form10k-105957_ssfn.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-K

x           ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
OR
o           TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to ___________

Commission file number 0-21855

Stewardship Financial Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
New Jersey
 
22-3351447
 
 
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
         
 
630 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, NJ
 
07432
 
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code,  (201) 444-7100

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:   None

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, no par value
Title of each class

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o No x

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

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations under those Sections.

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§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).  Yes o No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K 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. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer   o
Accelerated filer                      o
Non-accelerated filer     o
Smaller reporting company    x

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


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The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, as of June 30, 2009 was $41,865,000.

As of March 22, 2010, 5,842,367 shares of the registrant’s common stock, net of treasury stock, were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III incorporates certain information by reference from the registrant's definitive proxy statement for the registrant's 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
 
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FORM 10-K
STEWARDHSHIP FINANCIAL CORPORATION
For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

Table of Contents
PART I
   
     
Item 1.
5
     
Item 1A.
11
     
Item 1B.
14
     
Item 2.
15
     
Item 3.
15
     
Item 4.
16
     
PART II
   
     
Item 5.
16
     
Item 6.
18
     
Item 7.
19
     
Item 7A.
35
     
Item 8.
35
     
Item 9.
71
     
Item 9A.
71
     
Item 9B.
71
     
PART III
   
     
Item 10.
71
     
Item 11.
72
     
Item 12.
72
     
Item 13.
73
     
Item 14.
73
     
PART IV
   
     
Item 15.
73
     
   

 
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of Stewardship Financial Corporation (the Corporation”). Such statements are not historical facts and include expressions about the Corporation’s confidence, strategies and expectations about earnings, new and existing programs and products, relationships, opportunities, technology and market conditions and are based on current beliefs and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control.  In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change.   These statements may be identified by forward-looking terminology such as “expect,” “believe,” or “anticipate,” or expressions of confidence like “strong,” or “on-going,” or similar statements or variations of such terms.  Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the following possibilities:

§
Impairment charges with respect to securities.
§
Unanticipated costs in connection with new branch openings.
§
Further deterioration of the economy.
§
Decline in commercial and residential real estate values.
§
Unexpected changes in interest rates.
§
Inability to manage growth in commercial loans.
§
Unexpected loan prepayment volume.
§
Unanticipated exposure to credit risks.
§
Insufficient allowance for loan losses.
§
Competition from other financial institutions.
§
Adverse effects of government regulation or different than anticipated effects from existing regulations.
§
Passage by Congress of a law which unilaterally amends the terms of the Treasury’s investment in us in a way that adversely affects us.
§
A decline in the levels of loan quality and origination volume.
§
A decline in deposits.
§
Other unexpected events.

The Corporation undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in the future.

 
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Part I

Item 1.  Business

General

Stewardship Financial Corporation (the “Corporation” or “Registrant”) is a one-bank holding company, which was incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey in January 1995 to serve as a holding company for Atlantic Stewardship Bank (the “Bank”).  The Corporation was organized at the direction of the Board of Directors of the Bank for the purpose of acquiring all of the capital stock of the Bank (the “Acquisition”).  Pursuant to the New Jersey Banking Act of 1948, as amended (the “New Jersey Banking Act”), and pursuant to approval of the shareholders of the Bank, the Corporation acquired the Bank and became its holding company on November 22, 1996.  As part of the Acquisition, shareholders of the Bank received one share of common stock, no par value (“Common Stock”) of the Corporation for each outstanding share of the common stock of the Bank.  The only significant activity of the Corporation is ownership and supervision of the Bank.

The Bank is a commercial bank formed under the laws of the State of New Jersey on April 26, 1984.  At December 31, 2009 the Bank operated from its main office at 630 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, New Jersey, and its twelve branches.

The Corporation is subject to the supervision and regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”).  The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to applicable limits.  The operations of the Corporation and the Bank are subject to the supervision and regulation of the FRB, the FDIC and the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (the “Department”).

Stewardship Investment Corp. is a wholly-owned non-bank subsidiary of the Bank, whose primary business is to own and manage an investment portfolio.  Stewardship Realty, LLC is a subsidiary of the Bank, whose primary business is to own and manage property at 612 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, New Jersey.  Atlantic Stewardship Insurance Company, LLC is a subsidiary of the Bank, whose primary business is insurance.  In addition to the Bank, in 2003, the Corporation formed a second subsidiary, Stewardship Statutory Trust I for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities.

The principal executive offices of the Corporation are located at 630 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, New Jersey 07432, and the telephone number is (201) 444-7100.

Business of the Corporation

The Corporation’s primary business is the ownership and supervision of the Bank.  The Corporation, through the Bank, conducts a traditional commercial banking business, and offers services including personal and business checking accounts and time deposits, money market accounts and regular savings accounts.  The Corporation structures its specific products and services in a manner designed to attract the business of the small and medium sized business and professional community as well as that of individuals residing, working and shopping in Bergen, Morris and Passaic counties, New Jersey.  The Corporation engages in a wide range of lending activities and offers commercial, consumer, mortgage, home equity and personal loans.

In addition, in forming the Bank, the members of the Board of Directors envisioned a community-based institution which would serve the local communities surrounding its branches, while also providing a return to its shareholders.  This vision has been reflected in the Bank’s tithing policy, under which the Bank tithes 10% of its pre-tax profits to worthy Christian organizations and civic organizations in the communities where the Bank maintains branches.

Service Area

The Corporation’s service area primarily consists of the Bergen, Passaic and Morris counties in the New Jersey market, although the Corporation makes loans throughout New Jersey.  At December 31, 2009, the Corporation operated its main office in Midland Park, New Jersey and twelve existing branch offices in Hawthorne (2), Ridgewood, Montville, North Haledon, Pequannock, Waldwick, Wayne (3), Westwood and Wyckoff, New Jersey.

 
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Competition

The Corporation competes for deposits and loans with commercial banks, thrifts and other financial institutions, many of which have greater financial resources than the Corporation.  Many large financial institutions in New York City and other parts of New Jersey compete for the business of New Jersey residents and companies located in the Corporation’s service area.  Certain of these institutions have significantly higher lending limits than the Corporation and provide services to their customers that the Corporation does not offer.

Management believes the Corporation is able to compete on a substantially equal basis with its competitors because it provides responsive, personalized services through management’s knowledge and awareness of the Corporation’s service area, customers and business.

Employees

At December 31, 2009 the Corporation employed 107 full-time employees and 33 part-time employees.  None of these employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and the Corporation believes that its employee relations are good.

Supervision and Regulation

General

Bank holding companies and banks are extensively regulated under both federal and state law.  These laws and regulations are intended to protect depositors, not stockholders.  To the extent that the following information describes statutory and regulatory provisions, it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provisions and is not intended to be an exhaustive description of the statutes or regulations applicable to the Corporation’s business.  Any change in the applicable law or regulation may have a material effect on the business and prospects of the Corporation and the Bank.

Regulation of the Corporation

BANK HOLDING COMPANY ACT.  As a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”), the Corporation is subject to the regulation and supervision of the FRB.  The Corporation is required to file with the FRB annual reports and other information showing that its business operations and those of its subsidiaries are limited to banking, managing or controlling banks, furnishing services to or performing services for its subsidiaries or engaging in any other activity which the FRB determines to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be properly incident thereto.
 
The BHCA requires, among other things, the prior approval of the FRB in any case where a bank holding company proposes to (i) acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any other bank, (ii) acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the outstanding voting stock of any bank (unless it owns a majority of such bank’s voting shares), or (iii) merge or consolidate with any other bank holding company.  The FRB will not approve any merger, acquisition, or consolidation that would have a substantially anti-competitive effect, unless the anti-competitive impact of the proposed transaction is clearly outweighed by a greater public interest in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served.  The FRB also considers capital adequacy and other financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the companies and the banks concerned, together with the convenience and needs of the community to be served.

Additionally, the BHCA prohibits a bank holding company, with certain limited exceptions, from (i) acquiring or retaining direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the outstanding voting stock of any company which is not a bank or bank holding company, or (ii) engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks, or performing services for its subsidiaries; unless such non-banking business is determined by the FRB to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be properly incident thereto.  In making such determinations, the FRB is required to weigh the expected benefits to the public, such as greater convenience, increased competition or gains in efficiency, against the possible adverse effects, such as undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest, or unsound banking practices.

There are a number of obligations and restrictions imposed on bank holding companies and their depository institution subsidiaries by law and regulatory policy that are designed to minimize potential loss to the depositors of such depository institutions and the FDIC insurance funds in the event the depository institution becomes in danger of default.  Under a policy of the FRB with respect to bank holding company operations, a bank holding company is

 
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required to commit resources to support such institutions in circumstances where it might not do so absent such policy.  The FRB also has the authority under the BHCA to require a bank holding company to terminate any activity or to relinquish control of a non-bank subsidiary upon the FRB’s determination that such activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness and stability of any bank subsidiary of the bank holding company.

CAPITAL ADEQUACY GUIDELINES FOR BANK HOLDING COMPANIES.  The FRB has adopted risk-based capital guidelines for bank holding companies.  The risk-based capital guidelines are designed to make regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banks and bank holding companies, to account for off-balance sheet exposure, and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid assets.  Under these guidelines, assets and off-balance sheet items are assigned to broad risk categories, each with appropriate weights.  The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet items.

The risk-based guidelines apply on a consolidated basis to bank holding companies with consolidated assets of $150 million or more.  The minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets (including certain off-balance sheet activities, such as standby letters of credit) is 8%.  At least 4% of the total capital is required to be “Tier I” capital, consisting of common stockholders’ equity and certain preferred stock, less certain goodwill items and other intangible assets.  The remainder, “Tier II Capital,” may consist of (a) the allowance for loan losses of up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, (b) excess of qualifying preferred stock, (c) hybrid capital instruments, (d) debt, (e) mandatory convertible securities, and (f) qualifying subordinated debt.  Total capital is the sum of Tier I and Tier II capital less reciprocal holdings of other banking organizations’ capital instruments, investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and any other deductions as determined by the FRB (determined on a case-by-case basis or as a matter of policy after formal rule-making).

Bank holding company assets are given risk-weights of 0%, 20%, 50%, and 100%.  In addition, certain off-balance sheet items are given similar credit conversion factors to convert them to asset equivalent amounts to which an appropriate risk-weight will apply.  These computations result in the total risk-weighted assets.  Most loans are assigned to the 100% risk category, except for performing first mortgage loans fully secured by residential property which carry a 50% risk-weighting. Most investment securities (including, primarily, general obligation claims of states or other political subdivisions of the United States) are assigned to the 20% category, except for municipal or state revenue bonds, which have a 50% risk-weight, and direct obligations of the U.S. treasury or obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, which have a 0% risk-weight.  In converting off-balance sheet items, direct credit substitutes, including general guarantees and standby letters of credit backing nonfinancial obligations, and undrawn commitments (including commercial credit lines with an initial maturity of more than one year) have a 50% risk-weighting.  Short term commercial letters of credit have a 20% risk-weighting and certain short-term unconditionally cancelable commitments have a 0% risk-weighting.

In addition to the risk-based capital guidelines, the FRB has adopted a minimum Tier I capital (leverage) ratio, under which a bank holding company must maintain a minimum level of Tier I capital to average total consolidated assets of at least 3% in the case of a bank holding company that has the highest regulatory examination rating and is not contemplating significant growth or expansion.  All other bank holding companies are expected to maintain a leverage ratio of at least 100 to 200 basis points above the stated minimum.

FINANCIAL SERVICES MODERNIZATION LEGISLATION.  On November 12, 1999, President Clinton signed into law the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 (“FSMA”).  The passage of the FSMA removes the barriers to affiliations among financial service companies by repealing restrictions imposed under the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933 on banks affiliating with securities firms and by creating a new financial holding company (“FHC”) under the BHCA.  A company may form an FHC if all of its insured depository institution subsidiaries are considered well-capitalized and well-managed, and hold a satisfactory rating under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, as amended.  An FHC can engage in a prescribed list of financial services, including insurance and securities underwriting and agency activities, merchant banking, insurance company portfolio investment activities and “complementary” financial activities.

To insure consistency in the treatment of banks and other financial institutions, FSMA reorganizes regulatory authority of federal agencies over securities and investment activities.

In the area of insurance, FSMA designates the insurance products that banks and subsidiaries may provide, prohibits national banks from underwriting or selling title insurance if they did not actively conduct those activities before FSMA and permits national banks to sell title insurance in states where state banks are specifically authorized to do so.  FSMA requires Federal banking agencies to prescribe consumer protection regulations for insurance sales by banks.  FSMA preempts state laws that interfere with affiliations between banks and insurance companies.  It also initiates a process for creating a uniformity in licensing of insurance agents on a national level.

 
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In addition to enabling banks and their holding companies to conduct a wide range of financial activities, the FSMA also contained a number of privacy requirements with which banks and other financial institutions must comply.  Under the FSMA, all financial institutions must adopt a privacy policy and make its policy known to those who became new customers and provide annual disclosure of its policy to all of its customers.  The Bank had to provide initial privacy notices to all existing customers by July 1, 2001.  Prior to disclosing a consumers’ nonpublic personal information (not covered by an exception) with nonaffiliated third parties, financial institutions must provide a reasonable means and opportunity to opt out of having information shared.  The exceptions include disclosures of nonpublic personal information: (i) made in connection with certain processing and servicing transactions; (ii) with the consent, or at the direction, of a customer or consumer; (iii) to protect against potential fraud or unauthorized transactions; (iv) to respond to judicial process; and (v) to provide the information to an employee of the institution who happens also to be an employee of a nonaffiliated third party.

The FSMA also required the issuance of regulations establishing standards governing the administrative, technical and physical safeguards of customer information.  By July 1, 2001, all financial institutions had to have an information security program.  Institutions are required to identify and assess the risks that may threaten customer information, develop a written plan containing policies and procedures to manage and control these risks. implement and test the plan, and adjust the plan on a continuing basis to account for changes in technology, sensitivity of customer information, and internal or external threats to information security.

Additional proposals to change the regulations and laws governing the banking and financial services industry are frequently introduced in the state legislatures, before various banking regulatory agencies, and in Congress.  The likelihood and timing of any such changes and the impact of such changes might have on the Corporation cannot be determined at this time.

Regulation of the Bank

As a New Jersey-chartered commercial bank, the Bank is subject to the regulation, supervision, and control of the Department.  As a FDIC-insured institution, the Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and control by the FDIC, an agency of the federal government.  The regulations of the FDIC and the Department impact virtually all activities of the Bank, including the minimum level of capital the Bank must maintain, the ability of the Bank to pay dividends, the ability of the Bank to expand through new branches or acquisitions, and various other matters.

INSURANCE OF DEPOSITS.  Substantially all of the deposits of the Bank are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) of the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF.  On October 3, 2008, the maximum amount insured under FDIC deposit insurance was temporarily increased from $100,000 to $250,000 per insured depositor through December 31, 2009.  This increase was part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.  In May 2009, the increase was extended through December 31, 2013.  Additionally, the Bank has elected to participate in the FDIC’s Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.  Under this voluntary program, all non-interest bearing deposit transaction accounts at the Bank with balances over $250,000 were fully insured through December 31, 2009 at an additional cost to the Bank of 10 basis points per dollar over $250,000 on a per account basis.  This program was extended through June 30, 2010 at an additional cost to the Bank of 15 basis points per dollar over $250,000 on a per account basis.

The FDIC utilizes a risk-based assessment system whereby insured institutions are assigned to one of four risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors.  An institution’s assessment rate depends on the category to which it is assigned.  Assessment rates are determined by the FDIC and in 2009, the annual insurance premiums on bank deposits insured by the DIF varied between $.07 per $100 of deposits for banks classified in the highest capital and supervisory evaluation categories to $.78 per $100 of deposits for banks classified in the lowest capital and supervisory evaluation categories.  The Bank was classified in the highest capital and supervisory evaluation category.  The FDIC may increase or decrease the assessment rate schedule on a semi-annual basis.

The FDIC has set a designated reserve ratio of 1.25% ($1.25 against $100 of insured deposits) for the DIF. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act of 2005 provides the FDIC Board of Directors the authority to set the designated reserve ratio between 1.15% and 1.50%.  The FDIC must adopt a restoration plan when the reserve ratio falls below 1.15% and begin paying dividends when the reserve ratio exceeds 1.35%.  The DIF reserve ratio calculated by the FDIC in effect at September 30, 2009 was a negative .16%.

In February 2009, the FDIC extended the length of the period during which the reserve ratio must be restored to 1.15% from five years to seven years.  The Bank paid a FDIC special assessment of approximately $300,000 in 2009 in addition to higher premium rates.

 
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In an effort to restore capitalization levels and to ensure the DIF will adequately cover projected losses from future bank failures, in October 2008 the FDIC proposed a rule to alter the way in which it differentiates for risk in the risk-based assessment system and to revise deposit insurance assessment rate, including base assessment rates.  The interim assessment rates increased the current rates uniformly by seven basis points for the assessment for the first quarter of 2009 resulting in annualized assessment rates for Risk Category I institutions ranging from 12 to 14 basis points.

In addition to the assessment for deposit insurance, institutions are required to make payments on bonds issued in the late 1980s by the Financing Corporation (“FICO”) issued in connection with the failure of certain savings and loan associations.  This payment is established quarterly and averaged 1.04 basis points and 1.12 basis points for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The Corporation paid $54,000 under this assessment for each of the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.  These assessments will continue until the FICO bonds mature in 2017.

On November 12, 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule requiring depository institutions to prepay their estimated quarterly insurance premium for the fourth quarter of 2009 and all of 2010, 2011 and 2012.  The Bank prepaid $3.2 million of such premium on December 30, 2009.  The expense related to this prepayment is anticipated to be recognized over the next three years based on actual calculations of quarterly provisions.

DIVIDEND RIGHTS.  Under the New Jersey Banking Act, a Bank may declare and pay dividends only if, after payment of the dividend, the capital stock of the Bank will be unimpaired and either the Bank will have a surplus of not less than 50% of its capital stock or the payment of the dividend will not reduce the Bank’s surplus.

CHECK CLEARING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY ACT.  (the “Check 21 Act”)  Effective October 28, 2004, the Federal Reserve adopted final amendments to Regulation CC and its commentary to implement the Check 21 Act.  The Check 21 Act was enacted on October 28, 2003, and became effective on October 28, 2005.

To facilitate check truncation and electronic check exchange, the Check 21 Act authorizes a new negotiable instrument called a “substitute check” and provides that a properly prepared substitute check is the legal equivalent of the original check for all purposes.  A substitute check is a paper reproduction of the original check that can be processed just like the original check.  The Check 21 Act does not require any bank to create substitute checks or to accept checks electronically.  The Federal Reserve’s amendments: (i) set forth the requirements of the Check 21 Act that apply to all banks, including those that choose not to create substitute checks; (ii) provide a model disclosure and model notices relating to substitute checks; and (iii) set forth bank endorsement and identification requirements for substitute checks.  The amendments to Regulation CC also clarify some existing provisions of the rule and commentary.

USA PATRIOT ACT OF 2001. (the “Patriot Act”)  On October 26, 2001, the Patriot Act was signed into law.  Enacted in response to the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. on September 11, 2001, the Patriot Act is intended to strengthen the ability of U.S. law enforcement and the intelligence community to work cohesively to combat terrorism on a variety of fronts.  The potential impact of the Patriot Act on financial institutions of all kinds is significant and wide-ranging.  The Patriot Act contains sweeping anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and requires various regulations, including, but not limited to: (a) due diligence requirements for financial institutions that administer, maintain, or manage private bank accounts or correspondent accounts for non-U.S. persons; (b) standards for verifying customer identification at account opening; (c) rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering; (d) reports of nonfinancial trades and business filed with the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network for transactions exceeding $10,000; and (e) filing of suspicious activities reports by brokers and dealers if they believe a customer may be violating U.S. laws and regulations.

Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

On October 3, 2008, in response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and financial markets and going concern threats to investment banks and other financial institutions, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”) was signed into law.  Pursuant to the EESA, the U.S. Treasury (the “Treasury”) was given the authority to, among other things, purchase up to $700 billion of mortgages, mortgage-backed securities and certain other financial instruments from financial institutions for the purpose of stabilizing and providing liquidity to the U.S. financial markets.  Pursuant to the EESA, the Treasury was initially authorized to use $350 billion for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”).  On October 14, 2008, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that the Treasury would purchase equity stakes in a wide variety of banks and thrifts.  Under the program, known as the Capital Purchase Program, from the $700 billion authorized by the EESA, the Treasury made $250 billion of capital available to U.S. financial institutions in the form of purchases of preferred stock.  In addition to the preferred stock, the Treasury received, from participating financial institutions, warrants to purchase common stock with an aggregate market price equal to 15% of the preferred investment.  Participating financial institutions were required to adopt the Treasury’s standards for executive compensation and corporate governance for the period during which the Treasury holds equity

 
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issued under the Capital Purchase Program.  Although we believed that our capital position was sound, we concluded that the Capital Purchase Program would allow us to raise additional capital on favorable terms in comparison with other available alternatives.  Accordingly, we applied to participate in the Capital Purchase Program.  As described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, in January, 2009, the Treasury purchased $10 million of the Corporation’s preferred stock (the “Preferred Shares”) under the TARP Capital Purchase Program.

