form10q-87438_ssfn.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q


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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007

o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____________ to _____________

Commission file number 0-21855

Stewardship Financial Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
New Jersey
 
22-3351447
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
   
     
630 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park,  NJ
 
07432
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
     
(201)  444-7100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
     
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by a checkmark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   ý  No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer ý




Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes o No ý

The number of shares outstanding, net of treasury stock of the Issuer’s Common Stock, no par value, as of November 9, 2007 was 5,054,299.








Stewardship Financial Corporation

INDEX


 
PAGE
 
NUMBER
 
   
 
   
1
   
2
   
3
   
4
   
5
   
6 - 13
   
14 - 26
   
27
   
27
   
 
   
28
   
28
   
29
   
30 –33
   
 



Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(Unaudited)
             
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Assets
           
             
Cash and due from banks
  $
9,999,000
    $
14,861,000
 
Other interest-earning assets
   
49,000
     
836,000
 
       Cash and cash equivalents
   
10,048,000
     
15,697,000
 
                 
                 
Securities available for sale
   
79,654,000
     
72,746,000
 
Securities held to maturity; estimated fair value
               
    of $39,695,000 (2007) and $38,881,000 (2006)
   
39,911,000
     
39,163,000
 
FHLB-NY stock, at cost
   
1,605,000
     
1,899,000
 
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of
               
    of $ 4,249,000 (2007) and $4,101,000 (2006)
   
391,345,000
     
365,443,000
 
Mortgage loans held for sale
   
1,387,000
     
2,155,000
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
7,667,000
     
7,098,000
 
Accrued interest receivable
   
3,193,000
     
2,912,000
 
Intangible assets
   
78,000
     
102,000
 
Other real estate
   
353,000
     
-
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
8,192,000
     
8,522,000
 
Other assets
   
3,750,000
     
4,012,000
 
                 
       Total assets
  $
547,183,000
    $
519,749,000
 
                 
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
               
                 
Liabilities
               
Deposits:
               
    Noninterest-bearing
  $
96,397,000
    $
92,105,000
 
    Interest-bearing
   
362,174,000
     
342,118,000
 
                 
        Total deposits
   
458,571,000
     
434,223,000
 
                 
Other borrowings
   
20,262,000
     
27,892,000
 
Subordinated debentures
   
7,217,000
     
7,217,000
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
16,804,000
     
9,023,000
 
Accrued interest payable
   
1,928,000
     
1,721,000
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
2,321,000
     
2,367,000
 
                 
        Total liabilities
   
507,103,000
     
482,443,000
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies
   
-
     
-
 
                 
Stockholders' equity
               
Common stock, no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
               
     5,314,142 and 5,268,815 shares issued and outstanding at
               
    September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.
   
34,994,000
     
31,148,000
 
Retained earnings
   
5,535,000
     
6,750,000
 
Treasury stock; 8,232 shares outstanding at September 30, 2007.
    (112,000 )    
-
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (337,000 )     (592,000 )
                 
        Total stockholders' equity
   
40,080,000
     
37,306,000
 
                 
        Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $
547,183,000
    $
519,749,000
 

                 
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
               
 
1

 
Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary 
Consolidated Statements of Income 
(Unaudited) 
             
             
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Interest income:
           
     Loans
  $
20,289,000
    $
18,963,000
 
     Securities held to maturity
               
       Taxable
   
691,000
     
663,000
 
       Non-taxable
   
551,000
     
394,000
 
     Securities available for sale
               
       Taxable
   
2,868,000
     
1,962,000
 
       Non-taxable
   
50,000
     
23,000
 
     FHLB dividends
   
87,000
     
77,000
 
     Other interest-earning assets
   
39,000
     
29,000
 
          Total interest income
   
24,575,000
     
22,111,000
 
                 
Interest expense:
               
     Deposits
   
8,810,000
     
6,188,000
 
     Borrowed money
   
1,378,000
     
1,619,000
 
          Total interest expense
   
10,188,000
     
7,807,000
 
                 
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
   
14,387,000
     
14,304,000
 
Provision for loan losses
   
280,000
     
250,000
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
14,107,000
     
14,054,000
 
                 
Noninterest income:
               
     Fees and service charges
   
1,160,000
     
1,247,000
 
     Bank owned life insurance
   
240,000
     
233,000
 
     Gain on sales of mortgage loans
   
259,000
     
165,000
 
     Merchant processing
   
1,070,000
     
884,000
 
 Life insurance proceeds 
     459,000        -  
     Miscellaneous
   
229,000
     
357,000
 
           Total noninterest income
   
3,417,000
     
2,886,000
 
                 
Noninterest expenses:
               
     Salaries and employee benefits
   
5,425,000
     
5,045,000
 
     Occupancy, net
   
1,122,000
     
982,000
 
     Equipment
   
696,000
     
690,000
 
     Data processing
   
869,000
     
880,000
 
     Advertising
   
311,000
     
283,000
 
     FDIC insurance premium
   
50,000
     
38,000
 
     Amortization of intangible assets
   
24,000
     
29,000
 
     Charitable contributions
   
546,000
     
543,000
 
     Other real estate expense
   
37,000
         
     Stationery and supplies
   
256,000
     
240,000
 
     Merchant processing
   
965,000
     
801,000
 
     Bank-card related services
   
240,000
     
368,000
 
     Miscellaneous
   
1,509,000
     
1,611,000
 
          Total noninterest expenses
   
12,050,000
     
11,510,000
 
                 
Income before income tax expense
   
5,474,000
     
5,430,000
 
Income tax expense
   
1,705,000
     
1,929,000
 
Net income
  $
3,769,000
    $
3,501,000
 
                 
Basic earnings per share
  $
0.71
    $
0.66
 
Diluted earnings per share
  $
0.71
    $
0.66
 
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
   
5,289,047
     
5,270,688
 
Weighted average number of diluted common
               
     shares outstanding
   
5,317,745
     
5,321,844
 

                 
Share data has been restated to reflect a 5% stock dividend paid November 15, 2006 and a 5% stock dividend payable November 15, 2007.
 
                 
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
               
 
 
2

 
             
             
Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary 
Consolidated Statements of Income 
(Unaudited) 
             
             
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Interest income:
           
     Loans
  $
7,004,000
    $
6,685,000
 
     Securities held to maturity
               
       Taxable
   
227,000
     
223,000
 
       Non-taxable
   
195,000
     
157,000
 
     Securities available for sale
               
       Taxable
   
1,031,000
     
677,000
 
       Non-taxable
   
20,000
     
10,000
 
     FHLB dividends
   
29,000
     
30,000
 
     Other interest-earning assets
   
20,000
     
11,000
 
          Total interest income
   
8,526,000
     
7,793,000
 
                 
Interest expense:
               
     Deposits
   
3,189,000
     
2,396,000
 
     Borrowed money
   
425,000
     
532,000
 
          Total interest expense
   
3,614,000
     
2,928,000
 
                 
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
   
4,912,000
     
4,865,000
 
Provision for loan losses
   
90,000
     
90,000
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
4,822,000
     
4,775,000
 
                 
Noninterest income:
               
     Fees and service charges
   
375,000
     
419,000
 
     Bank owned life insurance
   
80,000
     
79,000
 
     Gain on sales of mortgage loans
   
73,000
     
70,000
 
     Merchant processing
   
353,000
     
322,000
 
     Miscellaneous
   
34,000
     
94,000
 
           Total noninterest income
   
915,000
     
984,000
 
                 
Noninterest expenses:
               
