f10k_031512.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
 
Commission file number 001-33013
 
FLUSHING FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
11-3209278
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
1979 Marcus Avenue, Suite E140, Lake Success, New York 11042
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(718) 961-5400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock $0.01 par value (and
associated Preferred Stock Purchase Rights)
 (Title of each class)
NASDAQ Global Select Market
 (Name of exchange on which registered)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None.
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in rule 405 of the Securities Act.          Yes   X     No
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.          Yes   X     No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     X  Yes          No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     .     X  Yes    ___ No
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer___
Non-accelerated filer____
Accelerated filer    X
Smaller reporting company __
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).         Yes   X     No
 
As of June 30, 2011, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $388,226,000.  This figure is based on the closing price on that date on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for a share of the registrant’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value, which was $13.00.
 
The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of February 29, 2012 was 31,001,218 shares.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 15, 2012 are incorporated herein by reference in Part III.
 
 

 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
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Item 6. Selected Financial Data 59
   
 
 
 
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iv

 
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Annual Report”) relating to plans, strategies, economic performance and trends, projections of results of specific activities or investments and other statements that are not descriptions of historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, factors discussed under the captions “Business — General — Allowance for Loan Losses” and “Business — General — Market Area and Competition” in Item 1 below, “Risk Factors” in Item 1A below, in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Overview” in Item 7 below, and elsewhere in this Annual Report and in other documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Forward-looking statements may be identified by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “forecasts,” “potential” or “continue” or similar terms or the negative of these terms. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.  We have no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
 
PART I
 
As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the words “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” are used to refer to Flushing Financial Corporation and our consolidated subsidiaries, including Flushing Savings Bank, FSB (the “Savings Bank”) and Flushing Commercial Bank (the “Commercial Bank” and together with the Savings Bank, the “Banks”).
 
Item 1.  Business.
 
GENERAL
 
Overview
 
We are a Delaware corporation organized in May 1994 at the direction of the Savings Bank. The Savings Bank was organized in 1929 as a New York State chartered mutual savings bank. In 1994, the Savings Bank converted to a federally chartered mutual savings bank and changed its name from Flushing Savings Bank to Flushing Savings Bank, FSB. The Savings Bank converted from a federally chartered mutual savings bank to a federally chartered stock savings bank on November 21, 1995, at which time Flushing Financial Corporation acquired all of the stock of the Savings Bank. The primary business of Flushing Financial Corporation at this time is the operation of its wholly owned subsidiary, the Savings Bank. The Savings Bank owns four subsidiaries: Flushing Commercial Bank, Flushing Preferred Funding Corporation, Flushing Service Corporation, and FSB Properties Inc. In November, 2006, the Savings Bank launched an internet branch, iGObanking.com®. The activities of Flushing Financial Corporation are primarily funded by dividends, if any, received from the Savings Bank, issuances of junior subordinated debt, and issuances of equity securities. Flushing Financial Corporation’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “FFIC.”
 
Flushing Financial Corporation also owns Flushing Financial Capital Trust II, Flushing Financial Capital Trust III, and Flushing Financial Capital Trust IV (the “Trusts”), which are special purpose business trusts formed during 2007 to issue a total of $60.0 million of capital securities and $1.9 million of common securities (which are the only voting securities). Flushing Financial Corporation owns 100% of the common securities of the Trusts. The Trusts used the proceeds from the issuance of these securities to purchase junior subordinated debentures from Flushing Financial Corporation. The Trusts are not included in our consolidated financial statements as we would not absorb the losses of the Trusts if losses were to occur.
 
Unless otherwise disclosed, the information presented in this Annual Report reflects the financial condition and results of operations of Flushing Financial Corporation, the Savings Bank and the Savings Bank’s subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (collectively, the “Company”). Management views the Company as operating a single unit – a community savings bank.  Therefore, segment information is not provided. At December 31, 2011, the Company had total assets of $4.3 billion, deposits of $3.1 billion and stockholders’ equity of $416.9 million.
 
Our principal business is attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing those deposits together with funds generated from ongoing operations and borrowings, primarily in (1) originations and purchases of multi-family residential properties and, to a lesser extent, one-to-four family (focusing on mixed-use properties, which are
 
 
1

 
properties that contain both residential dwelling units and commercial units) and commercial real estate mortgage loans; (2) construction loans, primarily for residential properties; (3) Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans and other small business loans;  (4) mortgage loan surrogates such as mortgage-backed securities; and (5) U.S. government securities, corporate fixed-income securities and other marketable securities. We also originate certain other consumer loans including overdraft lines of credit. At December 31, 2011, we had gross loans outstanding of $3,214.0 million (before the allowance for loan losses and net deferred costs), with gross mortgage loans totaling $2,939.0 million, or 91.4% of gross loans, and non-mortgage loans totaling $275.0 million, or 8.6% of gross loans. Mortgage loans are primarily multi-family, commercial and one-to-four family mixed-use properties, which combined totaled 82.9% of gross loans.   Our revenues are derived principally from interest on our mortgage and other loans and mortgage-backed securities portfolio, and interest and dividends on other investments in our securities portfolio.  Our primary sources of funds are deposits, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB-NY”) borrowings, repurchase agreements, principal and interest payments on loans, mortgage-backed and other securities, proceeds from sales of securities and, to a lesser extent, proceeds from sales of loans. On July 21, 2011, as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Savings Bank’s primary regulator became the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and Flushing Financial Corporation’s primary regulator became the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (“Federal Reserve”),. Deposits are insured to the maximum allowable amount by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Additionally, the Banks are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) system.
 
Our operating results are significantly affected by national and local economic conditions, including the strength of the local economy. The national and local economies were generally considered to be in a recession from December 2007 through the middle of 2009.  This resulted in increased unemployment and declining property values, although the property value declines in our market, the New York City metropolitan area, have not been as great as many other areas of the country. While the national and local economies have shown signs of improvement since the middle of 2010, unemployment has remained at elevated levels of 8.8% and 8.6% in December 2011 and 2010, respectively, for the New York City region, according to the New York State Department of Labor. These economic conditions can result in borrowers defaulting on their loans. This deterioration in the economy has resulted in the balance of our non-performing loans remaining at an elevated level. Non-performing loans totaled $117.4 million, $112.1 million and $83.4 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. While non-performing loans have remained elevated, we have not yet experienced a significant increase in foreclosed properties due to an extended foreclosure process in our market. Net charge-offs of impaired loans have increased to $18.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $13.6 million and $10.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. In response to the economic conditions in our market and the increase in non-performing loans, we began tightening our conservative underwriting standards in 2008 to reduce the risk associated with lending.
 
The following changes were made in our underwriting standards since 2008 to reduce the risk associated with lending on income producing real estate properties:
 
§
When borrowers requested a refinance of an existing mortgage loan when they had acquired the property or obtained their existing loan within two years of the request, we generally required evidence of improvements to the property that increased the property value to support the additional funds and generally restricted the loan-to-value ratio for the new loan to 65% of the appraised value.
 
§
The debt coverage ratio was increased and the loan-to-value ratio decreased for income producing properties with fewer than ten units. This required the borrower to have an additional investment in the property than previously required and provided additional protection should rental units become vacant.
 
§
Borrowers who owned multiple properties were required to provide detail on all their properties to allow us to evaluate their total cash flow requirements. Based on this review, we may decline the loan application, or require a lower loan-to-value ratio and a higher debt coverage ratio.
 
§
Income producing properties with existing rents that were at or above the current market rent for similar properties were required to have a higher debt coverage ratio to provide protection should rents decline.
 
§
Borrowers purchasing properties were required to demonstrate they had satisfactory liquidity and management ability to carry the property should vacancies occur or increase.
 
 
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The following changes were made in our underwriting standards since 2008 to reduce the risk on one-to-four family residential property mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit:
 
§
We discontinued originating home equity lines of credit without verifying the borrower’s income. This was done in two stages. Beginning in May 2008, we began verifying the borrower’s income when the home equity line of credit exceeded $100,000. Beginning in October 2009, we verified the income of all borrowers applying for a home equity line of credit.
 
§
We discontinued offering one-to-four family residential property mortgage loans to self-employed individuals based on stated income and verifiable assets in June 2010.
 
The following changes were made in our underwriting standards since 2008 to reduce the risk associated with business lending:
 
§
All borrowers obtaining a business loan were required to submit a complete financial information package, regardless of the amount of the loan. Previously, borrowers for SBA Express loans and other loans under $150,000 had been exempt from this requirement.
 
§
Background checks on all borrowers and guarantors for business loans were expanded to identify and review information in more public records, including a search for judgments, liens, negative press articles, and affiliations with other entities.
 
§
The guarantee of related business entities providing cash flow to the borrowing entity became required for business loans.
 
§
The allowable percentage of inventory and accounts receivable pledged as collateral for a business loan was reduced.
 
§
We established specific risk acceptance criteria for private not for profit schools.
 
The economic conditions we have experienced since December 2007 have also resulted in a reduction in loan demand. Combining the reduced demand with our tightened underwriting standards, our loan originations and purchases for 2011 declined to $411.2 million from $757.1 million in 2007.
 
Our operating results are also affected by extensions, renewals, modifications and restructuring of loans in our loan portfolio. Our policy on extending, renewing, modifying or restructuring a loan, other than a loan that is classified as a troubled debt restructured (“TDR”), requires the loan to be fully underwritten in accordance with our policy for new loans. The borrower must be current to have a loan extended, renewed or restructured. Our policy for modifying a mortgage loan due to the borrower’s request for changes in the terms will depend on the change requested. The borrower must be current and have a good payment history to have a loan modified. If the borrower is seeking additional funds, the loan is fully underwritten in accordance with our policy for new loans. If the borrower is seeking a reduction in the interest rate due to a decline in interest rates in the market, we generally limit our review as follows: (1) for income producing properties and business loans, to a review of the operating results of the property/business and a satisfactory inspection of the property, and (2) for one-to-four residential properties, to a satisfactory inspection of the property. Our policy on restructuring a loan when the loan will be classified as a TDR requires the loan to be fully underwritten in accordance with Company policy. The borrower must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan under the new terms. When the restructuring results in a TDR, we may waive some requirements of Company policy provided the borrower has demonstrated the ability to meet the requirements of the restructured loan and repay the restructured loan. While our formal lending policies do not prohibit making additional loans to a borrower or any related interest of the borrower who is past due in principal or interest more than 90 days, it has been our practice not to make additional loans to a borrower or a related interest of the borrower if the borrower is past due more than 90 days as to principal or interest. During the most recent three fiscal years, we did not make any additional loans to a borrower or any related interest of the borrower who was past due in principal or interest more than 90 days. All extensions, renewals, restructurings and modifications must be approved by either the Board of Directors of the Savings Bank (the “Savings Bank Board of Directors”) or its Loan Committee (the “Loan Committee”).
 
Our operating results are also affected by losses on non-performing loans. Our policy requires a reappraisal by an independent third party when a loan becomes twelve months delinquent. We generally obtain a reappraisal by an independent third party for loans over 90 days delinquent when the outstanding loan balance is at least $1.0 million. We also obtain reappraisals when our internally prepared valuation of a property indicates there has been a decline in value
 
 
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below the outstanding balance of the loan, or when a property inspection has indicated significant deterioration in the condition of the property. These internal valuations are prepared when a loan becomes 90 days delinquent.
 
During 2006, the Savings Bank established a business banking unit. Our business plan includes a transition from a traditional thrift to a more “commercial-like” banking institution by focusing on the development of a full complement of commercial business deposit, loan and cash management products. As of December 31, 2011, the business banking unit had $251.9 million in loans outstanding and $68.7 million of customer deposits.
 
On November 27, 2006, the Savings Bank launched an internet branch, iGObanking.com®, which provides us access to consumers in markets outside our geographic locations. Accounts can be opened online at www.iGObanking.com or by mail.  The internet branch does not currently accept loan applications. As of December 31, 2011, the internet branch had $470.6 million of customer deposits.
 
During 2007, the Savings Bank formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Flushing Commercial Bank, a New York State chartered commercial bank, for the limited purpose of providing banking services to public entities including counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, libraries, fire districts and the various courts throughout the New York City metropolitan area. The Commercial Bank was formed in response to New York State law, which requires that municipal deposits and state funds must be deposited into a bank or trust company as defined in New York State law. The Savings Bank is not considered an eligible bank or trust company for this purpose.  The Commercial Bank does not originate loans.  As of December 31, 2011, Flushing Commercial Bank had $591.0 million of customer deposits.
 
On December 19, 2008, under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”), we entered into a Letter Agreement (including the Securities Purchase Agreement – Standard Terms incorporated by reference therein, the “Purchase Agreement”) with the United States Department of the Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”) pursuant to which we issued and sold to the U.S. Treasury (i) 70,000 shares of the our Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series B having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), and (ii) a ten-year warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase up to 751,611 shares of the our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at an initial price of $13.97 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $70.0 million in cash. The Series B Preferred Stock qualified as Tier 1 Capital under the risk-based capital guidelines of the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) (“Tier 1 Capital”) and paid cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum. Dividends were payable on the Series B Preferred Stock quarterly and were payable on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The Series B Preferred Stock had no maturity date and ranked senior to our common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation and winding up of the Company. The Warrant would have expired ten years from the issuance date and was immediately exercisable and transferable. The Purchase Agreement contained limitations on the payment of dividends on and the repurchase of our common stock and certain preferred stock.  The Purchase Agreement also required that, until such time as the U.S. Treasury ceased to own any securities acquired from us thereunder, we take all necessary action to ensure that benefit plans with respect to senior executive officers complied with Section 111(b) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) as implemented by any guidance or regulation under Section 111(b) of EESA that has been issued and was in effect as of the date of issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrant and not adopt any benefit plans with respect to, or which cover, senior executive officers that do not comply with EESA. Our senior executive officers consented to the foregoing. During 2009, we issued, in a public offering, 9.3 million common shares for total consideration, after expenses, of $101.5 million. This public offering was a Qualified Equity Offering as defined in the Warrant. As a result of this Qualified Equity Offering, the number of shares of common stock underlying the Warrant was reduced by one-half. On October 28, 2009, we redeemed the Series B Preferred Stock for $70.0 million plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. On December 30, 2009, we repurchased the Warrant for $0.9 million.
 
Market Area and Competition
 
We are a community oriented savings institution offering a wide variety of financial services to meet the needs of the communities we serve.  The Savings Bank’s main office is in Flushing, New York, located in the Borough of Queens, and the Commercial Bank’s main office is in New Hyde Park, New York.  At December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank operated out of 16 full-service offices, located in the New York City Boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, and in Nassau County, New York, and the Commercial Bank operated out of three offices, one in Brooklyn and two in Nassau County, New York, it shares with the Savings Bank. In January 2012, the Savings Bank opened its seventeenth full-service office, which is located in Brooklyn. We also operate an internet branch, iGObanking.com®. We maintain our executive offices in Lake Success in Nassau County, New York. Substantially all of our mortgage loans are secured by properties located in the New York City metropolitan area.
 
 
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We face intense competition both in making loans and in attracting deposits. Competition for loans in our market is primarily based on the types of loans offered and the related terms for these loans, including fixed-rate versus adjustable-rate loans and the interest rate on the loan. For adjustable rate loans, competition is also based on the repricing period, the index to which the rate is referenced, and the spread over the index rate. Also, competition is influenced by the ability of a financial institution to respond to customer requests and to provide the borrower with a timely decision to approve or deny the loan application.
 
Our market area has a high density of financial institutions, many of which have greater financial resources, name recognition and market presence, and all of which are competitors to varying degrees. Particularly intense competition exists for deposits, as we compete with over 104 banks and thrifts in the counties in which we have branch locations. Our market share of deposits in these counties is approximately 0.5% of the total deposits of these competing financial institutions, and we are the 19th largest financial institution. In addition, we compete with credit unions, the stock market and mutual funds for customers’ funds. Competition for deposits in our market and for national brokered deposits is primarily based on the types of deposits offered and rate paid on the deposits. Particularly intense competition also exists in all of the lending activities we emphasize. In addition to the financial institutions mentioned above, we compete against mortgage banks and insurance companies located both within our market and available on the internet. Competition for loans in our market is primarily based on the types of loans offered and the related terms for these loans, including fixed-rate versus adjustable-rate loans and the interest rate on the loan. For adjustable rate loans, competition is also based on the repricing period, the index to which the rate is referenced, and the spread over the index rate. Also, competition is influenced by the ability of a financial institution to respond to customer requests and to provide the borrower with a timely decision to approve or deny the loan application. The internet banking arena also has many larger financial institutions which have greater financial resources, name recognition and market presence. Our future earnings prospects will be affected by our ability to compete effectively with other financial institutions and to implement our business strategies. Our strategy for attracting deposits includes using various marketing techniques, delivering enhanced technology and customer friendly banking services, and focusing on the unique personal and small business banking needs of the multi-ethnic communities we serve. Our strategy for attracting new loans is primarily dependent on providing timely response to applicants and maintaining a network of quality brokers. See “Risk Factors – The Markets in Which We Operate Are Highly Competitive” included in Item 1A of this Annual Report.
 
For a discussion of our business strategies, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Overview — Management Strategy” included in Item 7 of this Annual Report.
 
Lending Activities
 
Loan Portfolio Composition.  Our loan portfolio consists primarily of mortgage loans secured by multi-family residential, commercial real estate, one-to-four family mixed-use property, one-to-four family residential property, and construction loans. In addition, we also offer SBA loans, other small business loans and consumer loans. Substantially all of our mortgage loans are secured by properties located within our market area. At December 31, 2011, we had gross loans outstanding of $3,214.0 million (before the allowance for loan losses and net deferred costs).
 
Since 2009 we have focused our mortgage loan origination efforts on multi-family residential mortgage loans. In prior years we had focused our mortgage loan originations on multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans. These loans generally have higher yields than one-to-four family residential properties, and include prepayment penalties that we collect if the loans pay in full prior to the contractual maturity. We expect to continue this emphasis on multi-family residential mortgage loans through marketing and by maintaining competitive interest rates and origination fees. Our marketing efforts include frequent contacts with mortgage brokers and other professionals who serve as referral sources. The reduced emphasis on commercial real estate, one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans, and construction loans since 2009 was due to the increased level of risk in these types of loans in the current economic environment. We expect to continue this reduced emphasis on the origination of commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans, and construction loans, in the near term.
 
Fully underwritten one-to-four family residential mortgage loans generally are considered by the banking industry to have less risk than other types of loans. Multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans generally have higher yields than one-to-four family residential property mortgage loans and shorter terms to maturity, but typically involve higher principal amounts and may expose the lender to a greater risk of credit loss than one-to-four family residential property mortgage loans. Our increased emphasis on multi-family residential mortgage loans since 2009, and on multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans during years prior to 2009, has increased the overall level of credit risk
 
 
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inherent in our loan portfolio. The greater risk associated with multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans could require us to increase our provisions for loan losses and to maintain an allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans in excess of the allowance we currently maintain. We continually review the composition of our mortgage loan portfolio to manage the risk in the portfolio. As a result of this ongoing review, we reduced our reliance on commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans during the most recent two years, and tightened our conservative underwriting standards to further reduce the risk associated with lending. See “General – Overview” in this Item 1 of this Annual Report. To date, we have not experienced significant losses in our multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loan portfolios.
 
Our mortgage loan portfolio consists of adjustable rate mortgage (“ARM”) loans and fixed-rate mortgage loans. Interest rates we charge on loans are affected primarily by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes, the rate offered by our competitors and the creditworthiness of the borrower. Many of those factors are, in turn, affected by local and national economic conditions, and the fiscal, monetary and tax policies of the federal, state and local governments.
 
In general, consumers show a preference for ARM loans in periods of high interest rates and for fixed-rate loans when interest rates are low. In periods of declining interest rates, we may experience refinancing activity in ARM loans, as borrowers show a preference to lock-in the lower rates available on fixed-rate loans. In the case of ARM loans we originated, volume and adjustment periods are affected by the interest rates and other market factors as discussed above as well as consumer preferences. We have not in the past, nor do we currently, originate ARM loans that provide for negative amortization.
 
Prior to 2007, we had grown our construction loan portfolio. During 2007, we began to deemphasize construction loans, as originations of new construction loans declined.  We have continued to deemphasize construction loans throughout the past four years as we further reduced originations and reduced the balance of our construction loan portfolio.  We intend to continue to deemphasize construction loans in the near term. We obtain a first lien position on the underlying collateral, and generally obtain personal guarantees on construction loans. These loans generally have a term of two years or less. Construction loans involve a greater degree of risk than other loans because, among other things, the underwriting of such loans is based on an estimated value of the developed property, which can be difficult to ascertain in light of uncertainties inherent in such estimations.  In addition, construction lending entails the risk that the project may not be completed due to cost overruns or changes in market conditions. The greater risk associated with construction loans could require us to increase our provision for loan losses, and to maintain an allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans in excess of the allowance we currently maintain. To date, we have not incurred significant losses in our construction loan portfolio.
 
The business banking unit was formed in 2006 to focus on loans to businesses located within our market area. These loans are generally personally guaranteed by the owners, and may be secured by the assets of the business, including real estate. The interest rate on these loans is generally an adjustable rate based on a published index. These loans, while providing us a higher rate of return, also present a higher level of risk. The greater risk associated with business loans could require us to increase our provision for loan losses, and to maintain an allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans in excess of the allowance we currently maintain. To date, we have not incurred significant losses in our business loan portfolio.
 
From time to time, we may purchase loans from mortgage bankers and other financial institutions when the loans complement our loan portfolio strategy. Loans purchased must meet our underwriting standards when they were originated.
 
Our lending activities are subject to federal and state laws and regulations. See “— Regulation.”
 
 
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The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio at the dates indicated.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
         
Percent
         
Percent
         
Percent
         
Percent
         
Percent
 
   
Amount
   
of Total
   
Amount
   
of Total
   
Amount
   
of Total
   
Amount
   
of Total
   
Amount
   
of Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Mortgage Loans:
                                                           
Multi-family residential
  $ 1,391,221       43.28 %   $ 1,252,176       38.41 %   $ 1,158,700       36.16 %   $ 999,185       33.80 %   $ 964,455       35.79 %
Commercial real estate
    580,783       18.07       662,794       20.33       686,210       21.42       686,630       23.24       586,598       21.77  
One-to-four family - mixed-use property
    693,932       21.59       728,810       22.36       744,560       23.24       751,952       25.45       686,921       25.49  
One-to-four family - residential (1)
    220,431       6.86       241,376       7.40       249,920       7.81       238,711       8.09       161,666       6.01  
Co-operative apartment (2)
    5,505       0.17       6,215       0.19       6,553       0.20       6,566       0.22       7,070       0.26  
Construction
    47,140       1.47       75,519       2.32       97,270       3.04       103,626       3.51       119,745       4.44  
                                                                                 
Gross mortgage loans
    2,939,012       91.44       2,966,890       91.01       2,943,213       91.87       2,786,670       94.31       2,526,455       93.76  
                                                                                 
Non-mortgage loans:
                                                                               
Small Business Administration
    14,039       0.44       17,511       0.54       17,496       0.55       19,671       0.67       18,922       0.70  
Taxi medallion
    54,328       1.69       88,264       2.71       61,424       1.92       12,979       0.44       68,250       2.53  
Commercial business and other
    206,614       6.43       187,161       5.74       181,240       5.66       135,249       4.58       81,041       3.01  
                                                                                 
Gross non-mortgage loans
    274,981       8.56       292,936       8.99       260,160       8.13       167,899       5.69       168,213       6.24  
                                                                                 
Gross loans
    3,213,993       100.00 %     3,259,826       100.00 %     3,203,373       100.00 %     2,954,569       100.00 %     2,694,668       100.00 %
                                                                                 
Unearned loan fees and deferred costs, net
    14,888               16,503               17,110               17,121               14,083          
                                                                                 
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (30,344 )             (27,699 )             (20,324 )             (11,028 )             (6,633 )        
Loans, net
  $ 3,198,537             $ 3,248,630             $ 3,200,159             $ 2,960,662             $ 2,702,118          
 
(1)
One-to-four family residential mortgage loans also include home equity and condominium loans.  At December 31, 2011, gross home equity loans totaled $70.2 million and condominium loans totaled $28.5 million.
(2)
Consists of loans secured by shares representing interests in individual co-operative units that are generally owner occupied.
 
 
7

 
The following table sets forth our loan originations (including the net effect of refinancing) and the changes in our portfolio of loans, including purchases, sales and principal reductions for the years indicated:
 
   
For the years ended December 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                   
Mortgage Loans
                 
                   
At beginning of year
  $ 2,966,890     $ 2,943,213     $ 2,786,670  
                         
Mortgage loans originated:
                       
Multi-family residential
    249,010       171,238       212,274  
Commercial real estate
    7,070       33,697       32,557  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    23,754       29,415       33,053  
One-to-four family residential
    24,075       34,694       54,669  
Co-operative apartment
    -       407       534  
Construction
    1,723       10,493       18,263  
Total mortgage loans originated
    305,632       279,944       351,350  
                         
Mortgage loans purchased:
                       
Commercial real estate
    -       -       2,917  
                         
Total mortgage loans purchased
    -       -       2,917  
                         
Less:
                       
Principal reductions
    284,327       229,951       183,712  
Mortgage loan sales
    24,832       8,755       6,233  
Charge-offs
    17,845       13,170       5,359  
Mortgage loan foreclosures
    6,506       4,391       2,420  
                         
At end of year
  $ 2,939,012     $ 2,966,890     $ 2,943,213  
                         
Non-mortgage loans
                       
                         
At beginning of year
  $ 292,936     $ 260,160     $ 167,899  
                         
Loans originated:
                       
Small Business Administration
    3,528       3,869       4,457  
Taxi Medallion
    11,779       59,551       20,702  
Commercial business
    66,352       52,505       76,161  
Other
    4,859       5,991       4,656  
Total other loans originated
    86,518       121,916       105,976  
                         
                         
Non-mortgage loans purchased:
                       
Taxi Medallion
    19,053       14,675       40,347  
                         
Less:
                       
Sales of Small Business Administration loans
    4,104       -       2,005  
Principal reductions
    118,032       102,617       47,237  
Charge-offs
    1,390       1,198       4,820  
                         
At end of year
  $ 274,981     $ 292,936     $ 260,160  
 
 
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Loan Maturity and Repricing. The following table shows the maturity of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2011.  Scheduled repayments are shown in the maturity category in which the payments become due.
 
   
Mortgage loans
     
Non-mortgage loans
   
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Multi-family
residential
   
Commercial
real estate
   
One-to-four
family
mixed-use
property
   
One-to-four
family
residential
   
Co-operative
apartment
   
Construction
   
Small Business
Administration
   
Taxi
Medallion
   
Commercial
business
and other
   
Total loans
 
                                                             
Amounts due within one year
  $ 120,814     $ 94,882     $ 31,696     $ 5,640     $ 310     $ 47,140     $ 4,294     $ 32,251     $ 59,338     $ 396,365  
Amounts due after one year:
                                                                               
One to two years
    101,990       70,740       32,189       5,489       215       -       2,745       17,245       14,741       245,354  
Two to three years
    95,801       68,904       32,345       5,363       211       -       1,496       3,656       13,359       221,135  
Three to five years
    180,297       118,404       64,969       10,714       443       -       1,860       1,176       26,546       404,409  
Over five years
    892,319       227,853       532,733       193,225       4,326       -       3,644       -       92,630       1,946,730  
Total due after one year
    1,270,407       485,901       662,236       214,791       5,195       -       9,745       22,077       147,276       2,817,628  
Total amounts due
  $ 1,391,221     $ 580,783     $ 693,932     $ 220,431     $ 5,505     $ 47,140     $ 14,039     $ 54,328     $ 206,614     $ 3,213,993  
                                                                                 
Sensitivity of loans to changes in interest rates - loans due after one year:
                                                                               
Fixed rate loans
  $ 198,350     $ 56,428     $ 129,003     $ 60,920     $ 104     $ -     $ 290     $ 20,048     $ 46,483     $ 511,626  
Adjustable rate loans
    1,072,057       429,473       533,233       153,871       5,091       -       9,455       2,029       100,793       2,306,002  
Total loans due after one year
  $ 1,270,407     $ 485,901     $ 662,236     $ 214,791     $ 5,195     $ -     $ 9,745     $ 22,077     $ 147,276     $ 2,817,628  
 
 
9

 
Multi-Family Residential Lending.  Loans secured by multi-family residential properties were $1,391.2 million, or 43.28% of gross loans, at December 31, 2011. Our multi-family residential mortgage loans had an average principal balance of $566,000 at December 31, 2011, and the largest multi-family residential mortgage loan held in our portfolio had a principal balance of $14.5 million.  We offer both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate multi-family residential mortgage loans, with maturities of up to 30 years.
 
In underwriting multi-family residential mortgage loans, we review the expected net operating income generated by the real estate collateral securing the loan, the age and condition of the collateral, the financial resources and income level of the borrower and the borrower’s experience in owning or managing similar properties. We typically require debt service coverage of at least 125% of the monthly loan payment.  During 2008, we increased the required debt service coverage ratio for multi-family residential loans with ten units or less. We generally originate these loans up to only 75% of the appraised value or the purchase price of the property, whichever is less. Any loan with a final loan-to-value ratio in excess of 75% must be approved by the Savings Bank Board of Directors or the Loan Committee as an exception to policy. We generally rely on the income generated by the property as the primary means by which the loan is repaid. However, personal guarantees may be obtained for additional security from these borrowers. We typically order an environmental report on our multi-family and commercial real estate loans.
 
Loans secured by multi-family residential property generally involve a greater degree of risk than residential mortgage loans and carry larger loan balances.  The increased credit risk is the result of several factors, including the concentration of principal in a smaller number of loans and borrowers, the effects of general economic conditions on income producing properties and the increased difficulty in evaluating and monitoring these types of loans. Furthermore, the repayment of loans secured by multi-family residential property is typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related property, which is usually owned by a legal entity with the property being the entity’s only asset.  If the cash flow from the property is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. If the borrower defaults, our only remedy may be to foreclose on the property, for which the market value may be less than the balance due on the related mortgage loan.  Loans secured by multi-family residential property also may involve a greater degree of environmental risk. We seek to protect against this risk through obtaining an environmental report.  See “—Asset Quality — Environmental Concerns Relating to Loans.”
 
At December 31, 2011, $1,167.3 million, or 83.91%, of our multi-family mortgage loans consisted of ARM loans. We offer ARM loans with adjustment periods typically of five years and for terms of up to 30 years.  Interest rates on ARM loans currently offered by us are adjusted at the beginning of each adjustment period based upon a fixed spread above the FHLB-NY corresponding Regular Advance Rate. From time to time, we may originate ARM loans at an initial rate lower than the index as a result of a discount on the spread for the initial adjustment period.  Multi-family adjustable-rate mortgage loans generally are not subject to limitations on interest rate increases either on an adjustment period or aggregate basis over the life of the loan. We originated and purchased multi-family ARM loans totaling $218.8 million, $157.4 million and $183.8 million during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
At December 31, 2011, $223.9 million, or 16.09%, of our multi-family mortgage loans consisted of fixed rate loans. Our fixed-rate multi-family mortgage loans are generally originated for terms up to 15 years and are competitively priced based on market conditions and our cost of funds. We originated and purchased $30.2 million, $13.9 million and $28.5 million of fixed-rate multi-family mortgage loans in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Commercial Real Estate Lending.  Loans secured by commercial real estate were $580.8 million, or 18.07% of gross loans, at December 31, 2011. Our commercial real estate mortgage loans are secured by improved properties such as office buildings, hotels/motels, nursing homes, small business facilities, strip shopping centers, warehouses, and, to a lesser extent, religious facilities. At December 31, 2011, our commercial real estate mortgage loans had an average principal balance of $678,000, and the largest of such loans, which was secured by a multi-tenant shopping center, had a principal balance of $10.7 million. Commercial real estate mortgage loans are generally originated in a range of $100,000 to $6.0 million.
 
In underwriting commercial real estate mortgage loans, we employ the same underwriting standards and procedures as are employed in underwriting multi-family residential mortgage loans.
 
Commercial real estate mortgage loans generally carry larger loan balances than one-to-four family residential mortgage loans and involve a greater degree of credit risk for the same reasons applicable to multi-family loans.
 
At December 31, 2011, $496.6 million, or 85.51%, of our commercial mortgage loans consisted of ARM loans. We offer ARM loans with adjustment periods of one to five years and generally for terms of up to 15 years.  Interest rates on ARM loans currently offered by us are adjusted at the beginning of each adjustment period based upon a fixed
 
 
10

 
spread above the FHLB-NY corresponding Regular Advance Rate.  From time to time, we may originate ARM loans at an initial rate lower than the index as a result of a discount on the spread for the initial adjustment period.  Commercial adjustable-rate mortgage loans generally are not subject to limitations on interest rate increases either on an adjustment period or aggregate basis over the life of the loan. We originated and purchased commercial ARM loans totaling $2.1 million, $31.5 million and $76.0 million during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
At December 31, 2011, $84.1 million, or 14.49%, of our commercial mortgage loans consisted of fixed-rate loans. Our fixed-rate commercial mortgage loans are generally originated for terms up to 20 years and are competitively priced based on market conditions and our cost of funds. We originated and purchased $5.0 million, $2.2 million and $3.2 million of fixed-rate commercial mortgage loans in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
One-to-Four Family Mortgage Lending – Mixed-Use Properties.  We offer mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family mixed-use properties. These properties contain up to four residential dwelling units and a commercial unit. We offer both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans with maturities of up to 30 years and a general maximum loan amount of $1,000,000.  Loan originations primarily result from applications received from mortgage brokers and mortgage bankers, existing or past customers, and persons who respond to our marketing efforts and referrals. One-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans were $693.9 million, or 21.59% of gross loans, at December 31, 2011.
 
In underwriting one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans, we employ the same underwriting standards as are employed in underwriting multi-family residential mortgage loans.
 
At December 31, 2011, $548.7 million, or 79.07%, of our one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans consisted of ARM loans. We offer adjustable-rate one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans with adjustment periods typically of five years and for terms of up to 30 years.  Interest rates on ARM loans currently offered by the Savings Bank are adjusted at the beginning of each adjustment period based upon a fixed spread above the FHLB-NY corresponding Regular Advance Rate. From time to time, we may originate ARM loans at an initial rate lower than the index as a result of a discount on the spread for the initial adjustment period. One-to-four family mixed-use property adjustable-rate mortgage loans generally are not subject to limitations on interest rate increases either on an adjustment period or aggregate basis over the life of the loan. We originated and purchased one-to-four family mixed-use property ARM loans totaling $17.6 million during 2011 and $23.7 million during 2010 and 2009.
 
At December 31, 2011, $145.3 million, or 20.93%, of our one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans consisted of fixed-rate loans. Our fixed-rate one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans are originated for terms of up to 30 years and are competitively priced based on market conditions and the Banks’ cost of funds. We originated and purchased $6.1 million, $5.8 million and $9.4 million of fixed-rate one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
One-to-Four Family Mortgage Lending – Residential Properties.  We offer mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family residential properties, including townhouses and condominium units. For purposes of the description contained in this section, one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, co-operative apartment loans and home equity loans are collectively referred to herein as “residential mortgage loans.” We offer both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans with maturities of up to 30 years and a general maximum loan amount of $1,000,000. Loan originations generally result from applications received from mortgage brokers and mortgage bankers, existing or past customers, and referrals. Residential mortgage loans were $225.9 million, or 7.03% of gross loans, at December 31, 2011.
 
We generally originate residential mortgage loans in amounts up to 80% of the appraised value or the sale price, whichever is less.  We may make residential mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios of up to 90% of the appraised value of the mortgaged property; however, private mortgage insurance is required whenever loan-to-value ratios exceed 80% of the appraised value of the property securing the loan.
 
In addition to income verified loans, we have in the past originated residential mortgage loans to self-employed individuals within our local community based on stated income and verifiable assets that allows us to assess repayment ability, provided that the borrower’s stated income is considered reasonable for the borrower’s type of business. The preponderance of stated income one-to-four family residential mortgage loans were made available to self-employed individuals within our local community for their primary residence. Our underwriting standards required that we verify the assets of the borrowers and the sources of their cash flows. The information reviewed for purchases included at least three months and refinances included at least one month of personal bank statements (checking and savings accounts), statements of investment accounts, business checking account statements (when applicable), and other information provided by the borrowers about their personal holdings. Our review of these bank statements allowed us to assess
 
11

 
whether or not their stated income appeared reasonable in comparison to their cash flows, and if their income level supported their personal holdings. We also obtained and reviewed credit reports on these borrowers. An acceptable credit report was one of the key factors in approving this type of mortgage loan. We obtained appraisals from an independent third party for the property, and limited the amount we lent on the properties to 80% of the lesser of the property’s appraised value or the purchase price. Home equity lines of credit were offered on one-to-four residential properties to homeowners based on various levels of income verification. We limited the amount available under a home equity line of credit to 80% of the lesser of the appraised value of the property and the purchase price. These loans involve a higher degree of risk as compared to our other fully underwritten residential mortgage loans as there is a greater opportunity for self-employed borrowers to falsify or overstate their level of income and ability to service indebtedness.  This risk is mitigated by the requirements discussed above in our loan policy. In addition, since 2008, the underwriting standards for home equity loans were modified to discontinue originating home equity lines of credit without verifying the borrower’s income.  This was accomplished in two stages.  Beginning in May 2008, we began verifying the borrower’s income when the home equity line of credit exceeded $100,000.  Beginning in October 2009, we verified the income of all borrowers applying for a home equity line of credit. We also discontinued offering one-to-four family residential property mortgage loans to self-employed individuals based on stated income and verifiable assets in June 2010. We originated $7.3 million and $14.6 million of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans to self-employed individuals based on stated income and verifiable assets during 2010 and 2009, respectively. We did not originate any one-to-four family residential mortgage loans to self-employed individuals based on stated income and verifiable assets during 2011. We also extended $6.9 million in home equity lines of credit during 2009, with various levels of income verification. We did not extend any home equity lines of credit during 2011 and 2010 with various levels of income verification. We had $25.9 million and $28.8 million outstanding of one-to four family residential mortgage loans originated to individuals based on stated income and verifiable assets at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We had $58.5 million and $60.1 million advanced on home equity lines of credit for which we did not verify the borrowers’ income at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
At December 31, 2011, $161.8 million, or 71.62%, of our residential mortgage loans consisted of ARM loans. We offer ARM loans with adjustment periods of one, three, five, seven or ten years. Interest rates on ARM loans currently offered by us are adjusted at the beginning of each adjustment period based upon a fixed spread above the FHLB-NY corresponding Regular Advance Rate. From time to time, we may originate ARM loans at an initial rate lower than the index as a result of a discount on the spread for the initial adjustment period. ARM loans generally are subject to limitations on interest rate increases of 2% per adjustment period and an aggregate adjustment of 6% over the life of the loan. We originated and purchased adjustable rate residential mortgage loans totaling $21.5 million, $19.1 million and $33.0 million during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
The retention of ARM loans in our portfolio helps us reduce our exposure to interest rate risks.  However, in an environment of rapidly increasing interest rates, it is possible for the interest rate increase to exceed the maximum aggregate adjustment on one-to-four family residential ARM loans and negatively affect the spread between our interest income and our cost of funds.
 
