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EX-32.1 - DOUGLAS S. GORDON SOX CERTIFICATION - WATERSTONE FINANCIAL INCexhibit321.htm
EX-31.2 - RICHARD C. LARSON CERTIFICATION - WATERSTONE FINANCIAL INCexhibit312.htm
EX-32.2 - RICHARD C. LARSON SOX CERTIFICATION - WATERSTONE FINANCIAL INCexhibit322.htm
EX-31.1 - DOUGLAS S. GORDON CERTIFICATION - WATERSTONE FINANCIAL INCexhibit311.htm


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

Form 10-Q

R
 
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
     
     
   
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010
     
   
OR
     
     
*
 
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934



Commission File Number 000-51507

WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Federal
20-3598485
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)


11200 W. Plank Ct.
Wauwatosa, WI  53226
(414) 761-1000
(Address, including Zip Code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes
R
 
No
*

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  No

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

Large accelerated filer
*
 
Accelerated filer
R
 
Non-accelerated filer
*
 
Smaller Reporting Company
*

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes
*
 
No
R


The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, was 31,250,097 at April 30, 2010.



 
 
 
 
 


10-Q INDEX








 
Page No.
   
 
     
     
3
   
4
   
5
   
6-7
   
8-22
   
22-36
   
37
   
37
   
38
   
38
   
38
   
39
   
39
   
 
   
   
   


 
 
- 2 -
 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

   
(Unaudited)
       
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Assets
 
(In Thousands, except share data)
 
Cash
  $ 60,791       57,234  
Federal funds sold
    19,325       9,631  
Short term investments
    -       4,255  
     Cash and cash equivalents
    80,116       71,120  
Securities available for sale (at fair value)
    196,623       205,415  
Securities held to maturity (at amortized cost)
               
   fair value of $2,221in 2010 and $1,930 in 2009
    2,648       2,648  
Loans held for sale (at fair value)
    39,273       45,052  
Loans receivable
    1,407,034       1,420,010  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    31,630       28,494  
     Loans receivable, net
    1,375,404       1,391,516  
Office properties and equipment, net
    28,807       29,144  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock (at cost)
    21,653       21,653  
Cash surrender value of life insurance
    34,123       33,941  
Real estate owned
    53,885       50,929  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    12,406       16,848  
     Total assets
  $ 1,844,938       1,868,266  
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Liabilities:
               
   Demand deposits
  $ 64,628       61,420  
   Money market and savings deposits
    90,464       92,028  
   Time deposits
    1,023,427       1,011,442  
     Total deposits
    1,178,519       1,164,890  
                 
   Short term borrowings
    36,900       73,900  
   Long term borrowings
    434,000       434,000  
   Advance payments by borrowers for taxes
    8,045       630  
   Other liabilities
    17,195       26,254  
     Total liabilities
    1,674,659       1,699,674  
                 
Shareholders’ equity:
               
   Preferred stock (par value $.01 per share)
               
     Authorized 20,000,000 shares, no shares issued
    -       -  
   Common stock (par value $.01 per share)
               
     Authorized - 200,000,000 shares in 2010 and 2009
               
     Issued - 33,974,450 shares in 2010 and in 2009
               
     Outstanding - 31,250,097 shares in 2010 and in 2009
    340       340  
   Additional paid-in capital
    109,131       108,883  
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes
    (951 )     (2,001 )
   Retained earnings
    111,076       110,900  
   Unearned ESOP shares
    (4,056 )     (4,269 )
   Treasury shares (2,724,353 shares), at cost
    (45,261 )     (45,261 )
     Total shareholders’ equity
    170,279       168,592  
     Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 1,844,938       1,868,266  


See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
- 3 -
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)


   
Three months ended
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Interest income:
           
Loans
  $ 20,753     $ 22,267  
Mortgage-related securities
    1,490       1,912  
Debt securities, cash and cash equivalents
    806       812  
Total interest income
    23,049       24,991  
Interest expense:
               
Deposits
    5,845       9,737  
Borrowings
    4,771       4,972  
Total interest expense
    10,616       14,709  
Net interest income
    12,433       10,282  
Provision for loan losses
    5,457       7,201  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    6,976       3,081  
Noninterest income:
               
Service charges on loans and deposits
    286       293  
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance
    182       216  
Mortgage banking income
    3,591       901  
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses
    -       (9,419 )
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)
    -       8,512  
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings
    -       (907 )
Other     242        217   
Total noninterest income
    4,301       720  
Noninterest expenses:
               
Compensation, payroll taxes, and other employee benefits
    5,113       3,810  
Occupancy, office furniture and equipment
    1,307       1,223  
Advertising
    204       222  
Data processing
    364       365  
Communications
    233       193  
Professional fees
    309       342  
Real estate owned
    1,430       821  
Other      2,141        930  
Total noninterest expenses
    11,101       7,906  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    176       (4,105 )
Income taxes (benefit)
    -       (503 )
Net income (loss)
    176       (3,602 )
Income (loss) per share:
               
Basic     0.01       (0.12 )
Diluted
    0.01       (0.12 )
Weighted average shares outstanding:
               
Basic     30,773,335       30,651,581  
Diluted
    30,773,335       30,651,581  


See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


 
 
- 4 -
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
               
Accumulated
                 
           
Additional
 
Other
     
Unearned
     
Total
 
   
Common Stock
 
Paid-In
 
Comprehensive
 
Retained
 
ESOP
 
Treasury
 
Shareholders'
 
   
Shares
 
Amount
 
Capital
 
Loss
 
Earnings
 
Shares
 
Shares
 
Equity
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Balances at December 31, 2008
    31,250   $ 340     107,839     (6,449 )   119,921     (5,123 )   (45,261 )   171,267  
                                                   
Cumulative effect adjustment related to a
   change in accounting principle related to
   available for sale securities, net of taxes 
   of $448
    —      —      —      (669 )   1,117     —      —      448  
                                                   
Comprehensive loss:
                                                 
   Net loss
                    (3,602 )           (3,602 )
   Other comprehensive income:
                                                 
    Net unrealized holding gain on
        available for sale securities arising
        during the period, net of taxes of $212
                855                 855  
    Reclassification of adjustment for net
        losses on available for sale securities
        realized during the period, net of taxes
        of $364
                543                 543  
         Total comprehensive income
                                              (2,204 )
                                                   
       ESOP shares committed to be released
            to Plan participants
            (165 )           213         48  
       Stock based compensation
            419                     419  
                                                   
Balances at March 31, 2009
    31,250   $ 340     108,093     (5,720 )   117,436     (4,910 )   (45,261 )   169,978  
                                                   
                                                   
Balances at December 31, 2009
    31,250   $ 340     108,883     (2,001 )   110,900     (4,269 )   (45,261 )   168,592  
                                                   
Comprehensive income:
                                                 
   Net income
                    176             176  
   Other comprehensive loss:
                                                 
    Net unrealized holding gain on
        available for sale securities arising
        during the period, net of taxes of $588
                1,043                 1,043  
    Reclassification of adjustment for net
        losses on available for sale securities
        realized during the period, net of 
        taxes of $4
                7                 7  
         Total comprehensive income
                                              1,226  
                                                   
       ESOP shares committed to be released
            to Plan participants
            (165 )           213         48  
       Stock based compensation
            413                     413  
                                                   
Balances at March 31, 2010
    31,250   $ 340     109,131     (951 )   111,076     (4,056 )   (45,261 )   170,279  
 
See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
- 5 -
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)


   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Operating activities:
           
  Net income (loss)
  $ 176       (3,602 )
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
               
 cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
  Provision for loan losses
    5,457       7,201  
  Depreciation
    465       514  
  Deferred income taxes
    (168 )     (1,053 )
  Stock based compensation
    413       419  
  Net amortization of premium on debt and mortgage-related securities
    (6 )     (54 )
  Amortization of unearned ESOP shares
    48       48  
  Loss on impairment of securities
          907  
  Loss on sale of real estate owned and other assets
    201       192  
  Gain on sale of loans held for sale
    (3,455 )     (811 )
  Loans originated for sale
    (151,582 )     (135,327 )
  Proceeds on sales of loans originated for sale
    160,817       120,881  
  Increase (decrease) in accrued interest receivable
    (345 )     23  
  Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance
    (182 )     (216 )
  Decrease in accrued interest on deposits and borrowings
    (643 )     (1,172 )
  Decrease in other liabilities
    (3,417 )     (1,841 )
  Decrease in accrued tax receivable
    3,111       1,051  
  Other
    858       (382 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    11,748       (13,222 )
                 
Investing activities:
               
  Net decrease in loans receivable
    3,407       12,048  
  Purchases of:
               
     Debt securities
    (30,000 )      
     Mortgage-related securities
          (9,961 )
     Premises and equipment, net
    (128 )     (3,369 )
  Proceeds from:
               
     Principal repayments on mortgage-related securities
    9,567       6,597  
     Sales of mortgage-related securities
    2,056        
     Sales of debt securities
    8,349        
     Maturities of debt securities
    15,303       3,497  
     Sales of real estate owned and other assets
    4,650       1,875  
    Net cash provided by investing activities
    13,204       10,687  


See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
- 6 -

WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)


   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Financing activities:
           
   Net increase in deposits
    13,629       27,302  
   Net change in short-term borrowings
    (37,000 )     25,000  
    Net change in advance payments by borrowers for taxes
    7,415       (6,938 )
        Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (15,956 )     45,364  
        Increase in cash and cash equivalents
    8,996       42,829  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    71,120       23,849  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 80,116       66,678  
                 
Supplemental information:
               
   Cash paid, credited or (received) during the period for:
               
        Income tax refunds
    (3,111 )     (462 )
        Interest payments
    11,259       15,880  
   Noncash investing activities:
               
        Loans receivable transferred to real estate owned
    7,248       8,799  
   Noncash financing activities:
               
        Long-term FHLB advances reclassified to short-term
          37,000  





















See Accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
- 7 -
 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Waterstone Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) and the Company’s subsidiaries.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information, Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and the instructions to Form 10-Q. The financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s December 31, 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2010, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010.

The preparation of the unaudited consolidated financial statements requires management of the Company to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.  Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the allowance for loan losses, deferred income taxes, certain investment securities and real estate owned.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Note 2 — Reclassifications

Certain items in the prior period consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the March 31, 2010 presentation.

 
 
- 8 -
 

Note 3 — Securities

Securities Available for Sale

The amortized cost and fair values of the Company’s investment in securities available for sale follow:


 
   
March 31, 2010
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
unrealized
   
unrealized
       
   
cost
   
gains
   
losses
   
Fair value
 
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 36,770       1,990             38,760  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    71,455       1,671       (5,561 )     67,565  
Mortgage-related securities
    108,225       3,661       (5,561 )     106,325  
                                 
Government sponsored entity bonds
    52,900       260       (52 )     53,108  
Municipal securities
    32,446       561       (1,037 )     31,970  
Other debt securities
    5,250             (30 )     5,220  
Debt securities
    90,596       821       (1,119 )     90,298  
    $ 198,821       4,482       (6,680 )     196,623  

 

   
December 31, 2009
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
unrealized
   
unrealized
       
   
cost
   
gains
   
losses
   
Fair value
 
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 39,785       1,728             41,513  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    80,053       1,614       (6,345 )     75,322  
Mortgage-related securities
    119,838       3,342       (6,345 )     116,835  
                                 
Government sponsored entity bonds
    40,400       238       (49 )     40,589  
Municipal securities
    43,599       631       (989 )     43,241  
Other debt securities
    5,250             (500 )     4,750  
Debt securities
    89,249       869       (1,538 )     88,580  
    $ 209,087       4,211       (7,883 )     205,415  


 
At March 31, 2010, $23.5 million of the Company’s government sponsored entity bonds and $74.2 million of the Company’s mortgage related securities were pledged as collateral to secure repurchase agreement obligations of the Company.
 
