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EX-32.1 - PULASKI FINANCIAL CORPv210464_ex32-1.htm
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EX-31.2 - PULASKI FINANCIAL CORPv210464_ex31-2.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended
December 31, 2010

OR

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

 
For the transition period from ___________________ to ______________________

0-24571

Commission File Number

Pulaski Financial Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Missouri
 
43-1816913
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification Number)

12300 Olive Boulevard
   
St. Louis, Missouri
 
63141-6434
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (314) 878-2210
 
Not Applicable
(Former name, address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
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        
x
 
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 o     No o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer ¨
 
Accelerated filer                    ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨
 
Smaller reporting company   x
(Do not check if a 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  x
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class
 
Outstanding at February 11, 2011
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
 
10,958,322 shares
 
 

 

PULASKI FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
FORM 10-Q
 
DECEMBER 31, 2010
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
     
Page
       
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
       
Item 1.
Financial Statements
   
       
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 (Unaudited)
 
1
       
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
 
2
       
 
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2010 (Unaudited)
 
3
       
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
 
4
       
 
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
 
6
       
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
24
       
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
39
       
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
40
       
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
   
     
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
42
       
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
42
       
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
43
       
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
43
       
Item 4.
[Removed and Reserved]
 
43
       
Item 5.
Other Information
 
43
       
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
44
       
 
Signatures
   
 
 
 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
PULASKI FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 (UNAUDITED)


   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
ASSETS
               
Cash and amounts due from depository institutions
  $ 10,838,655     $ 11,641,550  
Federal funds sold and overnight interest-bearing deposits
    5,162,164       3,961,254  
Total cash and cash equivalents
    16,000,819       15,602,804  
Debt securities available for sale, at fair value
    13,593,571       8,001,092  
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value of $9,636,364 and $10,788,459 at Decembr 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, respectively)
    9,242,819       10,296,891  
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale, at fair value
    6,916,074       8,845,526  
Capital stock of Federal Home Loan Bank - at cost
    10,184,000       9,773,600  
Mortgage loans held for sale, at lower of cost or market
    271,151,534       253,578,202  
Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $27,275,405 and $26,975,717 at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, respectively)
    1,041,168,963       1,046,273,232  
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans (net of allowance for losses of $2,125,500 and $1,651,100 at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, respectively)
    13,009,722       14,900,312  
Premises and equipment, net
    18,494,831       18,764,098  
Goodwill
    3,938,524       3,938,524  
Core deposit intangible
    128,242       148,003  
Accrued interest receivable
    4,323,014       4,432,361  
Bank-owned life insurance
    30,036,202       29,770,828  
Deferred tax asset
    13,222,247       13,157,300  
Prepaid expenses, accounts receivable and other assets
    15,513,432       15,333,827  
Total assets
  $ 1,466,923,994     $ 1,452,816,600  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Liabilities:
               
Deposits
  $ 1,151,151,888     $ 1,115,203,120  
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
    161,800,000       181,000,000  
Subordinated debentures
    19,589,000       19,589,000  
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
    2,717,432       7,098,432  
Accrued interest payable
    656,260       945,374  
Other liabilities
    12,338,956       12,627,393  
Total liabilities
    1,348,253,536       1,336,463,319  
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Preferred stock - $.01 par value per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized; 32,538 shares issued at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, $1,000 per share liquidation value,  net of discount
    31,197,262       31,088,060  
Common stock - $.01 par value per share, 18,000,000 shares authorized; 13,068,618 shares issued at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010
    130,687       130,687  
Treasury stock-at cost; 2,622,210 and 2,753,799 shares at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, respectively
    (17,423,842 )     (18,064,582 )
Additional paid-in capital from common stock
    56,727,815       56,702,495  
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net
    20,447       37,834  
Retained earnings
    48,018,089       46,458,787  
Total stockholders’ equity
    118,670,458       116,353,281  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,466,923,994     $ 1,452,816,600  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
- 1 -

 
PULASKI FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009 (UNAUDITED)


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Interest and Dividend Income:
           
Loans receivable
  $ 13,584,849     $ 14,858,809  
Mortgage loans held for sale
    3,229,108       1,620,008  
Securities and other
    310,464       358,238  
Total interest and dividend income
    17,124,421       16,837,055  
Interest Expense:
               
Deposits
    3,197,528       4,626,768  
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank
    382,959       557,242  
Borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank
    -       64  
Subordinated debentures
    127,739       127,492  
Total interest expense
    3,708,226       5,311,566  
Net interest income
    13,416,195       11,525,489  
Provision for loan losses
    4,300,000       6,074,000  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    9,116,195       5,451,489  
Non-Interest Income:
               
Mortgage revenues
    1,846,807       2,701,486  
Retail banking fees
    1,026,070       932,161  
Investment brokerage revenues
    446,485       424,044  
Bank-owned life insurance
    265,374       275,622  
Other
    63,435       114,154  
Total non-interest income
    3,648,171       4,447,467  
Non-Interest Expense:
               
Salaries and employee benefits
    3,402,002       3,896,579  
Occupancy, equipment and data processing expense
    2,072,319       2,004,913  
Advertising
    100,391       146,858  
Professional services
    444,710       517,449  
FDIC deposit insurance premuim expense
    623,236       491,858  
Real estate foreclosure losses and expense, net
    1,085,125       436,203  
Other
    573,291       688,540  
Total non-interest expense
    8,301,074       8,182,400  
Income before income taxes
    4,463,292       1,716,556  
Income tax expense
    1,345,940       466,121  
Net income
  $ 3,117,352     $ 1,250,435  
Other comprehensive loss
    (17,387 )     (48,301 )
Comprehensive income
  $ 3,099,965     $ 1,202,134  
Income available to common shares
  $ 2,601,425     $ 736,029  
Per Common Share Amounts:
               
Basic earnings per common share
  0.25     0.07  
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
    10,507,158       10,274,066  
Diluted earnings per common share
  0.24     0.07  
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
    10,925,023       10,483,880  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.
- 2 -

 
PULASKI FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 (UNAUDITED)

 
   
Preferred
               
Additional
   
Accumulated
             
   
Stock,
               
Paid-In
   
Other
             
   
Net of
   
Common
   
Treasury
   
Capital From
   
Comprehensive
   
Retained
       
   
Discount
   
Stock
   
Stock
   
Common Stock
   
Income (Loss), Net
   
Earnings
   
Total
 
                                           
 Balance, September 30, 2010
  $ 31,088,060     $ 130,687     $ (18,064,582 )   $ 56,702,495     $ 37,834     $ 46,458,787     $ 116,353,281  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
    -       -       -       -       -       3,117,352       3,117,352  
Change in unrealized loss on investment securities, net of tax
    -       -       -       -       (17,387 )     -       (17,387 )
Comprehensive income
    -       -       -       -       (17,387 )     3,117,352       3,099,965  
Common stock dividends ($0.095 per share)
    -       -       -       (1,024 )     -       (1,042,123 )     (1,043,147 )
Preferred stock dividends
    -       -       -       -       -       (406,725 )     (406,725 )
Accretion of discount on preferred stock
    109,202       -       -       -       -       (109,202 )     -  
Stock options excercised
    -       -       41,873       32,632       -       -       74,505  
Stock option and award expense
    -       -       -       183,141       -       -       183,141  
Commmon stock purchased under dividend reinvestment plan
    -       -       -       (13,425 )     -       -       (13,425 )
Common stock issued under employee  compensation plans (94,317 shares)
    -       -       29,695       (89,117 )     -       -       (59,422 )
Purchase of equity trust shares (37,315 shares)
    -       -       -       271,208       -       -       271,208  
Distribution of equity trust shares (62,722 shares)
    -       -       569,172       (569,172 )     -       -       -  
Amortization of equity trust expense
    -       -       -       97,776       -       -       97,776  
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
    -       -       -       113,301       -       -       113,301  
Balance, December 31, 2010
  $ 31,197,262     $ 130,687     $ (17,423,842 )   $ 56,727,815     $ 20,447     $ 48,018,089     $ 118,670,458  

See accompanying  notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
- 3 -

 
PULASKI FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THREE MONTHS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND DECEMBER 31, 2009 (UNAUDITED)

 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $ 3,117,352     $ 1,250,435  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
               
Depreciation, amortization and accretion:
               
Premises and equipment
    490,177       471,743  
Net deferred loan costs
    454,789       554,924  
Debt and equity securities premiums and discounts, net
    51,203       16,950  
Equity trust expense, net
    97,776       147,238  
Stock option and award expense
    183,141       179,227  
Provision for loan losses
    4,300,000       6,074,000  
Provision for losses on real estate acquired in settlement of loans
    725,300       278,600  
(Gains) losses on sales of real estate acquired in settlement of loans
    (3,608 )     43,203  
Originations of mortgage loans held for sale
    (629,454,332 )     (455,782,621 )
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale
    614,894,261       416,191,188  
Gain on sales of mortgage loans held for sale
    (3,013,261 )     (2,474,188 )
Increase in cash value of bank-owned life insurance
    (265,374 )     (275,622 )
Increase in deferred tax asset
    (64,947 )     (76,670 )
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
    (113,301 )     (2,722 )
Tax expense for release of equity trust shares
    -       25,667  
Decrease in accrued expenses
    (172,835 )     (1,072,253 )
Increase in current income taxes payable
    100,608       309,134  
Changes in other assets and liabilities
    (431,862 )     (5,659,292 )
Net adjustments
    (12,222,265 )     (41,051,494 )
Net cash used in operating activities
    (9,104,913 )     (39,801,059 )
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
Proceeds from:
               
Maturities of debt securities available for sale
    13,000,000       5,000,000  
Principal payments on mortgage-backed securities
    2,902,760       1,032,058  
Redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    3,910,700       6,601,800  
Sales of real estate acquired in settlement of loans receivable
    1,924,002       882,201  
Purchases of:
               
Debt securities available for sale
    (18,590,962 )     (7,998,695 )
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    (4,321,100 )     (2,406,400 )
Premises and equipment
    (220,910 )     (158,064 )
Net increase in loans receivable
    (405,625 )     (9,376,407 )
Net cash used in investing activities
  $ (1,801,135 )   $ (6,423,507 )

Continued on next page.
 
- 4 -

 
PULASKI FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THREE MONTHS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND DECEMBER 31, 2009, CONTINUED (UNAUDITED)



   
Three Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
           
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
  $ 35,948,768     $ (36,048,976 )
Proceeds from (repayment of) Federal Home Loan Bank advances, net
    (19,200,000 )     62,800,000  
Proceeds from Federal Reserve Bank borrowings, net
    -       4,700,000  
Net decrease in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
    (4,381,000 )     (2,631,120 )
Proceeds from cash received in dividend reinvestment plan
   
-
     
206,456
 
Proceeds from stock options excercised
   
74,505
     
-
 
Purchase of equity trust shares
   
271,208
     
(70,635
)
Excess tax benefit for stock based compensation
   
113,301
     
2,722
 
Tax expense for release of equity trust shares
   
-
     
(25,667
)
Dividends paid on common stock
   
(1,043,147
)    
(994,171
)
Dividends paid on preferred stock
   
(406,725
)    
(406,725
)
Common stock issued under employee compensation plan
   
5,004
     
-
 
Common stock purchased under dividend reinvestment plan
   
(13,425
)    
-
 
Common stock surrendered to satisfy tax withholding obligations of stock-based compensation
   
(64,426
)    
(30,593
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
11,304,063
     
27,501,291
 
Net increase (decrease)  in cash and cash equivalents
   
398,015
     
(18,723,275
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
15,602,804
     
37,450,664
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $
16,000,819
    $
18,727,389
 
                 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest on deposits
  $
3,490,935
    $
4,942,917
 
Interest on advances from FHLB
   
378,962
     
556,719
 
Interest on subordinated debentures
   
148,424
     
147,127
 
Cash paid during the period for interest
   
4,018,321
     
5,646,763
 
Income taxes, net
   
1,186,000
     
227,000
 
                 
Noncash Investing Activities:
               
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans receivable
    755,105       8,467,527  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.
 
- 5 -

 
PULASKI FINANCIAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
1.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Pulaski Financial Corp. (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Pulaski Bank (the “Bank”), and the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, Pulaski Service Corporation.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  The assets of the Company consist primarily of the investment in the outstanding shares of the Bank and its liabilities consist principally of obligations on its subordinated debentures.  Accordingly, the information set forth in this report, including the consolidated financial statements and related financial data, relates primarily to the Bank.  The Company, through the Bank, operates as a single business segment, providing traditional community banking services through its full service branch network.
 