ARM loans generally involve credit risks different from those inherent in fixed-rate loans, primarily because if interest rates rise, the underlying payments of the borrower rise, thereby increasing the potential for default. However, this potential risk is lessened by our policy of originating one-to-four family residential ARM loans with annual and lifetime interest rate caps that limit the increase of a borrower’s monthly payment.
 
At December 31, 2011, $64.1 million, or 28.38%, of our residential mortgage loans consisted of fixed-rate loans. Our fixed-rate residential mortgage loans typically are originated for terms of 15 and 30 years and are competitively priced based on market conditions and our cost of funds. We originated and purchased $2.6 million, $16.0 million and $1.2 million in 15-year fixed-rate residential mortgages in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We did not originate or purchase any 30-year fixed-rate mortgages in 2011, 2010 and 2009.
 
 At December 31, 2011, home equity loans totaled $70.2 million, or 2.28%, of gross loans. Home equity loans are included in our portfolio of residential mortgage loans. These loans are offered as adjustable-rate “home equity lines of credit” on which interest only is due for an initial term of 10 years and thereafter principal and interest payments sufficient to liquidate the loan are required for the remaining term, not to exceed 30 years.  These adjustable “home equity lines of credit” may include a “floor” and/or a “ceiling” on the interest rate that we charge for these loans. These loans also may be offered as fully amortizing closed-end fixed-rate loans for terms up to 15 years.  The majority of home equity loans originated are owner occupied one-to-four family residential properties and condominium units.  To a lesser extent, home equity loans are also originated on one-to-four residential properties held for investment and second homes.  All home equity loans are subject to an 80% loan-to-value ratio computed on the basis of the aggregate of the first
 
12

 
mortgage loan amount outstanding and the proposed home equity loan. They are generally granted in amounts from $25,000 to $300,000.
 
Construction Loans.  At December 31, 2011, construction loans totaled $47.1 million, or 1.47%, of gross loans. Our construction loans primarily have been made to finance the construction of one-to-four family residential properties, multi-family residential properties and residential condominiums. We also, to a limited extent, finance the construction of commercial real estate. Our policies provide that construction loans may be made in amounts up to 70% of the estimated value of the developed property and only if we obtain a first lien position on the underlying real estate. However, we generally limit construction loans to 60% of the estimated value of the developed property. In addition, we generally require personal guarantees on all construction loans. Construction loans are generally made with terms of two years or less. Advances are made as construction progresses and inspection warrants, subject to continued title searches to ensure that we maintain a first lien position.  We made advances on construction loans of $1.7 million, $10.5 million and $18.3 million during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Construction loans involve a greater degree of risk than other loans because, among other things, the underwriting of such loans is based on an estimated value of the developed property, which can be difficult to ascertain in light of uncertainties inherent in such estimations.  In addition, construction lending entails the risk that the project may not be completed due to cost overruns or changes in market conditions.
 
Small Business Administration Lending.  At December 31, 2011, SBA loans totaled $14.0 million, representing 0.44%, of gross loans. These loans are extended to small businesses and are guaranteed by the SBA up to a maximum of 85% of the loan balance for loans with balances of $150,000 or less, and to a maximum of 75% of the loan balance for loans with balances greater than $150,000. Under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the maximum loan guarantee to banks under the SBA 7a loan program was increased to 90% and the guarantee fee paid by the Savings Bank (up to 3.5% of guaranteed loan amount) has been waived. This program was extended to December 31, 2010 by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. We also provide term loans and lines of credit up to $350,000 under the SBA Express Program, on which the SBA provides a 50% guaranty. The maximum loan size under the SBA guarantee program was $2.0 million, with a maximum loan guarantee of $1.5 million. The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 permanently increased the limits to a maximum loan size of $5.0 million, with a maximum loan guarantee of $3.75 million. All SBA loans are underwritten in accordance with SBA Standard Operating Procedures which requires collateral and the personal guarantee of the owners with more than 20% ownership from SBA borrowers.  Typically, SBA loans are originated in the range of $25,000 to $2.0 million with terms ranging from one to seven years and up to 25 years for owner occupied commercial real estate mortgages.  SBA loans are generally offered at adjustable rates tied to the prime rate (as published in the Wall Street Journal) with adjustment periods of one to three months.  We generally sell the guaranteed portion of certain SBA term loans in the secondary market, realizing a gain at the time of sale, and retain the servicing rights on these loans, collecting a servicing fee of approximately 1%. We originated and purchased $3.5 million, $3.9 million and $4.5 million of SBA loans during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Commercial Business and Other Lending. At December 31, 2011, commercial business and other loans totaled $260.9 million, or 8.12%, of gross loans. We originate other loans for business, personal, or household purposes. Business loans generally require the personal guarantees of the owners and are typically secured by the business assets of the borrower, including accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and real estate.  Included in commercial business loans are loans made to New York City taxi medallion owners. These loans, which totaled $54.3 million at December 31, 2011, are secured through liens on the taxi medallions.  We originate and purchase taxi medallion loans up to 80% of the value of the taxi medallion. We originated and purchased $102.0 million, $132.7 million and $141.9 million of commercial business loans during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Consumer loans generally consist of overdraft lines of credit. Generally, unsecured consumer loans are limited to amounts of $5,000 or less for terms of up to five years.
 
The underwriting standards employed by us for consumer and other loans include a determination of the applicant’s payment history on other debts and assessment of the applicant’s ability to meet payments on all of his or her obligations.  In addition to the creditworthiness of the applicant, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral, if any, to the proposed loan amount.  Unsecured loans tend to have higher risk, and therefore command a higher interest rate.
 
Loan Extensions, Renewals, Modifications and Restructuring. Extensions, renewals, modifications or restructuring a loan, other than a loan that is classified as a TDR, requires the loan to be fully underwritten in accordance with our policy for new loans. The borrower must be current to have a loan extended, renewed or restructured. Our policy for modifying a mortgage loan due to the borrower’s request for changes in the terms will depend on the changes requested. The borrower must be current and have a good payment history to have a loan modified. If the borrower is
 
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seeking additional funds, the loan is fully underwritten in accordance with our policy for new loans. If the borrower is seeking a reduction in the interest rate due to a decline in interest rates in the market, we generally limit our review as follows: (1) for income producing properties and business loans, to a review of the operating results of the property/business and a satisfactory inspection of the property, and (2) for one-to-four residential properties, to a satisfactory inspection of the property. Our policy on restructuring a loan when the loan will be classified as a TDR requires the loan to be fully underwritten in accordance with Company policy. The borrower must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan under the new terms. When the restructuring results in a TDR, we may waive some requirements of Company policy provided the borrower has demonstrated the ability to meet the requirements of the restructured loan and repay the restructured loan. While our formal lending policies do not prohibit making additional loans to a borrower or any related interest of the borrower who is past due in principal or interest more than 90 days, it has been our practice not to make additional loans to a borrower or a related interest of the borrower if the borrower is past due more than 90 days as to principal or interest. During the most recent three fiscal years, we did not make any additional loans to a borrower or any related interest of the borrower who was past due in principal or interest more than 90 days. All extensions, renewals, restructurings and modifications must be approved by either the Loan Committee or the Savings Bank Board of Directors.
 
Loan Approval Procedures and Authority.  The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) approved lending policies establishes loan approval requirements for our various types of loan products.  Our Residential Mortgage Lending Policy (which applies to all one-to-four family mortgage loans, including residential and mixed-use property) establishes authorized levels of approval. One-to-four family mortgage loans that do not exceed $750,000 require two signatures for approval, one of which must be from either the President, Executive Vice President or a Senior Vice President (collectively, “Authorized Officers”) and the other from a Senior Underwriter, Manager, Underwriter or Junior Underwriter in the Residential Mortgage Loan Department (collectively, “Loan Officers”). For one-to-four family mortgage loans from $750,000 to $1.0 million, three signatures are required for approval, at least two of which must be from Authorized Officers, and the other one may be a Loan Officer. The Loan Committee, the Executive Committee or the full Board of Directors also must approve one-to-four family mortgage loans in excess of $1.0 million. Pursuant to our Commercial Real Estate Lending Policy, all loans secured by commercial real estate and multi-family residential properties must be approved by the President or the Executive Vice President upon the recommendation of the appropriate Senior Vice President.  Such loans in excess of $2.5 million also require Loan Committee or Board approval. In accordance with our Business Credit Policy all business and SBA loans up to $1.0 million and commercial and industrial loans/professional mortgage loans up to $1.5 million must be approved by the Business Loan Committee and ratified by the Management Loan Committee. Business and SBA loans in excess of $1.0 million up to $2.0 million, and commercial and industrial loans/professional mortgage loans in excess of $1.5 million up to $2.5 million, must be approved by the Management Loan Committee and ratified by the Loan Committee. Commercial business and other loans require two signatures for approval, one of which must be from an Authorized Officer. Our Construction Loan Policy requires that the Loan Committee or the Savings Bank Board of Directors must approve all construction loans.  Any loan, regardless of type, that deviates from our written credit policies must be approved by the Loan Committee or the Savings Bank Board of Directors.
 
For all loans originated by us, upon receipt of a completed loan application, a credit report is ordered and certain other financial information is obtained. An appraisal of the real estate intended to secure the proposed loan is required. An independent appraiser designated and approved by us currently performs such appraisals.  Our staff appraiser reviews all appraisals for properties where the loan amount is $2,000,000 or greater. The Savings Bank Board of Directors annually approves the independent appraisers used by the Savings Bank and approves the Savings Bank’s appraisal policy.  It is our policy to require borrowers to obtain title insurance and hazard insurance on all real estate loans prior to closing. For certain borrowers, the Savings Bank may require escrow funds on a monthly basis together with each payment of principal and interest to a mortgage escrow account from which we make disbursements for items such as real estate taxes and, in some cases, hazard insurance premiums.
 
Loan Concentrations.  The maximum amount of credit that the Savings Bank can extend to any single borrower or related group of borrowers generally is limited to 15% of the Savings Bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus, or $61.6 million at December 31, 2011.  Applicable laws and regulations permit an additional amount of credit to be extended, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if the loan is secured by readily marketable collateral, which generally does not include real estate.  See “-Regulation.”  However, it is currently our policy not to extend such additional credit. At December 31, 2011, there were no loans in excess of the maximum dollar amount of loans to one borrower that the Savings Bank was authorized to make. At that date, the three largest concentrations of loans to one borrower consisted of loans secured by a combination of commercial real estate and multi-family income producing properties with an aggregate principal balance of $41.3 million, $39.2 million and $34.5 million for each of the three borrowers, respectively.
 
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Loan Servicing.  At December 31, 2011, we were servicing $6.5 million of mortgage loans and $16.9 million of SBA loans for others. Our policy is to retain the servicing rights to the mortgage and SBA loans that we sell in the secondary market. In order to increase revenue, management intends to continue this policy.
 
Asset Quality
 
Loan Collection.  When a borrower fails to make a required payment on a loan, we take a number of steps to induce the borrower to cure the delinquency and restore the loan to current status. In the case of mortgage loans, personal contact is made with the borrower after the loan becomes 30 days delinquent. We take a proactive approach to managing delinquent loans, including conducting site examinations and encouraging borrowers to meet with one of our representatives. When deemed appropriate, short-term payment plans have been developed that enable borrowers to bring their loans current, generally within six to nine months. At times, when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, the Savings Bank may restructure a loan to enable a borrower to continue making payments when it is deemed to be in the best long-term interest of the Savings Bank. This restructure may include reducing the interest rate or amount of the monthly payment for a specified period of time, after which the interest rate and repayment terms revert to the original terms of the loan. The Savings Bank classifies these loans as “Troubled Debt Restructured”.  At December 31, 2011, we had $37.8 million of mortgage loans classified as Troubled Debt Restructured, with $20.6 million of these loans performing according to their restructured terms and $17.0 million not performing according to their restructured terms. We review delinquencies on a loan by loan basis, diligently exploring ways to help borrowers meet their obligations and return them back to current status, and we have increased staffing to handle delinquent loans by hiring people experienced in loan workouts.
 
When the borrower has indicated that they will be unable to bring the loan current, or due to other circumstances which, in our opinion, indicate the borrower will be unable to bring the loan current within a reasonable time, the loan is classified as non-performing. All loans classified as non-performing, which includes all loans past due 90 days or more, are classified as non-accrual unless there is, in our opinion, compelling evidence the borrower will bring the loan current in the immediate future. At December 31, 2011, there were two loans, which totaled $6.4 million, past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest.
 
Upon classifying a loan as non-performing, we review available information and conditions that relate to the status of the loan, including the estimated value of the loan’s collateral and any legal considerations that may affect the borrower’s ability to continue to make payments. Based upon the available information, we will consider the sale of the loan or retention of the loan. If the loan is retained, we may continue to work with the borrower to collect the amounts due or start foreclosure proceedings. If a foreclosure action is initiated and the loan is not brought current, paid in full, or refinanced before the foreclosure sale, the real property securing the loan is sold at foreclosure or by us as soon thereafter as practicable.
 
Once the decision to sell a loan is made, we determine what we would consider adequate consideration to be obtained when that loan is sold, based on the facts and circumstances related to that loan. Investors and brokers are then contacted to seek interest in purchasing the loan. We have been successful in finding buyers for some of our non-performing loans offered for sale that are willing to pay what we consider to be adequate consideration. Terms of the sale include cash due upon closing of the sale, no contingencies or recourse to us, servicing is released to the buyer and time is of the essence. These sales usually close within a reasonably short time period.
 
This strategy of selling non-performing loans has allowed us to optimize our return by quickly converting our non-performing loans to cash, which can then be reinvested in earning assets. This strategy also allows us to avoid lengthy and costly legal proceedings that may occur with non-performing loans. We sold 44 delinquent mortgage loans totaling $28.9 million, 20 delinquent mortgage loans totaling $8.8 million, and 17 delinquent mortgage loans totaling $6.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We recorded net charge-offs of $3.7 million, $0.7 million and $0.1 million to the allowance for loan losses for the non-performing loans that were sold during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  We realized gross gains of $167,000, $21,000 and $4,000 on the sale of non-performing mortgage loans for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  We realized gross losses of $3,000 on the sale of non-performing mortgage loans for the year ended December 31, 2010. We did not record any gross losses for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2009. There can be no assurances that we will continue this strategy in future periods, or if continued, we will be able to find buyers to pay adequate consideration.
 
On mortgage loans or loan participations purchased by us for whom the seller retains the servicing rights, we receive monthly reports with which we monitor the loan portfolio.  Based upon servicing agreements with the servicers of the loans, we rely upon the servicer to contact delinquent borrowers, collect delinquent amounts and initiate foreclosure proceedings, when necessary, all in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and the terms of the
 
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servicing agreements between us and our servicing agents. The servicers are required to submit monthly reports on their collection efforts on delinquent loans. At December 31, 2011, we held $95.1 million of loans that were serviced by others.
 
In the case of commercial business or other loans, we generally send the borrower a written notice of non-payment when the loan is first past due. In the event payment is not then received, additional letters and phone calls generally are made in order to encourage the borrower to meet with one of our representatives to discuss the delinquency. If the loan still is not brought current and it becomes necessary for us to take legal action, which typically occurs after a loan is delinquent 90 days or more, we may attempt to repossess personal or business property that secures an SBA loan, commercial business loan or consumer loan.
 
Troubled Debt Restructured . We have restructured certain problem loans for borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulties by either: reducing the interest rate until the next reset date, extending the amortization period thereby lowering the monthly payments, deferring a portion of the interest payment, or changing the loan to interest only payments for a limited time period. At times, certain problem loans have been restructured by combining more than one of these options. These restructurings have not included a reduction of principal balance. We believe that restructuring these loans in this manner will allow certain borrowers to become and remain current on their loans. These restructured loans are classified as troubled debt restructured (“TDR”). Loans which have been current for six consecutive months at the time they are restructured as TDR remain on accrual status. Loans which were delinquent at the time they are restructured as a TDR are placed on non-accrual status until they have made timely payments for six consecutive months.
 
The following table shows our recorded investment in loans classified as TDR that are performing according to their restructured terms at the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                               
Multi-family residential
  $ 9,412     $ 7,946     $ 478     $ -     $ -  
Commercial real estate
    2,499       5,815       1,441       -       -  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    795       206       575       -       -  
Construction
    5,888       -       -       -       -  
Commercial business and other
    2,000       -       -       -       -  
Total performing troubled debt restructered
  $ 20,594     $ 13,967     $ 2,494     $ -     $ -  
 
Loans that are restructured as TDR but are not performing in accordance with the restructured terms are excluded from the TDR table above, as they are placed on non-accrual status and reported as non-performing loans. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were six loans totaling $17.2 million and five loans totaling $3.3 million, respectively, which were restructured as TDR which were not performing in accordance with their restructured terms
 
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Delinquent Loans and Non-performing Assets. We generally discontinue accruing interest on delinquent loans when a loan is 90 days past due or foreclosure proceedings have been commenced, whichever first occurs.  At that time, previously accrued but uncollected interest is reversed from income. Loans in default 90 days or more as to their maturity date but not their payments, however, continue to accrue interest as long as the borrower continues to remit monthly payments.
 
The following table shows our non-performing assets at the dates indicated.  During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the amounts of additional interest income that would have been recorded on non-accrual loans, had they been current, totaled $7.5 million, $7.4 million and $4.9 million, respectively.  These amounts were not included in our interest income for the respective periods.
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                               
Loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing:
                             
Multi-family residential
  $ 6,287     $ 103     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Commercial real estate
    92       3,328       471       425       -  
One-to-four family - residential
    -       -       2,784       889       -  
Construction
    -       -       -       -       753  
Commercial Business and other
    -       6       -       -       -  
Total
    6,379       3,437       3,255       1,314       753  
Non-accrual mortgage loans:
                                       
Multi-family residential
    19,946       35,633       27,483       12,011       2,477  
Commercial real estate
    19,895       22,806       18,153       7,251       90  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    28,429       30,478       23,422       10,639       2,204  
One-to-four family residential
    12,766       10,695       4,959       1,121       -  
Co-operative apartments
    152       -       78       -       -  
Construction
    14,721       4,465       1,639       4,457       -  
Total
    95,909       104,077       75,734       35,479       4,771  
Non-accrual non-mortgage loans:
                                       
Small Business Administration
    493       1,159       1,232       354       366  
Commercial Business and other
    14,660       3,419       3,151       2,825       3  
Total
    15,153       4,578       4,383       3,179       369  
                                         
Total non-accrual loans
    111,062       108,655       80,117       38,658       5,140  
Total non-performing loans
    117,441       112,092       83,372       39,972       5,893  
Other non-performing assets:
                                       
Real Estate Owned
    3,179       1,588       2,262       125       -  
Investment securities
    2,562       5,134       5,134       607       -  
Total
    5,741       6,722       7,396       732       -  
                                         
Total non-performing assets
  $ 123,182     $ 118,814     $ 90,768     $ 40,704     $ 5,893  
                                         
Non-performing loans to gross loans
    3.65 %     3.44 %     2.60 %     1.35 %     0.22 %
Non-performing assets to total assets
    2.87 %     2.75 %     2.19 %     1.03 %     0.18 %
 
 
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The following table shows our delinquent loans that are less than 90 days past due and still accruing interest at the periods indicated:
 
   
December 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
     
60 - 89
days
     
30 - 59
days
     
60 - 89
days
     
30 - 59
days
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                 
Multi-family residential
  $ 6,341     $ 20,083     $ 7,014     $ 30,799  
Commercial real estate
    1,797       10,712       2,181       17,167  
One-to-four family - mixed-use property
    3,027       20,480       6,376       19,596  
One-to-four family - residential
    1,769       4,699       1,046       4,959  
Co-operative apartments
    -       -       -       -  
Construction loans
    -       5,065       5,485       2,900  
Small Business Administration
    -       16       991       418  
Taxi medallion
    -       71       -       -  
Commercial business and other
    966       1,056       3       4,534  
Total
  $ 13,900     $ 62,182     $ 23,096     $ 80,373  
 
Other Real Estate Owned.  We aggressively market our Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) properties. At December 31, 2011, we owned seven properties with a combined fair value of $3.2 million. At December 31, 2010, we owned six properties with a fair value of $1.6 million. At December 31, 2009, we owned four properties with a fair value of $2.3 million.
 
Investment Securities.  Non-performing investment securities included two pooled trust preferred securities at December 31, 2011 and 2010 with fair values of $2.6 million and $5.1 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2009, non-performing investment securities included two pooled trust preferred securities with a fair value of $5.0 million and one issue of FHLMC preferred stock with a fair value of $0.1 million.
 
Environmental Concerns Relating to Loans. We currently obtain environmental reports in connection with the underwriting of commercial real estate loans, and typically obtain environmental reports in connection with the underwriting of multi-family loans. For all other loans, we obtain environmental reports only if the nature of the current or, to the extent known to us, prior use of the property securing the loan indicates a potential environmental risk.  However, we may not be aware of such uses or risks in any particular case, and, accordingly, there is no assurance that real estate acquired by us in foreclosure is free from environmental contamination or that, if any such contamination or other violation exists, whether we will have any liability.
 
Classified Assets.   Our policy is to review our assets, focusing primarily on the loan portfolio, OREO and the investment portfolios, to ensure that the credit quality is maintained at the highest levels.  When weaknesses are identified, immediate action is taken to correct the problem through direct contact with the borrower or issuer. We then monitor these assets, and, in accordance with our policy and current regulatory guidelines, we designate them as “Special Mention,” which is considered a “Criticized Asset,” and “Substandard,” “Doubtful,” or “Loss” which are considered “Classified Assets,” as deemed necessary.  We designate an asset as Substandard when a well-defined weakness is identified that jeopardizes the orderly liquidation of the debt. We designate an asset as Doubtful when it displays the inherent weakness of a Substandard asset with the added provision that collection of the debt in full, on the basis of existing facts, is highly improbable. We designate an asset as Loss if it is deemed the debtor is incapable of repayment.  Loans that are classified as Loss are charged to the Allowance for Loan Losses.  Assets that are non-accrual are designated as Substandard, Doubtful or Loss. We designate an asset as Special Mention if the asset does not warrant designation within one of the other categories, but does contain a potential weakness that deserves closer attention. Our total Criticized and Classified assets were $305.1 million at December 31, 2011, a decrease of $18.5 million from $323.7 million at December 31, 2010.
 
 
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The following table sets forth the Banks’ Criticized and Classified assets at December 31, 2011:
 
(In thousands)
 
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total
 
                               
Loans:
                             
Multi-family residential
  $ 17,135     $ 41,393     $ -     $ -     $ 58,528  
Commercial real estate
    12,264       41,247       -       -       53,511  
One-to-four family - mixed-use property
    17,393       33,831       -       -       51,224  
One-to-four family - residential
    3,127       14,343       -       -       17,470  
Co-operative apartments
    203       153       -       -       356  
Construction loans
    2,570       28,555       -       -       31,125  
Small Business Administration
    666       256       214       -       1,136  
Commercial business and other
    13,585       17,613       1,169       -       32,367  
Total loans
    66,943       177,391       1,383       -       245,717  
                                         
Investment Securities: (1)
                                       
Pooled trust preferred securities
    -       15,344       -       -       15,344  
Private issue CMO
    -       40,905       -       -       40,905  
Total investment securities
    -       56,249       -       -       56,249  
                                         
Other Real Estate Owned
    -       3,179       -       -       3,179  
Total
  $ 66,943     $ 236,819     $ 1,383     $ -     $ 305,145  
 
The following table sets forth the Banks’ Criticized and Classified assets at December 31, 2010:
 
(In thousands)
 
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total
 
                               
Loans:
                             
Multi-family residential
  $ 20,277     $ 51,626     $ -     $ -     $ 71,903  
Commercial real estate
    13,228       32,120       -       -       45,348  
One-to-four family - mixed-use property
    15,546       33,539       -       -       49,085  
One-to-four family - residential
    2,849       10,874       -       -       13,723  
Co-operative apartments
    -       -       -       -       -  
Construction loans
    5,945       30,589       -       -       36,534  
Small Business Administration
    558       1,432       -       -       1,990  
Commercial business and other
    14,302       13,628       1,238       -       29,168  
Total loans
    72,705       173,808       1,238       -       247,751  
                                         
Investment Securities: (1)
                                       
Pooled trust preferred securities
    -       16,457       -       -       16,457  
Mutual funds
    -       4,082       -       -       4,082  
Private issue CMO
    -       53,790       -       -       53,790  
Total investment securities
    -       74,329       -       -       74,329  
                                         
Other Real Estate Owned
    -       1,588       -       -       1,588  
Total
  $ 72,705     $ 249,725     $ 1,238     $ -     $ 323,668  
 
(1)
Our investment securities are classified as securities available for sale and as such are carried at their fair value in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The securities above had a fair value of $41.1 million and $65.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Under current applicable regulatory guidelines, we are required to disclose the classified investment securities, as shown in the tables above, at their book values (amortized cost, or fair value for securities that are under the fair value option). Additionally, the requirement is only for the Banks’ securities. Flushing Financial Corporation had two private issue trust preferred securities classified as Substandard at December 31, 2011 and 2010 with a combined market value of $0.8 million. In addition, Flushing Financial Corporation had one mutual fund security classified as Substandard with a market value of $1.6 million at December 31, 2010.
 
 
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On a quarterly basis all mortgage loans that are classified as Substandard or Doubtful and collateral dependent loans categorized as Special Mention are internally reviewed for impairment, based on updated cash flows for income producing properties, or updated independent appraisals.  The loan balances of collateral dependent loans reviewed for impairment are then compared to the loans updated fair value. The balance which exceeds fair value is generally charged-off against the allowance for loan losses. At December 31, 2011, the current loan-to-value ratio on our collateral dependent loans reviewed for impairment was 60.7%.
 
We classify investment securities as Substandard when the investment grade rating by one or more of the rating agencies is below investment grade. We have classified a total of 20 investment securities that are held at the Savings Bank as Substandard at December 31, 2011. Our classified investment securities at December 31, 2011 held by the Savings Bank include 16 private issue collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) rated below investment grade by one or more of the rating agencies, three issues of pooled trust preferred securities and one private issue trust preferred security. The Investment Securities which are classified as Substandard at December 31, 2011 are securities that were rated investment grade when we purchased them. These securities have each been subsequently downgraded by at least one rating agency to below investment grade. Through December 31, 2011, two of the pooled trust preferred securities and eight private issue CMOs are not paying principal and interest as scheduled. The remaining investment securities continued to pay interest and principal as scheduled at December 31, 2011. We test each of these securities quarterly, through an independent third party, for impairment.
 
There were $1.6 million, $2.0 million and $5.9 million in credit related other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charges recorded for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. During 2011 we recorded OTTI charges of $1.6 million on five private issue collateralized mortgage obligations. During 2010 we recorded OTTI charges of $1.1 million on four private issue collateralized mortgage obligations and $1.0 million on one pooled trust preferred securities. During 2009 we recorded OTTI charges of $3.1 million on four private issue collateralized mortgage obligations and $2.8 million on two pooled trust preferred securities.
 
Allowance for Loan Losses
 
We have established and maintain on our books an allowance for loan losses that is designed to provide a reserve against estimated losses inherent in our overall loan portfolio. The allowance is established through a provision for loan losses based on management’s evaluation of the risk inherent in the various components of the loan portfolio and other factors, including historical loan loss experience (which is updated quarterly), changes in the composition and volume of the portfolio, collection policies and experience, trends in the volume of non-accrual loans and local and national economic conditions. The determination of the amount of the allowance for loan losses includes estimates that are susceptible to significant changes due to changes in appraisal values of collateral, national and local economic conditions and other factors. We review our loan portfolio by separate categories with similar risk and collateral characteristics. Impaired loans are segregated and reviewed separately. All non-accrual loans are classified impaired. Impaired loans secured by collateral are reviewed based on the fair value of their collateral. For non-collateralized impaired loans, management estimates any recoveries that are anticipated for each loan. In connection with the determination of the allowance, the market value of collateral ordinarily is evaluated by our staff appraiser. On a quarterly basis, the estimated values of impaired mortgage loans are internally reviewed, based on updated cash flows for income producing properties, and at times an updated independent appraisal is obtained.  The loan balances of collateral dependent impaired loans are then compared to the loans updated fair value. The balance which exceeds fair value is generally charged-off. When evaluating a loan for impairment, we do not rely on guarantees, and the amount of impairment, if any, is based on the fair value of the collateral. We do not carry loans at a value in excess of the fair value due to a guarantee from the borrower. Impaired mortgage loans that were written down resulted from quarterly reviews or updated appraisals that indicated the properties’ estimated value had declined from when the loan was originated.  Current year charge-offs, charge-off trends, new loan production, current balance by particular loan categories, and delinquent loans by particular loan categories are also taken into account in determining the appropriate amount of allowance. The Board of Directors reviews and approves the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis.
 
In assessing the adequacy of the allowance, we review our loan portfolio by separate categories which have similar risk and collateral characteristics, e.g., multi-family residential, commercial real estate, one-to-four family mixed-use property, one-to-four family residential, co-operative apartment, construction, SBA, commercial business, taxi medallion and consumer loans. General provisions are established against performing loans in our portfolio in amounts deemed prudent based on our qualitative analysis of the factors, including the historical loss experience, delinquency trends and local economic conditions. We incurred total net charge-offs of $18.9 million and $13.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The national and local economies were generally considered to be in a recession from December 2007 through the middle of 2009. This has resulted in increased unemployment and
 
 
20

 
declining property values, although the property value declines in the New York City metropolitan area have not been as great as many other areas of the country. While the national and local economies have shown signs of improvement since the second half of 2009, unemployment has remained at elevated levels. This deterioration in the economy has resulted in the balance of our non-performing loans remaining at an elevated level. Non-performing loans totaled $117.4 million and $112.1 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.   The Savings Bank’s underwriting standards generally require a loan-to-value ratio of no more than 75% at the time the loan is originated. At December 31, 2011, the average outstanding principal balance of our impaired mortgage loans was less than 61% of the estimated current value of the supporting collateral, after considering the charge-offs that have been recorded. We have not been affected by the defaults of sub-prime mortgages as we do not originate, or hold in portfolio, sub-prime mortgages. A provision for loan losses of $21.5 million, $21.0 million and $19.5 million was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Management has concluded, and the Board of Directors has concurred, that at December 31, 2011, the allowance was sufficient to absorb losses inherent in our loan portfolio.
 
Our determination as to the classification of our assets and the amount of our valuation allowance is subject to review by the OCC and the FDIC, which can require the establishment of additional general allowances or specific loss allowances or require charge-offs. Such authorities may require us to make additional provisions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. An OCC policy statement provides guidance for OCC examiners in determining whether the levels of general valuation allowances for savings institutions are adequate. The policy statement requires that if a savings institution’s general valuation allowance policies and procedures are deemed to be inadequate, recommendations for correcting deficiencies, including any examiner concerns regarding the level of the allowance, should be noted in the report of examination. Additional supervisory action may also be taken based on the magnitude of the observed shortcomings in the allowance process, including the materiality of any error in the reported amount of the allowance.
 
Management believes that our current allowance for loan losses is adequate in light of current economic conditions, the composition of our loan portfolio, the level and type of delinquent loans, charge-offs recorded and other available information and the Board of Directors concurs in this belief. At December 31, 2011, the total allowance for loan losses was $30.3 million, representing 25.84% of non-performing loans and 24.63% of non-performing assets, compared to 24.71% of non-performing loans and 23.31% of non-performing assets at December 31, 2010. We continue to monitor and, as necessary, modify the level of our allowance for loan losses in order to maintain the allowance at a level which we consider adequate to provide for probable loan losses based on available information.
 
Many factors may require additions to the allowance for loan losses in future periods beyond those currently revealed. These factors include further adverse changes in economic conditions, changes in interest rates and changes in the financial capacity of individual borrowers (any of which may affect the ability of borrowers to make repayments on loans), changes in the real estate market within our lending area and the value of collateral, or a review and evaluation of our loan portfolio in the future. The determination of the amount of the allowance for loan losses includes estimates that are susceptible to significant changes due to changes in appraised values of collateral, national and local economic conditions, interest rates and other factors. In addition, our overall level of credit risk inherent in our loan portfolio can be affected by the loan portfolio’s composition. At December 31, 2011, multi-family residential, commercial real estate, construction and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans, totaled 84.4% of our gross loans. The greater risk associated with these loans, as well as business loans, could require us to increase our provisions for loan losses and to maintain an allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans that is in excess of the allowance we currently maintain.  Provisions for loan losses are charged against net income.  See “—Lending Activities” and “—Asset Quality.”
 
 
21

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

   
At and for the years ended December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                               
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 27,699     $ 20,324     $ 11,028     $ 6,633     $ 7,057  
                                         
Provision for loan losses
    21,500       21,000       19,500       5,600       -  
                                         
Loans charged-off:
                                       
Multi-family residential
    (6,807 )     (5,790 )     (2,327 )     (496 )     -  
Commercial real estate
    (5,172 )     (2,685 )     (728 )     -       -  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    (2,644 )     (2,580 )     (1,009 )     -       -  
One-to-four family residential
    (2,226 )     (236 )     (284 )     -       -  
Co-operative apartment
    -       -       -       -       -  
Construction
    (1,088 )     (1,879 )     (1,075 )     -       -  
SBA
    (871 )     (925 )     (1,106 )     (759 )     (470 )
Commercial business and other loans
    (642 )     (500 )     (3,842 )     (36 )     (2 )
Total loans charged-off
    (19,450 )     (14,595 )     (10,371 )     (1,291 )     (472 )
                                         
Recoveries:
                                       
Mortgage loans
    523       183       1       -       29  
SBA, commercial business and other loans
    72       787       166       86       19  
Total recoveries
    595       970       167       86       48  
                                         
Net charge-offs
    (18,855 )     (13,625 )     (10,204 )     (1,205 )     (424 )
                                         
Balance at end of year
  $ 30,344     $ 27,699     $ 20,324     $ 11,028     $ 6,633  
                                         
Ratio of net charge-offs during the year to average loans outstanding during the year
    0.59 %     0.42 %     0.33 %     0.04 %     0.02 %
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to gross loans at end of the year
    0.94 %     0.85 %     0.63 %     0.37 %     0.25 %
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans at the end of the year
    25.84 %     24.71 %     24.38 %     27.59 %     112.57 %
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to non-performing assets at the end of the year
    24.63 %     23.31 %     22.39 %     27.09 %     112.57 %

 
22

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

    At December 31,  
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
Loan Category
 
Amount
   
Percent
of Loans in
Category to
Total loans
   
Amount
   
Percent
of Loans in
Category to
Total loans
   
Amount
   
Percent
of Loans in
Category to
Total loans
   
Amount
   
Percent
of Loans in
Category to
Total loans
   
Amount
   
Percent
of Loans in
Category to
Total loans
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Mortgage loans:
                                                           
                                                             
Multi-family residential
  $ 11,267       43.28 %   $ 9,007       38.41 %   $ 6,581       36.17 %   $ 3,233       33.80 %   $ 1,644       35.79 %
Commercial real estate
    5,209       18.07       4,905       20.33       4,395       21.42       1,360       23.24       933       21.77  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    5,314       21.59       5,997       22.36       4,339       23.24       2,904       25.45       1,223       25.49  
One-to-four family residential
    1,649       6.86       938       7.40       844       7.80       393       8.09       251       6.01  
Co-operative apartment
    80       0.17       17       0.19       17       0.20       9       0.22       15       0.26  
Construction
    668       1.47       589       2.32       1,281       3.04       910       3.51       1,172       4.44  
                                                                                 
Gross mortgage loans
    24,187       91.44       21,453       91.01       17,457       91.87       8,809       94.31       5,238       93.76  
                                                                                 
Non-mortgage loans:
                                                                               
                                                                                 
Small Business Administration
    987       0.44       1,303       0.54       965       0.55       464       0.67       373       0.70  
Taxi Medallion
    41       1.69       639       2.71       583       1.92       91       0.44       391       2.53  
Commercial business and other
    5,129       6.43       4,304       5.74       1,319       5.66       1,664       4.58       631       3.01  
                                                                                 
Gross non-mortgage loans
    6,157       8.56       6,246       8.99       2,867       8.13       2,219       5.69       1,395       6.24  
                                                                                 
Total loans
  $ 30,344       100.00 %   $ 27,699       100.00 %   $ 20,324       100.00 %   $ 11,028       100.00 %   $ 6,633       100.00 %
 
 
23

 
Investment Activities
 
General.  Our investment policy, which is approved by the Board of Directors, is designed primarily to manage the interest rate sensitivity of our overall assets and liabilities, to generate a favorable return without incurring undue interest rate and credit risk, to complement our lending activities and to provide and maintain liquidity. In establishing our investment strategies, we consider our business and growth strategies, the economic environment, our interest rate risk exposure, our interest rate sensitivity “gap” position, the types of securities to be held, and other factors. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Overview—Management Strategy” in Item 7 of this Annual Report.
 
Federally chartered savings institutions have authority to invest in various types of assets, including U.S. government obligations, securities of various federal agencies, mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities, certain certificates of deposit of insured banks and savings institutions, certain bankers acceptances, reverse repurchase agreements, loans of federal funds, and, subject to certain limits, corporate securities, commercial paper and mutual funds. We primarily invest in mortgage-backed securities, U. S. government obligations, and mutual funds that purchase these same instruments. We did not hold any issues of foreign sovereign debt at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
Our Investment Committee meets quarterly to monitor investment transactions and to establish investment strategy. The Board of Directors reviews the investment policy on an annual basis and investment activity on a monthly basis.
 
We classify our investment securities as available for sale. We carry some of our investments under the fair value option. Unrealized gains and losses for investments carried under the fair value option are included in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Unrealized gains and losses on the remaining investment portfolio, other than unrealized credit losses considered other than temporary, are excluded from earnings and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (a separate component of equity), net of taxes. At December 31, 2011, we had $812.5 million in securities available for sale, which represented 18.95% of total assets. These securities had an aggregate market value at December 31, 2011 that was approximately 1.9 times the amount of our equity at that date.
 