The amortized cost and fair values of investment securities by contractual maturity at March 31, 2010, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 

   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Debt securities
           
   Due within one year
  $ 3,252       3,368  
   Due after one year through five years
    54,443       54,785  
   Due after five years through ten years
    16,209       16,460  
   Due after ten years
    16,692       15,685  
Mortgage-related securities
    108,225       106,325  
    $ 198,821       196,623  

 
 
- 9 -
 

 
Gross unrealized losses on securities available for sale and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position were as follows:


   
March 31, 2010
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
value
   
loss
   
value
   
loss
   
value
   
loss
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  $ 1,496       (5 )     22,913       (5,556 )     24,409       (5,561 )
Government sponsored entity bonds
    16,848       (52 )                 16,848       (52 )
Municipal securities
    9,771       (172 )     7,277       (865 )     17,048       (1,037 )
Other debt securities
                4,970       (30 )     4,970       (30 )
    $ 28,115       (229 )     35,160       (6,451 )     63,275       (6,680 )
                                                 
                                                 
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or longer
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
   
value
   
loss
   
value
   
loss
   
value
   
loss
 
Collateralized mortgage obligations
  $ 3,026       (33 )     28,843       (6,312 )     31,869       (6,345 )
Government sponsored entity bonds
    7,351       (49 )                 7,351       (49 )
Municipal securities
    12,802       (114 )     7,713       (875 )     20,515       (989 )
Other debt securities
                4,500       (500 )     4,500       (500 )
    $ 23,179       (196 )     41,056       (7,687 )     64,235       (7,883 )

The Company reviews the investment securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to monitor its exposure to other-than-temporary impairment.  In evaluating whether a security’s decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, management considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, financial condition of the issuer and the underlying obligors, quality of credit enhancements, volatility of the fair value of the security, the expected recovery period of the security and ratings agency evaluations.  In addition, with regard to its debt securities, the Company may also evaluate payment structure, whether there are defaulted payments or expected defaults, prepayment speeds and the value of any underlying collateral.  For certain debt securities in unrealized loss positions, the Company prepares cash flow analysis to compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost basis of the security.
 
As of March 31, 2010, the Company had fifteen securities which had been in an unrealized loss position for twelve months or longer, including: four collateralized mortgage obligation securities, ten municipal securities and one trust preferred security included in other debt securities.  Based upon the aforementioned factors, the Company identified two collateralized mortgage obligation securities at March 31, 2010 with a combined amortized cost of $21.8 million for which a cash flow analysis was performed to determine whether an other than temporary impairment was warranted.  This evaluation indicated that the two collateralized mortgage obligations were other-than-temporarily impaired.  Estimates of discounted cash flows based on expected yield at time of original purchase, prepayment assumptions based on actual and anticipated prepayment speed, actual and anticipated default rates and estimated level of severity given the loan to value ratios, credit scores, geographic locations, vintage and levels of subordination related to the security and its underlying collateral resulted in a projected credit loss on the collateralized mortgage obligations.  One of these securities had been deemed other-than-temporarily impaired in 2008 and a cumulative-effect adjustment of $1.1 million was made to retained earnings as of January 1, 2009 to reflect the difference between the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis as of the beginning of the period in which the aforementioned accounting principals were adopted.  Additional estimated credit losses on the two collateralized mortgage obligations of $1.1 million were charged to earnings during the year ended December 31, 2009.  These two securities had an amortized cost of $21.8 million and a fair value of $16.4 million as of March 31, 2010.  As of March 31, 2010, unrealized losses on these collateralized mortgage obligations include other-than-temporary impairment recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes) of $5.4 million.
 
 
 
- 10 -
 
 
The following table presents the change in other-than-temporary credit related impairment charges on collateralized mortgage obligations for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairments related to other factors was recognized in other comprehensive loss.
 
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Credit related impairments on securties as of December 31, 2008
  $ 1,872  
Cummulative effect adjustment related to a change in accounting principle      (1,117
Credit related impairments related to securites for which an other-than-temporary
       
     impairment was not previously recognized
    977  
Increase in credit related impairments related to securities for which an other-than-
       
     temporary impairment was previously recognized
    135  
Credit related impairments on securities as of December 31, 2009
    1,867  
Credit related impairments related to securites for which an other-than-temporary
       
     impairment was not previously recognized
    -  
Increase in credit related impairments related to securities for which an other-than-
       
     temporary impairment was previously recognized
    -  
Credit related impairments on securities as of March 31, 2010
  $ 1,867  

 
Exclusive of the two aforementioned collateralized mortgage obligations, the Company has determined that the decline in fair value of the remaining securities is not attributable to credit deterioration, and based on the foregoing evaluation criteria and as the Company does not intend to sell nor is it more likely than not that it will be required to sell these securities before recovery of the amortized cost basis, these securities are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired.
 
Continued deterioration of general economic market conditions could result in the recognition of future other than temporary impairment losses within the investment portfolio and such amounts could be material to our consolidated financial statements.
 
Securities Held to Maturity
 
As of March 31, 2010, the Company held one security that has been designated as held to maturity.  The security has an amortized cost of $2.6 million and an estimated fair value of $2.2 million.  The final maturity of this security is 2022, however, it is callable quarterly.  Due to the magnitude of the difference between fair value and amortized cost, the Company has performed an assessment to determine whether this security is other than temporarily impaired.  Based upon a number of factors, including significant and repeated investments on the part of the United States government, the Company has determined that the security is not other than temporarily impaired at March 31, 2010.
 
Note 4 — Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are summarized as follows:
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Mortgage loans:
           
Residential real estate:
           
One- to four-family
  $ 670,030       681,578  
Over four-family residential
    543,681       536,731  
Home equity
    76,964       85,964  
Commercial real estate
    49,232       48,948  
Construction and land
    66,494       69,814  
Consumer loans
    630       619  
Commercial business loans
    46,300       48,094  
Gross loans receivable
    1,453,331       1,471,748  
Less:
               
Undisbursed loan proceeds
    44,398       49,818  
Unearned loan fees
    1,899       1,920  
Total loans receivable
  $ 1,407,034       1,420,010  

 
The Company provides several types of loans to its customers, including residential, construction, commercial and consumer loans.  The Company does not have a concentration of loans in any specific industry.  Credit risks tend to be geographically concentrated since a majority of the Company’s customer base lies in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.  Furthermore, as of March 31, 2010, 87.2% of the Company’s loan portfolio consists of loans that are secured by real estate properties located primarily within the Milwaukee metropolitan area.  Residential real estate collateralizing $139.3 million, or 9.6%, of gross loans receivable is located outside of the state of Wisconsin.
 
 
- 11 -
 
 
The unpaid principal balance of loans serviced for others was $4.7 million at both March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009. These loans are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements.
 
A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses is as follows:


   
For the Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
Balance at beginning of period
    28,494       25,167  
Provision for loan losses
    5,457       7,201  
Charge-offs
    (2,373 )     (3,591 )
Recoveries
    52       62  
Balance at end of period
    31,630       28,839  
                 
Allowance for loan losses to loans receivable
    2.25 %     1.88 %
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding (annualized)
    0.65 %     0.91 %
Allowance for loan losses to non-accrual loans
    41.57 %     25.93 %
Non-accrual loans to loans receivable
    5.41 %     7.24 %


Non-accrual loans totaled $76.1 million at March 31, 2010 and $75.3 million at December 31, 2009.

Beginning in 2007 and continuing through the current quarter, the Company experienced significant deterioration in credit quality, primarily in its residential and construction and land portfolios.  These two segments represent a significant portion of the overall loan portfolio.  The downturn in the residential real estate market that has reduced demand and market prices for vacant land, new construction and existing residential units.  The overall economic downturn and the depressed real estate market have negatively impacted many residential real estate customers and have resulted in an increase in nonperforming assets.
 
The following table presents data on impaired loans at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.


   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
Impaired loans for which a specific allowance has been provided
  $ 97,153       90,787  
Impaired loans for which no specifc allowance has been provided
    65,993       61,123  
Total loans determined to be impaired
  $ 163,146       151,910  
                 
Specific allowance for loan losses related to all impaired loans
  $ 13,862       12,517  


The determination as to whether an allowance is required with respect to impaired loans is based upon an analysis of the value of the underlying collateral and/or the borrower’s intent and ability to make all principal and interest payments in accordance with contractual terms.  The evaluation process is subject to the use of significant estimates and actual results could differ from estimates.  This analysis is primarily based upon third party appraisals and/or a discounted cash flow analysis.  In those cases in which no allowance has been provided for an impaired loan, the Company has determined that the estimated value of the underlying collateral exceeds the remaining outstanding balance of the loan.  Of the total $66.0 million of impaired loans for which no allowance has been provided, $9.8 million represent loans on which a total of $5.4 million in charge-offs have been recorded to reduce the outstanding loans balance to an amount that is commensurate with the net realizable value of the underlying collateral.  To the extent that further deterioration in property values continues, the Company may have to reevaluate the sufficiency of the collateral servicing these impaired loans resulting in additional provisions to the allowance for loans losses or charge-offs.
 
 
 
- 12 -
 
 
At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, total impaired loans include $52.0 million and $42.7 million, respectively of troubled debt restructurings that are performing in accordance with their restructured terms and are accounted for on an accrual basis.  The vast majority of debt restructurings include a modification of terms to allow for an interest only payment and/or reduction in interest rate.  The restructured terms are typically in place for six to twelve months.
 
The Company serves the credit needs of its customers by offering a variety of loan programs to customers, primarily in Wisconsin. The loan portfolio is diversified by types of borrowers, property type, and market areas. Significant loan concentrations are considered to exist for a financial institution when there are amounts loaned to one borrower or to multiple borrowers engaged in similar activities that would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, no loans to one borrower or industry concentrations existed in the Company’s loan portfolio in excess of 10% of total loans.


Note 5 — Deposits

A summary of the contractual maturities of time deposits at March 31, 2010 is as follows:
 
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
       
Within one year
  $ 759,646  
One to two years
    240,520  
Two to three years
    15,407  
Three to four years
    3,417  
Four through five years
    4,437  
    $ 1,023,427  

 
 
 
 
- 13 -
 

Note 6 — Borrowings
 
Borrowings consist of the following:
 
 
     
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
           
Weighted
         
Weighted
 
           
Average
         
Average
 
     
Balance
   
Rate
   
Balance
   
Rate
 
     
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Federal Home Loan Bank, Chicago (FHLBC) advances maturing:
                       
 
2010
  $ 36,900       4.76 %     73,900       3.61 %
 
2016
    220,000       4.34 %     220,000       4.34 %
 
2017
    65,000       3.19 %     65,000       3.19 %
 
2018
    65,000       2.97 %     65,000       2.97 %
                                   
Repurchase agreements maturing
2017
    84,000       3.96 %     84,000       3.96 %
      $ 470,900       3.96 %   $ 507,900       3.85 %

 

 
The $36.9 million in advances due in 2010 consist of two advances of which $11.9 million matures in May and $25.0 million matures in October.
 
The $220.0 million in advances due in 2016 consist of eight advances with rates ranging from 4.01% to 4.82% callable quarterly until maturity.
 
The $65.0 million in advances due in 2017 consist of three advances with rates ranging from 3.09% to 3.46% callable quarterly until maturity.
 