In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition of the Company as of December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 and its results of operations for the three month periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.  The results of operations for the three month period ended December 31, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be expected for the entire fiscal year or for any other period.  These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2010 contained in the Company’s 2010 Annual Report to Stockholders, which was filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010.
 
The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements that affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  The allowance for loan losses is a significant estimate reported within the consolidated financial statements.
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to fiscal 2010 amounts to conform to the fiscal 2011 presentation.

The Company has evaluated all subsequent events to ensure that the accompanying financial statements include the effects of any subsequent events that should be recognized in such financial statements as of December 31, 2010, and the appropriate disclosure of any subsequent events that were not recognized in the financial statements.

2.
PREFERRED STOCK
 
In January 2009, as part of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, the Company issued 32,538 shares of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, $1,000 per share liquidation preference, and a warrant to purchase up to 778,421 shares of the Company’s common stock for a period of ten years at an exercise price of $6.27 per share in exchange for $32.5 million in cash from the U.S. Department of Treasury.  The proceeds, net of issuance costs consisting primarily of legal fees, were allocated between the preferred stock and the warrant on a pro rata basis, based upon the estimated market values of the preferred stock and the warrant.  As a result, $2.2 million of the proceeds were allocated to the warrant, which increased additional paid in capital from common stock.  The amount allocated to the warrant is considered a discount on the preferred stock and is being accreted using the level yield method over a five-year period through a charge to retained earnings.  Such accretion does not reduce net income, but reduces income available to common shares.

The fair value of the preferred stock was estimated on the date of issuance by computing the present value of expected future cash flows using a risk-adjusted rate of return for similar securities of 12%.  The fair value of the warrant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model assuming a risk-free interest rate of 4.30%, expected volatility of 35.53% and a dividend yield of 4.27%.

- 6 -

 
The preferred stock pays cumulative dividends of 5% per year for the first five years and 9% per year thereafter.  The Company may, at its option, redeem the preferred stock at its liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends.  The securities purchase agreement between the Company and the U.S. Treasury: (1) limits, for three years, the rate of dividend payments on the Company’s common stock to the amount of its last quarterly cash dividend prior to participation in the program, which was $0.095 per share, unless an increase is approved by the Treasury; (2) limits the Company’s ability to repurchase its common stock for three years; and (3)  subjects the Company to certain executive compensation limitations included in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, as amended by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

3.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
Basic earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  The dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding is included in diluted earnings per share.  The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share are presented in the following table.
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net income
  $ 3,117,352     $ 1,250,435  
Less:
               
Preferred dividends declared
    (406,725 )     (406,725 )
Accretion of discount on preferred stock
    (109,202 )     (107,681 )
Income available to common shares
  $ 2,601,425     $ 736,029  
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
    10,507,158       10,274,066  
Effect of dilutive securities:
               
Treasury stock held in equity trust - unvested shares
    291,609       98,263  
Equivalent shares - employee stock options and awards
    13,688       19,586  
Equivalent shares - common stock warrant
    112,568       91,965  
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
    10,925,023       10,483,880  
                 
Earnings per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.25     $ 0.07  
Diluted
  $ 0.24     $ 0.07  

Under the treasury stock method, outstanding stock options are dilutive when the average market price of the Company’s common stock, combined with the effect of any unamortized compensation expense, exceeds the option price during a period.  In addition, proceeds from the assumed exercise of dilutive options along with the related tax benefit are assumed to be used to repurchase common shares at the average market price of such stock during the period.  Similarly, outstanding warrants are dilutive when the average market price of the Company’s common stock exceeds the exercise price during a period.  Proceeds from the assumed exercise of dilutive warrants are assumed to be used to repurchase common shares at the average market price of such stock during the period.
 
- 7 -

 
The following options and warrants to purchase common shares during the three month periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were not included in the respective computations of diluted earnings per share since they were considered anti-dilutive because the exercise price of the options, when combined with the effect of the unamortized compensation expense, and the exercise price of the warrants were greater than the average market price of the common shares.  The options expire in various periods from 2013 through 2020, respectively, and the warrant expires in 2019.
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Number of option shares excluded
    659,077       671,195  
Equivalent anti-dilutive shares
    1,049,781       1,216,365  
Number of warrant shares excluded
    -       -  
Equivalent anti-dilutive shares
    -       -  
 
4.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
The Company’s shareholder-approved, stock-based incentive plans permit the grant of awards in the form of options intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, options that do not so qualify (non-statutory stock options,) and grants of restricted shares of common stock.  All employees, non-employee directors and consultants of the Company and its affiliates are eligible to receive awards under the plans.  Except as described as follows, all restricted stock awards granted during the three months ended December 31, 2010 vest over a period of two to five years.  In December 2010, restricted stock awards for 12,960 shares of the Company’s common stock with terms providing for vesting of 6,480 shares immediately and 6,480 shares in twelve months were granted to directors.  The exercise period for stock options generally may not exceed 10 years from the date of grant.  Option and share awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the plans).  As a participant in the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, certain employees are prohibited from receiving golden parachute payments while the Company has any outstanding funds related to the program.  Under the Treasury’s guidelines, golden parachute payments are defined to include any payment resulting from a change in control of the Company, which includes the acceleration of vesting in stock-based incentive plans.  Accordingly, the affected employees have signed agreements to forfeit the right to accelerated vesting while any funds related to the Treasury’s program are outstanding.

A summary of the Company’s stock option program as of December 31, 2010 and changes during the three-month period then ended, is presented below:

                     
Weighted-
 
         
Weighted
         
Average
 
         
Average
   
Aggregate
   
Remaining
 
   
Number
   
Exercise
   
Intrinsic
   
Contractual
 
   
Of Shares
   
Price
   
Value
   
Life (years)
 
                         
Outstanding at October 1, 2010
    849,840     $ 10.40              
Granted
    -       -              
Exercised
    (11,875 )     6.27              
Forfeited
    (2,834 )     7.70              
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
    835,131     $ 10.46     $ 292,790       5.7  
Exercisable at December 31, 2010
    604,727     $ 10.47     $ 247,089       5.0  
 
As of December 31, 2010, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options and awards was $979,500 and the related weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized is 1.88 years.
 
- 8 -

 
There were no stock options granted during the three-month period ended December 31, 2010.  The fair value of stock options granted during the three-month period ended December 31, 2009 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following average assumptions:

Risk free interest rate
    2.44 %
Expected volatility
    38.59 %
Expected life in years
    5.6  
Dividend yield
    4.37 %
Expected forfeiture rate
    3.37 %
 
The Company maintains an Equity Trust Plan for the benefit of key loan officers and sales staff.  The plan is designed to recruit, retain and motivate top-performing loan officers and other key revenue-producing employees who are instrumental to the Company’s success.  The plan allows the recipients to defer a percentage of commissions earned, which might be partially matched by the Company, and paid into a rabbi trust for the benefit of the participants.  The assets of the trust are limited to Company shares purchased in the open market and cash.  Should the participants voluntarily leave the Company, they forego any unvested accrued benefits.

At December 31, 2010, there were 497,333 shares in the plan with an aggregate value of $4.5 million, which were included in treasury stock in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, including 302,887 shares that were not yet vested.  Vested shares in the plan are treated as issued and outstanding when computing basic and diluted earnings per share, whereas unvested shares are treated as issued and outstanding only when computing diluted earnings per share.

5.
INCOME TAXES
 
Deferred tax assets totaled $13.2 million at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, and resulted primarily from the temporary differences related to the allowance for loan losses.  Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that they are expected to be used to reduce amounts that have been paid or will be paid to tax authorities.  Management believes, based on all positive and negative evidence, that the realization of the deferred tax asset at December 31, 2010 is more likely than not, and accordingly, no valuation allowance has been recorded.  The ultimate outcome of future facts and circumstances could require a valuation allowance and any charges to establish such valuation allowance could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.

At December 31, 2010, the Company had $197,000 of unrecognized tax benefits, $129,000 of which would affect the effective tax rate if recognized.  The Company recognizes interest related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense and classifies such interest and penalties in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits.  As of December 31, 2010, the Company had approximately $68,000 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties.  The tax years ended September 30, 2007 through 2010 remain open to examination by the taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.
 
- 9 -

 
6.
DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities available for sale at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 are summarized as follows:
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
   
Estimated
 
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
December 31, 2010:
                       
Debt obligations of government-sponsored entities
  $ 13,595,490     $ -     $ (1,919 )   $ 13,593,571  
                                 
Weighted average yield at end of period
    0.16 %                        
                                 
September 30, 2010:
                               
Debt obligations of government-sponsored entities
  $ 8,000,836       706     $ (450 )   $ 8,001,092  
                                 
Weighted average yield at end of period
    0.25 %                        
 
As of December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, the Company did not have any debt and equity securities held to maturity or available for sale that were in a continuous position for twelve months or more.
 
- 10 -

 
7. 
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
 
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity and available for sale at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 are summarized as follows:
 
   
December 31, 2010
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
Held to Maturity:
                       
Mortgage-backed securities:
                       
Freddie Mac
  $ 24     $ -     $ -     $ 24  
Ginnie Mae
    154,509       13,781       -       168,290  
Fannie Mae
    9,081,130       382,797       (3,036 )     9,460,891  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    9,235,663       396,578       (3,036 )     9,629,205  
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                               
Freddie Mac
    7,156       3       -       7,159  
Total collateralized mortgage obligations
    7,156       3       -       7,159  
Total held to maturity
  $ 9,242,819     $ 396,581     $ (3,036 )   $ 9,636,364  
                                 
Weighted average yield at end of period
    4.02 %                        
                                 
Available for Sale:
                               
Mortgage-backed securities:
                               
Ginnie Mae
  $ 392,683     $ 34,210     $ -     $ 426,893  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    392,683       34,210       -       426,893  
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                               
Freddie Mac
    585,928       7,316       -       593,244  
Ginnie Mae
    2,508,740       -       (5,667 )     2,503,073  
Fannie Mae
    3,393,824       -       (960 )     3,392,864  
Total collateralized mortgage obligations
    6,488,492       7,316       (6,627 )     6,489,181  
Total available for sale
  $ 6,881,175     $ 41,526     $ (6,627 )   $ 6,916,074  
                                 
Weighted average yield at end of period
    4.17 %                        
 
- 11 -

 
   
September 30, 2010
 
         
Gross
   
Gross
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
 
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Value
 
HELD TO MATURITY:
                       
Mortgage-backed securities:
                       
Freddie Mac
  $ 24     $ -     $ -     $ 24  
Ginnie Mae
    160,044       13,944       -       173,988  
Fannie Mae
    10,128,927       477,620       -       10,606,547  
Total
    10,288,995       491,564       -       10,780,559  
                                 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                               
Freddie Mac
    7,896       4       -       7,900  
Total
    7,896       4       -       7,900  
                                 
Total held to maturity
  $ 10,296,891     $ 491,568     $ -     $ 10,788,459  
                                 
Weighted average yield at end of year
    4.02 %                        
                                 
AVAILABLE FOR SALE:
                               
Mortgage-backed securities:
                               
Ginnie Mae
  $ 433,843     $ 37,163     $ -     $ 471,006  
Fannie Mae
    27,433       40       -       27,473  
Total
    461,276       37,203       -       498,479  
                                 
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
                               
Freddie Mac
    794,329       13,610       -       807,939  
Ginnie Mae
    3,479,613       -       (2,353 )     3,477,260  
Fannie Mae
    4,049,540       12,308       -       4,061,848  
                                 
Total
    8,323,482       25,918       (2,353 )     8,347,047  
                                 
Total available for sale
  $ 8,784,758     $ 63,121     $ (2,353 )   $ 8,845,526  
                                 
Weighted average yield at end of year
    4.16 %                        
 
As of December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, the Company did not have any mortgage-backed securities held to maturity or available for sale that were in a continuous loss position for twelve months or more.
 