     Salaries and employee benefits
   
1,781,000
     
1,713,000
 
     Occupancy, net
   
406,000
     
375,000
 
     Equipment
   
239,000
     
201,000
 
     Data processing
   
240,000
     
309,000
 
     Advertising
   
111,000
     
82,000
 
     FDIC insurance premium
   
24,000
     
12,000
 
     Amortization of intangible assets
   
8,000
     
10,000
 
     Charitable contributions
   
178,000
     
181,000
 
     Other real estate owned
   
37,000
     
-
 
     Stationery and supplies
   
63,000
     
87,000
 
     Merchant processing
   
315,000
     
287,000
 
     Bank-card related services
   
71,000
     
124,000
 
     Miscellaneous
   
400,000
     
488,000
 
          Total noninterest expenses
   
3,873,000
     
3,869,000
 
                 
Income before income tax expense
   
1,864,000
     
1,890,000
 
Income tax expense
   
635,000
     
665,000
 
Net income
  $
1,229,000
    $
1,225,000
 
                 
Basic earnings per share
  $
0.23
    $
0.23
 
Diluted earnings per share
  $
0.23
    $
0.23
 
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
   
5,304,678
     
5,294,369
 
Weighted average number of diluted common
               
     shares outstanding
   
5,321,768
     
5,337,407
 

                 
Share data has been restated to reflect a 5% stock dividend paid November 15, 2006 and a 5% stock dividend payable November 15, 2007.
 
                 
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
               
 
 
3

 
 
Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
(Unaudited) 
             
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $
3,769,000
    $
3,501,000
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
               
    net cash provided by operating activities:
               
        Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
   
569,000
     
544,000
 
        Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, net
   
102,000
     
199,000
 
        Accretion of deferred loan fees
    (71,000 )     (94,000 )
        Provision for loan losses
   
280,000
     
250,000
 
        Valuation reserve on other real estate
   
32,000
     
-
 
        Originations of mortgage loans held for sale
    (24,308,000 )     (17,318,000 )
        Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans
   
25,335,000
     
17,073,000
 
        Gain on sale of loans
    (259,000 )     (165,000 )
        Deferred income tax benefit
    (32,000 )     (103,000 )
        Amortization of intangible assets
   
24,000
     
29,000
 
        Nonqualified stock option expense
   
38,000
     
38,000
 
        Increase in bank owned life insurance
    (240,000 )     (233,000 )
        Life insurance proceeds
    (459,000 )    
-
 
        Increase in accrued interest receivable
    (281,000 )     (161,000 )
        Decrease in other assets
   
120,000
     
82,000
 
        Increase in accrued interest payable
   
207,000
     
619,000
 
        Decrease in other liabilities
    (37,000 )     (99,000 )
                 Net cash provided by operating activities
   
4,789,000
     
4,162,000
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
    Purchase of securities available for sale
    (15,628,000 )     (11,260,000 )
    Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments
               
          on securities available for sale
   
8,815,000
     
8,867,000
 
    Proceeds from calls on securities available for sale
   
300,000
     
-
 
    Purchase of securities held to maturity
    (7,450,000 )     (11,430,000 )
    Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments on
               
          securities held to maturity
   
6,471,000
     
9,579,000
 
    Proceeds from calls on securities held to maturity
   
152,000
     
950,000
 
    Purchase of FHLB-NY stock
   
294,000
     
130,000
 
    Net increase in loans
    (26,171,000 )     (20,192,000 )
    Additional investment in other real estate owned
    (324,000 )    
-
 
    Proceeds from life insurance payout
   
1,030,000
     
-
 
    Additions to premises and equipment
    (1,138,000 )     (659,000 )
                 Net cash used in investing activities
    (33,649,000 )     (24,015,000 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
     Net increase in noninterest-bearing deposits
   
4,292,000
     
8,889,000
 
     Net increase in interest-bearing deposits
   
20,056,000
     
14,394,000
 
     Net increase in securities sold under agreements
               
         to repurchase
   
7,781,000
     
4,148,000
 
     Net decrease in short term borrowings
    (6,400,000 )     (3,400,000 )
     Payments on long term borrowings
    (1,230,000 )     (1,190,000 )
     Cash dividends paid on common stock
    (1,358,000 )     (733,000 )
     Payment of discount on dividend reinvestment plan
    (33,000 )     (10,000 )
     Purchase of treasury stock
   
-
      (235,000 )
     Options exercised
   
59,000
     
233,000
 
     Tax benefit of stock options
   
2,000
     
-
 
     Issuance of common stock
   
42,000
     
69,000
 
     Net cash provided by financing activities
   
23,211,000
     
22,165,000
 
                 
     Net decrease (increase) in cash and cash equivalents
    (5,649,000 )    
2,312,000
 
     Cash and cash equivalents - beginning
   
15,697,000
     
14,028,000
 
     Cash and cash equivalents - ending
  $
10,048,000
    $
16,340,000
 
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
     Cash paid during the period for interest
   
9,980,000
     
7,198,000
 
     Cash paid during the period for income taxes
   
1,699,000
     
2,080,000
 
      Noncash investing activities - transfer of loan to ORE
   
61,000
     
-
 
      Noncash financing activities - issuance of common stock
               
          under dividend reinvestment plan
   
-
     
412,000
 
      Noncash transfer of credit card loans to loans held for sale
           
3,501,000
 

                 
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
               
 
4

 
Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
(Unaudited)
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
   
For the Period Ended September 30, 2007
 
                                 Accumulated     
                                 Other      
                               
Comprehensive 
   
   
Common Stock
   
Treasury Stock
   
Retained
 
Loss, 
   
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Earnings
 
Net 
Total
 
                                           
Balance -- December 31, 2006
   
5,017,919
    $
31,148,000
     
-
    $
-
    $
6,750,000
    $ (592,000 )   $
37,306,000
 
Cash dividends paid
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (1,358,000 )    
-
      (1,358,000 )
5% stock dividend (payable
                                                       
     November 15, 2007)
   
253,054
     
3,631,000
      (392 )     (5,000 )     (3,626,000 )    
-
     
-
 
Payment of discount on dividend
                                                       
    reinvestment plan
   
-
      (33,000 )    
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (33,000 )
Common stock issued under stock plans
   
1,810
     
22,000
     
1,462
     
20,000
     
-
     
-
     
42,000
 
Stock option compensation expense
   
-
     
38,000
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
38,000
 
Stock options exercised
   
41,359
     
186,000
      (9,302 )     (127,000 )    
-
     
-
     
59,000
 
Tax benefit on stock options exercised
           
2,000
                                     
2,000
 
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
   Net income for the nine months
                                                       
       ended September 30, 2007
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,769,000
     
-
     
3,769,000
 
   Unrealized holding gains on securities
                                                       
    available for sale arising during the period 
                                                     
    (net of taxes of $163,000)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
255,000
     
255,000
 
Total comprehensive income, net of tax
                                                   
4,024,000
 
                                                         
Balance -- September 30, 2007
   
5,314,142
    $
34,994,000
      (8,232 )   $ (112,000 )   $
5,535,000
    $ (337,000 )   $
40,080,000
 
                                                         

                                                         
   
For the Period Ended September 30, 2006                    
 
                                                         
                                           Accumulated        
                                           Other         
                                         
Comprehensive
       
   
Common Stock
   
Treasury Stock
   
Retained
 
Loss,
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Earnings
 
Net
 
Total
 
                                                         
Balance -- December 31, 2005
   
5,027,283
    $
28,211,000
      (41,560 )   $ (556,000 )   $
6,647,000
    $ (918,000 )   $
33,384,000
 
Cash dividends paid
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (1,145,000 )    
-
      (1,145,000 )
5% stock dividend (payable
                                                       
     November 15, 2006)
   