The $65.0 million in advances due in 2018 consist of three callable advances.  The call features are as follows: two $25 million advances at a weighted average rate of 3.04% callable beginning in May 2010 and quarterly thereafter and a $15 million advance at a rate of 2.73% callable quarterly until maturity.
 
The $84.0 million in repurchase agreements have rates ranging from 2.89% to 4.31% callable quarterly until maturity.
 
The Company selects loans that meet underwriting criteria established by the FHLBC as collateral for outstanding advances.  The Company’s FHLBC borrowings are limited to 60% of the carrying value of qualifying, unencumbered one- to four-family mortgage loans, 25% of the carrying value of home equity loans and 60% of the carrying value of over four-family loans.  In addition, these advances are collateralized by FHLBC stock totaling $21.7 million at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
 

 
 
- 14 -
 

Note 7 – Regulatory Capital
 

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements, or overall financial performance deemed by the regulators to be inadequate, can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items, as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
 
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined) and of Tier I capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined).  As of March 31, 2010, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.  On December 18, 2009, WaterStone Bank entered into a consent order with its federal and state bank regulators whereby it has agreed to maintain a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.50% and a minimum total risk based capital ratio of 12.00%.  At March 31, 2010, these higher capital requirements were satisfied.
 
As of March 31, 2010 the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized the Bank as quantitatively “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as “well capitalized,” the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based and Tier I leverage ratios, as set forth in the table below. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category, however, the outstanding consent order limits transactions otherwise available to “well capitalized” banks.
 
As a state-chartered savings bank, the Bank is required to meet minimum capital levels established by the state of Wisconsin in addition to federal requirements. For the state of Wisconsin, regulatory capital consists of retained income, paid-in-capital, capital stock equity and other forms of capital considered to be qualifying capital by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
The actual capital amounts and ratios for WaterStone Bank as of March 31, 2010 are presented in the table below:
 
 
   
March 31, 2010
 
                           
To Be Well-Capitalized
 
               
For Capital
   
Under Prompt Corrective
 
   
Actual
   
Adequacy Purposes
   
Action Provisions
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
               
(Dollars in Thousands)
             
WaterStone Bank
                                   
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
  $ 181,039       14.34 %   $ 100,972       8.00 %   $ 126,215       10.00 %
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    165,067       13.08 %     50,486       4.00 %     75,729       6.00 %
Tier I capital (to average assets)
    165,067       9.07 %     72,797       4.00 %     90,997       5.00 %
State of Wisconsin capital required (to total assets)
    165,067       8.98 %     110,252       6.00 %     N/A       N/A  
                                                 
   
December 31, 2009
 
WaterStone Bank
                                               
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)
  $ 181,344       13.74 %   $ 105,559       8.00 %   $ 131,949       10.00 %
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)
    164,693       12.48 %     52,780       4.00 %     79,170       6.00 %
Tier I capital (to average assets)
    164,693       8.71 %     75,674       4.00 %     94,592       5.00 %
State of Wisconsin capital required (to total assets)
    164,693       8.86 %     111,484       6.00 %     N/A       N/A  
_____________
 
 
 
- 15 -
 
 
Note 8 – Income Taxes
 
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we recorded no income tax expense.  We recorded an income tax benefit of $503,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as a result of a Wisconsin state tax law change (retroactive to January 1, 2009).

Under generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination of the realizability of a deferred tax asset is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management's evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, the forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. Positive evidence includes the existence of taxes paid in available carry back years as well as the probability that taxable income will be generated in future periods, while negative evidence includes the cumulative losses in the current year and prior two years and general business and economic trends. At both March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Company determined that a valuation allowance was necessary, largely based on the negative evidence represented by a cumulative loss in the most recent three-year period caused by the significant loan loss provisions recorded during the past three years. In addition, general uncertainty surrounding future economic and business conditions have increased the potential volatility and uncertainty of projected taxable earnings. Management is required to re-evaluate the deferred tax asset and the related valuation allowance quarterly.
 
 
Note 9 – Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
 

Off-balance sheet financial instruments or obligations whose contract amounts represent credit and/or interest rate risk are as follows:
 
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk:
           
Commitments to extend credit under amortizing loans (1)
  $ 14,959       13,607  
Unused portion of home equity lines of credit
    27,736       28,376  
Unused portion of construction loans
    5,390       7,861  
Unused portion of business lines of credit
    11,272       13,581  
Standby letters of credit
    1,001       1,001  
 
(1) Excludes commitments to originate loans held for sale
 

 
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 are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements of the Company. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counter-party. Collateral obtained generally consists of mortgages on the underlying real estate.
 
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Company holds mortgages on the underlying real estate as collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary.
 
The Company has determined that there are no probable losses related to commitments to extend credit or the standby letters of credit as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
 
 
 
- 16 -
 
 
In connection with its mortgage banking activities, the Company enters into forward loan sale commitments.  Forward commitments to sell mortgage loans represent commitments obtained by the Company from a secondary market agency to purchase mortgages from the Company at specified interest rates and within specified periods of time.  Commitments to sell loans are made to mitigate interest rate risk on interest rate lock commitments to originate loans and loans held for sale.  Interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans are considered derivative instruments, and the fair value of these commitments is recorded on the consolidated statements of financial condition with the changes in fair value recorded as a component of mortgage banking income.  The fair value of the mortgage derivatives at March 31, 2010, was a net gain of $55,000, comprised of the net gain of $113,000 on interest rate lock commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale to individual borrowers of approximately $80.7 million and the net loss of $58,000 on forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans to various investors of $54.6 million.  In determining the fair value of its derivative loan commitments for economic purposes, the Company considers the value that would be generated when the loan arising from exercise of the loan commitment is sold in the secondary mortgage market. That value includes the price that the loan is expected to be sold for in the secondary mortgage market.


Note 10 – Earnings (loss) per share
 
 
Earnings per share are computed using the two-class method.  Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income allocated to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period, excluding outstanding participating securities.  Participating securities include unvested restricted shares.  Unvested restricted shares are considered participating securities because holders of these securities have the right to receive dividends at the same rate as holders of the Company’s common stock.  Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted for the dilutive effect of all potential common shares.  Unvested restricted stock and stock options are considered outstanding for diluted earnings (loss) per share only.  Unvested restricted stock and stock options totaling 103,400 and 314,000 shares for the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 151,400 and 474,500 shares for the three month periods ended March 31, 2009 are antidilutive and are excluded from the earnings (loss) per share calculation.
 
Presented below are the calculations for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In Thousands, except per share data)
 
             
Net income (loss)
  $ 176       (3,602 )
Net income (loss) available to unvested restricted shares
    1       -  
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders
  $ 175       (3,602 )
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding
    30,773       30,652  
Effect of dilutive potential common shares
    -       -  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
    30,773       30,652  
                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.01       (0.12 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.01       (0.12 )

 
 
 
- 17 -
 
 
Note 11 – Fair Value Measurements

 
The FASB issued an accounting standard (subsequently codified into ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”) which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This accounting standard applies to reported balances that are required or permitted to be measured at fair value under existing accounting pronouncements. The standard also emphasizes that fair value (i.e., the price that would be received in an orderly transaction that is not a forced liquidation or distressed sale at the measurement date), among other things, is based on exit price versus entry price, should include assumptions about risk such as nonperformance risk in liability fair values, and is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. When considering the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, this accounting standard establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels.

Level 1 inputs - In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.

Level 2 inputs - Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs use inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets where there are few transactions and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.

Level 3 inputs - Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table presents information about our assets recorded in our consolidated statement of financial position at their fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value.


         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                         
Available for sale securities
  $ 196,623       -       180,256       16,367  
Loans held for sale
    39,273       -       39,273       -  
                                 
                                 
           
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
December 31, 2009
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
                                 
Available for sale securities
  $ 205,415       -       189,616       15,799  
Loans held for sale
    45,052       -       45,052       -  


 
 
- 18 -
 

 
The following summarizes the valuation techniques for assets recorded in our consolidated statements of financial condition at their fair value on a recurring basis:

Available for sale securities – The fair value of available for sale securities is determined by a third party valuation source using observable market data utilizing a matrix or multi-dimensional relational pricing model.  Standard inputs to these models include observable market data such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities and bid/offer market data.  For securities with an early redemption feature, an option adjusted spread model is utilized to adjust the issuer spread.  Prepayment models are used for mortgage related securities with prepayment features.

The table below presents reconciliation for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2010 and 2009.


   
Three Months Ended
   
Year Ended
 
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
             
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 15,799       4,242  
Transfer into level 3
    -       9,870  
Change in unrealized holding losses arising during the period:
               
    Included in other comprehensive income
    671       2,427  
    Other than temporary impairment included in net loss
    -       (1,112 )
Principal repayments
    (103 )     (750 )
Net accretion of discount/amortization of premium
    -       5  
Cummulative-effect adjustment
    -       1,117  
Balance at end of period
  $ 16,367       15,799  


Level 3 available-for-sale securities include two corporate collateralized mortgage obligations which are deemed non-investment grade.  The market for these securities was not active as of March 31, 2010.  As such, the Company valued these securities based on the present value of estimated future cash flows   Additional impairment may be incurred in future periods if estimated future cash flows are less than the cost basis of the securities.

Loans held for sale – Effective January 1, 2009, the Company elected to carry our loans held for sale at fair value.  Fair value is generally determined by estimating a gross premium or discount, which is derived from pricing currently observable in the market.  At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, loans held-for-sale totaled $39.3 million and $45.1 million, respectively.  Loans held-for-sale are considered to be Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques.


Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

Loans – We do not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  On a non-recurring basis, loans determined to be impaired are analyzed to determine whether a collateral shortfall exists, and if such a shortfall exists, are recorded on our consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value.  Fair value is determined based on third party appraisals.  Appraised values are adjusted to consider disposition costs and also to take into consideration the age of the most recent appraisal.  Given the significance of the adjustments made to appraised values necessary to estimate the fair value of impaired loans, loans that have been deemed to be impaired are considered to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques.  At March 31, 2010, loans determined to be impaired with an outstanding balance of $97.2 million were carried net of specific reserves of $12.9 million for a fair value of $84.3 million.  At December 31, 2009, loans determined to be impaired with an outstanding balance of $90.8 million were carried net of specific reserves of $11.5 million for a fair value of $79.3 million.
 
 
 
- 19 -
 
 
Real estate owned – On a non-recurring basis, real estate owned, is recorded in our consolidated statements of financial condition at the lower of cost or fair value.  Fair value is determined based on third party appraisals obtained at the time the Company takes title to the property and, if less than the carrying value of the loan, the carrying value of the loan is adjusted to the fair value. Appraised values are adjusted to consider disposition costs and also to take into consideration the age of the most recent appraisal.  Given the significance of the adjustments made to appraised values necessary to estimate the fair value of the properties, real estate owned is considered to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy of valuation techniques.  At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, real estate owned totaled $53.9 million and $50.9 million, respectively.