- 12 -

8. 
LOANS RECEIVABLE
 
Loans receivable at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 are summarized as follows:
 
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
Real estate mortgage:
           
Residential first mortgage
  $ 237,930,151     $ 243,648,954  
Residential second mortgage
    57,764,812       60,281,107  
Home equity lines of credit
    193,015,834       201,922,359  
Multi-family residential
    42,282,167       43,735,853  
Commercial real estate
    282,506,080       256,224,250  
Land acquisition and development
    68,511,350       74,461,741  
Real estate construction and development:
               
Residential
    6,797,934       8,126,735  
Multi-family
    3,417,663       3,876,594  
Commercial
    7,072,270       19,067,773  
Commercial and industrial
    162,140,974       155,622,170  
Consumer and installment
    3,698,673       3,512,266  
      1,065,137,908       1,070,479,802  
Add (less):
               
Deferred loan costs
    3,802,939       3,884,483  
Loans in process
    (496,479 )     (1,115,336 )
Allowance for loan losses
    (27,275,405 )     (26,975,717 )
Total
  $ 1,041,168,963     $ 1,046,273,232  
Weighted average interest rate at end of period
    5.37 %     5.34 %
Ratio of allowance to total outstanding loans
    2.56 %     2.52 %
 
The following is a summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies related to loans receivable.
 
Allowance for Loan Losses - The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses in the Company’s loan portfolio.   Loan losses are charged against and recoveries are credited to the allowance.  Provisions for loan losses are charged to income and credited to the allowance in an amount necessary to maintain an appropriate allowance given risks identified in the portfolio.  The allowance is based upon management’s quarterly estimates of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  Management’s estimates are determined through a method of quantifying certain risks in the portfolio that are affected primarily by changes in the composition and volume of the portfolio combined with an analysis of past-due and classified loans, and can also be affected by the following factors:  changes in national and local economic conditions and developments, assessment of collateral values based on independent appraisals, changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collections, charge-off and recovery practices, and changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management staff.  Loans are charged off when circumstances indicate that a loss is probable and there is no longer a reasonable expectation that a change in such circumstances will result in collection of the amount charged off.
 
The following assessments are performed quarterly in accordance with the Company’s allowance for loan losses methodology:
 
Loans considered for individual impairment analysis include loans that are past due, loans that have been placed on nonaccrual status, troubled debt restructurings, loans with internally assigned credit risk ratings that indicate an elevated level of risk, or loans that management has knowledge of or concerns about the borrower’s ability to pay under the contractual terms of the note.  Residential loans to be evaluated for impairment are generally identified through a review of loan delinquency reports, internally-developed risk classification reports, and discussions with the Bank’s loan collectors.  Commercial loans evaluated for impairment are generally identified through a review of loan delinquency reports, internally-developed risk classification reports, discussions with loan officers, discussions with borrowers, periodic individual loan reviews and local media reports indicating problems with a particular project or borrower.  Commercial loans are individually reviewed and assigned a credit risk rating periodically by the internal loan committee.
 
- 13 -

 
All loans that are not evaluated individually for impairment and any individually evaluated loans determined not to be impaired are segmented into groups based on similar risk characteristics or internally assigned credit risk ratings.  Our methodology includes factors that allow us to adjust our estimates of losses based on the most recent information available.  Historical loss rates for each risk group are used as the starting point to determine allowance provisions.  These rates are then adjusted to reflect actual changes and anticipated changes in national and local economic conditions and developments, assessment of collateral values based on independent appraisals, changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collections, charge-off and recovery practices, and changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management staff.
 
In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses.  Such agencies may require the Company to modify its allowance for loan losses based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.
 
Accrued Interest - The Company’s policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest income on any loan when, in the opinion of management, there is reasonable doubt as to the ultimate collectibility of interest or principal. Management considers many factors before placing a loan on non-accrual, including the overall financial condition of the borrower, the progress of management’s collection efforts and the value of the underlying collateral. Previously accrued but unpaid interest is charged to current income at the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Subsequent collections of cash may be applied as reductions to the principal balance, interest in arrears, or recorded as income depending on management’s assessment of the ultimate collectibility of the loan. Non-accrual loans are returned to accrual status when, in the opinion of management, the financial position of the borrower indicates there is no longer any reasonable doubt as to the timely collectibility of interest or principal.
 
Impaired Loans - A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, management determines that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the loan contract, including scheduled interest payments.  When a loan is identified as impaired, the amount of impairment is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except when the sole remaining source of repayment for the loan is the operation or liquidation of the collateral.  In these cases, observable market prices or the current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs when foreclosure is probable, are used instead of discounted cash flows.  If the value of the impaired loan is determined to be less than the recorded investment in the loan (net of previous charge-offs, deferred loan fees or costs and unamortized premium or discount), an impairment charge is recognized through a provision for loan losses.
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings - A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring if the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider.  This usually includes a modification of loan terms (such as a reduction of the rate to below-market terms, adding past-due interest to the loan balance or extending the maturity date) and possibly a partial forgiveness of debt.  A loan classified as a troubled debt restructuring will generally retain such classification until the loan is paid in full.  However, a restructured one-to-four family residential mortgage loan that yields a market rate and demonstrates the ability to pay under the terms of the restructured note through a sustained period of repayment performance, which is generally one year, is removed from the troubled debt restructuring classification.  Interest income on restructured loans is accrued at the reduced rate and the loan is returned to performing status once the borrower demonstrates the ability to pay under the terms of the restructured note through a sustained period of repayment performance, which is generally six months.

- 14 -

 
The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 26,975,717     $ 20,579,170  
Provision charged to expense
    4,300,000       6,074,000  
Charge-offs:
               
Residential real estate first mortgage
    173,980       930,913  
Residential real estate second mortgage
    331,312       185,937  
Home equity lines of credit
    530,529       725,649  
Land acquisition and development
    2,117,352       326,590  
Real estate construction & development
    178       1,436,313  
Commercial & multi-family real estate
    722,239       -  
Commercial & industrial
    161,251       73,222  
Consumer and other
    36,553       75,459  
Total charge-offs
    4,073,394       3,754,083  
Recoveries:
               
Residential real estate first mortgage
    8,208       986  
Residential real estate second mortgage
    28,870       1,092  
Home equity lines of credit
    9,649       3,506  
Real estate construction & development
    143       -  
Commercial and multi-family real estate
    1,050       5,253  
Commercial & industrial
    20,038       10,571  
Consumer and other
    5,124       2,113  
Total recoveries
    73,082       23,521  
Net charge-offs
    4,000,312       3,730,562  
Balance, end of period
  $ 27,275,405     $ 22,922,608  
 
- 15 -

 
The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010:
 
   
December 31, 2010
   
September 30, 2010
 
   
General
   
Specific
         
General
   
Specific
       
   
Allowance On
   
Allowance On
         
Allowance On
   
Allowance On
       
   
Nonimpaired
   
Impaired
         
Nonimpaired
   
Impaired
       
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Total
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Total
 
Residential real estate first mortgage
  $ 2,644,510     $ 2,380,281     $ 5,024,791     $ 1,949,118     $ 1,708,815     $ 3,657,933  
Residential real estate second mortgage
    1,610,022       818,819       2,428,841       2,269,182       899,050       3,168,232  
Home equity lines of credit
    2,789,287       1,749,699       4,538,986       3,294,174       1,071,757       4,365,931  
Land acquisition and development
    3,860,182       995,188       4,855,370       4,467,237       3,156,482       7,623,719  
Real estate construction & development
    77,436       150,437       227,873       207,888       88,037       295,925  
Commercial & multi-family real estate
    4,997,013       1,005,314       6,002,327       3,958,350       815,459       4,773,809  
Commercial & industrial
    2,151,014       1,002,049       3,153,063       2,266,756       573,707       2,840,463  
Consumer and other
    221,168       249,886       471,054       86,925       62,652       149,577  
Unallocated
    573,100       -       573,100       100,128       -       100,128  
Total
  $ 18,923,732     $ 8,351,673     $ 27,275,405     $ 18,599,758     $ 8,375,959     $ 26,975,717  
 
The following table summarizes the unpaid principal balances of nonimpaired and impaired loans at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010:
 
   
December 31, 2010
   
September 30, 2010
 
         
Impaired
 
Impaired
         
Impaired
 
Impaired
 
         
Loans with
 
Loans with
         
Loans with
 
Loans with
 
   
Nonimpaired
   
Specific
 
No Specific
   
Nonimpaired
   
Specific
 
No Specific
 
   
Loans
   
Allowance
 
Allowance
   
Loans
   
Allowance
 
Allowance
 
Residential real estate first mortgage
  $ 204,775,774     $ 9,108,005     $ 24,046,372     $ 213,578,082     $ 7,805,475     $ 22,265,397  
Residential real estate second mortgage
    53,859,975       1,050,705       2,854,132       56,233,360       1,075,800       2,971,947  
Home equity lines of credit
    188,035,857       2,975,397       2,004,580       197,938,843       1,720,474       2,263,042  
Land acquisition and development
    61,610,475       4,155,763       2,745,112       65,503,326       8,796,057       162,358  
Real estate construction & development
    13,167,860       398,992       3,721,015       26,576,489       126,992       4,367,621  
Commercial & multi-family real estate
    315,113,238       5,383,598       4,291,411       294,237,924       4,439,491       1,282,688  
Commercial & industrial
    160,226,472       1,820,491       94,011       153,521,430       2,062,052       38,688  
Consumer and other
    3,353,810       284,671       60,192       3,328,210       97,423       86,633  
Total
  $ 1,000,143,461     $ 25,177,622     $ 39,816,825     $ 1,010,917,664     $ 26,123,764     $ 33,438,374  
 
Troubled Debt Restructurings.  Included in impaired loans at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 were $33.3 million and $33.1 million, respectively, of loans that were modified and are classified as troubled debt restructurings because of the borrowers’ financial difficulties.  The restructured terms of the loans generally included a reduction of the interest rates and the addition of past due interest to the principal balance of the loans.  At December 31, 2010, $22.6 million, or 68.0%, of these loans were performing as agreed under the modified terms of the loans compared with $24.7 million, or 74.7%, at September 30, 2010.  Excluded from non-performing assets at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 were $9.0 million and $9.9 million, respectively, of loans that were modified in troubled debt restructurings but were no longer classified as non-performing because of the borrowers’ favorable performance histories.  Specific loan loss allowances related to troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 were $2.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
 
- 16 -

 
9.
DEPOSITS
 
Deposits at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 are summarized as follows:
 
   
December 31, 2010
   
September 30, 2010
 
         
Weighted
         
Weighted
 
         
Average
         
Average
 
         
Interest
         
Interest
 
   
Amount
   
Rate
   
Amount
   
Rate
 
                         
Transaction accounts:
                       
Non-interest-bearing checking
  $ 121,101,134       -     $ 149,186,009       -  
Interest-bearing checking
    376,232,430       0.71 %     345,012,929       0.90 %
Passbook savings accounts
    29,008,837       0.14 %     30,296,199       0.18 %
Money market
    205,068,263       0.48 %     189,851,005       0.52 %
Total transaction accounts
    731,410,664       0.51 %     714,346,142       0.58 %
                                 
Certificates of deposit:
                               
Retail
    332,846,588       2.01 %     328,394,523       2.20 %
CDARS
    78,476,741       0.57 %     64,050,592       0.65 %
Brokered
    8,417,895       5.23 %     8,411,863       5.23 %
Total certificates of deposit
    419,741,224       1.81 %     400,856,978       2.02 %
                                 
Total deposits
  $ 1,151,151,888       0.98 %   $ 1,115,203,120       1.09 %
 
10.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
Effective October 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification TM (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  A fair value measurement should reflect all of the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique, the effect of a restriction on the sale or use of an asset, and the risk of non-performance.
 
A three-level hierarchy for valuation techniques is used to measure financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value.  This hierarchy is based on whether the valuation inputs are observable or unobservable. Financial instrument valuations are considered Level 1 when they are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.  Level 2 financial instrument valuations use quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.  Financial instrument valuations are considered Level 3 when they are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques and at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable, and when determination of the fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.  ASC Topic 820 also provides guidance on determining fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability has significantly decreased and on identifying circumstances when a transaction may not be considered orderly.
 
- 17 -


 
The Company records securities available for sale and derivative financial instruments at their fair values on a recurring basis.  Additionally, the Company records other assets at their fair values on a nonrecurring basis, such as mortgage loans held for sale, loans held for investment and certain other assets.  These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting or impairment write-downs of individual assets.  The following is a general description of the methods used to value such assets.
 