There were $1.6 million, $2.0 million and $5.9 million in credit related OTTI charges recorded for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. During 2011 we recorded OTTI charges of $1.6 million on five private issue collateralized mortgage obligations. During 2010 we recorded OTTI charges of $1.1 million on four private issue collateralized mortgage obligations and $1.0 million on one pooled trust preferred securities. During 2009 we recorded OTTI charges of $3.1 million on four private issue collateralized mortgage obligations and $2.8 million on two pooled trust preferred securities. As a result of the magnitude of our holdings of securities available for sale, changes in interest rates could produce significant changes in the value of such securities and could produce significant fluctuations in our operating results and equity. See Notes 5 and 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
 
 
24

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

                 At December 31,              
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Market
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Market
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Market
Value
 
   
 
           (In thousands)              
Securities available for sale
                                   
Bonds and other debt securities:
                                   
U.S. government and agencies
  $ 1,980     $ 2,039     $ 10,556     $ 10,459     $ 3,277     $ 3,389  
Municipal securities
    4,534       4,531       5,412       5,413       2,250       2,250  
Corporate debentures
    20,777       20,592       2,698       2,698       2,627       2,627  
 Total bonds and other debt securities
    27,291       27,162       18,666       18,570       8,154       8,266  
                                                 
Mutual funds
    21,369       21,369       10,625       10,625       6,860       6,860  
                                                 
Equity securities:
                                               
Common stock
    790       790       967       967       1,036       1,036  
Preferred stock
    21,233       15,921       22,346       19,950       22,805       19,199  
 Total equity securities
    22,023       16,711       23,313       20,917       23,841       20,235  
                                                 
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                               
FNMA
    175,627       182,630       192,750       194,540       124,199       127,364  
REMIC and CMO
    460,824       473,639       456,210       453,465       388,891       380,325  
FHLMC
    22,556       23,387       19,561       20,117       29,201       29,909  
GNMA
    62,040       67,632       81,439       85,955       107,144       110,845  
 Total mortgage-backed securities
    721,047       747,288       749,960       754,077       649,435       648,443  
                                                 
Total securities available for sale
    791,730       812,530       802,564       804,189       688,290       683,804  
                                                 
Interest-earning deposits and Federal funds sold
    48,944       48,944       41,836       41,836       23,542       23,542  
                                                 
Total
  $ 840,674     $ 861,474     $ 844,400     $ 846,025     $ 711,832     $ 707,346  
 
Mortgage-backed securities. At December 31, 2011, we had $747.3 million invested in mortgage-backed securities, of which $32.8 million was invested in adjustable-rate mortgage-backed securities. The mortgage loans underlying these adjustable-rate securities generally are subject to limitations on annual and lifetime interest rate increases. We anticipate that investments in mortgage-backed securities may continue to be used in the future to supplement mortgage-lending activities. Mortgage-backed securities are more liquid than individual mortgage loans and may be used more easily to collateralize our obligations, including collateralizing of the governmental deposits of our Commercial Bank. However, during 2009 and continuing throughout 2011, the market for private issued mortgage-backed securities was somewhat illiquid. In addition, the ratings assigned to our holdings of private issued mortgage-backed securities were reduced to below investment grade. As a result, we are not able to use private issued mortgage-backed securities to collateralize our obligations.

 
25

 
The following table sets forth our mortgage-backed securities purchases, sales and principal repayments for the years indicated:
 
   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
    (In thousands)  
                   
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 754,077     $ 648,443     $ 674,764  
                         
Purchases of mortgage-backed securities
    122,530       345,257       177,036  
                         
Amortization of unearned premium, net of accretion of unearned discount
    (2,587 )     (2,343 )     (1,668 )
                         
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on mortgage-backed securities available for sale
    22,124       5,110       20,550  
                         
Net realized gains recorded on mortgage-backed securities carried at fair value
    (636 )     730       3,941  
                         
Net change in interest due on securities carried at fair value
    (46 )     (127 )     (122 )
                         
Sales of mortgage-backed securities
    -       (56,479 )     (44,854 )
                         
Other-than-temporary impairment charges
    (1,578 )     (1,057 )     (3,144 )
                         
In-kind distribution of a mutual fund in the form of mortgage-backed securities
    -       -       11,494  
                         
Principal repayments received on mortgage-backed securities
    (146,596 )     (185,457 )     (189,554 )
                         
Net increase (decrease) in mortgage-backed securities
    (6,789 )     105,634       (26,321 )
                         
Balance at end of year
  $ 747,288     $ 754,077     $ 648,443  
                         
 
While mortgage-backed securities carry a reduced credit risk as compared to whole loans, such securities remain subject to the risk that a fluctuating interest rate environment, along with other factors such as the geographic distribution of the underlying mortgage loans, may alter the prepayment rate of such mortgage loans and so affect both the prepayment speed and value of such securities. We do not own any derivative instruments that are extremely sensitive to changes in interest rates.
 
 
26

 
The table below sets forth certain information regarding the amortized cost, fair value, annualized weighted average yields and maturities of our investment in debt and equity securities and interest-earning deposits at December 31, 2011. The stratification of balances is based on stated maturities. Equity securities are shown as immediately maturing, except for preferred stocks with stated redemption dates, which are shown in the period they are scheduled to be redeemed. Assumptions for repayments and prepayments are not reflected for mortgage-backed securities. We carry these investments at their estimated fair value in the consolidated financial statements.
 
   
One year or Less
   
One to Five Years
 
Five to Ten Years
   
More than Ten Years
   
Total Securities
 
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
   
Amortized
Cost
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
   
Average
Remaining
Years to
Maturity
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Estimated
Fair
Value
 
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
                             (Dollars in thousands)                                
Securities available for sale
                                                                       
                                                                         
Bonds and other debt securities:
                                                                       
U.S. government and agencies
  $ -           $ 1,980       4.15     $ -       -     $ -       - %     1.16     $ 1,980     $ 2,039       4.15 %
Municipal securities
    4,534       0.70       -       -       -       -       -       -       0.39       4,534       4,531       0.70  
Corporate debentures
    2,612       5.46       9,076       0.96       9,089       0.90       -       -       4.61       20,777       20,592       1.50  
Total bonds and other debt securities
    7,146       2.44       11,056       1.53       9,089       0.90       -       -       3.66       27,291       27,162       1.56  
                                                                                                 
Mutual funds
    21,369       2.97       -       -       -       -       -       -       N/A       21,369       21,369       2.97  
                                                                                                 
Equity securities:
                                                                                               
Common stock
    -       -       -       -       -       -       790       16.36       N/A       790       790       16.36  
Preferred stock
    5,000       0.25       -       -       -       -       16,233       4.15       N/A       21,233       15,921       3.23  
Total equity securities
    5,000       0.25       -       -       -       -       17,023       4.72       N/A       22,023       16,711       3.70  
                                                                                                 
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                                                                               
FNMA
    -       -       396       5.99       32,148       3.67       143,083       4.23       17.21       175,627       182,630       4.13  
REMIC and CMO
    -       -       -       -       34,853       4.52       425,971       4.45       22.57       460,824       473,639       4.46  
FHLMC
    -       -       147       6.05       334       6.08       22,075       4.55       16.62       22,556       23,387       4.58  
GNMA
    -       -       -       -       -       -       62,040       5.31       26.78       62,040       67,632       5.31  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    -       -       543       6.01       67,335       4.12       653,169       4.49       21.44       721,047       747,288       4.45  
                                                                                                 
Interest-earning deposits
    48,944       0.25       -       -       -       -       -       -       N/A       48,944       48,944       0.25  
                                                                                                 
Total
  $ 82,459       1.14 %   $ 11,599       1.74 %   $ 76,424       3.74 %   $ 670,192       4.49 %     20.79     $ 840,674     $ 861,474       4.06 %
 
 
27

 
Sources of Funds
 
General.  Deposits, FHLB-NY borrowings, repurchase agreements, principal and interest payments on loans, mortgage-backed and other securities, and proceeds from sales of loans and securities are our primary sources of funds for lending, investing and other general purposes.
 
Deposits.  We offer a variety of deposit accounts having a range of interest rates and terms.  Our deposits primarily consist of savings accounts, money market accounts, demand accounts, NOW accounts and certificates of deposit. We have a relatively stable retail deposit base drawn from our market area through our 16 full-service offices. We seek to retain existing depositor relationships by offering quality service and competitive interest rates, while keeping deposit growth within reasonable limits. It is management’s intention to balance its goal to maintain competitive interest rates on deposits while seeking to manage its cost of funds to finance its strategies. In January 2012, we opened our seventeenth full-service office.
 
In addition to our full-service offices we have an internet branch “iGObanking.com®”, which currently offers savings accounts, money market accounts, checking accounts, and certificates of deposit. This allows us to compete on a national scale without the geographical constraints of physical locations. Since the number of U.S. households with accounts at Web-only banks has grown, our strategy was to join the market place by creating a branch that offers clients the simplicity and flexibility of a virtual online bank, which is a division of a stable, traditional bank that was established in 1929.  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, total deposits for the internet branch were $470.6 million and $479.4 million, respectively.
 
The Savings Bank also has a wholly-owned subsidiary, Flushing Commercial Bank, a New York State chartered commercial bank, for the limited purpose of providing banking services to public entities including counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, libraries, fire districts, and the various courts throughout the New York City metropolitan area. The Commercial Bank offers a full range of deposit products to these entities similar to the products currently being offered by the Savings Bank. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, total deposits for the Commercial Bank were $591.0 million and $570.5 million, respectively.
 
Our core deposits, consisting of savings accounts, NOW accounts, money market accounts, and non-interest bearing demand accounts, are typically more stable and lower costing than other sources of funding.  However, the flow of deposits into a particular type of account is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in prevailing money market and other interest rates, and competition. We saw a decrease in our Due to deposits during 2011 of $46.8 million compared to increases in 2010 and 2009.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, the cost of due to Due to depositors’ decreased 30 basis points to 1.59% from 1.89% for the year ended December 31, 2010.  This decrease in the cost of deposits is primarily attributable to the Banks’ reducing the rates it pays on its deposit products. While we are unable to predict the direction of future interest rate changes, if interest rates rise during 2012, the result could be an increase in our cost of deposits, which could reduce our net interest margin. Similarly, if interest rates remain at their current level or decline in 2012, we could see a decline in our cost of deposits, which could increase our net interest margin.
 
Included in deposits are certificates of deposit with balances of $100,000 or more totaling $565.7 million, $474.9 million and $323.7 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
We utilize brokered certificates of deposit as an additional funding source and to assist in the management of our interest rate risk. We have obtained brokered certificates of deposit when the interest rate on these deposits is below the prevailing interest rate for non-brokered certificates of deposit with similar maturities in our market, or when obtaining them allowed us to extend the maturities of our deposits at favorable rates compared to borrowing funds with similar maturities, when we are seeking to extend the maturities of our funding to assist in the management of our interest rate risk. Brokered certificates of deposit provide a large deposit for us at a lower operating cost as compared to non-brokered certificates of deposit since we only have one account to maintain versus several accounts with multiple interest and maturity checks. The Depository Trust Company is used as the clearing house, maintaining each deposit under the name of CEDE & Co. These deposits are transferable just like a stock or bond investment and the customer can open the account with only a phone call, just like buying a stock or bond. Unlike non-brokered certificates of deposit, where the deposit amount can be withdrawn with a penalty for any reason, including increasing interest rates, a brokered certificate of deposit can only be withdrawn in the event of the death, or court declared mental incompetence, of the depositor. This allows us to better manage the maturity of our deposits and our interest rate risk. We also have in the past utilized brokers to obtain money market account deposits. The rate we pay on brokered money market accounts is the same or below the rate we pay on non-brokered
 
 
28

 
money market accounts, and the rate is agreed to in a contract between the Savings Bank and the broker. These accounts are similar to brokered certificates of deposit accounts in that we only maintain one account for the total deposit per broker, with the broker maintaining the detailed records of each depositor.
 
We also offer access to $50 million per customer in FDIC insurance coverage through a Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS®”). CDARS® is a deposit placement service. This network arranges for placement of funds into certificate of deposit accounts issued by other member banks of the network in increments of less than $250,000 to ensure that both principal and interest are eligible for full FDIC deposit insurance. This allows us to accept deposits in excess of $250,000 from a depositor, and place the deposits through the network to other member banks to provide full FDIC deposit insurance coverage. We may receive deposits from other member banks in exchange for the deposits we place into the network. We may also obtain deposits from other network member banks without placing deposits into the network. We will obtain deposits in this manner primarily as a short-term funding source.  We also can place deposits with other member banks without receiving deposits from other member banks. Depositors are allowed to withdraw funds, with a penalty, from these accounts at one or more of the member banks that hold the deposits.
 
Brokered deposits and funds obtained through the CDARS® network are classified as brokered deposits for financial reporting purposes. At December 31, 2011, we had $444.8 million classified as brokered deposits.  The brokered certificates of deposit include $15.7 million obtained through the CDARS® network. We did not hold any brokered money market accounts at December 31, 2011.
 
 
29

 
The following table sets forth the distribution of our deposit accounts at the dates indicated and the weighted average nominal interest rates on each category of deposits presented.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
               
Weighted
               
Weighted
               
Weighted
 
         
Percent
   
Average
         
Percent
   
Average
         
Percent
   
Average
 
         
of Total
   
Nominal
         
of Total
   
Nominal
         
of Total
   
Nominal
 
   
Amount
   
Deposits
   
Rate
   
Amount
   
Deposits
   
Rate
   
Amount
   
Deposits
   
Rate
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                                       
Savings accounts
  $ 349,630       11.11       0.32 %   $ 388,512       12.17 %     0.53 %   $ 426,821       15.85 %     0.91 %
NOW accounts
    919,029       29.21       0.67       786,015       24.63       0.84       503,159       18.68       1.26  
Demand accounts
    118,507       3.77       -       96,198       3.02       -       91,376       3.39       -  
Mortgagors' escrow deposits
    29,786       0.95       0.21       27,315       0.86       0.21       26,791       0.99       0.21  
Total
    1,416,952       45.04       0.52       1,298,040       40.68       0.67       1,048,147       38.91       0.98  
                                                                         
Money market accounts (7)
    200,183       6.36       0.33       371,998       11.66       0.56       414,457       15.40       1.17  
                                                                         
Certificate of deposit accounts with original maturities of:
                                                                       
Less than 6 Months (2)
    14,643       0.47       0.17       21,245       0.67       0.37       9,670       0.36       0.29  
6 to less than 12 Months (3)
    22,849       0.73       0.20       38,959       1.22       0.59       54,855       2.04       0.73  
12 to less than 30 Months (4)
    647,872       20.58       1.79       620,737       19.46       1.92       511,728       19.00       2.64  
30 to less than 48 Months (5)
    91,702       2.91       2.21       88,659       2.78       2.36       17,479       0.65       3.03  
48 to less than 72 Months (6)
    685,432       21.79       2.81       714,948       22.40       3.09       596,262       22.14       3.84  
72 Months or more
    66,612       2.12       3.71       36,024       1.13       4.68       40,517       1.50       4.80  
Total certificate of deposit accounts
    1,529,110       48.60       2.31       1,520,572       47.66       2.50       1,230,511       45.69       3.19  
                                                                         
Total deposits (1)
  $ 3,146,245       100.00 %     1.38 %   $ 3,190,610       100.00 %     1.53 %   $ 2,693,115       100.00 %     2.02 %
 
(1)
Included in the above balances are IRA and Keogh deposits totaling $168.8 million, $178.2 million and $169.3 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(2)
Includes brokered deposits of $10.9 million, $15.7 million and $4.8 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(3)
Includes brokered deposits of $0.5 million and $.7million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(4)
Includes brokered deposits of $4.2 million, $28.9 million and $90.7 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(5)
Includes brokered deposits of $188.5 million, $187.3 million and $139.9 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(6)
Includes brokered deposits of $241.2 million, $246.0 million and $159.6 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(7)
Includes brokered deposits of $35.1 million and $35.0 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
 
30

 
The following table presents by various rate categories, the amount of time deposit accounts outstanding at the dates indicated, and the years to maturity of the certificate accounts outstanding at December 31, 2011.
 
                           
At December 31, 2011
 
         
At December 31,
   
Within
   
One to
             
         
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
One Year
   
Three Years
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
         
(In thousands)
 
Interest rate:
                                               
1.99% or less
    (1 )   $ 535,441     $ 411,507     $ 276,894     $ 351,034     $ 115,738     $ 68,669     $ 535,441  
2.00% to 2.99%
    (2 )     549,589       575,103       186,821       269,451       180,657       99,481       549,589  
3.00% to 3.99%
    (3 )     401,650       414,464       408,580       31,815       186,910       182,925       401,650  
4.00% to 4.99%
    (4 )     19,764       52,371       210,420       9,315       10,423       26       19,764  
5.00% to 5.99%
    (5 )     22,666       67,127       147,796       995       18,500       3,171       22,666  
Total
          $ 1,529,110     $ 1,520,572     $ 1,230,511     $ 662,610     $ 512,228     $ 354,272     $ 1,529,110  
 
(1)
Includes brokered deposits of $104.0 million, $86.6.million and $18.6 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(2)
Includes brokered deposits of $161.2 million, $156.9 million and $93.0 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(3)
Includes brokered deposits of $177.8 million, $185.0 million and $178.0 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(4)
Includes brokered deposits of $10.1 million and $21.9 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009 respectively.
(5)
Includes brokered deposits of $1.7 million, $39.9 million and  $84.2 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively

The following table presents by remaining maturity categories the amount of certificate of deposit accounts with balances of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2011 and their annualized weighted average interest rates.
 
         
Weighted
 
   
Amount
   
Average Rate
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Maturity Period:
           
Three months or less
  $ 66,396       1.38 %
Over three through six months
    51,008       1.93  
Over six through 12 months
    246,364       2.02  
Over 12 months
    201,897       2.77  
Total
  $ 565,665       2.20 %
 
The above table does not include brokered deposits of $444.8 million with a weighted average rate of 2.45%.

The following table presents the deposit activity, including mortgagors’ escrow deposits, for the periods indicated.
 
   
For the year ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net deposits (withdrawls)
  $ (93,983 )   $ 443,020     $ 156,696  
Amortization of premiums, net
    1,187       820       677  
Interest on deposits
    48,431       53,655       66,778  
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
  $ (44,365 )   $ 497,495     $ 224,151  
 
 
31

 
The following table sets forth the distribution of our average deposit accounts for the years indicated, the percentage of total deposit portfolio, and the average interest cost of each deposit category presented.  Average balances for all years shown are derived from daily balances.
 
   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
                                                       
         
Percent
               
Percent
               
Percent
       
   
Average
   
of Total
   
Average
   
Average
   
of Total
   
Average
   
Average
   
of Total
   
Average
 
   
Balance
   
Deposits
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Deposits
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Deposits
   
Cost
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                                       
Savings accounts
  $ 369,206       11.59       0.57 %   $ 413,657       13.94 %     0.81 %   $ 422,399       15.84 %     1.31 %
NOW accounts
    838,648       26.33       0.79       683,390       23.04       1.10       373,854       14.02       1.58  
Demand accounts
    107,278       3.37       -       88,238       2.97       -       76,559       2.86       -  
Mortgagors' escrow deposits
    39,430       1.24       0.12       38,245       1.29       0.14       35,879       1.35       0.18  
Total
    1,354,562       42.53       0.65       1,223,530       41.24       0.89       908,691       34.07       1.27  
                                                                         
Money market accounts
    278,692       8.75       0.47       394,536       13.30       0.94       334,703       12.55       1.58  
Certificate of deposit accounts
    1,552,020       48.72       2.47       1,348,439       45.46       2.90       1,423,746       53.38       3.51  
Total deposits
  $ 3,185,274       100.00 %     1.52 %   $ 2,966,505       100.00 %     1.81 %   $ 2,667,140       100.00 %     2.50 %
 
Borrowings.  Although deposits are our primary source of funds, we also use borrowings as an alternative and cost effective source of funds for lending, investing and other general purposes. The Banks are members of, and are eligible to obtain advances from, the FHLB-NY. Such advances generally are secured by a blanket lien against the Banks’ mortgage portfolio and the Banks’ investment in the stock of the FHLB-NY. In addition, the Banks may pledge mortgage-backed securities to obtain advances from the FHLB-NY. See “— Regulation — Federal Home Loan Bank System.” The maximum amount that the FHLB-NY will advance for purposes other than for meeting withdrawals fluctuates from time to time in accordance with the policies of the FHLB-NY. The Banks may also enter into repurchase agreements with broker-dealers and the FHLB-NY. These agreements are recorded as financing transactions and the obligations to repurchase are reflected as a liability in our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we issued junior subordinated debentures with a total par of $61.9 million in June and July 2007. These junior subordinated debentures are carried at fair value in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. The average cost of borrowings was 4.08%, 4.41% and 4.65% for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The average balances of borrowings were $693.4 million, $864.2 million and $1,043.2 million for the same years, respectively.
 
 
32

 
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our borrowings at or for the periods ended on the dates indicated.
 
   
At or for the years ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Securities Sold with the Agreement to Repurchase
                 
Average balance outstanding
  $ 171,092     $ 174,750     $ 204,192  
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end during the period
    185,300       186,900       222,439  
Balance outstanding at the end of period
    185,300       166,000       186,900  
Weighted average interest rate during the period
    4.07 %     4.30 %     4.33 %
Weighted average interest rate at end of period
    3.77       4.35       4.19  
                         
FHLB-NY Advances
                       
Average balance outstanding
  $ 491,017     $ 656,244     $ 804,545  
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end during the period
    562,576       772,115       854,457  
Balance outstanding at the end of period
    473,528       510,457       838,835  
Weighted average interest rate during the period
    3.45 %     4.00 %     4.39 %
Weighted average interest rate at end of period
    2.67       3.93       3.84  
                         
Other Borrowings
                       
Average balance outstanding
  $ 31,299     $ 33,179     $ 34,465  
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end during the period
    36,177       34,823       38,417  
Balance outstanding at the end of period
    26,311       32,226       34,510  
Weighted average interest rate during the period
    13.82 %     13.04 %     12.56 %
Weighted average interest rate at end of period
    16.96       13.89       12.63  
                         
Total Borrowings
                       
Average balance outstanding
  $ 693,408     $ 864,173     $ 1,043,202  
Maximum amount outstanding at any month end during the period
    777,373       993,838       1,110,043  
Balance outstanding at the end of period
    685,139       708,683       1,060,245  
Weighted average interest rate during the period
    4.08 %     4.41 %     4.65 %
Weighted average interest rate at end of period
    3.51       4.47       4.18  
 
Subsidiary Activities
 
At December 31, 2011, Flushing Financial Corporation had four wholly owned subsidiaries: the Savings Bank and the Trusts. In addition, the Savings Bank had four wholly owned subsidiaries: the Commercial Bank, FSB Properties, Inc. (“Properties”), Flushing Preferred Funding Corporation (“FPFC”), and Flushing Service Corporation.
 
(a)           The Commercial Bank, a New York State chartered commercial bank, was formed in response to a New York State Finance Law which requires that municipal deposits and state funds be deposited into a bank or trust company designated by the New York State Comptroller. It was formed for the limited purpose of providing banking services to public entities including counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, libraries, fire districts and the various courts throughout the New York City metropolitan area.
 
(b)           Properties, which is incorporated in the State of New York, was formed in 1976 under the Savings Bank’s New York State leeway investment authority.  The original purpose of Properties was to engage in joint venture real estate equity investments.  The Savings Bank discontinued these activities in 1986.  The last joint venture in which Properties was a partner was dissolved in 1989. The last remaining property acquired by the dissolution of these joint ventures was disposed of in 1998. Properties is currently used to hold title to real estate owned that is obtained via foreclosure.
 
(c)           FPFC, which is incorporated in the State of Delaware, was formed in 1997 as a real estate investment trust for the purpose of acquiring, holding and managing real estate mortgage assets. FPFC also provides an additional vehicle for access by the Company to the capital markets for future opportunities.
 
 
33

 
(d)           Flushing Service Corporation, which is incorporated in the State of New York, was formed in 1998 to market insurance products and mutual funds.
 
Personnel
 
At December 31, 2011, we had 364 full-time employees and 30 part-time employees. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining unit, and we consider our relationship with our employees to be good. At the present time, Flushing Financial Corporation only employs certain officers of the Banks. These employees do not receive any extra compensation as officers of Flushing Financial Corporation.
 
Omnibus Incentive Plan
 
The 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“Omnibus Plan”) became effective on May 17, 2005 after adoption by the Board of Directors and approval by the stockholders.  The Omnibus Plan authorizes the Compensation Committee to grant a variety of equity compensation awards as well as long-term and annual cash incentive awards, all of which can be structured so as to comply with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. As of December 31, 2011, there are 725,997 shares available under the full value award plan and 1,380 shares under the non-full value plan.  We have applied the shares previously authorized by stockholders under the 1996 Stock Option Incentive Plan and the 1996 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan for use under the non-full value and full value plans, respectively, for future awards under the Omnibus Plan. All grants and awards under the 1996 Stock Option Incentive Plan and 1996 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan prior to the effective date of the Omnibus Plan remained outstanding as issued.  We will continue to maintain separate pools of available shares for full value as opposed to non-full value awards, except that shares can be moved from the non-full value pool to the full value pool on a 3-for-1 basis.   In May 2011, the Company’s stockholders approved an additional 625,000 shares for the full value pool.  The exercise price per share of a stock option grant may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock of the Company on the date of grant, and may not be repriced without the approval of the Company’s stockholders. Options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock based awards granted under the Omnibus Plan are generally subject to a minimum vesting period of three years.
 
For additional information concerning this plan, see “Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
 
FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL TAXATION
 
The following discussion of tax matters is intended only as a summary and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to the Company.
 
Federal Taxation
 
General.  We report our income using a calendar year and the accrual method of accounting.  We are subject to the federal tax laws and regulations which apply to corporations generally, and, since the enactment of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (the “Act”), those laws and regulations governing the Savings Bank’s deductions for bad debts, described below.
 
Bad Debt Reserves.  Prior to the enactment of the Act, which was signed into law on August 20, 1996, savings institutions which met certain definitional tests primarily relating to their assets and the nature of their business (“qualifying thrifts”), such as the Savings Bank, were allowed deductions for bad debts under methods more favorable than those granted to other taxpayers.  Qualifying thrifts could compute deductions for bad debts using either the specific charge off method of Section 166 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) or the reserve method of Section 593 of the Code. Section 1616(a) of the Act repealed the Section 593 reserve method of accounting for bad debts by qualifying thrifts, effective for taxable years beginning after 1995.  Qualifying thrifts that are treated as large banks, such as the Savings Bank, are required to use the specific charge off method, pursuant to which the amount of any debt may be deducted only as it actually becomes wholly or partially worthless.
 
Distributions.  To the extent that the Savings Bank makes “non-dividend distributions” to stockholders that are considered to result in distributions from its pre-1988 reserves or the supplemental reserve for losses on loans (“excess distributions”), then an amount based on the amount distributed will be included in the Savings Bank’s taxable income.  Non-dividend distributions include distributions in excess of the Savings Bank’s current and post-1951 accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes, distributions in redemption of stock and distributions in partial or complete liquidation.  The amount of additional taxable income resulting from an excess distribution is an amount that when reduced by the tax attributable to the income is equal to the amount of the excess distribution.  Thus, slightly more than one and one-half times the amount of the excess distribution made would be includable in gross
 
 
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income for federal income tax purposes, assuming a 35% federal corporate income tax rate.  See “Regulation ¾ Restrictions on Dividends and Capital Distributions” for limits on the payment of dividends by the Savings Bank.  The Savings Bank does not intend to pay dividends or make non-dividend distributions described above that would result in a recapture of any portion of its pre-1988 bad debt reserves.
 
Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax.  The Code imposes an alternative minimum tax on corporations equal to the excess, if any, of 20% of alternative minimum taxable income (“AMTI”) over a corporation’s regular federal income tax liability.  AMTI is equal to taxable income with certain adjustments.  Generally, only 90% of AMTI can be offset by net operating loss carrybacks and carryforwards.
 
State and Local Taxation
 
New York State and New York City Taxation.  We are subject to the New York State Franchise Tax on Banking Corporations in an annual amount equal to the greater of (1) 7.1% of “entire net income” allocable to New York State during the taxable year or (2) the applicable alternative minimum tax.  The alternative minimum tax is generally the greater of (a) 0.01% of the value of assets allocable to New York State with certain modifications, (b) 3% of “alternative entire net income” allocable to New York State or (c) $250.  Entire net income is similar to federal taxable income, subject to certain modifications, including that net operating losses arising during any taxable year prior to January 1, 2001 cannot be carried back or carried forward, and net operating losses arising during any taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 2001 cannot be carried back. Alternative entire net income is equal to entire net income without certain deductions that are allowable in the calculation of entire net income.  We are also subject to a similarly calculated New York City tax of 9% on income allocated to New York City.  For New York City tax purposes, entire net income is similar to federal taxable income, subject to certain modifications, including that net operating losses arising during any taxable year prior to January 1, 2009 cannot be carried back or carried forward, and net operating losses arising during any taxable year beginning on or after January 1, 2009 cannot be carried back and similar alternative taxes.  In addition, we are subject to a tax surcharge at a rate of 17% of the New York State Franchise Tax that is attributable to business activity carried on within the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District.
 
Notwithstanding the repeal of the federal income tax provisions permitting bad debt deductions under the reserve method, New York State had enacted legislation maintaining the preferential treatment of additional loss reserves for qualifying real property and non-qualifying loans of qualifying thrifts for both New York State and New York City tax purposes.  Calculation of the amount of additions to reserves for qualifying real property loans was limited to the larger of the amount derived by the percentage of taxable income method or the experience method. For these purposes, the applicable percentage to calculate the bad debt deduction under the percentage of taxable income method was 32% of taxable income, reduced by additions to reserves for non-qualifying loans, except that the amount of the addition to the reserve could not exceed the amount necessary to increase the balance of the reserve for losses on qualifying real property loans at the close of the taxable year to 6% of the balance of the qualifying real property loans outstanding at the end of the taxable year. Under the experience method, the maximum addition to a loan reserve generally equaled the amount necessary to increase the balance of the bad debt reserve at the close of the taxable year to the greater of (1) the amount that bears the same ratio to loans outstanding at the close of the taxable year as the total net bad debts sustained during the current and five preceding taxable years bears to the sum of the loans outstanding at the close of those six years, or (2) the balance of the bad debt reserve at the close of the “base year,” or, if the amount of loans outstanding has declined since the base year, the amount which bears the same ratio to the amount of loans outstanding at the close of the taxable year as the balance of the reserve at the close of the base year. For these purposes, the “base year” was the last taxable year beginning before 1988. The amount of additions to reserves for non-qualifying loans was computed under the experience method. In no event could the additions to reserves for qualifying real property loans be greater than the larger of the amount determined under the experience method or the amount which, when added to the additions to reserves for non-qualifying loans, equal the amount by which 12% of the total deposits or withdrawable accounts of depositors of the Savings Bank at the close of the taxable year exceeded the sum of the Savings Bank’s surplus, undivided profits and reserves at the beginning of such year.
 
In September 2010, the New York State legislature changed New York State and City tax law for thrifts, such as the Savings Bank, by eliminating the percentage of taxable income method for determining bad debt deductions for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2010. This change in the New York State and City tax law for thrifts did not require the recapture of tax bad debt reserves previously established, and eliminated the requirement to recapture tax bad debt reserves if a thrift failed to meet the definition of a thrift institution under New York State and City tax law.
 
The Savings Bank had historically reported in its New York State and City income tax returns a deduction for bad debts based on the amount allowed under the percentage of taxable income method. This amount had historically exceeded actual bad debts incurred by the Savings Bank. Since the Savings Bank has consistently stated its intention to
 
 
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convert to a more “commercial like” bank, which would have previously required the Savings Bank to recapture this excess bad debt reserve if it failed to meet the definition of a thrift under the New York State and City tax law, the Savings Bank had, in prior periods, recorded the tax liability related to the possible recapture of the excess tax bad debt reserve. As a result of the legislation passed by the New York State legislature, this tax liability will no longer be required to be recaptured. As a result, the Savings Bank reversed approximately $5.5 million of net tax liabilities through income during the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Delaware State Taxation.  As a Delaware holding company not earning income in Delaware, we are exempt from Delaware corporate income tax but are required to file an annual report with and pay an annual franchise tax to the State of Delaware.
 
REGULATION
 
General
 
On July 21, 2011, as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Savings Bank’s primary regulator became the OCC, and as such, is subject to OCC regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting requirements. Flushing Financial Corporation’s primary regulator became the Federal Reserve Federal Reserve, and as such, is subject to Federal Reserve regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting requirements. Both regulatory authorities, among other things, have the authority to restrict or prohibit activities that it determines may pose a serious risk to the Savings Bank or Flushing Financial Corporation. As a publicly owned company, we are required to file certain reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under federal securities laws. The Banks are members of the FHLB System. The Savings Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the OCC, as its chartering agency, and the FDIC, as the insurer of the Savings Bank’s deposits. The Savings Bank is also subject to certain regulations promulgated by the other federal agencies. The Savings Bank must file reports with the OCC and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition, in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions such as mergers with or acquisitions of other savings institutions. The Savings Bank is subject to periodic examinations by the OCC and the FDIC to examine whether the Savings Bank is in compliance with various regulatory requirements. The Commercial Bank is subject to extensive regulations promulgated by the FDIC and the New York State Department of Financial Services, similar to those imposed on the Savings Bank. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution is permitted to engage and is intended primarily to ensure the safe and sound operation of the Banks for the protection of the insurance fund and depositors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of an adequate allowance for possible loan losses for regulatory purposes. Any change in such regulation, whether by the OCC, Federal Reserve, FDIC, other federal agencies, the New York State Department of Financial Services, or the United States Congress, could have a material adverse impact on us and our operations.
 
The activities of federal savings institutions are governed primarily by the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended (“HOLA”) and, in certain respects, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”). Most regulatory functions relating to deposit insurance and to the administration of conservatorships and receiverships of insured institutions are exercised by the FDIC. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), among other things, requires that federal banking regulators intervene promptly when a depository institution experiences financial difficulties, mandated the establishment of a risk-based deposit insurance assessment system, and required imposition of numerous additional safety and soundness operational standards and restrictions. FDICIA and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”) each contain provisions affecting numerous aspects of the operations and regulations of federal savings banks, and these laws empower the OCC and the FDIC, among other agencies, to promulgate regulations implementing their provisions.
 
Set forth below is a brief description of certain laws and regulations which relate to the regulation of the Banks and the Company. The description does not purport to be a comprehensive description of applicable laws, rules and regulations and is qualified in its entirety by reference to applicable laws, rules and regulations.
 
Holding Company Regulation
 
Flushing Financial Corporation is a unitary savings and loan holding company within the meaning of the HOLA. As such, we are required to register with the Federal Reserve and are subject to Federal Reserve regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting requirements.  In addition, the Federal Reserve has enforcement authority over us and any non-savings institution subsidiaries we may form or acquire. Among other things, this authority permits the Federal Reserve to restrict or prohibit activities that it determines may pose a serious risk to the Banks.  See “—Restrictions on Dividends and Capital Distributions.”
 
 
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HOLA prohibits a savings and loan holding company, directly or indirectly, or through one or more subsidiaries, from (1) acquiring another savings institution or holding company thereof, without prior written approval of its regulator ; (2) acquiring or retaining, with certain exceptions, more than 5% of a non-subsidiary savings institution, a non-subsidiary holding company, or a non-subsidiary company engaged in activities other than those permitted by HOLA; or (3) acquiring or retaining control of a depository institution that is not federally insured.  In evaluating applications by holding companies to acquire savings institutions, the Federal Reserve will consider the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the company and institution involved, the effect of the acquisition on the risk to the insurance funds, the convenience and needs of the community, and the impact of any competitive factors that may be involved.
 
As a unitary savings and loan holding company, Flushing Financial Corporation currently is not restricted as to the types of business activities in which it may engage, provided that the Savings Bank continues to meet the qualified thrift lender (“QTL”) test.  See “—Qualified Thrift Lender Test.” Upon any non-supervisory acquisition by the Company of another savings association or savings bank, Flushing Financial Corporation would become a multiple savings and loan holding company (if the acquired institution is held as a separate subsidiary) and would be subject to extensive limitations on the types of business activities in which it could engage.  HOLA limits the activities of a multiple savings and loan holding company and its non-insured institution subsidiaries primarily to activities permissible for bank holding companies under Section 4(c)(8) of the Bank Holding Company Act, subject to the prior approval of its regulator, and activities authorized by regulation.
 
The Federal Reserve is prohibited from approving any acquisition that would result in a multiple savings and loan holding company controlling savings institutions in more than one state, subject to two exceptions: (1) emergency acquisitions authorized by the FDIC and (2) the acquisition of a savings institution in another state if the laws of the state of the target savings institution specifically permit such acquisitions. Under New York law, reciprocal interstate acquisitions are authorized for savings and loan holding companies and savings institutions. Certain states do not authorize interstate acquisitions under any circumstances; however, federal law authorizing acquisitions in supervisory cases preempts such state law.
 
Federal law generally provides that no “person” acting directly or indirectly or through or in concert with one or more other persons, may acquire “control,” as that term is defined in Federal Reserve regulations, of a federally insured savings institution without giving at least 60 days’ written notice to the Federal Reserve and providing the Federal Reserve an opportunity to disapprove the proposed acquisition. Such acquisitions of control may be disapproved if it is determined, among other things, that (1) the acquisition would substantially lessen competition; (2) the financial condition of the acquiring person might jeopardize the financial stability of the savings institution or prejudice the interests of its depositors; or (3) the competency, experience or integrity of the acquiring person or the proposed management personnel indicates that it would not be in the interest of the depositors or the public to permit the acquisition of control by such person.
 
Investment Powers
 
The Savings Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation governing its investments and activities. Among other things, the Savings Bank may invest in (1) residential mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities, education loans and credit card loans in an unlimited amount, (2) non-residential real estate loans up to 400% of total capital, (3) commercial business loans up to 20% of total assets (however, amounts over 10% of total assets must be used only for small business loans) and (4) in general, consumer loans and highly rated commercial paper and corporate debt securities in the aggregate up to 35% of total assets.  In addition, the Savings Bank may invest up to 3% of its total assets in service corporations, an unlimited percentage of its assets in operating subsidiaries (which may only engage in activities permissible for the Savings Bank itself) and under certain conditions may invest in finance subsidiaries. Other than investments in service corporations, operating subsidiaries, finance subsidiaries and certain government-sponsored enterprises, such as FHLMC and FNMA, the Savings Bank generally is not permitted to make equity investments. See “— General — Investment Activities.” A service corporation in which the Savings Bank may invest is permitted to engage in activities that a federal savings bank may conduct directly, other than taking deposits, as well as certain activities pre-approved by the OCC, which include providing certain support services for the institution; originating, investing in, selling, purchasing, servicing or otherwise dealing with specified types of loans and participations (principally loans that the parent institution could make); specified real estate activities, including limited real estate development; securities brokerage services; certain insurance brokerage activities; and other specified investments and services.
 