Fair value information about financial instruments follows, whether or not recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. Certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments are excluded from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
 
The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments consist of the following at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009:
 

 
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
   
amount
   
value
   
amount
   
value
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Financial Assets
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 80,116       80,116       71,120       71,120  
Securities available-for-sale
    196,623       196,623       205,415       205,415  
Securities held-to-maturity
    2,648       2,221       2,648       1,930  
Loans held for sale
    39,273       39,273       45,052       45,052  
Loans receivable
    1,407,034       1,399,363       1,420,010       1,403,266  
FHLB stock
    21,653       21,653       21,653       21,653  
Cash surrender value of life insurance
    34,123       34,123       33,941       33,941  
Accrued interest receivable
    4,869       4,869       4,525       4,525  
Mortgage banking derivative assets
    113       113       252       252  
                                 
Financial Liabilities
                               
Deposits
    1,178,519       1,182,675       1,164,890       1,167,834  
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes
     8,045        8,045        630        630  
Borrowings
    470,900       479,251       507,900       513,596  
Accrued interest payable
    2,427       2,427       3,070       3,070  
Mortgage banking derivative liabilities      58        58        211        211  
                                 
Other Financial Instruments
                               
Stand-by letters of credit
    5       5       5       5  

 
 
- 20 -
 
 
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in determining its fair value disclosures for financial instruments.
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition for cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
 
 Securities
 
The fair value of available for sale securities is determined by a third party valuation source using observable market data utilizing a matrix or multi-dimensional relational pricing model.  Standard inputs to these models include observable market data such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities and bid/offer market data.  For securities with an early redemption feature, an option adjusted spread model is utilized to adjust the issuer spread.  Prepayment models are used for mortgage related securities with prepayment features.
 
Loans Held for Sale
 
 
Fair value is estimated using the prices of the Company’s existing commitments to sell such loans and/or the quoted market price for commitments to sell similar loans.
 
Loans Receivable
 
Loans determined to be impaired are analyzed to determine whether a collateral shortfall exists, and if such a shortfall exists, are recorded on our consolidated statements of financial condition at fair value.  Fair value is determined based on third party appraisals.  Appraised values are adjusted to consider disposition costs and also to take into consideration the age of the most recent appraisal.  With respect to loans that are not considered to be impaired, fair value is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows using discount rates that that reflect a current rate offered to borrowers of similar credit standing for the remaining term to maturity.  This method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit-price concept of fair value prescribed by ASC820-10 and generally produces a higher fair value.
 
FHLBC Stock
 
For FHLBC stock, the carrying amount is the amount at which shares can be redeemed with the FHLBC and is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
 
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance
 
The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated statements of financial condition for the cash surrender value of life insurance approximate those assets’ fair values.
 
Deposits and Advance Payments by Borrowers for Taxes
 
The fair values for interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). The fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates of similar remaining maturities to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities of the outstanding certificates of deposit. The advance payments by borrowers for taxes are equal to their carrying amounts at the reporting date.
 
Borrowings
 
Fair values for borrowings are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current interest rates to estimated future cash flows of the borrowings.
 
 
 
- 21 -
 
 
Accrued Interest Payable and Accrued Interest Receivable
 
For accrued interest payable and accrued interest receivable, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
 
Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit
 
Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are generally not marketable. Furthermore, interest rates on any amounts drawn under such commitments would be generally established at market rates at the time of the draw. Fair values for the Company’s commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements, the counterparty’s credit standing, and discounted cash flow analyses. The fair value of the Company’s commitments to extend credit is not material at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009.
 

Note 12 – Recent Accounting Developments

 
In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC Topic 860-10-65, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets.  The standard removes the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity from ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing, and eliminates the exception for qualifying special-purpose entities from consolidation guidance.  In addition, the standard establishes specific conditions for reporting a transfer of a portion of a financial asset as a sale.  If the transfer does not meet established sale conditions, the transferor and transferee must account for the transfer as a secured borrowing.  An enterprise that continues to transfer portions of a financial asset that do not meet the established sale conditions would be eligible to record a sale only after it has transferred all of its interest in that asset.  The effective date is fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009.  The adoption did not have an impact on financial position, results of operation or liquidity.
 
 
Also, in June 2009, the FASB issued ASU N0. 2009-17, “Consolidations (Topic 810) – Improvements to Financial Reporting for Enterprises involved with Variable Interest Entities”.  The standard replaces the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation for determining which enterprise, if any, is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate the variable interest entity with a qualitative approach focused on identifying which enterprise has both the power to direct the activities of the variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entity.  In addition, the standard requires reconsideration of whether an entity is a variable interest entity when any changes in facts and circumstances occur such that the holders of the equity investment at risk, as a group, lose the power from voting rights or similar rights of those investments to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance.  It also requires ongoing assessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and additional disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement in variable interest entities. The effective date is fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009.  The adoption did not have an impact on financial position, results of operation or liquidity.
 


 
 
- 22 -
 


Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This report contains or incorporates by reference various forward-looking statements concerning the Company’s prospects that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of management.  Forward-looking statements may also be made by the Company from time to time in other reports and documents as well as in oral presentations.  When used in written documents or oral statements, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “objective” and similar expressions and verbs in the future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  The statements contained herein and such future statements involve or may involve certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that could cause the Company’s actual results and performance to differ materially from what is expected.  In addition to the assumptions and other factors referenced specifically in connection with such statements, the following factors could impact the business and financial prospects of the Company:
 

·
 
regulatory action requiring maintenance of minimum regulatory capital ratios higher than generally applicable minimum ratios; noncompliance could result in additional regulatory enforcement action; compliance could result in lower future return on equity
·
 
adverse changes in the real estate markets;
·
 
adverse changes in the securities markets;
·
 
general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected;
·
 
inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins or reduce the fair value of financial instruments;
·
 
our ability to maintain adequate levels of liquidity given regulatory limits on sources of funding and rates that can be paid for funding;
·
 
legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business;
·
 
our ability to enter new markets successfully and take advantage of growth opportunities;
·
 
significantly increased competition among depository and other financial institutions;
·
 
changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies and the Financial Accounting Standards Board; and
·
 
changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits.
 
See also the factors referred to in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (particularly those under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Overview

The following discussion and analysis is presented to assist the reader in the understanding and evaluation of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. It is intended to complement the unaudited consolidated financial statements, footnotes, and supplemental financial data appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and should be read in conjunction therewith. The detailed discussion focuses on the results of operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 and the financial condition as of March 31, 2010 compared to the financial condition as of December 31, 2009.
 
Our results of operations are highly dependent on our net interest income and the provision for loan losses.  In recent periods our results of operations have also been negatively impacted by the establishment of valuation allowances with respect to our deferred tax assets, other than temporary impairment of securities available for sale, by increased real estate owned expense and by higher deposit insurance premiums.  Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on loans receivable, investment securities and cash and cash equivalents and the interest we pay on deposits and other borrowings.  The Company’s banking subsidiary, WaterStone Bank SSB (“WaterStone Bank”) is primarily a mortgage lender with loans secured by real estate comprising 96.8% of total loans receivable on March 31, 2010.  Further, 88.8% of loans receivable are residential mortgage loans with over four-family loans comprising 37.4% of all loans on March 31, 2010.  WaterStone Bank funds loan production primarily with retail deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank advances.  On March 31, 2010, deposits comprised 70.4% of total liabilities.  Time deposits, also known as certificates of deposit, accounted for 86.8% of total deposits at March 31, 2010.  Federal Home Loan Bank advances outstanding on March 31, 2010 totaled $470.9 million, or 28.1% of total liabilities.  During the current period of low interest rates and economic weakness, we have determined that an investment philosophy emphasizing short-term liquid investments is prudent and will position the Company to take advantage of the opportunities that will exist as the local and national economies recover from the recession.
 
 
 
- 23 -
 
 
During the three month period ended March 31, 2010, our results of operations continued to be adversely affected by elevated levels of nonperforming loans and real estate owned.  Weaknesses in our loan portfolio have required that we establish higher provisions for loan losses and incur significant loan charge-offs.  We have sought to address the deterioration of the real estate market by increasing our provisions for loan losses over the past three years.  The continued downturn in the local real estate market requires the Company to continually reevaluate the assumptions used to determine the fair value of collateral and net present value of discounted future estimated cash flows related to loans receivable to ensure that the allowance for loan losses continues to be an accurate reflection of management’s best estimate of the amount needed to provide for the probable and estimable loss on impaired loans and other incurred losses in the loan portfolio.  As a result, the Company determined that a provision for loan losses of $5.5 million was necessary during the three months ended March 31, 2010 in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an appropriate level in relation to the risks management believe are inherent and estimable in our portfolio.  Additional information regarding loan quality and its impact on our financial condition and results of operations can be found in the “Asset Quality” discussion.  Our results of operations are also affected by noninterest income and noninterest expense.  Noninterest income consists primarily of mortgage banking fee income.  A significant increase in the sale of mortgage loans in the secondary market, resulting from a decline in mortgage interest rates during the period and additional mortgage banking offices added over the past twelve months, yielded a $2.7 million increase in mortgage banking income during the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2009.  In addition to the increase in mortgage banking activity, the increase in noninterest income compared to the prior period resulted from an $907,000 decrease in impairment charge on securities considered to be other than temporarily impaired.  Noninterest expense consists primarily of compensation and employee benefits, FDIC insurance premiums, occupancy expenses and real estate owned expense.  In 2010 our noninterest expense has been and will continue to be adversely affected by higher deposit insurance premium assessments from the FDIC.  FDIC insurance premium expense has increased $882,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2009.  Our results of operations also may be affected significantly by general and local economic and competitive conditions, governmental policies and actions of regulatory authorities.
 
Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are those that involve significant judgments and assumptions by management and that have, or could have, a material impact on our income or the carrying value of our assets.
 
Allowance for Loan Losses. WaterStone Bank establishes valuation allowances on loans considered impaired whether determined through an individual assessment or collective assessment process. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that WaterStone Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. A valuation allowance is established for an amount equal to the impairment when the carrying amount of the loan exceeds the net realizable value of the underlying collateral.  WaterStone Bank also establishes valuation allowances based on an evaluation of the various risk components that are inherent in the credit portfolio. The risk components that are evaluated include past loan loss experience; the level of nonperforming and classified assets; current economic conditions; volume, growth, and composition of the loan portfolio; adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay; the estimated value of any underlying collateral; regulatory guidance; and other relevant factors. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to earnings and recoveries of previously charged-off loans and reduced by charge-offs. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is reviewed and approved at least quarterly by the WaterStone Bank board of directors. The allowance reflects management’s best estimate of the amount needed to provide for the probable loss on impaired loans and other incurred losses in the loan portfolio, and is based on a risk model developed and implemented by management and approved by the WaterStone Bank board of directors.
 
Actual results could differ from this estimate and future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on unforeseen changes in loan quality, values of real estate collateral  and local economic conditions such as unemployment rates.  In addition, state and federal regulators periodically review the WaterStone Bank allowance for loan losses. Such regulators have the authority to require WaterStone Bank to recognize additions to the allowance at the time of their examination.
 
Income Taxes.  The Company and its subsidiaries file consolidated federal and Wisconsin income tax returns. The provision for income taxes is based upon income in the consolidated financial statements, rather than amounts reported on the income tax return.  Consequently, our federal income tax returns do not include the financial results of our mutual holding company parent.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
 
 
- 24 -
 

Under generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.  The determination of the realizability of the deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management's evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, the forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of current and future economic and business conditions. Positive evidence includes the existence of taxes paid in available carry-back years as well as the probability that taxable income will be generated in future periods, while negative evidence includes the cumulative losses in the current year and prior two years and general business and economic trends.  At March 31, 2010 and at December 31, 2009, the Company determined that valuation allowances were necessary, largely based on the cumulative loss during the most recent three-year period caused by the significant loan loss provisions recorded during 2009 and 2008.  In addition, general uncertainty surrounding future economic and business conditions have increased the potential volatility and uncertainty of projected taxable earnings.  Management is required to re-evaluate the deferred tax asset and the related valuation allowance quarterly.
 
Positions taken in the Company’s tax returns may be subject to challenge by the taxing authorities upon examination.  The benefit of uncertain tax positions are initially recognized in the financial statements only when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities.  Such tax positions are both initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.  Interest and penalties on income tax uncertainties are classified within income tax expense in the income statement.
 