We received $10 million in proceeds from the sale of 10,000 shares of cumulative perpetual preferred stock with a liquidation value of $1,000 per share to the Treasury on January 30, 2009.  The preferred stock issued to the Treasury pays a dividend of 5% for the first five years and 9% thereafter.  As part of the transaction, we also granted the Treasury a ten-year warrant to purchase up to 133,475 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $11.24, adjusted for the 5% stock dividend paid in November 2009.

Under the terms of the Capital Purchase Program, the Treasury’s consent will be required for any increase in our dividends paid to common stockholders (above a quarterly dividend of $0.090 per common share, adjusted for the 5% stock dividend paid in November 2009) or the Corporation’s redemption, purchase or acquisition of common stock or any trust preferred securities issued by the Corporation’s capital trusts until the third anniversary of the senior preferred share issuance to the Treasury unless prior to such third anniversary the senior preferred shares are redeemed in whole or the Treasury has transferred all of these shares to third parties.

Participants in the Capital Purchase Program were required to accept several compensation-related limitations associated with this Program.  In January 2009, each of our senior executive officers agreed in writing to accept the compensation standards in existence at that time under the Capital Purchase Program and thereby cap or eliminate some of their contractual or legal rights.  The provisions agreed to were as follows:

No Golden Parachute Payments.    For purposes of the Capital Purchase Program, “golden parachute payment” was defined to mean a severance payment resulting from involuntary termination of employment or from a bankruptcy event of the employer, which exceeds three times the terminated employee’s average annual base salary over the five years prior to termination.  Our senior executive officers have agreed to forego all golden parachute payments for as long as two conditions remain true: they remain “senior executive officers” (CEO, CFO and the next three highest-paid executive officers), and the Treasury continues to hold our equity or debt securities issued under the Capital Purchase Program.  The period during which the Treasury holds those securities is the “Capital Purchase Program Covered Period.”

Recovery of Incentive Compensation if Based on Certain Material Inaccuracies.    Our senior executive officers have also agreed to a “clawback provision,” which means that we can recover incentive compensation paid during the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period that is later found to have been paid based on materially inaccurate financial statements or other materially inaccurate measurements of performance.

No Compensation Arrangements That Encourage Excessive Risks.    During the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period, we are not allowed to enter into compensation arrangements that encourage senior executive officers to take “unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value” of our Corporation.  To make sure this does not happen, the Corporation’s Compensation Committee is required to meet at least twice per year with our senior risk officer to review our executive compensation arrangements in light of our risk management policies and practices.  Our senior executive officers’ written agreements include their obligation to accept any changes in our incentive compensation arrangements resulting from the Compensation Committee’s review.

Limit on Federal Income Tax Deductions.    During the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period, we are not allowed to take federal income tax deductions for compensation paid to senior executive officers in excess of $500,000 per year, with certain exceptions that do not apply to our senior executive officers.

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Stimulus Act”) into law.  The Stimulus Act modified the compensation-related limitations contained in the Capital Purchase Program and created additional compensation-related limitations.  The limitations in the Stimulus Act apply to all participants in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (under which the Capital Purchase Program was created), regardless of when participation commenced.  Thus, the newly enacted compensation-related limitations are applicable to the Corporation, subject to the Treasury Department’s issuance of implementing regulations.  The compensation-related limitations applicable to the Corporation which have been added or modified by the Stimulus Act are as follows:

No Severance Payments.    Under the Stimulus Act, the definition of “golden parachute” was expanded to include any severance payment resulting from termination of employment, except for payments for services performed or benefits accrued.  In addition, the Stimulus Act expanded the group of employees to which such restrictions apply.  Consequently, under the Stimulus Act, we are prohibited from making any severance payment to our “senior

 
10


executive officers” (defined in the Stimulus Act as the five highest paid senior executive officers) and our next five most highly compensated employees during the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period.

Recovery of Incentive Compensation if Based on Certain Material Inaccuracies.    The Stimulus Act also contains the “clawback provision” discussed above, but extends its application to our next 20 most highly compensated employees.

No Compensation Arrangements That Encourage Earnings Manipulation.    In addition to the Capital Purchase Program prohibition on compensation arrangements that encourage unnecessary and excessive risk, the Stimulus Act prohibits us during the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period from entering into compensation arrangements that encourage manipulation of reported earnings to enhance the compensation of any of our employees.

Limit on Incentive Compensation.    The Stimulus Act contains a provision that prohibits the payment or accrual of any bonus, retention award or incentive compensation to certain employees during the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period, other than awards of long-term restricted stock that (i) do not fully vest during the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period, (ii) have a value not greater than one-third of the total annual compensation of the awardee and (iii) are subject to such other restrictions as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.  The prohibition on bonus, incentive compensation and retention awards does not preclude payments required under written employment contracts entered into on or prior to February 11, 2009.  As a recipient of less than $25 million of funds from the Capital Purchase Program, the limit applies only to the most highly compensated employee.

Compensation Committee Functions.    The Stimulus Act requires that our Compensation Committee be comprised solely of independent directors and that it meet at least semiannually to discuss and evaluate our employee compensation plans in light of an assessment of any risk posed to us from such compensation plans.

Compliance Certifications.    The Stimulus Act also requires a written certification by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our compliance with the provisions of the Stimulus Act.

Treasury Review of Excessive Bonuses Previously Paid.    The Stimulus Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to review all compensation paid to our senior executive officers and the next 20 most highly compensated employees prior to adoption of the Stimulus Act to determine whether any such payments were inconsistent with the purposes of the Capital Purchase Program or the Stimulus Act or were otherwise contrary to the public interest.  If the Secretary of the Treasury makes such a finding, the Secretary of the Treasury is directed to negotiate with the Capital Purchase Program recipient and the employee recipient for appropriate reimbursements to the federal government with respect to the compensation.

Say on Pay.    Under the Stimulus Act, during the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period, we must include in the proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders a non-binding say on pay vote by the shareholders on executive compensation.

Limitation on Luxury Expenditures.    The Stimulus Act required us to adopt a company-wide policy regarding excessive or luxury expenditures, such as entertainment expenses, office or facility renovation expenses and transportation services expenses.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Investments in the common stock of Stewardship Financial Corporation involve risk.  The following discussion highlights the risks management believes are material for our Corporation, but does not necessarily include all risks that we may face.

Our operations are subject to interest rate risk and changes in interest rates may negatively affect financial performance.

Our earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon our net interest income.  Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowed money.  To be profitable we must earn more interest from our interest-earning assets than we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities.  Changes in the general level of interest rates may have an adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions and the policies of governmental and regulatory agencies such as the Federal Reserve Bank.  Changes in monetary policy and interest rates can also adversely affect our ability to originate loans and deposits, the fair value of financial assets and liabilities and the average duration of our assets and liabilities.

 
11


Our allowance for loan losses may be insufficient.

There are inherent risks associated with our lending activities.  There are risks inherent in making any loan, including dealing with individual borrowers, nonpayment, uncertainties as to the future value of collateral and changes in economic and industry conditions.  We attempt to mitigate and manage credit risk through prudent loan underwriting and approval procedures, monitoring of loan concentrations and periodic independent review of outstanding loans.  We cannot be assured that these procedures will reduce credit risk inherent in the business.

We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and assets serving as collateral for loan repayments.  In determining the size of our allowance for loan loss, we rely on our experience and our evaluation of economic conditions.  If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our current allowance may not be sufficient to cover probable incurred loan losses and adjustments may be necessary to allow for different economic conditions or adverse developments in our portfolio.  Significant additions to our allowance for loan losses would materially decrease our net income.

A persistent economic recession and unstable financial markets have adversely affected our industry and, because of our geographic concentration in northern New Jersey, we could be impacted by adverse changes in local economic conditions.

Our success depends on the general economic conditions of the nation, the state of New Jersey, and the northern New Jersey area.  The nation’s current economic environment and the related volatility of the financial markets have severely adversely affected the banking industry and may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price.  We do not believe these difficult economic conditions are likely to improve dramatically in the near term.  Unlike larger banks that are more geographically diversified, we provide financial services to customers primarily in the market areas in which we operate.  The local economic conditions of these areas have a significant impact on our commercial, real estate and construction loans, the ability of our borrowers to repay these loans and the value of the collateral securing these loans.  While we did not and do not have a sub-prime lending program, any significant decline in the real estate market in our primary market area would hurt our business and mean that collateral for our loans would have less value. As a consequence, our ability to recover on defaulted loans by selling the real estate securing the loan would be diminished and we would be more likely to suffer losses on defaulted loans.  Any of the foregoing events and conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Competition within the financial services industry could adversely affect our profitability.

We face strong competition from banks, other financial institutions, money market mutual funds and brokerage firms within the New York metropolitan area.  A number of these entities have substantially greater resources and lending limits, larger branch systems and a wider array of banking services.  Competition among depository institutions for customer deposits has increased significantly in the current difficult economic situation.  If we are unsuccessful in competing effectively, we will lose market share and may suffer a reduction in our margins and suffer adverse consequences to our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Federal and State regulations could restrict our business and increase our costs and non-compliance would result in penalties, litigation and damage to our reputation.

We operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and examination by the FDIC, the FRB and the State of New Jersey.  The significant federal and state banking regulations that we are subject to are described herein under “Item 1. Business.”  Such regulation and supervision of the activities in which an institution may engage is primarily intended for the protection of the depositors and the federal deposit insurance funds.  These regulations affect our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and overall operations.  These statutes, regulations, regulatory policies, and interpretations of policies and regulations are constantly evolving and may change significantly over time.  Any such changes could subject the Corporation to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things.  Due to our nation’s current economic recession and the lack of confidence in the financial markets, it is highly probable new federal and/or state laws and regulations of lending and funding practices and liquidity standards will be forthcoming.  Bank regulatory agencies are expected to be very aggressive in responding to concerns and trends identified in bank examinations with respect to bank capital requirements.  Any increased government oversight may increase our costs and limit our business opportunities.  We may be required to pay even higher FDIC premiums than the current level.  Our failure to comply

 
12


with law, regulations or policies applicable to our business could result in sanctions against us by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputation damage, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  While we have polices and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, there can be no assurances that such violations will not occur.

A breach of information security or compliance breach by one of our vendors could negatively affect our reputation and business.

We rely upon a variety of computing platforms and networks over the internet for the purpose of data processing, communication and information exchange.  Despite the safeguards instituted by management, such systems are susceptible to a breach of security.  In addition, we rely on the service of a variety of third-party vendors to meet our processing needs.  If confidential information is compromised, financial losses, costs and damages could occur.  Such costs and or losses could materially affect our earnings.  In addition, the negative affect on our reputation could affect our ability to deliver products and services successfully to new and existing customers.

The trading volume of our stock remains low which could impact stock prices.

The trading history of our common stock has been characterized by relatively low trading volume.  The value of a shareholder’s investment may be subject to decreases due to the volatility of the price of our common stock which trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

The market price of our common stock may be volatile and subject to fluctuations in response to numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed in the other risk factors and the following:
 
·
actual or anticipated fluctuation in operating results;
 
·
changes in interest rates;
 
·
changes in legal or regulatory environment;
 
·
press releases, publicity, or announcements;
 
·
changes in expectation of our future financial performance;
 
·
future sales of our common stock;
 
·
changes in economic conditions; and
 
·
other developments affecting us or our competitors

These factors may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance, and could prevent a shareholder from selling common stock at or above the current market price.

Because of our participation in the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, the Corporation is subject to certain restrictions including limitations on the payment of dividends on and the repurchase of our Common Stock.

The Corporation has traditionally paid a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders.  In the future, we may not be able to declare or pay cash dividends other than regular quarterly cash dividends of not more than $0.090 per share (adjusted for the 5% stock dividend paid in November 2009), which was the amount of the last regular quarterly dividend declared and paid by the Corporation before our participation in the Capital Purchase Program, or even to declare or pay cash dividends at all in accordance with past practice, due to restrictions on the payment of dividends and the repurchase of our Common Stock contained in the Securities Purchase Agreement between the Corporation and the Treasury.  These restrictions on declaring or paying dividends could negatively effect the value of our Common Stock.  Until the earlier of the third anniversary of the Treasury’s investment in our Series A Preferred Stock or when all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock have been redeemed by us or transferred by the Treasury to third parties, we may not, without the consent of the Treasury, increase the cash dividend on our Common Stock or, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for consideration shares of our Common Stock or any preferred stock (other than the Series A Preferred Stock), subject to limited exceptions, most significantly purchases in connection with benefit plans.  We are prohibited from declaring dividend payments on common, junior preferred or pari passu preferred shares unless we are current in our dividend payments on the Series A Preferred Stock.  Further, common, junior preferred or pari passu preferred shares may not be repurchased by us unless we are current in our dividend payments on the Series A Preferred Stock.

Moreover, our ability to pay dividends is always subject to legal and regulatory restrictions.  Any payment of dividends in the future will depend, in large part, on the Corporation’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by the Corporation’s Board of Directors.  Although we have historically paid cash dividends on our Common Stock, we are not required to do so and our Board of Directors could reduce or eliminate our Common Stock dividend in the future.

 
13


If we are unable to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock issued to the Treasury in connection with our participation in the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program within five years, the cost of the capital received will increase significantly.

The Series A Preferred Stock pays cumulative dividends at the rate of 5% per annum for the first five years and 9% per annum thereafter.  The Series A Preferred Stock has no maturity date.  If we are unable to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock prior to February 15, 2014, the dividend payable thereon will increase on that date from 5% per annum ($500,000 annually) to 9% per annum ($900,000 annually).  If we are unable to redeem our Series A Preferred Stock by February 15, 2014, this increase in the annual dividend rate on the Series A Preferred Stock could have a material negative effect on our liquidity.

The Series A Preferred Stock issued to the Treasury in connection with our participation in the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program reduces our net income and earnings per share of Common Stock and the Warrant issued to the Treasury may be dilutive to the ownership interests of holders of the Common Stock.

The shares of Series A Preferred Stock pay cumulative dividends at the rate of 5% per annum for the first five years and 9% per annum thereafter.  These dividends will reduce our net income and earnings per common share.  The Series A Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock and, as such, will receive preferential treatment in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.  In the event that the Warrant issued to the Treasury is exercised in whole or part, the ownership interest of our existing shareholders will be diluted accordingly.  The shares of Common Stock underlying the warrant represent approximately 2.2% of the shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock outstanding as of December 31, 2009 (included in total shares outstanding are the shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrant). The Treasury has agreed not to vote any of the shares of Common Stock it receives upon exercise of the Warrant, but any third party to which the Treasury transfers the Warrant or any portion of the Warrant or any shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrant is not similarly bound by this voting restriction.

Our future deposit insurance premiums could be substantially higher, which could have a material adverse effect on our future earnings.

The FDIC insures deposits at FDIC insured financial institutions, including the Bank.  The FDIC charges the insured financial institutions premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund at an adequate level.  In light of developments in the market, FDIC insurance premiums increased substantially in 2009.  The FDIC adopted a revised risk-based deposit insurance assessment schedule during the first quarter of 2009, which raised regular deposit insurance premiums.  The FDIC also implemented a five basis point special assessment of each insured depository institution’s total assets minus Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009.  The amount of this special assessment for the Bank was approximately $300,000.  In December 2009 the FDIC required us to prepay our assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012.  Notwithstanding this prepayment, the FDIC may further increase the standard assessment rates and impose additional special assessments in the future.

External factors, many of which we cannot control, may result in liquidity concerns for us.

Liquidity risk is the potential that the Corporation will be unable to meet its obligations as they come due, capitalize on growth opportunities as they arise, or pay regular dividends because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding in a timely basis, at a reasonable cost and within acceptable risk tolerances.

Liquidity is required to fund various obligations, including credit commitments to borrowers, loan originations, withdrawals by depositors, repayment of borrowings, operating expenses, capital expenditures and dividends to stockholders.

Liquidity is derived primarily from deposit growth and retention; principal and interest payments on loans; principal and interest payments on investment securities; sale, maturity and prepayment of investment securities; net cash provided from operations and access to other funding sources.

Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general.  Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity due to a prolonged economic downturn or adverse regulatory action against us.  Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a severe disruption of the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 
14


Item 2.  Properties

The Corporation conducts its business through its main office located at 630 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, New Jersey and its twelve branch offices.  The property located at 612 Godwin Avenue is to be used for future administrative offices.  The property located at 121 Franklin Avenue is a remote drive-up location.  The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Corporation’s properties as of December 31, 2009.


 
Leased
Date of Lease
Location
or Owned
Expiration  
     
612 Godwin Avenue
Owned
          ---
Midland Park, NJ
   
     
630 Godwin Avenue
Owned
          ---
Midland Park, NJ
   
     
386 Lafayette Avenue
Owned
          ---
Hawthorne, NJ
   
     
87 Berdan Avenue
Leased
06/30/14
Wayne, NJ
   
     
64 Franklin Turnpike
Owned
          ---
Waldwick, NJ
   
     
190 Franklin Avenue
Leased
09/30/12
Ridgewood, NJ
   
     
121 Franklin Avenue
Leased
01/31/15
Ridgewood, NJ
   
     
311 Valley Road
Leased
11/30/13
Wayne, NJ
   
     
249 Newark Pompton Turnpike
Owned
          ---
Pequannock, NJ
   
     
1111 Goffle Road
Leased
05/31/11
Hawthorne, NJ
   
     
400 Hamburg Turnpike
Leased
04/30/14
Wayne, NJ
   
     
2 Changebridge Road
Leased
06/30/15
Montville, NJ
   
     
378 Franklin Avenue
Leased
05/31/26
Wyckoff, NJ
   
     
200 Kinderkamack Road
Leased
05/20/26
Westwood, NJ
   
     
33 Sicomac Avenue
Leased
10/31/14
North Haledon, NJ
   

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

The Corporation and the Bank are periodically parties to or otherwise involved in legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business, such as claims to enforce liens, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans, and other issues incident to the Bank’s business.  Management does not believe that there is any pending or

 
15


threatened proceeding against the Corporation or the Bank which, if determined adversely, would have a material effect on the business or financial position of the Corporation or the Bank.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matters were submitted for a vote of the Registrant’s shareholders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.


Part II


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

Until March 27, 2007, the Corporation’s Common Stock traded on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “SSFN”.  Since March 28, 2007, the Corporation’s Common Stock has been traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the same symbol.  As of December 31, 2009, there were approximately 1,000 shareholders of record of the Common Stock.

The following table sets forth the quarterly high and low bid prices of the Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market for the quarterly periods presented.  The prices below reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail markup, markdown or commissions, and may not represent actual transactions.  The stock prices and cash dividends set forth below also reflect adjustments related to 5% stock dividends paid in November, 2009 and 2008.

   
Bid
   
Cash
 
   
High
   
Low
   
Dividend
 
Year Ended December 31, 2009
                 
Fourth quarter
  $ 10.50     $ 8.26     $ 0.090  
Third quarter
    10.45       7.95       0.090  
Second quarter
    11.21       8.33       0.090  
First quarter
    11.41       7.09       0.090  

Year Ended December 31, 2008
                 
Fourth quarter
  $ 13.10     $ 7.24     $ 0.086  
Third quarter
    12.48       10.89       0.086  
Second quarter
    13.15       11.09       0.082  
First quarter
    13.61       11.79       0.082  

The Corporation may pay dividends as declared from time to time by the Corporation’s Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefore, subject to certain restrictions.  Since dividends from the Bank will be the Corporation’s main source of income, any restriction on the Bank’s ability to pay dividends will act as a restriction on the Corporation’s ability to pay dividends.  Under the New Jersey Banking Act, the Bank may not pay a cash dividend unless, following the payment of such dividend, the capital stock of the Bank will be unimpaired and (i) the Bank will have a surplus of no less than 50% of its capital stock or (ii) the payment of such dividend will not reduce the surplus of the Bank.  In addition, the Bank cannot pay dividends if doing so would reduce its capital below the regulatory imposed minimums.

Also, our ability to pay future cash dividends is subject to the provision contained in the agreement that covers our participation in the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program.  Specifically, the Corporation may not declare a dividend that exceeds $0.090 per common share until the earlier of the third anniversary of the Treasury’s investment or our redemption or the transfer of our Preferred Stock to a third party.

During fiscal 2009, the Corporation paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.36 per share for an annual dividend payout ratio of 58.2%.  During fiscal 2008 the Corporation paid quarterly cash dividends totaling $0.34 per share for an annual dividend payout ratio of 56.2%.

 
16


STEWARDSHIP FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares the cumulative total return on a hypothetical $100 investment made on December 31, 2004 in: (a) Stewardship Financial Corporation’s common stock; (b) NASDAQ Composite; (c) NASDAQ Bank; (d) Peer Group 2008; and (e) Peer Group 2009.  The Peer Group indices consist of New Jersey based commercial banks with total asset size and operating performance comparable with the Corporation.  The Peer Group 2008 index consists of the following companies: 1st Constitution Bancorp, BCB Bancorp, Inc., Center Bancorp, Central Jersey Bancorp, Community Bank of Bergen County, Parke Bancorp, Inc., Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corporation, Somerset Hills Bancorp, Sterling Banks, Inc., Sussex Bancorp, and Unity Bancorp, Inc.  The Peer Group 2009 index consists of the following companies: 1st Colonial Bancorp, Inc., 1st Constitution Bancorp, Bancorp of New Jersey, Inc., BCB Bancorp, Inc., Center Bancorp, Inc., Central Jersey Bancorp, Community Partners Bancorp, Parke Bancorp, Inc., Somerset Hills Bancorp, Sussex Bancorp, and Unity Bancorp, Inc. The information provided is not necessarily indicative of the Corporation’s future performance.