 
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Real Estate Lending Standards
 
FDICIA requires each federal banking agency to adopt uniform regulations prescribing standards for extensions of credit which are either (1) secured by real estate, or (2) made for the purpose of financing the construction of improvements on real estate.  In prescribing these standards, the banking agencies must consider the risk posed to the deposit insurance funds by real estate loans, the need for safe and sound operation of insured depository institutions and the availability of credit.  The OCC and the other federal banking agencies adopted uniform regulations, effective March 19, 1993. The OCC regulation requires each savings association to establish and maintain written internal real estate lending standards consistent with safe and sound banking practices and appropriate to the size of the institution and the nature and scope of its real estate lending activities. The policy must also be consistent with accompanying OCC guidelines, which include maximum loan-to-value ratios for the following types of real estate loans: raw land (65%), land development (75%), nonresidential construction (80%), improved property (85%) and one-to-four family residential construction (85%). Owner-occupied one-to-four family mortgage loans and home equity loans do not have maximum loan-to-value ratio limits, but owner-occupied one-to-four family mortgage loans with a loan-to-value ratio at origination of 90% or greater are to be backed by private mortgage insurance or readily marketable collateral.  Institutions are also permitted to make a limited amount of loans that do not conform to the proposed loan-to-value limitations so long as such exceptions are appropriately reviewed and justified. The guidelines also list a number of lending situations in which exceptions to the loan-to-value standard are justified.
 
Loans-to-One Borrower Limits
 
The Savings Bank generally is subject to the same loans-to-one borrower limits that apply to national banks.  With certain exceptions, total loans and extensions of credit outstanding at one time to one borrower (including certain related entities of the borrower) may not exceed, for loans not fully secured, 15% of the Savings Bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus, plus, for loans fully secured by readily marketable collateral, an additional 10% of the Savings Bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. At December 31, 2011, the largest amount the Savings Bank could lend to one borrower was approximately $61.6 million, and at that date, the Savings Bank’s largest aggregate amount of loans-to-one borrower was $41.3 million, all of which were performing according to their terms.  The Commercial Bank does not originate loans.  See “— General — Lending Activities.”
 
Insurance of Accounts
 
On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Reform Act”) was signed into law. The Reform Act permanently increased deposit insurance coverage to $250,000 per depositor. The Reform Act also provided for unlimited FDIC insurance for non interest-bearing transaction accounts effective December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2012.  In the past several years, prior to the passage of the Reform Act, the level of deposit coverage per depositor went through a number of revisions.  The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) increased this coverage, effective October 3, 2008, for all accounts in an amount up to $250,000 through December 31, 2009. On May 20, 2009, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act was signed into law. Included in this legislation was a provision that extended the temporary increase in the standard maximum insured deposit amount to $250,000 per depositor through December 31, 2013. The legislation provided that the insured deposit coverage limit would return to $100,000 on January 1, 2014. In addition, the FDIC had implemented a Transaction Account Guarantee Program (“TAGP”) under which, effective October 14, 2008 and through December 31, 2009, transaction accounts that earned interest at a rate of no more than 0.50% were insured for 100% of their balance. The TAGP was provided at no cost to banks through November 12, 2008. Banks had the option to opt out of this program no later than November 12, 2008. Banks which did not opt out of the TAGP paid additional deposit insurance at an annual rate of 0.10% for balances in covered deposit accounts in excess of $250,000. Both the Savings Bank and the Commercial Bank opted to remain in the TAGP. On August 26, 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule extending the TAGP through June 30, 2010. The extension increased the rate institutions paid to 15 basis points, 20 basis points or 25 basis points, depending on the risk category assigned to the institution under the FDIC’s risk-based premium system. Any institution participating in the TAGP could elect to opt out on or before November 2, 2009. The Banks did not opt out and continued to participate in the TAGP.
 
The Reform Act also changed the way deposit assessments are calculated, from a risk-based assessment base, to average total consolidated assets of the bank minus average tangible equity of the bank, first effective for the assessment of the second quarter of 2011. The assessment rate was changed so to provide approximately the same amount collected under the new assessment method as was collected under the risk-based assessment method.  In the past several years, prior to the passage of the Reform Act, the calculation of deposit assessments went through a number of revisions.  The FDIC utilized a risk-based deposit insurance assessment system. Through December 31, 2006, under this system, the FDIC assigned each institution to one of three capital categories — “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized” and “undercapitalized” — which are defined in the same manner as the regulations establishing the prompt corrective action system under Section 38 of FDIA, as discussed below. These three categories were then divided into three subcategories
 
 
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which reflect varying levels of supervisory concern. The matrix so created resulted in nine assessment risk classifications. Effective January 1, 2007, the FDIC revised their risk-based deposit insurance assessment system, and placed institutions into four risk categories based upon supervisory and capital evaluations. Risk Category 1 is further subdivided based upon supervisory ratings and other risk measures to differentiate risk. Due to the insurance fund falling below its required reserve ratio of 1.15% during 2008, effective January 1, 2009, the FDIC increased rates uniformly by seven basis points for the first quarter of 2009 to replenish the insurance fund within five years. The FDIC subsequently adopted additional changes to its risk categories effective April 1, 2009, and extended the period to replenish the insurance fund to seven years. Effective April 1, 2009, the FDIC continued to utilize four risk categories, but to determine initial base assessment rates, the FDIC: (1) introduced a new financial ratio into the financial ratios method applicable to most Risk Category I institutions to include brokered deposits above a threshold that are used to fund rapid asset growth; (2) for a large Risk Category I institution with long-term debt issuer ratings, combined weighted average CAMELS component ratings, the debt issuer ratings, and the financial ratios method assessment rate; and (3) uses a new uniform amount and pricing multipliers for each method. The FDIC also introduced three adjustments that could be made to an institution’s initial base assessment rate: (1) a decrease for long-term unsecured debt, and, for small institutions, a portion of Tier 1 Capital; (2) an increase for secured liabilities above a threshold amount; and (3) for non-Risk Category I institutions, an increase for brokered deposits above a threshold amount. At December 31, 2008, the Banks’ annual assessment rate was 0.05%. This assessment rate for the first quarter of 2009 was increased to a range of 0.12% to 0.14%. This base assessment beginning in the second quarter of 2009 was in a range of 0.12% to 0.16%, The Savings Bank also saw a further increase in its deposit insurance premium beginning in the second quarter of 2009 since it had seen an increase in its secured liabilities above the threshold level defined by the FDIC. The FDIC also imposed a 20 basis point emergency special assessment that was collected on September 30, 2009 based on deposit balances as of June 30, 2009. The rule also provided that, after June 30, 2009, if the reserve ratio of the DIF is estimated to fall to a level that the Board of the FDIC believes would adversely affect public confidence or to a level which shall be close to zero or negative at the end of a calendar quarter, an emergency special assessment of up to 10 basis points may be imposed by a vote of the Board of the FDIC on all insured depository institutions for the corresponding assessment period. Additionally, on September 29, 2009, the Board of Directors of the FDIC proposed to require institutions to prepay their estimated quarterly risk-based assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012, which was collected on December 31, 2009. The Banks prepaid a total of $16.9 million in risk-based assessments. Prior to the enactment of the Reform Act, the FDIC Board also voted to adopt a uniform three-basis point increase in assessment rates effective on January 1, 2011, and to extend the restoration period from seven to eight years.  The Banks’ assessment rate in effect from time to time will depend upon the risk category to which each is assigned. In addition, the FDIC is authorized to increase federal deposit insurance assessment rates to the extent necessary to protect the fund under current law. Any increase in deposit insurance assessment rates, as a result of a change in the category or subcategory to which the Banks are assigned or the exercise of the FDIC’s authority to increase assessment rates generally, could have an adverse effect on the earnings of the Banks.
 
All of the Banks’ deposits are presently insured, to the maximum extent allowed, by the FDIC under the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”). Previously, the majority of the Savings Bank’s deposits were insured by the Bank Insurance Fund (“BIF”), and the remainder by the Savings Association Insurance Fund (“SAIF”). As insurer, the FDIC is authorized to conduct examinations of, and to require reporting by, insured institutions. It also may prohibit any insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a serious threat to the insurance fund. The FDIC also has the authority to initiate enforcement actions where the primary regulator has failed or declined to take such action after receiving a request to do so from the FDIC.
 
Under the FDIA, insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. We do not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of deposit insurance.
 
On September 30, 1996, as part of an omnibus appropriations bill, the Deposit Insurance Funds Act of 1996 (the “Funds Act”) was enacted. The Funds Act required BIF institutions, beginning January 1, 1997, to pay a portion of the interest due on the Finance Corporation (“FICO”) bonds issued in connection with the savings and loan association crisis in the late 1980s, and required BIF institutions to pay their full pro rata share of the FICO payments starting the earlier of January 1, 2000 or the date at which no savings institution continues to exist. We were required, as of January 1, 2000, to pay our full pro rata share of the FICO payments. The FICO assessment rate is subject to change. The Banks’ paid $311,000, $298,000 and $271,000 for their share of the interest due on FICO bonds in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which was included in FDIC insurance expense.
 
 
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Qualified Thrift Lender Test
 
Thrift institutions regulated by the OCC are required to meet a QTL test to avoid certain restrictions on their operations. FDICIA and applicable OCC regulations require such institutions to maintain at least 65% of their portfolio assets (total assets less intangibles, properties used to conduct the institution’s business and liquid assets not exceeding 20% of total assets) in “qualified thrift investments” on a monthly average basis in nine of every 12 months. Qualified thrift investments constitute primarily residential mortgage loans and related investments, including certain mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities. A savings institution that fails the QTL test must either convert to a bank charter or, in general, it will be prohibited from: (1) making an investment or engaging in any new activity not permissible for a national bank, (2) paying dividends not permissible under national bank regulations and (3) establishing any new branch office in a location not permissible for a national bank in the institution’s home state. One year following the institution’s failure to meet the QTL test, any holding company parent of the institution must register and be subject to supervision as a bank holding company. In addition, beginning three years after the institution failed the QTL test, the institution would be prohibited from retaining any investment or engaging in any activity not permissible for a national bank. At December 31, 2011 the Savings Bank had maintained more than 65% of its “portfolio assets” in qualified thrift investments in at least nine of the preceding 12 months. Accordingly, on that date, the Savings Bank had met the QTL test.
 
Under the Economic Growth and Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996 (“Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act”), Congress modified and expanded investment authority under the QTL test. The Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act amendments permit federal thrifts to invest in, sell, or otherwise deal in education and credit card loans without limitation and raised from 10% to 20% of total assets the aggregate amount of commercial, corporate, business, or agricultural loans or investments that may be made by a thrift, subject to a requirement that amounts in excess of 10% of total assets be used only for small business loans.  In addition, the Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act defines “qualified thrift investment” to include, without limit, education, small business, and credit card loans; and removes the 10% limit on personal, family, or household loans for purposes of the QTL test.  The legislation also provides that a thrift meets the QTL test if it qualifies as a domestic building and loan association.
 
Transactions with Affiliates
 
Transactions between the Savings Bank and any related party or “affiliate” are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. An affiliate is generally any company or entity which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Savings Bank, including Flushing Financial Corporation, the Commercial Bank, the Trusts, the Savings Bank’s subsidiaries, and any other qualifying subsidiary of the Savings Bank or Flushing Financial Corporation that may be formed or acquired in the future. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B: (1) limit the extent to which the Savings Bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of the Savings Bank’s capital stock and surplus, and impose an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus, and (2) require that all such transactions be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the Savings Bank or subsidiary as those provided to a non-affiliate. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee and other similar types of transactions. Each loan or extension of credit to an affiliate by the Savings Bank must be secured by collateral with a market value ranging from 100% to 130% (depending on the type of collateral) of the amount of credit extended. In addition, the Savings Bank may not: (1) loan or otherwise extend credit to an affiliate, except to any affiliate which engages only in activities which are permissible for bank holding companies under Section 4(c) of the Bank Company Act, or (2) purchase or invest in any stocks, bonds, debentures, notes or similar obligations of any affiliates, except subsidiaries of the Savings Bank.
 
In addition, the Savings Bank is subject to Regulation O promulgated under Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act. Regulation O requires that loans by the Savings Bank to a director, executive officer or to a holder of more than 10% of the Common Stock, and to certain affiliated interests of any such insider, may not, in the aggregate, exceed the Savings Bank’s loans-to-one borrower limit. Loans to insiders and their related interests must also be made on terms substantially the same as offered, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than those applied, in comparable transactions to other persons. Prior Board approval is required for certain loans. In addition, the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by the Savings Bank to all insiders cannot exceed the institution’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. These laws place additional restrictions on loans to executive officers of the Savings Bank.  The Savings Bank is in compliance with these regulations.
 
Restrictions on Dividends and Capital Distributions
 
The Savings Bank is subject to regulatory limitations on capital distributions, which include cash dividends, stock redemptions or repurchases, cash-out mergers, interest payments on certain convertible debt and some other
 
 
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distributions charged to the Savings Bank’s capital account. In general, the applicable regulation permits specified levels of capital distributions by a savings institution that meets at least its minimum capital requirements, so long as the Federal Reserve is provided with at least 30 days’ advance notice and has no objection to the distribution.
 
Under Federal Reserve capital distribution regulations, an institution is not required to file an application with, or to provide a notice to, the Federal Reserve if neither the institution nor the proposed capital distribution meets any of the criteria for any such application or notice as provided below. An institution will be required to file an application with the Federal Reserve if the institution is not eligible for expedited treatment by the Federal Reserve; if the total amount of all its capital distributions for the applicable calendar year exceeds the net income for that year to date plus the retained net income (net income less capital distributions) for the preceding two years; if it would not be at least adequately capitalized following the distribution; or if its proposed capital distribution would violate a prohibition contained in any applicable statute, regulation, or agreement between the association and the Federal Reserve. By contrast, only notice to the Federal Reserve is required for an institution that is not required to file an application as provided in the preceding sentence, if it would not be well capitalized following the distribution; if the association’s proposed capital distribution would reduce the amount of or retire any part of its common or preferred stock or retire any part of debt instruments such as notes or debentures included in capital under Federal Reserve regulations; or if the association is a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company. The Savings Bank is a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company and, therefore, is subject to the 30-day advance notice requirement. As of December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank had $73.0 million in retained earnings available to distribute to the Holding Company in the form of cash dividends.
 
Federal Home Loan Bank System
 
In connection with converting to a federal charter, the Savings Bank became a member of the FHLB-NY, which is one of 12 regional FHLB governed and regulated by the Federal Housing Finance Board.  The Commercial Bank is also a member of the FHLB-NY. Each FHLB serves as a source of liquidity for its members within its assigned region. It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB System. It makes loans to members (i.e., advances) in accordance with policies and procedures established by its Board of Directors.
 
As members, the Banks are mandated to purchase and maintain membership stock in the FHLB-NY based on their respective asset sizes. In addition, for all borrowing activity, the Banks are required to purchase or redeem shares of FHLB-NY non-marketable capital stock at par. Pursuant to this requirement, at December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank was required to maintain $30.2 million of FHLB-NY stock, and the Commercial Bank was required to maintain $36,600 of FHLB-NY stock. The Banks were in compliance with these requirements at that time.
 
Assessments
 
Savings institutions are required by OCC regulations to pay assessments to the OCC to fund the operations of the OCC. The general assessment, paid on a semi-annual basis, as determined from time to time by the Director of the OCC, is computed upon the savings institution’s total assets, including consolidated subsidiaries, as reported in the institution’s latest quarterly financial report. Based on the average balance of the Savings Bank’s total assets for the year ended December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank’s assessments were $0.7 million for that period.  The Commercial Bank is a New York State chartered commercial bank, and as such is required by the New York State Department of Financial Services to pay an annual assessment.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Commercial Bank paid an assessment of $56,000.
 
Branching
 
OCC regulations permit federally chartered savings institutions to branch nationwide to the extent allowed by federal statute. This permits federal savings associations to geographically diversify their loan portfolios and lines of business. The OCC authority preempts any state law purporting to regulate branching by federal savings institutions.
 
Community Reinvestment
 
Under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), as implemented by OCC regulations, the Savings Bank has an obligation, consistent with its safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods located in the community. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions, nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA requires the OCC, in connection with its examination of a savings institution, to assess the institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by the institution. The methodology used by the OCC for determining an institution’s compliance with the CRA focuses on
 
 
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three tests: (a) a lending test, to evaluate the institution’s record of making loans in its service areas; (b) an investment test, to evaluate the institution’s record of investing in community development projects, affordable housing, and programs benefiting low or moderate income individuals and businesses; and (c) a service test, to evaluate the range of the institution’s services and the delivery of services through its branches, ATMs, and other offices. The Savings Bank received a CRA rating of “Satisfactory” in its most recent completed CRA examination, which was completed as of August 3, 2009. Institutions that receive less than a satisfactory rating may face difficulties in securing approval for new activities or acquisitions.  The CRA requires all institutions to make public disclosures of their CRA ratings. As a special purpose commercial bank, the Commercial Bank is not required to comply with the CRA.
 
Brokered Deposits
 
The FDIC has promulgated regulations implementing the FDICIA limitations on brokered deposits. Under the regulations, well-capitalized institutions are not subject to brokered deposit limitations, while adequately capitalized institutions are able to accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits only with a waiver from the FDIC and subject to restrictions on the interest rate that can be paid on such deposits. Undercapitalized institutions are not permitted to accept brokered deposits and may not solicit deposits by offering an effective yield that exceeds by more than 75 basis points the prevailing effective yields on insured deposits of comparable maturity in the institution’s normal market area or in the market area in which such deposits are being solicited.  Pursuant to the regulation, the Savings Bank, as a well-capitalized institution, may accept brokered deposits. At December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank had $444.8 million in brokered deposit accounts.
 
Capital Requirements
 
General.  The Savings Bank is required to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital. The OCC is authorized to impose capital requirements in excess of these standards on a case-by-case basis.
 
Any institution that fails any of its applicable capital requirements is subject to possible enforcement actions by the OCC or the FDIC. Such actions could include a capital directive, a cease and desist order, civil money penalties, the establishment of restrictions on the institution’s operations and the appointment of a conservator or receiver. The OCC’ capital regulation provides that such actions, through enforcement proceedings or otherwise, could require one or more of a variety of corrective actions.  See “—Prompt Corrective Action.”
 
The OCC capital regulations create three capital requirements: leverage (core) capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital and total risk-based capital. At December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank’s capital levels exceeded applicable OCC capital requirements.  The three OCC capital requirements are described below.
 
Leverage and Core Capital Requirement.  The current OCC requirement for leverage and core capital (commonly referred to as core capital) is 5% of adjusted total assets to be considered well capitalized. Core capital includes common stockholders’ equity (including retained income), non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus. At December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank’s core capital ratio was 9.63%.
 
OCC regulations limit the amount of servicing assets, together with purchased credit card receivables, includable in core capital to 100% of such capital, subject to limitations on fair value. At December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank had $0.1 million in capitalized servicing rights and no purchased credit card receivables.
 
Tier 1 Risk-Based Requirement.  The Tier 1 risk-based capital standard adopted by the OCC requires savings institutions to maintain a minimum ratio of 6% of core capital to risk-weighted assets to be considered well capitalized. In determining the risk-based capital ratios, total assets, including certain off-balance sheet items, are multiplied by a risk weight based on the risks inherent in the type of assets. The risk weights assigned by the OCC for significant categories of assets are (1) 0% for cash and securities issued by the federal government or unconditionally backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government; (2) 20% for securities (other than equity securities) issued by federal government sponsored agencies and mortgage-backed securities issued by, or fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the FNMA or the FHLMC, except for those classes with residual characteristics or stripped mortgage-related securities; (3) 50% for prudently underwritten permanent one-to-four family first lien mortgage loans and certain qualifying multi-family mortgage loans not more than 90 days delinquent and having a loan-to-value ratio of not more than 80% at origination unless insured to such ratio by an insurer approved by the FNMA or the FHLMC; and (4) 100% for all other loans and investments, including consumer loans, home equity loans, commercial loans, and one-to-four family residential real estate loans more than 90 days delinquent, and all repossessed assets or assets more than 90 days past due.  At December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 14.26%.
 
Total Risk-Based Requirement.  The Total risk-based capital standard adopted by the OCC requires savings institutions to maintain a minimum ratio of 10% of total capital to risk-weighted assets (as described above) to be
 
 
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considered well capitalized. Total capital consists of core capital, defined above, and supplementary capital, but excludes the effect of recognizing deferred taxes based upon future income after one year. Supplementary capital consists of certain capital instruments that do not qualify as core capital, and general valuation loan and lease loss allowances up to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. Supplementary capital may be used to satisfy the risk-based requirement only in an amount equal to the amount of core capital. At December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank’s total risk-based capital ratio was 15.32%.
 
The Commercial Bank is required to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital, which are similar to those of the Savings Bank. At December 31, 2011, the Commercial Bank exceeded the regulatory capital requirements to be considered well capitalized, with leverage and core, tier 1 risk-based, and total risk-based capital ratios of 9.91%, 63.39%, and 63.39%, respectively.
 
Federal Reserve System
 
The Federal Reserve Board requires all depository institutions to maintain reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily NOW and checking accounts) and non-personal time deposits. At December 31, 2011, the Banks were in compliance with these requirements.
 
The balances maintained to meet the reserve requirements imposed by the Federal Reserve Board may be used to satisfy liquidity requirements imposed by the OCC. Because required reserves must be maintained in the form of vault cash or an account at a Federal Reserve Bank directly or through another bank, the effect of this reserve requirement is to reduce an institution’s earning assets. The Federal Reserve Bank pays interest on deposits maintained at its bank at a rate that approximates the overnight federal funds rate. The amount of funds necessary to satisfy this requirement has not had a material effect on the Banks’ operations.
 
As a creditor and financial institution, the Savings Bank is also subject to additional regulations promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board, including, without limitation, regulations implementing requirements of the Truth in Savings Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Truth in Lending Act.
 
Financial Reporting
 
The Savings Bank is required to submit independently audited annual reports to the FDIC and the OCC. These publicly available reports must include (a) annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and such other disclosures as required by the FDIC or the OCC and (b) a report, signed by the Savings Bank’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer which contains statements about the adequacy of internal controls and compliance with designated laws and regulations, and an opinion by independent auditors related thereto. The Commercial Bank is required to submit independently audited annual reports to the FDIC and New York State Banking Department.  The Banks are each required to monitor the foregoing activities through independent audit committees.
 
Standards for Safety and Soundness
 
The FDIA, as amended by the FDICIA and the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 (the “Community Development Act”), requires each federal bank regulatory agency to establish safety and soundness standards for institutions under its authority. On July 10, 1995, the federal banking agencies, including the OCC, jointly released Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness and published a final rule establishing deadlines for submission and review of safety and soundness compliance plans. The guidelines, among other things, require savings institutions to maintain internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems that are appropriate to the size, nature and scope of the institution’s business. The guidelines also establish general standards relating to loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits.  Savings institutions are required to maintain safeguards to prevent the payment of excessive compensation to an executive officer, employee, director or principal shareholder. The OCC may determine that a savings institution is not in compliance with the safety and soundness guidelines and, upon doing so, may require the institution to submit an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the guidelines. An institution must submit an acceptable compliance plan to the OCC within 30 days of receipt or request for such a plan. Failure to submit or implement a compliance plan may subject the institution to regulatory actions. Management believes that the Savings Bank currently meets the standards adopted in the interagency guidelines.
 
Additionally, under FDICIA, as amended by the Community Development Act, federal banking agencies are required to establish standards relating to asset quality and earnings that the agencies determine to be appropriate. Effective October 1, 1998, the federal banking agencies, including the OCC, adopted guidelines relating to asset quality and earnings which require insured institutions to maintain systems, consistent with their size and the nature and scope of
 
 
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their operations, to identify problem assets and prevent deterioration in those assets as well as to evaluate and monitor earnings and insure that earnings are sufficient to maintain adequate capital and reserves.
 
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
 
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “Modernization Act”) was signed into law on November 12, 1999. Among other things, the Modernization Act permits qualifying bank holding companies to affiliate with securities firms and insurance companies and engage in other activities that are financial in nature or complementary thereto, as determined by the Federal Reserve Board. Subject to certain limitations, a national bank may, through a financial subsidiary, engage in similar activities. The Modernization Act also prohibits the creation or acquisition of new unitary savings and loan holding companies that are affiliated with non-banking firms, but “grandfathers” existing savings and loan holding companies, such as the Company. Grandfathered companies retain the existing powers available to unitary savings and loan holding companies. See “¾ Holding Company Regulation.” Certain business combinations which were impermissible prior to the effective date of the Modernization Act are now possible. Management believes the Modernization Act has led to some consolidation in the financial services industry and could lead to further consolidation, which, if completed, would likely result in an increase in the service offerings of our competitors. We cannot assure you that the Modernization Act will not result in further changes in the competitive environment in our market area or otherwise impact us.
 
In addition, the Modernization Act calls for heightened privacy protection of customer information gathered by financial institutions. The OCC has enacted regulations implementing the privacy protection provisions of the Modernization Act. Under the regulations, each financial institution is to (1) adopt procedures to protect customers’ “non-public personal information,” (2) disclose its privacy policy, including identifying to customers others with whom it shares “non-public personal information,” at the time of establishing the customer relationship and annually thereafter, and (3) provide its customers with the ability to “opt-out” of having the financial institution share their personal information with affiliated third parties. The regulations became effective on November 13, 2000, with compliance voluntary prior to July 1, 2001. Management has reviewed and amended our privacy protection policy and believes we are in compliance with these regulations.
 
USA Patriot Act
 
On October 26, 2001, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001 (the “Patriot Act”) was signed into law. The purpose of the Patriot Act is to enhance protections against money laundering and criminal laws against terrorist activities, and give law enforcement authorities greater investigative powers. Among other things, the Patriot Act (1) requires financial institutions that administer, maintain or manage private bank accounts or correspondent accounts for foreign persons to establish due diligence policies; (2) prohibits correspondent accounts with foreign shell banks; (3) permits sharing of information among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement regarding persons engaged in terrorist or money laundering activities; (4) requires financial institutions to verify customer identification at account opening; (5) requires financial institutions to report suspicious activities; and (6) requires financial institutions to establish an anti-money laundering compliance program. Management believes we are in compliance with the Patriot Act.
 
Prompt Corrective Action
 
Under Section 38 of the FDIA, as added by the FDICIA, each appropriate banking agency is required to take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital ratios.  Such action must be accomplished at the least possible long-term cost to the appropriate deposit insurance fund.
 
The federal banking agencies, including the OCC and the FDIC, adopted substantially similar regulations to implement Section 38 of the FDIA.  Under the regulations, an institution is deemed to be (1) “well capitalized” if it has total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or more, has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% or more, has a core capital ratio of 5% or more and is not subject to any order or final capital directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure, (2) “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or more, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4% or more and a core capital ratio of 4% or more (3% under certain circumstances) and does not meet the definition of “well capitalized,” (3) “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio that is less than 4% or a core capital ratio that is less than 4% (3% under certain circumstances), (4) “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 6%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio that is less than 3% or a core capital ratio that is less than 3%, and (5) “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2%.  Section 38 of the FDIA and the regulations promulgated thereunder also specify circumstances under which a federal banking agency may reclassify a well capitalized institution as adequately capitalized and may require an adequately capitalized institution or an undercapitalized institution to comply with supervisory actions as if it were in the next lower category (except that the
 
 
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FDIC may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized).  At December 31, 2011, each of the Banks met the criteria to be considered a “well capitalized” institution.
 
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
 
On October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) was signed into law. EESA’s stated purpose is to provide the Secretary of the Treasury with the authority and facilities to restore liquidity and stability to the United States financial system and to ensure that such authority and facilities are used to protect home values, college funds, retirement accounts and life savings, preserve homeownership and promote jobs and economic growth, maximize overall returns to U.S. taxpayers and provide accountability for the Secretary of the Treasury’s exercise of such authority.
 
EESA includes a federal program to purchase troubled mortgages and financial instruments from financial institutions, which is referred to as the TARP.  EESA also includes provisions that place limits on executive pay practices by institutions participating in the TARP, measures to facilitate acquisitions of financial institutions with troubled assets without government assistance, temporary enhancements to the federal deposit insurance program, enhanced tax benefits for losses incurred in the sale of certain assets, possible relief from fair value accounting, and an acceleration of the date on which the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”) can pay interest to banks on reserves on deposit with the FRB. On October 6, 2008, the FRB stated that it will begin paying interest on both excess and required reserves on October 9, 2008. The Banks each maintain funds on deposit at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and each has received interest on these deposits since October 9, 2008.
 
The Secretary of the Treasury utilized his authority under the TARP to invest in preferred stocks of financial institutions under a Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”). Under the CPP, we were eligible to submit an application for between $23 million and $70 million.  We submitted an application for $70 million, for which we received preliminary approval on December 3, 2008.
 
On December 19, 2008, as part of the CPP, we entered into a Letter Agreement (including the Securities Purchase Agreement – Standard Terms incorporated by reference therein, the “Purchase Agreement”) with the U.S. Treasury pursuant to which we issued and sold to the U.S. Treasury (i) 70,000 shares of the our Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series B having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), and (ii) a ten-year warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase up to 751,611 shares of the our common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”), at an initial price of $13.97 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $70.0 million in cash.
 
The Series B Preferred Stock qualified as Tier 1 Capital and paid cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum. Dividends were payable on the Series B Preferred Stock quarterly and were payable on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The Series B Preferred Stock had no maturity date and ranked senior to the Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation and winding up of the Company.
 
The Warrant was scheduled to expire ten years from the issuance date and was immediately exercisable and transferable. If, on or prior to December 31, 2009, we received from one or more Qualified Equity Offerings gross proceeds of at least $70.0 million, one-half of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrant would be retired unexercised. The U.S. Treasury agreed not to transfer one-half of the Warrant prior to the earlier of the date of closing of such Qualified Equity Offering and December 31, 2009. The U.S. Treasury also agreed not to exercise voting power with respect to any shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of the Warrant.
 
The Purchase Agreement contained limitations on the payment of dividends on and the repurchase of the Common Stock and certain preferred stock.  The Purchase Agreement also required that, until such time as the U.S. Treasury ceased to own any securities acquired from us thereunder, we would take all necessary action to ensure that benefit plans with respect to senior executive officers comply with Section 111(b) of EESA as implemented by any guidance or regulation under Section 111(b) of EESA that has been issued and was in effect as of the date of issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrant and not adopt any benefit plans with respect to, or which cover, senior executive officers that do not comply with EESA. Our senior executive officers consented to the foregoing.
 
The Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrant were issued in a private placement exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. We agreed to register the resale of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrant, and the issuance of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrant, as soon as practicable. We registered these securities with the SEC, with the registration statement being declared effective on February 20, 2009.
 
 
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We completed a Qualified Equity Offering in September 2009, which resulted in one-half of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Warrant being retired. We redeemed the Series B Preferred Stock on October 28, 2009 for $70.0 million plus all accrued and unpaid dividends, and repurchased the Warrant on December 30, 2009 for $0.9 million.
 
EESA immediately raised the FDIC insurance limit from $100,000 to $250,000 effective through December 31, 2009.
 
EESA also provided that gains or losses from the sale or exchange of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac preferred stocks by an applicable institution (which includes banks, thrifts and their holding companies) shall be treated as ordinary gains or losses. Previously, these gains or losses were treated as capital gains or losses. This provision allowed us to deduct losses realized on the sale of the preferred stocks of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that we held. Prior to the passage of the Act, the tax deductibility of these losses for us was limited to offset capital gains. Due to the provisions of the tax code, we have a limited ability to realize capital gains other than from the sale of our facilities.
 
The FDIC adopted the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program to free up credit markets and maintain confidence in uninsured transaction accounts. The FDIC guaranteed senior unsecured debt issued between October 14, 2008 and October 31, 2009. The insurance will run through June 30, 2012. The annualized guarantee fee is a 75 basis point charge of the debt issued. All FDIC-insured institutions were eligible for the program, except “troubled” institutions and a small number of grandfathered savings and loan holding companies with commercial owners. The FDIC also provided full insurance coverage for non-interest bearing transaction accounts and NOW accounts with interest rates no higher than 50 basis points at insured institutions through December 31, 2009 under the TAGP. The cost was a 10 basis point annualized charge on amounts in excess of $250,000. Both programs had no cost for the first 30 days. After that, institutions remained in the program unless they notified the FDIC that they were opting out of one or both programs by December 12, 2008. For those institutions that opted out of the program, they were not allowed to opt back in. Participating banks in both programs are subject to enhanced supervisory oversight to prevent rapid growth or excessive risk-taking. If the costs of the programs are not covered by the special fees, all FDIC-insured institutions will be assessed even if they did not participate in the programs. The Banks each opted to participate in these programs. On August 26, 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule extending the TAGP through June 30, 2010. The extension increased the rate institutions will pay to 15 basis points, 20 basis points or 25 basis points, depending on the risk category assigned to the institution under the FDIC’s risk-based premium system. Any institution participating in the TAGP could elect to opt out on or before November 2, 2009. The Banks did not opt out, and therefore continued to participate in the TAGP through June 30, 2010.
 
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
 
On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Stimulus Act”) was signed into law. The purpose of the Stimulus Act is to provide stimulus for the U.S. economy. The Stimulus Act provided additional restrictions and standards throughout the period during which our obligations under the CPP Purchase Agreement remained outstanding, including:
 
·  
Limits on compensation incentives for risk taking by senior executive officers;
·  
Recovery of any compensation paid based on inaccurate financial information;
·  
Prohibition on “Golden Parachute Payments”;
·  
Prohibition on compensation plans that would encourage manipulation of reported earnings to enhance the compensation of employees;
·  
Publicly registered TARP recipients must establish a board compensation committee comprised entirely of independent directors, for the purpose of reviewing employee compensation plans;
·  
Prohibition on bonuses, retention awards, or incentive compensation, except for payments of long term restricted stock;
·  
Limitation on luxury expenditures;
·  
TARP recipients may be required to permit a separate shareholder vote to approve the compensation of executives, as disclosed pursuant to the SEC’s compensation disclosure rules; and
· 
The chief executive officer and chief financial officer of each TARP recipient will be required to provide a written certification of compliance with these standards to the SEC.
 
The Stimulus Act required the Secretary of the Treasury to issue additional regulations governing executive compensation at institutions participating in the CPP. These regulations did not have a significant effect on our operations and, as noted above, we no longer had any outstanding obligations under the CPP as of December 30, 2009.
 
 
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Helping Families Save Their Homes Act
 
On May 20, 2009, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act (the “HFSTHA”) was signed into law. The purpose of the HFSTHA is to protect homeowners. The HFSTHA:
 
·  
Amended the Housing Act of 1949 with respect to guaranteed rural housing loans to require mortgagees, upon either actual or imminent default of a guaranteed mortgage, to engage in loss mitigation actions as an alternative to foreclosure;
·  
Amended the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008, with respect to emergency assistance for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes;
·  
Amended the Truth in Lending Act to modify the fiduciary duty requirements of servicers of pooled residential mortgages as duty requirements for any servicer of residential mortgages that agrees to enter into a qualified loss mitigation plan for residential mortgages originated before the date of enactment of the HFSTHA;
·  
Amended the ESSA to extend to December 31, 2013 the temporary increase in FDIC deposit insurance;
·  
Amended the FDIA to extend from five years to eight years the time period applicable to a DIF restoration plan;
·  
Amended the FDIA by increasing the borrowing authority of the FDIC from $30 billion to $100 billion.   Permits a temporary increase up to $500 billion, ending on December 31, 2010, in order to fund losses under TARP; and
·  
Instructed the Secretary of the Treasury, when using certain ESSA funds, to prevent and mitigate foreclosures on residential properties.
 
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
 
On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Reform Act”) was signed into law.  The Reform Act is designed to restructure the nation’s system of financial regulations. The Reform Act includes numerous revisions to the existing structure of regulatory oversight of financial institutions, including, but not limited, to the following:
 
·  
Abolished the Company’s then primary regulator, the OTS, which was merged into the OCC on July 21, 2011.
 
·  
 Required the OCC to issue rules and conduct studies on a wide range of subjects by July 21, 2011.
 
·  
Amends the Truth in Lending Act to impose new standards for residential mortgage loan originations on all lenders.
 
·  
Adoption of a number of investor protection measures, including enhancing the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) enforcement powers and creating an expanded whistleblower program.
 
·  
Created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to write consumer-protection rules for banks and nonbank financial firms and ensure that consumers are protected from unfair, deceptive or abusive practices.
 
·  
Directed the FDIC to base deposit-insurance assessments on assets minus tangible capital instead of on domestic deposits.
 
·  
Permanently increased FDIC deposit-insurance coverage to $250,000.
 
·  
Provides unlimited FDIC insurance for noninterest bearing transaction accounts in all banks effective December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2012.
 
·  
Allows banks to pay interest on business checking accounts.
 
·  
Establishes a Financial Stability Oversight Council to identify potential risks to the financial stability of the United States posed by the activities of or financial distress of large, interconnected financial institutions.
 
·  
Creates greater regulatory oversight of derivatives financial markets.
 
 
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·  
Imposed new restrictions and established an independent office of the SEC to improve regulation of credit rating agencies.
 
·  
Required regulatory agencies to issue new rules governing incentive compensation paid by financial institutions.
 
·  
Imposed new executive compensation and corporate governance requirements on public companies.
 
We cannot determine the full effect of the Reform Act on the Company at this time as all of the regulations required under the Reform Act have not yet been written. There can be no assurance that the Reform Act will not have a material adverse effect on us or our results of operations.
 
Federal Securities Laws
 
Our Common Stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). We are subject to the information and reporting requirements, regulations governing proxy solicitations, insider trading restrictions and other requirements applicable to companies whose stock is registered under the Exchange Act.
 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “2002 Act”), enacted on July 30, 2002, aims to increase the reliability of financial information by, among other things, (1) heightening accountability of Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers to issue accurate financial statements, (2) increasing the authority and independence of corporate audit committees, (3) creating a new regulatory entity to oversee the activities of accountants that audit public companies, (4) prohibiting activities and relationships that may compromise the independence of auditors, (5) increasing required financial statement disclosures, and (6) providing tough new penalties for issuing noncompliant financial statements and for other violations related to securities laws.
 