Management believes its tax policies and practices are critical because the determination of the tax provision and current and deferred tax assets and liabilities have a material impact on our net income and the carrying value of our assets.  We have no plans to change the tax recognition methodology in the future.  If our estimated deferred tax valuation allowance is adjusted it will affect our future results of operations.
 
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009

General - Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 totaled $176,000, or $0.01 for both basic and diluted loss per share, compared to net loss of $3.6 million, or $0.12 for both basic and diluted loss per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  The three months ended March 31, 2010 generated an annualized return on average assets of 0.04% and an annualized return on average equity of 0.42%, compared to an annualized loss on average assets of 0.76% and an annualized loss on average equity of 8.68% for the comparable period in 2009.  The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 reflect continuing deterioration in asset quality which resulted in a $5.5 million provision for loan losses during the current year.  The current year-to-date provision represents a $1.7 million decrease from the $7.2 million provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  Increases of $2.2 million in net interest income and $2.7 million in mortgage banking income and a $907,000 decrease in impairment charge on securities considered to be other than temporarily impaired for the first three months of 2010 over the prior year were partially offset by increases of $1.3 million in compensation expense, $882,000 in FDIC insurance expense and $609,000 in real estate owned expense and a $503,000 decrease in income tax benefit.  Loan charge-off activity and specific loan reserves are discussed in additional detail in the Asset Quality section.  The net interest margin for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was 2.92% compared to 2.28% for the three months ended March 31, 2009.
 

 
 
- 25 -
 
Average Balance Sheets, Interest and Yields/Costs
 
The following tables set forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information for the periods indicated.  No tax-equivalent yield adjustments were made, as the effect thereof was not material.  Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances.  The yields set forth below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or expense.
 
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Average Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/Cost
   
Average Balance
   
Interest
   
Yield/Cost
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Assets
                                   
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans receivable, net
  $ 1,442,353       20,753  (1)     5.84 %   $ 1,571,690       22,267  (1)     5.75 %
Mortgage related securities(2)
    113,067       1,490       5.35       134,453       1,912       5.77  
Debt securities,(2) federal funds sold and short-term investments
    170,736       806       1.91       125,764       812       2.62  
Total interest-earning assets
    1,726,156       23,049       5.42       1,831,907       24,991       5.53  
Noninterest-earning assets
    98,277                       80,220                  
Total assets
  $ 1,824,433                     $ 1,912,127                  
                                                 
Liabilities and equity
                                               
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Demand accounts
  $ 59,278       8       0.06     $ 52,002       11       0.03  
Money market and savings accounts
    95,461       112       0.48       105,520       146       0.56  
Time deposits
    1,010,528       5,725       2.30       1,056,989       9,580       3.68  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    1,165,267       5,845       2.03       1,214,511       9,737       3.25  
Borrowings
    480,347       4,771       4.03       516,605       4,972       3.90  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    1,645,614       10,616       2.62       1,731,116       14,709       3.45  
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
    10,454                       12,788                  
     Total liabilities
    1,656,068                       1,743,904                  
Equity
    168,365                       168,223                  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 1,824,433                     $ 1,912,127                  
                                                 
Net interest income
          $ 12,433                     $ 10,282          
Net interest rate spread (3)
                    2.80 %                     2.08 %
Net interest-earning assets (4)
  $ 80,542                     $ 100,791                  
Net interest margin (5)
                    2.92 %                     2.28 %
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
                    104.89 %                     105.82 %
__________
 
(1)  Includes net deferred loan fee amortization income of $166,000 and $244,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(2)  Average balance of mortgage related and debt securities is based on amortized historical cost.
(3)  Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the yield on average interest-earning assets and the cost of average
      interest-bearing liabilities.
(4)  Net interest-earning assets represent total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities.
(5)  Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.


 

 
 
- 26 -
 

Rate/Volume Analysis
The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the periods indicated.  The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume).  The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate).  The net column represents the sum of the prior columns.  For purposes of this table, changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionately based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
 

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010 versus 2009
 
   
Increase (Decrease) due to
 
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Interest income:
                 
Loans receivable(1) (2)
  $ (1,864 )     350       (1,514 )
Mortgage related securities
    (289 )     (133 )     (422 )
Other earning assets(3)
    249       (255 )     (6 )
 Total interest-earning assets
    (1,904 )     (38 )     (1,942 )
                         
Interest expense:
                       
Demand accounts
    1       (4 )     (3 )
Money merket and savings accounts
    (13 )     (21 )     (34 )
Time deposits
    (404 )     (3,451 )     (3,855 )
Total interest-bearing deposits
    (416 )     (3,476 )     (3,892 )
Borrowings
    (360 )     159       (201 )
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    (776 )     (3,317 )     (4,093 )
Net change in net interest income
  $ (1,128 )     3,279       2,151  

______________
(1)
Includes net deferred loan fee amortization income of  $166,000 and $244,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(2)
Non-accrual loans have been included in average loans receivable balance.
(3)    Includes available for sale securities.  Average balance of available for sale securities is based on amortized historical cost.

Total Interest Income - Total interest income decreased $1.9 million, or 7.8%, to $23.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $25.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009.

Interest income on loans decreased $1.5 million, or 6.8%, to $20.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $22.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009.   The decrease in interest income was primarily due to a $129.3 million, or 8.2%, decrease in the average balance of average loans outstanding to $1.44 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $1.57 billion during the comparable period in 2009.  The decrease in interest income attributable to the decrease in average balance was partially offset by a 9 basis point increase in the average yield on loans to 5.84% for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 from 5.75% for the comparable period in 2009.  Unrecognized interest income on non-accrual loans totaled $1.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010.  This had the effect of reducing the average yield on loans during the same period by 32 basis points.  Unrecognized interest income on non-accrual loans totaled $1.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009, effectively reducing the average yield on loans for that period by 43 basis points.
 
 
 
- 27 -
 

Interest income from mortgage-related securities decreased $422,000, or 22.1%, to $1.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $1.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009.  The decrease in interest income was primarily due to a $21.4 million, or 15.9%, decrease in the average balance of mortgage-related securities to $113.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $134.5 million during the comparable period in 2009.  The decrease in interest income attributable to the decrease in average balance was compounded by a decrease in average yield.  The average yield on mortgage-related securities decreased 42 basis points to 5.35% for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from 5.77% for the comparable period in 2009.  The decline in the average balance of mortgage-related securities during the three months ended March 31, 2010 reflects management’s decision to deemphasize investments in mortgage-related securities and emphasize more liquid less volatile government agency securities.

Finally, interest income from debt securities, federal funds sold and short-term investments remained stable at $806,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $812,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  Interest income decreased due to a 71 basis point decline in the average yield on other earning assets to 1.91% for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from 2.62% for the comparable period in 2009.  The decline in average yield provided by these assets reflects the lower overall interest rate environment as opposed to a shift in investment strategy and product mix.  The decrease in average rate was partially offset by an increase of $45.0 million, or 35.8%, in the average balance of other earning assets to $170.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $125.8 million during the comparable period in 2009.  The increase in average balance reflects a strategic shift towards higher levels of liquidity.  The Company intends to maintain higher than usual liquidity given the current economic environment and relatively low rates of return available on loans and mortgage related securities.  The average balance of debt securities, federal funds sold and short-term investments includes FHLBC stock of $21.7 million for the three month-periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  On October 10, 2007, the FHLBC entered into a consensual cease and desist order with its regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Board. Under the terms of the order, dividend declarations are subject to the prior written approval of the Federal Housing Finance Board.  The FHLBC has not declared a dividend since it entered into the cease and desist order.  At the request of the FHLBC, on July 24, 2008, the Finance Board amended the cease and desist order to allow the FHLBC to redeem from borrowing institutions the incremental purchases of capital stock tied to increased levels of borrowing through advances once the advances are repaid.

Total Interest Expense - Total interest expense decreased by $4.1 million, or 27.8%, to $10.6 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $14.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2009.  This decrease was the result of a decrease of 83 basis points in the average cost of funds to 2.62% for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from 3.45% for the comparable period ended March 31, 2009.  The decrease in interest expense resulted from a decrease in the average cost of funds as well as a decrease of $85.5 million, or 4.9%, in average interest bearing deposits and borrowings outstanding to $1.65 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to an average balance of $1.73 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

Interest expense on deposits decreased $3.9 million, or 40.0%, to $5.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $9.7 million during the comparable period in 2009.  This was due to a decrease in the cost of total average deposits of 122 basis points to 2.03% for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to 3.25% for the comparable period during 2009.  The decrease in interest expense attributable to the decrease in the cost of deposits was compounded by a decrease of $49.2 million, or 4.1%, in the average balance of interest bearing deposits to $1.17 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $1.21 billion during the comparable period in 2009.  The decrease in the cost of deposits reflects the Federal Reserve’s reduction of short term interest rates beginning in 2008 and throughout 2009, which are typically used by financial institutions in pricing deposit products.  The decrease in the average balance of interest bearing deposits was primarily due to a $53.7 million decline in average outstanding non-local or brokered deposits.

Interest expense on borrowings decreased $201,000, or 4.0%, to $4.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $5.0 million during the comparable period in 2009.  The decrease resulted from a $36.3 million, or 7.0%, decrease in average borrowings outstanding to $480.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $516.6 million during the comparable period in 2009.  The decrease due to average balance was partially offset by a 13 basis point increase in the average cost of borrowings to 4.03% during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from 3.90% during the comparable period in 2009.  The decreased use of borrowings as a source of funding during the three months ended March 31, 2010 reflected our recommitment to utilize core deposits as our primary funding source.

Net Interest Income - Net interest income increased by $2.2 million or 20.9%, to $12.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 as compared to $10.3 million during the comparable period in 2009.  The increase in net interest income resulted primarily from a 71 basis point increase in our interest rate spread to 2.80% for the three month period ended March 31, 2010 from 2.09% for the comparable period in 2009.  The 71 basis point increase in the interest rate spread resulted from an 83 basis point decrease in the cost of interest bearing liabilities, which was partially offset by a 12 basis point decrease in the yield on interest earning assets.  The increase in net interest income resulting from an increase in our net interest rate spread was partially offset by a decrease in net average earning assets of $20.2 million, or 20.1%, to $80.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $100.8 million during the comparable period in 2009.  The decrease in net average earning assets was primarily attributable to an increase in loans transferred to real estate owned.  The average balance of real estate owned totaled $53.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $26.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

Provision for Loan Losses – Our provision for loan losses decreased $1.7 million, to $5.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010, from $7.2 million during the comparable period during 2009.  While it has decreased from the prior year, the provision for loan losses remains at above average levels.  The provision for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was primarily the result of $2.3 million of net loan charge-offs combined with continued weakness in local real estate markets.  See the Asset Quality section for an analysis of charge-offs, nonperforming assets, specific reserves and additional provisions.
 
 
 
- 28 -
 

Noninterest Income - Total noninterest income increased $3.6 million to $4.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $720,000 during the comparable period in 2009.  The increase resulted primarily from an increase in mortgage banking income.  Mortgage banking income increased $2.7 million to $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $901,000 during the comparable period in 2009.  The increase was the result of increased mortgage loan refinancing triggered by declines in  mortgage interest rates during the period and an expansion of our mortgage banking operations over the past year.  In addition to an increase in the volume of loans sold, the expansion of our mortgage banking operations has resulted in increased levels of profitability through expansion into geographic regions and mortgage products that yield a higher margin.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company sold $157.4 million of mortgage loans into the secondary market, as compared to $120.1 million during the comparable period in 2009.  In addition to the increase in mortgage banking activity, the increase in noninterest income compared to the prior period resulted from an $907,000 decrease in impairment charge on securities considered to be other than temporarily impaired.