STEWARDSHIP FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
Graphic
 
         
Period Ending
       
Index
 
12/31/04
   
12/31/05
   
12/31/06
   
12/31/07
   
12/31/08
   
12/31/09
 
Stewardship Financial Corporation
  $ 100.00     $ 98.41     $ 96.59     $ 104.05     $ 84.77     $ 78.09  
NASDAQ Composite
  $ 100.00     $ 101.37     $ 111.03     $ 21.92     $ 72.49     $ 104.31  
NASDAQ Bank
  $ 100.00     $ 95.67     $ 106.20     $ 82.76     $ 62.96     $ 51.31  
Peer Group 2008
  $ 100.00     $ 96.88     $ 104.01     $ 88.72     $ 65.56     $ 49.84  
Peer Group 2009
  $ 100.00     $ 98.07     $ 103.45     $ 89.85     $ 52.72     $ 48.46  

 
17


Item 6.  Selected Financial Data
The following selected consolidated financial data of the Corporation is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements, including notes, thereto, included elsewhere in this document.

STEWARDSHIP FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Earnings Summary:
 
   
Net interest income
  $ 23,345     $ 22,303     $ 19,430     $ 19,084     $ 18,211  
Provision for loan losses
    (3,575 )     (3,585 )     (530 )     (264 )     (600 )
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    19,770       18,718       18,900       18,820       17,611  
Noninterest income
    3,133       4,217       4,414       4,189       3,240  
Noninterest expense
    17,790       17,986       16,629       15,629       13,867  
Income before income tax expense
    5,113       4,949       6,685       7,380       6,984  
Income tax expense
    1,479       1,448       2,078       2,627       2,504  
Net income
    3,634       3,501       4,607       4,753       4,480  
Dividends on preferred stock and accretion
    504       -       -       -       -  
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 3,130     $ 3,501     $ 4,607     $ 4,753     $ 4,480  
                                         
Common Share Data: (1)
 
                                         
Basic net income
  $ 0.54     $ 0.60     $ 0.79     $ 0.82     $ 0.77  
Diluted net income
    0.54       0.60       0.79       0.81       0.77  
Cash dividends declared
    0.36       0.34       0.31       0.26       0.22  
Book value at year end
    7.50       7.31       7.02       6.42       5.78  
Average shares outstanding net of treasury stock
    5,832       5,854       5,836       5,812       5,778  
Shares outstanding at year end
    5,835       5,854       5,851       5,809       5,772  
Dividend payout ratio
    58.15 %     56.18 %     39.35 %     32.19 %     27.79 %
   
Selected Consolidated Ratios:
 
                                         
Return on average assets
    0.57 %     0.58 %     0.86 %     0.96 %     1.00 %
Return on average stockholders' equity
    5.92 %     8.34 %     11.76 %     13.41 %     13.86 %
Average stockholders' equity as a percentage of
average total assets
    8.23 %     6.98 %     7.34 %     7.19 %     7.20 %
Leverage (Tier-I) capital (2)
    9.22 %     8.01 %     8.56 %     8.85 %     8.71 %
Tier-I risk based capital (3)
    11.99 %     10.50 %     10.76 %     11.25 %     11.16 %
Total risk based capital (3)
    13.24 %     11.60 %     11.76 %     12.28 %     12.21 %
Allowance for loan loss to total loans
    1.50 %     1.18 %     1.06 %     1.11 %     1.11 %
Nonperforming loans to total loans
    4.98 %     1.46 %     0.11 %     0.41 %     0.15 %
   
Selected Year-end Balances:
 
   
Total assets
  $ 663,844     $ 611,816     $ 571,905     $ 519,749     $ 482,727  
Total loans, net of allowance for loan loss
    453,119       434,103       415,690       365,443       341,976  
Total deposits
    529,930       506,531       472,299       434,223       403,466  
Stockholders' equity
    53,511       42,796       41,090       37,306       33,384  
 
(1)
All share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect 5% stock dividends paid November 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 and a 4 for 3 stock split that occurred July 2005.
(2)
As a percentage of average quarterly assets.
(3)
As a percentage of total risk-weighted assets.

 
18


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

This section provides an analysis of the Stewardship Financial Corporation’s (the “Corporation”) consolidated financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.  The analysis should be read in conjunction with the related audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes presented elsewhere herein.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This annual report 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,” “plan,” “estimate,” 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 annual report, “we” and “us” and “our” refer to Stewardship Financial Corporation and its consolidated subsidiary, Atlantic Stewardship Bank, depending on the context.
 
Introduction
 
The Corporation’s primary business is the ownership and supervision of the Bank and, through the Bank, the Corporation has been, and intends to continue to be, a community-oriented financial institution offering a variety of financial services to meet the needs of the communities it serves.  The Corporation currently has 13 full service branches offices located in Bergen, Passaic and Morris counties in New Jersey.  The Corporation conducts a general commercial and retail banking business encompassing a wide range of traditional deposit and lending functions along with the other customary banking services.  The Corporation earns income and generates cash primarily through the deposit gathering activities of the branch network.  These deposits gathered from the general public are then utilized to fund the Corporation’s lending and investing activities.

The Corporation has developed a strong deposit base with good franchise value.  A mix of a variety of different deposit products, along with a strong focus on customer service, is used to attract customers and build depositor relationships.  Challenges facing the organization are to continue to grow the existing branch levels, provide adequate technology enhancements to achieve efficiencies, offer a competitive product line, and provide the highest level of customer service.

The Corporation is affected by the overall economic conditions in northern New Jersey, the interest rate and yield curve environment, and the overall national economy.  These factors are relevant because they will affect our ability to attract specific deposit products, our ability to invest in loan and investment products, and our ability to earn acceptable profits without incurring increased risks.

When evaluating the financial condition and operating performance of the Corporation, management reviews historical trends, peer comparisons, asset and deposit concentrations, interest margin analysis, adequacy of loan loss reserve and loan quality performance, adequacy of capital under current positions as well as to support future expansion, adequacy of liquidity, and overall quality of earnings performance.

The branch network provides for solid coverage in both existing and new markets in key towns in the three counties in which we operate.  The Corporation continually evaluates the need to further develop the infrastructure to enable the entity to continue to build franchise value, expand its customer base, and offer appropriate products and services to its existing and future customer base.  During 2007 the Corporation opened three new branch locations.  Management has been encouraged by the positive reception received for these three branches and believes that each of these branches contribute to a strong branch network.  As the branches continue to mature, they provide a strong diverse customer base of both consumer and business customers.

In 2009, the Corporation, like all financial institutions, continued to experience a difficult and complicated economic and operating environment.  The Corporation’s results have been affected by the economic downturn through higher loan loss provisions.  In addition, competition in the northern New Jersey market remained intense and the challenges of operating throughout the year in a flat interest rate market continued to make it somewhat difficult to attract deposits at appropriate interest rate levels.  Although the area in which the bank operates has been somewhat shielded by the national economic downturn, management continues to find it challenging to attract low cost core deposits.  Furthermore, while the current economic conditions and softness in the real estate market have contributed to an

 
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increase in loan delinquencies, lending opportunities have been appropriately addressed.  The Corporation has not been involved in the subprime lending area.

In an effort to address the strong competition in attracting deposit balances, in mid-February 2009 we introduced our new Power Rate checking product.  This new offering pays a premium rate of interest and refunds ATM fees charged by other financial institutions.  In return, the customer has simple monthly qualification factors such as enrolling in online banking with electronic statements and minimum levels of debit card usage.  This product contributed to the growth in deposits during 2009 as well as increased fee income related to debit cards and reduced expenses related to statement rendition.

From time to time the Corporation has utilized brokered certificates of deposit to supplement deposit growth.  However, at December 31, 2009 the Corporation had no brokered certificates of deposit compared to $30.7 million as of December 31, 2008.

Improvements and upgrades of our electronic / online banking products and services continued to be a priority for 2009.  During 2009 we introduced an online banking / cash management product as well as remote deposit capture services for businesses.  Additional development and testing of technology, including mobile banking, was performed in 2009 leading to a planned 2010 introduction.

In addition to a focus on increasing non-interest income, in 2009 there was a renewed emphasis on expense control.  However, substantial increases of the FDIC insurance premium resulted in increased expenses incurred by the Corporation during 2009l.  As a result of losses to the FDIC insurance fund from recent bank failures as well as projected bank failures, the FDIC increased its insurance premium rates to all banks in 2009.  In addition, the FDIC imposed a 5 basis point special assessment on all banks, based on June 30, 2009 total assets net of Tier 1 capital.  Total FDIC insurance premium expense for 2009 represented an $807,000 increase over 2008 including the recording of approximately $300,000 of expense for the special assessment.

In 2009, the Corporation received $10 million as part of the United States Treasury Capital Purchase Program (CPP).  The additional capital provided by the CPP solidified our already well capitalized position, thereby enhancing our ability to continue to grow assets and increasing our ability to make new loans.  Accordingly, we can better serve the lending needs of consumers and businesses in our market.

Despite facing economic and unprecedented challenges in 2009, the Corporation continued to perform well when compared with peer group performance.  The Corporation will continue to concentrate its efforts on growing and maturing its existing branch network, developing new products and services, capitalizing on technology and focusing on improved efficiencies during 2010.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

A discussion of recent pronouncements and their effect on the Corporation’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements can be found in Note 1 of the Corporation’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Critical Accounting Policies And Estimates

 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation,” as well as disclosures found elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are based upon the Corporation’s Audited 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, 2009 contains a summary of the Corporation’s significant accounting policies.  Management 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.  This critical policy and its application are periodically reviewed with the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.

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 collectability 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, which is subject to significant

 
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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 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 collectability 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.

Earnings Summary

The Corporation reported net income of $3.6 million, or $0.54 diluted earnings per common share, for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $3.5 million, or $0.60 diluted earnings per common share recorded for 2008.  Results for the current year include increased expense associated with a FDIC special assessment.

The return on average assets of 0.57% in 2009 was relatively unchanged from 0.58% in 2008.  The return on average equity decreased to 5.92% for 2009 from 8.34% in 2008.

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

The Corporation’s principal source of revenue is the net interest income derived from the Bank, which represents the difference between the interest earned on assets and interest paid on funds acquired to support those assets.  Net interest income is affected by the balances and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, changes in their corresponding yields and costs, and by the volume of interest-earning assets funded by noninterest-bearing deposits.  The Corporation’s principal interest-earning assets are loans made to businesses and individuals and investment securities.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, net interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, increased to $23.9 million from $22.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, reflecting an increase of $1.1 million, or 4.7%.  The increase in the current year is due to an increase of $8.5 million, or 7.1%, in net average interest-earning assets (average interest-earning assets less average interest-bearing liabilities) partially offset by a decrease in the net yield on interest-earning assets.  The net interest rate spread and net yield on interest earning assets for the year ended December 31, 2009 were 3.45% and 3.89%, respectively, compared to 3.43% and 4.00% for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The net interest rate spread and net yield on interest earning assets for the current year reflect a decline in loan interest rates and yields on securities as well as a decline in the interest rates on deposits and borrowings.  The Corporation attempted to proactively manage deposit costs in an effort to mitigate the lower asset yields attributable to historically low market rates.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, total interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, decreased $878,000, or 2.5%, when compared to the prior year.  The decrease was due to a decrease in yields on interest-earning assets partially offset by an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets.  The average rate earned on interest-earning assets decreased 58 basis points from 6.23% for the year ended December 31, 2008 to 5.65% in the current year.  The decline in short-term interest rates during 2008 resulted in a Prime rate of 3.25% at December 31, 2008 compared to a Prime rate of 7.25% in January of 2008 dropping to 5.00% in September 2008.  The decline in short-term rates resulted in loans resetting during the past year at lower interest rates, thereby contributing to the decline in yields on earning assets.  Average interest-earning assets increased $43.2 million in 2009, or 7.6%, over the 2008 amount with average investment securities increasing $37.9 million, reflecting the leverage strategy undertaken to invest the $10 million in funds raised through the issuance of preferred stock under the Capital Purchase Program (the “CPP”).

Interest expense decreased $2.0 million, or 15.3%, during the year ended December 31, 2009 to $10.8 million.  The decrease was attributable to a decline in the average rate paid on deposits and borrowings partially offset by an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities.  The cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased to 2.20% for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to 2.80% during 2008.  Average interest-bearing liabilities were $491.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, reflecting an increase of $35.0 million, or 7.7%, when compared to $456.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.  In addition to the Corporation’s expanding customer base, the increase in average interest-bearing liabilities was a result of increased borrowings to complete the leveraging of the $10 million of CPP funds.  The Corporation continues to supplement its branch deposit network with a mix of wholesale repurchase agreements and Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings.  These alternative funding sources help to lower cost of funds and provide for better management of interest rate risk.  There were no brokered certificates of deposit for the majority of 2009.

 
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The following table reflects the components of the Corporation’s net interest income for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 including, (1) average assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity based on average daily balances, (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% for the years presented.  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.

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
               
Average
               
Average
               
Average
 
         
Interest
   
Rates
         
Interest
   
Rates
         
Interest
   
Rates
 
   
Average
   
Income/
   
Earned/
   
Average
   
Income/
   
Earned/
   
Average
   
Income/
   
Earned/
 
   
Balance
   
Expense
   
Paid
   
Balance
   
Expense
   
Paid
   
Balance
   
Expense
   
Paid
 
                                                       
Assets
                                                     
                                                       
Interest-earning assets:
                                                     
Loans (1)
  $ 445,586     $ 26,981       6.06 %   $ 437,812     $ 28,664       6.55 %   $ 385,954     $ 27,517       7.13 %
Taxable investment securities (1)
    138,514       6,131       4.43       102,930       5,377       5.22       93,732       4,921       5.25  
Tax-exempt investment securities (1) (2)
    30,057       1,590       5.29       27,765       1,482       5.34       23,372       1,200       5.13  
Other interest-earning assets
    124       9       7.26       2,624       66       2.52       631       45       7.13  
Total interest-earning assets
    614,281       34,711       5.65       571,131       35,589       6.23       503,689       33,683       6.69  
                                                                         
Non-interest-earning assets:
                                                                       
Allowance for loan losses
    (6,193 )                     (5,045 )                     (4,184 )                
Other assets
    34,474                       34,799                       34,084                  
Total assets
  $ 642,562                     $ 600,885                     $ 533,589                  
                                                                         
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
                                                                       
                                                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Interest-bearing demand deposits
  $ 190,522     $ 2,549       1.34 %   $ 164,000     $ 2,731       1.67 %   $ 134,219     $ 3,432       2.56 %
Savings deposits
    42,328       206       0.49       37,750       237       0.63       37,171       282       0.76  
Time deposits
    191,738       6,038       3.15       187,195       7,566       4.04       181,973       8,297       4.56  
Repurchase agreements
    15,315       754       4.92       16,259       626       3.85       12,192       505       4.14  
FHLB borrowings
    44,651       979       2.19       44,350       1,145       2.58       20,379       877       4.30  
Subordinated debentures
    7,217       285       3.95       7,217       466       6.46       7,217       487       6.75  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    491,771       10,811       2.20       456,771       12,771       2.80       393,151       13,880       3.53  
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Demand deposits
    93,030                       97,316                       96,659                  
Other liabilities
    4,870                       4,830                       4,624                  
Stockholders' equity
    52,891                       41,968                       39,155                  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 642,562                     $ 600,885                     $ 533,589                  
                                                                         
Net interest income (taxable equivalent basis)
            23,900                       22,818                       19,803          
Tax equivalent adjustment
            (555 )                     (515 )                     (373 )        
Net interest income
          $ 23,345                     $ 22,303                     $ 19,430          
                                                                         
Net interest spread (taxable equivalent basis)
                    3.45 %                     3.43 %                     3.16 %
                                                                         
Net yield on interest-earning
                                                                       
assets (taxable equivalent basis) (3)
                    3.89 %                     4.00 %                     3.93 %

(1)
For purpose of these calculations, nonaccruing loans are included in the average balance. Fees are included in loan interest.
(2)
The tax equivalent adjustments are based on a marginal tax rate of 34%.  Loans and total interest-earning assets are net of unearned income. Securities are included at amortized cost.
(3)
Net interest income (taxable equivalent basis) divided by average interest-earning assets.

 
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The following table analyzes net interest income in terms of changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and changes in yields earned and rates paid on such assets and liabilities on a tax equivalent basis.  The table reflects the extent to which changes in the Corporation’s interest income and interest expense are attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior year rate) and changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior year volume).  Changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to changes due to volume and changes due to rate.

   
2009 Versus 2008
   
2008 Versus 2007
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                     
   
Increase (Decrease)
         
Increase (Decrease)
       
   
Due to Change in
         
Due to Change in
       
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
 
Interest income:
                                   
                                     
Loans
  $ 502     $ (2,185 )   $ (1,683 )   $ 3,509     $ (2,362 )   $ 1,147  
Taxable investment securities
    1,662       (908 )     754       481       (25 )     456  
Tax-exempt investment securities
    121       (13 )     108       233       49       282  
Other interest-earning assets
    (103 )     46       (57 )     66       (45 )     21  
                                                 
Total interest-earning assets
    2,182       (3,060 )     (878 )     4,289       (2,383 )     1,906  
                                                 
Interest expense:
                                               
                                                 
Interest-bearing demand deposits
  $ 402       (584 )     (182 )     658       (1,359 )     (701 )
Savings deposits
    26       (57 )     (31 )     4       (49 )     (45 )
Time deposits
    180       (1,708 )     (1,528 )     233       (964 )     (731 )
Repurchase agreements
    (38 )     166       128       159       (38 )     121  
FHLB borrowings
    8       (174 )     (166 )     724       (456 )     268  
Subordinated debentures
    -       (181 )     (181 )     -       (21 )     (21 )
                                                 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    578       (2,538 )     (1,960 )     1,778       (2,887 )     (1,109 )
                                                 
Net change in net interest income
  $ 1,604     $ (522 )   $ 1,082     $ 2,511     504     $ 3,015  

Provision for Loan Losses

The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses at a level considered by management to be adequate to cover the probable incurred losses associated with its loan portfolio.  On an ongoing basis, management analyzes the adequacy of this allowance by considering the nature and volume of the Corporation’s loan activity, financial condition of the borrower, fair market value of underlying collateral, and changes in general market conditions.  Additions to the allowance for loan losses are charged to operations in the appropriate period.  Actual loan losses, net of recoveries, serve to reduce the allowance.  The appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is based on estimates, and ultimate losses may vary from current estimates.

The loan loss provision of $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 was equivalent to the loan loss provision recorded for the year ended December 31, 2008.  The allowance for loan loss was $6.9 million, or 1.50% of total loans as of December 31, 2009 compared to of $5.2 million, or 1.18% of total loans a year earlier.

The loan loss provision takes into account growth in the loan portfolio and an increase in nonperforming loans.  Gross loans increased $20.8 million in 2009, from $439.7 million at December 31, 2008 to $460.5 million at December 31, 2009, with majority of the noted growth in the categories of commercial real estate and commercial loans.  In determining the level of the allowance for loan loss, the Corporation also considered the types of loans associated with the growth, as well as the overall seasoning of the new loans to determine the appropriate risk that was inherent in the portfolio.

Nonaccrual loans increased from $4.2 million, or 0.96% of total loans, at December 31, 2008 to $19.7 million at December 31, 2009, or 4.27% of total loans.  After factoring in the fair market value of the underlying collateral the allowance for loan losses related to the impaired loans increased from $481,000 at December 31, 2008 to $1.9 million at December 31, 2009.  In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2009, the Corporation charged off loans totaling $1.9 million compared to loans charged off of $2.9 million in the prior year.  While the most significant portion of the increased loan losses provision and chargeoffs for

 
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2008 was related to a group of loans to one borrower, the current year provision for loan losses and chargeoffs is indicative of current economic conditions that have contributed to an increase in loan delinquencies and the softness in the real estate market.

In addition to these factors, the Corporation evaluated the economic conditions and overall real estate climate in the primary business markets in which it operates in when considering the overall risk of the lending portfolio.  The asset quality issues, caused by the economic downturn which began in 2008, and the current year provision for loan losses is reflective of current economic conditions that contributed to an increase in loan delinquencies and the softness in the real estate market.  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.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income consists of all income other than interest income and is principally derived from service charges on deposits, gain on sales of mortgage loans, income derived from bank owned life insurance, merchant processing income and income derived from debit cards and ATM usage.