In furtherance of the 2002 Act, the SEC has issued rules. Compliance with these rules, and the related corporate governance rules adopted by NASDAQ with the approval of the SEC, has, and will continue to, increase costs to the Company, including, but not limited to, fees to our independent accountants, consultants, legal fees and Board service fees, and may require additions to staff. To date, compliance with the 2002 Act has not had a material effect on our results of operations. We cannot assure you that compliance with the 2002 Act and its regulations will not have a material effect on our business or operations in the future.
 
Available Information
 
We are a reporting company and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.  We make available free of charge on or through our web site at www.flushingbank.com our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.   Our SEC filings are also available to the public free of charge over the Internet at the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.
 
You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s public reference room located at 100 F. Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information about the operation of the public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  You may request copies of these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost.
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors.
 
In addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report, the following factors and other considerations should be considered carefully in evaluating us and our business.
 
Changes in Interest Rates May Significantly Impact Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Like most financial institutions, our results of operations depend to a large degree on our net interest income. When interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice more quickly than interest-earning assets, a significant increase in market interest rates could adversely affect net interest income. Conversely, a significant decrease in market interest rates could result in increased net interest income.  As a general matter, we seek to manage our business to limit our overall exposure to interest rate fluctuations.  However, fluctuations in market interest rates are neither predictable nor controllable and may have a material adverse impact on our operations and financial condition. Additionally, in a rising interest rate environment, a borrower’s ability to repay adjustable rate mortgages can be negatively affected as payments increase at repricing dates.
 
 
48

 
Prevailing interest rates also affect the extent to which borrowers repay and refinance loans. In a declining interest rate environment, the number of loan prepayments and loan refinancing may increase, as well as prepayments of mortgage-backed securities. Call provisions associated with our investment in U.S. government agency and corporate securities may also adversely affect yield in a declining interest rate environment. Such prepayments and calls may adversely affect the yield of our loan portfolio and mortgage-backed and other securities as we reinvest the prepaid funds in a lower interest rate environment. However, we typically receive additional loan fees when existing loans are refinanced, which partially offset the reduced yield on our loan portfolio resulting from prepayments. In periods of low interest rates, our level of core deposits also may decline if depositors seek higher-yielding instruments or other investments not offered by us, which in turn may increase our cost of funds and decrease our net interest margin to the extent alternative funding sources are utilized. An increasing interest rate environment would tend to extend the average lives of lower yielding fixed rate mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, which could adversely affect net interest income. In addition, depositors tend to open longer term, higher costing certificate of deposit accounts which could adversely affect our net interest income if rates were to subsequently decline. Additionally, adjustable rate mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities generally contain interim and lifetime caps that limit the amount the interest rate can increase or decrease at repricing dates. Significant increases in prevailing interest rates may significantly affect demand for loans and the value of bank collateral. See “— Local Economic Conditions.”
 
Our Lending Activities Involve Risks that May Be Exacerbated Depending on the Mix of Loan Types
 
At December 31, 2011, our gross loan portfolio was $3,214.0 million, of which 91% was mortgage loans secured by real estate. The majority of these real estate loans were secured by multi-family residential property ($1,391.2 million), commercial real estate ($580.8 million) and one-to-four family mixed-use property ($693.9 million), which combined represent 83% of our loan portfolio. Our loan portfolio is concentrated in the New York City metropolitan area. Multi-family residential, one-to-four family mixed-use property, and commercial real estate mortgage loans, and construction loans, are generally viewed as exposing the lender to a greater risk of loss than fully underwritten one-to-four family residential mortgage loans and typically involve higher principal amounts per loan. Multi-family residential, one-to-four family mixed-use property and commercial real estate mortgage loans are typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related property, which is usually owned by a legal entity with the property being the entity’s only asset. If the cash flow from the property is reduced, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. If the borrower defaults, our only remedy may be to foreclose on the property, for which the market value may be less than the balance due on the related mortgage loan. We attempt to mitigate this risk by generally requiring a loan-to-value ratio of no more than 75% at a time the loan is originated. Repayment of construction loans is contingent upon the successful completion and operation of the project. The repayment of commercial business loans (the increased origination of which is part of management’s strategy), is contingent on the successful operation of the related business. Changes in local economic conditions and government regulations, which are outside the control of the borrower or lender, also could affect the value of the security for the loan or the future cash flow of the affected properties. We continually review the composition of our mortgage loan portfolio to manage the risk in the portfolio.
 
In addition, from time to time, we have originated one-to-four family residential mortgage loans without verifying the borrower’s level of income. These loans involve a higher degree of risk as compared to our other fully underwritten one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. These risks are mitigated by our policy to generally limit the amount of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans to 80% of the appraised value or sale price, whichever is less, as well as charging a higher interest rate than when the borrower’s income is verified.  At December 31, 2011, we had $25.9 million outstanding of one-to-four family residential properties originated to individuals based on stated income and verifiable assets, and $58.5 million advanced on home equity lines of credit for which we did not verify the borrowers income. The total loans for which we did not verify the borrower’s income at December 31, 2011 was $84.4 million, or 2.6% of gross loans. These types of loans are generally referred to as “Alt A” loans since the borrower’s income was not verified. These loans are not as readily saleable in the secondary market as our other fully underwritten loans, either as whole loans or when pooled or securitized. We no longer originate one-to-four family residential mortgage loans or home equity lines of credit to individuals without verifying their income. We have not originated, nor do we hold in portfolio, any subprime loans.
 
Even in stable economic times, higher default rates may be expected for Alt A and similar loans. Although we attempted to incorporate the higher default rates associated with these loans into our pricing models, there can be no assurance that the premiums earned and the associated investment income will prove adequate to compensate for future losses from these loans.  Worsening economic conditions, rising unemployment rates and/or other regional real estate price declines could even more significantly increase the default risks associated with these loans.  In addition, these same negative economic and market conditions could also significantly increase the default risk on loans for which we did not assume higher default and claim rates.
 
 
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In assessing our future earnings prospects, investors should consider, among other things, our level of origination of one-to-four family residential, multi-family residential, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans, and commercial business and construction loans, and the greater risks associated with such loans. See “Business — Lending Activities” in Item 1 of this Annual Report.
 
Our Ability to Obtain Brokered Certificates of Deposit and Brokered Money Market Accounts as an Additional Funding Source Could be Limited
 
We utilize brokered certificates of deposit as an additional funding source and to assist in the management of our interest rate risk. The Savings Bank had $444.8 million, or 14.1% of total deposits, and $513.6 million, or 16.1% of total deposits, in brokered deposit accounts at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  We have obtained brokered certificates of deposit when the interest rate on these deposits is below the prevailing interest rate for non-brokered certificates of deposit with similar maturities in our market, or when obtaining them allowed us to extend the maturities of our deposits at favorable rates compared to borrowing funds with similar maturities, when we are seeking to extend the maturities of our funding to assist in the management of our interest rate risk. Brokered certificates of deposit provide a large deposit for us at a lower operating cost as compared to non-brokered certificates of deposit since we only have one account to maintain versus several accounts with multiple interest and maturity checks. Unlike non-brokered certificates of deposit where the deposit amount can be withdrawn with a penalty for any reason, including increasing interest rates, a brokered certificate of deposit can only be withdrawn in the event of the death or court declared mental incompetence of the depositor. This allows us to better manage the maturity of our deposits and our interest rate risk. We also utilize brokers to obtain money market account deposits. The rate we pay on brokered money market accounts is the same or below the rate we pay on non-brokered money market accounts, and the rate is agreed to in a contract between the Savings Bank and the broker. These accounts are similar to brokered certificates of deposit accounts in that we only maintain one account for the total deposit per broker, with the broker maintaining the detailed records of each depositor. The Savings Bank did not hold any brokered money market accounts at December 31, 2011.  The Savings Bank held $35.1 million in brokered money market accounts at December 31, 2010.
 
The FDIC has promulgated regulations implementing limitations on brokered deposits. Under the regulations, well-capitalized institutions, such as the Savings Bank, are not subject to brokered deposit limitations, while adequately capitalized institutions are able to accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits only with a waiver from the FDIC and subject to restrictions on the interest rate that can be paid on such deposits. Undercapitalized institutions are not permitted to accept brokered deposits.  Pursuant to the regulation, the Savings Bank, as a well-capitalized institution, may accept brokered deposits. Should our capital ratios decline, this could limit our ability to replace brokered deposits when they mature.
 
The maturity of brokered certificates of deposit could result in a significant funding source maturing at one time. Should this occur, it might be difficult to replace the maturing certificates with new brokered certificates of deposit. We have used brokers to obtain these deposits which results in depositors with whom we have no other relationships since these depositors are outside of our market, and there may not be a sufficient source of new brokered certificates of deposit at the time of maturity. In addition, upon maturity, brokers could require us to offer some of the highest interest rates in the country to retain these deposits, which would negatively impact our earnings. The Savings Bank mitigates this risk by obtaining brokered certificates of deposit with various maturities ranging up to five years, and attempts to avoid having a significant amount maturing in any one year.
 
The Markets in Which We Operate Are Highly Competitive
 
We face intense and increasing competition both in making loans and in attracting deposits. Our market area has a high density of financial institutions, many of which have greater financial resources, name recognition and market presence than us, and all of which are our competitors to varying degrees. Particularly intense competition exists for deposits and in all of the lending activities we emphasize. Our competition for loans comes principally from commercial banks, other savings banks, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking companies, insurance companies, finance companies and credit unions. Management anticipates that competition for mortgage loans will continue to increase in the future. Our most direct competition for deposits historically has come from other savings banks, commercial banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions. In addition, we face competition for deposits from products offered by brokerage firms, insurance companies and other financial intermediaries, such as money market and other mutual funds and annuities. Consolidation in the banking industry and the lifting of interstate banking and branching restrictions have made it more difficult for smaller, community-oriented banks, such as us, to compete effectively with large, national, regional and super-regional banking institutions. We launched an internet branch, “iGObanking.com®” a division of the Savings Bank, to provide us with access to consumers in markets outside our geographic locations. The internet banking arena also has many larger financial institutions which have greater financial resources, name recognition and market presence than we do.
 
 
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Notwithstanding the intense competition, we have been successful in increasing our loan portfolios and deposit base. However, no assurances can be given that we will be able to continue to increase our loan portfolios and deposit base, as contemplated by management’s current business strategy.
 
Our Results of Operations May Be Adversely Affected by Changes in National and/or Local Economic Conditions
 
Our operating results are affected by national and local economic and competitive conditions, including changes in market interest rates, the strength of the local economy, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities.  The national and our local economies were generally considered to be in a recession from December 2007 through the middle of 2009.  This resulted in increased unemployment and declining property values, although the property value declines in the New York City metropolitan area have not been as great as many other areas of the country. While the national and local economies showed signs of improvement since the second half of 2009, unemployment has remained at elevated levels. The housing market in the United States continued to see a significant slowdown during 2009, and foreclosures of single family homes rose to levels not seen in the prior five years.  The downturn in the housing market continued in 2010, although the downturn has slowed. These economic conditions can result in borrowers defaulting on their loans, or withdrawing their funds on deposit at the Banks to meet their financial obligations.  While we have seen an increase in deposits, we have also seen a significant increase in delinquent loans, resulting in an increase in our provision for loan losses. This increase in delinquent loans primarily consists of mortgage loans collateralized by residential income producing properties that are located in the New York City metropolitan market. Given New York City’s low vacancy rates, the properties have retained their value and have provided us with low loss content in our non-performing loans. We cannot predict the effect of these economic conditions on our financial condition or operating results.
 
A decline in the local or national economy or the New York City metropolitan area real estate market could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, including through decreased demand for loans or increased competition for good loans, increased non-performing loans and loan losses and resulting additional provisions for loan losses and for losses on real estate owned.  Although management believes that the current allowance for loan losses is adequate in light of current economic conditions, many factors could require additions to the allowance for loan losses in future periods above those currently maintained.  These factors include: (1) adverse changes in economic conditions and changes in interest rates that may affect the ability of borrowers to make payments on loans, (2) changes in the financial capacity of individual borrowers, (3) changes in the local real estate market and the value of our loan collateral, and (4) future review and evaluation of our loan portfolio, internally or by regulators.  The amount of the allowance for loan losses at any time represents good faith estimates that are susceptible to significant changes due to changes in appraisal values of collateral, national and local economic conditions, prevailing interest rates and other factors.  See “Business — General — Allowance for Loan Losses” in Item 1 of this Annual Report.
 
These same factors have caused delinquencies to increase for the mortgages which are the collateral for the mortgage-backed securities we hold in our investment portfolio. Combining the increased delinquencies with liquidity problems in the market has resulted in a decline in the market value of our investments in mortgage-backed securities. There can be no assurance that the decline in the market value of these investments will not result in an other-than-temporary impairment charge being recorded in our financial statements.”
 
Changes in Laws and Regulations Could Adversely Affect Our Business
 
From time to time, legislation, such as the Reform Act, is enacted or regulations are promulgated that have the effect of increasing the cost of doing business, limiting or expanding permissible activities or affecting the competitive balance between banks and other financial institutions.  Proposals to change the laws and regulations governing the operations and taxation of banks and other financial institutions are frequently made in Congress, in the New York legislature and before various bank regulatory agencies.  No prediction can be made as to the likelihood of any major changes (in addition to the Reform Act) or the impact such changes might have on us. For a discussion of regulations affecting us, see “Business —Regulation” and “Business—Federal, State and Local Taxation” in Item 1 of this Annual Report.
 
There can be no assurance as to the actual impact that any laws, regulations or governmental programs that may be introduced or implemented in the future will have on the financial markets and the economy. A continuation or worsening of current financial market conditions could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, access to credit or the trading price of our securities.
 
 
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Current Conditions in, and Regulation of, the Banking Industry May Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Results of Operations
 
Financial institutions have been the subject of significant legislative and regulatory changes and may be the subject of further significant legislation or regulation in the future, none of which is within our control.  Significant new laws or regulations or changes in, or repeals of, existing laws or regulations, including those with respect to federal and state taxation, may cause our results of operations to differ materially.  In addition, the cost and burden of compliance, over time, have significantly increased and could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.
 
On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed the Reform Act into law.  The Reform Act is intended to address perceived weaknesses in the U.S. financial regulatory system and prevent future economic and financial crises.  There are many provisions of the Reform Act which will be implemented through regulations to be adopted within specified time frames following the effective date of the Reform Act, which creates a risk of uncertainty as to the effect that such provisions will ultimately have.  The full impact of the changes in regulation will depend on new regulations that have yet to be written.  The new regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.  Although it is not possible for us to determine at this time whether the Reform Act will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations, we believe the following provisions of the Reform Act will have an impact on us:
 
·  
New Primary Regulatory.  On July 21, 2011, the OTS, our then primary federal regulator, was eliminated and the OCC took over the regulation of all federal savings banks, such as the Savings Bank.  The Federal Reserve acquired the OTS’s authority over all savings and loan holding companies, such as the Holding Company, and became the supervisor of all subsidiaries of savings and loan holding companies other than depository institutions.  As a result, we became subject to regulation, supervision and examination by two federal banking agencies, the OCC and the Federal Reserve, rather than just by the OTS, as was previously the case.  The Reform Act also provided for the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”). The CFPB has the authority to implement and enforce a variety of existing consumer protection statutes and to issue new regulations.  As a new independent bureau within the FRB, it is possible that the CFPB will focus more attention on consumers and may impose requirements more severe than the previous bank regulatory agencies.
 
·  
Consolidated Holding Company Capital Requirements.  The Reform Act requires the federal banking agencies to establish consolidated risk-based and leverage capital requirements for insured depository institutions, depository institution holding companies and systemically important nonbank financial companies.  These requirements must be no less than those to which insured depository institutions are currently subject, and the new requirements will effectively eliminate the use of newly-issued trust preferred securities as a component of Tier 1 Capital for depository institution holding companies of our size.  As a result, no later than the fifth anniversary of the effective date of the Reform Act, we will become subject to consolidated capital requirements to which we have not previously been subject.
 
·  
Roll Back of Federal Preemption.  The Reform Act significantly rolls back the federal preemption of state consumer protection laws that federal savings associations and national banks currently enjoy by (1) permitting federal preemption of a state consumer financial law only if such law prevents or significantly interferes with the exercise of a federal savings association’s or national bank’s powers or such state law is preempted by another federal law, (2) mandating that any preemption decision be made on a case by case basis rather than a blanket rule and (3) ending the applicability of preemption to subsidiaries and affiliates of national banks and federal savings associations.  As a result, we may now be subject to state laws in each state where we do business, and those laws may be interpreted and enforced differently in different states.
 
The Reform Act also includes provisions, subject to further rulemaking by the federal bank regulatory agencies, that may affect our future operations, including provisions that create minimum standards for the origination of mortgages, restrict proprietary trading by banking entities, restrict the sponsorship of and investment in hedge funds and private equity funds by banking entities that remove certain obstacles to the conversion of savings associations to national banks.  We will not be able to determine the impact of these provisions until final rules are promulgated to implement these provisions and other regulatory guidance is provided interpreting these provisions.
 
 
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Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions May Increase the Costs to or Discourage an Acquirer
 
On September 5, 2006, the Board of Directors renewed our Stockholder Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”), which was originally adopted on and had been in place since September 17, 1996 and had been scheduled to expire on September 30, 2006. The Rights Plan was designed to preserve long-term values and protect stockholders against inadequate offers and other unfair tactics to acquire control of us.  Under the Rights Plan, each stockholder of record at the close of business on September 30, 2006 received a dividend distribution of one right to purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Series A junior participating preferred stock at a price of $65.  The rights will become exercisable only if a person or group acquires 15% or more of our common stock or commences a tender or exchange offer which, if consummated, would result in that person or group owning at least 15% of the Common Stock (the “acquiring person or group”).  In such case, all stockholders other than the acquiring person or group will be entitled to purchase, by paying the $65 exercise price, Common Stock (or a common stock equivalent) with a value of twice the exercise price.  In addition, at any time after such event, and prior to the acquisition by any person or group of 50% or more of the Common Stock, the Board of Directors may, at its option, require each outstanding right (other than rights held by the acquiring person or group) to be exchanged for one share of Common Stock (or one common stock equivalent).  If a person or group becomes an acquiring person and we are acquired in a merger or other business combination or sell more than 50% of our assets or earning power, each right will entitle all other holders to purchase, by payment of $65 exercise price, common stock of the acquiring company with a value of twice the exercise price. The renewed rights plan expires on September 30, 2016.
 
The Rights Plan, as well as certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, the Savings Bank’s federal stock charter and bylaws, certain federal regulations and provisions of Delaware corporation law, and certain provisions of remuneration plans and agreements applicable to employees and officers of the Savings Bank may have anti-takeover effects by discouraging potential proxy contests and other takeover attempts, particularly those which have not been negotiated with the Board of Directors.  The Rights Plan and those other provisions, as well as applicable regulatory restrictions, may also prevent or inhibit the acquisition of a controlling position in the Common Stock and may prevent or inhibit takeover attempts that certain stockholders may deem to be in their or other stockholders’ interest or in our interest, or in which stockholders may receive a substantial premium for their shares over then current market prices. The Rights Plan and those other provisions may also increase the cost of, and thus discourage, any such future acquisition or attempted acquisition, and would render the removal of the current Board of Directors or management of the Company more difficult.
 
We May Not Be Able to Successfully Implement Our Commercial Business Banking Initiative
 
Our strategy includes a transition to a more “commercial-like” banking institution. We have developed a complement of deposit, loan and cash management products to support this initiative, and intend to expand these product offerings. A business banking unit builds relationships in order to obtain lower-costing deposits, generate fee income, and originate commercial business loans. The success of this initiative is dependent on developing additional product offerings, and building relationships to obtain the deposits and loans. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement our business strategy with respect to this initiative.
 
The FDIC’s Recently Adopted Restoration Plan and the Related Increased Assessment Rate Schedule May Have a Material Effect on Our Results of Operations
 
On October 19, 2010, the FDIC Board adopted a new restoration plan to ensure that the DIF reserve ratio reaches 1.35% by September 30, 2020, as required by the Reform Act, rather than 1.15% by the end of 2016 (as required under the prior restoration plan).  Among other things, the new restoration plan provides that the FDIC will forego the uniform three basis point increases in initial assessment rates that was previously scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2011 and maintains the current assessment rate schedule.  The FDIC intends to pursue further rulemaking regarding the requirement under the Reform Act that the FDIC offset the effect on institutions with less than $10 billion in assets (such as us) of the requirement that the reserve ratio reach 1.35% by September 30, 2020, so that more of the cost of raising the reserve ratio to 1.35% will be borne by institutions with more than $10 billion in assets.  In this connection, the FDIC Board recently approved a rule that will implement a provision in the Reform Act that changes the assessment base from one based on domestic deposits (as it has been since 1935) to one based on total average assets less Tier 1 Capital (as defined for regulatory purposes).  The FDIC also lowered assessment rates, effective April 1, 2011, the new assessment base is based on assets rather than domestic deposits which is a much larger assessment base than in the past.  The range of the base assessment rates is 2.5 to 45 basis points, whereas the prior range was 7 to 77.5 basis points.  In addition, the FDIC Board approved setting the designated DIF reserve ratio at 2% as a long-term, minimum goal, adopt a lower assessment rate schedule when the reserve ratio reaches 1.15% and, in lieu of FDIC dividends, adopt progressively lower assessment rate schedules when the reserve ratio reaches 2% and 2.5%.  Another
 
 
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rule recently approved by the FDIC Board, which replaces a proposed rule approved by the FDIC on April 13, 2010, would revise the deposit insurance assessment system for insured depository institutions with over $10 billion in assets.  This rule is not directly applicable to us.
 
There is no guarantee that the rules described above be sufficient for the DIF to meet its funding requirements, which may necessitate further rulemaking, special assessments or increases in deposit insurance premiums.  Any such future rulemaking, assessments or increases could have a further material impact on our results of operations.
 
We May Experience Increased Delays in Foreclosure Proceedings
 
Foreclosure proceedings face increasing delays..  While we cannot predict the ultimate impact of any delay in foreclosure sales, we may be subject to additional borrower and non-borrower litigation and governmental and regulatory scrutiny related to our past and current foreclosure activities.  Delays in foreclosure sales, including any delays beyond those currently anticipated, could increase the costs associated with our mortgage operations and make it more difficult for us to prevent losses in our loan portfolio.
 
We May Need to Recognize Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Charges in the Future
 
We conduct a periodic review and evaluation of the securities portfolio to determine if the decline in the fair value of any security below its cost basis is other-than-temporary. Factors which we consider in our analysis include, but are not limited to, the severity and duration of the decline in fair value of the security, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, whether the decline appears to be related to issuer conditions or general market or industry conditions, our intent and ability to retain the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value and the likelihood of any near-term fair value recovery.  We generally view changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary. However, we have recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges on some securities in our portfolio.  If we deem such decline to be other-than-temporary, the security is written down to a new cost basis and the resulting loss is charged to earnings as a component of non-interest income.
 
We continue to monitor the fair value of our securities portfolio as part of our ongoing other-than-temporary impairment evaluation process.  There can be no assurance that we will not need to recognize other-than-temporary impairment charges related to securities in the future.
 
The Current Economic Environment Poses Significant Challenges for us and Could Adversely Affect our Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
We are operating in a challenging and uncertain economic environment, including generally uncertain national conditions and local conditions in our markets.  While the national and local economies showed signs of improvement since the second half of 2009, unemployment has remained at elevated levels. The housing market in the United States continued to see a significant slowdown during 2009, and foreclosures of single family homes rose to levels not seen in the prior five years.  The downturn in the housing market continued in 2011, although the downturn has slowed.  Financial institutions continue to be affected by sharp declines in the real estate market and constrained financial markets.  While we are taking steps to decrease and limit our exposure to residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and construction and land loans, we nonetheless retain direct exposure to the residential and commercial real estate markets, and we are affected by these events.  Further declines in real estate values, home sales volumes and financial stress on borrowers as a result of the uncertain economic environment, including job losses, could have an adverse effect on our borrowers or their customers, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.  The overall deterioration in economic conditions has subjected us to increased regulatory scrutiny.  In addition, further deterioration in national or local economic conditions in our markets could drive losses beyond that which is provided for in our allowance for loan losses and result in the following other consequences: loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures may increase; demand for our products and services may decline; deposits may decrease, which would adversely impact our liquidity position; and collateral for our loans, especially real estate, may decline in value, in turn reducing customers’ borrowing power, and reducing the value of assets and collateral associated with our existing loans.  These same factors have caused delinquencies to increase for the mortgages which are the collateral for the mortgage-backed securities that we hold in our investment portfolio. Combining the increased delinquencies with liquidity problems in the market has resulted in a decline in the market value of our investments in mortgage-backed securities. There can be no assurance that the decline in the market value of these investments will not cause us to record an other-than-temporary impairment charge in our financial statements.
 
 
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We May Not Pay Dividends on Our Common Stock
 
Holders of shares of our common stock are only entitled to receive such dividends as our Board of Directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. Although we have historically declared cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and may reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future. This could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
Goodwill Recorded as a Result of Acquisitions Could Become Impaired, Negatively Impacting Our Earnings and Capital
 
Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite life and is tested annually, or when certain conditions are met, for impairment. If the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than the goodwill amount, no further evaluation is required and no impairment is recorded. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the goodwill amount, further evaluation would be required to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the goodwill amount and determine if a write down is required. At December 31, 2011, we had goodwill with a carrying amount of $16.1 million.  Declines in the fair value of the reporting unit may result in a future impairment charge.  Any such impairment charge could have a material effect on our earnings and capital.
 
We May Not Fully Realize the Expected Benefit of Our Deferred Tax Assets
 
At December 31, 2011, we have a deferred tax asset of $34.2 million. This represents the anticipated federal, state and local tax benefits expected to be realized in future years upon the utilization of the underlying tax attributes comprising this balance. In order to use the future benefit of these deferred tax assets, we will need to report taxable income for federal, state and local tax purposes.  Although we have reported taxable income for federal, state, and local tax purposes in each of the past three years, there can be no assurance that this will continue in the future.
 
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.
 
None.
 
Item 2.  Properties.
 
At December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank conducted its business through 16 full-service offices and its internet branch, “iGObanking.com®”. The Commercial Bank conducted its business through three full-service branch offices which it shares with the Savings Bank. In January 2012, the Savings Bank opened its seventeenth full-service office. The Company’s executive offices are located in Lake Success, in Nassau County, NY.
 
Flushing Financial Corporation neither owns nor leases any property but instead uses the premises and equipment of the Savings Bank.
 
Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.
 
We are involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business which, in the aggregate, involve amounts which are believed by management to be immaterial to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.
 
Not applicable
 
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PART II
 
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
 
Flushing Financial Corporation Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market® under the symbol “FFIC.”  As of December 31, 2011, we had approximately 796 shareholders of record, not including the number of persons or entities holding stock in nominee or street name through various brokers and banks.  Our stock closed at $12.63 on December 30, 2011.  The following table shows the high and low sales price of the Common Stock and the dividends declared on the Common Stock during the periods indicated.  Such prices do not necessarily reflect retail markups, markdowns, or commissions.  See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report for dividend restrictions.
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
High
   
Low
   
Dividend
   
High
   
Low
   
Dividend
 
First Quarter
  $ 15.15     $ 13.57     $ 0.13     $ 13.86     $ 11.28     $ 0.13  
Second Quarter
    15.09       12.02       0.13       15.00       11.86       0.13  
Third Quarter
    13.57       10.00       0.13       13.42       10.51       0.13  
Fourth Quarter
    13.72       10.70       0.13       14.68       11.52       0.13  
 
The following table sets forth information regarding the shares of common stock repurchased by us during the quarter ended December 31, 2011:
 
Period
 
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
   
Average Price
Paid per Share
   
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   
Maximum
Number of
Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
 
October 1 to October 31, 2011
    -     $ -       -       1,000,000  
November 1 to November 30, 2011
    187,438       12.06       187,438       812,562  
December 1 to December 31, 2011
    74,600       12.38       74,600       737,962  
Total
    262,038     $ 12.15       262,038          

During the three months ended September 30, 2011, the Company completed the common stock repurchase program that was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors on August 17, 2004. On September 28, 2011, the Company announced the authorization by the Board of Directors of a new common stock repurchase program which authorizes the purchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of its common stock.  The repurchase program does not have an expiration date or a maximum dollar amount that may be paid to repurchase the common shares.  Stock repurchases under this program will be made from time to time, on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, at the discretion of the management of the Company.
 
56

 
The following table sets forth securities authorized for issuance under all equity compensation plans of the Company at December 31, 2011:
 
               
(c)
               
Number of securities
               
remaining available for
   
(a)
   
(b)
   
future issuance under
   
Number of securities to
   
Weighted-average
   
equity compensation
   
be issued upon exercise
   
exercise price of
   
plans (excluding
   
of outstanding options,
   
outstanding options,
   
securities reflected in
   
warrants and rights
   
warrants and rights
   
column (a))
                 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
    975,640     $ 15.16       727,377
                       
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
    -       -       -
                       
      975,640     $ 15.16       727,377
 
(1)
Consists of 1,380 shares available for future non-full value awards and 725,997 shares available for future full value awards.
 
 
57

 
Stock Performance Graph
 
The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total stockholder return on the Company’s common stock since December 31, 2006 with the cumulative total returns of a broad equity market index as well as two published industry indices. The broad equity market index chosen was the Nasdaq Composite. The published industry indices chosen were the SNL Thrift Index and SNL Mid-Atlantic Thrift Index. The SNL Mid-Atlantic Thrift Index has been included in the Company’s Stock Performance Graph because the Company believes it provides valuable comparative information reflecting the Company’s geographic peer group. The SNL Thrift Index has been included in the Stock Performance because it uses a broader group of thrifts and therefore more closely reflects the Company’s size. The Company believes that both geographic area and size are important factors in analyzing the Company’s performance against its peers. The graph below reflects historical performance only, which is not indicative of possible future performance of the common stock.
 
 
The total return assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2006 and all dividends reinvested through the end of the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. The performance graph above is based upon closing prices on the trading date specified.
 
  Period Ending
Index
12/31/06
12/31/07
12/31/08
12/31/09
12/31/10
12/31/11
Flushing Financial Corporation
100.00
96.87
74.58
74.69
96.87
91.14
NASDAQ Composite
100.00
110.66
66.42
96.54
114.06
113.16
SNL Thrift
100.00
59.99
38.18
35.6
37.2
31.3
SNL Mid-Atlantic Thrift
100.00
82.33
68.23
65.08
74.72
57.65
 
 
58

 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
 
At or for the years ended December 31,
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Selected Financial Condition Data
                             
Total assets
  $ 4,287,949     $ 4,324,745     $ 4,143,246     $ 3,949,471     $ 3,354,519  
Loans, net
    3,198,537       3,248,630       3,200,159       2,960,662       2,702,118  
Securities available for sale
    812,530       804,189       683,804       747,261       440,100  
Deposits
    3,146,245       3,190,610       2,693,115       2,468,834       2,025,447  
Borrowed funds
    685,139       708,683       1,060,245       1,138,949       1,072,551  
Total stockholders' equity
    416,911       390,045       360,144       301,492       233,654  
Common stockholders' equity
    416,911       390,045       360,144       231,492       233,654  
Book value per common share (1)
  $ 13.49     $ 12.48     $ 11.57     $ 10.70     $ 10.96  
                                         
Selected Operating Data
                                       
Interest and dividend income
  $ 224,498     $ 229,628     $ 230,061     $ 216,701     $ 193,562  
Interest expense
    76,723       91,767       115,275       128,972       122,624  
Net interest income
    147,775       137,861       114,786       87,729       70,938  
Provision for loan losses
    21,500       21,000       19,500       5,600       -  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    126,275       116,861       95,286       82,129       70,938  
Non-interest income:
                                       
Net gains on sales of securities and loans
    511       7       1,613       354       700  
Other-than-temporary credit impairment charge on securities
    (1,578 )     (2,045 )     (5,894 )     (27,575 )     (4,710 )
Net gain from fair value adjustments
    1,960       47       4,968       20,090       2,685  
Other income
    9,388       10,291       10,268       14,099       11,578  
Total non-interest income
    10,281       8,300       10,955       6,968       10,253  
Non-interest expense
    77,739       70,385       64,909       54,781       50,076  
Income before income tax provision
    58,817       54,776       41,332       34,316       31,115  
Income tax provision
    23,469       15,941       15,771       12,057       10,930  
Net income
  $ 35,348     $ 38,835     $ 25,561     $ 22,259     $ 20,185  
                                         
Basic earnings per common share (2)
  $ 1.15     $ 1.28     $ 0.91     $ 1.10     $ 1.02  
Diluted earnings per common share (2)
  $ 1.15     $ 1.28     $ 0.91     $ 1.09     $ 1.01  
Dividends declared per common share (2)
  $ 0.52     $ 0.52     $ 0.52     $ 0.52     $ 0.48  
Dividend payout ratio
    45.2 %     40.6 %     57.1 %     47.3 %     47.1 %
 
  (Footnotes on the following page)
 
 
59

 

At or for the years ended December 31,
   
2011
     
2010
     
2009
     
2008
     
2007
 
                                         
Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data
                                       
                                         
Performance ratios:
                                       
Return on average assets
   
          0.82
%
   
          0.92
%
   
           0.63
%
   
          0.62
%
   
             0.66
%
Return on average equity
   
          8.76
     
        10.32
     
           7.80
     
          9.55
     
             9.15
 
Average equity to average assets
   
          9.36
     
          8.89
     
           8.06
     
          6.54
     
             7.19
 
Equity to total assets
   
          9.72
     
          9.02
     
           8.69
     
          7.63
     
             6.97
 
Interest rate spread
   
          3.46
     
          3.27
     
           2.76
     
          2.43
     
             2.23
 
Net interest margin
   
          3.61
     
          3.43
     
           2.96
     
          2.60
     
             2.44
 
Non-interest expense to average assets
   
          1.80
     
          1.66
     
           1.60
     
          1.54
     
             1.63
 
Efficiency ratio
   
        49.18
     
        47.37
     
         51.76
     
        55.11
     
           60.20
 
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
   
          1.08
x
   
          1.07
x
   
           1.07
x
   
          1.04
x
   
             1.05
x
                                         
Regulatory capital ratios: (3)
                                       
Core capital (well capitailized = 5%)
   
          9.63
%
   
          9.18
%
   
           8.84
%
   
          7.92
%
   
             7.27
%
Tier 1 risk-based capital (well capitalized =6%)
   
        14.26
     
        13.07
     
         12.78
     
        12.57
     
           10.76
 
Total risk-based capital (well capitalized =10%)
   
        15.32
     
        13.98
     
         13.49
     
        13.02
     
           11.20
 
                                         
Asset quality ratios:
                                       
Non-performing loans to gross loans (4)
   
          3.65
%
   
          3.44
%
   
           2.60
%
   
          1.35
%
   
             0.22
%
Non-performing assets to total assets (5)
   
          2.87
     
          2.75
     
           2.19
     
          1.03
     
             0.18
 
Net charge-offs to average loans
   
          0.59
     
          0.42
     
           0.33
     
          0.04
     
             0.02
 
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans
   
          0.94
     
          0.85
     
           0.63
     
          0.37
     
             0.25
 
Allowance for loan losses to total non-performing assets (5)
   
        24.63
     
        23.31
     
         22.39
     
        27.09
     
         112.57
 
Allowance for loan losses to total non-performing loans (4)
   
        25.84
     
        24.71
     
         24.38
     
        27.59
     
         112.57
 
                                         
Full-service customer facilities
   
             16
     
             15
     
              15
     
             14
     
                14
 
 
(1)  
Calculated by dividing common stockholders’ equity of $416.9 million and $390.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, by 30,904,177 and 31,255,934 shares outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Common stockholders’ equity is total stockholders’ equity less the liquidation preference value of preferred shares outstanding.
(2)  
The shares held in the Company’s Employee Benefit Trust are not included in shares outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per share.
(3)  
Represents Flushing Savings Bank’s capital ratios, which exceeded all minimum regulatory capital requirements during the periods presented.
(4)  
Non-performing loans consist of non-accrual loans and loans delinquent 90 days or more that are still accruing.
(5)  
Non-performing assets consist of non-performing loans, real estate owned and non-performing investment securities.
 
 
60

 
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
As used in this discussion and analysis, the words “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” are used to refer to Flushing Financial Corporation and our consolidated subsidiaries, including Flushing Savings Bank, FSB (the “Savings Bank”) and Flushing Commercial Bank (the “Commercial Bank” and together with the Savings Bank, the “Banks”).
 
General
 
We are a Delaware corporation organized in May 1994 at the direction of the Savings Bank. The Savings Bank was organized in 1929 as a New York State chartered mutual savings bank. In 1994, the Savings Bank converted to a federally chartered mutual savings bank and changed its name from Flushing Savings Bank to Flushing Savings Bank, FSB. The Savings Bank converted from a federally chartered mutual savings bank to a federally chartered stock savings bank in 1995. On July 21, 2011, as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Savings Bank’s primary regulator became the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”).  The Banks’ deposits are insured to the maximum allowable amount by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).  The Savings Bank owns four subsidiaries: Flushing Commercial Bank, Flushing Preferred Funding Corporation, Flushing Service Corporation, and FSB Properties Inc.
 
Flushing Financial Corporation also owns Flushing Financial Capital Trust II, Flushing Financial Capital Trust III, and Flushing Financial Capital Trust IV (the “Trusts”), which are special purpose business trusts formed during 2007 to issue a total of $60.0 million of capital securities, and $1.9 million of common securities (which are the only voting securities). Flushing Financial Corporation owns 100% of the common securities of the Trusts. The Trusts used the proceeds from the issuance of these securities to purchase junior subordinated debentures from Flushing Financial Corporation. The Trusts are not included in our consolidated financial statements as we would not absorb the losses of the Trusts if losses were to occur.
 
The following discussion of financial condition and results of operations includes the collective results of the Flushing Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), but reflects principally the Savings Bank’s activities. Management views the Company as operating as a single unit - a community savings bank. Therefore, segment information is not provided.
 
During 2006, the Savings Bank established a business banking unit. Our business plan includes a transition from a traditional thrift to a more “commercial-like” banking institution by focusing on the development of a full complement of commercial business deposit, loan and cash management products. As of December 31, 2011, the business banking unit had $251.9 million in loans outstanding and $68.7 million of customer deposits.
 
On November 27, 2006, the Savings Bank launched an internet branch, iGObanking.com®, which provides us access to consumers in markets outside our geographic locations. Accounts can be opened online at www.iGObanking.com or by mail.  The internet branch does not currently accept loan applications. As of December 31, 2011, the internet branch had $470.6 million of customer deposits.
 