Mortgage-Backed Securities Held to Maturity.  The fair values of mortgage-backed securities held to maturity are generally based on quoted market prices or market prices for similar assets.
 
Debt and Mortgage-Backed Securities Available for Sale.  The fair values of debt and mortgage-backed securities available for sale are generally based on quoted market prices or market prices for similar assets.
 
Interest Rate Swap Assets and Liabilities.  The fair values are based on quoted market prices by an independent valuation service.
 
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale.  The fair values of mortgage loans held for sale are generally based on commitment sales prices obtained from the Company’s investors.
 
Impaired Loans.  The fair values of impaired loans are generally based on market prices for similar assets determined through independent appraisals (Level 2 valuations) or discounted values of independent appraisals or brokers’ opinions of value (Level 3 valuations).
 
Real Estate Acquired in Settlement of Loans consists of loan collateral which has been repossessed through foreclosure or obtained by deed in lieu of foreclosure. This collateral is comprised of commercial and residential real estate. Such assets are recorded as held for sale initially at the lower of the loan balance or fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs. Fair values are generally obtained through external appraisals and assessment of property values by the Company’s internal staff.  Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are updated periodically, and the assets may be written down to reflect a new cost basis. Because many of these inputs are not observable, the measurements are classified as Level 3.
 
Intangible Assets and Goodwill are reviewed annually in the fourth fiscal quarter and/or when circumstances or other events indicate that impairment may have occurred.  Because of the decline in the market value of the Company’s common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2010, the Company reviewed goodwill for impairment as of December 31, 2010 in addition to its annual review at September 30, 2010.  No impairment losses were recognized during fiscal year 2010 or the three months ended December 31, 2010.
  
- 18 -

 
Assets and liabilities that were recorded at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 and the level of inputs used to determine their fair values are summarized below:
 
   
Carrying Value at December 31, 2010
 
          
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
    
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
    
(In thousands)
 
Assets:
                       
Debt securities available for sale
  $ 13,594     $ -     $ 13,594     $ -  
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale
    6,916       -       6,916       -  
Interest-rate swap
    1,419       -       1,419       -  
Total assets
  $ 21,929     $ -     $ 21,929     $ -  
Liabilities:
                               
Interest-rate swap
  $  1,419     $ -     $ 1,419     $ -  
Total liabilities
  $ 1,419     $ -     $ 1,419     $ -  
 
   
Carrying Value at September 30, 2010
 
          
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
    
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Assets:
                       
Debt securities available for sale
  $ 8,001     $ -     $ 8,001     $ -  
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale
    8,846       -       8,846       -  
Interest-rate swap
    1,860       -       1,860       -  
Total assets
  $ 18,707     $ -     $ 18,707     $ -  
Liabilities:
                               
Interest-rate swap
  $ 1,860     $ -     $ 1,860     $ -  
Total liabilities
  $ 1,860     $ -     $ 1,860     $ -  
 
- 19 -

 
Assets that were recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 and the level of inputs used to determine their fair values are summarized below:
  
                           
Total (Gains)/
 
                            
Losses
 
                            
Recognized in
 
    
Carrying Value at December 31, 2010
   
the Year Ended
 
          
Fair Value Measurements Using
   
December 31,
 
    
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
2010
 
    
(In thousands)
       
Assets:
                             
Loans held for sale
  $ 91,229     $ -     $ 91,229     $ -     $ (598 )
Impaired loans, net
    16,826               8,327       8,499       (24 )
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans
    13,010       -       -       13,010       1,090  
Total assets
  $ 121,065     $ -     $ 99,556     $ 21,509     $ 468  
                                         
                                   
Total Losses
 
                                    
Recognized in
 
    
Carrying Value at September 30, 2010
   
the Year Ended
 
            
Fair Value Measurements Using
   
September 30,
 
    
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
2010
 
    
(In thousands)
         
Assets:
                                       
Loans held for sale
  $ 113     $ -     $ 113     $ -     $ -  
Impaired loans, net
    17,748               10,826       6,922       4,335  
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans
    14,900       -       -       14,900       8,373  
Total assets
  $ 32,761     $ -     $ 10,939     $ 21,822     $ 12,708  
 
11.
DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The following fair values of financial instruments have been estimated by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is necessarily required to interpret market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company might realize in a current market exchange.  The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
 
The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010.  Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date.  Therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.
 
- 20 -

 
Carrying values and estimated fair values at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 are summarized as follows:
 
   
December 31, 2010
   
September 30, 2010
 
          
Estimated
         
Estimated
 
    
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
    
Value
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
 
    
(In Thousands)
 
ASSETS:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 16,001     $ 16,001     $ 15,603     $ 15,603  
Debt securities - AFS
    13,594       13,594       8,001       8,001  
Capital stock of FHLB
    10,184       10,184       9,774       9,774  
Mortgage-backed  securities - HTM
    9,243       9,636       10,297       10,788  
Mortgage-backed  securities - AFS
    6,916       6,916       8,846       8,846  
Loans receivable held for sale
    271,152       276,924       253,578       258,414  
Loans receivable
    1,041,169       1,090,986       1,046,273       1,094,190  
Accrued interest receivable
    4,323       4,323       4,432       4,432  
Interest-rate swap assets
    1,419       1,419       1,860       1,860  
                                 
LIABILITIES:
                               
Deposit transaction accounts
    731,411       731,411       714,346       714,346  
Certificate of deposits
    419,741       424,160       400,857       406,095  
Advances from the FHLB
    161,800       164,023       181,000       183,139  
Subordinated debentures
    19,589       19,583       19,589       19,583  
Accrued interest payable
    656       656       945       945  
Interest-rate swap liabilities
    1,419       1,419       1,860       1,860  
                                 
   
December 31, 2010
   
September 30, 2010
 
    
Contract
   
Estimated
   
Contract
   
Estimated
 
    
or Notional
   
Fair
   
or Notional
   
Fair
 
    
Amount
   
Value
   
Amount
   
Value
 
    
(In Thousands)
 
OFF BALANCE SHEET FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
                               
Commitments to originate
                               
first and second mortgage loans
  $ 32,922     $ 33,623     $ 80,944     $ 82,490  
Commitments to originate commercial mortgage loans
    26,940     $ 27,853       22,901       23,737  
Commitments to originate non-mortgage loans
    18,723     $ 18,347       11,378       10,918  
Unused lines of credit
    195,788     $ 198,999       206,451       204,985  
 
In addition to the methods described in Note 10 above, the following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the financial instruments that were recorded at historical cost in the Company’s financial statements at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents - The carrying amount approximates fair value.
 
Capital Stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank - The carrying amount represents redemption value, which approximates fair value.
 
Loans Receivable - The fair value of loans receivable is estimated based on present values using applicable risk-adjusted spreads to the U. S. Treasury curve to approximate current interest rates applicable to each category of such financial instruments. No adjustment was made to the interest rates for changes in credit risk of performing loans where there are no known credit concerns. Management segregates loans in appropriate risk categories. Management believes that the risk factor embedded in the interest rates along with the allowance for loan losses applicable to the performing loan portfolio results in a fair valuation of such loans.  The fair values of impaired loans are generally based on market prices for similar assets determined through independent appraisals or discounted values of independent appraisals and brokers’ opinions of value.  This method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit-price concept of fair value prescribed by ASC Topic 820.
 
- 21 -

 
Accrued Interest Receivable - The carrying value approximates fair value.
 
Interest-Rate Swap Assets - The fair value is based on quoted market prices by an independent valuation service.
 
Deposits - The estimated fair value of demand deposits and savings accounts is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The estimated fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows of existing deposits using rates currently available on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank having similar characteristics.
 
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank - The estimated fair value of advances from Federal Home Loan Bank is determined by discounting the future cash flows of existing advances using rates currently available on advances from Federal Home Loan Bank having similar characteristics.
 
Subordinated Debentures - The estimated fair values of subordinated debentures are determined by discounting the estimated future cash flows using rates currently available on debentures having similar characteristics.
 
Accrued Interest Payable - The carrying value approximates fair value.
 
Interest-Rate Swap Liabilities - The fair value is based on quoted market prices by an independent valuation service.
 
Off-Balance-Sheet Items - The estimated fair value of commitments to originate or purchase loans is based on the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements and the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The Company believes such commitments have been made on terms that are competitive in the markets in which it operates; however, no premium or discount is offered thereon, and accordingly, the Company has not assigned a value to such instruments for purposes of this disclosure.
 
12.
INTEREST-RATE SWAPS
 
The Company entered into two $14 million notional value interest-rate swap contracts during 2008 totaling $28 million notional value.  These contracts supported a $14 million, variable-rate, commercial loan relationship and were used to allow the commercial loan customer to pay a fixed interest rate to the Bank, while the Bank, in turn, charged the customer a floating interest rate on the loan.  Under the terms of the swap contract between the Bank and the loan customer, the customer pays the Bank a fixed interest rate of 6.58%, while the Bank pays the customer a variable interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 2.30%.  Under the terms of a similar but separate swap contract between the Bank and a major securities broker, the Bank pays the broker a fixed interest rate of 6.58%, while the broker pays the Bank a variable interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 2.30%.  The two contracts have identical terms and are scheduled to mature on May 15, 2015.  While these two swap derivatives generally work together as an interest-rate hedge, the Company has not designated them for hedge accounting treatment.  Consequently, both derivatives are marked to fair value through either a charge or credit to current earnings.
 
- 22 -

 
The fair values of these contracts recorded in the consolidated balance sheets are summarized as follows:
 
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
             
Fair value recorded in other assets
  $ 1,419,000     $ 1,860,000  
Fair value recorded in other liabilities
    1,419,000       1,860,000  
 
The gross gains and losses on these contracts recorded in non-interest expense in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three-month period ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 are summarized as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
    
December 31,
 
    
2010
   
2009
 
    
(in thousands)
Gross (gains) losses on derivative financial assets
  $ 440,000     $ 245,000  
Gross (gains) losses on derivative financial liabilities
    (440,000 )     (245,000 )
Net loss (gain)
  $ -     $ -  
 
13.
GOODWILL
 
Goodwill totaled $3.9 million at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, respectively.  Goodwill represents the amount of acquisition cost over the fair value of net assets acquired in the purchase of another financial institution.  The Company reviews goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the asset might be impaired.  Impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  Any such adjustments are reflected in the results of operations in the periods in which they become known.  After a goodwill impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of goodwill becomes its new accounting basis.  Because of the decline in the market value of the Company’s common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2010, the Company reviewed goodwill for impairment as of December 31, 2010 in addition to its annual review at September 30, 2010.  No impairment losses were recognized during fiscal year 2010 or the three months ended December 31, 2010.
 
- 23 -

 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This report contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which are made in good faith pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements are not historical facts; rather they are statements based on Pulaski Financial Corp.’s (the “Company”) current expectations regarding its business strategies, intended results and future performance.  Forward-looking statements are generally preceded by terms such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends” and similar expressions.
 
Management’s ability to predict results or the effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain.  Factors that could affect actual results include interest rate trends, the economy in the market area in which Pulaski Financial Corp. operates, as well as nationwide, Pulaski Financial Corp.’s ability to control costs and expenses, competitive products and pricing, loan demand, loan delinquency rates, changes in accounting policies and changes in federal and state legislation and regulation.  The Company provides greater detail regarding some of these factors in its Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010, including the Risk Factors section of that report.  The Company’s forward-looking statements may also be subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those that it may discuss elsewhere in this report or in its other filings with the SEC. These factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.  Pulaski Financial Corp. assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
 
GENERAL
 
Pulaski Financial Corp., operating in its eighty-ninth year, is a community-based, financial institution holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.  It conducts operations primarily through Pulaski Bank (the “Bank”), a federally chartered savings bank with $1.47 billion in assets at December 31, 2010.  Pulaski Bank provides an array of financial products and services for businesses and consumers primarily through its twelve full-service offices in the St. Louis metropolitan area and six loan production offices in the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas and Wichita, Kansas.
 
The Company has primarily grown its assets and deposits internally by building its residential and commercial lending operations, by opening de novo branches, and by hiring experienced bankers with existing customer relationships in its market.  The Company’s goal is to continue to deliver value to its shareholders and enhance its franchise value and earnings through controlled growth in its banking operations, while maintaining the personal, community-oriented customer service that has characterized its success to date.
 