When comparing noninterest income of $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to $4.2 million for the prior year, noninterest income decreased $1.1 million.  Noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2008 included a gain of $509,000 related to the sale of the Corporation’s merchant servicing portfolio.  In addition, as a result of the sale, a decline of $1.3 million in the related noninterest income line as well as a $1.2 million decline in the related noninterest expense line is reflected for the year ended December 31, 2009.  After adjusting for all of the effects of the sale of the merchant servicing portfolio, noninterest income for 2009 is actually $724,000 greater than 2008.  Fees and service charge income increased $514,000, or 38.6%.  The increase is partially due to the introduction of the new Power Rate Checking product.  In addition, the increase reflects revisions to policies for the assessment of fees as well as the changes in and additions to the current fee structure.  Gains on calls and sales of securities, net were $258,000 and $103,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Gains on sales of mortgage loans were $294,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase when compared to $193,000 for prior year reflecting an increase in mortgage activity in the current year reflective of lower mortgage rates.  The increase in the activity for the current year resulted in an increase in the volume of loans sold and ultimately, an increase in gains on mortgages sold.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense decreased by $196,000, or 1.1%, to $17.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $18.0 million for the same period in 2008.  As previously reported, on December 31, 2008, the Corporation sold its merchant servicing portfolio and, as a result, a $1.2 million decline in the related noninterest expense line as well as a decline of $1.3 million in the related noninterest income line is reflected for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The FDIC insurance premium expense reflects increases in the FDIC insurance assessment rates as well as in increase in deposits.  In addition, FDIC insurance premiums reflect the recording of an industry-wide special assessment which amounted to $300,000 for the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2009.

In accordance with our By-laws which provide for tithing of (10%) of the Corporation’s pre-tax profits to various charities, the Corporation had charitable contributions totaling $619,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $627,000 for the same period in 2008.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense totaled $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, for an effective tax rate of 28.9%, compared to $1.4 million, for an effective tax rate of 29.3% for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Financial Condition

Total assets at December 31, 2009 were $663.8 million, an increase of $52.0 million, or 8.5%, over the $611.8 million at December 31, 2008.  This increase in assets reflects, among other things, a $31.9 million increase in securities and a $19.0 million increase in portfolio loans.

 
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Loan Portfolio

The Corporation’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2009, net of allowance for loan losses, totaled $453.1 million, an increase of $19.0 million, or 4.4%, over the $434.1 million at December 31, 2008.  Commercial real estate mortgage loans consisting of $246.2 million, or 53.5% of the total portfolio, represented the largest portion of the loan portfolio. This reflected an increase of $20.0 million from $226.2 million, or 51.4% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2008.  Commercial loans increased $14.6 million to $114.9 million, representing 24.9% of the total loan portfolio. Consumer installment loans decreased $10.3 million and residential real estate mortgages decreased $4.1 million. The Corporation continued its policy of selling the majority of its residential real estate loans in the secondary market.  All of these loans have been sold with servicing released.

The Corporation’s lending activities are concentrated in loans secured by real estate located in northern New Jersey and therefore collectability of the loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in real estate market conditions in the northern New Jersey market.  The Corporation has not made loans to borrowers outside the United States.

At December 31, 2009, there were no concentrations of loans exceeding 10% of total loans outstanding.  Loan concentrations are considered to exist when there are amounts loaned to a multiple number of borrowers engaged in similar activities which would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other related conditions.

The following table sets forth the classification of the Corporation’s loans by major category at the end of the last five years:

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Real estate mortgage:
     
Residential
  $ 36,246     $ 40,337     $ 44,719     $ 47,020     $ 45,604  
Commercial
    246,212       226,183       209,082       177,411       163,309  
   
Commercial loans
    114,893       100,282       89,845       72,606       65,011  
   
Consumer loans:
                                       
Installment (1)
    41,006       51,290       56,796       52,389       51,540  
Home equity
    21,779       21,208       19,723       20,010       20,271  
Other
    340       356       424       560       506  
   
Total gross loans
    460,476       439,656       420,589       369,996       346,241  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    6,920       5,166       4,457       4,101       3,847  
Deferred loan fees
    437       387       442       452       418  
Net loans
  $ 453,119     $ 434,103     $ 415,690     $ 365,443     $ 341,976  
   
(1) Includes automobile, home improvement, second mortgages and unsecured loans. Credit card loans are also included for December 31, 2005.
 

The following table sets forth certain categories of gross loans as of December 31, 2009 by contractual maturity.  Borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.  This might cause actual maturities to differ from the contractual maturities summarized below.

   
Within 1 Year
   
After 1 Year But Within 5 Years
   
After 5 Years
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Real estate mortgage
  $ 45,804     $ 8,100     $ 228,554     $ 282,458  
Commercial
    56,682       33,509       24,702       114,893  
Consumer
    1,719       4,977       56,429       63,125  
Total gross loans
  $ 104,205     $ 46,586     $ 309,685     $ 460,476  

 
25


The following table sets forth the dollar amount of all gross loans due one year or more after December 31, 2009, which have predetermined interest rates or floating or adjustable interest rates:

   
Predetermined
Rates
   
Floating or Adjustable Rates
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Real estate mortgage
  $ 37,502     $ 199,152     $ 236,654  
Commercial
    26,255       31,956       58,211  
Consumer
    41,205       20,201       61,406  
    $ 104,962     $ 251,309     $ 356,271  

Asset Quality

The Corporation’s principal earning asset is its loan portfolio. Inherent in the lending function is the risk of deterioration in a borrower’s ability to repay loans under existing loan agreements.  Management realizes that because of this risk, reserves are maintained to absorb loan losses. In determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, management of the Corporation considers the risks inherent in its loan portfolio and changes in the nature and volume of its loan activities, along with general economic and real estate market conditions.  Although management attempts to establish a reserve sufficient to offset probable incurred losses in the portfolio, changes in economic conditions, regulatory policies and borrower’s performance could require future changes to the allowance.

The Corporation utilizes a two tier approach by (1) identifying problem loans and allocating specific loss allowances on such loans and (2) establishing a general valuation allowance on the remainder of its loan portfolio.  The Corporation maintains a loan review system that allows for a periodic review of its loan portfolio and the early identification of potential problem loans.  Such a system takes into consideration, among other things, delinquency status, size of loans, type of collateral and financial condition of the borrowers.  Allocations of specific loan loss allowances are established for identified loans based on a review of such information and/or appraisals of underlying collateral.  General loan loss allowances are based upon a combination of factors including, but not limited to, actual loss experience, composition of loan portfolio, current economic conditions and management’s judgment.
 
The Corporation’s accounting policies are set forth in Note 1 to the Corporation’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.  The application of some of these policies requires significant management judgment and the utilization of estimates.  Actual results could differ from these judgments and estimates resulting in a significant impact on the financial statements.  A critical accounting policy for the Corporation is the policy utilized in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.  Although management uses the best information available, the level of the allowance for loan losses remains an estimate which 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 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.  Future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary due to economic, operating, regulatory, and other conditions beyond the Corporation’s control.  The allowance for loan losses represents 1.50% of total loans, or 30.2% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2009, compared with 1.18% of total loans or 80.2% of non-performing loans at December 31, 2008.  In management’s opinion, the allowance for loan losses totaling $6.9 million is adequate to cover probable incurred losses inherent in the portfolio at December 31, 2009.

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans, restructured loans, loans past due 90 days or more and accruing, and other real estate owned.  There were no other real estate owned assets for the periods presented.  The Corporation’s loans are generally placed in a nonaccrual status when they become past due in excess of 90 days as to payment of principal and interest.  Interest previously accrued on these loans and not yet paid is charged against income during the current period.  Interest earned thereafter is only included in income to the extent that it is received in cash.  Loans past due 90 days or more and accruing represent those loans which are sufficiently collateralized and management believes all interest and principal owed will be collected.  Restructured loans are loans that have been renegotiated to permit a borrower, who has incurred adverse financial circumstances, to continue to perform.  Management can reduce the contractual interest rates to below market rates or make significant concessions to the terms of the loan in order for the borrower to continue to make payments.

 
26


The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Corporation’s nonperforming assets as of December 31 of each of the preceding five years:

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Nonaccrual loans: (1)
                             
Construction
  $ 8,581     $ 2,575     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Residential real estate
    1,131       -       -       -       -  
Commercial real estate
    5,109       291       73       123       122  
Commercial
    3,638       825       307       167       258  
Consumer
    1,197       539       75       154       92  
Total nonaccrual loans
    19,656       4,230       455       444       472  
                                         
Loans past due 90 days or more and accruing: (2)
                                       
Construction
    415       -       -       -       -  
Commercial real estate
    -       -       -       840       -  
Commercial
    -       353       25       241       -  
Consumer
    -       -       1       9       55  
Total loans past due ninety days or more and
accruing
    415       353       26       1,090       55  
                                         
Restructured loans:
                                       
Commercial real estate
    665       1,483       -       -       -  
Commercial
    2,181       372       -       -       -  
Consumer
    -       -       -       -       -  
Total restructured loans
    2,846       1,855       -       -       -  
Total nonperforming loans
  $ 22,917     $ 6,438     $ 481     $ 1,534     $ 527  
                                         
                                         
Nonaccrual loans to total gross loans
    4.27 %     0.96 %     0.11 %     0.12 %     0.14 %
                                         
Nonperforming loans to total gross loans
    4.98 %     1.46 %     0.11 %     0.41 %     0.15 %
                                         
Nonperforming loans to total assets
    3.45 %     1.05 %     0.08 %     0.30 %     0.11 %
                                         
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans
    30.20 %     80.24 %     926.61 %     267.34 %     729.98 %
                                         
(1)
Restructured loans classified in the nonaccrual category totaled $23,000, $22,000 and $73,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009, December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. There were no restructured loans classified as nonaccrual for the year ended December 31, 2006.  Restructured loans classified in the nonaccrual category totaled $152,000 for the year ended December 31, 2005.

(2)
There were no restructured loans classified in the past due 90 days or more and accruing for any years presented.

As of December 31, 2009 there were $14.0 million of other loans not included in the above table, where credit conditions of borrowers caused management to have concerns about the possibility of the borrowers not complying with the present terms and conditions of repayment and which may result in disclosure of such loans at a future date.  These loans have been considered by management in conjunction with the analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, gross interest income which would have been recorded had the restructured and non-accruing loans been current in accordance with their original terms amounted to $1.7 million, of which $0.6 million was included in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 
27


The following table sets forth, for each of the preceding five years, the historical relationships among the amount of loans outstanding, the allowance for loan losses, the provision for loan losses, the amount of loans charged off and the amount of loan recoveries:

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 5,166     $ 4,457     $ 4,101     $ 3,847     $ 3,299  
                                         
Loans charged off:
                                       
Construction
    1,003       -       -       -       -  
Residential real estate
    85       -       -       -       -  
Commercial
    623       2,841       82       7       -  
Consumer
    215       61       103       33       57  
Total loans charged off
    1,926       2,902       185       40       57  
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
                                       
Commercial
    93       -       -       23       -  
Consumer
    12       26       11       7       5  
Total recoveries of loans previously charged off
    105       26       11       30       5  
Net loans charged off
    1,821       2,876       174       10       52  
Provisions charged to operations
    3,575       3,585       530       264       600  
Balance at end of period
  $ 6,920     $ 5,166     $ 4,457     $ 4,101     $ 3,847  
Net charge offs during the period to average loans
outstanding during the period
    0.41 %     0.66 %     0.05 %     0.00 %     0.02 %
Balance of allowance for loan losses at the end of
year to gross year end loans
    1.50 %     1.18 %     1.06 %     1.11 %     0.11 %

The following table sets forth the allocation of the allowance for loan losses, for each of the preceding five years, as indicated by loan categories:

   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
   
2005
 
   
Amount
   
Percent to Total(1)
   
Amount
   
Percent to Total(1)
   
Amount
   
Percent to Total(1)
   
Amount
   
Percent to Total(1)
   
Amount
   
Percent to Total(1)
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Real estate –
residential
  $ 155       7.9 %   $ 245       9.2 %   $ 256       10.6 %   $ 298       12.7 %   $ 320       13.2 %
Real estate –
commercial
    2,677       53.5 %     2,164       51.4 %     1,900       49.7 %     1,705       48.0 %     1,562       47.1 %
Commercial
    3,148       24.9 %     2,086       22.8 %     1,640       21.4 %     1,407       19.6 %     1,192       18.8 %
Consumer
    940       13.7 %     671       16.6 %     661       18.3 %     691       19.7 %     773       20.9 %
Total allowance
for loan losses
  $ 6,920       100.0 %   $ 5,166       100.0 %   $ 4,457       100.0 %   $ 4,101       100.0 %   $ 3,847       100.0 %
                                                                                 
(1) Represents percentage of loan balance in category to total gross loans.
 

Investment Portfolio

The Corporation maintains an investment portfolio to enhance its yields and to provide a secondary source of liquidity.  The portfolio is comprised of U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. government and agency obligations, mortgage-backed securities, state and political subdivision obligations and other equity investments, and has been classified as held to maturity or available for sale.  Investments in debt securities that the Corporation has the positive intent and the ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity securities and reported at amortized cost.  All other securities are classified as available for sale securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized holding gains or losses reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity.  Securities in the available for sale category may be held for indefinite periods of time and include securities that management intends to use as part of its Asset/Liability strategy or that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, changes in prepayment risks, the need to provide liquidity, the need to increase regulatory capital or similar factors.  Securities available for sale increased to $103.0 million at December 31, 2009, from $90.0 million at December 31, 2008, an increase of $13.0 million, or 14.4%. Securities held to maturity increased $18.9 million, or 38.6%, to $67.7 million at December 31, 2009 from $48.9 million at December 31, 2008.

 
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The following table sets forth the classification of the Corporation’s investment securities by major category at the end of the last three years:

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Percent
   
Carrying Value
   
Percent
   
Carrying Value
   
Percent
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Securities available for sale:
                                   
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
  $ 32,286       31.3 %   $ 49,660       55.2 %   $ 35,693       46.4 %
Obligations of state and
                                               
political subdivisions
    5,397       5.3       5,820       6.4       2,903       3.8  
Mortgage-backed securities-residential
    62,228       60.4       31,670       35.2       37,131       48.2  
Other equity investments
    3,115       3.0       2,873       3.2       1,230       1.6  
Total
  $ 103,026       100.0 %   $ 90,023       100.0 %   $ 76,957       100.0 %
                                                 
Securities held to maturity:
                                               
U.S. Treasury
  $ -       - %   $ -       - %   $ 501       1.2 %
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
    19,921       29.4       10,290       21.0       12,331       29.9  
Obligations of state and
                                               
political subdivisions
    27,038       39.9       23,048       47.2       22,569       54.8  
Mortgage-backed securities-residential
    20,758       30.7       15,518       31.8       5,788       14.1  
Total
  $ 67,717       100.0 %   $ 48,856       100.0 %   $ 41,189       100.0 %

The following table sets forth the maturity distribution and weighted average yields (calculated on the basis of stated yields to maturity, considering applicable premium or discount) of the Corporation’s securities available for sale as of December 31, 2009.  Issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.  This might cause actual maturities to differ from contractual maturities.

   
Within
1 Year
   
After 1 Year Through
5 Years
   
After
5 Years
Through
10 Years
   
After
10 Years
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                               
U.S. government-sponsored agencies :
                             
Carrying value
  $ -     $ 6,646     $ 12,682     $ 12,958     $ 32,286  
Yield
    -       2.83 %     3.83 %     5.13 %     4.15 %
Obligations of state and political subdivisions :
                                       
Carrying value
    -       310       3,072       2,015       5,397  
Yield
    -       3.26 %     3.55 %     3.99 %     3.70 %
Mortgage-backed securities-residential:
                                       
Carrying value
    653       2,042       3,609       55,924       62,228  
Yield
    3.77 %     4.24 %     4.68 %     4.47 %     47 %
Other equity investments:
                                       
Carrying value
    3,115       -       -       -       3,115  
Yield
    4.02 %     -       -       -       4.02 %
Total carrying value
  $ 3,768     $ 8,998     $ 19,363     $ 70,897     $ 103,026  
Weighted average yield
    3.98 %     3.16 %     3.94 %     4.58 %     4.31 %

 
29


The following table sets forth the maturity distribution and weighted average yields (calculated on the basis of stated yields to maturity, considering applicable premium or discount) of the Corporation’s securities held to maturity as of December 31, 2009.  Issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. This might cause actual maturities to differ from contractual maturities.

   
Within 1 Year
   
After 1 Year Through
 5 Years
   
After
5 Years
Through
10 Years
   
After
10 Years
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
U.S. government-sponsored agencies :
                             
Carrying value
  $ -     $ 4,202     $ 9,265     $ 6,454     $ 19,921  
Yield
    - %     3.02 %     4.09 %     4.42 %     3.97 %
Obligations of state and  political subdivisions:
                                       
Carrying value
    879       8,331       13,490       4,338       27,038  
Yield
    3.05 %     2.88 %     3.62 %     3.97 %     3.43 %
Mortgage-backed securities-residential :
                                       
Carrying value
    200       426       6,322       13,810       20,758  
Yield
    4.35 %     5.15 %     3.86 %     4.61 %     4.39 %
Total carrying value
  $ 1,079     $ 12,959     $ 29,077     $ 24,602     $ 67,717  
   
Weighted average yield
    3.29 %     3.00 %     3.82 %     4.45 %     3.88 %

Deposits

The Corporation had deposits at December 31, 2009 totaling $529.9 million, an increase of $23.4 million, or 4.6%, over the comparable period of 2008, when deposits totaled $506.5 million.  The Corporation relied on its branch network and current competitive products and services to provide growth during 2009.  During 2008 the economic and interest rate environment made it difficult to attract core deposits and the Corporation utilized the brokered certificate of deposit market.  As of December 31, 2008 there was $30.7 million included in the time deposit balances.

The following table sets forth the classification of the Corporation’s deposits by major category as of December 31 of each of the three preceding years:

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Noninterest-bearing demand
  $ 88,427       16.7 %   $ 99,099       19.6 %   $ 101,993       21.6 %
Interest-bearing demand
    218,284       41.2 %     160,768       31.7 %     153,713       32.6 %
Saving deposits
    45,783       8.6 %     39,627       7.8 %     37,010       7.8 %
Certificates of deposit
    177,436       33.5 %     207,037       40.9 %     179,583       38.0 %
Total
  $ 529,930       100.0 %   $ 506,531       100.0 %   $ 472,299       100.0 %

As of December 31, 2009, the aggregate amount of outstanding time deposits issued in amounts of $100,000 or more, broken down by time remaining to maturity, was as follows (In thousands):


Three months or less
  $ 34,232  
Four months through six months
    16,505  
Seven months through twelve months
    15,508  
Over twelve months
    20,872  
Total
  $ 87,117  

Borrowings

Although deposits are the Corporation’s primary source of funds, the Corporation’s policy has been to utilize borrowings to the extent that they are a less costly source of funds, when the Corporation desires additional capacity to fund loan demand, or to extend the life of its liabilities as a means of managing exposure to interest rate risk.  The Corporation’s borrowings
 
 
30

 
are a combination of advances from the FHLB, including overnight repricing lines of credit, and, to a lesser extent, securities sold under agreement to repurchase.

Interest Rate Sensitivity

Interest rate movements have made managing the Corporation’s interest rate sensitivity increasingly important.  The Corporation attempts to maintain stable net interest margins by generally matching the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities maturing, or subject to repricing, by adjusting interest rates to market conditions, and by developing new products.  One method of measuring the Corporation’s exposure to changes in interest rates is the maturity and repricing gap analysis.  The difference or mismatch between the amount of assets and liabilities that mature or reprice in a given period is defined as the interest rate sensitivity gap.  A “negative” gap results when the amount of interest-bearing liabilities within a specified time period exceeds the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within the same period of time.  Conversely, a “positive” gap results when the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing exceed the amount of interest-bearing liabilities mature or are repricing in the same given time frame.  The smaller the gap, the less the effect of the market volatility on net interest income.  During a period of rising interest rates, an institution with a negative gap position would not be in as favorable a position, as compared to an institution with a positive gap, to invest in higher yielding assets.  This may result in yields on its assets increasing at a slower rate than the increase in its costs of interest-bearing liabilities than if it had a positive gap.  During a period of falling interest rates, an institution with a negative gap would experience a repricing of its assets at a slower rate than its interest-bearing liabilities, which consequently may result in its net interest income growing at a faster rate than an institution with a positive gap position.

 
31


The following table sets forth estimated maturity/repricing structure of the Corporation’s interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities as of December 31, 2009.  The amounts of assets or liabilities shown which reprice or mature during a particular period were determined in accordance with the contractual terms of each asset or liability and adjusted for prepayment assumptions where applicable.  The table does not necessarily indicate the impact of general interest rate movements on the Corporation’s net interest income because the repricing of certain categories of assets and liabilities, for example, prepayments of loans and withdrawal of deposits, is beyond the Corporation’s control.  As a result, certain assets and liabilities indicated as repricing within a period may in fact reprice at different times and at different rate levels.

   
Three Months or Less
   
More than Three Months Through One Year
   
After One Year
   
Noninterest Sensitive
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                               
Assets:
                             
Loans:
                             
Real estate mortgage
  $ 40,932     $ 32,291     $ 209,235     $ -     $ 282,458  
Commercial
    57,184       15,668       42,041       -       114,893  
Consumer
    21,812       4,222       37,091       -       63,125  
Mortgage loans held for sale
    660       -       -       -       660  
Investment securities (1)
    27,843       37,172       108,955       -       173,970  
Other assets
    31       -       -       28,707       28,738  
Total assets
  $ 148,462     $ 89,353     $ 397,322     $ 28,707     $ 663,844  
                                         
Source of funds:
                                       
Interest-bearing demand
  $ 218,284     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 218,284  
Savings
    45,783       -       -       -       45,783  
Certificate of deposit
    60,264       65,019       52,153       -       177,436  
FHLB of NY advances
    18,600       -       36,000       -       54,600  
Repurchase agreements
    15,396       -       -       -       15,396  
Subordinated debenture
    -       -       7,217       -       7,217  
Other liabilities
    -       -       -       91,617       91,617  
Stockholders' equity
    -       -       -       53,511       53,511  
Total source of funds
  $ 358,327     $ 65,019     $ 95,370     $ 145,128     $ 663,844  
                                         
Interest rate sensitivity gap
  $ (209,865 )   $ 24,334     $ 301,952     $ (116,421 )        
Cumulative interest rate sensitivity gap
  $ (209,865 )   $ (185,531 )   $ 116,421     $ -          
                                         
Ratio of GAP to total assets
    -31.6 %     3.6 %     45.5 %     -17.5 %        
Ratio of cumulative GAP assets to total assets
    -31.6 %     -28.0 %     17.5 %     - %        
                                         
(1) Includes securities held to maturity, securities available for sale and FHLB-NY stock.
 