During 2007, the Savings Bank formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Flushing Commercial Bank, a New York State chartered commercial bank, for the limited purpose of providing banking services to public entities including counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts, libraries, fire districts and the various courts throughout the New York City metropolitan area. The Commercial Bank was formed in response to New York State law, which requires that municipal deposits and state funds must be deposited into a bank or trust company as defined in New York State law. The Savings Bank is not considered an eligible bank or trust company for this purpose.  The Commercial Bank does not originate loans.  As of December 31, 2011, Flushing Commercial Bank had $591.0 million of customer deposits.
 
On December 19, 2008, under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”), we entered into a Letter Agreement (including the Securities Purchase Agreement – Standard Terms incorporated by reference therein, the “Purchase Agreement”) with the United States Department of the Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”) pursuant to which we issued and sold to the U.S. Treasury (i) 70,000 shares of the our Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series B having a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), and (ii) a ten-year warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase up to 751,611 shares of the our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at an initial price of $13.97 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $70.0 million in cash. The Series B Preferred Stock qualified as Tier 1 Capital under the risk-based capital guidelines of the Office of Thrift Supervision (“Tier 1 Capital”) and paid cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per annum. Dividends were payable on the Series B Preferred Stock quarterly and were payable on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. The Series B Preferred Stock had no maturity date and ranked senior to our common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation and winding up of the Company. The Warrant would have expired ten years from the issuance date and was immediately exercisable and transferable. The Purchase Agreement contained limitations on the
 
61

 
payment of dividends on and the repurchase of our common stock and certain preferred stock.  The Purchase Agreement also required that, until such time as the U.S. Treasury ceased to own any securities acquired from us thereunder, we take all necessary action to ensure that benefit plans with respect to senior executive officers complied with Section 111(b) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (“EESA”) as implemented by any guidance or regulation under Section 111(b) of EESA that has been issued and was in effect as of the date of issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Warrant and not adopt any benefit plans with respect to, or which cover, senior executive officers that do not comply with EESA. Our senior executive officers consented to the foregoing. During 2009, we issued, in a public offering, 9.3 million common shares for total consideration, after expenses, of $101.5 million. This public offering was a Qualified Equity Offering as defined in the Warrant. As a result of this Qualified Equity Offering, the number of shares of common stock underlying the Warrant was reduced by one-half. On October 28, 2009, we redeemed the Series B Preferred Stock for $70.0 million plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. On December 30, 2009, we repurchased the Warrant for $0.9 million.
 
Overview
 
Our principal business is attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing those deposits together with funds generated from ongoing operations and borrowings, primarily in (1) originations and purchases of multi-family residential properties and, to a lesser extent, one-to-four family (focusing on mixed-use properties, which are properties that contain both residential dwelling units and commercial units) and commercial real estate mortgage loans; (2) construction loans, primarily for residential properties; (3) Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans and other small business loans;  (4) mortgage loan surrogates such as mortgage-backed securities; and (5) U.S. government securities, corporate fixed-income securities and other marketable securities. We also originate certain other consumer loans including overdraft lines of credit.Our results of operations depend primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between the income earned on its interest-earning assets and the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is the result of our interest rate margin, which is the difference between the average yield earned on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities, adjusted for the difference in the average balance of interest-earning assets as compared to the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities. We also generate non-interest income from loan fees, service charges on deposit accounts, mortgage servicing fees, and other fees, income earned on Bank Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”), dividends on Federal Home Bank of New York (“FHLB-NY”) stock and net gains and losses on sales of securities and loans. Our operating expenses consist principally of employee compensation and benefits, occupancy and equipment costs, other general and administrative expenses and income tax expense. Our results of operations also can be significantly affected by our periodic provision for loan losses and specific provision for losses on real estate owned.
 
Management Strategy. Our strategy is to continue our focus on being an institution serving consumers, businesses, and governmental units in our local markets. In furtherance of this objective, we intend to:
 
·  
continue our emphasis on the origination of multi-family residential mortgage loans;
 
·  
transition from a traditional thrift to a more ‘commercial-like’ banking institution;
 
·  
increase our commitment to the multi-cultural marketplace, with a particular focus on the Asian community in Queens;
 
·  
maintain asset quality;
 
·  
manage deposit growth and maintain a low cost of funds through
 
§  
business banking deposits,
§  
municipal deposits through government banking, and
§  
new customer relationships via iGObanking.com®;
 
·  
cross sell to lending and deposit customers;
 
·  
take advantage of market disruptions to attract talent and customers from competitors;
 
·  
manage interest rate risk and capital: and
 
·  
manage enterprise-wide risk.
 
There can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively implement this strategy. Our strategy is subject to change by the Board of Directors.
 
62

 
Multi-Family Residential Mortgage Lending.  In recent years, we have emphasized the origination of higher-yielding multi-family residential mortgage loans. During 2011 and 2010, we reduced our emphasis on one-to-four family – mixed-use property and commercial real estate lending. We expect to continue this emphasis on higher-yielding multi-family residential mortgage loans, while we continue to deemphasize one-to-four family mixed-use property and commercial real estate lending.
 
The following table shows loan originations and purchases during 2011, and loan balances as of December 31, 2011.
 
   
Loan
   
Loan Balances
       
   
Originations and
   
December 31,
   
Percent of
 
   
Purchases
   
2011
   
Gross Loans
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Multi-family residential
  $ 249,010     $ 1,391,221       43.28 %
Commercial real estate
    7,070       580,783       18.07  
One-to-four family ― mixed-use property
    23,754       693,932       21.59  
One-to-four family ― residential
    24,075       220,431       6.86  
Co-operative apartment
    -       5,505       0.17  
Construction
    1,723       47,140       1.47  
Small Business Administration
    3,528       14,039       0.44  
Taxi Medallion
    30,832       54,328       1.69  
Commercial Business and Other
    71,211       206,614       6.43  
Total
  $ 411,203     $ 3,213,993       100.00 %
 
At December 31, 2011, multi-family residential, commercial real estate, construction and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans, totaled 84.4% of our gross loans. Our concentration in these types of loans has increased the overall level of credit risk inherent in our loan portfolio. The greater risk associated with multi-family, commercial real estate, construction and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans could require us to increase our provisions for loan losses and to maintain an allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans in excess of the allowance currently maintained.
 
Transition to a More ‘Commercial-like’ Banking Institution. We established a business banking unit during 2006 staffed with a team of experienced commercial bankers. We have developed a complement of deposit, loan and cash management products to support this initiative, and expanded these product offerings. The business banking unit is responsible for building business relationships in order to obtain lower-costing deposits, generate fee income, and originate commercial business loans. Building these business relationships could provide us with a lower-costing source of funds and higher-yielding adjustable-rate loans, which would help us manage our interest-rate risk.
 
Increase Our Commitment to the Multi-Cultural Marketplace, with a Particular Focus on the Asian Community in Queens.   Our branches are all located in the New York City metropolitan area with particular concentration in the borough of Queens.  Queens in particular exhibits a high level of ethnic diversity.  An important element of our strategy is to service the multi-ethnic consumer and business.  We have a particular concentration in the Asian communities- among them Chinese and Korean populations.  Both groups are noted for high levels of savings, education and entrepreneurship.  In order to service these and other important ethnic groups in our market, our staff speaks more than 30 languages.   We have an Asian advisory board to help broaden our link to the community by providing guidance and fostering awareness of our active role in the local community.  Our focus on the Asian community in Queens, where we have four branches, has resulted in us obtaining approximately $400 million in deposits in these branches.  We also have over $200 million of loans and lines of credit outstanding to borrowers in the Asian community.
 
Maintain Asset Quality.  By adherence to our conservative underwriting standards, we have been able to minimize net losses from impaired loans with net charge-offs of $18.9 million and $13.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We seek to maintain our loans in performing status through, among other things, disciplined collection efforts, and consistently monitoring non-performing assets in an
 
63

 
 
effort to return them to performing status. To this end, we review the quality of our loans and report to the Loan Committee of the Board of Directors of the Savings Bank on a monthly basis. We have sold and may continue to sell delinquent mortgage loans. We sold 44 delinquent mortgage loans totaling $28.9 million and 20 delinquent mortgage loans totaling $8.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We recorded net charge-offs of $3.7 million and $0.7 million to the allowance for loan losses for the non-performing loans that were sold during 2011 and 2010, respectively. We realized gross gains of $167,000 and $21,000 on the sale of non-performing mortgage loans for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  We realized gross losses of $3,000 on the sale of non-performing mortgage loans for the year ended December 31, 2010. We did not record any gross losses for the year ended December 31, 2011. There can be no assurances that we will continue this strategy in future periods, or if continued, we will be able to find buyers to pay adequate consideration. Non-performing assets amounted to $123.2 million and $118.8 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets were 2.87% and 2.75% at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Manage Deposit Growth and Maintain Low Cost of Funds. We have a relatively stable retail deposit base drawn from our market area through our full-service offices. Although we seek to retain existing deposits and maintain depositor relationships by offering quality service and competitive interest rates to our customers, we also seek to keep deposit growth within reasonable limits and our strategic plan. In order to implement our strategic plan, we have a business banking operation that we designed specifically to develop full business relationships thereby bringing in lower cost checking and money market deposits. At December 31, 2011, deposits balances in the business sector are $68.7 million. We also have an internet branch, “iGObanking.com®”, as a division of the Savings Bank, to compete for deposits from sources outside the geographic footprint of our full-service offices. In creating iGObanking.com®, our strategy is to reduce our reliance on wholesale borrowings and reduce our funding costs. Deposit balances in iGObanking.com® were $470.6 million at December 31, 2011, at rates lower than our current certificates of deposit base and borrowings. The Savings Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, Flushing Commercial Bank, is a New York State chartered commercial bank, formed for the limited purpose of accepting municipal deposits and state funds, including certain court ordered funds from New York State Courts as an additional source of deposits. At December 31, 2011, deposits in Flushing Commercial Bank totaled $591.0 million at rates below our average cost of funds.  We also obtain deposits through brokers and the CDARS® network. Management intends to balance its goal to maintain competitive interest rates on deposits while seeking to manage its overall cost of funds to finance its strategies. We generally rely on our deposit base as our principal source of funding. In addition, the Banks are members of the FHLB-NY, which provides us with a source of borrowing. We also utilize reverse purchase agreements, established with other financial institutions. During 2011, we realized a decrease in Due to depositors of $46.8 million, as core deposits decreased $55.4 million while certificates of deposit increased $8.5 million. At the same time we were able to reduce our borrowed funds by $23.5 million.
 
Cross Sell to Lending and Deposit Customers. A significant portion of our lending and deposit customers do not have both their loans and deposits with us. We intend to focus on obtaining additional deposits from our lending customers and originating additional loans to our deposit customers. Product offerings were expanded and are expected to be further expanded in 2012 to accommodate perceived customer demands. In addition, specific employees are assigned responsibilities of generating these additional deposits and loans by coordinating efforts between lending and deposit gathering departments.
 
Take Advantage of Market Disruptions to Attract Talent and Customers From Competitors. The New York City market place has been dominated by large institutions, many of which recently have run into difficult situations due to the recessionary environment.  During this time period we have been able to attract talent from such large commercial banks. That talent has brought with it significant business relationships. We have been able to see a larger number of strong companies that have been caught in a retrenchment by their existing large institution. We anticipate this environment remaining for some period of time.
 
We have in the past increased growth through acquisitions of financial institutions and branches of other financial institutions, and will continue to pursue growth through acquisitions that are, or are expected to be within a reasonable time frame, accretive to earnings, as well as evaluating the feasibility of opening additional branches.  We have in the past opened new branches.  One branch was opened in Brooklyn in the first quarter of 2012.  We plan to continue to seek and review potential acquisition opportunities that complement our current business, are consistent with our strategy to build a bank that is focused on the unique personal and small business banking needs of the multi-ethnic communities we serve.
 
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Manage Interest Rate Risk and Capital. We seek to manage our interest rate risk by actively reviewing the repricing and maturities of our interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities.  The mix of loans we originate (fixed or ARM) is determined in large part by borrowers’ preferences and prevailing market conditions.  We seek to manage the interest rate risk of our loan portfolio by actively managing our security portfolio and borrowings.  By adjusting the mix of fixed and adjustable rate securities, as well as the maturities of the securities, we have the ability to manage the combined interest rate sensitivity of our assets.  Additionally, we seek to balance the interest rate sensitivity of our assets by managing the maturities of our liabilities.  The Savings Bank faces several minimum capital requirements imposed by the OCC.  These requirements limit the dividends the Savings Bank is allowed to pay to Flushing Financial Corporation, and can limit the annual growth of the Savings Bank.
 
Manage Enterprise-Wide Risk. We identify, measure and attempt to mitigate risks that affect, or have the potential to affect, our business. Due to the economic crisis and resulting increase in government regulation, there is greater demand for us to devote significant resources to risk management. In April 2010, a seasoned risk officer was hired to provide executive risk leadership, and an enterprise-wide risk management program was implemented. Several enterprise risk management analytical products have been implemented which include key risk indicators. Our management of enterprise-wide risk enables us to recognize and monitor risks and establish procedures to disseminate the risk information across our organization and to our Board of Directors. The objective is to have a more robust and focused risk management process capable of identifying and mitigating emerging threats to the Banks’ safety and soundness.
 
 Trends and Contingencies  Our operating results are significantly affected by national and local economic and competitive conditions, including changes in market interest rates, the strength of the local economy, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities. As short-term interest rates have declined from 2008 through 2011, we remained strategically focused on the origination of multi-family residential mortgages and to a lesser extent, commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans. As a result of this strategy, we were able to continue to achieve a higher yield on our mortgage portfolio than we would have otherwise experienced.
 
The New York City metropolitan area, our primary market for lending, was generally considered to be in a recession from December 2007 through the middle of 2009.  In the New York City metropolitan area, building permits for one-to-four family residential properties, multi-family residential properties, and commercial properties all declined over this time period to historically low levels. While the number of building permits increased in 2011, it remains below the level of 2007. The home price index for the New York City metropolitan area declined from the beginning of 2007 to the end of 2010 by approximately 16.8%, and decreased an additional 2.8% in 2011. The value of multi-family and commercial properties showed similar price movements. However, sale prices of multi-family properties increased in 2011. Sales of residential and commercial real estate in 2011 remained below the level of sales seen in 2007.
 
Building permits for one-to-four family residential properties, multi-family residential properties, and commercial properties all declined over this time period to historically low levels. This resulted in increased unemployment and declining property values. The majority of our impaired loans are income producing residential properties located in the New York City metropolitan market. Due to the low vacancy rates for these types of properties, they have retained more of their value, thereby reducing their loss content. While the national and local economies have shown signs of improvement since the middle of 2009, unemployment has remained at elevated levels of 8.8% and 8.6% in December 2011 and 2010, respectively, for the New York City region, according to the New York State Department of Labor. These economic conditions can result in borrowers defaulting on their loans. This deterioration in the economy has resulted in the balance of our non-performing loans remaining at an elevated level. Non-performing loans totaled $117.4 million, $112.1 million and $83.4 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. While non-performing loans have remained elevated, we have not yet experienced a significant increase in foreclosed properties due to an extended foreclosure process in our market. The extended foreclosure process in our market is due to the high number of foreclosure actions filed in the court system in the counties for which we are seeking foreclosure on delinquent mortgage loans. We have not encountered significant issues with documentation relating to mortgages for which we are seeking foreclosure as we maintain custody of all loan documents and review them prior to providing them to our legal counsel to initiate the foreclosure action. The deterioration in the economy also resulted in an increase in charge-offs from impaired loans, which increased to $18.9 million in 2011 from $13.6 million in 2010 and $10.4 million in 2009.  The majority of charge-offs we recorded were to reduce the carrying value of impaired loans to their fair value. We increased our provision for loan losses to $21.5 million in 2011 compared to $21.0 million in 2010 and $19.5 million in 2009. We cannot predict the effect of these economic conditions on the Company’s future financial condition or operating results.
 
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In addition, in response to the economic conditions in our market combined with the increase in non-performing loans, we began tightening our underwriting standards in 2008 to reduce the risk associated with lending.
 
The following changes were made in our underwriting standards since 2008 to reduce the risk associated with lending on income producing real estate properties:
 
§  
When borrowers requested a refinance of an existing mortgage loan when they had acquired the property or obtained their existing loan within two years of the request, we generally required evidence of improvements to the property that increased the property value to support the additional funds and generally restricted the loan-to-value ratio for the new loan to 65% of the appraised value.
 
§  
The debt coverage ratio was increased and the loan-to-value ratio decreased for income producing properties with fewer than ten units. This required the borrower to have an additional investment in the property than previously required and provided additional protection should rental units become vacant.
 
§  
Borrowers who owned multiple properties were required to provide detail on all their properties to allow us to evaluate their total cash flow requirements. Based on this review, we may decline the loan application, or require a lower loan-to-value ratio and a higher debt coverage ratio.
 
§  
Income producing properties with existing rents that were at or above the current market rent for similar properties were required to have a higher debt coverage ratio to provide protection should rents decline.
 
§  
Borrowers purchasing properties were required to demonstrate they had satisfactory liquidity and management ability to carry the property should vacancies occur or increase.
 
The following changes were made in our underwriting standards since 2008 to reduce the risk on one-to-four family residential property mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit:
 
§  
We discontinued originating home equity lines of credit without verifying the borrower’s income. This was done in two stages. Beginning in May 2008, we began verifying the borrower’s income when the home equity line of credit exceeded $100,000. Beginning in October 2009, we verified the income of all borrowers applying for a home equity line of credit.
 
§  
We discontinued offering one-to-four family residential property mortgage loans to self-employed individuals based on stated income and verifiable assets in June 2010.
 
The following changes were made in our underwriting standards since 2008 to reduce the risk associated with business lending:
 
§  
All borrowers obtaining a business loan were required to submit a complete financial information package, regardless of the amount of the loan. Previously, borrowers for SBA Express loans and other loans under $150,000 had been exempt from this requirement.
 
§  
Background checks on all borrowers and guarantors for business loans were expanded to identify and review information in more public records, including a search for judgments, liens, negative press articles, and affiliations with other entities.
 
§  
The guarantee of related business entities providing cash flow to the borrowing entity became required for business loans.
 
§  
The allowable percentage of inventory and accounts receivable pledged as collateral for a business loan was reduced.
 
§  
We established specific risk acceptance criteria for private not for profit schools.
 
Since 2008, we have reduced our focus on commercial real estate and one-to-four family mixed-use residential property mortgage loans, which represented $300.6 million, or 50%, of our mortgage loan originations and purchases in 2008 compared to $30.8 million, or 8%, in 2011. In addition to reducing our focus on commercial real estate lending, we further reduced our origination of smaller commercial real estate properties. We also reduced our focus on construction lending, which we reduced from $30.7 million in advances on existing loans in 2008 to $1.7 million in advances on existing loans in 2011, and new construction loan approvals from $27.2 million in 2008 to none in 2011. We reduced our
 
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focus on these types of loans due to changes in market conditions, increasing delinquencies and losses incurred on delinquent loans associated with these types of loans.
 
We also shifted our focus in multi-family lending to larger properties. Our review of delinquent multi-family mortgage loans revealed that the majority of our delinquent multi-family mortgage loans were on smaller properties with fewer rental units. We concluded that the more units a property had to rent, the less likely vacancies would cause a disruption in the property’s cash flow.
 
While we primarily rely on originating our own loans, we purchased $19.1 million of loans in 2011 compared to $14.7 million in 2010 and $43.3 million in 2009. We purchase loans when the loans complement our loan portfolio strategy. Loans purchased must meet our underwriting standards when they were originated.
 
The economic conditions we have experienced since the end of 2007 reduced loan demand in our market. In addition, the tightening of our underwriting standards and the shift in our lending focus also contributed to reducing our total loan originations and purchases. While we had not targeted a reduced level of loan originations for 2011 and 2010, the combination of the above events resulted in a decline in our loan originations to $411.2 million in 2011 from $416.5 million in 2010 and $500.6 million in 2009. The number of loans originated during this three year period also declined, while the average loan size increased during the same period.
 
During the three year period ended December 31, 2011, the allocation of our loan portfolio has remained fairly consistent. The majority of our loans are collateralized by real estate, which comprised 91.4% of our portfolio at December 31, 2011 compared to 91.0% at December 31, 2010 and 91.9% at December 31, 2009. Multi-family residential mortgage loans comprised 43.3%, 38.4% and 36.2% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Commercial real estate mortgage loans comprised 18.1%, 20.3% and 21.4% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2010, 2010 and 2009, respectively. One-to-four family mixed-use property mortgage loans comprised 21.6%, 22.4% and 23.2% of loan portfolio at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. One-to-four family residential mortgage loans comprised 7.0%, 7.6% and 8.0% of loan portfolio at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Due to depositors decreased $46.8 million in 2011 compared to increases of $497.0 million and $228.7 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Lower-costing core deposits decreased $55.4 million in 2011 compared to increases of $206.9 million and $434.7 million during 2010 and 2009, respectively. Higher-costing certificates of deposit increased $8.5 million and $205.9 million during 2011 and 2010, respectively and decreased $205.9 million during 2009. Brokered deposits represented 14.1%, 16.1% and 16.0% of total deposits at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Prevailing interest rates affect the extent to which borrowers repay and refinance loans. In a declining interest rate environment, the number of loan prepayments and loan refinancing tends to increase, as do prepayments of mortgage-backed securities. Call provisions associated with our investments in U.S. government agency and corporate securities may also adversely affect yield in a declining interest rate environment. Such prepayments and calls may adversely affect the yield of our loan portfolio and mortgage-backed and other securities as we reinvest the prepaid funds in a lower interest rate environment. However, we typically receive additional loan fees when existing loans are refinanced, which partially offsets the reduced yield on our loan portfolio resulting from prepayments. In periods of low interest rates, our level of core deposits also may decline if depositors seek higher-yielding instruments or other investments not offered by us, which in turn may increase our cost of funds and decrease our net interest margin to the extent alternative funding sources, are utilized. By contrast, an increasing interest rate environment would tend to extend the average lives of lower yielding fixed rate mortgages and mortgage-backed securities, which could adversely affect net interest income. In addition, depositors tend to open longer term, higher costing certificate of deposit accounts which could adversely affect our net interest income if rates were to subsequently decline. Additionally, adjustable rate residential mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities generally contain interim and lifetime caps that limit the amount the interest rate can increase at re-pricing dates.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2011, we extended the term of one business loan totaling $1.2 million, 34 mortgage loans totaling $54.9 million, and seven construction loans with total available lines of credit of $12.6 million, which we did not consider as non-performing loans nor troubled debt restructured. Each of these loans was extended in accordance with our lending policies, which required the loans to be fully underwritten, and that each of the borrowers is current as to payments. None of these borrowers was experiencing financial difficulties, and none received a below market interest rate or other favorable terms at the time the loans were extended.  Therefore, we did not consider these loans to be troubled debt restructured.
 
We attempt to pursue the guarantor on all loans for which a loss has been incurred and for which a guarantee was obtained, when, after considering the benefits and costs, we have concluded we will be successful in recovering at
 
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least a portion of the loss we incurred. The success of this pursuit is based on the assets the guarantor holds when we obtain a judgment.
 
During 2011, we sought performance under guarantees on nine business loans, seeking judgments in excess of $2.2 million, and nine real estate mortgage loans, seeking judgments in excess of $2.0 million. As of December 31, 2011, we had realized recoveries of less than $0.1 million on the business loans, and had not received any recoveries on the real estate mortgage loans. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2011, we realized recoveries of less than $0.1 million on business loans and real estate mortgage loans for which we sought judgments prior to 2011. During 2010, we sought performance under guarantees on 26 business loans, seeking judgments in excess of $0.5 million, and ten real estate mortgage loans, seeking judgments in excess of $4.0 million. As of December 31, 2010, we had realized recoveries of $0.1 million on the business loans, and had not received any recoveries on the real estate mortgage loans. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2010, we realized recoveries of $0.8 million on business loans for which we sought judgments during the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
During 2011 our net interest margin improved 18 basis points to 3.61% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 3.43% for the comparable period in 2010.  This increase in the net interest margin resulted in a $9.9 million increase in net interest income to $147.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $137.9 million in the comparable period in 2010.  The improvement in the net interest margin for 2011 was primarily generated through a reduction in our funding costs, partially offset by a decline in the yield of our interest-earning assets.. During 2011 we reduced the average balance of borrowed by $170.8 million to $693.4 million for 2011 compared to $864.2 million for 2010. At the same time we increased the average balance of deposits by $199.7 million to $3,078.0 million for 2011 compared to $2,878.3 million for 2010.  As a result of these changes to our funding mix, and a favorable interest rate environment, we were able to reduce our cost of funds 42 basis points to 2.03% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 2.45% for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
We are unable to predict the direction of future interest rate changes. Approximately 35% of our certificates of deposit accounts and borrowings reprice or mature during the next year, which could result in a decrease in the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities. Also, in a decreasing interest rate environment, mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities with higher rates tend to prepay, which could result in a reduction in the yield on our interest-earning assets.
 
Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis
 
A financial institution’s exposure to the risks of changing interest rates may be analyzed, in part, by examining the extent to which its assets and liabilities are “interest rate sensitive” and by monitoring the institution’s interest rate sensitivity “gap.” An asset or liability is said to be interest rate sensitive within a specific time period if it will mature or reprice within that time period. The interest rate sensitivity gap is defined as the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within a specific time period and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within that time period. A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing exceeds the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within the same period. A gap is considered negative when the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or repricing exceeds the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing within the same period. Accordingly, a positive gap may enhance net interest income in a rising rate environment and reduce net interest income in a falling rate environment. Conversely, a negative gap may enhance net interest income in a falling rate environment and reduce net interest income in a rising rate environment.
 
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The table below sets forth the amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities outstanding at December 31, 2011 which are anticipated by the Company, based upon certain assumptions, to reprice or mature in each of the future time periods shown. Except as stated below, the amount of assets and liabilities shown that reprice or mature during a particular period was determined in accordance with the earlier of the term to repricing or the contractual terms of the asset or liability. Prepayment assumptions for mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities are based on our experience and industry averages, which generally range from 6% to 40%, depending on the contractual rate of interest and the underlying collateral. Money market accounts and savings accounts were assumed to have a withdrawal or “run-off” rate of 52% and 30%, respectively, based on our experience. While management bases these assumptions on actual prepayments and withdrawals experienced by us, there is no guarantee that these trends will continue in the future.
 
   
Interest Rate Sensitivity Gap Analysis at December 31, 2011
         
More Than
   
More Than
   
More Than
   
More Than
             
   
Three
   
Three
   
One Year
   
Three Years
   
Five Years
             
   
Months
   
Months To
   
To Three
   
To Five
   
To Ten
   
More Than
       
   
And Less
   
One Year
   
Years
   
Years
   
Years
   
Ten Years
   
Total
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-Earning Assets
                                         
Mortgage loans
  $ 240,004     $ 406,854     $ 1,099,785     $ 800,105     $ 294,599     $ 97,665     $ 2,939,012  
Other loans
    73,891       35,050       41,933       20,545       62,438       41,124       274,981  
Short-term securities (1)
    49,784       -       -       -       -       -       49,784  
Securities available for sale:
                                                       
Mortgage-backed securities
    35,728       64,961       111,638       92,777       226,964       215,220       747,288  
Other
    22,369       11,144       2,039       8,959       9,021       11,710       65,242  
Total interest-earning assets
    421,776       518,009       1,255,395       922,386       593,022       365,719       4,076,307  
                                                         
Interest-Bearing Liabilities
                                                       
Savings accounts
    26,222       78,666       209,776       17,483       17,483       -       349,630  
NOW accounts
    -       -       -       -       -       919,029       919,029  
Money market accounts
    26,024       78,072       96,087       -       -       -       200,183  
Certificate of deposit accounts
    159,692       502,918       512,228       311,542       42,730       -       1,529,110  
Mortgagors' escrow deposits
    -       -       -       -       -       29,786       29,786  
Borrowings
    62,000       44,311       129,211       282,883       166,734       -       685,139  
Total interest-bearing liabilities (2)
  $ 273,938     $ 703,967     $ 947,302     $ 611,908     $ 226,947     $ 948,815     $ 3,712,877  
                                                         
Interest rate sensitivity gap
  $ 147,838     $ (185,958 )   $ 308,093     $ 310,478     $ 366,075     $ (583,096 )   $ 363,430  
Cumulative interest-rate sensitivity gap
  $ 147,838     $ (38,120 )   $ 269,973     $ 580,451     $ 946,526     $ 363,430          
Cumulative interest-rate sensitivity gap as a percentage of total assets
    3.45 %     -0.89 %     6.30 %     13.54 %     22.07 %     8.48 %        
Cumulative net interest-earning assets as a percentage of interest-bearing liabilities
    153.97 %     96.10 %     114.02 %     122.88 %     134.24 %     109.79 %        
 
(1) 
Consists of interest-earning deposits.
(2) 
Does not include non-interest bearing demand accounts totaling $118.5 million at December 31, 2011.
 
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing table. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar estimated maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in differing degrees to changes in market interest rates and may bear rates that differ in varying degrees from the rates that would apply upon maturity and reinvestment or upon repricing. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as ARM loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Further, in the event of a significant change in the level of interest rates, prepayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities, and deposit withdrawal or “run-off” levels, would likely deviate materially from those assumed in calculating the above table. In the event of an interest rate increase, some borrowers may be unable to meet the increased payments on their adjustable-rate debt. The interest rate sensitivity analysis assumes that the nature of the Company’s assets and liabilities remains static. Interest rates may have an effect on customer preferences for deposits and loan products. Finally, the maturity and repricing characteristics of many assets and liabilities as set forth in the above table are not governed by contract but rather by management’s best judgment based on current market conditions and anticipated business strategies.
 
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Interest Rate Risk
 
Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the changes in fair value of certain investments due to changes in interest rates. Generally, the fair value of financial investments such as loans and securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. As a result, increases in interest rates could result in decreases in the fair value of our interest-earning assets which could adversely affect our results of operations if such assets were sold, or, in the case of securities classified as available for sale, decreases in our stockholders’ equity if such securities were retained.
 
We manage the mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities on a continuous basis to maximize return and adjust our exposure to interest rate risk. On a quarterly basis, management prepares the “Earnings and Economic Exposure to Changes in Interest Rate” report for review by the Board of Directors, as summarized below. This report quantifies the potential changes in net interest income and net portfolio value should interest rates go up or down (shocked) 200 basis points, assuming the yield curves of the rate shocks will be parallel to each other. The OCC currently places its focus on the net portfolio value ratio, focusing on a rate shock up or down of 200 basis points. The OCC uses the change in Net Portfolio Value Ratio to measure the interest rate sensitivity of the Company. Net portfolio value is defined as the market value of assets net of the market value of liabilities. The market value of assets and liabilities is determined using a discounted cash flow calculation. The net portfolio value ratio is the ratio of the net portfolio value to the market value of assets. All changes in income and value are measured as percentage changes from the projected net interest income and net portfolio value at the base interest rate scenario. The base interest rate scenario assumes interest rates at December 31, 2011. Various estimates regarding prepayment assumptions are made at each level of rate shock. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. At December 31, 2011, we were within the guidelines established by the Board of Directors for each interest rate level.
 
 
Projected Percentage Change In
 
Net Portfolio
 
Change in Interest Rate
Net Interest Income
 
Net Portfolio Value
 
Value Ratio
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
-200 basis points
-1.24
%
-4.64
%
36.55
%
7.37
%
15.74
%
10.93
%
-100 basis points
-1.22
 
-2.13
 
18.28
 
5.49
 
13.97
 
10.79
 
Base interest rate
 
 
 
 
12.22
 
10.36
 
+100 basis points
-3.28
 
-3.21
 
-15.07
 
-14.06
 
10.76
 
9.13
 
+200 basis points
-6.42
 
-7.55
 
-28.79
 
-31.78
 
9.34
 
7.47
 

Analysis of Net Interest Income
 
Net interest income represents the difference between income on interest-earning assets and expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends upon the relative amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rate earned or paid on them.
 
The following table sets forth certain information relating to our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated. Such yields and costs are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods shown. Average balances are derived from average daily balances. The yields include amortization of fees that are considered adjustments to yields.
 
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For the year ended December 31,
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Average
         
Yield/
   
Average
         
Yield/
   
Average
         
Yield/
 
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
   
Balance
   
Interest
   
Cost
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Interest-earning assets:
                                                     
Mortgage loans, net (1)(2)
  $ 2,929,647     $ 176,777       6.03
%
  $ 2,956,514     $ 182,086       6.16
%
  $ 2,865,591     $ 182,132       6.36
%
Other loans, net (1)(2)
    290,970       14,677       5.04       281,977       15,383       5.46       220,304       12,185       5.53  
Total loans, net
    3,220,617       191,454       5.94       3,238,491       197,469       6.10       3,085,895       194,317       6.30  
Mortgage-backed securities
    749,347       30,999       4.14       673,000       30,246       4.49       690,181       33,430       4.84  
Other securities
    58,431       1,933       3.31       54,069       1,819       3.36       55,805       2,223       3.98  
Total securities
    807,778       32,932       4.08       727,069       32,065       4.41       745,986       35,653       4.78  
Interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold
    62,042       112       0.18       51,951       94       0.18       47,639       91       0.19  
Total interest-earning assets
    4,090,437       224,498       5.49       4,017,511       229,628       5.72       3,879,520       230,061       5.93  
Other assets
    220,931                       217,039                       186,087                  
Total assets
  $ 4,311,368                     $ 4,234,550                     $ 4,065,607                  
                                                                         
                                                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Deposits:
                                                                       
Savings accounts
  $ 369,206       2,091       0.57     $ 413,657       3,334       0.81     $ 422,399       5,529       1.31  
NOW accounts
    838,648       6,610       0.79       683,390       7,511       1.10       373,854       5,906       1.58  
Money market accounts
    278,692       1,309       0.47       394,536       3,713       0.94       334,703       5,290       1.58  
Certificate of deposit accounts
    1,552,020       38,372       2.47       1,348,439       39,044       2.90       1,423,746       49,987       3.51  
Total due to depositors
    3,038,566       48,382       1.59       2,840,022       53,602       1.89       2,554,702       66,712       2.61  
Mortgagors' escrow accounts
    39,430       49       0.12       38,245       53       0.14       35,879       66       0.18  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    3,077,996       48,431       1.57       2,878,267       53,655       1.86       2,590,581       66,778       2.58  
Borrowings
    693,408       28,292       4.08       864,173       38,112       4.41       1,043,202       48,497       4.65  
Total interest-bearing liabilities
    3,771,404       76,723       2.03       3,742,440       91,767       2.45       3,633,783       115,275       3.17  
Non interest-bearing demand deposits
    107,278                       88,238                       76,559                  
Other liabilities
    29,356                       27,581                       27,379                  
Total liabilities
    3,908,038                       3,858,259                       3,737,721                  
Equity
    403,330                       376,291                       327,886                  
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 4,311,368                     $ 4,234,550                     $ 4,065,607                  
                                                                         
Net interest income / net interest rate spread (3)
          $ 147,775       3.46
%
          $ 137,861       3.27
%
          $ 114,786       2.76
%
                                                                         
Net interest-earning assets / net interest margin (4)
  $ 319,033               3.61
%
  $ 275,071               3.43
%
  $ 245,737               2.96
%
                                                                         
Ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities
                    1.08
X
                    1.07
X
                    1.07
X
 
(1)
Average balances include non-accrual loans.
(2) 
Loan interest income includes loan fee income (which includes net amortization of deferred fees and costs, late charges, and prepayment penalties) of approximately $1.3 million, $1.2 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
(3) 
Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average rate on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(4) 
Net interest margin represents net interest income before the provision for loan losses divided by average interest-earning assets.
 
 
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Rate/Volume Analysis
 
The following table presents the impact of changes in interest rates and in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities on the Company’s interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to (1) changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by the prior rate), (2) changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by the prior volume) and (3) the net change. The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.
 
   
Increase (Decrease) in Net Interest Income
 
   
Year Ended December 31, 2011
   
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
   
Compared to
   
Compared to
 
   
Year Ended December 31, 2010
   
Year Ended December 31, 2009
 
   
Due to
         
Due to
       
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
   
Volume
   
Rate
   
Net
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Interest-Earning Assets:
                                   
Mortgage loans, net
  $ (1,598 )   $ (3,711 )   $ (5,309 )   $ 5,734     $ (5,780 )   $ (46 )
Other loans, net
    487       (1,193 )     (706 )     3,355       (157 )     3,198  
Mortgage-backed securities
    3,239       (2,486 )     753       (816 )     (2,368 )     (3,184 )
Other securities
    142       (28 )     114       (67 )     (337 )     (404 )
Interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold
    18       -       18       8       (5 )     3  
 Total interest-earning assets
    2,288       (7,418 )     (5,130 )     8,214       (8,647 )     (433 )
                                                 
Interest-Bearing Liabilities:
                                               
Deposits:
                                               
Savings accounts
    (331 )     (912 )     (1,243 )     (113 )     (2,082 )     (2,195 )
NOW accounts
    1,489       (2,390 )     (901 )     3,799       (2,194 )     1,605  
Money market accounts
    (890 )     (1,514 )     (2,404 )     829       (2,406 )     (1,577 )
Certificate of deposit accounts
    5,511       (6,183 )     (672 )     (2,553 )     (8,390 )     (10,943 )
Mortgagors' escrow accounts
    2       (6 )     (4 )     3       (16 )     (13 )
Borrowings
    (7,123 )     (2,697 )     (9,820 )     (7,984 )     (2,401 )     (10,385 )
 Total interest-bearing liabilities
    (1,342 )     (13,702 )     (15,044 )     (6,019 )     (17,489 )     (23,508 )
                                                 
Net change in net interest income
  $ 3,630     $ 6,284     $ 9,914     $ 14,233     $ 8,842     $ 23,075  
 
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
 
General.  Net income for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $35.3 million, an increase of $3.5 million or 8.98%, as compared to $38.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Diluted earnings per common share were $1.15 for the year ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $0.13, or 10.16%, from $1.28 in the year ended December 31, 2010. The year ended December 31, 2010 included a net tax benefit of $5.5 million, or $0.18 per diluted common share, due to a legislative change in the New York State and City bad debt deduction. Excluding this net tax benefit recorded in 2010, net income and diluted earnings per common shares would have increased $2.0 million and $0.05, respectively.
 