RESULTS OF COMMUNITY BANKING STRATEGY
 
The Company’s community banking strategy emphasizes high-quality, responsive, and personalized customer service.  The Company has been successful in distinguishing itself from the larger regional banks operating in its market areas by offering quicker decision making in the delivery of banking products and services, offering customized products where needed, and providing customers access to senior decision makers.  Crucial to this strategy is growth in the Company’s three primary business lines:  commercial banking services, retail mortgage lending and retail banking services.
 
- 24 -

 
Commercial Banking Services
 
The Company’s commercial banking services are centered on serving small- to medium-sized businesses primarily in the St. Louis metropolitan area and the Company’s operations continue to be driven by its staff of experienced commercial bankers and the commercial banking relationships they generate.  Commercial loan originations totaled $89.2 million during the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with $96.6 million during the same period last year.  Although origination activity slowed during the fiscal 2011 period compared with the prior year as the result of the distressed local and national economic climate, the Company continued to originate commercial loans to its most credit-worthy customers under tightened credit standards.  The commercial loan portfolio increased $11.6 million during the three-month period to $572.7 million at December 31, 2010 compared with $561.1 million at September 30, 2010.  Commercial real estate loans increased $26.3 million as the result of new originations and the conversion of certain maturing construction loans to permanent financing, and commercial and industrial loans increased $6.8 million.  Commercial and multi-family construction and development loans decreased $12.5 million and land acquisition and development loans decreased $6.3 million as management decided to decrease the Company’s exposure to construction and development lending because of the weakened national and local economic conditions.
 
Retail Mortgage Lending
 
The Company is a conforming, residential mortgage lender that originates loans directly through commission-based sales staffs in the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas and, recently, in Wichita, Kansas.  The Company is a leading mortgage originator in the St. Louis and Kansas City markets, as it has successfully leveraged its reputation for strength and quality customer service with its staff of experienced mortgage loan officers who have strong community relationships.  Substantially all of the loans originated in the retail mortgage division are one- to four-family residential loans that are sold to investors on a servicing-released basis.  Such sales generate mortgage revenues, which is the Company’s largest source of non-interest income.  In addition, loans that are closed and are held pending their sale to investors provide a valuable source of interest income until they are delivered to such investors.
 
Residential mortgage loans originated for sale to investors totaled $629.5 million during the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with $455.8 million during the same period last year.  The increased activity during the fiscal 2011 period reflected an increased market demand for mortgage refinancings as a result of the low interest rate environment that existed during the December 2010 quarter.  Mortgage loan refinancing activity represented approximately 72% of total loan originations during the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with 45% during the same period last year.
 
Residential loans sold to investors for the three months ended December 31, 2010 totaled $611.9 million, which generated mortgage revenues totaling $1.8 million, compared with $413.7 million of loans sold and $2.7 million in revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2009.  The Company realized lower profit margins on loans sold during the December 2010 quarter compared with the prior year quarter as the result of: a higher percentage of loan activity related to mortgage refinancings, which generally result in lower profit margins than home purchase activity; a lower percentage of FHA and VA loan originations, which generally produce higher sales margins than conventional mortgages; extended commitment periods for delivery of loans to the Company’s mortgage loan investors due to increased origination volumes, tightening underwriting criteria required by such investors and increasing regulatory compliance requirements, resulting in lower sales margins; and increased variable costs on loans originated.  In addition, the Company increased its reserve for amounts potentially due to the Company’s loan investors under guarantees related to loans that were previously sold and became delinquent or defaulted.  Expense related to such guarantees totaled $677,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with $54,000 during the same period last year and, at December 31, 2010, the related reserve totaled $787,000.
 
Another important source of revenue generated by the Company’s mortgage banking operation is interest income on mortgage loans that are held for sale pending delivery to the Company’s loan investors.  Because such loans are generally held for short periods of time pending delivery to such investors, the Company is able to fund them with short-term, low cost-funding sources, which results in higher interest-rate spreads than other interest-earning assets held by the Company.  Interest income on loans held for sale increased 99.3% to $3.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 compared with $1.6 million for the same period last year, primarily due to a $171.2 million increase in the average balance resulting from the increased origination activity and extended delivery times to the Company’s loan investors.  Loans originated for sale during the three months ended December 31, 2010 exceeded loans sold, resulting in a $17.6 million, or 7%, increase in mortgage loans held for sale to $271.2 million at December 31, 2010 from $253.6 million at September 30, 2010.
 
- 25 -

 
Looking forward to the March 2010 quarter compared with the December 2010 quarter, the Company anticipates noticeable declines in mortgage revenues and net interest income related to its mortgage banking operation based on an expectation of seasonally lower loan origination volumes, lower refinancing activity and a decline in loans held for sale as loan sales are likely to exceed originations.  These mortgage-related declines are expected to be partially offset by growth in interest income from selective commercial loan growth and modestly lower expense related to loan credit quality.
 
Retail Banking Services
 
Core deposits, which include checking, money market and passbook accounts, provide a stable funding source for the Company’s asset growth and produce valuable fee income.  Their growth continues to be one of the Company’s primary strategic objectives, resulting in an increase of $17.1 million, or 2.4%, to $731.4 million at December 31, 2010 from $714.3 million at September 30, 2010.  Checking accounts, which represent the cornerstone product in a customer relationship, increased $3.1 million to $497.3 million at December 31, 2010 from $494.2 million at September 30, 2010 as the result of growth in deposits from municipal and retail customers, partially offset by a decrease in deposits from commercial customers.  Also enhancing its ability to attract core deposits, the Bank participates in the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee Program, which provides full FDIC insurance coverage for non interest-bearing transaction accounts and qualifying NOW accounts, regardless of the dollar amount, and is in addition to the standard FDIC insurance that was temporarily increased to $250,000 per depositor.  Both FDIC limits will be in effect through December 31, 2013.  Money market accounts increased $15.2 million to $205.1 million at December 31, 2010 from $189.9 million at September 30, 2010 primarily as the result of growth in deposits from commercial and retail customers.  The weighted-average costs of interest-bearing checking accounts and money market accounts decreased to 0.51% at December 31, 2010 compared with 0.58% at September 30, 2010 primarily due to declining market interest rates.
 
Certificates of deposit increased $18.9 million to $419.7 million at December 31, 2010 from $400.9 million at September 30, 2010, primarily as the result of a $14.4 million increase in CDARS time deposits to $78.5 million and a $4.5 million increase in retail time deposits to $332.8 million.  CDARS deposits, which are generally offered to in-market retail and commercial customers and to public entities, offer the Bank’s customers the ability to receive FDIC insurance on deposits up to $50 million.  Total deposits increased $35.9 million, or 3.2%, to $1.15 billion at December 31, 2010 from $1.12 billion at September 30, 2010.
 
Retail banking fees, which include fees charged to customers who have overdrawn their checking accounts and service charges on other retail banking products, were $1.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010, compared with $932,000 for the same period last year, respectively.  The increase in retail banking fees during the December 2010 quarter resulted from a change in deposit fee structure.
 
- 26 -

 
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS
 
The following table sets forth information regarding average daily balances of assets and liabilities as well as the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets and interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, resultant yields, interest rate spread, net interest margin, and ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
    
December 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
          
Interest
               
Interest
       
    
Average
   
and
   
Yield/
   
Average
   
and
   
Yield/
 
    
Balance
   
Dividends
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Dividends
   
Cost
 
    
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                   
Loans receivable: (1)
                                   
Real estate
  $ 274,743     $ 3,981       5.80 %   $ 303,648     $ 4,772       6.29 %
Commercial
    588,626       7,716       5.24 %     617,011       7,791       5.05 %
Home equity lines of credit
    197,560       1,860       3.77 %     224,570       2,253       4.01 %
Consumer
    3,241       28       3.30 %     3,578       43       4.77 %
Total loans receivable
    1,064,170       13,585       5.11 %     1,148,807       14,859       5.17 %
Mortgage loans held for sale
    305,905       3,229       4.22 %     134,745       1,620       4.81 %
Securities and other
    49,650       310       2.50 %     63,603       358       2.25 %
Total interest-earning assets
    1,419,725       17,124       4.82 %     1,347,155       16,837       5.00 %
Non-interest-earning assets
    85,062                       66,533                  
Total assets
  $ 1,504,787                     $ 1,413,688                  
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
Interest-bearing checking
  $ 349,761       791       0.91 %   $ 291,480       920       1.26 %
Passbook savings
    29,668       12       0.16 %     28,724       18       0.25 %
Money market
    196,208       372       0.76 %     252,419       755       1.20 %
Certificates of deposit
    407,003       2,023       1.99 %     488,691       2,934       2.40 %
Total interest-bearing deposits
    982,640       3,198       1.30 %     1,061,314       4,627       1.74 %
FHLB advances
    222,698       382       0.69 %     99,282       558       2.25 %
Federal Reserve borrowings
    -       -       -       51       -       0.50 %
Subordinated debentures
    19,589       128       2.61 %     19,589       127       2.60 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    1,224,927       3,708       1.21 %     1,180,236       5,312       1.80 %
Non-interest bearing liabilities:
                                               
Non-interest bearing deposits
    141,331                       97,538                  
Other non-interest bearing liabilities
    18,533                       16,450                  
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities
    159,864                       113,988                  
Stockholders' equity
    119,996                       119,464                  
                                                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 1,504,787                     $ 1,413,688                  
                                                 
Net interest income
          $ 13,416                     $ 11,525          
                                                 
Interest rate spread (2)
                    3.61 %                     3.20 %
                                                 
Net interest margin (3)
                    3.78 %                     3.42 %
                                                 
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
    115.90 %                     114.14 %                

(1)
Include non-accrual loans with an average balance of $29.4 million and $22.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(2)
Yield on interest-earning assets less cost of interest-bearing  liabilities.
(3)
Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
 
- 27 -

 
RATE VOLUME ANALYSIS
 
The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on net interest income for the periods indicated. The total change for each category of interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability is segmented into the change attributable to variations in volume (change in volume multiplied by prior period rate) and the change attributable to variations in interest rates (changes in rates multiplied by prior period volume).  Changes in interest income and expense attributed to both changes in volume and changes in rate are allocated proportionately to rate and volume.

   
Three Months Ended
 
    
December 31, 2010 vs 2009
 
    
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
 
         
(In thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                 
Loans receivable:
                 
Real estate
  $ (435 )   $ (356 )   $ (791 )
Commercial
    (1,331 )     1,256       (75 )
Home equity lines of credit
    (262 )     (131 )     (393 )
Consumer
    (3 )     (12 )     (15 )
Total loans receivable
    (2,031 )     757       (1,274 )
Mortgage loans held for sale
    2,917       (1,308 )     1,609  
Securities and other
    (86 )     38       (48 )
Net change in income on interest earning assets
    800       (513 )     287  
                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                       
Interest-bearing checking
    799       (928 )     (129 )
Passbook savings
    3       (9 )     (6 )
Money market
    (145 )     (238 )     (383 )
Certificates of deposit
    (450 )     (461 )     (911 )
Total interest-bearing deposits
    207       (1,636 )     (1,429 )
FHLB advances
    1,875       (2,051 )     (176 )
Subordinated debentures
    1       -       1  
Net change in expense on interest bearing liabilities
    2,083       (3,687 )     (1,604 )
                         
Change in net interest income
  $ (1,283 )   $ 3,174     $ 1,891  
  
- 28 -

 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Company reported net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 of $3.1 million compared with net income of $1.3 million during the same quarter last year.  The Company reported net income available to common shares for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 of $2.6 million, or $0.24 per diluted common share on 10.9 million average diluted shares outstanding, compared with net income available to common shares of $736,000, or $0.07 per diluted common share on 10.5 million average diluted shares outstanding, during the same quarter last year.  Reducing income available to common shares for the three months ended December 31, 2010 were dividends and discount accretion on the Company’s preferred stock, issued during January 2009 as part of the U.S. Treasury’s TARP Capital Purchase Plan, totaling $516,000, or $0.05 per diluted common share compared with $514,000, or $0.05 per diluted common share in the comparable 2009 period.

Net interest income rose 16%, or $1.9 million, to $13.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 compared with $11.5 million for the same period last year primarily as the result of a 36 basis point increase in the net interest margin.  The net interest margin increased to 3.78% for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 compared with 3.42% for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 primarily as the result of an increase in the average balance of loans held for sale, which typically produce higher interest-rate spreads than other interest-earning assets held by the Company, combined with a market-driven decline in the cost of deposits and wholesale borrowings.  The average balance of interest-earning assets increased to $1.42 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 compared with $1.35 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 primarily as the result of the increase in the average balance of mortgage loans held for sale.
 