253,240
     
3,135,000
      (1,119 )     (14,000 )     (3,121,000 )    
-
     
-
 
Payment of discount on dividend
                                                       
    reinvestment plan
   
-
      (10,000 )    
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
      (10,000 )
Common stock issued under dividend
                                                       
    reinvestment plan
   
-
     
-
     
31,262
     
412,000
     
-
     
-
     
412,000
 
Common stock issued under stock plans
   
-
     
-
     
5,107
     
69,000
     
-
     
-
     
69,000
 
Repurchase common stock
   
-
     
-
      (7,739 )     (103,000 )    
-
     
-
      (103,000 )
Stock option compensation expense
   
-
     
38,000
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
38,000
 
Exercise of stock options
   
37,523
     
233,000
      (9,450 )     (132,000 )    
-
     
-
     
101,000
 
Tax benefit on stock options exercised
   
-
     
174,000
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
174,000
 
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
   Net income for the nine months
                                                       
       ended September 30, 2006
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
3,501,000
     
-
     
3,501,000
 
   Unrealized holding gains on securities
                                                       
    available for sale arising during the period 
                                                     
    (net of taxes of $113,000)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
179,000
     
179,000
 
Total comprehensive income, net of tax
                                                   
3,680,000
 
                                                         
Balance -- September 30, 2006
   
5,318,046
    $
31,781,000
      (23,499 )   $ (324,000 )   $
5,882,000
    $ (739,000 )   $
36,600,000
 
                                                         
                                                         
                                                         
                                                         
                                                         
See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.
                                                 
 

5


Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2007
(Unaudited)


Note 1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the unaudited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stewardship Financial Corporation, (the “Corporation”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Atlantic Stewardship Bank (the “Bank”).  The Bank includes its wholly owned subsidiaries, Stewardship Investment Corp. and Stewardship Realty, LLC.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial  statements.  Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.  The consolidated financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the dates of the statements of financial condition and revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses.  Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate.  While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions in the market area.

 Share-based Payment Cost

The Corporation records all share-based payment cost in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”).

At September 30, 2007, the Corporation had four types of stock award programs referred to as the Employee Stock Bonus Plan, the Director Stock Plan, the Employee Stock Option Plan and the Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors.  The Employee Stock Bonus Plan is intended to provide incentives which will retain highly competent key management by providing them with a bonus in the form of shares of common stock of the Corporation.  The Corporation did not grant shares under this plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 or 2007.

6


The Director Stock Plan permits members of the Board of Directors of the Bank to receive any monthly Board of Directors’ fees in shares of the Corporation’s common stock, rather than in cash.  The Corporation recorded $53,000 and $31,000 in directors expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $18,000 and $17,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, relating to this plan.

The Employee Stock Option Plan provides for options to purchase shares of Common Stock to be issued to employees of the Corporation at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.  The following table represents the stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:
             
   
2007
   
2006
 
         
Weighted
         
Weighted
 
         
Average
         
Average
 
   
Shares
   
Exercise Price
   
Shares
   
Exercise Price
 
                         
Outstanding at beginning of year
   
79,193
    $
5.70
     
79,788
    $
5.74
 
Granted
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Exercised
   
(41,222
   
4.05
     
-
     
-
 
Forfeited
   
(1,384
   
12.89
     
(510
   
12.34
 
Outstanding at end of period
   
36,587
    $
8.01
     
79,278
    $
5.70
 
Options exercisable
   
36,587
             
79,278
         
Weighted-average remaining
                               
   contractual life
 
2.78 years
           
2.21 years
         
Aggregate intrinsic value
  $
199,000
            $
519,000
         
                                 

A total of 41,222 shares were exercised in the second quarter of 2007 with the receipt of $32,000 in cash and 9,302 shares valued at $127,000.
 
The 2001 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors provided for options to purchase shares of common stock to be issued to Non-Employee Directors of the Corporation.  In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), the Corporation recorded $38,000 of director’s compensation expense for share-based payments for both of the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively and $12,000 and $14,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  This expense relates to non-qualified stock options that were outstanding but not yet vested as of September 30, 2007 and 2006.  Due to the relatively small amount of compensation expense, basic and diluted earnings per share, income from continuing operations, income before taxes, net income, cash flow from operations and cash flow from financing activities were not significantly impacted.

The 2006 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, which provides for options to purchase shares of common stock to be issued to non-employee directors, was adopted by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting in May, 2006.

 

7


Options to purchase 5,513 shares were granted to each Non-Employee Director on June 30, 2006.  The fair value of the options granted were estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used:

Dividend yield
2.25%
Expected volatility
36.72%
Risk-free interest rate
5.21%
Expected life
6 years

The following table represents the stock activity for non-employee Directors for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006:

   
2007
   
2006
 
         
Weighted
         
Weighted
 
         
Average
         
Average
 
   
Shares
   
Exercise Price
   
Shares
   
Exercise Price
 
                         
Outstanding at beginning of year
   
60,753
    $
12.34
     
47,846
    $
6.78
 
Granted
   
-
     
-
     
55,125
     
12.25
 
Exercised
   
(2,205
   
12.24
     
(39,399
   
5.90
 
Expired
   
-
     
-
     
(2,819
   
5.90
 
Outstanding at end of period
   
58,548
    $
12.35
     
60,753
    $
12.34
 
Options exercisable
   
14,180
             
5,628
         
Weighted-average remaining
                               
  contractual life
 
4.48 years
           
5.51 years
         
Aggregate intrinsic value
  $
77,000
            $
-
         
Weighted-average fair value of
                               
  options granted during the period
   -             $
4.33
         

There was approximately $147,000 and $225,000 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The costs outstanding as of September 30, 2007 are expected to be recognized over the next 3.7 years.
 
A total of 2,205 shares were exercised in the second quarter of 2007 with the receipt of $27,000. A total of 39,399 shares were exercised in the second quarter of 2006 with the receipt of $233,000 and 9,923 shares valued at $132,000.
 
Note 2.   Basis of presentation

The interim unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with instructions for Form 10-Q and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, therefore, do not include information or footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of consolidated financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  However, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements, have been included.  The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the entire year.  All share and per share amounts have been restated for stock splits and stock dividends.

8


Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Continued
(Unaudited)


Note 3.   Securities Available for Sale

The following table sets forth the fair value of the Corporation's securities available for sale as of  September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.  In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities", securities available for sale are carried at fair value.

   
September 30, 2007      
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Holding Gains
   
Holding Losses
 
                   
    U.S. government-sponsored agencies
 
40,818,000
   
212,000
   
87,000
 
    Obligations of state and political
                       
         subdivisions
   
2,421,000
     
1,000
     
49,000
 
    Mortgage-backed securities
   
35,216,000
     
27,000
     
621,000
 
    Other securities
   
1,199,000
     
-
     
35,000
 
    $
79,654,000
    $
240,000
    $
792,000
 
                         

   
December 31, 2006        
 
           
Gross
   
Gross
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Holding Gains
   
Holding Losses
 
                         
    U.S. government-sponsored agencies
  $
32,117,000
    $
28,000
    $
347,000
 
    Obligations of state and political
                       
         subdivisions
   
1,823,000
     
-
     
30,000
 
    Mortgage-backed securities
   
37,707,000
     
40,000
     
641,000
 
    Other securities
   
1,099,000
     
-
     
21,000
 
    $
72,746,000
    $
68,000
    $
1,039,000
 

 
On a quarterly basis, the Corporation makes an assessment to determine whether there have been any events  or economic circumstances to indicate that a security is impaired on an other-than-temporary basis.  The Corporation considers many factors including the length of time the security has had a market value less than the cost basis; the intent and ability of the  Corporation to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for a recovery in value; and recent events specific to the issuer or industry.  Management considers the decline in market value of these securities to be temporary.