Return on average equity was 8.76% for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 10.32% for the year ended December 31, 2010. Return on average assets was 0.82% for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 0.92% for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Interest Income.  Interest income decreased $5.1 million, or 2.23%, to $224.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $229.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in interest income was primarily due to a 23 basis point reduction in the yield of interest-earning assets to 5.49% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 5.72% for the year ended December 31, 2010, partially offset by a $72.9 million increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets to $4,090.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $4,017.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The 23 basis point decline in the yield of interest-earning assets was primarily due to a 16 basis point reduction in the yield of the loan portfolio to 5.94% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 from 6.10% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, combined with a 33 basis point decline in the yield on
 
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total securities to 4.08% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 from 4.41% for the comparable prior year period. In addition, the yield of interest-earning assets was negatively impacted by a $90.8 million increase in the combined average balances of the lower yielding securities portfolio and interest-earning deposits for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, both of which have a lower yield than the yield of total interest-earning assets. The 16 basis point decrease in the loan portfolio was primarily due to the decline in the rates earned on new loan originations. The 33 basis point decrease in the securities portfolio was primarily due to the purchase of new securities at lower yields than the existing portfolio. The yield on the mortgage loan portfolio decreased 13 basis points to 6.03% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 from 6.16% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010.  The yield on the mortgage loan portfolio, excluding prepayment penalty income, decreased 15 basis points to 5.95% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 from 6.10% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010.
 
Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $15.0 million, or 16.39%, to $76.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $91.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities is primarily attributable to a 42 basis point reduction in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities to 2.03% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 2.45% for the year ended December 31, 2010, partially offset by a $29.0 million increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities to $3,771.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $3,742.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The 42 basis point decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities is primarily attributable to the Bank reducing the rates it pays on its deposit products. The cost of certificates of deposit, money market accounts, savings accounts and NOW accounts decreased 43 basis points, 47 basis points, 24 basis points and 31 basis points, respectively, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 from the comparable prior year period.  This resulted in a decrease in the cost of due to depositors of 30 basis points to 1.59% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 from 1.89% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The cost of borrowed funds decreased 33 basis points to 4.08% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 from 4.41% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 with the average balance decreasing $170.8 million to $693.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 from $864.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010.
 
Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $147.8 million, an increase of $9.9 million, or 7.19%, from $137.9 million for 2010.  The increase in net interest income is attributed to an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets of $72.9 million, to $4,090.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, combined with an increase in the net interest spread of 19 basis points to 3.46% for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The yield on interest-earning assets decreased 23 basis points to 5.49% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 5.72% for the year ended December 31, 2010. However, this was more than offset by a decline in the cost of funds of 42 basis points to 2.03% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 2.45% for the prior year. The net interest margin improved 18 basis points to 3.61% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 3.43% for the year ended December 31, 2010. Excluding prepayment penalty income, the net interest margin would have been 3.55% and 3.39% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Provision for Loan Losses.  A provision for loan losses of $21.5 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $21.0 million recorded in the year ended December 31, 2010. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, non-performing loans increased $5.3 million to $117.4 million from $112.1 million at December 31, 2010. Net charge-offs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 totaled $18.9 million. The current loan to value ratio for our non-performing loans collateralized by real estate was 58.0% at December 31, 2011. When we have obtained properties through foreclosure, we have been able to quickly sell the properties at amounts that approximate book value. We anticipate that we will continue to see low loss content in our loan portfolio. The Bank continues to maintain conservative underwriting standards. However, given the level of non-performing loans, the current economic uncertainties, and the charge-offs recorded in 2011, management, as a result of the regular quarterly analysis of the allowance for loans losses, deemed it necessary to record a $21.5 million provision for possible loan losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011.
 
Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 was $10.3 million, an increase of $2.0 million from $8.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010.  The increase in non-interest income was primarily due to a $1.9 million increase in net gains recorded from fair value adjustments, a $0.5 million increase in net gains on the sale of loans and a decrease of $0.5 million in other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) charges recorded during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. These increases were partially offset by a $0.6 million decrease in other income and a $0.6 million decrease in dividends received from the FHLB-NY during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2010.
 
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Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense was $77.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $7.4 million, or 10.5%, from $70.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The increase was primarily due to the growth of the Bank over the past year, which included the opening of a new branch in January 2011, an increase in stock based compensation expense, and an increase in other real estate owned/foreclosure expense. Salaries and benefits increased $3.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 due to a new branch, employee salary increases as of January 1, 2011, and increases in stock based compensation, payroll taxes, and employee medical and retirement costs, while professional services and data processing increased $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively. In addition, other real estate owned/foreclosure expense and other operating expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 increased $1.3 million and $1.7 million, respectively, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2010. The efficiency ratio was 49.2% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 compared to 47.4% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010.
 
Income Tax Provisions.  Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 increased $7.5 million to $23.5 million, compared to $15.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The year ended December 31, 2010 included a net tax benefit of $5.5 million, due to a legislative change in the New York State and City bad debt deduction. The remainder of the increase was primarily attributed to the increase of $4.0 million in income before income taxes.
 
The effective tax rate was 39.9% and 29.1% for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the net income tax recapture during 2010 as a result of the legislation passed by the New York State legislature. Excluding this recapture, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2010 would have been 39.1%.
 
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
General.  Net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $38.8 million, an increase of $13.3 million or 51.93%, as compared to $25.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Diluted earnings per common share were $1.28 for the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of $0.37, or 40.66%, from $0.91 in the year ended December 31, 2009. The percentage increase in diluted earnings per common share was less than the percentage increase in net income due to the net effect of a 30.62% increase in average common shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per common share and the redemption of preferred stock in October 2009. These additional shares were issued in the common stock offering completed in September 2009.
 
Return on average equity was 10.32% for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to 7.80% for the year ended December 31, 2009. Return on average assets was 0.92% for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to 0.63% for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
Interest Income.  Interest income decreased $0.4 million, or 0.19%, to $229.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $230.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The decrease in interest income was primarily due to a 20 basis point reduction in the yield of the loan portfolio to 6.10% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 6.30% for the year ended December 31, 2009, combined with a 37 basis point decline in the yield of total securities to 4.41% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 4.78% for the comparable period in 2009.  The 20 basis point decrease in the loan portfolio was primarily due to a decline in the rates earned on new loan originations combined with an increase in non-accrual loans for which we do not accrue interest income. The 37 basis point decrease in the securities portfolio was primarily due to new securities being purchased at lower yields than the existing portfolio. The yield on the mortgage loan portfolio declined 20 basis points to 6.16% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 6.36% for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The yield on the mortgage loan portfolio, excluding prepayment penalty income, declined 20 basis points to 6.10% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 6.30% for the year ended December 31, 2009. The decline in the yield of interest-earning assets was partially offset by an increase of $152.6 million in the average balance of the loan portfolio to $3,238.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $23.5 million, or 20.39%, to $91.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $115.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. The decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was primarily attributable to the Banks reducing the rates it pays on its deposit products and the Banks’ focus on increasing lower costing core deposits and reducing borrowed funds. The cost of certificates of deposit, money market accounts, savings accounts and NOW accounts decreased 61 basis points, 64 basis points, 50 basis points and 48 basis points, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.  This resulted in a decrease in the cost of Due to depositors of 72 basis points to 1.89% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 2.61% for the year ended December 31, 2009. The cost of borrowed funds also decreased 24 basis points to 4.41% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 4.65% for the year ended December 31, 2009. The combined average balances
 
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of lower-costing core deposits increased a total of $360.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to the prior year, while the average balance of higher-costing certificates of deposits decreased $75.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from the prior year. The average balance of borrowed funds declined $179.0 million to $864.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $1,043.2 million for the prior year, as the increase in deposits allowed us to decrease borrowed funds.
 
Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2010 totaled $137.9 million, an increase of $23.1 million, or 20.10%, from $114.8 million for 2009.  The increase in net interest income was attributed to an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets of $138.0 million, to $4,017.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, combined with an increase in the net interest spread of 51 basis points to 3.27% for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The yield on interest-earning assets decreased 21 basis points to 5.72% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 5.93% for the year ended December 31, 2009. However, this was more than offset by a decline in the cost of funds of 72 basis points to 2.45% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 3.17% for the prior year. The net interest margin improved 47 basis points to 3.43% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 2.96% for the year ended December 31, 2009. Excluding prepayment penalty income, the net interest margin would have been 3.39% and 2.92% for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Provision for Loan Losses.  A provision for loan losses of $21.0 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to $19.5 million recorded in the year ended December 31, 2009. The provision for loan losses recorded in 2010 was primarily due to an increase in both non-performing loans and the level of charge-offs recorded in 2010.  This increase in non-performing loans primarily consists of mortgage loans collateralized by residential income producing properties that are located in the New York City metropolitan market. The Savings Bank continues to maintain conservative underwriting standards that include, among other things, a loan to value ratio of 75% or less and a debt coverage ratio of at least 125%. However, given the increase in non-performing loans, the current economic uncertainties, and the charge-offs recorded during 2010, management, as a result of the regular quarterly analysis of the allowance for loans losses, deemed it necessary to record an additional provision for possible loan losses in the year ended 2010.
 
The ratio of non-performing loans to gross loans was 3.86% and 2.68% at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The allowance for loan losses as percentage of non-performing loans was 22% and 24% at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The ratio of allowance for loan losses to gross loans was 0.85% and 0.63% at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The Company experienced net charge-offs of $13.6 million and $10.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Non-Interest Income.  Non-interest income decreased $2.7 million, or 24.24%, for the year ended December 31, 2010 to $8.3 million, as compared to $11.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The decrease in non-interest income was primarily due to a $4.9 million decline in net gains recorded from fair value adjustments and a $1.4 million decrease in net gains from the sale of securities for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. These reductions to non-interest income were partially offset by a $3.9 million decrease in OTTI charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2010 from the prior year.
 
Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense was $70.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, an increase of $5.5 million, or 8.44%, from $64.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Salary and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expense, professional services and other operating expense increased $4.9 million, $0.4 million, $0.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively, which was primarily attributed to the growth of the Company. FDIC insurance decreased $1.5 million from the prior year, primarily due to a $2.0 million special assessment levied by the FDIC during the year ended December 31, 2009 partially offset by an increase in deposits during the year ended December 31, 2010. The efficiency ratio improved to 47.37% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 51.76% for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
Income Tax Provision.  Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased $0.2 million to $15.9 million, compared to $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  This increase was primarily attributed to the increase of $13.4 million in income before income taxes offset by the effect of the New York State legislature passing a significant change to New York State and City tax law for thrifts, such as the Savings Bank, by eliminating the long-standing "percentage of taxable income" as a method for determining bad debt deductions. The change in the tax law also eliminated the requirement to recapture tax bad debt reserves if a thrift failed to meet the definition of a thrift institution under New York State and City tax law.
 
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The Savings Bank historically reported in its New York State and City income tax returns a deduction for bad debts based on the amount allowed under the percentage of taxable income method. This amount has historically exceeded actual bad debts incurred by the Savings Bank. Since the Savings Bank had consistently stated its intention to convert to a more “commercial-like” bank, which would have previously required the Savings Bank to recapture this excess bad debt reserve if it failed to meet the definition of a thrift under the New York State and City tax law, the Savings Bank had recorded the tax liability related to the possible recapture of the excess tax bad debt reserve. As a result of the legislation passed by the New York State legislature, this tax liability was no longer required to be recaptured. As a result, the Savings Bank had reversed approximately $5.5 million of net tax liabilities through income during the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Excluding this net income tax recapture, income tax expense would have increased $5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from that reported for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
The effective tax rate was 29.1% and 38.2% for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was due to the net income tax recapture as a result of the legislation passed by the New York State legislature. Excluding this recapture, the effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2010 would have been 39.1%.
 
Liquidity, Regulatory Capital and Capital Resources
 
Our primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowings, principal and interest payments on loans, mortgage-backed and other securities, and proceeds from sales of securities and loans. Deposit flows and mortgage prepayments, however, are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. At December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank had an approved overnight line of credit of $100.0 million with the FHLB-NY. In total, as of December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank may borrow up to $1,286.4 million from the FHLB-NY in Federal Home Loan advances and overnight lines of credit. As of December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank had $478.5 million in FHLB-NY advances. In addition, Flushing Financial Corporation has junior subordinated debentures with a face amount of $61.9 million and a carrying amount of $26.3 million (which are included in Borrowed Funds) and the Savings Bank had $185.3 million in repurchase agreements to fund lending and investment opportunities. (See Note 8 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.) Management believes its available sources of funds are sufficient to fund current operations.
 
Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents, which include cash and due from banks, overnight interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold with original maturities of 90 days or less. The level of these assets is dependent on our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period. At December 31, 2011, cash and cash equivalents totaled $55.7 million, an increase of $7.9 million from December 31, 2010. We also held marketable securities available for sale with a market value of $812.5 million at December 31, 2011.
 
At December 31, 2011, we had commitments to extend credit (principally real estate mortgage loans) of $59.5 million and open lines of credit for borrowers (principally home equity loan lines of credit) of $38.1 million. Since generally all of the loan commitments are expected to be drawn upon, the total loan commitments approximate future cash requirements, whereas the amounts of lines of credit may not be indicative of our future cash requirements. The loan commitments generally expire in 90 days, while construction loan lines of credit mature within 18 months and home equity loan lines of credit mature within 10 years. We use the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as we do for on-balance-sheet instruments.
 
Our total interest expense and operating expense in 2011 were $76.7 million and $77.7 million, respectively.
 
We maintain three postretirement defined benefit plans for our employees: a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan which was frozen as of September 30, 2006, a contributory medical plan, and a noncontributory life insurance plan. The life insurance plan was amended to discontinue providing life insurance benefits to future retirees after January 1, 2010 and the medical plan was frozen as of January 1, 2011. We also maintain a noncontributory defined benefit plan for certain of our non-employee directors, which was frozen as of January 1, 2004. The employee pension plan is the only plan that we have funded. During 2011, we made contributions to the employee pension plan totaling $2.7 million, and incurred cash expenditures of $0.1 million for the medical and life insurance plans and $0.1 million for the non-employee director plan. We expect to pay similar amounts for these plans in 2012. (See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.)
 
The amounts reported in our financial statements are obtained from reports prepared by independent actuaries, and are based on significant assumptions. The most significant assumption is the discount rate used to determine the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) for these plans. The APBO is the present value of projected benefits that employees and retirees have earned to date. The discount rate is a single rate at which the liabilities of the
 
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plans are discounted into today’s dollars and could be effectively settled or eliminated. The discount rate used is based on the Citigroup Pension Liability Index, and reflects a rate that could be earned on bonds over a similar period that we anticipate the plans’ liabilities will be paid. An increase in the discount rate would reduce the APBO, while a reduction in the discount rate would increase the APBO. During the past several years, when interest rates have been at historically low levels, the discount rate used for our plans has declined from 7.25% for 2001 to 4.25% for 2011. This decline in the discount rate has resulted in an increase in our APBO.
 
The Company’s actuaries use several other assumptions that could have a significant impact on our APBO and periodic expense for these plans. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, expected rate of return on plan assets, future increases in medical and life insurance premiums, turnover rates of employees, and life expectancy. The accounting standards for postretirement plans involve mechanisms that serve to limit the volatility of earnings by allowing changes in the value of plan assets and benefit obligations to be amortized over time when actual results differ from the assumptions used, there are changes in the assumptions used, or there are plan amendments. At December 31, 2011, our employee pension plan and medical and life insurance plan have unrecognized losses of $12.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively.  The non-employee director plan has a $0.4 million unrecognized gain, due to experience different from what had been estimated and changes in actuarial assumptions. The employee pension plan’s unrecognized loss is primarily attributed to the reduction in the discount rate over the past several years and the net decline in the market value of the pension plan’s investments. The medical and life insurance plans’ unrecognized loss is attributed to the reduction in the discount rate over the past several years.   In addition, the non-employee director pension plan has an unrecognized past service liability of $0.3 million due to plan amendments in prior years and the medical and life insurance plan have a $0.9 million past service credit due to plan amendments.  The life insurance plan was amended to discontinue providing life insurance benefits to future retirees after January 1, 2011. The net after tax effect of the unrecognized gains and losses associated with these plans has been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity, resulting in a reduction of stockholders’ equity of $6.9 million as of December 31, 2011.
 
The change in the discount rate, the reduction in medical premiums and discontinued life insurance benefits to future retirees are the only significant changes made to the assumptions used for these plans for each of three years ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2011 the actual return on the employee pension plan assets was approximately half of the assumed return used to determine the periodic pension expense for that year. During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 the actual return approximated the assumed return used for each respective year.
 
The market value of the assets of our employee pension plan is $15.4 million at December 31, 2011, which is $5.7 million less than the projected benefit obligation. We do not anticipate a change in the market value of these assets which would have a significant effect on liquidity, capital resources, or results of operations.
 
During 2011, funds provided by the Company's operating activities amounted to $64.7 million. The Company's primary business objective is the origination and purchase of one-to-four family (including mixed-use properties), multi-family residential and commercial real estate mortgage loans and commercial, business and SBA loans. During 2011, due to a reduction in the level of loan originations, the net total of loan originations and purchases less loan repayments and sales was a $21.5 million inflow of cash. During 2011, the Company had $157.7 million in purchases of securities available for sale.  During 2011, additional funds were provided by $162.6 million in proceeds from maturities, sales, calls and prepayments of securities available for sale.  These increases funded a $45.6 million decrease in deposits and a $12.6 million decrease in borrowed funds. The Company also used funds of $15.9 million and $7.7 million for dividend payments and purchases of treasury stock, respectively, during 2011.
 
At the time of the Savings Bank’s conversion from a federally chartered mutual savings bank to a federally chartered stock savings bank, the Savings Bank was required by their primary regulator to establish a liquidation account which is reduced as and to the extent that eligible account holders reduce their qualifying deposits. The balance of the liquidation account at December 31, 2011 was $1.5 million. In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of the Savings Bank, each eligible account holder will be entitled to receive a distribution from the liquidation account. The Savings Bank is not permitted to declare or pay a dividend or to repurchase any of its capital stock if the effect would be to cause the Savings Bank’s regulatory capital to be reduced below the amount required for the liquidation account. On July 21, 2011, as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Savings Bank’s primary regulator became the OCC and Flushing Financial Corporation’s primary regulator became the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (“Federal Reserve”). Prior to July 21, 2011, unlike the Savings Bank, Flushing Financial Corporation was not subject to regulatory restrictions on the declaration or payment of dividends to its stockholders, although the source of such dividends could depend upon dividend payments from the Savings Bank. However, Flushing
 
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Financial Corporation was subject, to the requirements of Delaware law, which generally limit dividends to an amount equal to the excess of its net assets (the amount by which total assets exceed total liabilities) over its stated capital or, if there is no such excess, to its net profits for the current and/or immediately preceding fiscal year. With the Federal Reserve becoming Flushing Financial Corporation’s primary regulator, Flushing Financial Corporation became subject to the same regulatory restrictions on the declaration of dividends as the Savings Bank.
 
Regulatory Capital Position.  Under applicable regulatory capital regulations, the Banks are required to comply with each of three separate capital adequacy standards: leverage capital, Tier I risk-based capital and total risk-based capital. Such classifications are used by the OCC and other bank regulatory agencies to determine matters ranging from each institution’s quarterly FDIC deposit insurance premium assessments, to approvals of applications authorizing institutions to grow their asset size or otherwise expand business activities. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, each of the Banks exceeded each of their three regulatory capital requirements. (See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.)
 
Participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program
 
Throughout the recessionary environment, we remained a profitable, “well capitalized” institution, so it was not without significant consideration that we elected to participate in the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program. On December 19, 2008, we issued 70,000 shares of the preferred stock (with a liquidation preference value of $1,000 per share) and a warrant to purchase 751,611 shares of the Company’s common stock at $13.97 per share to the U.S. Treasury for an aggregate purchase price of $70.0 million. We did so because our historically strong ability to grow deposits and make quality loans enabled the Savings Bank to put this additional capital to good work.
 
Common Stock Offering
 
On September 22, 2009, we completed a public offering for 8,317,400 shares of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. On October 1, 2009, the underwriters exercised their over-allotment option to purchase an additional 1,012,610 common shares at $11.50 per share. The net proceeds of the offering after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses were $101.5 million.
 
Redemption of Preferred Stock
 
The common stock offering discussed above was a Qualified Equity Offering. As a result of this Qualified Equity Offering, the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury was reduced by one-half. On October 28, 2009, we redeemed the Series B Preferred Stock for $70.0 million plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. On December 30, 2009, we repurchased the Warrant for $0.9 million.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
The Company’s accounting policies are integral to understanding the results of operations and statement of financial condition. These policies are described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Several of these policies require management’s judgment to determine the value of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The Company has established detailed written policies and control procedures to ensure consistent application of these policies. The Company has identified four accounting policies that require significant management valuation judgment: the allowance for loan losses, fair value of financial instruments, goodwill impairment and income taxes.
 
Allowance for Loan Losses. An allowance for loan losses is provided to absorb probable estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Management reviews the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses by reviewing all impaired loans on an individual basis. The remaining portfolio is evaluated based on the Company's historical loss experience, recent trends in losses, collection policies and collection experience, trends in the volume of non-performing loans, changes in the composition and volume of the gross loan portfolio, and local and national economic conditions.  Judgment is required to determine how many years of historical loss experience are to be included when reviewing historical loss experience. A full credit cycle must be used, or loss estimates may be inaccurate. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available.
 
Notwithstanding the judgment required in assessing the components of the allowance for loan losses, the Company believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The policy has been applied on a consistent basis for all periods presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The Company carries certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 825 “Financial Instruments” and values those financial assets and financial liabilities in accordance with
 
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ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”  ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  ASC Topic 825 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Management selected the fair value option for certain investment securities, primarily mortgage-backed securities, and certain borrowings. Changes in the fair value of financial instruments for which the fair value election is made are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income. At December 31, 2011, financial assets and financial liabilities with fair values of $68.7 million and $26.3 million, respectively, are carried at fair value under the fair value option.
 
The securities portfolio also consists of mortgage-backed and other securities for which the fair value election was not selected. These securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, with changes in fair value recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. If any decline in fair value for these securities is deemed other-than-temporary, the security is written down to a new cost basis with the resulting loss recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income. During 2011 and 2010, we recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges of $1.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively, for certain pooled trust preferred securities and private issue collateralized mortgage obligations.
 
Financial assets and financial liabilities reported at fair value are required to be measured based on the following alternatives: (1) quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments (Level 1), (2) significant other observable inputs (Level 2), or (3) significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Judgment is required in selecting the appropriate level to be used to determine fair value. The majority of financial assets and financial liabilities for which the fair value election was made, and the majority of investments classified as Available for Sale, were measured using Level 2 inputs, which require judgment to determine the fair value. The trust preferred securities held in the investment portfolio, and the Company’s junior subordinated debentures, were measured using Level 3 inputs due to the inactive market for these securities. The private label collateralized mortgage obligations for which other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded in 2011 and 2010 were valued using a Level 2 input. The pooled trust preferred securities for which other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded in 2010 were valued using a Level 3 input.
 
Goodwill Impairment. Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite life and is tested for impairment, rather than amortized, on at least an annual basis. For the purpose of goodwill impairment testing, management has concluded that the Company has one reporting unit. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, there is no impairment of goodwill. However, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, further evaluation is required to determine if a write down of goodwill is required.
 
Quoted market prices in active markets are the best evidence of fair value and are to be used as the basis for measurement, when available. Other acceptable valuation methods include an asset approach, which determines a fair value based upon the value of assets net of liabilities, an income approach, which determines fair value using one or more methods that convert anticipated economic benefits into a present single amount, and a market approach, which determines a fair value based on the similar businesses that have been sold.
 
The Company conducts its annual impairment testing of goodwill as of December 31. The impairment testing as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 did not show an impairment of goodwill based on the fair value of the Company.
 
Income Taxes. The Company estimates its income taxes payable based on the amounts it expects to owe to the various taxing authorizes (i.e. federal, state and local). In estimating income taxes, management assesses the relative merits and risks of the tax treatment of transactions, taking into account statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance in the context of the Company’s tax position. Management also relies on tax opinions, recent audits, and historical experience.
 
The Company also recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences of differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance is required for deferred tax assets that the Company estimates are more likely than not to be unrealizable, based on evidence available at the time the estimate is made. These estimates can be affected by changes to tax laws, statutory tax rates, and future income levels.
 
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Contractual Obligations
 
   
Payments Due By Period
 
   
Total
   
Less Than
1 Year
   
1 - 3
Years
   
3 - 5
Years
   
More
Than
5 Years
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Borrowings
  $ 685,139     $ 314,311     $ 129,211     $ 212,883     $ 28,734  
Deposits
    3,146,245       2,279,745       512,228       311,542       42,730  
Loan commitments
    78,606       78,606       -       -       -  
Capital lease obligations
    -       -       -       -       -  
Operating lease obligations
    35,561       3,565       7,034       5,851       19,111  
Purchase obligations
    13,342       4,420       4,929       3,993       -  
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    13,693       913       956       1,043       10,781  
Deferred compensation plans
    8,690       499       862       862       6,467  
Total
  $ 3,981,276     $ 2,682,059     $ 655,220     $ 536,174     $ 107,823  
 
We have significant obligations that arise in the normal course of business. We finance our assets with deposits and borrowings. We also use borrowings to manage our interest-rate risk. We have the means to refinance these borrowings as they mature through financing arrangements with the FHLB-NY and our ability to arrange repurchase agreements with broker-dealers and the FHLB-NY. (See Notes 7 and 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.)
 
We focus our balance sheet growth on the origination of mortgage loans. At December 31, 2011, we had commitments to extend credit and lines of credit of $97.6 million for mortgage and other loans. These loans will be funded through principal and interest payments received on existing mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, growth in customer deposits, and, when necessary, additional borrowings. (See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.)
 
At December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank had sixteen branches, ten of which are leased, and the Commercial Bank utilized space within three of the Savings Bank’s branch offices. The Savings Bank leases its branch locations primarily when it is not the sole tenant. Whether the Savings Bank will purchase its future branch locations will depend in part on the availability of suitable locations and the availability of properties. In addition, we lease our executive offices. In January 2012, the Savings Bank opened its seventeenth full service office.
 
We currently outsource our data processing, loan servicing and check processing functions. We believe that this is the most cost effective method for obtaining these services. These arrangements are usually volume dependent and have varying terms. The contracts for these services usually include annual increases based on the increase in the consumer price index. The amounts shown above for purchase obligations represent the current term and volume of activity of these contracts. We expect to renew these contracts as they expire.
 
The amounts shown for pension and other postretirement benefits reflect our employee and directors’ pension plans, the supplemental retirement benefits of our president, and amounts due under our plan for medical and life insurance benefits for retired employees. The amount shown in the “Less Than 1 Year” column represents our current estimate for these benefits, some of which are based on information supplied by actuaries. The amounts shown in columns reflecting periods over one year represent our current estimate based on the past year’s actual disbursements and information supplied by actuaries. The amounts do not include an increase for possible future retirees or increases in health plan costs. The amount shown in the “More Than 5 Years” column represents the amount required to increase the total amount to the projected benefit obligation of the directors’ plan and the medical and life insurance benefit plans, since these are unfunded plans and the underfunded portion of the employee pension plan. (See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.)
 
We currently provide a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for officers who have achieved the level of at least senior vice president (certain officers who had achieved the level of at least vice president are included in this plan under previously existing guidelines). In addition to the amounts deferred by the officers, we match 50% of their contributions, generally up to a maximum of 5% of the officer’s salary. These plans generally require the deferred balance to be credited with earnings at a rate earned by certain mutual funds. Through December 31, 2011, employees could not receive a distribution from these plans until their employment is terminated. The amounts shown in the
 
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columns for less than five years represent the estimate of the amounts we will contribute to a rabbi trust with respect to matching contributions under these plans, and the amounts to be paid from the rabbi trust to two executives who have retired. The amount shown in the “More Than 5 Years” column represents the current accrued liability for these plans, adjusted for the activity in the columns for less than five years. This expense is provided in the Consolidated Statements of Income, and the liability has been provided in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
 
New Authoritative Accounting Pronouncements
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” The update requires the following additional disclosures. 1) Separately disclose the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. 2) Information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements need to be disclosed separately in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using Level 3. The update provides for amendments to existing disclosures as follows. 1) Fair value measurement disclosures are to be made for each class of assets and liabilities. 2) Disclosures about valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The update also includes conforming amendments to guidance on employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets. The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 855 “Subsequent Events.” The update provides that an SEC filer is required to evaluate subsequent events through the date financial statements are issued. However, an SEC filer is not required to disclose the date through which subsequent events has been evaluated. The update was effective as of the date of issuance. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 310 “Receivables.” The purpose of this update is to provide financial statement users with greater transparency about an entity’s allowance for credit losses and the credit quality of its financing receivables. The update requires disclosures that facilitate financial statement users’ evaluation of the following: (1) the nature of credit risk inherent in the entity’s portfolio of financing receivables; (2) how that risk is analyzed and assessed in arriving at the allowance for credit losses; and (3) the changes and reasons for those changes in the allowance for credit losses. An entity is required to provide disclosures on a disaggregated basis by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables. This update requires the expansion of currently required disclosures about financing receivables as well as requiring additional disclosures about financing receivables. The disclosures as of the end of a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements “Loans.”
 
In January 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-01, which temporarily delays the effective date of the required disclosures about troubled debt restructurings contained in ASU No. 2010-20. The delay is intended to allow the FASB additional time to deliberate what constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. All other amendments contained in ASU No. 2010-20 are effective as issued. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-02, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 310 “Receivables.” The update provides clarifying guidance as to what constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. The update provides clarifying guidance on a creditor’s evaluation of the following: (1) how a restructuring constitutes a concession and (2) if the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. The amendments in this update are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. In addition, disclosures about troubled debt restructurings which were delayed by the issuance of ASU No. 2011-01, are effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements “Loans.”
 
In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 860 “Transfers and Servicing.” The amendments in this update remove from the assessment of effective control (1) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee and (2) the collateral maintenance
 
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implementation guidance related to that criterion. The amendments in this update are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. Early adoption is not permitted. Adoption of this update is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurement.” The amendments in this update clarify how to measure and disclose fair value under ASC Topic 820. The amendments in this update are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. Early adoption is not permitted. Adoption of this update is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 220 “Comprehensive Income.” The amendments eliminate the option to present components of other comprehensive income in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, the new guidance requires entities to present all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity either as a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or as two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in this update are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and must be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this update is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” The amendments in the update permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. The amendments in this update are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed as of a date before September 15, 2011, if an entity’s financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued. Adoption of this update is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
This information is contained in the section captioned “Interest Rate Risk” on page 70 and in Notes 14 and 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
 
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Assets
 
 
   
 
 
Cash and due from banks
  $ 55,721     $ 47,789  
Securities available for sale:
               
Mortgage-backed securities (including assets pledged of $595,631 and $608,890 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively; $37,787 and $51,475 at fair value pursuant to the fair value option at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    747,288       754,077  
Other securities ($30,942 and $21,574 at fair value pursuant to the fair value option at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    65,242       50,112  
Loans
    3,228,881       3,276,329  
Less: Allowance for loan losses
    (30,344 )     (27,699 )
Net loans
    3,198,537       3,248,630  
Interest and dividends receivable
    17,965       19,475  
Bank premises and equipment, net
    24,417       23,041  
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock
    30,245       31,606  
Bank owned life insurance
    83,454       76,129  
Goodwill
    16,127       16,127  
Core deposit intangible, net
    937       1,405  
Other assets
    48,016       56,354  
Total assets
  $ 4,287,949     $ 4,324,745  
                 
Liabilities
               
Due to depositors:
               
Non-interest bearing
  $ 118,507     $ 96,198  
Interest-bearing
    2,997,952       3,067,097  
Mortgagors' escrow deposits
    29,786       27,315  
Borrowed funds ($26,311 and $32,226 at fair value pursuant to the fair value option at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    499,839       542,683  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    185,300       166,000  
Other liabilities
    39,654       35,407  
Total liabilities
    3,871,038       3,934,700  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
               
                 
Stockholders' Equity
               
Preferred stock ($0.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
    -       -  
Common stock ($0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 31,530,595 shares and 31,255,934 shares issued at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively; 30,904,177 shares and 31,255,934 shares outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    315       313  
Additional paid-in capital
    195,628       189,348  
Treasury stock, at average cost (626,418 shares and none at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    (7,355 )     -  
Retained earnings
    223,510       204,128  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
    4,813       (3,744 )
Total stockholders' equity
    416,911       390,045  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 4,287,949     $ 4,324,745  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
83

 
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Interest and dividend income
                 
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 191,454     $ 197,469     $ 194,317  
Interest and dividends on securities:
                       
Interest
    32,121       31,252       34,523  
Dividends
    811       813       1,130  
Other interest income
    112       94       91  
Total interest and dividend income
    224,498       229,628       230,061  
                         
Interest expense
                       
Deposits
    48,431       53,655       66,778  
Other interest expense
    28,292       38,112       48,497  
Total interest expense
    76,723       91,767       115,275  
                         
Net interest income
    147,775       137,861       114,786  
Provision for loan losses
    21,500       21,000       19,500  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    126,275       116,861       95,286  
                         
Non-interest income
                       
Other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charge
    (9,365 )     (7,130 )     (17,454 )
Less: Non-credit portion of OTTI charge recorded in Other Comprehensive Income, before taxes
    7,787       5,085       11,560  
Net OTTI charge recognized in earnings
    (1,578 )     (2,045 )     (5,894 )
Loan fee income
    1,941       1,695       1,755  
Banking services fee income
    1,699       1,747       1,755  
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale
    343       -       208  
Net gain on sale of loans
    168       17       4  
Net (loss) gain on sale of securities
    -       (10 )     1,401  
Net gain from fair value adjustments
    1,960       47       4,968  
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York stock dividends
    1,502       2,102       2,237  
Bank owned life insurance
    2,769       2,638       2,476  
Other income
    1,477       2,109       2,045  
Total non-interest income
    10,281       8,300       10,955  
                         
Non-interest expense
                       
Salaries and employee benefits
    38,262       34,785       29,934  
Occupancy and equipment
    7,803       7,246       6,874  
Professional services
    6,697       6,344       5,716  
FDIC deposit insurance
    4,378       4,889       6,407  
Data processing
    4,458       3,996       4,121  
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    3,185       2,795       2,663  
Other real estate owned / foreclosure expense
    2,471       1,194       950  
Other operating expenses
    10,485       9,136       8,244  
Total non-interest expense
    77,739       70,385       64,909  
                         
Income before income taxes
    58,817       54,776       41,332  
                         
Provision for income taxes
                       
Federal
    17,749       19,343       12,187  
State and local
    5,720       (3,402 )     3,584  
Total provision for income taxes
    23,469       15,941       15,771  
                         
Net income
  $ 35,348     $ 38,835     $ 25,561  
                         
Preferred dividends and amortization of issuance costs
  $ -     $ -     $ 4,443  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 35,348     $ 38,835     $ 21,118  
                         
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 1.15     $ 1.28     $ 0.91  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1.15     $ 1.28     $ 0.91  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
84

 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Preferred Stock
                 
Balance, beginning of year
  $ -     $ -     $ 1  
Preferred shares redeemed (70,000 preferred shares for the year ended December 31, 2009)
    -       -       (1 )
Balance, end of year
    -       -       -  
                         
Common Stock
                       
Balance, beginning of year
    313       311       216  
Shares issued upon the exercise of stock options (155,061, 37,054 and 96,742 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)
    1       1       1  
Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock unit awards (119,600, 87,821 and 78,598 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)
    1       1       1  
Shares issued in common stock offering (9,330,010 common shares for the year ended December 31, 2009)
    -       -       93  
Balance, end of year
    315       313       311  
                         
Additional Paid-In Capital
                       
Balance, beginning of year
    189,348       185,842       150,662  
Amortization of preferred stock issuance costs, net
    -       -       109  
Preferred shares redeemed (70,000 preferred shares for the year ended December 31, 2009)
    -       -       (69,597 )
Award of common shares released from Employee Benefit Trust (144,312, 134,124 and 169,353 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)
    1,541       1,167       886  
Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock unit awards (127,653, 103,109 and 95,779 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)
    1,668       1,394       1,513  
Options exercised (155,061, 74,340 and 97,642 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)
    1,825       446       669  
Stock-based compensation activity, net
    954       487       340  
Stock-based income tax (provision) benefit
    292       12       (184 )
Shares issued in common stock offering (9,330,010 common shares for the year ended December 31, 2009)
    -       -       101,444  
Balance, end of year
    195,628       189,348       185,842  
 
Continued
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
85

 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (continued)
 
   
For the years ended December 31,
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Treasury Stock
                 
Balance, beginning of year
  $ -     $ (36 )   $ -  
Purchases of common shares outstanding (624,088 common shares for the year ended December 31, 2011)
    (7,316 )     -       -  
Issuance upon exercise of stock options (23,249, 37,266 and 26,458 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)
    326       515       268  
Repurchase of restricted stock awards to satisfy tax obligations (29,838, 26,443 and 22,186 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively
    (406 )     (347 )     (232 )
Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock unit awards (8,053, 18,583 and 17,181 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)
    95       238       179  
Purchase of common shares to fund options exercised (3,794, 26,011 and 24,848 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2011 2010 and 2009 , respectively)
    (54 )     (370 )     (251 )
Balance, end of year
    (7,355 )     -       (36 )
                         
Unearned Compensation
                       
Balance, beginning of year
    -       (575 )     (1,300 )
Release of shares from Employee Benefit Trust (168,759 and 212,314 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively)
    -       575       725  
Balance, end of year
    -       -       (575 )
                         
Retained Earnings
                       
Balance, beginning of year
    204,128       181,181       172,216  
Net income
    35,348       38,835       25,561  
Stock options exercised (23,129, 74,320 and 25,558 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)
    (50 )     (92 )     (52 )
Shares issued upon vesting of restricted stock unit awards (7,853, 3,295 common shares for the years ended December 31, 2011, and 2010, respectively)
    (6 )     (8 )     -  
Cash dividends declared and paid on common shares ($0.52 per share for each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively)
    (15,910 )     (15,788 )     (11,985 )
Cash dividends declared and paid on preferred shares (5.00% cumulative preferred dividends for the year ended December 31, 2009)
    -       -       (3,004 )
Amortization of preferred stock issuance costs including deemed dividend upon redemption of preferred shares
    -       -       (1,555 )
Balance, end of year
    223,510       204,128       181,181  
 
Continued
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
86

 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (continued)
 
   
For the years ended December 31,
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes
                 
Balance, beginning of year
  $ (3,744 )   $ (6,579 )   $ (20,303 )
Amortization of prior service costs (credit), net of taxes of $20, $20 and ($21) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively
    (25 )     (25 )     26  
Amortization of net actuarial losses, net of taxes of ($243), ($140) and ($135) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively
    311       175       168  
Unrecognized actuarial (losses) gains, net of taxes $1,932, $513 and ($178) for years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively
    (2,505 )     (715 )     203  
Unrecognized prior service credit, net of taxes ($512) for December 31, 2009
    -       -       641  
Change in net unrealized gains on securities available for sale, net of taxes of approximately ($7,706), ($1,810) and ($8,231) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively
    9,890       2,249       10,187  
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income, net of taxes of approximately ($692), ($904) and ($1,994) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively
    886       1,151       2,499  
Balance, end of year
    4,813       (3,744 )     (6,579 )
                         
Total Stockholders' Equity
  $ 416,911     $ 390,045     $ 360,144  
                         
Comprehensive Income
                       
Net income
  $ 35,348     $ 38,835     $ 25,561  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
                       
Unrecognized actuarial (losses) gains
    (2,505 )     (715 )     203  
Unrecognized prior service credit
    -       -       641  
Amortization of actuarial losses
    311       175       168  
Amortization of prior service costs (credit)
    (25 )     (25 )     26  
OTTI charges included in income
    886       1,145       3,278  
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in income
    -       6       (779 )
Unrealized gains on securities
    9,890       2,249       10,187  
Comprehensive income
  $ 43,905     $ 41,670     $ 39,285  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
87

 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
   
For the years ended December 31,
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
Operating Activities
                 
                   
Net income
  $ 35,348     $ 38,835     $ 25,561  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Provision for loan losses
    21,500       21,000       19,500  
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
    3,185       2,795       2,663  
Origination of loans held for sale
    (3,865 )     -       (2,005 )
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
    4,208       -       2,213  
Net gain on sales of loans held for sale
    (343 )     -       (208 )
Net gain on sales of loans (including delinquent loans)
    (168 )     (17 )     (4 )
Net loss (gain) on sales of securities
    -       10       (1,401 )
Other-than-temporary impairment charge on securities
    1,578       2,045       5,894  
Amortization of premium, net of accretion of discount
    5,872       5,212       4,393  
Fair value adjustment for financial assets and financial liabilities
    (1,960 )     (47 )     (4,968 )
Income from bank owned life insurance
    (2,769 )     (2,638 )     (2,476 )
Stock based compensation expense
    2,686       2,249       2,067  
Deferred compensation
    512       244       1  
Amortization of core deposit intangibles
    468       469       468  
Excess tax provision (benefits) from stock-based payment arrangements
    (292 )     (12 )     184  
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
    685       (8,041 )     7,872  
Net decrease (increase) in prepaid FDIC assesment
    4,068       4,572       (15,815 )
Increase in other assets
    (1,638 )     (4,402 )     (11,662 )
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    (4,355 )     4,913       (4,253 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    64,720       67,187       28,024  
                         
Investing Activities
                       
                         
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (4,561 )     (3,006 )     (2,687 )
Net redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank-NY shares
    1,361       14,362       1,697  
Purchases of securities available for sale
    (157,741 )     (397,909 )     (189,017 )
Proceeds from sales and calls of securities available for sale
    8,000       91,788       61,784  
Proceeds from maturities and prepayments of
                       
securities available for sale
    154,600       188,700       207,601  
Net originations and repayments of loans
    12,773       (67,047 )     (225,999 )
Purchases of loans
    (19,053 )     (14,675 )     (43,264 )
Proceeds from sale of delinquent loans
    27,817       8,845       6,233  
Purchase of bank owned life insurance
    (4,556 )     (4,260 )     (9,256 )
Proceeds from sale of Real Estate Owned
    4,053       2,283       114  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    22,693       (180,919 )     (192,794 )
 
Continued
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
88

 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)
 
   
For the years ended December 31,
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
Financing Activities
                 
                   
Net increase in non-interest bearing deposits
  $ 22,309     $ 4,822     $ 21,752  
Net (decrease) increase in interest bearing deposits
    (70,332 )     491,035       206,038  
Net increase (decrease) in mortgagors' escrow deposits
    2,471       524       (4,434 )
Net (repayments) proceeds from short-term borrowed funds
    -       (127,000 )     98,700  
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
    245,447       50,470       79,911  
Repayment of long-term borrowings
    (258,076 )     (271,091 )     (255,035 )
Purchases of treasury stock
    (7,722 )     (347 )     (231 )
Excess tax benefits (provision) from stock-based payment arrangements
    292       12       (184 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options
    2,040       458       627  
Net proceeds from issuance of common shares
    -       -       101,537  
Net repayment from redemption of preferred stock and common stock warrant
    -       -       (70,900 )
Cash dividends paid
    (15,910 )     (15,788 )     (14,989 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (79,481 )     133,095       162,792  
                         
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    7,932       19,363       (1,978 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    47,789       28,426       30,404  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 55,721     $ 47,789     $ 28,426  
                         
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure
                       
Interest paid
  $ 75,914     $ 91,943     $ 116,124  
Income taxes paid
    22,917       26,770       9,630  
Taxes paid if excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation were not tax deductible
    23,209       26,782       9,446  
Non-cash activities:
                       
Securities purchase transaction, not yet settled
    -       -       5,804  
Loans transferred to Real Estate Owned
    7,286       4,813       2,612  
Loans provided for the sale of Real Estate Owned
    1,655       3,037       325  
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
89

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
 
1. Nature of Operations
 
Flushing Financial Corporation (the “Holding Company”), a Delaware business corporation, is a savings and loan holding company organized at the direction of its subsidiary, Flushing Savings Bank, FSB (the “Savings Bank”), in connection with the Savings Bank’s conversion from a mutual to capital stock form of organization. The Holding Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Savings Bank, Flushing Commercial Bank, Flushing Preferred Funding Corporation, Flushing Service Corporation, and FSB Properties Inc., are collectively herein referred to as the “Company.”
 