The Corporation also 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.  Assumptions have been built into the model for prepayments for assets and decay rates for nonmaturity deposits such as savings and interest bearing demand.  The model assumes an immediate rate shock to interest rates without management’s ability to proactively change the mix of assets or liabilities.  According to the reports generated for December 31, 2009, an immediate interest rate increase of 200 basis points results in a decrease in net interest income of 18.8%, or $5.0 million, while an immediate interest rate decrease of 200 basis points resulted in an increase in net interest income of 0.7% or $183,000.  Management cannot provide any assurance about the actual effect of changes in interest rates on the Corporation’s net interest income.

Liquidity

The Corporation’s primary sources of funds are deposits, amortization and prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities, maturities of investment securities and funds provided by operations.  While scheduled loan and mortgage-backed securities amortization and maturities of investment securities are a relatively predictable source of funds,

 
32


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.  These activities are summarized below:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning
  $ 12,814     $ 11,932  
Operating activities:
               
Net income
    3,634       3,501  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
    113       2,947  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    3,747       6,448  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (56,406 )     (43,640 )
Net cash provided by financing activities
    48,716       38,074  
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (3,943 )     882  
Cash and cash equivalents – ending
  $ 8,871     $ 12,814  
 
Cash was generated by operating activities in each of the above periods.  The primary source of cash from operating activities during each period was net income.
 
Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business management.  Excess liquidity is generally invested in short-term investments, such as federal funds sold.

The Corporation enters into commitments to extend credit, such as letters of credit, which are not reflected in the Corporation’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Corporation has various contractual obligations that may require future cash payments.  The following table summarizes the Corporation’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2009 and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods.

   
Total
   
Less than 1 Year
   
1 – 3 Years
   
4 – 5 Years
   
After 5 Years
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Contractual obligations
                             
Operating lease obligations
  $ 6,966     $ 935     $ 1,855     $ 1,531     $ 2,645  
Total contracted cost obligations
  $ 6,966     $ 935     $ 1,855     $ 1,531     $ 2,645  
                                         
Other long-term liabilities/long-term debt
                                       
Time deposits
  $ 177,436     $ 125,283     $ 44,092     $ 8,061     $ -  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    54,600       18,600       6,000       15,000       15,000  
Subordinated debentures
    7,217       -       -       -       7,217  
Total other long-term liabilities/long-term debt
  $ 239,253     $ 143,883     $ 50,092     $ 23,061     $ 22,217  
                                         
Other commitments - off balance sheet
                                       
Letter of credit
  $ 3,167     $ 2,954     $ 213     $ -     $ -  
Commitments to extend credit
    19,406       19,406       -       -       -  
Unused lines of credit
    74,964       74,964       -       -       -  
Total off balance sheet arrangements and contractual obligations
  $ 97,537     $ 97,324     $ 213     $ -     $ -  

Management believes that a significant portion of the time deposits will remain with the Corporation.  In addition, management does not believe that all of the unused lines of credit will be exercised.  The Corporation anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet its current contractual commitments.  Should the Corporation need temporary funding, the Corporation has an overnight line of credit and a one-month overnight repricing line of credit with the FHLB-NY, each in the amount of $64.3 million.  In addition, the Corporation had available overnight variable repricing lines of credit with other correspondent banks totaling $23 million on an unsecured basis.

 
33


The Corporation's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments.  The Corporation uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

Of the $3.2 million commitments under standby and commercial letters of credit, $3.0 million expires within one year.  Should any letter of credit be drawn on, the interest rate charged on the resulting note would fluctuate with the Corporation's base rate. 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 or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  Since many of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  The Corporation evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Corporation upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the counter-party.  Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

Standby and commercial letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Corporation to guarantee payment or performance of a customer to a third party.  Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing and similar transactions.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  The Corporation obtains collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary.

At December 31, 2009, the Corporation had residential mortgage commitments to extend credit aggregating approximately $1.9 million at variable rates averaging 5.50% and $3.3 million at fixed rates averaging 4.92%.  All these loan commitments will be sold to investors upon closing.  Commercial, construction, and home equity loan commitments of approximately $10.7 million were extended with variable rates averaging 6.49% and $3.5 million were extended at fixed rates averaging 6.27%.  Generally, commitments were due to expire within approximately 120 days.

The unused lines of credit consist of $19.4 million relating to a home equity line of credit program and an unsecured line of credit program (cash reserve), $4.3 million relating to an unsecured overdraft protection program, and $51.3 million relating to commercial and construction lines of credit.  Amounts drawn on the unused lines of credit are predominantly assessed interest at rates which fluctuate with the base rate.

Capital

Banks and bank holding companies are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies.  Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations, involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators.  Failure to meet capital requirements can initiate regulatory action.  Regulations of the Board of Governors of the FRB require bank holding companies to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital.  Under the regulations in effect at December 31, 2009, the Corporation was required to maintain (i) a minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to total adjusted assets of 4.0% and (ii) minimum ratios of Tier 1 and total capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.0% and 8.0%, respectively.  The Bank must comply with substantially similar capital regulations promulgated by the FDIC.  The following table summarizes the capital ratios for the Corporation and the Bank at December 31, 2009.
 

   
Required
   
Actual
   
Excess
 
Leverage ratio*
                 
Corporation
    4.00 %     9.22 %     5.22 %
Bank
    4.00 %     8.51 %     4.51 %
                         
Risk-based capital:
                       
Tier 1
                       
Corporation
    4.00 %     11.99 %     7.99 %
Bank
    4.00 %     11.02 %     7.02 %
Total
                       
Corporation
    8.00 %     13.24 %     5.24 %
Bank
    8.00 %     12.27 %     4.27 %

*  The minimum leverage ratio set by the FRB and the FDIC is 3.00%.  Institutions, which are not “top-rated”, will be expected to maintain a ratio of approximately 100 to 200 basis points above this ratio.

 
34


On January 30, 2009, the Corporation received $10 million as part of the United States Treasury Department’s Troubled Asset Relief Program – Capital Purchase Program. In exchange, the Corporation issued 10,000 Senior Preferred shares and a warrant to purchase 133,475 of common shares.

The Senior Preferred Shares pay a cumulative dividend of 5% per annum for the first five years and 9% per annum thereafter.  Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears and the Corporation accrues the preferred dividends as earned over the period the Senior Preferred Shares are outstanding.

The warrant has an exercise price of $11.24 per share.  The exercise price for the warrant was calculated based on the average of the closing prices of the Corporation’s common stock on the 20 trading days ending on the last trading day prior to the date of the Treasury’s approval of the Corporation’s application under the program.

Of the $10 million of proceeds, $9.7 million was allocated to the Senior Preferred Shares and $269,000 was allocated to the warrant based on their estimated relative fair values as of January 30, 2009.  The resulting discount on the Senior Preferred Shares of $269,000 is being accreted through a charge to retained earnings over an estimated five year life of the stock offering using an effective yield method.  The Senior Preferred Shares and warrant issued under the CPP are includable in Tier I capital for regulatory capital.

The Corporation may repay the funds provided under the CPP without regard to whether the Corporation has replaced such funds from any other source or to any waiting period, subject to regulatory approval.  Until the earlier of the third anniversary of the Treasury’s investment in the Senior Preferred Shares or when all of the Senior Preferred Shares have been redeemed by the Corporation or transferred by the Treasury to third parties, the Corporation may not, without the consent of the Treasury, increase the common stock cash dividend.

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not applicable to smaller reporting companies.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 
35


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


Board of Directors and Shareholders
Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Midland Park, New Jersey


We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders' equity, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the years then ended.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’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.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.


 
Crowe Horwath LLP

Livingston, New Jersey
March 26, 2010

 
36


Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
   
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Assets
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 8,840,000     $ 12,719,000  
Other interest-earning assets
    31,000       95,000  
Cash and cash equivalents
    8,871,000       12,814,000  
                 
Securities available for sale
    103,026,000       90,023,000  
Securities held to maturity; estimated fair value
               
of $68,765,000 (2009) and $49,150,000 (2008)
    67,717,000       48,856,000  
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock, at cost
    3,227,000       2,420,000  
Mortgage loans held for sale
    660,000       394,000  
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $6,920,000 (2009)
               
and $5,166,000 (2008)
    453,119,000       434,103,000  
Premises and equipment, net
    6,861,000       7,470,000  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,167,000       3,371,000  
Bank owned life insurance
    9,488,000       8,599,000  
Other assets
    7,708,000       3,766,000  
                 
Total assets
  $ 663,844,000     $ 611,816,000  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' equity
               
                 
Liabilities
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest-bearing
  $ 88,427,000     $ 99,099,000  
Interest-bearing
    441,503,000       407,432,000  
Total deposits
    529,930,000       506,531,000  
                 
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Advances
    54,600,000       36,900,000  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    15,396,000       15,160,000  
Subordinated debentures
    7,217,000       7,217,000  
Accrued interest payable
    1,193,000       1,582,000  
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
    1,997,000       1,630,000  
                 
Total liabilities
    610,333,000       569,020,000  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Stockholders' equity
               
Preferred stock, no par value; 2,500,000 shares authorized;
               
10,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009.
               
Liquidation preference of $10,000,000
    9,736,000       -  
Common stock, no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
               
5,834,515 and 5,575,095 shares issued and
               
outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively
    40,415,000       37,962,000  
Treasury stock, 20,000 shares at December 31, 2008
    -       (272,000 )
Retained earnings
    2,922,000       4,383,000  
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net
    438,000       723,000  
Total Stockholders' equity
    53,511,000       42,796,000  
                 
Total liabilities and Stockholders' equity
  $ 663,844,000     $ 611,816,000  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
37


Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Income

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Interest income:
           
Loans
  $ 26,934,000     $ 28,617,000  
Securities held to maturity:
               
Taxable
    1,946,000       751,000  
Nontaxable
    879,000       840,000  
Securities available for sale:
               
Taxable
    4,060,000       4,470,000  
Nontaxable
    203,000       174,000  
FHLB dividends
    125,000       156,000  
Other interest-earning assets
    9,000       66,000  
Total interest income
    34,156,000       35,074,000  
                 
Interest expense:
               
Deposits
    8,793,000       10,534,000  
Borrowed money
    2,018,000       2,237,000  
Total interest expense
    10,811,000       12,771,000  
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
    23,345,000       22,303,000  
Provision for loan losses
    3,575,000       3,585,000  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    19,770,000       18,718,000  
                 
Noninterest income:
               
Fees and service charges
    1,847,000       1,333,000  
Bank owned life insurance
    322,000       326,000  
Gain on calls and sales of securities, net
    258,000       103,000  
Gain on sales of mortgage loans
    294,000       193,000  
Merchant processing
    118,000       1,417,000  
Gain on sale of merchant portfolio
    -       509,000  
Miscellaneous
    294,000       336,000  
Total noninterest income
    3,133,000       4,217,000  
                 
Noninterest expense:
               
Salaries and employee benefits
    8,264,000       8,129,000  
Occupancy, net
    1,858,000       1,802,000  
Equipment
    1,087,000       1,127,000  
Data processing
    1,218,000       1,209,000  
Advertising
    505,000       487,000  
FDIC insurance premium
    1,124,000       317,000  
Charitable contributions
    619,000       627,000  
Stationery and supplies
    253,000       399,000  
Merchant processing
    108,000       1,258,000  
Bank-card related services
    383,000       317,000  
Miscellaneous
    2,371,000       2,314,000  
Total noninterest expenses
    17,790,000       17,986,000  
Income before income tax expense
    5,113,000       4,949,000  
Income tax expense
    1,479,000       1,448,000  
Net income
    3,634,000       3,501,000  
Dividends on preferred stock and accretion
    504,000       -  
Net Income available to common stockholders
  $ 3,130,000     $ 3,501,000  
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 0.54     $ 0.60  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 0.54     $ 0.60  
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
    5,832,186       5,853,562  
Weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding
    5,836,739       5,865,126  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
38


Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

   
Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
 
                                 
Accumulated
       
                                 
Other
       
                                 
Comprehensive
       
   
Preferred
   
Common Stock
   
Retained
   
Treasury Stock
   
Income (Loss),
       
   
Stock
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Earnings
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Net
   
Total
 
                                                 
Balance -- December 31, 2007
  -       5,306,828     $ 34,871,000     $ 5,943,000       -     $ -     $ 276,000     $ 41,090,000  
Cash dividends declared ($0.34 per share)
    -       -       -       (1,965,000 )     -       -       -       (1,965,000 )
Payment of discount on dividend
reinvestment plan
    -       -       (45,000 )     -       -       -       -       (45,000 )
5% Stock dividend
    -       255,420       2,995,000       (3,096,000 )     9,896       99,000       -       (2,000 )
Common stock issued under stock
plans
    -       1,667       21,000       -       1,603       20,000       -       41,000  
Stock option compensation expense
    -       -       48,000       -       -       -       -       48,000  
Stock options exercised
    -       11,180       70,000       -       (1,499 )     (21,000 )     -       49,000  
Tax benefit on stock options exercised
    -       -       2,000       -       -       -       -       2,000  
Repurchase common stock
    -       -       -       -       (30,000 )     (370,000 )     -       (370,000 )
Comprehensive income:
                                                               
Net income
    -       -       -       3,501,000       -       -       -       3,501,000  
Change in unrealized holding gains
on securities available for sale
arising during the period (net of
taxes of $260,000)
    -       -       -       -       -       -       383,000       383,000  
Reclassification adjustment for gains
in net income (net of taxes of
$39,000)
    -       -       -       -       -       -       64,000       64,000  
Total comprehensive income
                                                            3,948,000  
Balance -- December 31, 2008
    -       5,575,095       37,962,000       4,383,000       (20,000 )     (272,000 )     723,000       42,796,000  
Proceeds from issuance of preferred
stock and a warrant
    9,731,000       -       269,000       -       -       -       -       10,000,000  
Preferred stock issuance costs
    (48,000 )     -       -       -       -       -       -       (48,000 )
Cash dividends declared ($0.36 per share)
    -       -       -       (2,110,000 )     -       -       -       (2,110,000 )
Payment of discount on dividend
reinvestment plan
    -       -       (44,000 )     -       -       -       -       (44,000 )
5% Stock dividend
    -       249,129       2,114,000       (2,472,000 )     28,502       356,000       -       (2,000 )
Cash dividends accrued on preferred
stock
    -       -       -       (460,000 )     -       -       -       (460,000 )
Common stock issued under stock
plans
    -       2,288       22,000       -       2,566       23,000       -       45,000  
Stock option compensation expense
    -       -       48,000       -       -       -       -       48,000  
Stock options exercised
    -       8,003       44,000       -       (3,568 )     (32,000 )     -       12,000  
Repurchase of common stock
    -       -       -       -       (7,500 )     (75,000 )     -       (75,000 )
Accretion of discount on preferred
stock
    44,000       -       -       (44,000 )     -       -       -       -  
Amortization of issuance costs
    9,000       -       -       (9,000 )     -       -       -       -  
Comprehensive income:
                                                               
Net income
    -       -       -       3,634,000       -       -       -       3,634,000  
Change in unrealized holding gains
on securities available for sale
arising during the period (net of tax
benefit of $183,000)
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (286,000 )     (286,000 )
Reclassification adjustment for gains
in net income (net of taxes of
$102,000)
    -       -       -       -       -       -       156,000       156,000  
Change in fair value of interest rate
swap (net of tax benefit of
$103,000)
    -       -       -       -       -       -       (155,000 )     (155,000 )
Total comprehensive income
                                                            3,349,000  
Balance -- December 31, 2009
  $ 9,736,000       5,834,515     $ 40,415,000     $ 2,922,000       -     $ -     $ 438,000     $ 53,511,000  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
39


Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses on securities
available for sale arising during the period)
  $ 47,000     $ 849,000  
Reclassification adjustment for gains in net income
    258,000       103,000  
Net unrealized gains (losses)
    (211,000 )     746,000  
Tax effect
    (81,000 )     299,000  
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax amount
    (130,000 )     447,000  
                 
Change in fair value of interest rate swap
    (258,000 )     -  
Tax effect
    (103,000 )     -  
Change in fair value of interest rate swap, net of tax amount
    (155,000 )     -  
                 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (285,000 )   $ 447,000  
                 
The following is a summary of the accumulated other comprehensive income balances, net of tax:
 
                 
   
At December 31,
 
      2009       2008  
                 
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale
  $ 593,000     $ 723,000  
Unrealized loss on fair value of interest rate swap
    (155,000 )     -  
                 
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net
  $ 438,000     $ 723,000  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
40


Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
       
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 3,634,000     $ 3,501,000  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
               
net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    841,000       918,000  
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, net
    628,000       125,000  
Accretion of deferred loan fees
    (235,000 )     (283,000 )
Provision for loan losses
    3,575,000       3,585,000  
Originations of mortgage loans held for sale
    (36,076,000 )     (19,665,000 )
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans
    36,104,000       20,748,000  
Gain on sale of loans
    (294,000 )     (193,000 )
Gains on sales and calls of securities
    (258,000 )     (103,000 )
Loss on sale of equipment
    -       12,000  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (1,210,000 )     (365,000 )
Amortization of intangible assets
    32,000       33,000  
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable
    204,000       (259,000 )
Decrease in accrued interest payable
    (389,000 )     (498,000 )
Increase in bank owned life insurance
    (322,000 )     (326,000 )
Nonqualified stock option expense
    48,000       48,000  
Increase in other assets
    (3,133,000 )     (197,000 )
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    598,000       (633,000 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    3,747,000       6,448,000  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of securities available for sale
    (69,388,000 )     (45,353,000 )
Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments on securities available for sale
    15,444,000       7,095,000  
Proceeds from sales and calls on securities available for sale
    40,654,000       24,945,000  
Purchase of securities held to maturity
    (42,913,000 )     (17,210,000 )
Proceeds from maturities and principal repayments on securities held to maturity
    7,093,000       4,715,000  
Proceeds from calls of securities held to maturity
    16,666,000       4,770,000  
Purchase of FHLB-NY stock
    (807,000 )     (437,000 )
Net increase in loans
    (22,356,000 )     (21,715,000 )
Additions to premises and equipment
    (232,000 )     (454,000 )
Sale of equipment
    -       4,000  
Purchase of BOLI
    (567,000 )     -  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (56,406,000 )     (43,640,000 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net decrease in noninterest-bearing deposits
    (10,672,000 )     (2,894,000 )
Net increase in interest-bearing deposits
    34,071,000       37,126,000  
Net increase (decrease) increase in securities sold under agreement to repurchase
    236,000       (2,123,000 )
Net increase (decrease) increase in short term borrowings
    11,700,000       (9,900,000 )
Proceeds from long term borrowings
    6,000,000       65,000,000  
Payments on long term borrowings
    -       (46,845,000 )
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock and warrants
    9,951,000       -  
Cash dividends paid on common stock
    (2,112,000 )     (1,967,000 )
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock
    (396,000 )     -  
Payment of discount on dividend reinvestment plan
    (44,000 )     (45,000 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (75,000 )     (370,000 )
Exercise of stock options
    12,000       49,000  
Tax benefit of stock plans
    -       2,000  
Issuance of common stock
    45,000       41,000  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    48,716,000       38,074,000  
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (3,943,000 )     882,000  
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning
    12,814,000       11,932,000  
Cash and cash equivalents - ending
  $ 8,871,000     $ 12,814,000  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the year for interest
  $ 11,200,000     $ 13,269,000  
Cash paid during the year for income taxes
  $ 1,831,000     $ 2,453,000  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
41


Stewardship Financial Corporation and Subsidiary
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Note 1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of operations and principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stewardship Financial Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, Atlantic Stewardship Bank (‘the Bank”), together referred to as “the Corporation”.  Atlantic Stewardship Bank includes its wholly owned subsidiaries, Stewardship Investment Corporation (whose primary business is to own and manage an investment portfolio), Stewardship Realty LLC (whose primary business is to own and manage property at 612 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park, New Jersey) and Atlantic Stewardship Insurance Company, LLC (whose primary business is insurance).  The Bank’s subsidiaries have an insignificant impact on the daily operations.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.  Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

The Corporation provides financial services through the Bank’s offices in Bergen, Passaic, and Morris Counties, New Jersey.  Its primary products are checking, savings, and term certificate accounts, and its primary lending products are commercial, residential mortgage and installment loans.  Substantially all loans are secured by specific items of collateral including business assets, consumer assets, and commercial and residential real estate.  Commercial loans are expected to be repaid from cash flow generated from the operations of businesses.  There are no significant concentrations of loans to any one industry or customer.  However, the customers’ ability to repay their loans is dependent on the real estate and general economic conditions in the area.  The Corporation’s lending activities are concentrated in loans secured by real estate located in northern New Jersey and therefore collectability of the loan portfolio is susceptible to changes in real estate market conditions in the northern New Jersey market.  The Corporation has not made loans to borrowers outside the United States.