Mortgage-backed securities are comprised primarily of government agencies such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") and government-sponsored agencies such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC").

Note 4.   Securities Held to Maturity

The following table sets forth the amortized cost and fair value of the Corporation's securities held to maturity as September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006.  Securities held to maturity are stated at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.

   
September 30, 2007
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Carrying
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Value
   
Holding Gains
   
Holding Losses
   
Value
 
                         
    U.S. Treasury securities
  $
501,000
    $
3,000
    $
-
    $
504,000
 
    U.S. government-sponsored agencies
   
10,826,000
     
34,000
     
14,000
     
10,846,000
 
    Obligations of state and political
                               
         subdivisions
   
22,478,000
     
41,000
     
209,000
     
22,310,000
 
    Mortgage-backed securities
   
6,106,000
     
27,000
     
98,000
     
6,035,000
 
    $
39,911,000
    $
105,000
    $
321,000
    $
39,695,000
 

   
December 31, 2006
 
           
Gross
   
Gross
         
   
Carrying
   
Unrecognized
   
Unrecognized
   
Fair
 
   
Value
   
Holding Gains
   
Holding Losses
   
Value
 
                                 
    U.S. Treasury securities
  $
502,000
    $
-
    $
2,000
    $
500,000
 
    U.S. government-sponsored agencies
   
10,776,000
     
8,000
     
109,000
     
10,675,000
 
    Obligations of state and political
                               
         subdivisions
   
20,516,000
     
53,000
     
154,000
     
20,415,000
 
    Mortgage-backed securities
   
7,369,000
     
32,000
     
110,000
     
7,291,000
 
    $
39,163,000
    $
93,000
    $
375,000
    $
38,881,000
 
 
On a quarterly basis, the Corporation makes an assessment to determine whether there have been any events  or economic circumstances to indicate that a security is impaired on an other-than-temporary basis.  The Corporation considers many factors including the length of time the security has had a market value less than the cost basis; the intent and ability of the  Corporation to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for a recovery in value; and recent events specific to the  issuer or industry.  Management considers the decline in market value of these securities to be temporary.

Mortgage-backed securities are comprised primarily of government agencies such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") and government-sponsored agencies such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC").
 
9


Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Continued
(Unaudited)

Note 5.   Loans

          The Corporation's primary market area for lending is the small and medium sized business and professional community, as well as the individuals residing, working and shopping in Bergen, Passaic and Morris counties, New Jersey.  The following table set forth the composition of loans as of the periods indicated.
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
             
Mortgage
           
     Residential
  $
45,675,000
    $
47,020,000
 
     Commercial
   
190,517,000
     
177,411,000
 
Commercial
   
84,160,000
     
72,606,000
 
Equity
   
19,287,000
     
20,010,000
 
Installment
   
54,002,000
     
52,389,000
 
Other
   
2,367,000
     
560,000
 
        Total loans
   
396,008,000
     
369,996,000
 
                 
Less:  Deferred loan fees
   
414,000
     
452,000
 
          Allowance for loan losses
   
4,249,000
     
4,101,000
 
     
4,663,000
     
4,553,000
 
                 
        Loans, net
  $
391,345,000
    $
365,443,000
 

                 
Note 6.   Allowance for loan losses
               
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
                 
Balance, beginning of period
  $
4,101,000
    $
3,847,000
 
Provision charged to operations
   
280,000
     
250,000
 
Recoveries of loans charged off
   
8,000
     
26,000
 
Loans charged off
    (140,000 )     (37,000 )
                 
Balance, end of period
  $
4,249,000
    $
4,086,000
 
 
 
10

 
Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Continued
(Unaudited)


Note 7.  Loan Impairment

The Corporation has defined the population of impaired loans to include all nonaccrual loans.  The following table sets forth information regarding the impaired loans as of the periods indicated.
 
             
             
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
             
Impaired loans
           
    With related allowance for loan losses
  $
85,000
    $
223,000
 
    Without related allowance for loan losses
   
153,000
     
221,000
 
Total impaired loans
  $
238,000
    $
444,000
 
                 
Related allowance for loan losses
  $
25,000
    $
110,000
 
 
 
 
11

 
Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Continued
(Unaudited)


Note 8.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 
FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”

The Corporation adopted FASB Interpretation 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), as of January 1, 2007.  A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination being presumed to occur.  The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination.  For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.  The adoption had no affect on the Corporation’s financial statements.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of the state of New Jersey.  The Corporation is no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2002.  The Corporation has no unrecognized tax benefits and does not anticipated any increase in unrecognized benefits during 2007 relative to any tax positions taken prior to January 1, 2007.

The Corporation recognizes interest and or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.  The Corporation did not have any amounts accrued for interest and penalties at January 1, 2007.

SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157).  This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  SFAS No. 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy about the assumptions used to measure fair value and clarifies assumptions about risk and the effect of a restriction on the sale or use of an asset.  The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  The Corporation has not completed its evaluation of the impact of the adoption of this standard.

SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”

In February, 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (SFAS No. 159).  This statement permits the measurement of many financial instruments and certain other assets and liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis.  SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of the fiscal year for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  Early adoption is permitted provided, among other things, an entity elects to adopt within the first 120 days of that fiscal year.  The Corporation does not anticipate adopting SFAS No. 159 before the required implementation date of January 1, 2008.  The Corporation has not yet determined the impact this statement might have on its consolidated financial statements upon adoption. 
 
FASB Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements”

In September 2006, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force finalized Issue No. 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements”.  This issue requires that a liability be recorded during the service period when a split-dollar life insurance agreement continues after participants’ employment or retirement.  The required accrued liability will be based on either the post-employment benefit cost for the continuing life insurance or based on the future death benefit depending on the contractual terms of the underlying agreement.  This issue is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007.  The Corporation has determined that the adoption of EITF 06-4 will not have a material impact on the financial statements.

FASB Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-5, “Accounting for Purchases of life Insurance – Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized in Accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4 (Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance)”

In September 2006, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force finalized Issue No. 06-5, “Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance - Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized in Accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4 (Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance)”. This issue requires that a policyholder consider contractual terms of a life insurance policy in determining the amount that could be realized under the insurance contract.  It also requires that if the contract provides for a greater surrender value if all individual policies in a group are surrendered at the same time, that the surrender value be determined based on the assumption that policies will  be surrendered on an individual basis.  Lastly, the issue discusses whether the cash surrender value should be discounted when the policyholder is contractually limited in its ability to surrender a policy.  This issue was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.  The adoption of this issue has not had a material impact on the financial statements of the Corporation.
 
12

 
 


Note 9.   Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the average daily number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Common stock equivalents are not included in the calculation.  Diluted earnings per share is computed similar to that of basic earnings per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if all potential dilutive common shares were issued.

The following is a reconciliation of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share.

 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
 
Net income
  $
1,229
    $
1,225
    $
3,769
    $
3,501
 
                                 
Weighted average shares
   
5,305
     
5,294
     
5,289
     
5,271
 
Effect of dilutive stock options
   
17
     
43
     
28
     
51
 
Total weighted average dilutive shares
   
5,322
     
5,337
     
5,317
     
5,322
 
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $
0.23
    $
0.23
    $
0.71
    $
0.66
 
Diluted earnings per share
  $
0.23
    $
0.23
    $
0.71
    $
0.66
 

Stock options to purchase 54,725 and 24,205 average shares of common stock were not considered in computing diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively because they were antidilutive.  Stock options to purchase 53,987 and 60,753 average shares of common stock were not considered in computing diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively because they were antidilutive.