Noninterest Expense - Total noninterest expense increased $3.2 million, or 40.4%, to $11.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $7.9 million during the comparable period in 2009.  The increase was primarily attributable to increased compensation, real estate owned expense and FDIC insurance premium expense.

Compensation, payroll taxes and other employee benefit expense increased $1.3 million, or 34.2%, to $5.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $3.8 million during the comparable period in 2009.  This increase resulted primarily from an increase in compensation and payroll taxes.  Due primarily to an expansion of our mortgage banking operations, total compensation increased $1.2 million, or 42.4%, to $4.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $2.9 million during the comparable period in 2009.

Real estate owned expense increased $609,000 to $1.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $821,000 during the comparable period in 2009.  Real estate owned expense includes the net operating and carrying costs related to the properties.  In addition, it includes net gain or loss recognized upon the sale of a foreclosed property, as well as writedowns recognized to maintain the properties at their estimated fair value.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, net operational expenses increased $755,000 to $1.4 million from $668,000 during the comparable period in 2009.  The increase in net operational expense compared to the prior period resulted from an increase in the number of foreclosed properties.  The average balance of real estate owned totaled $53.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 compared to $26.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  Net loss recognized on the sale and writedown of real estate owned totaled $7,200 during the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $153,000 during the comparable period in 2009.

Other noninterest expense increased $1.2 million to $2.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $930,000 during the comparable period in 2009.  The increase resulted primarily from an increase in FDIC deposit insurance premiums.  FDIC insurance premium expense increased $882,000 to $1.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2010 from $240,000 during the comparable period during 2009.  The increase results from an increase in the premium rate.

Income Taxes – During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we recorded no income tax expense.  Rather, net deferred tax asset valuation allowances were reduced accordingly.  We recorded an income tax benefit of $503,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  The $503,000 benefit was the result of a Wisconsin state tax law change (retroactive to January 1, 2009) related to the net unrealized loss on securities available for sale owned by the Company’s Nevada subsidiary.
 
Net Income - As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $176,000 as compared to a net loss of $3.6 million during the comparable period in 2009.
 

 
 
- 29 -
 
 
Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009

Total Assets - Total assets decreased by $23.3 million, or 1.2%, to $1.84 billion at March 31, 2010 from $1.87 billion at December 31, 2009. The decrease in total assets is comprised of decreases in loans receivable of $13.0 million, securities available for sale of $8.8 million and loans held for sale of $5.8 million.  These decreases were partially offset by an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $9.0 million.

Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash and cash equivalents increased by $9.0 million, or 12.6%, to $80.1 million at March 31, 2010 from $71.1 million at December 31, 2009.  The increase in cash and cash equivalents reflects the Company’s decision to maintain higher than usual liquidity given the current economic environment and relatively low rates of return available on securities and other investments.

Securities Available for Sale – Securities available for sale decreased by $8.8 million, or 4.3%, to $196.6 million at March 31, 2010 from $205.4 million at December 31, 2009.  The decrease in the available for sale portfolio is comprised of a $11.3 million decrease in municipal securities and a $7.8 million decrease in collateralized mortgage obligations, partially offset by a $12.5 million increase in government sponsored entity bonds.  The shift in the mix of the portfolio towards less volatile, shorter-term government sponsored entity bonds reflects a strategic decision to increase portfolio liquidity.

Loans Held for SaleLoans held for sale decreased by $5.8 million to $39.3 million at March 31, 2010, from $45.1 million at December 31, 2009.  Fluctuations in the balance of loans held for sale result from the timing of loan closings and sales to third parties.

Loans Receivable - Loans receivable held for investment decreased $13.0 million, or 0.9%, to $1.41 billion at March 31, 2010 from $1.42 billion at December 31, 2009.  The 2010 decrease in total loans receivable was primarily attributable to an $11.5 million decrease in one- to four-family loans.  The decrease reflects a decline in loan demand for variable rate real estate mortgage loans as potential borrowers have gravitated towards long-term fixed-rate products that the Company does not generally retain in its portfolio.  Decreases in loan balances in this and other categories also reflect an overall decrease in demand due to current economic conditions combined with the Company’s more stringent loan underwriting requirements.  As a result of the low rate environment with respect to long-term fixed-rate real estate mortgage products, the Company has experienced a shift in the mix origination activity during the three months ended March 31, 2010 away form one- to four-family residential variable-rate loans.  During this time period, the majority of our origination activity consisted of residential real estate loans collateralized by multi-family properties, as this category of borrower displayed relatively stable levels of demand for our existing products.  During the three-month period ended March 31, 2010, $7.2 million in loans were transferred to real estate owned.

The following table shows loan origination, principal repayment activity, transfers to real estate owned, charge offs and sales during the periods indicated.
 

   
As of or for the
   
As of or for the
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
Year Ended
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Total gross loans receivable and held for sale at
                 
beginning of period
  $ 1,516,800     $ 1,636,277       1,636,277  
Real estate loans originated for investment:
                       
Residential
                       
One- to four-family
    700       8,543       25,660  
Over four-family
    17,806       9,732       66,657  
Construction and land
    100       512       7,914  
Commercial real estate
    375       4,080       7,352  
Home equity
    1,392       2,596       8,491  
Total real estate loans originated for investment
    20,373       25,463       116,074  
Consumer loans originated for investment
    73       122       180  
Commerical business loans originated for investment
    3,393       3,216       12,640  
Total loans originated for investment
    23,839       28,801       128,894  
                         
Principal repayments
    (32,688 )     (46,101 )     (202,722 )
Transfers to real estate owned
    (7,248 )     (8,799 )     (54,072 )
Loan principal charged-off
    (2,320 )     (3,529 )     (23,636 )
Net activity in loans held for investment
    (18,417 )     (29,628 )     (151,536 )
                         
Loans originated for sale
    151,582       135,327       739,151  
Loans sold
    (157,362 )     (120,070 )     (707,092 )
Net activity in loans held for sale
    (5,780 )     15,257       32,059  
Total gross loans receivable and held for sale at end of period
  $ 1,492,603     $ 1,621,906       1,516,800  

 
 
- 30 -
 
 
Real Estate Owned – Total real estate owned increased $3.0 million, or 5.8%, to $53.9 million at March 31, 2010 from $50.9 million at December 31, 2009.  The $3.0 million increase was primarily due to a $5.6 million increase in over four-family real estate properties, partially offset by a $2.9 million decrease in one- to four-family real estate properties.

Deposits – Total deposits increased $13.6 million, or 1.2%, to $1.18 billion at March 31, 2010 from $1.16 billion at December 31, 2009.  Total time deposits increased $12.0 million, or 1.2%, to $1.02 billion at March 31, 2010 from $1.01 billion at December 31, 2009.  Time deposits originated through local retail outlets increased $34.1 million, or 3.6%, to $982.0 million at March 31, 2010 from $947.9 million at December 31, 2009.  The increase in time deposits originated through our local markets was partially offset by a decrease in time deposits originated through the wholesale market.  Time deposits originated through the wholesale market decreased $22.1 million, or 34.8%, to $41.5 million at March 31, 2010 from $63.6 million at December 31, 2009.  The shift in the mix of deposits away from the wholesale market is intended to decrease our reliance on this source of funding.  Furthermore, a consent order issued by state and federal regulators effective December 18, 2009 prohibits the Bank from accepting or renewing brokered deposits.  Total money market and savings deposits decreased $1.6 million, or 1.7%, to $90.5 million at March 31, 2010 from $92.0 million at December 31, 2009.  Total demand deposits increased $3.2 million, or 5.2%, to $64.6 million at March 31, 2010 from $61.4 million at December 31, 2009.

Borrowings – Total borrowings decreased $37.0 million, or 7.3%, to $470.9 million at March 31, 2010 from $507.9 million at December 31, 2009.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, three FHLBC advances matured which totaled $37.0 million and had an average rate of 2.47%.

Advance Payments by Borrowers for Taxes - Advance payments by borrowers for taxes increased $7.4 million to $8.0 million at March 31, 2010 from $630,000 at December 31, 2009.  The increase was the result of payments received from borrowers for their real estate taxes and is seasonally normal, as balances increase during the course of the calendar year until real estate tax obligations are paid out in the fourth quarter.

Other Liabilities - Other liabilities decreased $9.1 million, or 34.5%, to $17.2 million at March 31, 2010 from $26.3 million at December 31, 2009.  The decrease resulted from a $7.4 million decrease in outstanding escrow checks.  The decrease related to outstanding escrow checks is seasonal.  The Company receives payments from borrowers for their real estate taxes during the course of the calendar year until real estate tax obligations are paid out in the fourth quarter.  These amounts remain classified as other liabilities until paid.

Shareholders’ Equity – Shareholders’ equity increased $1.7 million, or 1.0%, to $170.3 million at March 31, 2010 from $168.6 million at December 31, 2009.  The increase was primarily due to a $1.1 million decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss resulting from an increase in the market value of available for sale securities.  In addition to the decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity was positively affected by a $249,000 increase in additional paid in capital related to stock compensation benefits, a $213,000 decrease in unearned ESOP shares and a $176,000 increase in retained earnings reflecting net income for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

 
 
- 31 -
 


ASSET QUALITY

 
The following table summarizes nonperforming loans and assets:
 
NONPERFORMING ASSETS
 
   
At March 31,
   
At December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
Non-accrual loans:
           
  Residential
           
     One- to four-family
  $ 47,114       45,988  
     Over four-family
    16,887       16,683  
  Construction and land
    6,458       6,269  
  Commercial real estate
    3,152       2,773  
  Home equity
    494       1,159  
  Commercial
    1,983       2,441  
     Total non-accrual loans
    76,088       75,313  
Real estate owned
               
  One- to four-family
    24,075       27,016  
  Over four-family
    14,379       8,824  
  Construction and land
    10,387       10,458  
  Commercial real estate
    5,044       4,631  
     Total real estate owned
    53,885       50,929  
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 129,973       126,242  
                 
Total non-accrual loans to total loans receivable
    5.41 %     5.30 %
Total non-accrual loans to total assets
    4.12 %     4.03 %
Total nonperforming assets to total assets
    7.04 %     6.76 %

The following table summarizes troubled debt restructurings:
 
TROUBLED DEBT RESTRUCTURINGS
 
   
At March 31,
   
At December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
             
Troubled debt restructurings - accrual
  $ 51,971       42,730  
Troubled debt restructurings - non-accrual
    2,910       9,355  
  Total troubled debt restructurings
  $ 54,881       52,085  
                 
Total non-accrual loans and accruing troubled debt
               
  restructurings to total loans receivable
    9.10 %     8.31 %

 
The following table summarizes loan delinquency in total dollars and as a percentage of the total loan portfolio:
 
 
LOAN DELINQUENCY
 
   
At March 31,
   
At December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
             
Loans past due less than 90 days
    49,775       51,062  
Loans past due in excess of 90 days
    62,520       62,354  
 Total loans past due
    112,295       113,416  
                 
Total loans past due to total loans receivable
    7.98 %     7.99 %
 
 
- 32 -
 
 
Total non-accrual loans increased by $775,000, or 1.0%, to $76.1 million as of March 31, 2010 compared to $75.3 million as of December 31, 2009.  The ratio of non-accrual loans to total loans receivable was 5.41% at March 31, 2010 compared to 5.30% at December 31, 2009.  The $775,000 increase in nonaccrual loans during the three months ended March 31, 2010 resulted from $16.1 million in loans that were placed on non-accrual status during the period.  The increase due to loans placed on non-accrual during the three months ended March 31, 2010 was partially offset by $7.5 million in transfers to real estate owned (net of charge-offs), $4.9 million in loans that returned to accrual status, $2.0 million in partial charge-offs and $890,000 in loans that were paid in full.