Basis of consolidated financial statements presentation

The consolidated financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions, based on available information, that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided.  Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.  The allowance for loan losses and fair values of financial instruments are particularly subject to change.

Cash flows

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and deposits with other financial institutions under 90 days and interest-bearing deposits in other banks under 90 days.  Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, and short term borrowings and securities sold under agreement to repurchase.

Securities available for sale and held to maturity

The Corporation classifies its securities as held to maturity or available for sale.  Investments in debt securities that the Corporation has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as securities held to maturity and are carried at amortized cost.  All other securities are classified as securities available for sale.  Securities available for sale may be sold prior to maturity in response to changes in interest rates or prepayment risk, for asset/liability management purposes, or other similar factors.  These securities are carried at fair value with unrealized holding gains or losses reported in a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of the related tax effects.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount.  Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments except for mortgage-backed securities where prepayments are anticipated.  Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.

Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are other than temporary are reflected as realized losses.  In estimating other-than-temporary losses, management considers the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, whether the Corporation has the intent to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before it’s anticipated recovery.

 
42


Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock

The Bank is a member of the FHLB system.  Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors.  FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on the ultimate recovery of par value.  Cash dividends are reported as income.

Mortgage loans held for sale

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or fair value on an aggregate basis.  Mortgage loans held for sale are carried net of deferred fees, which are recognized as income at the time the loans are sold to permanent investors.  Gains or losses on the sale of mortgage loans held for sale are recognized at the settlement date and are determined by the difference between the net proceeds and the amortized cost.  All loans are sold with servicing rights released to the buyer.

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned interest, deferred loan fees and costs and an allowance for loan losses.  Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance.  Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments.

Interest income on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection.  Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan.  In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or are charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income.  Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual.  Loans are returned to an accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Allowance for loan losses

The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses.  Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.  Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions and other factors.  Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off.

The allowance consists of specific and general components.  The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired or loans otherwise classified as substandard or doubtful.  The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Loans for which the terms have been modified and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties are considered troubled debt restructuring and classified as impaired.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.  Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loans obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real estate loans are collectively evaluated for impairment and accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.

 
43


Premises and equipment

Land is stated at cost.  Buildings and improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation computed on the straight-line method over the estimated lives of each type of asset.  Estimated useful lives are three to forty years for buildings and improvements and three to twenty-five years for furniture, fixtures and equipment.  Leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated amortization computed on the straight-line method over the shorter of the term of the lease or useful life.

Intangible assets

Gross intangible assets totaled $750,000 with accumulated amortization of $745,000 and $713,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Intangible assets represent the excess of the fair value of liabilities assumed over the fair value of tangible assets acquired through a branch acquisition, completed in 1995, which did not qualify as a business combination.   Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization amounted to $5,000 and $37,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and are amortized on a straight-line method over a period of fifteen years.

Long-Term Assets

Premises and equipment, core deposit and other intangible assets, and other long-term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate their carrying amount may not be recovered from future undiscounted cash flows.  If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value.

Bank owned life insurance

The Corporation has purchased life insurance policies on certain key officers.  Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

Treasury Stock

Repurchases of common stock are recorded as treasury stock at cost. Treasury stock is reissued using the first in first out method. Treasury stock may be reissued for exercise of stock options, dividend reinvestment plans, stock dividends or other stock issuances. The difference between the cost and the market value at the time the treasury stock is reissued is shown as an adjustment to common stock.

Stock Dividends

Stock dividends for 20% or less are reported by transferring the fair value, as of the ex-dividend date, of the stock issued from retained earnings to common stock and additional paid-in capital.  Fractional share amounts are paid in cash with a reduction in retained earnings.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

The Corporation offers shareholders the opportunity to participate in a dividend reinvestment plan. Plan participants may reinvest cash dividends to purchase new shares of stock at 95% of the market value, based on the most recent trades.  The Corporation purchases shares for the dividend reinvestment plan participants on the open market through an approved broker. The Corporation uses the cash dividends due the plan participants to purchase shares from the broker.  The Corporation reimburses the broker for the 5% discount when the purchase of the Corporation’s stock is completed.

Stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation cost is recognized using the fair value method.  Compensation cost is recognized for stock options issued based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period.

Income taxes

Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences

 
44


between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates.  A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.  The Corporation recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

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, with 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.

Comprehensive income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income.  Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, and unrealized gains or losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax, which are also recognized as separate components of equity.

Earnings per common share

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to commons stockholders by the weighted average 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 the 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 and common stock warrants were issued.

All share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect a 5% stock dividend paid November, 2009 and 2008.

Loss contingencies

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated.  Management does not believe there are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.

Dividend restriction

Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the bank to the holding company or by the holding company to shareholders.

Derivatives

Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities at fair value.  The Corporation’s derivative consists of an interest rate swap agreement, which is used as part of its asset liability management to help manage interest rate risk related to its Subordinated Debentures.  The Corporation does not use derivatives for trading purposes.

The Corporation designated the hedge as a cash flow hedge, which is a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability.  For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and, if ineffective, is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged.

The Corporation formally documented the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction at the inception of the hedging relationship.  This documentation includes linking the fair value of cash flow hedge to a specific liability on the balance sheet.  The Corporation formally assessed, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instrument used is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged items.

When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that would be accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

 
45


Fair value of financial instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note.  Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items.  Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Statement No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (“ASC” or the “Codification”) and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162”.  This Codification has become the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities.  The Board will not issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions, or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts, but will, instead, issue Accounting Standards Updates.  The adoption of the Codification did not have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial position.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset and Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly, which was codified into ASC 820-10.  This guidance emphasizes that even if there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity, the objective of a fair value measurement remains the same.  Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants.  The guidance provides a number of factors to consider when evaluating whether there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability in relation to normal market activity.   In addition, when transactions or quoted prices are not considered orderly, adjustments to those prices based on the weight of available information may be needed to determine the appropriate fair value.  The guidance also requires increased disclosures.  The adoption did not have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial position.

In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, which were codified into ASC 320-10.  This guidance amends existing guidance for determining whether impairment is other-than-temporary for debt securities.  This guidance requires an entity to access whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis.  If either of these criteria is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized in earnings.  For securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment recognized in earnings is limited to the amount related to credit losses, while impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.    Additionally, this guidance expands and increases the frequency of existing disclosures about other-than-temporary impairments for debt and equity securities.  The adoption did not have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial position.

In April 2009, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, which were codified into ASC 825-10.  This guidance amends FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies that were previously only required in annual financial statements.  The adoption did not have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial position.

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of SFAS No. 133”, which was codified into ASC 815-10.  This guidance amends and expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS 133 for derivative instruments and hedging activities.  This guidance requires qualitative disclosure about objectives and strategies for using derivative and hedging instruments, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of the instruments and gains and losses on such instruments, as well as disclosures about credit-risk features in derivative agreements.  The adoption did not have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial position.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51”, which was codified into ASC 810-10.  This guidance changes the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which are now re-characterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity within the consolidated balance sheet.  The adoption did not have a significant impact on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial position.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations”, which was codified into ASC 805.  This guidance establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in

 
46


its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in an acquiree, including the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination.  The adoption did not have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial position.

Recently Issued But Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)”, which was codified into ASC 810.  The objective of this guidance is to improve financial reporting by corporations involved with variable interest entities.  This standard has not yet been incorporated into the Codification.  The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after November 15, 2009.  Early adoption is not permitted.  The adoption, planned for the first quarter of 2010, is not expected to have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial position.

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140”, which was codified into ASC 810.  The objective of this guidance is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a transfer of financial assets; the effects of a transfer on its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; and a transferor’s continuing involvement in transferred financial assets.  This standard has not yet been incorporated into the Codification.  The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after November 15, 2009.  Early adoption is not permitted.  The adoption, planned for the first quarter of 2010, is not expected to have a material effect on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial position.

Note 2.  RESTRICTIONS ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

Cash reserves are required to be maintained on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank based on the Bank’s deposits.  The average amounts of the reserves on deposit for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were approximately $225,000 and $300,000, respectively.

 
47


Note 3.  SECURITIES - AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY

The fair value of the available for sale securities and the related gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:

   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Amortized
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
                         
U.S. government-sponsored agencies:
                       
After one year through five years
  $ 6,707,000     $ 5,000     $ 66,000     $ 6,646,000  
After five years through ten years
    12,754,000       56,000       128,000       12,682,000  
After ten years
    13,181,000       31,000       254,000       12,958,000  
      32,642,000       92,000       448,000       32,286,000  
                                 
Obligations of state and political
                               
subdivisions:
                               
After one year through five years
    303,000       7,000       -       310,000  
After five years through ten years
    2,981,000       92,000       1,000       3,072,000  
After ten years
    2,000,000       23,000       8,000       2,015,000  
      5,284,000       122,000       9,000       5,397,000  
                                 
Mortgage-backed securities-residential:
                               
Within one year
    648,000       5,000       -       653,000  
After one year through five years
    1,991,000       51,000       -       2,042,000  
After five years through ten years
    3,465,000       144,000       -       3,609,000  
After ten years
    54,956,000       1,223,000       255,000       55,924,000  
      61,060,000       1,423,000       255,000       62,228,000  
                                 
Total debt securities
    98,986,000       1,637,000       712,000       99,911,000  
Other equity investments
    3,058,000       66,000       9,000       3,115,000  
    $ 102,044,000     $ 1,703,000     $ 721,000     $ 103,026,000  

   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Amortized
   
Gross Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
                         
U.S. government-sponsored agencies:
                   
 
 
After one year through five years
  $ 1,499,000     $ 14,000     $ -     $ 1,513,000  
After five years through ten years
    21,380,000       499,000       1,000       21,878,000  
After ten years
    26,070,000       228,000       29,000       26,269,000  
      48,949,000       741,000       30,000       49,660,000  
                                 
Obligations of state and political
                               
subdivisions:
                               
Within one year
    711,000       1,000       -       712,000  
After one year through five years
    304,000       3,000       -       307,000  
After five years through ten years
    2,237,000       2,000       59,000       2,180,000  
After ten years
    2,752,000       -       131,000       2,621,000  
      6,004,000       6,000       190,000       5,820,000  
                                 
Mortgage-backed securities-residential:
                               
After one year through five years
    4,199,000       46,000       7,000       4,238,000  
After five years through ten years
    4,315,000       142,000       -       4,457,000  
After ten years
    22,455,000       528,000       8,000       22,975,000  
      30,969,000       716,000       15,000       31,670,000  
                                 
Total debt securities
    85,922,000       1,463,000       235,000       87,150,000  
Other equity investments
    2,908,000       -       35,000       2,873,000  
                                 
    $ 88,830,000     $ 1,463,000     $ 270,000     $ 90,023,000  

Cash proceeds realized from sales and calls of securities available for sale for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $40,654,000 and $24,945,000, respectively.  There were gross gains totaling $237,000 and no gross losses realized on sales or calls during the year ended December 31, 2009.  The tax provision related to these realized

 
48


gains was $86,000.  There were gross gains totaling $79,000 and no gross losses realized on sales or calls during the year ended December 31, 2008.  The tax provision related to these realized gains was $30,000.

The fair value of available for sale securities pledged to secure treasury tax and loan deposits for the year ending December 31, 2009 was $500,000.  See also Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements regarding securities pledged as collateral for Federal Home Loan Bank of New York advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

The following is a summary of the held to maturity securities and related unrecognized gains and losses:

   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Amortized
   
Gross Unrecognized
       
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
U.S. government-sponsored agencies:
                       
After one year through five years
  $ 4,202,000     $ 35,000     $ -     $ 4,237,000  
After five years through ten years
    9,265,000       14,000       258,000       9,021,000  
After ten years
    6,454,000       41,000       93,000       6,402,000  
      19,921,000       90,000       351,000       19,660,000  
                                 
Obligations of state and political
                               
subdivisions:
                               
Within one year
    879,000       11,000       -       890,000  
After one year through five years
    8,331,000       219,000       18,000       8,532,000  
After five years through ten years
    13,490,000       533,000       51,000       13,972,000  
After ten years
    4,338,000       108,000       15,000       4,431,000  
      27,038,000       871,000       84,000       27,825,000  
                                 
Mortgage-backed securities-residential:
                               
Within one year
    200,000       4,000       -       204,000  
After one year through five years
    426,000       19,000       -       445,000  
After five years through ten years
    6,322,000       218,000       -       6,540,000  
After ten years
    13,810,000       306,000       25,000       14,091,000  
      20,758,000       547,000       25,000       21,280,000  
                                 
    $ 67,717,000     $ 1,508,000     $ 460,000     $ 68,765,000  

   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Amortized
   
Gross Unrecognized
       
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
                         
U.S. government-sponsored agencies:
                       
After one year through five years
  $ 399,000     $ 32,000     $ -     $ 431,000  
After five years through ten years
    3,009,000       37,000       -       3,046,000  
After ten years
    6,882,000       148,000       -       7,030,000  
      10,290,000       217,000       -       10,507,000  
Obligations of state and political
                               
subdivisions:
                               
Within one year
    1,149,000       4,000       -       1,153,000  
After one year through five years
    2,392,000       19,000       -       2,411,000  
After five years through ten years
    13,981,000       87,000       131,000       13,937,000  
After ten years
    5,526,000       -       170,000       5,356,000  
      23,048,000       110,000       301,000       22,857,000  
Mortgage-backed securities-residential:
                               
Within one year
    60,000       -       -       60,000  
After one year through five years
    801,000       11,000       -       812,000  
After five years through ten years
    1,575,000       55,000       -       1,630,000  
After ten years
    13,082,000       205,000       3,000       13,284,000  
      15,518,000       271,000       3,000       15,786,000  
                                 
    $ 48,856,000     $ 598,000     $ 304,000     $ 49,150,000  

Cash proceeds realized from calls of securities held to maturity for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $16,666,000 and $4,770,000, respectively.  Gross gains totaling $21,000 and no losses were realized from calls for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The tax provision related to these realized gains was $9,000.  Gross gains totaling $24,000 and no losses were realized from calls during the year ended December 31, 2008.  The tax provision related to these realized gains was $9,000.

 
49


The amortized cost of held to maturity securities pledged to secure public deposits for the two years ending December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $700,000 and $700,000, respectively.  The amortized cost of securities pledged to secure treasury tax and loan deposits for the year ending December 31, 2009 was $364,000.  See also Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements regarding securities pledged as collateral for Federal Home Loan Bank of New York advances and securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

Issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.  This might cause actual maturities to differ from the contractual maturities summarized above.

Mortgage-backed securities are comprised primarily of government agencies such as the Government National Mortgage Association and government sponsored agencies such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), the Federal Home Loan Banks and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.  At year end 2009 and 2008, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer other than the U.S. government and its agencies in an amount greater than 10% of stockholders' equity.

The following tables summarize the fair value and unrealized losses of those investment securities which reported an unrealized loss at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and if the unrealized loss position was continuous for the twelve months prior to December 31, 2009 and 2008.

Available for Sale
2009
 
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or Longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
 
                                     
U.S. government-
                                   
sponsored agencies
  $ 23,282,000     $ (361,000 )   $ 2,913,000     $ (87,000 )   $ 26,195,000     $ (448,000 )
Obligations of state and political
                                               
subdivisions
    373,000       (2,000 )     443,000       (7,000 )     816,000       (9,000 )
Mortgage-backed securities-residential
    15,156,000       (255,000 )     -       -       15,156,000       (255,000 )
Other equity investments
    -       -       33,000       (9,000 )     33,000       (9,000 )
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 38,811,000     $ (618,000 )   $ 3,389,000     $ (103,000 )   $ 42,200,000     $ (721,000 )

2008
 
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or Longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
 
                                     
U.S. government-
                                   
sponsored agencies
  $ 7,464,000     $ (30,000 )   $ -     $ -     $ 7,464,000     $ (30,000 )
Obligations of state and political
                                               
subdivisions
    4,709,000       (190,000 )     -       -       4,709,000       (190,000 )
Mortgage-backed securities-residential
    1,651,000       (8,000 )     438,000       (7,000 )     2,089,000       (15,000 )
Other equity investments
    40,000       (4,000 )     2,742,000       (31,000 )     2,782,000       (35,000 )
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 13,864,000     $ (232,000 )   $ 3,180,000     $ (38,000 )   $ 17,044,000     $ (270,000 )

 
50


Held to Maturity
2009
 
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or Longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrecognized
   
Fair
   
Unrecognized
   
Fair
   
Unrecognized
 
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
 
                                     
U.S. government-
                                   
sponsored agencies
  $ 12,529,000     $ (351,000 )   $ -     $ -     $ 12,529,000     $ (351,000 )
Obligations of state and political
                                               
subdivisions
    4,504,000       (69,000 )     401,000       (15,000 )     4.905,000       (84,000 )
Mortgage-backed securities-residential
    1,949,000       (25,000 )     -       -       1,949,000       (25,000 )
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 18,982,000     $ (445,000 )   $ 401,000     $ (15,000 )   $ 19,383,000     $ (460,000 )

2008
 
Less than 12 Months
   
12 Months or Longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrecognized
   
Fair
   
Unrecognized
   
Fair
   
Unrecognized
 
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
 
                                     
U.S. government-
                                   
sponsored agencies
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Obligations of state and political
                                               
subdivisions
    13,440,000       (301,000 )     -       -       13,440,000       (301,000 )
Mortgage-backed securities-residential
    2,715,000       (3,000 )     -       -       2,715,000       (3,000 )
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 16,155,000     $ (304,000 )   $ -     $ -     $ 16,155,000     $ (304,000 )

Other-Than-Temporary-Impairment
 
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.  The investment securities portfolio is evaluated for OTTI by applying the appropriate OTTI model.  Investment securities classified as available for sale or held to maturity are evaluated for OTTI under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

In determining OTTI under GAAP, management considers many factors, including: (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, (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the entity has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery.  The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time.

When OTTI occurs, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether an entity intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any current-period credit loss.  If an entity intends to sell or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any current-period credit loss, the OTTI shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date.  If an 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 of its amortized cost basis less any current-period loss, the OTTI shall be separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors.  The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is determined based on the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and is recognized in earnings.  The amount of the total OTTI related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment.

At December 31, 2009 there were three U. S. government sponsored agency securities, three fixed rate municipal obligation securities, and certain equity investments in a continuous loss position for 12 months or longer.  The market value, and therefore the loss position, for each type of security responds differently to market conditions.  In management’s opinion, those market conditions are temporary in nature and provide the basis for the Corporation’s belief that the declines are temporary.  The Corporation’s unrealized losses are primarily due to the changes in interest rates.  These securities have not been considered other than temporarily impaired as scheduled principal and interest payments have been made and management anticipates collecting the entire principal balance as scheduled.  Because

 
51


the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in market conditions, and not credit quality, and because the Corporation does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is likely that it will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery, the Corporation does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2009.

Note 4.  LOANS AND NONPERFORMING LOANS

The loan portfolio consisted of the following:

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Mortgage:
           
Residential
  $ 36,246,000     $ 40,337,000  
Commercial
    246,212,000       226,183,000  
Commercial
    114,893,000       100,282,000  
Home Equity
    21,779,000       21,208,000  
Installment
    41,006,000       51,290,000  
Other
    340,000       356,000  
Total gross loans
    460,476,000       439,656,000  
                 
Less:   Deferred loan fees, net of costs
    437,000       387,000  
Allowance for loan losses
    6,920,000       5,166,000  
      7,357,000       5,553,000  
                 
Loans, net
  $ 453,119,000     $ 434,103,000  

At December 31, 2009 and 2008 loans participated by the Corporation to other organizations totaled approximately $31,710,000 and $28,642,000, respectively.

Activity in the allowance for loan losses is summarized as follows:

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Balance, beginning
  $ 5,166,000     $ 4,457,000  
Provision charged to operations
    3,575,000       3,585,000  
Recoveries of loans charged off
    105,000       26,000  
Loans charged off
    (1,926,000 )     (2,902,000 )
                 
Balance, ending
  $ 6,920,000     $ 5,166,000  

The Corporation has entered into lending transactions in the ordinary course of business with directors, executive officers and principal stockholders of the Corporation and their affiliates.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, these loans aggregated approximately $2,413,000 and $2,683,000, respectively.  During the year ended December 31, 2009, new loans totaling $1,393,000 were granted and repayments totaled approximately $1,663,000.  The loans, at December 31, 2009, were current as to principal and interest payments.

Nonperforming loans include the following:
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Nonaccrual loans
  $ 19,656,000     $ 4,230,000  
Loans past due 90 days or more and accruing
    415,000       353,000  
Restructured loans
    2,846,000       1,855,000  
Total nonperforming loans
  $ 22,917,000     $ 6,438,000  

 
52


Nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and accruing included both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified loans. Restructured loans classified as nonaccrual for the years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were $23,000 and $22,000, respectively.