Total interest and dividend income increased 2.0% to $17.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010, compared with $16.8 million for the same quarter last year primarily as the result of the increase in interest income on mortgage loans held for sale partially offset by a decrease in interest income on loans receivable.
 
Interest income on loans receivable decreased 8.6% to $13.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010, compared with $14.9 million for the same quarter last year as the result of a decrease in the average balance and the average yield.  The average balance of loans receivable decreased to $1.06 billion during the three months ended December 31, 2010, compared with $1.15 billion during the same period last year primarily as the result of weakened market demand for the Company’s loan products and the Company’s tightened underwriting standards.  The average yield on loans receivable decreased to 5.11% during the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with 5.17% during the same period last year primarily as the result of a market driven decrease in the average yield on residential real estate and home equity loans partially offset by an increase in the average yield on commercial loans.  The yield on commercial loans continued to benefit from the implementation of interest-rate floors on new and renewing loans.
 
Interest income on mortgage loans held for sale increased 99.3% to $3.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010, compared with $1.6 million for the same quarter last year as the result of an increase in the average balance, partially offset by a market driven decrease in the average yield.  The average balance of mortgage loans held for sale increased to $305.9 million during the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with $134.7 million during the same period last year as the result of increased origination activity and extended delivery times to the Company’s loan investors.  The average yield on mortgage loans held for sale was 4.22% during the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with 4.81% during the same period last year. See Results of Community Banking Strategy – Retail Mortgage Lending.
 
Total interest expense decreased $1.6 million, or 30.2%, to $3.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 compared with $5.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2009.  The lower expense was primarily the result of a decrease in the average cost of funds partially offset by an increase in the average balance.  The average cost of funds decreased from 1.80% for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 to 1.21% for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 and the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased from $1.18 billion to $1.22 billion during the same period, respectively.  The increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities resulted primarily from an increase in the average balance of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (“FHLB”), which was used to fund asset growth and the decrease in time deposits.  The decreased average cost during the three-month period was the result of lower market interest rates, a decrease in time deposits and a shift in the mix of wholesale funding sources.  The Company primarily funds its assets with savings deposits from its retail and commercial customers.  This funding source is supplemented with wholesale funds consisting primarily of borrowings from the FHLB, short-term borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank and time deposits from national brokers.  Management actively chooses among these wholesale funding sources depending on their relative costs, the Company’s overall interest rate risk exposure and the Company’s overall borrowing capacity at the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank.
 
- 29 -

 
Interest expense on deposits decreased $1.4 million, or 30.9%, to $3.2 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2010 compared with $4.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2009.  The decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in the average cost to 1.30% for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 from 1.74% for the comparable quarter in the prior year.  The lower average cost resulted from decreases in market interest rates and the average balance of higher-cost time deposits. See Results of Community Banking Strategy – Retail Banking Services.
 
Interest expense on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank decreased $174,000, or 31.3%, to $383,000 during the quarter ended December 31, 2010 compared with $557,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 primarily as the result of a decrease in the average cost partially offset by an increase in the average balance.  The average balance increased to $222.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 from $99.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 and the average cost decreased from 2.25% to 0.69% during the same period, respectively.  The increased average balance was used to fund asset growth and the decrease in higher-cost time deposits.  The decrease in the average cost was the result of lower market interest rates during the 2010 period.
 
Provision for Loan Losses
 
The provision for loan losses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 was $4.3 million compared with $6.1 million for the same period a year ago.  The change in the provision for the three month period was primarily due to changes in the levels of net charge-offs and the balance of non-performing loans.  See Non-Performing Assets and Allowance for Loan Losses.
 
Non-Interest Income
 
Total non-interest income decreased 18.0% to $3.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 compared with $4.4 million for the same period last year.  The decrease was primarily the result of lower mortgage revenues partially offset by an increase in retail banking fees.  See Results of Community Banking Strategy – Retail Mortgage Lending and Results of Community Banking Strategy – Retail Banking Services.
 
Investment brokerage revenues totaled $446,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with $424,000 for the same period a year ago. The Company operates an investment brokerage division whose operations consist principally of brokering bonds from wholesale brokerage houses to other banks, municipalities and individual investors.  Revenues are generated on trading spreads and fluctuate with changes in customer demand, trading volumes and market interest rates.  The Company saw an increase in sales volumes during the December 2010 period compared with the prior-year period as a result of stronger market demand for fixed-income investment products in the midst of a favorable interest rate environment and weakened loan demand by the Company’s investment customers.
 
Non-Interest Expense
 
Total non-interest expense increased $119,000 to $8.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 compared with $8.2 million for the same period a year ago.
 
Salaries and employee benefits expense decreased $495,000 to $3.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 compared with $3.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2009.  The decrease was primarily due to a higher level of direct, fixed compensation costs deferred against mortgage loans originated as the result of increased activity.
 
Advertising expense decreased $47,000 to $100,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with $147,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2009.  The decrease was generally due to a reduction in the overall level of advertising during the December 2010 quarter resulting from a more focused effort to control such expenses.
 
- 30 -

 
Professional fees decreased $73,000 to $445,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 compared with $517,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2009.  The decrease was primarily the result of lower expenses associated with credit collections and regulatory compliance.

FDIC deposit insurance premium expense increased $131,000 to $623,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with $492,000 for the same period in 2009.  The increase was the primarily the result of an increase in the rate paid for deposit insurance partially offset by a decrease in the average balance.

Real estate foreclosure expense and losses was $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with $436,000 for the same period in 2009.  See Non-Performing Assets and Allowance for Loan Losses.
 
Income Taxes
 
The provision for income taxes increased $880,000 to $1.3 million, or an effective rate of 30.16%, for the quarter ended December 31, 2010, compared with $466,000, or an effective rate of 27.15%, for the three months ended December 31, 2009.  The higher effective tax rate in the December 2010 quarter was primarily the result of a lower ratio of tax-exempt income on bank owned life insurance and tax-exempt interest on loans to total pre-tax income that resulted from the higher level of pre-tax income in the period.
 
- 31 -

 
NON-PERFORMING ASSETS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
Non-performing assets at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 are summarized as follows:
 
   
December 31,
   
September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2010
 
Non-accrual loans:
           
Residential real estate:
           
First mortgage
  $ 8,857,882     $ 6,726,710  
Second mortgage
    1,492,344       1,522,066  
Home equity
    3,266,298       2,205,504  
Commercial and multi-family real estate
    9,512,796       5,538,651  
Land acquisition and development
    6,738,763       8,796,057  
Real estate construction and development
    1,135,663       1,188,743  
Commercial and industrial
    414,351       417,171  
Consumer and other
    285,735       101,425  
Total non-accrual loans
    31,703,832       26,496,327  
Troubled debt restructurings:
               
Current under restructured terms:
               
Residential real estate:
               
First mortgage
    15,759,806       16,093,071  
Second mortgage
    1,929,394       2,186,284  
Home equity
    1,039,387       1,050,152  
Commercial and multi-family real estate
    162,213       183,528  
Land acquisition and development  Land acquisition and development
    120,890       97,501  
Real estate construction and development
    2,933,531       3,305,869  
Commercial and industrial
    618,220       1,683,568  
Consumer and other
    59,127       82,631  
Total current troubled debt restructurings
    22,622,568       24,682,604  
Past due under restructured terms:
               
Residential real estate:
               
First mortgage
    8,536,690       7,251,091  
Second mortgage
    483,100       339,397  
Home equity
    674,293       727,859  
Land acquisition and development Land acquisition and development
    41,222       64,857  
Real estate construction and development
    50,812       -  
Commercial and industrial
    881,930       -  
Total past due troubled debt restructurings
    10,668,047       8,383,204  
Total troubled debt restructurings
    33,290,615       33,065,808  
Total non-performing loans
    64,994,447       59,562,135  
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans:
               
Residential real estate
    2,614,801       3,632,598  
Commercial real estate
    10,394,921       11,267,714  
Total real estate acquired in settlement of loans
    13,009,722       14,900,312  
Other nonperforming assets
    11,705       -  
Total non-performing assets
  $ 78,015,874     $ 74,462,447  
                 
Ratio of non-performing loans to total loans receivable
    6.10 %     5.56 %
Ratio of non-performing assets to totals assets
    5.32 %     5.13 %
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans
    41.97 %     45.29 %
Excluding troubled debt restructurings that are current under restructured terms and related allowance for loan losses:
               
Ratio of non-performing loans to total loans receivable
    2.56 %     2.52 %
Ratio of non-performing assets to totals assets
    3.78 %     3.43 %
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans
    63.80 %     75.47 %

 
- 32 -

 
Non-performing assets increased $3.6 million to $78.0 million at December 31, 2010 compared with $74.5 million at September 30, 2010 primarily the result of a $5.2 million increase in non-accrual loans partially offset by a $1.9 million decrease in real estate acquired in settlement of loans.  Loans are placed on non-accrual status when, in the opinion of management, there is reasonable doubt as to the collectability of interest or principal.  Management considers many factors before placing a loan on non-accrual, including the overall financial condition of the borrower, the progress of management’s collection efforts and the value of the underlying collateral. Non-accrual loans totaled $31.7 million at December 31, 2010 compared with $26.5 million at September 30, 2010.  The increase during the three-month period was primarily due to a $3.2 million increase in non-accrual residential real estate loans and $1.9 million increase in non-accrual commercial loans primarily related to the continued adverse economic environment.
 
A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring if the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider.  A loan classified as a troubled debt restructuring will generally retain such classification until the loan is paid in full.  However, a restructured one- to four-family residential mortgage loan that yields a market rate and demonstrates the ability to pay under the terms of the restructured note through a sustained period of repayment performance, which is generally one year, is removed from the troubled debt restructuring classification.  Interest income on restructured loans is accrued at the reduced rate and the loan is returned to performing status once the borrower demonstrates the ability to pay under the terms of the restructured note through a sustained period of repayment performance, which is generally six months.
 
Restructured residential loans totaled $28.4 million at December 31, 2010 compared with $27.6 million at September 30, 2010.  Management continued its efforts to proactively modify loan repayment terms with residential borrowers who were experiencing financial difficulties in the current economic climate with the belief that these actions would maximize the Bank’s ultimate recoveries on these loans.  The restructured terms of the loans generally included a reduction of the interest rates and the addition of past due interest to the principal balance of the loans.  During the three months ended December 31, 2010, the Company restructured approximately $834,000 of loans to troubled residential borrowers and returned approximately $2.2 million of previously restructured residential loans to performing status as the result of the borrowers’ favorable performance history since restructuring, compared with $8.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively, during the comparable period last  year.  At December 31, 2010, $28.4 million, or 85% of total restructured loans, related to residential borrowers compared with $27.6 million, or 84% of total restructured loans, at September 30, 2010.  At December 31, 2010, 66% of these residential borrowers were performing as agreed under the modified terms of the loans compared with 70% at September 30, 2010.  The fluctuation in the percentage of restructured residential loans that were performing under their modified terms was primarily the result of returning a portion of such loans to performing status during the three months ended December 31, 2010 and migration of certain other restructured residential loans to the past due status.
 
Real estate acquired in settlement of loans decreased to $13.0 million at December 31, 2010 compared with $14.9 million at September 30, 2010 due to the sale of several residential real estate properties and the write down of a large commercial property.  Real estate foreclosure losses and expense was $1.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with $436,000 for the same period last year.  Real estate foreclosure losses and expense includes realized losses on the final disposition of foreclosed properties, additional write-downs for declines in the fair market values of properties subsequent to foreclosure, and expenses incurred in connection with maintaining the properties until they are sold.  Expense during the December 2010 quarter included an additional $717,000 write-down of an existing commercial real estate property due to a decline in its estimated value since its acquisition in a prior period.
 
- 33 -

 
The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the period indicated.

