
 
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
 
(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form S-8 filed May 31, 2002.
 
(6)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
 
(7)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit filed with Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
 
(8)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
 
(9)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
 
(10)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit filed with Form 8-K filed December 23, 2005.
 
(11)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
 
(12)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit filed with Form 8-K filed September 1, 2006.
 
(13)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit filed with Form 8-K filed September 26, 2006.
 
(14)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit filed with Form 8-K filed March 1, 2007.
 
(15)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 8-K filed December 23, 2008.
 
(16)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
 
 
128

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report, or amendment thereto, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in New York, New York, on March 12, 2010.

 
FLUSHING FINANCIAL CORPORATION
   
   
 
By
/S/JOHN R. BURAN
 
   
John R. Buran
   
President and CEO

POWER OF ATTORNEY

We, the undersigned directors and officers of Flushing Financial Corporation (the “Company”) hereby severally constitute and appoint John R. Buran and David W. Fry as our true and lawful attorneys and agents, each acting alone and with full power of substitution and re-substitution, to do any and all things in our names in the capacities indicated below which said John R. Buran or David W. Fry may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Company to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with the report on Form 10-K, or amendment thereto, including specifically, but not limited to, power and authority to sign for us in our names in the capacities indicated below the report on Form 10-K, or amendment thereto; and we hereby approve, ratify and confirm all that said John R. Buran or David W. Fry shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report on Form 10-K, or amendment thereto, has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
/S/JOHN R. BURAN
 
Director, President (Principal Executive Officer)
 
March 9, 2010
      John R. Buran
       
         
/S/GERARD P. TULLY, SR.
 
Director, Chairman
 
March 9, 2010
Gerard P. Tully, Sr.
       
         
/S/DAVID W. FRY
 
Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
March 9, 2010
David W. Fry
       
         
/S/JAMES D. BENNETT
 
Director
 
March 9, 2010
James D. Bennett
       

 
129

 

/S/STEVEN J. D'IORIO
 
Director
 
March 9, 2010
Steven J. D'Iorio
       
         
/S/LOUIS C. GRASSI
 
Director
 
March 9, 2010
Louis C. Grassi
       
         
/S/SAM HAN
 
Director
 
March 9, 2010
        Sam Han
       
         
/S/MICHAEL J. HEGARTY
 
Director
 
March 9, 2010
Michael J. Hegarty
       
         
/S/JOHN J. MCCABE
 
Director
 
March 9, 2010
       John J. McCabe
       
         
/S/VINCENT F. NICOLOSI
 
Director
 
March 9, 2010
Vincent F. Nicolosi
       
         
/S/DONNA M. O'BRIEN
 
Director
 
March 9, 2010
Donna M. O'Brien
       
         
/S/JOHN E. ROE, SR.
 
Director
 
March 9, 2010
John E. Roe, Sr.
       
         
/S/MICHAEL J. RUSSO
 
Director
 
March 9, 2010
Michael J. Russo
       
 
 
130