Of the $76.1 million in total non-accrual loans as of March 31, 2010, $60.2 million have been specifically reviewed to assess whether a specific valuation allowance is necessary.  A specific valuation allowance is established for an amount equal to the impairment when the carrying value of the loan exceeds the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate or the fair value of the underlying collateral with an adjustment made for costs to dispose of the asset.  Based upon these specific reviews, a total of $11.9 million in partial charge-offs have been recorded with respect to these loans.  In addition, specific reserves totaling $5.6 million have been recorded as of March 31, 2010.  The remaining $15.9 million of non-accrual loans were reviewed on an aggregate basis and $3.6 million in general valuation allowance was deemed necessary as of March 31, 2010.   The $3.6 million in general valuation allowance is based upon a migration analysis performed with respect to similar non-accrual loans in prior periods.

Total real estate owned increased by $3.0 million, or 5.8%, to $53.9 million at March 31, 2010, compared to $50.9 million at December 31, 2009.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, $7.2 million was transferred from loans to real estate owned upon completion of foreclosure.  Declines in property values evidenced by updated appraisals, responses to list prices on properties held for sale and/or deterioration in the condition of properties resulted in write downs totaling $223,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2010.  During the same period, proceeds from the sale of real estate owned totaled $4.6 million which resulted in a net gain of $211,000.  The net gain on sale of real estate owned properties represented 4.7% of the recorded value of the properties as of the date of sale.  We owned 247 properties as of March 31, 2010, compared to 226 properties at December 31, 2009.  Of the $53.9 million in real estate owned properties as of March 31, 2010, $43.5 million consist of one– to four-family, over four-family and commercial real estate properties.  Of all real estate owned, these property types present the greatest opportunity to offset operating expenses through the generation of rental income.  Of the $43.5 million in one– to four-family, over four-family and commercial real estate properties, $24.5 million, or 56.4%, represent properties that are generating rental revenue.  Foreclosed properties are recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value with charge-offs, if any, charged to the allowance for loan losses upon transfer to real estate owned.  The fair value is primarily based upon updated appraisals in addition to an analysis of current real estate market conditions.

During 2010 and 2009, as a result of continuing efforts to mitigate the risk of loan losses, the Company has increased activity with respect to loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring.  Troubled debt restructurings involve granting concessions to the borrower in connection with the modification of the terms of the loan, such as changes in payment schedule or interest rate, which would not otherwise be considered.   As of March 31, 2010, $54.9 million in loans had been modified in troubled debt restructurings, and $2.9 million of these loans are included in the non-accrual loan total.  The remaining $52.0 million, while meeting the internal requirements for modification in a troubled debt restructuring, were current with respect to payments under their original loan terms at the time of the restructuring and thus, continue to be included with accruing loans.  Provided these loans perform in accordance with the modified terms, they will continue to be accounted for on an accrual basis.  Typical restructured terms include six to twelve months of principal forbearance and a reduction in interest rate.  Of the $54.9 million in restructured loans as of March 31, 2010, $35.7 million were one- to four-family loans.  An additional $17.0 million were multi-family loans.  All loans that have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring are considered to be impaired.  As such, an analysis has been performed with respect to all of these loans to determine the need for a valuation reserve.  When a borrower is expected to perform in accordance with the restructured terms and ultimately return to and perform under original terms, a valuation allowance is established for an amount equal to the impairment when the carrying amount of the loan exceeds the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted using the loan's original effective rate.  When there is doubt as to the borrower’s ability to perform under the restructured terms or ultimately return to and perform under market terms, a valuation allowance is established equal to the impairment when the carrying amount exceeds fair value of the underlying collateral.  As a result of the impairment analysis, a $1.2 million valuation allowance has been established as of March 31, 2010 with respect to the $54.9 million in troubled debt restructurings.
 
There were no accruing loans past due 90 days or more during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.
 

 
 
- 33 -

A summary of the allowance for loan losses is shown below:

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

   
At or for the Three Months
 
   
Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
             
Balance at beginning of period
  $ 28,494     $ 25,167  
Provision for loan losses
    5,457       7,201  
Charge-offs:
               
Mortgage
               
One- to four-family
    1,669       2,354  
Over four-family
    585       380  
Commercial real estate
    117       567  
Construction and land
    -       290  
Consumer
    2       -  
Commercial
    1       -  
Total charge-offs
    2,373       3,591  
Recoveries:
               
Mortgage
               
One- to four-family
    49       62  
Construction and land
    2       -  
Home Equity
    1       -  
Total recoveries
    52       62  
Net charge-offs
    2,321       3,529  
Allowance at end of period
  $ 31,630     $ 28,839  
                 
Ratios:
               
Allowance for loan losses to non-accrual loans at end of period
    41.57 %     25.93 %
Allowance for loan losses to loans receivable at end of period
    2.25 %     1.88 %
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding (annualized)
    0.65 %     0.91 %
                                  _______________

At March 31, 2010, the allowance for loan losses was $31.6 million, compared to $28.5 million at December 31, 2009.  As of March 31, 2010, the allowance for loan losses represented 2.25% of total loans receivable and was equal to 41.57% of non-performing loans, compared to 2.01% and 37.83%, respectively, at December 31, 2009.  The $3.1 million increase in the allowance for loan loss during the three months ended March 31, 2010 is attributable to a $2.2 million increase in specific loan loss reserves related to impaired loans and an $898,000 increase in the general valuation allowance.  The increase in specific loan loss reserves was the result of an increase in impaired loans and a decline in the value of collateral as evidenced by updated appraisals reflecting further decline in the value of those properties during the quarter.  The increase in the general valuation allowance resulted from an increase in loans that, while still performing, have been identified as having higher risk characteristics.  The increase in the amount and number of loans identified as exhibiting elevated levels of risk with respect to loss outweighed the decline in overall delinquent loans.  Loans with elevated risk profiles include loans internally classified as special mention and watch.  These loans resulted in a $947,000 increase to the general valuation allowance during the three months ended March 31, 2010.  This was partially offset by a $49,000 reduction to the general valuation allowance due primarily to a decrease in the balance of loans outstanding.  Weakness in the residential real estate market has continued for the past three years and the risk of loss on loans secured by residential real estate remains at an elevated level.

Net charge-offs totaled $2.3 million, or 0.65% of average loans for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $3.5 million, or 0.91% of average loans for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  Of the $2.3 million in net charge-offs during the three months ended March 31, 2010, $1.6 million related to loans secured by one- to four-family residential loans.  Lending relationships with small real estate investors, whose collateral consists of non-owner occupied one- to four-family properties accounted for all of the $1.6 million of net charge-offs in one-to four-family loans for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

The $5.5 million loan loss provision for the three months ended March 31, 2010 reflects the Company’s conclusion as to the need for the ending allowance to be $31.6 million following the net charge-offs recorded during the period and a review of the Bank’s loan portfolio and general economic conditions.  The increase reflects the estimated allowance for loan losses necessary to reflect risks in the portfolio, as well as the $2.3 million that was added to the provision to replenish net charge-offs for the three months ended March 31, 2010.
 
The allowance for loan losses has been determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). We are responsible for the timely and periodic determination of the amount of the allowance required. Future provisions for loan losses will continue to be based upon our assessment of the overall loan portfolio and the underlying collateral, trends in nonperforming loans, current economic conditions and other relevant factors. To the best of management’s knowledge, all probable losses have been provided for in the allowance for loan losses.
 
 
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The establishment of the amount of the loan loss allowance inherently involves judgments by management as to the adequacy of the allowance, which ultimately may or may not be correct. Higher than anticipated rates of loan default would likely result in a need to increase provisions in future years. See “Critical Accounting Policies” above for a discussion on the use of judgment in determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses.
 
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The financial statements and accompanying notes of the Company have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. GAAP generally requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration for changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations. Unlike industrial companies, our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary in nature. As a result, changes in market interest rates have a greater impact on performance than do the effects of inflation.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We maintain liquid assets at levels we consider adequate to meet our liquidity needs.  Our liquidity ratio averaged 3.5% and 2.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The liquidity ratio is equal to average daily cash and cash equivalents for the period divided by average total assets.  We adjust our liquidity levels to fund loan commitments, repay our borrowings, fund deposit outflows and pay real estate taxes on mortgage loans.  We also adjust liquidity as appropriate to meet asset and liability management objectives.  The operational adequacy of our liquidity position at any point in time is dependent upon the judgment of the senior management as supported by the Asset/Liability Committee.  Liquidity is monitored on a daily, weekly and monthly basis using a variety of measurement tools and indicators.
 
Our primary sources of liquidity are deposits, amortization and prepayment of loans, sales of loans held for sale, maturities of investment securities and other short-term investments, and earnings and funds provided from operations.  While scheduled principal repayments on loans are a relatively predictable source of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions, and rates offered by our competitors.  We set the interest rates on our deposits to maintain a desired level of total deposits.  In addition, we invest excess funds in short-term, interest-earning assets, which provide liquidity to meet lending requirements.  Additional sources of liquidity used for the purpose of managing long- and short-term cash flows include advances from the FHLBC and access to the Federal Reserve Bank discount window.
 
A portion of our liquidity consists of cash and cash equivalents, which are a product of our operating, investing and financing activities.  At March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, $80.1 million and $66.7 million of our assets were invested in cash and cash equivalents.  Our primary sources of cash are principal repayments on loans, proceeds from the calls and maturities of debt and mortgage-related securities, increases in deposit accounts, federal funds purchased and advances from the FHLBC.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the collection of principal payment on loans, net of loan originations provided cash flow of $3.4 million, compared to $12.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  The decrease in loans receivable is reflective of the general decline in loan demand for variable-rate residential real estate mortgage loans combined with the Company’s tightened underwriting standards given the current economic environment.  The decrease in the loan portfolio during the three months ended March 31, 2010 was primarily attributable to an $11.5 million decrease in one- to four-family loans.
 
Deposit flows are generally affected by the level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by local competitors, and other factors.  Deposits increased by $13.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 primarily as the result of competitive pricing offered on time deposits in our local market.
 
Liquidity management is both a daily and longer-term function of business management.  If we require funds beyond our ability to generate them internally, borrowing agreements exist with the FHLBC which provide an additional source of funds.  At March 31, 2010, we had $386.9 million in advances from the FHLBC, of which $36.9 million was due within 12 months.  As an additional source of funds, we also enter into repurchase agreements.  At March 31, 2010, we had $84.0 million in repurchase agreements.  The agreements mature at various times beginning in 2017, however, all are callable quarterly until maturity.
 
On October 10, 2007, the FHLBC entered into a consensual cease and desist order with its regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Board. Under the terms of the order, capital stock repurchases and redemptions, including redemptions upon membership withdrawal or other termination, are prohibited unless the FHLBC has received approval of the Director of the Office of Supervision of the Federal Housing Finance Board ("OS Director"). The order also provides that dividend declarations are subject to the prior written approval of the OS Director.  At the request of the FHLBC, on July 24, 2008, the Finance Board amended the cease and desist order to allow the FHLBC to redeem incremental purchases of capital stock tied to increased levels of borrowing through advances after repayment of those new advances.  We currently hold, at cost, $21.7 million of FHLBC stock, all of which we believe we will ultimately be able to recover.  Based upon correspondence we received from the FHLBC, there is currently no expectation that this cease and desist order will impact the short- and long-term funding options provided by the FHLBC.
 