   
Three Months Ended
 
    
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Balance, beginning of period
  $ 26,975,717     $ 20,579,170  
Provision charged to expense
    4,300,000       6,074,000  
Net charge-offs:
               
Residential real estate first mortgage
    165,772       929,927  
Residential real estate second mortgage
    302,442       184,845  
Home equity lines of credit
    520,880       722,143  
Land acquisition and development
    2,117,352       326,590  
Real estate construction & development
    35       1,436,313  
Commercial & multi-family real estate
    721,189       (5,253 )
Commercial & industrial
    141,213       62,651  
Consumer and other
    31,429       73,346  
Total charge-offs, net
    4,000,312       3,730,562  
Balance, end of period
  $ 27,275,405     $ 22,922,608  

 
The provision for loan losses for the three months ended December 31, 2010 was $4.3 million compared with $6.1 million in the same period last year.  The larger three-month provision recorded in the December 2009 quarter was primarily due to a 17% increase in non-performing assets during that quarter compared with a 5% increase during the December 2010 quarter.
 
Net charge-offs for the three-months ended December 31, 2010 totaled $4.0 million, or 1.51% of average loans on an annualized basis compared with $3.7 million, or 1.30% of average loans on an annualized basis for the same period a year ago.  Net charge-offs in the December 2010 quarter included $3.0 million of charge-offs on commercial loans and $989,000 of charge-offs on residential mortgage loans compared with $1.8 million and $1.8 million, respectively, in the same period last year.  Because a large portion of the Company’s loan portfolio is collateralized by real estate, losses occur more frequently when property values are declining and borrowers are losing equity in the underlying collateral.  Approximately 70%, or $2.8 million, of net charge-offs in the December 2010 quarter related to a relationship with one commercial borrower.  In addition, declines in residential real estate values in the Company’s market areas, as well as nationally, contributed to the high levels of charge-offs in the December 2010 and 2009 quarters.
 
The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to loans receivable was 2.56% at December 31, 2010 compared with 2.52% at September 30, 2010.  The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans was 41.97% at December 31, 2010 compared with 45.29% at September 30, 2010.  Excluding restructured loans that were performing under their restructured terms and the related allowance for loan losses, the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to the remaining non-performing loans was 63.80% at December 31, 2010 compared with 75.47% at September 30, 2010.  Management believes the changes in this coverage ratio are appropriate due to a change in the mix of non-performing loans during the period, specifically troubled debt restructurings that were performing under their restructured terms.
 
The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb probable losses in the Company’s loan portfolio. Loan losses are charged against and recoveries are credited to the allowance. Provisions for loan losses are charged to income and credited to the allowance in an amount necessary to maintain an appropriate allowance given risks identified in the portfolio. The allowance is based upon management’s quarterly estimates of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  Management’s estimates are determined through a method of quantifying certain risks in the portfolio that are affected primarily by changes in the composition and volume of the portfolio combined with an analysis of past-due and classified loans, and can also be affected by the following factors: changes in national and local economic conditions and developments, assessment of collateral values based on independent appraisals, changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collections, charge-off and recovery practices, and changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management staff.
 
- 34 -

 
The following assessments are performed quarterly in accordance with the Company’s allowance for loan losses methodology:
 
Loans considered for individual impairment analysis include loans that are past due, loans that have been placed on nonaccrual status, troubled debt restructurings, loans with internally assigned credit risk ratings that indicate an elevated level of risk, or loans that management has knowledge of or concerns about the borrower’s ability to pay under the contractual terms of the note. Residential loans to be evaluated for impairment are generally identified through a review of loan delinquency reports, internally-developed risk classification reports, and discussions with the Bank’s loan collectors. Commercial loans evaluated for impairment are generally identified through a review of loan delinquency reports, internally-developed risk classification reports, discussions with loan officers, discussions with borrowers, periodic individual loan reviews and local media reports indicating problems with a particular project or borrower. Commercial loans are individually reviewed and assigned a credit risk rating periodically by the internal loan committee.
 
All loans that are not evaluated individually for impairment and any individually evaluated loans determined not to be impaired are segmented into groups based on similar risk characteristics or internally assigned credit risk ratings. Our methodology includes factors that allow us to adjust our estimates of losses based on the most recent information available. Historical loss rates for each risk group are used as the starting point to determine allowance provisions. These rates are then adjusted to reflect actual changes and anticipated changes in national and local economic conditions and developments, assessment of collateral values based on independent appraisals, changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards and collections, charge-off and recovery practices, and changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management staff.
 
In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Company to modify its allowance for loan losses based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examination.
 
Management believes that the amount maintained in the allowance will be adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the portfolio. Although management believes that it uses the best information available to make such determinations, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and results of operations could be significantly and adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the determinations. While management believes it has established the allowance for loan losses in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, there can be no assurance that the Bank’s regulators, in reviewing the Bank’s loan portfolio, will not request the Bank to significantly increase its allowance for loan losses. In addition, because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, there can be no assurance that the existing allowance for loan losses is adequate or that a substantial increase will not be necessary should the quality of any loans deteriorate as a result of the factors discussed above. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses will adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
 
- 35 -

 
FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
Cash and cash equivalents increased to $16.0 million at December 31, 2010 from $15.6 million at September 30, 2010.  Federal funds sold and overnight interest-bearing deposit accounts increased to $5.2 million at December 31, 2010 compared with $4.0 million at September 30, 2010 primarily as the result of an increase in overnight deposits.
 
Debt securities available for sale increased to $13.6 million at December 31, 2010 from $8.0 million at September 30, 2010.  Mortgage-backed securities available for sale decreased to $6.9 million at December 31, 2010 from $8.8 million at September 30, 2010 and mortgage-backed and related securities held to maturity decreased to $9.2 million at December 31, 2010 from $10.3 million at September 30, 2010.  Such securities are primarily held as collateral to secure large commercial and municipal deposits.  The total balance held in these securities is adjusted as individual securities mature to reflect fluctuations in the balances of the deposits they are securing.
 
Stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines increased $410,000 to $10.2 million at December 31, 2010 from $9.8 million at September 30, 2010.  The Bank is generally required to hold stock equal to 5% of its total FHLB borrowings.
 
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines decreased to $161.8 million at December 31, 2010 from $181.0 million at September 30, 2010.  The Company supplements its primary funding source, retail deposits, with wholesale funding sources consisting of borrowings from the FHLB, short-term borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and brokered certificates of deposit acquired on a national level.  Management chooses between these wholesale funding sources depending on their relative costs.  See Liquidity and Capital Resources.
 
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance represent insurance and real estate tax payments collected from borrowers on loans serviced by the Bank.  The balance decreased $4.4 million to $2.7 million at December 31, 2010 compared with $7.1 million at September 30, 2010 due to the payment of borrowers’ real estate taxes in December 2010.
 
Total stockholders’ equity increased $2.3 million to $118.7 million at December 31, 2010 from $116.4 million at September 30, 2010 primarily as the result of net income of $3.1 million, the amortization of equity trust expense of $98,000 and the amortization of stock option and award expense of $183,000 partially offset by common stock dividend payments of $1.0 million and preferred stock dividends of $407,000.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
The Company primarily funds its assets with deposits from its retail and commercial customers.  If the Bank or the Company requires funds beyond their ability to generate them internally, the Bank has the ability to borrow funds from the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank and, subject to regulatory restrictions discussed below, to raise certificates of deposit on a national level through broker relationships.  Management chooses among these wholesale funding sources depending on their relative costs, the Company’s overall interest rate risk exposure and the Company’s overall borrowing capacity at the FHLB and the Federal Reserve Bank.  At December 31, 2010, the combined balance of borrowings from the FHLB, borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank and brokered deposits totaled $170.2 million, had a weighted-average interest rate of 0.96%, a weighted average maturity of approximately 11 months and represented 12% of total assets.  At September 30, 2010, these combined balances totaled $189.4 million, had a weighted-average interest rate of 0.92%, a weighted average maturity of approximately 10 months and represented 13% of total assets.  Use of these funds has given the Company alternative sources to support its asset growth while avoiding, when necessary, aggressive deposit pricing strategies used from time to time by some of its competitors in its market.  In addition, because approximately two-thirds of the Company’s assets are scheduled to mature or reprice within one year, the use of these wholesale funds has given management a low-cost means to maximize net interest income and manage interest-rate risk by providing the Company greater flexibility to control the interest rates and maturities of these funds, as compared to deposits.  This increased flexibility has allowed the Company to better respond to fluctuations in the interest rate environment and demand for its loan products, especially mortgage loans held for sale that are awaiting final settlement (generally within 30 days) with the Company’s investors.  While the Company effectively utilized wholesale funding to support its asset growth in recent years, controlled growth in core deposits and retail certificates of deposit during the three months ended December 31, 2010 allowed the Company to reduce its use of such wholesale funding.
 
- 36 -

 
During July 2010, the Company agreed to comply with a request from its primary regulator, the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”), not to increase the aggregate level of national brokered certificates of deposit, CDARS time deposits and certain other similar reciprocal deposits above the level that existed at July 2, 2010, which was $178.5 million.  Prior to that time, the Company had already begun reducing the level of these types deposits with funds received from the increased levels of core deposits and retail certificates of deposit.  Management does not anticipate that this restriction will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity position.
 
The borrowings from the FHLB are obtained under a blanket agreement, which assigns all investments in FHLB stock, qualifying first residential mortgage loans, residential mortgage loans held for sale and home equity loans with a 90% or less loan-to-value ratio as collateral to secure the amounts borrowed.  Total borrowings from the FHLB are subject to limitations based upon a risk assessment of the Bank.  At December 31, 2010, the Bank had approximately $146.2 million in additional borrowing authority under the arrangement with the FHLB in addition to the $161.8 million in advances outstanding at that date.
 
The Company has the ability to borrow funds on a short-term basis under the Bank’s primary credit line at the Federal Reserve’s Discount Window.  At December 31, 2010, the Company had approximately $89.9 million in total borrowing authority under this arrangement with no borrowings outstanding and had approximately $147.3 million of commercial loans pledged as collateral under this agreement.
 
At December 31, 2010, the Bank had outstanding commitments to originate loans totaling $78.6 million and commitments to sell loans totaling $309.1 million.  Certificates of deposit totaling $301.0 million at December 31, 2010 were scheduled to mature in one year or less.  Based on past experience, management believes the majority of certificates of deposit maturing in one year or less will remain with the Bank.
 
A large portion of the Company’s liquidity is obtained from the Bank in the form of dividends.  OTS regulations impose limitations upon payment of capital distributions from the Bank to the Company.  Under the regulations as currently applied to the Bank, the approval of the OTS is required prior to any capital distribution.  To the extent that any such capital distributions are not approved by the OTS in future periods, the Company could find it necessary to reduce or eliminate the payment of common dividends to its shareholders.  In addition, the Company could find it necessary to temporarily suspend the payment of dividends on its preferred stock and interest on its subordinated debentures.  At December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010, the Company had cash and cash equivalents totaling $255,000 and $109,000, respectively, and a demand loan extended to the Bank totaling $2.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively, that could be used to fulfill its liquidity needs.
 
SOURCES AND USES OF CASH
 
The Company is a large originator of residential mortgage loans with substantially all of such loans sold in the secondary residential mortgage market.  Consequently, the primary source and use of cash in operations is the origination and subsequent sale of mortgage loans held for sale.  During the three months ended December 31, 2010, the origination of mortgage loans held for sale used $629.5 million of cash and the sales of such loans provided cash totaling $614.9 million.
 
The primary use of cash from investing activities is the origination of loans receivable which are held in portfolio.  During the three months ended December 31, 2010, the Company had a net increase in loans receivable of $406,000 compared with an increase of $9.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2009.  In addition, the Company purchased $18.6 million and $4.3 million in debt securities available for sale and FHLB stock during the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with purchases of $8.0 million and $2.4 million respectively, in debt securities available for sale and FHLB stock during the three months ended December 31, 2009.  Sources of cash from investing activities also included maturities of debt securities available for sale and proceeds from FHLB stock redemptions totaling $13.0 million and $3.9 million during the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with maturities of debt securities available for sale and proceeds from FHLB stock redemptions of $5.0 million and $6.6 million respectively, during the three months ended December 31, 2009.
 
- 37 -

 
The Company’s primary sources and uses of funds from financing activities during the three months ended December 31, 2010 included a $35.9 million increase in deposits compared with a $36.0 million decrease for the three months ended December 31, 2009, and a $19.2 million decrease in advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank during the three months ended December 31, 2010 compared with a $62.8 million increase during the same period last year.  Other significant sources and uses of cash from financing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2009 included a $4.7 million increase in notes payable.  There was no such activity during the three months ended December 31, 2010.
 