The following information is presented for loans classified as nonaccrual and restructured:

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Income that would have been recorded under
contractual terms
  $ 1,696,000     $ 400,000  
Less interest income received
    627,000       222,000  
Lost income on loans during the year
  $ 1,069,000     $ 178,000  

Impaired loans consisted of the following:

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Impaired Loans
           
With related allowance for loan loss
  $ 8,668,000     $ 2,762,000  
Without related allowance for loan loss
    13,834,000       3,323,000  
Total impaired loans
  $ 22,502,000     $ 6,085,000  
                 
Related allowance for possible credit losses
  $ 1,903,000     $ 481,000  
                 
Average investment in impaired loans
  $ 13,700,000     $ 2,609,000  
                 
Interest recognized on impaired loans
  $ 182,000     $ 73,000  

Note 5.  PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Land
  $ 2,999,000     $ 2,999,000  
Buildings and improvements
    2,928,000       2,893,000  
Leasehold improvements
    2,178,000       2,188,000  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    3,627,000       4,292,000  
      11,732,000       12,372,000  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    4,871,000       4,902,000  
Total premises & equipment, net
  $ 6,861,000     $ 7,470,000  

Amounts charged to net occupancy expense for depreciation and amortization of banking premises and equipment amounted to $841,000 and $918,000 in 2009 and 2008, respectively.

 
53


Note 6.  DEPOSITS

   
December 31, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Weighted Average Rate
   
Amount
   
Weighted Average Rate
   
Amount
 
                         
Noninterest-bearing demand
    - %   $ 88,427,000       - %   $ 99,099,000  
                                 
NOW accounts
    1.66 %     133,270,000       0.86 %     73,176,000  
Money market accounts
    0.98 %     85,014,000       1.95 %     87,592,000  
Total interest-bearing demand
    1.40 %     218,284,000       1.45 %     160,768,000  
                                 
Statement savings and clubs
    0.42 %     41,366,000       0.58 %     36,447,000  
Business savings
    0.40 %     4,417,000       0.49 %     3,180,000  
Total savings
    0.42 %     45,783,000       0.57 %     39,627,000  
                                 
IRA investment and variable rate savings
    3.65 %     33,905,000       4.04 %     30,073,000  
Brokered certificates
    - %     -       3.06 %     30,698,000  
Money market certificates
    2.37 %     143,531,000       3.39 %     146,266,000  
Total certificates of deposit
    2.61 %     177,436,000       3.44 %     207,037,000  
                                 
Total interest-bearing deposits
    1.78 %     441,503,000       2.38 %     407,432,000  
                                 
Total deposits
    1.49 %   $ 529,930,000       1.91 %   $ 506,531,000  

Certificates of deposit with balances of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2009 and 2008, totaled $87,117,000 and $80,326,000, respectively.

The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit were as follows:

   
December 31, 2009
 
       
2010
  $ 125,283,000  
2011
    31,992,000  
2012
    12,100,000  
2013
    6,817,000  
2014
    1,244,000  
    $ 177,436,000  

 
54


Note 7.  BORROWINGS

Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Advances

The following table presents Federal Home Loan Bank of New York ("FHLB-NY") advances by maturity date:

   
December 31, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
         
Weighted Average
         
Weighted Average
 
Advances maturing
 
Amount
   
Rate
   
Amount
   
Rate
 
   
Within one year
  $ 18,600,000       0.32 %   $ 6,900,000       0.44 %
After one year, but within two years
    3,000,000       2.28 %     -       - %
After two years, but within three years
    3,000,000       2.86 %     -       - %
After three years, but within four years
    15,000,000       3.30 %     -       - %
After four years, but within five years
    -       - %     15,000,000       3.30 %
After five years
    15,000,000       1.98 %     15,000,000       1.98 %
    $ 54,600,000       1.84 %   $ 36,900,000       2.23 %

During the years 2009 and 2008, the maximum amount of FHLB-NY advances outstanding at any month end was $64.1 million and $64.0 million, respectively.  The average amount of advances outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $44.5 million and $44.3 million, respectively.

Advances totaling $30.0 million have quarterly call features, of which $5.0 million have not yet reached their first call date.  Each advance is payable at its maturity date, with a prepayment penalty for fixed rate advances.

Advances from the FHLB-NY are all fixed rate borrowings and are secured by a blanket assignment of the Corporation's unpledged, qualifying mortgage loans and by mortgage-backed securities or investment securities.  The loans remain under the control of the Corporation.  Securities are maintained in safekeeping with the FHLB-NY. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the advances were collateralized by $21.7 million and $28.5 million, respectively, of first mortgage loans under the blanket lien arrangement.  Additionally, the advances were collateralized by $42.9 million and $44.2 million of investment securities as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 respectively.  Based on the collateral the Corporation was eligible to borrow up to a total of $64.6 million at December 31, 2009 and $72.7 million at December 31, 2008.

At December 31, 2009, the Corporation had available an overnight line of credit and a one-month overnight repricing line of credit with the FHLB-NY, each in the amount of $64.3 million.  In addition, the Corporation had available overnight variable repricing lines of credit with other correspondent banks totaling $23 million on an unsecured basis.  There were no borrowings under these lines of credit at December 31, 2009 and 2008.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase represent financing arrangements.

At December 31, 2009 and 2008, included in the balance of securities sold under agreements to repurchase is a wholesale repurchase agreement with a broker to borrow $14 million with a maturity in 2014.  The borrowing had a fixed interest rate of 3.25% for the first year and then converted to a floating rate at 9.00% minus 3-month LIBOR measured on a quarterly basis with a 5.15% cap and a 0.0% floor.  This repurchase agreement is collateralized by agency securities maintained in safekeeping with the broker.  The remaining balances at December 31, 2009 as well as the balances at December 31, 2008 were securities sold to Bank customers at fixed rates with maturities varying from 91 days to one year.  These securities were maintained in a separate safekeeping account within the Corporation's control.

At December 31, 2009 and 2008, securities sold under agreements to repurchase were collateralized by U.S. Treasury and agency securities having a carrying value of approximately $19,270,000 and $19,433,000, respectively.

 
55


Information concerning securities sold under agreements to repurchase is summarized as follows:

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Balance
  $ 15,396,000     $ 15,160,000  
Weighted average interest rate at year end
    4.72 %     5.00 %
Weighted average length of maturity
 
6.4 years
   
6.5 years
 
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end
               
during the year
  $ 16,019,000     $ 16,599,000  
Average amount outstanding during the year
  $ 15,316,000     $ 16,259,000  
Average interest rate during the year
    4.92 %     3.85 %

Note 8.  SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES

In 2003, the Corporation formed Stewardship Statutory Trust I (the “Trust”), a statutory business trust, which on September 17, 2003 issued $7.0 million Fixed/Floating Rate Capital Securities (“Capital Securities”).  The Trust used the proceeds to purchase from the Corporation, $7,217,000 of Fixed/Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures (“Debentures”) maturing September 17, 2033.  The Trust is obligated to distribute all proceeds of a redemption whether voluntary or upon maturity, to holders of the Capital Securities.  The Corporation’s obligation with respect to the Capital Securities, and the Debentures, when taken together, provide a full and unconditional guarantee on a subordinated basis by the Corporation of the Trust’s obligations to pay amounts when due on the Capital Securities.  The Corporation is not considered the primary beneficiary of this Trust (variable interest entity), therefore the trust is not consolidated in the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements, but rather the subordinated debentures are shown as a liability.

Prior to September 17, 2008, the Capital Securities and the Debentures both had a fixed interest rate of 6.75%.  Beginning September 17, 2008, the rate floats quarterly at a rate of three month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 2.95%.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008 the rate on both the Capital Securities and the Debentures was 3.20% and 4.82%, respectively. The Corporation has the right to defer payments of interest on the subordinated debentures by extending the interest payment period for up to 20 consecutive quarterly periods.

The subordinated debentures may be included in Tier I capital (with certain limitations applicable) under current regulatory guidelines and interpretations.

 
56


Note 9.  REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

Banks and bank holding companies are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations, involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators. Failure to meet capital requirements can initiate regulatory action. Regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System require bank holding companies to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital. Under the regulations in effect at December 31, 2009, the Corporation was required to maintain (i) a minimum leverage ratio of Tier 1 capital to total adjusted assets of 4.0% and (ii) minimum ratios of Tier 1 and total capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.0% and 8.0%, respectively. The Bank must comply with substantially similar capital regulations promulgated by the FDIC.

Prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. If undercapitalized, capital distributions are limited, as is asset growth and expansion, and capital restoration plans are required.

At year end 2009 and 2008, the most recent regulatory notifications categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes changed the institution's category.

Management believes that, as of December 31, 2009 the Bank and the Corporation have met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject. The following is a summary of the Corporation's and the Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 compared to the minimum capital adequacy requirements and the requirements for classification as a well capitalized institution under the prompt corrective action regulations:

   
Actual
   
Required for Capital Adequacy Purposes
   
To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Regulations
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
                                     
December 31, 2009
                                   
Leverage (Tier 1) capital
                                   
Consolidated
  $ 60,067,000       9.22 %   $ 26,065,000       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Bank
    55,049,000       8.51 %     25,881,000       4.00 %   $ 32,352,000       5.00 %
                                                 
Risk-based capital:
                                               
Tier 1
                                               
Consolidated
    60,067,000       11.99 %     20,041,000       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Bank
    55,049,000       11.02 %     19,986,000       4.00 %     29,979,000       6.00 %
                                                 
Total
                                               
Consolidated
    66,338,000       13.24 %     40,081,000       8.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Bank
    61,303,000       12.27 %     39,972,000       8.00 %     49,965,000       10.00 %
                                                 
                                                 
December 31, 2008
                                               
Leverage (Tier 1) capital
                                               
Consolidated
  $ 49,014,000       8.01 %   $ 24,480,000       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Bank
    44,069,000       7.26 %     24,288,000       4.00 %   $ 30,360,000       5.00 %
                                                 
Risk-based capital:
                                               
Tier 1
                                               
Consolidated
    49,014,000       10.50 %     18,680,000       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Bank
    44,069,000       9.46 %     18,630,000       4.00 %     27,945,000       6.00 %
                                                 
Total
                                               
Consolidated
    54,180,000       11.60 %     37,360,000       8.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Bank
    49,234,000       10.57 %     37,259,000       8.00 %     46,574,000       10.00 %

 
57


Note 10.  PREFERRED STOCK

On January 30, 2009, the Corporation received $10 million as part of the United States Treasury Department’s Troubled Asset Relief Program – Capital Purchase Program. In exchange, the Corporation issued 10,000 Senior Preferred shares and a warrant to purchase 133,475 of common shares.

The Senior Preferred Shares pay a cumulative dividend of 5% per annum for the first five years and 9% per annum thereafter.  Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears and the Corporation accrues the preferred dividends as earned over the period the Senior Preferred Shares are outstanding.

The warrant has an exercise price of $11.24 per share.  The exercise price for the warrant was calculated based on the average of the closing prices of the Corporation’s common stock on the 20 trading days ending on the last trading day prior to the date of the Treasury’s approval of the Corporation’s application under the program.

Of the $10 million of proceeds, $9.7 million was allocated to the Senior Preferred Shares and $269,000 was allocated to the warrant based on their estimated relative fair values as of January 30, 2009.  The resulting discount on the Senior Preferred Shares of $269,000 is being accreted through a charge to retained earnings over an estimated five year life of the stock offering using an effective yield method.  The Senior Preferred Shares and warrant issued under the CPP are includable in Tier I capital for regulatory capital.

The Corporation may repay the funds provided under the CPP without regard to whether the Corporation has replaced such funds from any other source or to any waiting period, subject to regulatory approval.  Until the earlier of the third anniversary of the Treasury’s investment in the Senior Preferred Shares or when all of the Senior Preferred Shares have been redeemed by the Corporation or transferred by the Treasury to third parties, the Corporation may not, without the consent of the Treasury, increase the common stock cash dividend.

Note 11.  BENEFIT PLANS

The Corporation has a noncontributory profit sharing plan covering all eligible employees.  Contributions are determined by the Corporation’s Board of Directors on an annual basis.  Total profit sharing plan expense for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 amounted to approximately $255,000 and $281,000, respectively.

The Corporation also has a 401(k) plan which covers all eligible employees.  Participants may elect to contribute up to 15% of their salaries, not to exceed the applicable limitations as per the Internal Revenue Code.  The Corporation, on an annual basis, may elect to match 50% of the participant’s first 5% contribution.  Total 401(k) expense for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 amounted to approximately $112,000 and $70,000, respectively.

During 1996, the Corporation adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan which allows all eligible employees to authorize a specific payroll deduction from his or her base compensation.  Total stock purchases amounted to 5,096 and 3,605 shares during 2009 and 2008, respectively.  At December 31, 2009 the Corporation had 217,041 shares reserved for issuance under this plan.

Note 12.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

At December 31, 2009, the Corporation had various types of stock award programs.

Director Stock Plan

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.  Shares are purchased for Directors in the open market and resulted in purchases of 3,720 and 6,937 shares for 2009 and 2008, respectively.  At December 31, 2009 the Corporation had 553,026 shares reserved for issuance under this plan.

 
58


Employee Stock Option Plan

The Employee Stock Option Plan provided for options to purchase shares of common stock to be issued to employees of the Corporation at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.  There were no options granted during 2009 or 2008.  While there are still options outstanding under this plan, the plan does not allow for additional grants after May 2006.  Under the plan, the exercise price of options may be paid in cash or with shares already owned.  During 2009 and 2008, 3,746 and 1,574 shares, respectively, were used to satisfy the exercise of options.  A summary of the status of the qualified stock options as of December 31, 2009 and changes during the year then ended is presented as follows:
 

   
2009
 
         
Weighted
 
         
Average
 
         
Exercise
 
   
Shares
   
Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
    28,646     $ 7.50  
Exercised
    (8,370 )     5.31  
Forfeited
    (563 )     11.19  
Outstanding at end of year
    19,713     $ 8.33  
                 
Intrinsic value at year end
  $ 27,223          
Options exercisable at year end
    19,713          
Intrinsic value of options exercisable
  $ 27,223          
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (years)
    1.72          

The intrinsic value of options exercised was $23,000 and $80,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  The Corporation received cash from the exercise of options in the amount of $12,000 and $22,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about the qualified employee stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2009:

     
Number
   
Weighted-Average
 
Exercise
   
Outstanding
   
Remaining
 
Price
   
at 12/31/09
   
Life
 
$ 5.83       10,520    
0.13 years
 
  11.19       9,193       3.54  
$ 8.33       19,713    
1.72 years
 

Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plans

The 2001 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors provided for options to purchase shares of common stock to be granted to Directors of the Corporation.  The options granted under the plan have exercise prices which represented market price of the stock at the date of grant.  No options have been granted since 2005.  While there are still options outstanding under this plan, the plan does not allow for additional grants after May 2006.  The plan allows for the exercise price of options to be paid in cash or with shares already owned.

The 2006 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors provides for options to purchase shares of common stock to be granted to Non-Employee Directors of the Corporation.  Under this plan, options vest in equal installments over a period of five years on an annual basis.  Options expire on the earlier of the sixth anniversary of the date of the grant or May 15, 2012.  Options were granted in 2006 to all Non-Employee Directors.  During the year ended December 31, 2009, 2,431 options were granted.  At December 31, 2009 the Corporation had 9,724 shares reserved for issuance under this plan.

Total compensation cost that has been charged against income for these plans was $48,000 for both the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

 
59


A summary of the status of the nonqualified stock options issued under the 2001 and 2006 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors as of December 31, 2009 is presented below:
 

   
2009
 
         
Weighted
 
         
Average
 
         
Exercise
 
   
Shares
   
Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
    60,904     $ 11.20  
Granted
    2,431       9.00  
Outstanding at end of year
    63,335     $ 11.12  
                 
Intrinsic value at year end
  $ -          
Options exercisable at year end
    36,594          
Intrinsic value of options exercisable
  $ -          
Weighted-average remaining contractual term (years)
    2.22          

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a closed form option valuation (Black-Scholes) model that uses the assumptions noted in the table below.  Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Corporation’s common stock.  The Corporation uses historical data to estimate option exercise and post-vesting termination behavior.  The expected term of options granted is based on historical data and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, which takes into account that the options are not transferable.  The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant.

The fair value of options granted for the year ended December 31, 2009 were determined using the following weighted-average assumptions as of the grant date:

Risk-free interest rate
0.88%
Expected term
2.42 years
Expected stock price volatility
42.13%
Dividend yield
3.88%

No options were exercised under either the 2001 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors or the 2006 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors during the year ended December 31, 2009.  For the year ended December 31, 2008 the Corporation received cash from the exercise of options in the amount of $27,000.  The Corporation realized a tax benefit from the options exercised in the year ended December 31, 2008 of $2,000.

The following table summarizes information about the nonqualified Non-Employee Director stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2009:


     
Number
   
Weighted-Average
   
Number
 
Exercise
   
Outstanding
   
Remaining
   
Exercisable
 
Price
   
at 12/31/09
   
Life
   
at 12/31/09
 
$ 12.07       6,205    
0.80 years
      6,205  
  11.11       54,699       2.37       30,389  
  9.00       2,431       2.37       -  
$ 11.12       63,335    
2.22 years
      36,594  

Unrecognized compensation expense totaled $70,000 and will be recognized over the next 1.4 years.

 
60


Note 13:  EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following reconciles the income available to common shareholders (numerator) and the weighted average common stock outstanding (denominator) for both basic and diluted earnings per share for 2009 and 2008:

   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Net income
  $ 3,634,000     $ 3,501,000  
Dividends on preferred stock and accretion
    504,000       -  
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 3,130,000     $ 3,501,000  
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
    5,832,186       5,853,562  
Effect of dilutive securities - stock options
    4,553       11,564  
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
    5,836,739       5,865,126  
                 
                 
Earnings per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.54     $ 0.60  
Diluted
  $ 0.54     $ 0.60  

Stock options granting 70,368 and 62,308 shares of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were not considered in computing diluted earnings per common share because they were antidilutive.  A common stock warrant to purchase 122,504 average shares of common stock was not considered in computing diluted earnings per common share for the year ended December 31, 2009 because it was antidilutive.

Note 14.  INCOME TAXES

The components of income tax expense (benefit) are summarized as follows:

   
Year ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Current tax expense:
           
Federal
  $ 2,045,000     $ 1,364,000  
State
    644,000       449,000  
      2,689,000       1,813,000  
Deferred tax benefit:
               
Federal
    (938,000 )     (293,000 )
State
    (278,000 )     (89,000 )
Valuation allowance
      6,000       17,000  
      (1,210,000 )     (365,000 )
                 
    $ 1,479,000     $ 1,448,000  

 
61


The following table presents a reconciliation between the reported income taxes and the income taxes which would be computed by applying the normal federal income tax rate (34%) to income before income taxes:

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Federal income tax
  $ 1,738,000     $ 1,683,000  
Add (deduct) effect of:
               
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect
    246,000       245,000  
Nontaxable interest income
    (398,000 )     (375,000 )
Life insurance
    (113,000 )     (108,000 )
Nondeductible expenses
    24,000       28,000  
Change in valuation reserve – federal
    -       (7,000 )
Other items, net
    (18,000 )     (18,000 )
                 
Effective federal income taxes
  $ 1,479,000     $ 1,448,000  

The tax effects of existing temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
Allowance for loan losses
  $ 2,764,000     $ 2,063,000  
Accrued reserves
    17,000       27,000  
Stock compensation
    79,000       60,000  
Nonaccrual loan interest
    489,000       75,000  
Depreciation
    268,000       167,000  
Contribution carry forward
    183,000       206,000  
State capital loss carry forward
    83,000       96,000  
      3,883,000       2,694,000  
Valuation reserve
    (105,000 )     (111,000 )
      3,778,000       2,583,000  
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Unrealized gains on securities available for sale
    294,000       470,000  
Other
    34,000       50,000  
      328,000       520,000  
                 
Net deferred tax assets
  $ 3,450,000     $ 2,063,000  

The Corporation has provided a full valuation allowance relating to all of the state tax benefits of both net operating loss carryforwards and contribution carryforwards.  The Corporation has also provided a federal valuation allowance against some of its contribution carryforwards.  Management has determined that it is more likely than not that it will not be able to realize the deferred tax benefits described above.

There were no unrecognized tax benefits during the year or at the year ending December 31, 2009 and 2008. There were no tax interest and penalties recorded in the income statement for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.  There were no tax interest and penalties accrued for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

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 2006.

Note 15.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Loan Commitments

The Corporation 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 standby

 
62


letters of credit.  Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements.  The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Corporation has in particular classes of financial instruments.

The Corporation's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments.  The Corporation uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

At December 31, 2009, the Corporation had residential mortgage commitments to extend credit aggregating approximately $1.9 million at variable rates averaging 5.50% and $3.3 million at fixed rates averaging 4.92%.  All these loan commitments will be sold to investors upon closing. Commercial, construction, and home equity loan commitments of approximately $10.7 million were extended with variable rates averaging 6.49% and $3.5 million were extended at fixed rates averaging 6.27%.  Generally, commitments were due to expire within approximately 120 days.

Additionally, at December 31, 2009, the Corporation was committed for approximately $75.0 million of unused lines of credit, consisting of $19.4 million relating to a home equity line of credit program and an unsecured line of credit program (cash reserve), $4.3 million relating to an unsecured overdraft protection program, and $51.3 million relating to commercial and construction lines of credit. Amounts drawn on the unused lines of credit are predominantly assessed interest at rates which fluctuate with the base rate.