At March 31, 2010, we had outstanding commitments to originate loans of $15.0 million, unfunded commitments under construction loans of $5.4 million, unfunded commitments under business lines of credit of $11.3 million and unfunded commitments under home equity lines of credit and standby letters of credit of $28.7 million.  At March 31, 2010, certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less totaled $759.6 million.  Based on prior experience, management believes that a significant portion of such deposits will remain with us, although there can be no assurance that this will be the case.  In the event a significant portion of our deposits is not retained by us, we will have to utilize other funding sources, such as FHLBC advances, in order to maintain our level of assets.  However, we cannot assure that such borrowings would be available on attractive terms, or at all, if and when needed.  Alternatively, we would reduce our level of liquid assets, such as our cash and cash equivalents and securities available-for-sale in order to meet funding needs.  In addition, the cost of such deposits may be significantly higher if market interest rates are higher or there is an increased amount of competition for deposits in our market area at the time of renewal.
 
 
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 Contractual Obligations, Commitments, Contingent Liabilities, and Off-balance Sheet Arrangements
 
The following tables present information indicating various contractual obligations and commitments of the Company as of March 31, 2010 and the respective maturity dates.
 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
               
More than
   
More than
       
               
One Year
   
Three Years
   
Over
 
         
One Year
   
Through
   
Through
   
Five
 
   
Total
   
or Less
   
Three Years
   
Five Years
   
Years
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Deposits without a stated maturity (4)
  $ 155,092       155,092       -       -       -  
Certificates of deposit (4)
    1,023,427       759,646       255,927       7,854       -  
Federal Home Loan Bank advances (1)
    386,900       36,900       -       -       350,000  
Repurchase agreements (2)(4)
    84,000       -       -       -       84,000  
Operating leases (3)
    478       239       239       -       -  
Salary continuation agreements
    1,536       474       340       340       382  
    $ 1,651,433       952,351       256,506       8,194       434,382  
_______________
 
(1)  Secured under a blanket security agreement on qualifying assets, principally, mortgage loans.  Excludes interest which will accrue on the advances.  
      All Federal Home Loan Bank advances with maturities exceeding five years are callable on a quarterly basis.
(2)  The repurchase agreements are callable on a quarterly basis until maturity.
(3)  Represents non-cancelable operating leases for offices and equipment.
(4)  Excludes interest.


The following table details the amounts and expected maturities of significant off-balance sheet commitments as of March 31, 2010.


Other Commitments
 
               
More than
   
More than
       
               
One Year
   
Three Years
   
Over
 
         
One Year
   
Through
   
Through
   
Five
 
   
Total
   
or Less
   
Three Years
   
Five Years
   
Years
 
   
(In Thousands)
 
Real estate loan commitments (1)
  $ 14,959       14,959       -       -       -  
Unused portion of home equity lines of credit (2)
    27,735       27,735       -       -       -  
Unused portion of business lines of credit
    11,272       11,272       -       -       -  
Unused portion of construction loans (3)
    5,390       5,390       -       -       -  
Standby letters of credit
    1,001       911       90       -       -  
Total Other Commitments
  $ 60,357       60,267       90       -       -  
______________
General:  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 and generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses.
(1)  Commitments for loans are extended to customers for up to 90 days after which they expire.
(2)  Unused portions of home equity loans are available to the borrower for up to 10 years.
(3)  Unused portions of construction loans are available to the borrower for up to 1 year.

 

 
 
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Management of Market Risk

General. The majority of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature.  Consequently, our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk.  Our assets, consisting primarily of mortgage loans, have longer maturities than our liabilities, consisting primarily of deposits.  As a result, a principal part of our business strategy is to manage interest rate risk and reduce the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates.  Accordingly, WaterStone Bank’s board of directors has established an Asset/Liability Committee which is responsible for evaluating the interest rate risk inherent in our assets and liabilities, for determining the level of risk that is appropriate given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines approved by the Board of directors.  Management monitors the level of interest rate risk on a regular basis and the Asset/Liability Committee meets at least weekly to review our asset/liability policies and interest rate risk position, which are evaluated quarterly.

We have sought to manage our interest rate risk in order to minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates.  We have implemented the following strategies to manage our interest rate risk: (i) emphasizing variable rate loans including variable rate one- to four-family, and commercial real estate loans as well as three to five year commercial real estate balloon loans; (ii) reducing and shortening the expected average life of the investment portfolio; and (iii) whenever possible, lengthening the term structure of our deposit base and our borrowings from the FHLBC.  These measures should reduce the volatility of our net interest income in different interest rate environments.
 
Income Simulation.  Simulation analysis is an estimate of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time.  At least quarterly we review the potential effect changes in interest rates may have on the repayment or repricing of rate sensitive assets and funding requirements of rate sensitive liabilities.  Our most recent simulation uses projected repricing of assets and liabilities at March 31, 2010 on the basis of contractual maturities, anticipated repayments and scheduled rate adjustments.  Prepayment rate assumptions may have a significant impact on interest income simulation results.  Because of the large percentage of loans and mortgage-backed securities we hold, rising or falling interest rates may have a significant impact on the actual prepayment speeds of our fixed-rate mortgage related assets that may in turn affect our interest rate sensitivity position.  When interest rates rise, prepayment speeds slow and the average expected lives of our fixed-rate assets would tend to lengthen more than the expected average lives of our liabilities and therefore would most likely have a negative impact on net interest income and earnings.  This effect is offset by the impact that variable-rate assets have on net interest income as interest rates rise and fall.
 
   
Percentage Increase (Decrease)
in Estimated Annual Net Interest
Income Over 12 Months
     
300 basis point gradual rise in rates
    1.23%
200 basis point gradual rise in rates
    0.23%
100 basis point gradual rise in rates
    (0.65%)
100 basis point gradual decline in rates
    (1.51%)
200 basis point gradual decline in rates
    (3.31%)
300 basis point gradual decline in rates
    (4.77%)
 
WaterStone Bank’s Asset/Liability policy limits projected changes in net average annual interest income to a maximum decline of 20% for various levels of interest rate changes measured over a 12-month period when compared to the flat rate scenario.  In addition, projected changes in the economic value of equity are limited to a maximum decline of 10% to 80% for interest rate movements of 100 to 300 basis points when compared to the flat rate scenario.  These limits are re-evaluated on a periodic basis and may be modified, as appropriate.  Because our balance sheet is liability sensitive, net interest income is projected to decline as interest rates rise.  However, due to the historically low short-term current interest rate environment and related low cost of deposits, significant declines in interest rates do not result in a proportionate decline in the cost of deposits even though deposit liabilities reprice slightly faster than do loans.  At March 31, 2010, a 100 basis point gradual increase in interest rates had the effect of decreasing forecast net interest income by 0.65% while a 100 basis point decrease in rates had the effect of decreasing net interest income by 1.51%.  At March 31, 2010, a 100 basis point gradual increase in interest rates had the effect of increasing the economic value of equity by 5.15% while a 100 basis point decrease in rates had the effect of increasing the economic value of equity by 8.84%.  While we believe the assumptions used are reasonable, there can be no assurance that assumed prepayment rates will approximate actual future mortgage-backed security and loan repayment activity.
 
 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures : Company management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting : There have not been any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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We are not involved in any pending legal proceedings as a defendant other than routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business.  At March 31, 2010, we believe that any liability arising from the resolution of any pending legal proceedings will not be material to our financial condition or results of operations.
 
 
In addition to the “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, we set forth the following additional risk factors.
 
Regulatory Action
 
On November 25, 2009, pursuant to a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Consent Order (“Stipulations”), WaterStone Bank agreed to the issuance of a Consent Order jointly issued by the FDIC and the WDFI, the Bank’s primary banking regulators.  At the same time, pursuant to a Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist, Waterstone Financial, Inc. agreed to the issuance of an Order to Cease and Desist by the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”), the Company’s thrift holding company regulator.  Collectively, the Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Consent Order which became effective on December 18, 2009 and the Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist which became effective on December 1, 2009 are referred to as the “Orders”.

The Orders formalize a prior informal agreement entered into by the Bank, the FDIC and the WDFI in 2008.  The Bank and its federal and state regulators have been working in concert for the past two years to minimize the effects that the recession is having on the Bank and its borrowers.  The Orders require, among other things, that the Bank (i) maintain minimum Tier 1 capital of 8.5% of total average assets and minimum total risk-based capital of 12.0% of risk-weighted assts; (ii) perform a study to confirm that the Bank is a well managed institution; (iii) manage its bad loans and real estate acquired in foreclosure; and (iv) adopt a two year capital plan.  The Orders prohibit the payment of cash dividends or repurchases of common stock, and restrict the ability of the Company to incur debt, in each case without the prior non-objection of the OTS.  Failure to comply with the Orders could result in additional enforcement actions by the FDIC, the WDFI or the OTS.  Compliance with the Orders may have adverse effects on the operations and financial condition of the Company and the Bank.
 
The Company Operates in a Highly Regulated Environment and is Subject to Supervision and Examination by Various Regulatory Agencies
 
As a savings bank holding company, the Company is regulated by the Office of Thrift Supervision, and the Bank is regulated separately by various federal and state banking regulators.  This regulation is primarily intended to protect the Bank’s customers and their deposits rather than the Company’s shareholders.  In addition, the Company’s common stock is registered under the Exchange Act and it is subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission and to public reporting requirements.
 
Under applicable laws, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the FDIC, as the Bank’s primary federal regulator and deposit insurer, and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions as the Bank’s chartering authority, have the ability to impose sanctions, restrictions and requirements on the Company and on the Bank if they determine, upon examination or otherwise, violations of laws with which the Company and the Bank must comply, or weaknesses or failures with respect to general standards of safety and soundness.  Banking regulators can take actions at any time which could have an adverse impact on the Company and on the Bank.  These actions could include raising minimum capital amounts, restricting growth or other actions.  Noncompliance can result in more severe restrictions and civil money penalties.  Applicable law prohibits disclosure of specific examination findings by an institution although formal enforcement actions are routinely disclosed by regulatory authorities.
 
Challenges Posed by The Current Operating Environment
 
The Company is operating in a difficult and uncertain economic environment which presents greater challenges in increasing capital levels.  Options normally available to increase capital levels such as issuing common or preferred stock or borrowing funds at cost effective rates may not be available.  Sales of either fixed assets or pools of loans forced by an immediate need to increase capital may also result in a negative impact to the Company.  In addition to the deteriorating credit quality due to the economic downturn, high unemployment rate and contraction of the U.S. real estate market which have been reflected in higher provision for loan losses and loan charge-offs, these same trends may also cause valuation changes and losses in other balance sheet items, most notably the investment portfolio.  All of these factors have reduced the Company’s capital levels over the past 24 months and may continue to do so in future periods.
 
 
- 38 -
 

 

    (a) Exhibits: See Exhibit Index, which follows the signature page hereof.

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




 
WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.
(Registrant)
Date: May 7, 2010
 
 
/s/Douglas S. Gordon
 
Douglas S. Gordon
 
Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 7, 2010
 
 
/s/ Richard C. Larson
 
Richard C. Larson
 
Chief Financial Officer


 
 
- 39 -
 

EXHIBIT INDEX

WATERSTONE FINANCIAL, INC.

Form 10-Q for Quarter Ended March 31, 2010



Exhibit No.
Description
Filed Herewith
31.1
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certification signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Waterstone Financial, Inc.
X
31.2
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Section 302 Certification signed by the Chief Financial Officer of Waterstone Financial, Inc.
X
32.1
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S. C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Waterstone Financial, Inc.
X
32.2
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S. C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 signed by the Chief Financial Officer of Waterstone Financial, Inc.
X

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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