The following table presents the maturity structure of time deposits and other maturing liabilities at December 31, 2010:
 
   
December 31, 2010
 
               
Federal
       
   
Certificates
   
FHLB
   
Reserve
   
Subordinated
 
   
of Deposit
   
Borrowings
   
Borrowings
   
Debentures
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Maturing in:      
Three months or less
  $ 92,865     $ 132,800     $ -     $ -  
Over three months through six months
    82,964       -       -       -  
Over six months through twelve months
    125,218       -       -       -  
Over twelve months
    118,694       29,000       -       19,589  
Total
  $ 419,741     $ 161,800     $ -     $ 19,589  
 
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
 
In addition to its owned banking facilities, the Company has entered into long-term operating leases to support ongoing activities.  The required payments under such commitments at December 31, 2010 are as follows:
 
Less than one year
  $ 701,968  
Over 1 year through 3 years
    1,504,814  
Over 3 years through 5 years
    1,453,538  
Over 5 years
    1,373,021  
Total
  $ 5,033,341  
 
REGULATORY CAPITAL
 
The Bank is required to maintain specific amounts of capital pursuant to OTS regulations on minimum capital standards.  The OTS’s minimum capital standards generally require the maintenance of regulatory capital sufficient to meet each of three tests, hereinafter described as the tangible capital requirement, the Tier I (core) capital requirement and the risk-based capital requirement.  The tangible capital requirement provides for minimum tangible capital (defined as stockholders’ equity less all intangible assets) equal to 1.5% of adjusted total assets.  The Tier I capital requirement provides for minimum core capital (tangible capital plus certain forms of supervisory goodwill and other qualifying intangible assets) equal to 4.0% of adjusted total assets.  The risk-based capital requirement provides for the maintenance of core capital plus a portion of unallocated loss allowances equal to 8.0% of risk-weighted assets.  In computing risk-weighted assets, the Bank multiplies the value of each asset on its balance sheet by a defined risk-weighting factor (e.g., one-to four-family conventional residential loans carry a risk-weighting factor of 50%).
 
The Bank is also subject to prompt corrective action capital requirement regulations set forth by the OTS.  As defined in the regulations, the OTS requires the Bank to maintain minimum total and Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets and Tier I capital to average assets. The Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject at December 31, 2010.
 
As of December 31, 2010, the most recent notification from the OTS categorized the Bank as “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 following table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

 
- 38 -

 

The following table illustrates the Bank’s actual regulatory capital levels compared with its regulatory capital requirements at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010.
 
                           
To be Categorized as
 
                           
"Well Capitalized"
 
                           
Under Prompt
 
               
For Capital
   
Corrective Action
 
   
Actual
   
Adequacy Purposes
   
Provisions
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
               
(Dollars in thousands)
           
As of Decenber 31, 2010:
                                   
Tangible capital (to total assets)
  $ 132,281       9.05 %   $ 21,936       1.50 %     N/A       N/A  
Total risk-based capital (to risk- weighted assets)
    147,214       12.36 %     95,249       8.00 %   $ 119,061       10.00 %
Tier I risk-based capital (to risk- weighted assets)
    132,281       11.11 %     N/A       N/A       71,437       6.00 %
Tier I leverage capital (to average assets)
    132,281       9.05 %     58,496       4.00 %     73,121       5.00 %
                                                 
As of September 30, 2010:
                                               
Tangible capital (to total assets)
  $ 130,571       9.02 %   $ 21,708       1.50 %     N/A       N/A  
Total risk-based capital (to risk- weighted assets)
    145,268       12.40 %     93,750       8.00 %   $ 117,188       10.00 %
Tier I risk-based capital (to risk- weighted assets)
    130,571       11.14 %     N/A       N/A       70,313       6.00 %
Tier I leverage capital (to average assets)
    130,571       9.02 %     57,887       4.00 %     72,359       5.00 %
 
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
 
Changes in interest rates may have a significant impact on a bank’s performance because virtually all assets and liabilities of banks are monetary in nature.  Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services.  Inflation does have an impact on the growth of total assets in the banking industry, often resulting in a need to increase equity capital at higher than normal rates to maintain an appropriate equity to asset ratio.  The Company’s operations are not currently impacted by inflation.
 
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
 
There have been no material changes in the Company's quantitative or qualitative aspects of market risk during the quarter ended December 31, 2010 from those disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010.
 
In the normal course of operations, the Company engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are not recorded in its financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk.  Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments and lines of credit.  Additionally, the Company engages in certain hedging activities, which are described in greater detail below.

For the three months ended December 31, 2010, the Company did not engage in any off-balance-sheet transactions reasonably likely to have a material effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company originates and purchases derivative financial instruments, including interest rate lock commitments and, in prior periods, interest rate swaps.  Derivative financial instruments originated by the Company consist of interest rate lock commitments to originate residential real estate loans.  At December 31, 2010, the Company had issued $78.6 million of unexpired interest rate lock commitments to loan customers compared with $115.2 million of unexpired commitments at September 30, 2010.

 
- 39 -

 

The Company entered into two $14 million notional value interest-rate swap contracts during 2008.  These contracts supported a $14 million, variable-rate, commercial loan relationship and were used to allow the commercial loan customer to pay a fixed interest rate to the Bank, while the Bank, in turn, charged the customer a floating interest rate on the loan.  Under the terms of the swap contract between the Bank and the loan customer, the customer pays the Bank a fixed interest rate of 6.58%, while the Bank pays the customer a variable interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 2.30%.  Under the terms of a similar but separate swap contract between the Bank and a major securities broker, the Bank pays the broker a fixed interest rate of 6.58%, while the broker pays the Bank a variable interest rate of one-month LIBOR plus 2.30%.  The two contracts have identical terms and are scheduled to mature on May 15, 2015.  While these two swap derivatives generally work together as an interest-rate hedge, the Company has not designated them for hedge accounting treatment.  Consequently, both derivatives are marked to fair value through either a charge or credit to current earnings, the net effect of which offset one another during the three months ended December 31, 2010.  The fair values of these derivative instruments recorded in other assets and other liabilities in the Company’s financial statements at December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010 were $1.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively.
 
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
The Company maintains “disclosure controls and procedures” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management including its principal executive and principal financial officers as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
During the quarter ended December 31, 2010, the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2010, and concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2010 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
 
IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In February 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2010-09, Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements, as an amendment to ASC Topic 855.  As a result of ASU 2010-09, SEC registrants will not disclose the date through which management evaluated subsequent events in financial statements.  ASU 2010-09 is effective immediately for all financial statements that have not yet been issued or have not yet become available to be issued, or March 31, 2010 for the Company.  The adoption of ASU 2010-09 is for disclosure purposes only and did not have any effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, an Amendment of SFAS No. 140 – Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, which was subsequently incorporated into ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing. SFAS No. 166 amends ASC Topic 860 and requires more information about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions and where companies have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets. It eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity,” changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets and requires additional disclosures. SFAS No. 166 is effective for the annual period beginning after November 15, 2009 and for interim periods within the first annual reporting period, and must be applied to transfers occurring on or after the effective date. The adoption of the provisions of this Topic did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 
- 40 -

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R). SFAS No. 167 amends FIN 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which was subsequently incorporated into ASC Topic 810, Consolidation, to change how a company determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated, and requires additional disclosures about involvement with variable interest entities, any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement and how that involvement affects the company’s financial statements. The determination of whether a company is required to consolidate an entity is based on, among other things, an entity’s purpose and design and a company’s ability to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. The provisions of this Topic are effective for the annual period beginning after November 15, 2009 and for interim periods within the first annual reporting period. The adoption of the provisions of this Topic did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, a Replacement of SFAS No. 162 – The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which was subsequently incorporated into ASC Topic 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The ASC establishes the source of authoritative GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by non-governmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws, are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The ASC supersedes all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the ASC will become non-authoritative. ASC Topic 105 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The implementation of the ASC did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06 which amends ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. This update will provide more robust disclosures about (a) the different classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value, (b) the valuation techniques and inputs used, (c) the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, and (d) the transfers between Levels 1, 2, and 3. This is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2009.  The interim disclosures required by this update are reported in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20, Receivables (ASC Topic 310): Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses. This ASU requires expanded credit risk disclosures intended to provide investors with greater transparency regarding the allowance for credit losses and the credit quality of financing receivables. Under this ASU, companies will be required to provide more information about the credit quality of their financing receivables in the disclosures to financial statements, such as aging information, credit quality indicators, changes in the allowance for credit losses, and the nature and extent of troubled debt restructurings and their effect on the allowance for credit losses. Both new and existing disclosures must be disaggregated by portfolio segment or class based on the level of disaggregation that management uses when assessing its allowance for credit losses and managing its credit exposure. The disclosures as of the end of a reporting period will be effective for interim and annual periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of the provisions of this Topic did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 
- 41 -

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1. 
Legal Proceedings:
 
Periodically, there have been various claims and lawsuits involving the Bank, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which the Bank holds security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans and other issues incident to the Bank’s business.  Neither the Bank nor the Company is a party to any pending legal proceedings that it believes would have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or operations of the Company.
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors:
 
 
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2010, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 
- 42 -

 

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds:
 
The following table provides information regarding the Company’s purchases of its equity securities during the three months ended December 31, 2010.
 
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

                     
(d)
 
               
(c)
   
Maximum Number
 
         
(b)
   
Total Number of
   
(or Approximate
 
   
(a)
   
Average
   
Shares (or Units)
   
Dollar Value) of
 
   
Total Number
   
Price
   
Purchased as
   
Shares (or Units)
 
   
of Shares
   
Paid per
   
Part of Publicly
   
That May Yet Be
 
   
(or Units)
   
Share
   
Announced Plans
   
Purchased Under the
 
Period
 
Purchased (1)
   
(or Unit)
   
or Programs (2)
   
Plans or Programs (2)
 
                         
October 1, 2010 through October 31, 2010
    8,626     $ 6.89       -       356,912  
                                 
November 1, 2010 through November 30, 2010
    419     $ 7.55       -       356,493  
                                 
December 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
    242     $ 7.57       -       356,251  
                                 
Total
    9,287     $ 6.94       -          

 
(1)
Total number of shares purchased represents shares surrendered by employees to satisfy tax withholding requirements upon vesting of stock awards.  These shares are not included in the total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans.
 
 
(2)
In February 2007, the Company announced a repurchase program under which it would repurchase up to 497,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and that the repurchase program would continue until it is completed or terminated by the Board of Directors.  However, as part of the Company’s participation in the Capital Purchase Program of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program, prior to the earlier of January 16, 2012 or the date on which the preferred stock issued in that transaction has been redeemed in full or the Treasury has transferred its shares to non-affiliates, the Company cannot increase its quarterly cash dividend above $0.095 per share or repurchase any shares of its common stock, without the prior approval of the Treasury.  Accordingly, no shares of common stock were repurchased under this program during the three months ended December 31, 2010.
 
Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities: Not applicable
 
Item 4.   [Removed and reserved]
 
Item 5.   Other Information: Not applicable

 
- 43 -

 

Item 6.  Exhibits:
 
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of Pulaski Financial Corp. (1)
 
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Pulaski Financial Corp. (2)
 
3.3
Certificate of Designations establishing Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, of Pulaski Financial Corp. (3)
 
3.4
Bylaws of Pulaski Financial Corp. (4)
 
4.1   Form of Certificate for Common Stock (5)
 
4.2   Form of stock certificate for Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (3)
 
4.3   Warrant to Purchase 778,421 Shares of Common Stock of Pulaski Financial Corp. (3)
 
31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
 
32.1 Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 
32.2 Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 

 
(1)
Incorporated by reference into this document from the Exhibits to the 2003 proxy statement as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 27, 2002.
 
(2)
Incorporated by reference into this document from the Form 10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 17, 2004.
 
(3)
Incorporated herein by reference into this document from the Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 16, 2009.
 
(4)
Incorporated herein by reference from the Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 17, 2010.
 
(5) 
Incorporated by reference from the Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-56465), as amended, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 9, 1998.

 
- 44 -

 
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
     
PULASKI FINANCIAL CORP.
 
         
Date:
February 11, 2011
 
/s/ Gary W. Douglass
 
     
Gary W. Douglass
 
     
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
         
Date:
February 11, 2011
 
/s/ Paul J. Milano
 
     
Paul J. Milano
 
     
Chief Financial Officer