All share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect a 5% stock dividend paid November 15, 2006 and a 5% stock dividend payable on November 15, 2007.


Note 10.  Comprehensive Income

Total comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income which is comprised of unrealized holding gains and losses on securities available for sale, net of taxes.  The Corporation’s total comprehensive income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $4.0 million and $3.7 million, respectively, and for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $1.9 million for both periods.  The difference between the Corporation’s net income and total comprehensive income for these periods relates to the change in the net unrealized holding gains and losses on securities available for sale during the applicable period of time.
 

13


Item 2.
 
Stewardship Financial Corporation
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations


This Form 10-Q contains certain “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and may be identified by the use of such words as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” and “potential.”  Examples of forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Corporation that are subject to various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these estimates.  These factors include: changes in general, economic, and market conditions, legislative and regulatory conditions, or the development of an interest rate environment that adversely affects the Corporation’s interest rate spread or other income anticipated from operations and investments.  As used in this Form 10-Q, “we” and “us” and “our” refer to Stewardship Financial Corporation and its consolidated subsidiary, Atlantic Stewardship Bank, depending on the context.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” as well as disclosures found elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, are based upon the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these financial statements requires the Corporation to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses.  Note 1 to the Corporation’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, as supplemented by this report, contains a summary of the Corporation’s significant accounting policies.  Management also believes the Corporation’s policy with respect to the methodology for the determination of the allowance for loan losses involves a higher degree of complexity and requires management to make difficult and subjective judgments which often require assumptions or estimates about highly uncertain matters.  Changes in these judgments, assumptions or estimates could materially impact results of operations.  The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors periodically review this critical policy and its application.

The allowance for loan losses is based upon management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance, including an assessment of known and inherent risks in the portfolio, giving consideration to the size and composition of the loan portfolio, actual loan loss experience, level of delinquencies, detailed analysis of individual loans for which full collectibility may not be assured, the existence and estimated net realizable value of any underlying collateral and guarantees securing the loans, and current economic and market conditions.  Although management uses the best information available, the level of the allowance for loan losses remains an estimate that is subject to significant judgment and short-term change.  Various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses.  Such agencies may require the Corporation to make

14


additional provisions for loan losses based upon information available to them at the time of their examination.  Furthermore, the majority of the Corporation’s loans are secured by real estate in the State of New Jersey.  Accordingly, the collectibility of a substantial portion of the carrying value of the Corporation’s loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in local market conditions and may be adversely affected should real estate values decline or the northern New Jersey area experience an adverse economic shock.  Future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory and other conditions beyond the Corporation’s control.

Financial Condition

Total assets increased by $27.4 million, or 5.3%, from $519.7 million at December 31, 2006 to $547.2 million at September 30, 2007.  Net loans increased $25.9 million, or 7.1%, despite large payoffs during the first six months of 2007 within the construction loan portfolio.  The composition of the loan portfolio is basically unchanged at September 30, 2007 when compared with the portfolio at December 31, 2006.

Deposits totaled $458.6 million at September 30, 2007, an increase of $24.3 million, or 5.6%, from $434.2 million at December 31, 2006.  Noninterest-bearing deposits increased $4.3 million, or 4.7%, to $96.4 million at September 30, 2007 and interest-bearing deposits increased $20.1 million, or 5.9%, to $362.2 million at September 30, 2007.  The Corporation continues to experience strong competition in attracting deposits.  The Corporation continues to utilize the brokered certificate of deposit market to provide additional funding and currently has $10 million as of September 30, 2007 compared to $19.7 million as of December 31, 2006.  The Corporation opened its eleventh branch in Wyckoff, Bergen County, New Jersey in March 2007 and opened its twelfth branch in Westwood, Bergen County, New Jersey in September of 2007.  In addition, the Corporation anticipates the opening of its thirteenth branch in North Haledon, Passaic County, New Jersey in the first quarter of 2008.  It is anticipated that these new branches will continue to attract new customers to our organization and provide an increase to our deposit and lending relationships.

The Corporation has completed negotiations with its vendor to complete a core processing conversion in the fourth quarter of 2007.  This upgrade will provide access to several new services which will allow the Corporation to begin to offer services such as cash management for business customers, electronic statement rendering for both personal and business customers, image capture processing for branches and businesses, and an upgrade to our online banking product to provide real time transaction processing.  These enhancements will allow the Corporation to provide better and more effective service to our customers and should allow for new deposit products to be created.

The financial markets have been challenged by the current interest rate environment, general credit market conditions, and the subprime lending crisis.  Community banks like Stewardship Financial Corporation, although not directly involved in the subprime lending business, are impacted by current market conditions.  The Corporation has been operating over the past year in an extremely competitive market for core deposits and customers continue to look for high yielding certificates of deposits and money market accounts.  This has put pressure on the

15


Corporation’s net interest income, as it has on the entire industry.  The Corporation continues to be encouraged by its strong lending base and has been able to grow its loan portfolio while maintaining strong credit quality standards.  The Corporation does not participate in the subprime or negative amortization lending market.


Results of Operations
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

General

The Corporation reported net income of $3.77 million, or $0.71 diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $3.50 million, or $0.66 diluted earnings per share for the same period in 2006.  The $268,000 increase was primarily caused by increases in net interest income and noninterest income, partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense and provision for loan loss.  The Corporation did receive a death benefit payment on an officer of the Corporation during the quarter ended June 30, 2007, which resulted in miscellaneous income of $459,000.

Net interest income

Net interest income increased $83,000, or 0.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the corresponding period in 2006.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in average net interest-earning assets, partially offset by a decrease in the net interest margin.

The following table reflects the components of the Corporation’s net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 including, (1) average assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity, (2) interest income earned on interest-earning assets and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, (3) average yields earned on interest-earning assets and average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, and (4) net yield on interest-earning assets.  Nontaxable income from investment securities and loans is presented on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a statutory tax rate of 34%.  This was accomplished by adjusting non-taxable income upward to make it equivalent to the level of taxable income required to earn the same amount after taxes.


16


Analysis of Net Interest Income (Unaudited)
                                                       
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,

   
2007
   
   2006
 
               
Average
               
Average
 
         
Interest
   
Rates
         
Interest
   
Rates
 
   
Average
   
Income/
   
Earned/
   
Average
   
Income/
   
Earned/
 
   
Balance
   
Expense
   
Paid
   
Balance
   
Expense
   
Paid
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Assets
                                   
                                     
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans (1)
  $
379,189
    $
20,289
      7.15 %   $
356,857
    $
18,963
      7.10 %
Taxable investment securities (1)
   
93,092
     
3,646
     
5.24
     
85,211
     
2,702
     
4.24
 
Tax-exempt investment securities (1) (2)
   
22,880
     
872
     
7.62
     
17,877
     
606
     
6.78
 
Other interest-earning assets
   
744
     
39
     
7.01
     
498
     
29
     
7.79
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
495,905
     
24,846
     
6.70
     
460,443
     
22,300
     
6.48
 
                                                 
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                               
Allowance for loan losses
    (4,147 )                     (3,993 )                
Other assets
   
33,395
                     
32,584
                 
Total assets
  $
525,153
                    $
489,034
                 
                                                 
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
                                               
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing demand deposits
  $
127,765
    $
2,353
      2.46 %   $
115,775
    $
1,433
      1.65 %
Savings deposits
   