Commitments under standby and commercial letters of credit aggregated approximately $3.2 million at December 31, 2009, of which $3.0 million expires within one year.  Should any letter of credit be drawn on, the interest rate charged on the resulting note would fluctuate with the Corporation's base rate. 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 or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  Since many of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  The Corporation evaluates each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Corporation upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the counter-party.  Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

Standby and commercial letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Corporation to guarantee payment or performance of a customer to a third party.  Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing and similar transactions.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  The Corporation obtains collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary.

Lease Commitments

Rental expense under long-term operating lease for branch offices amounted to approximately $1,059,000 and $980,000 during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  At December 31, 2009, the minimum rental commitments on the noncancellable leases with an initial term of one year and expiring thereafter as follows:

Year Ending December 31
 
Minimum Rent
 
       
2010
  $ 935,000  
2011
    936,000  
2012
    919,000  
2013
    891,000  
2014
    640,000  
Thereafter
    2,645,000  
    $ 6,966,000  

Contingencies

The Corporation is also subject to litigation which arises primarily in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management the ultimate disposition of such litigation should not have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Corporation.

 
63


Note 16.  DIVIDEND LIMITATION

The Corporation's ability to pay cash dividends is based on its ability to receive cash from its bank subsidiary.  Banking regulations limit the amount of dividends that may be paid without prior approval of regulatory agencies.  Under these regulations, the amount of dividends that may be paid in any calendar year is limited to the current year's profits, combined with the retained net profits of the proceeding two years.  At December 31, 2009 the Bank could have paid dividends totaling approximately $5.0 million.  At December 31, 2009, this restriction did not result in any effective limitation in the manner in which the Corporation is currently operating.  As noted in Note 10, until the earlier of the third anniversary of the Treasury’s investment in the Senior Preferred Shares or when all of the Senior Preferred Shares have been redeemed by the Corporation or transferred by the Treasury to third parties, the Corporation may not, without the consent of the Treasury, increase the common stock cash dividend.

Note 17.  INTEREST RATE SWAP

The Corporation utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position.  The notional amount of the interest rate swaps does not represent amounts exchanged by the parties.  The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual interest rate swap agreements.

Interest Rate Swap Designated as Cash Flow Hedge:  During the second quarter of 2009, the Corporation entered into a swap with an effective date of March 17, 2010.  An interest rate swap with a notional amount of $7 million as of December 31, 2009 was designated as a cash flow hedge of the Subordinated Debentures and was determined to be fully effective during the year ended December 31, 2009.  As such, no amount of ineffectiveness has been included in net income.  Therefore, the aggregate fair value of the swap is recorded in other assets (liabilities) with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income (loss).  The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) would be reclassified to current earnings should the hedge no longer be considered effective.  The Corporation expects the hedge to remain fully effective during the remaining terms of the swap.  As of December 31, 2009, the interest rate swap is secured by investment securities with a fair value of $493,000.

Summary information about the interest-rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge as of December 31, 2009 is as follows:

Notional amount
$7,000,000
Pay rate
7.00%
Receive rate
3 month LIBOR plus 2.95%
Maturity
March 17, 2016
Unrealized loss
$258,000

The fair value of the interest rate swap of $258,000 was included in Accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Income Statement
 
for the year ended December 31, 2009
 
       
   
Amount of Loss,
 
   
net of taxes,
 
   
Recognized in OCI
 
   
on Derivative
 
Cash Flow Hedging Relationship
 
(Effective Portion)
 
         
Cash flow hedge
  $ 155,000  

Note 18.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 
64


Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) or identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing and asset or liability.

The fair values of investment securities are determined by matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs).

The interest rate swaps are reported at fair values obtained from brokers who utilize internal models with observable market data inputs to estimate the values of these instruments (Level 2 inputs).

The Company measures impairment of collateralized loans based on the estimated fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell, incorporating assumptions that experienced parties might use in estimating the value of such collateral (Level 3 inputs).

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
   
December 31, 2009
 
Assets:
                       
Available for sale securities
                       
U.S. government -
                       
sponsored agencies
  $ 32,286,000     $ -     $ 32,286,000     $ -  
Obligations of state and
            -                  
political subdivisions
    5,397,000       -       5,397,000       -  
Mortgage-backed securities-
                               
residential
    62,228,000       -       62,228,000       -  
Other equity investments
    3,115,000       -       3,115,000       -  
Total available for
                               
sale securities
  $ 103,026,000      -     $ 103,026,000      -  
Liabilities:
                               
Interest rate swap
  $ 258,000     $ -     $ 258,000     $ -  

   
December 31, 2008
 
Assets:
                       
Available for sale securities
                       
U.S. government -
                       
sponsored agencies
  $ 49,660,000     $ -     $ 49,660,000     $ -  
Obligations of state and
                               
        political subdivisions      5,820,000        -        5,820,000        -  
Mortgage-backed securities-
                               
residential
    31,670,000       -       31,670,000       -  
Other equity investments
    2,873,000       -       2,873,000       -  
Total available for
                               
sale securities
  $ 90,023,000     $ -     $ 90,023,000     $ -  

 
65


Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are summarized below:

         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
   
December 31, 2009
 
Assets:
                       
Impaired loans
  $ 6,765,000     $ -     $ -     $ 6,765,000  
                                 
   
December 31, 2008
 
Assets:
                               
Impaired loans
  $ 2,281,000     $ -     $ -     $ 2,281,000  

Impaired loans, which are measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans, had a carrying amount of $8,668,000, with a valuation allowance of $1,903,000, resulting in an additional provision for loan losses of $1,422,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Impaired loans, had a carrying amount of $2,762,000, with a valuation allowance of $481,000, resulting in an additional provision for loan losses of $442,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008.

Fair value estimates, methods and assumptions are set forth below, for items not previously presented, for the Corporation’s financial instruments.

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
 
   
Amount
   
Fair Value
   
Amount
   
Fair Value
 
       
Financial Assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  8,871,000     8,871,000     12,814,000     12,814,000  
Securities available for sale
    103,026,000       103,026,000       90,023,000       90,023,000  
Securities held to maturity
    67,717,000       68,765,000       48,856,000       49,150,000  
FHLB-NY stock
    3,227,000       N/A       2,420,000       N/A  
Net loans
    453,119,000       453,813,000       434,103,000       436,193,000  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,167,000       3,167,000       3,371,000       3,371,000  
                                 
Financial liabilities:
                               
Deposits
    529,930,000       531,230,000       506,531,000       508,325,000  
FHLB-NY Advances
    54,600,000       51,949,000       36,900,000       34,973,000  
Securities sold under agreements
to repurchase
    15,396,000       15,396,000       15,160,000       15,160,000  
Subordinated debenture
    7,217,000       5,943,000       7,217,000       7,399,000  
Accrued interest payable
    1,193,000       1,193,000       1,582,000       1,582,000  

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:

Cash and cash equivalents
The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Securities available for sale and held to maturity
The methods for determining the fair values for securities were described previously.

FHLB-NY stock
It is not practicable to determine the fair value of FHLB-NY stock due to restrictions placed on the transferability of the stock.

 
66


Net loans
Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loan with similar financial characteristics.  Loans are segregated by type such as residential and commercial mortgages, commercial and other installment.  The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting cash flows using estimated market discount rates which reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loans.

Accrued interest receivable
The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Deposits
The fair value of deposits, with no stated maturity, such as noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings, NOW and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand.  The fair value of the certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of cash flows.  The discount rate is estimated using market discount rates which reflect interest rate risk inherent in the certificates of deposit.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
The carrying value approximates fair value due to the relatively short time before maturity.

Other borrowings
The carrying amount of the borrowings which mature in one day approximates fair value.  For the borrowings with a longer maturity, the fair value is based on the discounted value of cash flows.  The discount rate is estimated using market discount rates which reflect the interest rate risk inherent in the term borrowings.

Subordinated debenture
The fair value of the subordinated debenture is based on the discounted value of the cash flows.  The discount rate is estimated using market rates which reflect the interest rate risk and credit risk inherent in the debenture.

Accrued interest payable
The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Commitments to extend credit
The fair value of commitments is estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present credit worthiness of the counter parties, and at December 31, 2009 and 2008 the fair value of such commitments were not material.

Limitations
The preceding fair value estimates were made at December 31, 2009 and 2008, based on pertinent market data and relevant information on the financial instruments.  These estimates do not include any premium or discount that could result from an offer to sell at one time the Corporation's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument or category thereof.  Since no market exists for a substantial portion of the Corporation's financial instruments, fair value estimates were necessarily based on judgments with respect to future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk assessments of various financial instruments, and other factors.  Given the subjective nature of these estimates, the uncertainties surrounding them and the matters of significant judgment that must be applied, these fair value estimates cannot be calculated with precision.  Modifications in such assumptions could meaningfully alter these estimates.

Since these fair value approximations were made solely for on and off balance sheet financial instruments at December 31, 2009 and 2008, no attempt was made to estimate the value of anticipated future business.  Furthermore, certain tax implications related to the realization of unrealized gains and losses could have a substantial impact on these fair value estimates and have not been incorporated into the estimates.

 
67


Note 19.  PARENT COMPANY ONLY

The Corporation was formed in January, 1995, to operate its subsidiary, Atlantic Stewardship Bank. The earnings of the Bank are recognized by the Corporation using the equity method of accounting.  Accordingly, the Bank dividends paid reduce the Corporation's investment in the subsidiary. Condensed financial statements are presented below:

Condensed Statements of Financial Condition

   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Assets
           
             
Cash and due from banks
  $ 294,000     $ 131,000  
Securities available for sale
    3,436,000       2,582,000  
Securities held to maturity
    992,000       1,992,000  
Investment in subsidiary
    55,689,000       44,833,000  
Accrued interest receivable
    30,000       45,000  
Other assets
    528,000       466,000  
                 
Total assets
  $ 60,969,000     $ 50,049,000  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
                 
Subordinated debentures
  $ 7,217,000     $ 7,217,000  
Other liabilities
    241,000       36,000  
Stockholders' equity
    53,511,000       42,796,000  
                 
Total liabilities and Stockholders' equity
  $ 60,969,000     $ 50,049,000  

Condensed Statements of Income

   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Interest income - securities available for sale
  $ 103,000     $ 126,000  
Interest income - securities held to maturity
    104,000       110,000  
Dividend income
    3,000,000       2,100,000  
Other income
    24,000       18,000  
Total income
    3,231,000       2,354,000  
                 
Interest expense
    285,000       466,000  
Other expenses
    319,000       216,000  
Total expenses
    604,000       682,000  
                 
Income before income tax benefit
    2,627,000       1,672,000  
Tax benefit
    (125,000 )     (144,000 )
Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary
    2,752,000       1,816,000  
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary
    882,000       1,685,000  
Net income
    3,634,000       3,501,000  
Dividends on preferred stock and accretion
    504,000       -  
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 3,130,000     $ 3,501,000  

 
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Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
   
Years ended December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 3,634,000     $ 3,501,000  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
               
net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary
    (882,000 )     (1,685,000 )
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, net
    4,000       (1,000 )
Gain on calls and sales of securities
    (13,000 )     -  
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable
    15,000       (2,000 )
Increase in other assets
    (33,000 )     (49,000 )
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
    (13,000 )     3,000  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    2,712,000       1,767,000  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of securities available for sale
    (3,028,000 )     (998,000 )
Proceeds from principal repayments on securities available for sale
    98,000       -  
Proceeds from calls on securities available for sale
    2,000,000       1,000,000  
Proceeds from calls on securities held to maturity
    1,000,000       -  
Investment in subsidiary bank
    (10,000,000 )     -  
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (9,930,000 )     2,000  
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock and warrants
    9,951,000       -  
Cash dividends paid on common stock
    (2,112,000 )     (1,967,000 )
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock
    (396,000 )     -  
Payment of discount on dividend reinvestment plan
    (44,000 )     (45,000 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (75,000 )     (370,000 )
Exercise of stock options
    12,000       49,000  
Tax benefit of stock plans
    -       2,000  
Issuance of common stock
    45,000       41,000  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    7,381,000       (2,290,000 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    163,000       (521,000 )
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning
    131,000       652,000  
Cash and cash equivalents - ending
  $ 294,000     $ 131,000  

 
Note 20.  QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)

The following table contains quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 (Dollars in thousands).
 
   
First Quarter
   
Second Quarter
   
Third Quarter
   
Fourth Quarter
   
Total
 
                               
Year ended December 31, 2009:
                             
                               
Interest income
  $ 8,473     $ 8,542     $ 8,610     $ 8,531     $ 34,156  
Interest expense
    2,875       2,722       2,634       2,580       10,811  
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
    5,598       5,820       5,976       5,951       23,345  
Provision for loan losses
    150       1,025       1,200       1,200       3,575  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    5,448       4,795       4,776       4,751       19,770  
Noninterest income
    707       949       821       656       3,133  
Noninterest expenses (a)
    4,408       4,684       4,346       4,352       17,790  
Income before income tax expense
    1,747       1,060       1,251       1,055       5,113  
Income tax expense
    560       280       358       281       1,479  
Net income
    1,187       780       893       774       3,634  
Dividends on preferred stock and accretion
    92       137       138       137       504  
Net income available to common stockholders
  $ 1,095     $ 643     $ 755     $ 637     $ 3,130  
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.19     $ 0.11     $ 0.13     $ 0.11     $ 0.54  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.19     $ 0.11     $ 0.13     $ 0.11     $ 0.54  
                                         
   
First
   
Second
   
Third
   
Fourth
         
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Quarter
   
Total
 
                                         
Year ended December 31, 2008:
                                       
                                         
Interest income
  $ 8,657     $ 8,710     $ 8,910     $ 8,797     $ 35,074  
Interest expense
    3,495       3,154       3,100       3,022       12,771  
Net interest income before provision for loan losses
    5,162       5,556       5,810       5,775       22,303  
Provision for loan losses (b)
    100       260       1,175       2,050       3,585  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    5,062       5,296       4,635       3,725       18,718  
Noninterest income (c)
    976       1,017       894       1,330       4,217  
Noninterest expenses
    4,479       4,562       4,362       4,583       17,986  
Income before income tax expense
    1,559       1,751       1,167       472       4,949  
Income tax expense
    498       572       329       49       1,448  
Net income
  $ 1,061     $ 1,179     $ 838     $ 423     $ 3,501  
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.18     $ 0.20     $ 0.14     $ 0.08     $ 0.60  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.18     $ 0.20     $ 0.14     $ 0.08     $ 0.60  

(a)  Second Quarter of 2009 includes the recording of an industry-wide FDIC special assessment which amounted to $300,000 for the Corporation.
(b)  Third Quarter and Fourth Quarter of 2008 includes increased provision for loan losses primarily related to a group of loans to one borrower.
(c)  Fourth Quarter of 2008 amount includes a gain on sale of the merchant portfolio.

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

None.

Item 9A .  Controls and Procedures

(a)           Evaluation of internal controls and procedures

Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our internal controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
 
b)           Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. 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.

We assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.  In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment using those criteria, our management (including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2009.
 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Corporation to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(c)           Changes in internal controls

There were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses during the quarter ended December 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  Other Information

None.

Part III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information concerning directors and executive officers contained under the captions “Election of Directors: and “Compliance with Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting,” in the Proxy Statement for the Corporation’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

Code of Ethics

The Corporation has adopted a Code of Ethical Conduct for Senior Financial Managers that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, controller and any other person performing similar functions.  The Corporation’s Code of Ethical Conduct for Senior Financial Managers is posted on its website, www.asbnow.com.  The Corporation intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K

 
71


regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of its Code of Ethical Conduct for Senior Financial Managers by filing an 8-K and by posting such information on its website.

Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert

The members of our audit committee as of December 31, 2009 were Howard Yeaton (Chairman), Harold Dyer, John L. Steen and Michael Westra.  The Audit Committee determined that Howard Yeaton and Michael Westra were “audit committee financial experts” as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.  All members of our audit committee are “independent” as defined under Rule 6320A of FINRA’s listing standards.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

Information concerning executive compensation under the caption “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement for the Corporation’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

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

The following table provides information with respect to the equity securities that are authorized for issuance under our compensation plans as of December 31, 2009:

Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
   
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
   
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
   
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
 
   
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders
    83,048     $ 10.46       269,530  
Equity compensation plans not approved by
security holders
    -       -       553,026  
Total
    83,048     $ 10.46       822,556  

The only equity compensation plan not approved by security holders is the Directors Stock Plan.  The Director Stock Plan permits members of the Board of Directors to receive any monthly Board of Directors’ fees in shares of the Corporation’s common stock, rather than in cash.  The Corporation purchased 3,720 shares in the open market during 2009 for the benefit of the Director Stock Plan.

Information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management under the caption “Stock Ownership of Management and Principal Shareholders” in the Proxy Statement for the Corporation’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

 
72


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

Information concerning certain relationships and related transactions under the captions “Election of Directors” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions,” in the Proxy Statement for the Corporation’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information concerning principal accountant fees and services under the caption “Fees Billed by Accountants During Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008,” in the Proxy Statement for the Corporation’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

Part IV

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)  Exhibits

Exhibit
 
Number
Description of Exhibits
3(i)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Stewardship Financial Corporation (1)
3(ii).1
By-Laws of Stewardship Financial Corporation (2)
3(ii).2
Amendment to By-Laws of Stewardship Financial Corporation (3)
4(i)
Form of Certificate for the Series A Preferred Shares (4)
4(ii)
Warrant to Purchase up to 127,119 Shares of Common Stock (5)
10(i)
1995 Incentive Stock Option Plan (6)
10(ii)
1995 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (7)
10 (iii)
Stewardship Financial Corporation Dividend Reinvestment Plan (8)
10 (iv)
Stewardship Financial Corporation Director Stock Plan (9)
[10(v)
Amended and Restated 1995 Stock Option Plan (9)
10(vi)
Amended and Restated Director Stock Plan (10)
10(vii)
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (11)
10(viii)
2001 Stock Option Plan For Non-Employee Directors (12)
10(ix)
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (13)
10(x)
2006 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (14)
10(xi)
Letter Agreement, dated January 30, 2009, including Securities Purchase Agreement – Standard Terms incorporated by reference therein, between Stewardship Financial Corporation and the Treasury (15)
10(xii)
Form of Waiver, executed by each of Paul Van Ostenbridge, Claire M. Chadwick, Julie E. Holland and Robert C. Vliet (16)
13
Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2009
21
Subsidiaries of the Registrant23 Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to the Emergency Economic Stability Act of 2008
99.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to the Emergency Economic Stability Act of 2008

-----------------------------------------------------------------
(1)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(i).1 to the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May 15, 2009.
 
 
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(2)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3(ii) to the Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form 8-B, Registration No. 0-21855, filed on December 10, 1996.
 
(3)
Incorporate by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 27, 2007.
 
(4)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 4, 2009.
 
(5)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 4, 2009.
 
(6)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 5(B)(10)(a) to the Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form 8-B, Registration No. 0-21855, filed December 10, 1996.
 
(7)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibits 4(c) to 23(d) from the Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-20793, filed January 31, 1997.
 
(8)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4(a) from the Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 333-20699, filed January 30, 1997.
 
(9)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4(a) from the Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-31245, filed July 11, 1997.
 
(10)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibits 10(vii) and 10(viii) from the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, filed March 31, 1999.
 
(11)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4(a) from the Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 333-54738, filed January 31, 2001.
 
(12)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4(b) from the Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-87842, filed May 8, 2002.
 
(13)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4(a) from the Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 333-133632, filed April 28, 2006.
 
(14)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 5(a) from the Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-135462, filed June 29, 2006.
 
(15)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 4, 2009.
 
(16)
Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 4, 2009.
 
 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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
     
 
By :
/s/  Paul Van Ostenbridge
   
Paul Van Ostenbridge
   
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Dated:  March 26, 2009

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Name
 
Title
 
Date
         
/s/  Paul Van Ostenbridge
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
March 26, 2010
Paul Van Ostenbridge
 
and Director
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
       
         
/s/  Claire M. Chadwick
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
March 26, 2010
Claire M. Chadwick
 
(Principal Financial Officer and
   
Principal Accounting Officer)
       
         
    /s/ Richard W. Culp   
Director
 
March 26, 2010
Richard W. Culp          
         
/s/  Harold Dyer
 
Director
 
March 26, 2010
Harold Dyer
       
         
/s/  William Hanse
 
Chairman of the Board
 
March 26, 2010
William Hanse
       
         
/s/  Margo Lane
 
Director
 
March 26, 2010
Margo Lane
       
         
/s/  Arie Leegwater
 
Director
 
March 26, 2010
Arie Leegwater
       
         
/s/  John L. Steen
 
Director
 
March 26, 2010
John L. Steen
       
         
/s/  Robert Turner
 
Secretary and Director
 
March 26, 2010
Robert Turner
       
         
/s/  William J. VanderEems
 
Director
 
March 26, 2010
William J. VanderEems
       
         
/s/  Abe Van Wingerden
 
Director
 
March 26, 2010
Abe Van Wingerden
       
         
/s/  Michael Westra
 
Vice Chairman of the Board
 
March 26, 2010
Michael Westra
       
         
/s/  Howard Yeaton
 
Director
 
March 26, 2010
Howard Yeaton
       
 
 
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