37,363
     
211
     
0.76
     
43,026
     
188
     
0.58
 
Time deposits
   
183,801
     
6,246
     
4.54
     
154,696
     
4,567
     
3.95
 
Repurchase agreements
   
10,534
     
351
     
4.45
     
6,755
     
220
     
4.35
 
FHLB Borrowing
   
20,281
     
662
     
4.36
     
31,333
     
1,034
     
4.41
 
Subordinated debenture
   
7,217
     
365
     
6.76
     
7,217
     
365
     
6.76
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
386,961
     
10,188
     
3.52
     
358,802
     
7,807
     
2.91
 
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits
   
95,602
                     
91,335
                 
Other liabilities
   
4,014
                     
3,991
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
38,576
                     
34,906
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $
525,153
                    $
489,034
                 
                                                 
Net interest income (taxable equivalent basis)
          $
14,658
                    $
14,493
         
Tax equivalent adjustment
            (271 )                     (189 )        
Net interest income
           
14,387
                     
14,304
         
                                                 
Net interest spread (taxable equivalent basis)
                    3.18 %                     3.57 %
                                                 
Net yield on interest-earning
                                               
  assets (taxable equivalent basis) (3)
                    3.95 %                     4.21 %
                                                 
________________________________
 
     (1)       For purpose of these calculations, nonaccruing loans are included in the average balance.  Fees are included in loan interest.  Loans and total interest-earning assets are net of unearned income.  Securities are included at amortized cost.
     (2)       The tax equivalent adjustments are based on a marginal tax rate of 34%.
       
     (3)       Net interest income (taxable equivalent basis) divided by average interest-earning assets.
 
 

17



Total interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased $2.55 million, or 11.4%, primarily due to an increase in the average earning assets and an increase in yields on interest-earning assets.  An increase in the yields in the loan and investment portfolio provided an increase in tax equivalent yields on interest earning assets of 22 basis points from 6.48% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 6.70% for the same period in 2007.  The average balance of interest-earning assets increased $35.5 million, or 7.7%, from $460.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to $495.9 million for the same period in 2007, primarily caused by strong loan demand and an increase in taxable and tax-exempt investment securities.  The Corporation continued to experience an increase in loan demand which caused loans on average to increase $22.3 million to an average of $379.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, from an average of $356.9 million for the comparable period in 2006.  Taxable investment securities increased $7.9 million to an average of $93.1 million and tax-exempt securities increased $5.0 million to an average $22.9 million.

Interest paid on deposits and borrowed money increased by $2.38 million, or 30.5%, due to an increase in deposits and an increase in rates paid on deposits.  The average balance of total interest-bearing deposits and borrowed money increased to $387.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from $358.8 million for the comparable 2006 period, primarily as a result of the Corporation’s expanding customer base and the issuance of brokered certificates of deposit.  Yields on deposits and borrowed money increased from 2.91% for the nine month period ended September 30, 2006 to 3.52% for the comparable period in 2007.  Rising short-term interest rates and an extremely competitive market has caused the Corporation to raise yields on deposits in order to fund the asset base.  Customers have become very interest rate sensitive and are moving out of core savings and interest bearing demand deposit accounts and into short-term high yielding time deposits.  Recent declines in short-term borrowing costs have yet to impact the retail deposit market.  As the Corporation completes its core processing system conversion, it anticipates introducing several new deposit products in order to encourage business and personal customers to invest in core savings products in the future.

Provision for loan losses

The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses at a level considered by management to be adequate to cover the inherent losses associated with its loan portfolio, after giving consideration to changes in general market conditions, current charge-off experience, level of nonperforming loans and in the nature and volume of the Corporation’s loan activity.  The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates, and  provisions are charged to operations during the period in which such additions are deemed necessary.

The provision charged to operations totaled $280,000 and $250,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  The increase in the provision was primarily due to an increase in loan growth in 2007 and an increase in net chargeoff activity during the first nine months of 2007.  See “Asset Quality” section for summary of allowance for loan losses and nonperforming assets.  The Corporation monitors its loan portfolio and intends to continue to provide for loan loss reserves based on its ongoing periodic review of the loan portfolio and general market conditions.

18



Noninterest income

Noninterest income increased $531,000, or 18.4%, from $3.42 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2006 to $2.90 million for the comparable period in 2007.   Income of $459,000 was recorded as a result of a death benefit insurance payment received in the quarter ended June 30, 2007.  Income derived from the merchant credit card processing program increased $186,000 due to an expanding merchant base.  The Corporation has marketed its merchant services to its existing business customers as well as new prospective customers.    Businesses are analyzed prior to being offered the merchant services to ensure the Corporation is maintaining the appropriate amount of risk within the servicing product.  Gain on sales of mortgage loans increased $94,000 due to an increased volume of loan originations.  Fees and service charges decreased $87,000 due to consumers shifting to free or low balance maintenance checking products, a decline in the fees received through the overdraft program and a decline in miscellaneous loan fees booked during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

Noninterest expense

Noninterest expense increased by approximately $540,000, or 4.7%, to $12.05 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $11.51 million for the same 2006 period.  Salaries and employee benefits, the major component of noninterest expense, increased $380,000, or 7.5%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2007.  This increase was due to general increases for merit and performance, increases in staffing to support the new Wyckoff and Westwood branches and new business development and loan departments and increases in employee benefit related expenses.  Occupancy expense increased $146,000, or 8.7%, primarily to support the new Wyckoff and Westwood branches.  The increase in the merchant card processing business caused merchant processing expense to increase $164,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2007.  Bank-card related services expense declined $128,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 due to the sale of the credit card portfolio which was completed in October 2006.


Income taxes

Income tax expense totaled $1.71 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, for an effective tax rate of 31.1%.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, income tax expense totaled $1.93 million, for an effective tax rate of 35.5%.  The effective tax rate has decreased due to the effect of the nontaxable death benefit proceeds being recorded.








19


Results of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

General

The Corporation reported net income of $1.23 million, or $0.23 diluted earnings per share for each of the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006.  Increases in net interest income were offset by decreases in noninterest income.

Net interest income

Net interest income increased $47,000, or 1.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as compared with the corresponding period in 2006.  The increase was primarily due to the growth in average interest earning assets during the three months ended Septmeber 30, 2007.

The following table reflects the components of the Corporation’s net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 including, (1) average assets, liabilities, and stockholders’ equity, (2) interest income earned on interest-earning assets and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, (3) average yields earned on interest-earning assets and average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, and (4) net yield on interest-earning assets.  Nontaxable income from investment securities and loans is presented on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a statutory tax rate of 34%.  This was accomplished by adjusting non-taxable income upward to make it equivalent to the level of taxable income required to earn the same amount after taxes.


20


Analysis of Net Interest Income (Unaudited)
                                                       
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Income/
Expense
   
Average
Rates
Earned/
Paid
   
Average
Balance
   
Interest
Income/
Expense
   
Average
Rates
Earned/
Paid
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)               
 
Assets
                                   
                                     
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans (1)
  $
388,936
    $
7,003
     
7.14
%
  $
366,340
    $
6,685
      7.24 %
Taxable investment securities (1)
   
96,633
     
1,288
     
5.29
     
83,904
     
930
     
4.40
 
Tax-exempt investment securities (1) (2)
   
24,085
     
313
     
5.20
     
20,361
     
242
     
4.75
 
Other interest-earning assets
   
1,242
     
19
     
6.07
     
627
     
11
     
6.96
 
Total interest-earning assets
   
510,896
     
8,623
     
6.70
     
471,232
     
7,868
     
6.62
 
                                                 
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                               
Allowance for loan losses
    (4,217 )                     (4,061 )                
Other assets
   
33,564
                     
32,791
                 
Total assets
  $
540,243
                    $
499,962
                 
                                                 
                                                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
                                               
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing demand deposits
  $
140,991
    $
973
     
2.74
%
  $
113,829
    $
546
      1.90 %
Savings deposits
   
36,816
     
71
     
0.77
     
41,388
     
61
     
0.58
 
Time deposits
   
186,397
     
2,144
     
4.56
     
168,333
     
1,789
     
4.22
 
Repurchase agreements
   
11,855
     
127
     
4.25
     
8,106
     
95
     
4.65
 
FHLB Borrowing
   
16,802
     
176
     
4.16
     
27,489
     
315
     
4.55
 
Subordinated debenture
   
7,217
     
122
     
6.71
     
7,217
     
122
     
6.71
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
   
400,078
     
3,613
     
3.58
     
366,362
     
2,928
     
3.17
 
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand deposits
   
96,431
                     
93,296
                 
Other liabilities
   
4,444
                     
4,314
                 
Stockholders' equity
   
39,290
                     
35,990
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $
540,243
                    $
499,962
                 
                                                 
Net interest income (taxable equivalent basis)
          $
5,010
                    $
4,940
         
Tax equivalent adjustment
            (97 )                     (75 )        
Net interest income
           
4,913
                     
4,865
         
                                                 
Net interest spread (taxable equivalent basis)
                   
3.11
%
                    3.45 %
                                                 
Net yield on interest-earning
                                               
  assets (taxable equivalent basis) (3)
                   
3.89
% 
                    4.16 %
___________________________
                                                       
     (1)       For purpose of these calculations, nonaccruing loans are included in the average balance.  Fees are included in loan interest.  Loans and total interest-earning assets are net of unearned income.  Securities are included at amortized cost.
     (2)       The tax equivalent adjustments are based on a marginal tax rate of 34%.
                       
     (3)       Net interest income (taxable equivalent basis) divided by average interest-earning assets.
           

21


Total interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased $755,000, or 9.6%, primarily due to an increase in the average earning assets and an increase in yields on interest-earning assets.  Due to an increase in yields in the loan and investment portfolio, tax equivalent yields on interest earning assets increased 8 basis points from 6.62% for the three months ended September 30, 2006 to 6.70% for the same period in 2007.  The average balance of interest-earning assets increased $39.7 million, or 8.4%, from $471.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 to $510.9 million for the same period in 2007, primarily caused by strong loan demand and an increase in taxable and tax-exempt investment securities.  The Corporation continued to experience an increase in loan demand which caused loans on average to increase $22.6 million to an average of $388.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007, from an average of $366.3 million for the comparable period in 2006.  Taxable investment securities increased $12.7 million to an average of $96.6 million and tax-exempt securities increased $3.7 million to an average of $24.1 million.

Interest paid on deposits and borrowed money increased by $685,000, or 23.3%, due to an increase in average deposits and an increase in rates paid on deposits.  The average balance of total interest-bearing deposits and borrowed money increased to $400.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 from $366.4 million for the comparable 2006 period, primarily as a result of the Corporation’s expanding customer base and the use of the brokerage certificate of deposit market.  Yields on deposits and borrowed money increased from 3.17% for the three month period ended September 30, 2006 to 3.58% for the comparable period in 2007.  Rising short-term interest rates and an extremely competitive market has caused the Corporation to raise yields on deposits in order to fund the asset base.  The Corporation did observe a stabilizing of deposit and borrowing costs as yields on interest-bearing liabilities declined 4 basis points from the prior three months ended June 30, 2007.

Provision for loan losses

The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses at a level considered by management to be adequate to cover the inherent losses associated with its loan portfolio, after giving consideration to changes in general market conditions, current charge-off experience, level of nonperforming loans and in the nature and volume of the Corporation’s loan activity.  The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates, and provisions are charged to operations during the period in which such additions are deemed necessary.

The provision charged to operations totaled $90,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.  See “Asset Quality” section for summary of allowance for loan losses and nonperforming assets.  The Corporation monitors its loan portfolio and intends to continue to provide for loan loss reserves based on its ongoing periodic review of the loan portfolio and general market conditions.





 

22


Noninterest income
 
Noninterest income decreased $69,000, or 7.0%, from $984,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 2006 to $915,000 for the comparable period in 2007.  Income derived from the merchant credit card processing program increased $31,000 due to an expanding merchant base.  Fees and service charges decreased $44,000 due primarily to a decline in overdraft fee income of $41,000.  Miscellaneous income decreased $60,000, primarily due to a decline in fees from retail credit cards.  The Corporation sold its credit card portfolio in October 2006.


Noninterest expense

Noninterest expense remained steady at $3.87 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.  Salaries and employee benefits, the major component of noninterest expense, increased $68,000, or 4.0%, during the three months ended September 30, 2007.  This increase was due to general increases for merit and performance and increases in staffing to support the new branches.  Occupancy expense increased $31,000 due to costs incurred for the Wyckoff and Westwood branches.  Data processing decreased $69,000 due to pricing negotiations contained in the new core processing contract.  The increase in the merchant card processing business caused merchant processing expense to increase $28,000 in the three months ended September 30, 2007.  Bank card related expenses have decreased $53,000 due to the reduction in expense related to credit card processing as a result of the sale of the portfolio in the fourth quarter of 2006.  Miscellaneous expense decreased $88,000 due to the reversal of reserves set up in October, 2006 as part of the sale of the credit card portfolio.  These reserves, totaling $46,000, covered data processing deconversion costs, professional fees, and recourse losses.  A valuation reserve was placed on the other real estate owned which resulted in other real estate expense of $31,000.

Income taxes

Income tax expense totaled $635,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2007, for an effective tax rate of 34.1%.  For the three months ended September 30, 2006, income tax expense totaled $665,000, for an effective tax rate of 35.2%.  The effective tax rate has decreased due to the effect of the increase in nontaxable income derived from nontaxable securities.












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Asset Quality

The Corporation’s principal earning assets are its loans to businesses and individuals located in northern New Jersey.  The financial industry has been dealing with risks inherent within the sub-prime lending market.  The Corporation does not engage in sub-prime residential mortgage lending or in the negative amortization loan markets.  It maintains prudent underwriting guidelines which has provided strong quality of credit.

Inherent in the lending function is the risk of deterioration in the borrowers’ ability to repay their loans under their existing loan agreements.  Risk elements include nonaccrual loans, past due and restructured loans, potential problem loans, loan concentrations and other real estate owned.  The following table shows the composition of nonperforming assets at the end of the last four quarters:

   
09/30/07
   
06/30/07
   
03/31/07
   
12/31/06
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Nonaccrual loans: (1)
  $
238
    $
300
    $
445
    $
444
 
Loans past due 90 days or more: (2)
   
28
     
10
     
5
     
1,090
 
     Total nonperforming loans
  $
266
    $
310
    $
450
    $
1,534
 
                                 
Other real estate owned (3)
  $
353
    $
385
    $
-
    $
-
 
                                 
Total nonperforming assets
  $
619
    $
695
    $
450
    $
1,534
 
                                 
Allowance for loan losses
  $
4,249
    $
4,181
    $
4,093
    $
4,101
 
                                 
Nonaccrual loans to total loans
    0.06 %     0.08 %     0.12 %     0.12 %
Nonperforming loans to total loans
    0.07 %     0.08 %     0.12 %     0.41 %
Nonperforming loans to total assets    
    0.05 %     0.06 %     0.09 %     0.30 %
Nonperforming assets to total assets
    0.11 %     0.13 %     0.09 %     0.30 %
Allowance for loan losses to total loans
    1.07 %     1.09 %     1.10 %     1.11 %

(1)  Generally represents loans to which the payments of interest or principal are in arrears for a period of more than 90 days.  Interest previously accrued on these loans and not yet paid is reversed and charged against income during the current period.  Interest earned thereafter is only included in income to the extent that it is received in cash.

(2)  Represents loans to which payments of interest or principal are contractually past due 90 days or more but which are currently accruing income at the contractually stated rates.  A determination is made to continue accruing income on those loans which are sufficiently collateralized and on which management believes all interest and principal owed will be collected.

(3) Other real estate owned is accounted for net of valuation reserve of $32,000 which was based on signed contract of sale, in effect on September 30, 2007. The property was successfully sold on October 30, 2007.
 
There were no loans at September 30, 2007 other than those included in the above table, where the Corporation was aware of any credit conditions of any borrowers that would indicate a strong possibility of the borrowers not complying with the present terms and conditions of repayment and which may result in such loans being included as non-accrual, past due or restructured at a future date.

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The Corporation’s lending activities are concentrated in loans secured by real estate located in northern New Jersey.  Accordingly, the collectibility of a substantial portion of the Corporation’s loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in real estate market conditions in northern New Jersey.



Market Risk

The Corporation’s primary exposure to market risk arises from changes in market interest rates (“interest rate risk”).  The Corporation’s profitability is largely dependent upon its ability to manage interest rate risk.  Interest rate risk can be defined as the exposure of the Corporation’s net interest income to adverse movements in interest rates.  Although the Corporation manages other risks, such as credit and liquidity risk, in the normal course of its business, management considers interest rate risk to be its most significant market risk and it could potentially have the largest material effect on the Corporation’s financial condition.  The Corporation manages its interest rate risk by utilizing an asset/liability simulation model and by measuring and managing its interest sensitivity gap.  Interest sensitivity gap is determined by analyzing 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 the same period of time.  The Asset Liability Committee reviews and discusses these measurements on a monthly basis.

The Corporation does not have any material exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk or commodity price risk.  The Corporation did not enter into any market sensitive instruments for trading purposes nor did it engage in any hedging transactions utilizing derivative financial instruments during the three months ended September 30, 2007.

The Corporation is, however, 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 instruments, which include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statement of condition.  Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and may require collateral from the borrower if deemed necessary by the Corporation.  Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Corporation to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party up to a stipulated amount and with specified terms and conditions.  Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are not recorded on the Corporation’s consolidated balance sheet until the instrument is exercised.

Capital Adequacy

The Corporation is subject to capital adequacy guidelines promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”).  The Bank is subject to similar capital adequacy requirements imposed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.  The FRB has issued regulations to define the adequacy of capital based upon the sensitivity of assets and off-

25


balance sheet exposures to risk factors.   Four categories of risk weights (0%, 20%, 50%, and 100%) were established to be applied to different types of balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet exposures.  The aggregate of the risk-weighted items (risk-based assets) is the denominator of the ratio, the numerator is risk-based capital.  Under the regulations, risk-based capital has been classified into two categories.  Tier 1 capital includes common and qualifying perpetual preferred stockholders’ equity less goodwill.  Tier 2 capital includes mandatory convertible debt, allowance for loan losses, subject to certain limitations, and certain subordinated and term debt securities.  Total qualifying capital consists of Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 capital; however; the amount of Tier 2 capital may not exceed the amount of Tier 1 capital.  At June 30, 2007, the minimum risk-based capital requirements to be considered adequately capitalized were 4% for Tier 1 capital and 8% for total capital.

Federal banking regulators have also adopted leverage capital guidelines to supplement the risk-based measures.  The leverage ratio is determined by dividing Tier 1 capital as defined under the risk-based guidelines by average total assets (non risk-adjusted) for the preceding quarter.  At September 30, 2007 the minimum leverage ratio requirement to be considered well capitalized was 4%.  The following table reflects the Corporation’s capital ratios at September 30, 2007.


   
Required
   
Actual
   
Excess
 
Risk-based Capital
                 
     Tier 1
    4.00 %     11.14 %     7.14 %
     Total
    8.00 %     12.14 %     4.14 %
 Leverage Ratio
    4.00 %     8.76 %     4.76 %

 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Corporation’s primary sources of funds are deposits, repayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities, maturities of investment securities and funds provided from operations.  While scheduled loan and mortgage-backed securities amortization and maturities of investment securities are a relatively predictable source of funds, deposit flow and prepayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions and competition.  The Corporation’s liquidity, represented by cash and cash equivalents, is a product of its operating, investing and financing activities.

The primary source of cash from operating activities is net income. Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of bank management.  Excess liquidity is generally invested in short-term investments, such as federal funds sold.  The Corporation anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet its current loan commitments.  At September 30, 2007, the Corporation has outstanding loan commitments of $38.5 million and unused lines and letters of credit totaling $87.1 million.  Certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less, at September 30, 2007, totaled $117.5 million.  Management believes that a significant portion of such deposits will remain with the Corporation.  Cash and cash equivalents decreased

26


$5.6 million during the first nine months of 2007.  Net financing and operating activities provided $23.2 million and $4.8 million, respectively and investing activities used $33.6 million.



ITEM 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
The Corporation attempts to maintain stable net interest margins by generally matching the volume of assets and liabilities maturing, or subject to repricing, by adjusting interest rates to market conditions, and by developing new products.  The Corporation uses a simulation model to analyze the sensitivity of net interest income to movements in interest rates.  The simulation model projects net interest income, net income, net interest margin, and capital to asset ratios based on various interest rate scenarios over a twelve month period.  The model is based  on the actual maturity and repricing characteristics of all rate sensitive assets and liabilities.  Management incorporates into the model certain assumptions regarding prepayments of certain assets and liabilities.  The model assumes an immediate rate shock to interest rates without management’s ability to proactively change the mix of assets and liabilities.  According to the reports generated as of September 30, 2007, an immediate rate increase of 200 basis points resulted in a decrease in net interest income of 15.1%, or $3.2 million, while an immediate interest rate decrease of 200 basis points resulted in an increase in net interest income of 5.7%, or $1.2 million.  Management has a goal to maintain a percent change of no more than 17.5% given a 200 basis point change in interest rates.  Management cannot provide any assurance about the actual effect of changes in interest rates on the Corporation’s net interest income.  Assumptions have been built into the model for prepayments for assets and decay rates for nonmaturity deposits such as savings and interest bearing demand.
 
Additional disclosure about quantitative and qualitative market risk is located in the Market Risk section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


ITEM 4.  Controls and Procedures

The Corporation’s management, with the participation of the Corporation’s chief executive officer and principal accounting officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2007.  Based on this evaluation, the Corporation’s chief executive officer and principal accounting officer concluded that the Corporation disclosure controls and procedures are effective for recording, processing, summarizing and reporting the information the Corporation is required to disclose in the reports it files under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Such evaluation did not identify any change in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.



27


Stewardship Financial Corporation
Part II -- Other Information


Item 1A.    Risk Factors

           There have been no material changes in risk factors described in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.


Item   6.     Exhibits

 
(a)
Exhibits
See Exhibit Index following this report.




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SIGNATURES




Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.





Stewardship Financial Corporation





Date:
November 14, 2007
 
By:
/s/ Paul Van Ostenbridge
       
Paul Van Ostenbridge
       
President and Chief Executive
       
Officer
       
(authorized officer on behalf
       
of registrant)
         
         
         
Date:
November 14, 2007
 
By:
/s/ Julie E. Holland
       
Julie E. Holland
       
Senior Vice President and Treasurer
       
(principal accounting officer)
         


29



EXHIBIT INDEX


EXHIBIT
NUMBER
 
DESCRIPTION
 
     
Certification of Paul Van Ostenbridge required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
 
 
Certification of Julie Holland required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
 
 
Certification of Paul Van Ostenbridge and Julie Holland required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
 
 
 
30