The Company’s principal business is attracting retail deposits from the general public and investing those deposits together with funds generated from ongoing operations and borrowings, primarily in (1) originations and purchases of multi-family residential properties and, to a lesser extent, one-to-four family (focusing on mixed-use properties, which are properties that contain both residential dwelling units and commercial units) and commercial real estate mortgage loans; (2) construction loans, primarily for residential properties; (3) Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans and other small business loans; (4) mortgage loan surrogates such as mortgage-backed securities; and (5) U.S. government securities, corporate fixed-income securities and other marketable securities. The Savings Bank also originate certain other consumer loans including overdraft lines of credit. The Savings Bank primarily conducts its business through sixteen full-service banking offices, nine of which are located in Queens County, two in Nassau County, four in Kings County (Brooklyn), and one in New York County (Manhattan), New York. The Savings Bank also operates “iGObanking.com®”, an internet branch, offering checking, savings and certificates of deposit accounts.
 
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company follow generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and general practices within the banking industry. The policies which materially affect the determination of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows are summarized below.
 
Principles of Consolidation:
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Holding Company and the following direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Holding Company: the Savings Bank, Flushing Commercial Bank (“FCB”), Flushing Preferred Funding Corporation (“FPFC”), Flushing Service Corporation (“FSC”), and FSB Properties Inc. (“Properties”). FCB is a limited-purpose commercial bank formed to accept municipal deposits and state funds, including certain court ordered funds from New York State Courts. FPFC is a real estate investment trust formed to hold a portion of the Savings Bank’s mortgage loans to facilitate access to capital markets. FSC was formed to market insurance products and mutual funds. Properties is currently used to hold title to real estate owned that is obtained via foreclosure. All intercompany transactions and accounts are eliminated in consolidation. The Holding Company currently has three unconsolidated subsidiaries in the form of wholly-owned statutory business trusts, which were formed to issue guaranteed capital debentures (“capital securities”). Please see Note 8, “Borrowed Funds and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase,” for additional information regarding these trusts.
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.
 
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
For the purpose of reporting cash flows, the Company defines cash and due from banks, overnight interest-earning deposits and federal funds sold with original maturities of 90 days or less as cash and cash equivalents. The Savings Bank and FCB are required to maintain cash reserves equal to a percentage of certain deposits. The combined reserve requirements totaled $6.3 million and $6.7 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Securities Available for Sale:
Securities are classified as available for sale when management intends to hold the securities for an indefinite period of time or when the securities may be utilized for tactical asset/liability purposes and may be sold from time to time to effectively manage interest rate exposure and resultant prepayment risk and liquidity needs. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted, respectively, using the level-yield method. Realized gains and losses on the sales of securities are determined using the specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses (other than unrealized losses considered other-than-temporary which are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income) on securities available for sale are excluded from earnings and reported as part of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, (2) the current interest rate environment, (3) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, if applicable, and (4) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Other-than-temporary impairment losses for debt securities are measured using a discounted cash flow model. Other-than-temporary impairment losses for equity securities are measured using quoted market prices, when available, or, when market quotes are not available due to an illiquid market, we use an impairment model from a third party or quotes from investment brokers.
 
90

 
Goodwill:
Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite life and is tested annually, or when certain conditions are met, for impairment, rather than amortized. If the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than the goodwill amount, no further evaluation is required. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the goodwill amount, further evaluation would be required to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to the goodwill amount and determine if a write down is required. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the annual impairment tests did not result in recognizing an impairment of goodwill.
 
Loans:
Loans are reported at their principal outstanding balance net of any unearned income, charge-offs, deferred loan fees and costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Interest on loans is recognized on the accrual basis. The accrual of income on loans is generally discontinued when certain factors, such as contractual delinquency of 90 days or more, indicate reasonable doubt as to the timely collectability of such income. Uncollected interest previously recognized on non-accrual loans is reversed from interest income at the time the loan is placed on non-accrual status. A non-accrual loan can be returned to accrual status when contractual delinquency returns to less than 90 days delinquent. Subsequent cash payments received on non-accrual loans that do not bring the loan to less than 90 days delinquent are recorded on a cash basis. Subsequent cash payments can also be applied first as a reduction of principal until all principal is recovered and then subsequently to interest, if in management’s opinion, it is evident that recovery of all principal due is unlikely to occur. Loan fees and certain loan origination costs are deferred. Net loan origination costs and premiums or discounts on loans purchased are amortized into interest income over the contractual life of the loans using the level-yield method. Prepayment penalties received on loans which pay in full prior to their scheduled maturity are included in interest income in the period they are collected.
 
Allowance for Loan Losses:
The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses at an amount, which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb probable estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Management’s judgment in determining the adequacy of the allowance is based on evaluations of the collectability of loans. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available. In assessing the adequacy of the Company's allowance for loan losses, management considers various factors such as, the Company's historical loss experience, recent trends in losses, collection policies and collection experience, trends in the volume of non-performing loans, changes in the composition and volume of the gross loan portfolio, and local and national economic conditions. The Company’s Board of Directors reviews and approves management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis.
 
The allowance for loan losses is established through charges to earnings in the form of a provision for loan losses. Increases and decreases in the allowance other than charge-offs and recoveries are included in the provision for loan losses. When a loan or a portion of a loan is determined to be uncollectible, the portion deemed uncollectible is charged against the allowance, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
 
The Company recognizes a loan as non-performing when the borrower has demonstrated the inability to bring the loan current, or due to other circumstances which, in management’s opinion, indicate the borrower will be unable to bring the loan current within a reasonable time. All loans classified as non-performing, which includes all loans past due 90 days or more, are classified as non-accrual unless there is, in our opinion, compelling evidence the borrower will bring the loan current in the immediate future. Appraisals and/or updated internal evaluations are obtained as soon as practical, and before the loan becomes 90 days delinquent. The loan balances of collateral dependent impaired loans are compared to the loans updated fair value. The balance which exceeds fair value is generally charged-off. Management reviews the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis, and records as a provision the amount deemed appropriate, after considering items such as, current year charge-offs, charge-off trends, new loan production, current balance by particular loan categories, and delinquent loans by particular loan categories.
 
91

 
A loan is considered impaired when, based upon current information, the Company believes it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due, both principal and interest, in accordance with the original terms of the loan. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Interest income on impaired loans is recorded on the cash basis. The Company’s management considers all non-accrual loans impaired.
 
The Company reviews each impaired loan on an individual basis to determine if either a charge-off or a valuation allowance needs to be allocated to the loan. The Company does not charge-off or allocate a valuation allowance to loans for which management have concluded the current value of the underlying collateral will allow for recovery of the loan balance either through the sale of the loan or by foreclosure and sale of the property.
 
The Company evaluates the underlying collateral through a third party appraisal, or when a third party appraisal is not available, the Company will use an internal evaluation. The internal evaluations are performed using an income approach or a sales approach. The income approach is used for income producing properties and uses current revenues less operating expenses to determine the net cash flow of the property. Once the net cash flow is determined, the value of the property is calculated using an appropriate capitalization rate for the property. The sales approach uses comparable sales prices in the market. When an internal evaluation is used, we place greater reliance on the income approach to value the collateral.
 
In preparing internal evaluations of property values, the Company seeks to obtain current data on the subject property from various sources, including: (1) the borrower; (2) copies of existing leases; (3) local real estate brokers and appraisers; (4) public records (such as for real estate taxes and water and sewer charges); (5) comparable sales and rental data in the market; (6) an inspection of the property and (7) interviews with tenants. These internal evaluations primarily focus on the income approach and comparable sales data to value the property.
 
As of December 31, 2011, we utilized recent third party appraisals of the collateral to measure impairment for $105.4 million, or 57.2%, of collateral dependent impaired loans, and used internal evaluations of the property’s value for $78.9 million, or 42.8%, of collateral dependent impaired loans.

The Company may restructure a loan to enable a borrower to continue making payments when it is deemed to be in the Company’s best long-term interest. This restructure may include reducing the interest rate or amount of the monthly payment for a specified period of time, after which the interest rate and repayment terms revert to the original terms of the loan. We classify these loans as Troubled Debt Restructured (“TDR”).
 
These restructurings have not included a reduction of principal balance. The Company believes that restructuring these loans in this manner will allow certain borrowers to become and remain current on their loans. Restructured loans are classified as a TDR when the Savings Bank grants a concession to a borrower who is experiencing financial difficulties. All loans classified as TDR are considered impaired, however TDR loans which have been current for six consecutive months at the time they are restructured as TDR remain on accrual status and are not included as part of non-performing loans. Loans which were delinquent at the time they are restructured as a TDR are placed on non-accrual status and reported as non-performing loans until they have made timely payments for six consecutive months. Loans that are restructured as TDR but are not performing in accordance with the restructured terms are placed on non-accrual status and reported as non-performing loans.
 
The allocation of a portion of the allowance for loan losses for a performing TDR loan is based upon the present value of the future expected cash flows discounted at the loan’s original effective rate, or for a non-performing TDR which is collateral dependent, the fair value of the collateral. At December 31, 2011, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were modified to a TDR. The modification of loans to a TDR did not have a significant effect on our operating results, nor did it require a significant allocation of the allowance for loan losses.
 
Loans Held for Sale:
Loans held for sale are initially recorded at the principal amount outstanding net of deferred origination costs and fees and any premiums or discounts. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of adjusted cost or market, which is computed by the aggregate method (unrealized losses are offset by unrealized gains). Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. The Company did not have any loans held for sale as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
Bank Owned Life Insurance:
Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) represents life insurance on the lives of certain employees who have provided positive consent allowing the Savings Bank to be the beneficiary of such policies. BOLI is carried in the consolidated statements of financial position at its cash surrender value. Increases in the cash value of the policies, as well as proceeds received, are recorded in other non-interest income, and are not subject to income taxes.
 
92

 
Other Real Estate Owned:
Other real estate owned (“OREO”) consists of property acquired by foreclosure. These properties are carried at fair value. The fair value is based on appraised value through a current appraisal, or at times through an internal review, additionally adjusted by the estimated costs to sell the property. This determination is made on an individual asset basis. If the fair value of a property is less than the carrying amount, the difference is recognized as a valuation allowance. Further decreases to the estimated value will be charged directly to expense.
 
Bank Premises and Equipment:
Bank premises and equipment are stated at cost, less depreciation accumulated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets (3 to 40 years). Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related leases or the lives of the assets, whichever is shorter. Maintenance, repairs and minor improvements are charged to non-interest expense in the period incurred.
 
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock:
The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB-NY”) has assigned to the Savings Bank and FCB a mandated membership stock purchase, based on their respective asset size. In addition, for all borrowing activity, the Savings Bank is required to purchase shares of FHLB-NY non-marketable capital stock at par. Such shares are redeemed by FHLB-NY at par with reductions in the Savings Bank’s borrowing levels. The Savings Bank and FCB carry their investment in FHLB-NY stock at historical cost, as they do not consider the value of their investment to be impaired.
 
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase:
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are accounted for as collateralized financing and are carried at amounts at which the securities will be subsequently reacquired as specified in the respective agreements. Interest incurred under these agreements is included in other interest expense.
 
Income Taxes:
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between book and tax bases of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities. A deferred tax liability is recognized on all taxable temporary differences and a deferred tax asset is recognized on all deductible temporary differences and operating losses and tax credit carry-forwards. A valuation allowance is recognized to reduce the potential deferred tax asset if it is “more likely than not” that all or some portion of that potential deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company must also take into account changes in tax laws or rates when valuing the deferred income tax amounts it carries on its Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
 
Stock Compensation Plans:
The Company accounts for its stock based compensation in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718 “Stock Compensation” which establishes fair value as the measurement objective in accounting for share-based payment arrangements and requires a fair-value-based measurement method in accounting for share-based payment transactions with employees. It also requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of an equity instrument based on the grant date fair value of the award. That cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The requisite service period is usually the vesting period.
 
Segment Reporting:
Management views the Company as operating as a single unit, a community savings bank. Therefore, segment information is not provided.
 
Advertising Expense:
Costs associated with advertising are expensed as incurred. The Company recorded advertising expenses of $2.7 million, $2.7 million, and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Earnings per Common Share:
Earnings per share are computed in accordance with ASC Topic 260 “Earnings Per Share.” Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the total weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which includes unvested participating securities. Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and as such are included in the calculation of earnings per share. The Company’s unvested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards are considered participating securities. Therefore, weighted average common shares outstanding used for computing basic earnings per common share includes common shares outstanding plus unvested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards. The computation of diluted earnings per share includes the additional dilutive effect of stock options outstanding and other common stock equivalents during the period. Common stock equivalents that are anti-dilutive are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share. The numerator for calculating basic and diluted earnings per common share is net income available to common shareholders.
 
93

 
The shares held in the Company’s Employee Benefit Trust are not included in shares outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per common share.
 
Earnings per common share have been computed based on the following, for the years ended December 31:
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net income, as reported
  $ 35,348     $ 38,835     $ 25,561  
Preferred dividends and amortization of issuance costs
    -       -       (4,443 )
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 35,348     $ 38,835     $ 21,118  
Divided by:
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    30,623       30,336       23,238  
Weighted average common stock equivalents
    31       31       10  
Total weighted average common shares outstanding and common stock equivalents
    30,654       30,367       23,248  
                         
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 1.15     $ 1.28     $ 0.91  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1.15     $ 1.28     $ 0.91  

Options to purchase 720,340 shares, at an average exercise price of $16.71, 898,423 shares, at an average exercise price of $15.97, and 1,413,648 shares, at an average exercise price of $14.33, are anti-dilutive and were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
3. Loans
 
The composition of loans is as follows at December 31:
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
Multi-family residential
  $ 1,391,221     $ 1,252,176  
Commercial real estate
    580,783       662,794  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    693,932       728,810  
One-to-four family residential
    220,431       241,376  
Co-operative apartments
    5,505       6,215  
Construction
    47,140       75,519  
Small Business Administration
    14,039       17,511  
Taxi medallion
    54,328       88,264  
Commercial business and other
    206,614       187,161  
Gross loans
    3,213,993       3,259,826  
Unearned loan fees and deferred costs, net
    14,888       16,503  
Total loans
  $ 3,228,881     $ 3,276,329  
 
The total amount of loans on non-accrual status was $111.1 million and $108.7 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The total amount of loans classified as impaired, which includes all loans on non-accrual status, was $190.3 million and $175.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We adjust the carrying value of collateral dependent impaired loans to their fair value with a charge to the allowance for loan losses. The average balance of impaired loans was $191.2 million and $142.6 million for 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The Company may restructure a loan to enable a borrower to continue making payments when it is deemed to be in our best long-term interest. This restructure may include reducing the interest rate or amount of the monthly payment for a specified period of time, after which the interest rate and repayment terms revert to the original terms of the loan. The Company classifies these loans as a TDR.
 
94

 
During the year ended December 31, 2011, six multi-family loans totaling $1.8 million were modified and classified as a TDR as each of these borrowers was given an interest rate that was considered below market for that borrower and each had the loan’s amortization term extended; two constructions loans totaling $24.2 million were modified and classified as a TDR as each of these borrowers was given an interest rate that was considered below market for that borrower; one commercial business loan for $2.0 million was modified and classified as a TDR as the borrower was given an interest rate that was considered below market for that borrower; and three one-to-four family – mixed-use property loans totaling $0.9 million was modified and classified as a TDR as each of these borrowers was given an interest rate that was considered below market for that borrower with two of the loans also having the loan’s amortization term extended. For each of the loans that were modified and classified as a TDR the borrower was experiencing financial difficulties. The recorded investment of each of the loans modified and classified to a TDR was unchanged as there was no principal forgiven in any of these modifications.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2010, three multi-family loans totaling $7.5 million were modified and classified as a TDR as each of these borrowers was given an interest rate that was considered below market for that borrower, with one also having the loan’s amortization term extended, and one also having deferral of the payment of a portion of the interest; three commercial mortgage loans totaling $5.6 million were modified and classified as a TDR as each of these borrowers was given an interest rate that was considered below market for that borrower, with one loan also changed to payments of interest only; and two one-to-four family – mixed-use property loans totaling $0.9 million were modified and classified as a TDR as each of these borrowers were given an interest rate that was considered below market for that borrower and one borrower also having the loan’s amortization term extended. For each of the loans that were modified and classified as a TDR the borrower was experiencing financial difficulties. The recorded investment of each of the loans modified and classified to a TDR was unchanged as there was no principal forgiven in any of these modifications.
 
The following table shows our recorded investment for loans classified as TDR that are performing according to their restructured terms at the periods indicated:
   
December 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Number
of contracts
   
Recorded
investment
   
Number
of contracts
   
Recorded
investment
 
                         
Multi-family residential
    11     $ 9,412       5     $ 7,946  
Commercial real estate
    2       2,499       3       5,815  
One-to-four family - mixed-use property
    3       795       1       206  
Construction
    1       5,888       -       -  
Commercial business and other
    1       2,000       -       -  
                                 
Total performing troubled debt restructured
    18     $ 20,594       9     $ 13,967  
 
During the year ended December 31, 2011, one construction loan for $11.5 million, which was modified and classified as a TDR within the previous 12 months, was reclassified to non-accrual status as it is no longer performing in accordance with its modified terms. During the year ended December 31, 2010, no loans, which were modified and classified as a TDR within the previous 12 months, were reclassified to non-accrual status as they were no longer performing in accordance with their modified terms.
 
95

 
The following table shows our recorded investment for loans classified as TDR that are not performing according to their restructured terms at the periods indicated:
 
   
December 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Number
of contracts
   
Recorded
investment
   
Number
of contracts
   
Recorded
investment
 
                         
Multi-family residential
    -     $ -       -     $ -  
Commercial real estate
    2       4,340       1       1,496  
One-to-four family - mixed-use property
    3       1,193       3       1,287  
One-to-four family - residential
    -       -       1       491  
Construction
    1       11,673       -       -  
                                 
Total troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted
    6     $ 17,206       5     $ 3,274  
 
The following table shows our non-performing loans at the periods indicated:
 
   
At December 31,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Loans ninety days or more past due and still accruing:
           
Multi-family residential
  $ 6,287     $ 103  
Commercial real estate
    92       3,328  
Commercial Business and other
    -       6  
Total
    6,379       3,437  
                 
Non-accrual mortgage loans:
               
Multi-family residential
    19,946       35,633  
Commercial real estate
    19,895       22,806  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    28,429       30,478  
One-to-four family residential
    12,766       10,695  
Co-operative apartments
    152       -  
Construction
    14,721       4,465  
Total
    95,909       104,077  
                 
Non-accrual non-mortgage loans:
               
Small Business Administration
    493       1,159  
Commercial Business and other
    14,660       3,419  
Total
    15,153       4,578  
                 
Total non-accrual loans
    111,062       108,655  
                 
                 
Total non-accrual loans and ninety days or more past due and still accruing
  $ 117,441     $ 112,092  
 
96

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

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
Interest income that would have been recognized had the loans performed in accordance with their original terms
  $ 9,654     $ 9,460     $ 5,839  
Less: Interest income included in the results of operations
    2,126       2,018       960  
Total foregone interest
  $ 7,528     $ 7,442     $ 4,879  
 
The following table shows an age analysis of our recorded investment in loans at December 31, 2011:
 
(in thousands)
 
30 - 59 Days
Past Due
   
60 - 89 Days
Past Due
   
Greater
than
90 Days
   
Total Past
Due
   
Current
   
Total Loans
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                                     
Multi-family residential
  $ 20,083     $ 6,341     $ 26,233     $ 52,657     $ 1,338,564     $ 1,391,221  
Commercial real estate
    10,804       1,797       19,987       32,588       548,195       580,783  
One-to-four family - mixed-use property
    20,480       3,027       27,950       51,457       642,475       693,932  
One-to-four family - residential
    4,699       1,769       12,766       19,234       201,197       220,431  
Co-operative apartments
    -       -       152       152       5,353       5,505  
Construction loans
    5,065       -       14,721       19,786       27,354       47,140  
Small Business Administration
    16       41       452       509       13,530       14,039  
Taxi medallion
    71       -       -       71       54,257       54,328  
Commercial business and other
    5,476       966       10,241       16,683       189,931       206,614  
Total
  $ 66,694     $ 13,941     $ 112,502     $ 193,137     $ 3,020,856     $ 3,213,993  
 
The following table shows an age analysis of our recorded investment in loans at December 31, 2010:
 
(in thousands)
 
30 - 59 Days
Past Due
   
60 - 89 Days
Past Due
   
Greater
than
90 Days
   
Total Past
Due
   
Current
   
Total Loans
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                                     
Multi-family residential
  $ 30,799     $ 7,014     $ 35,736     $ 73,549     $ 1,178,627     $ 1,252,176  
Commercial real estate
    17,167       2,181       26,134       45,482       617,312       662,794  
One-to-four family - mixed-use property
    19,596       6,376       30,478       56,450       672,360       728,810  
One-to-four family - residential
    4,826       1,046       10,695       16,567       224,809       241,376  
Co-operative apartments
    133       -       -       133       6,082       6,215  
Construction loans
    2,900       5,485       4,465       12,850       62,669       75,519  
Small Business Administration
    418       991       1,159       2,568       14,943       17,511  
Taxi medallion
    -       -       -       -       88,264       88,264  
Commercial business and other
    4,534       3       3,425       7,962       179,199       187,161  
Total
  $ 80,373     $ 23,096     $ 112,092     $ 215,561     $ 3,044,265     $ 3,259,826  
 
 
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The following table shows the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2011:
 
(in thousands)
 
Multi-family
residential
   
Commercial
real estate
   
One-to-four
family - mixed-use
property
   
One-to-four
family -
residential
   
Co-operative
apartments
   
Construction
loans
   
Small Business
Administration
   
Taxi
medallion
   
Commercial
business and
other
   
Total
 
                                                             
Allowance for credit losses:
                                                           
Beginning balance
  $ 9,007     $ 4,905     $ 5,997     $ 938     $ 17     $ 589     $ 1,303     $ 639     $ 4,304     $ 27,699  
Charge-off's
    6,807       5,172       2,644       2,226       -       1,088       871       -       642       19,450  
Recoveries
    153       184       123       63       -       -       60       -       12       595  
Provision
    8,914       5,293       1,838       2,874       63       1,167       495       (598 )     1,454       21,500  
Ending balance
  $ 11,267     $ 5,210     $ 5,314     $ 1,649     $ 80     $ 668     $ 987     $ 41     $ 5,128     $ 30,344  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 346     $ 189     $ 718     $ -     $ 58     $ 268     $ 88     $ -     $ 2,539     $ 4,206  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 10,921     $ 5,021     $ 4,596     $ 1,649     $ 22     $ 400     $ 899     $ 41     $ 2,589     $ 26,138  
                                                                                 
Financing Recevables:
                                                                               
Ending balance
  $ 1,391,221     $ 580,783     $ 693,932     $ 220,431     $ 5,505     $ 47,140     $ 14,039     $ 54,328     $ 206,614     $ 3,213,993  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 58,528     $ 53,511     $ 51,527     $ 17,470     $ 356     $ 31,126     $ 470     $ -     $ 29,417     $ 242,426  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,332,693     $ 527,272     $ 642,405     $ 202,961     $ 5,149     $ 16,014     $ 13,569     $ 54,328     $ 177,197     $ 2,971,567  
 
The following table shows the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2010:
 
(in thousands)
 
Multi-family
residential
   
Commercial
real estate
   
One-to-four
family -
mixed-use
property
   
One-to-four
family -
residential
   
Co-operative
apartments
   
Construction
loans
   
Small Business
Administration
   
Taxi
medallion
   
Commercial
business and
other
   
Total
 
                                                             
Allowance for credit losses:
                                                           
Beginning balance
  $ 6,581     $ 4,050     $ 4,339     $ 844     $ 17     $ 1,281     $ 965     $ 583     $ 1,664     $ 20,324  
Charge-off's
    5,790       2,686       2,580       236       -       1,879       925       -       499       14,595  
Recoveries
    17       51       115       -       -       -       173       -       614       970  
Provision
    8,199       3,490       4,123       330       -       1,187       1,090       56       2,525       21,000  
Ending balance
  $ 9,007     $ 4,905     $ 5,997     $ 938     $ 17     $ 589     $ 1,303     $ 639     $ 4,304     $ 27,699  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 5,290     $ 3,100     $ 3,960     $ 290     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 330     $ 12,970  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 3,717     $ 1,805     $ 2,037     $ 648     $ 17     $ 589     $ 1,303     $ 639     $ 3,974     $ 14,729  
                                                                                 
Financing Recevables:
                                                                               
Ending balance
  $ 1,252,176     $ 662,794     $ 728,810     $ 241,376     $ 6,215     $ 75,519     $ 17,511     $ 88,264     $ 187,161     $ 3,259,826  
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment
  $ 51,626     $ 32,120     $ 33,539     $ 10,874     $ -     $ 30,589     $ 1,432     $ -     $ 14,866     $ 175,046  
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment
  $ 1,200,550     $ 630,674     $ 695,271     $ 230,502     $ 6,215     $ 44,930     $ 16,079     $ 88,264     $ 172,295     $ 3,084,780  
 
98

 
The following table shows our recorded investment, unpaid principal balance and allocated allowance for loan losses, average recorded investment and interest income recognized for loans that were considered impaired at or for the year ended December 31, 2011:
 
   
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
                               
   
(Dollars in thousands)
With no related allowance recorded:
                             
Mortgage loans:
                             
Multi-family residential
  $ 33,046     $ 36,705     $ -     $ 35,792     $ 910  
Commercial real estate
    38,748       42,345       -       37,511       1,355  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    33,831       37,233       -       32,687       447  
One-to-four family residential
    14,343       16,599       -       11,578       196  
Co-operative apartments
    153       153       -       110       -  
Construction
    10,995       11,380       -       11,166       672  
Non-mortgage loans:
                                       
Small Business Administration
    275       500       -       69       3  
Taxi Medallion
    -       -       -       -       -  
Commercial Business and other
    11,160       11,162       -       13,801       339  
                                         
Total loans with no related allowance recorded
    142,551       156,077       -       142,714       3,922  
                                         
With an allowance recorded:
                                       
Mortgage loans:
                                       
Multi-family residential
    13,046       13,110       346       12,270       635  
Commercial real estate
    3,018       3,018       189       3,301       140  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    6,111       6,213       718       2,720       412  
One-to-four family residential
    -       -       -       143       -  
Co-operative apartments
    -       -       -       -       -  
Construction
    17,561       17,561       268       21,296       453  
Non-mortgage loans:
                                       
Small Business Administration
    195       195       88       777       10  
Taxi Medallion
    -       -       -       -       -  
Commercial Business and other
    7,620       8,353       2,539       7,905       209  
                                         
Total loans with an allowance recorded
    47,754       48,653       4,206       48,463       1,870  
                                         
Total Impaired Loans:
                                       
Total mortgage loans
  $ 171,055     $ 184,520     $ 1,579     $ 168,625     $ 5,231  
                                         
Total non-mortgage loans
  $ 19,250     $ 20,210     $ 2,627     $ 22,552     $ 561  
 
99

 
The following table shows our recorded investment, unpaid principal balance and allocated allowance for loan losses, average recorded investment and interest income recognized for loans that were considered impaired at or for the year ended December 31, 2010:
 
   
Recorded
Investment
   
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
   
Related
Allowance
   
Average
Recorded
Investment
   
Interest
Income
Recognized
 
                               
   
(Dollars in thousands)
With no related allowance recorded:
                             
Mortgage loans:
                             
Multi-family residential
  $ 18,403     $ 19,200     $ -     $ 16,930     $ 838  
Commercial real estate
    12,474       12,547       -       10,008       443  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    7,107       7,455       -       6,976       104  
One-to-four family residential
    8,394       8,394       -       6,556       97  
Co-operative apartments
    -       -       -       20       -  
Construction
    30,589       32,340       -       22,258       1,116  
Non-mortgage loans:
                                       
Small Business Administration
    -       -       -       -       -  
Taxi Medallion
    -       -       -       -       -  
Commercial Business and other
    8,745       8,825       -       4,271       558  
                                         
Total loans with no related allowance recorded
    85,712       88,761       -       67,019       3,156  
                                         
With an allowance recorded:
                                       
Mortgage loans:
                                       
Multi-family residential
    33,223       37,649       5,290       27,507       396  
Commercial real estate
    19,646       22,443       3,100       14,799       401  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    26,432       28,622       3,960       23,551       290  
One-to-four family residential
    2,480       2,681       290       2,041       -  
Co-operative apartments
    -       -       -       -       -  
Construction
    -       -       -       1,750       -  
Non-mortgage loans:
                                       
Small Business Administration
    1,432       1,432       768       1,233       82  
Taxi Medallion
    -       -       -       -       -  
Commercial Business and other
    6,121       6,842       2,449       4,739       193  
                                         
Total loans with an allowance recorded
    89,334       99,669       15,857       75,620       1,362  
                                         
Total Impaired Loans:
                                       
Total mortgage loans
  $ 158,748     $ 171,331     $ 12,640     $ 132,396     $ 3,685  
                                         
Total non-mortgage loans
  $ 16,298     $ 17,099     $ 3,217     $ 10,243     $ 833  
 
 
100

 
In accordance with our policy and the current regulatory guidelines, we designate loans as “Special Mention,” which are considered “Criticized Loans,” and “Substandard,” “Doubtful,” or “Loss,” which are considered “Classified Loans”. If a loan does not fall within one of the previous mentioned categories then the loan would be considered “Pass.” We designate a loan as Substandard when a well-defined weakness is identified that jeopardizes the orderly liquidation of the debt. We designate a loan Doubtful when it displays the inherent weakness of a Substandard loan with the added provision that collection of the debt in full, on the basis of existing facts, is highly improbable. We designate a loan as Loss if it is deemed the debtor is incapable of repayment. Loans that are designated as Loss are charged to the Allowance for Loan Losses. Loans that are non-accrual are designated as Substandard, Doubtful or Loss. We designate a loan as Special Mention if the asset does not warrant classification within one of the other classifications, but does contain a potential weakness that deserves closer attention.
 
The following table sets forth the recorded investment in loans designated as Criticized or Classified at December 31, 2011:
 
(In thousands)
 
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total
 
                               
Multi-family residential
  $ 17,135     $ 41,393     $ -     $ -     $ 58,528  
Commercial real estate
    12,264       41,247       -       -       53,511  
One-to-four family - mixed-use property
    17,393       33,831       -       -       51,224  
One-to-four family - residential
    3,127       14,343       -       -       17,470  
Co-operative apartments
    203       153       -       -       356  
Construction loans
    2,570       28,555       -       -       31,125  
Small Business Administration
    666       256       214       -       1,136  
Commercial business and other
    13,585       17,613       1,169       -       32,367  
Total loans
  $ 66,943     $ 177,391     $ 1,383     $ -     $ 245,717  
 
The following table sets forth the recorded investment in loans designated as Criticized or Classified at December 31, 2010:
 
(In thousands)
 
Special Mention
   
Substandard
   
Doubtful
   
Loss
   
Total
 
                               
Multi-family residential
  $ 20,277     $ 51,626     $ -     $ -     $ 71,903  
Commercial real estate
    13,228       32,120       -       -       45,348  
One-to-four family - mixed-use property
    15,546       33,539       -       -       49,085  
One-to-four family - residential
    2,849       10,874       -       -       13,723  
Co-operative apartments
    -       -       -       -       -  
Construction loans
    5,945       30,589       -       -       36,534  
Small Business Administration
    558       1,432       -       -       1,990  
Commercial business and other
    14,302       13,628       1,238       -       29,168  
Total loans
  $ 72,705     $ 173,808     $ 1,238     $ -     $ 247,751  
 
 
101

 
The following table shows the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance, beginning of year
  $ 27,699     $ 20,324     $ 11,028  
Provision for loan losses
    21,500       21,000       19,500  
Charge-offs
    (19,450 )     (14,595 )     (10,371 )
Recoveries
    595       970       167  
Balance, end of year
  $ 30,344     $ 27,699     $ 20,324  
 
The following are net loan charge-offs (recoveries) by loan type for the years ended December 31:

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Multi-family residential
  $ 6,654     $ 5,773     $ 2,326  
Commercial real estate
    4,988       2,634       728  
One-to-four family mixed-use property
    2,521       2,465       1,009  
One-to-four family residential
    2,163       236       284  
Construction
    1,088       1,879       1,075  
Small Business Administration
    811       752       1,062  
Commercial business and other
    630       (114 )     3,720  
                         
Total net loan charge-offs
  $ 18,855     $ 13,625     $ 10,204  

4. Other Real Estate Owned

The following table shows the activity in OREO during the periods indicated:
 
   
For the years ended
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                   
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 1,588     $ 2,262     $ 125  
Acquisitions
    7,286       4,813       2,612  
Reductions to carrying value
    (209 )     (75 )     (27 )
Sales
    (5,486 )     (5,412 )     (448 )
                         
Balance at end of year
  $ 3,179     $ 1,588     $ 2,262  

During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 the Company recorded gross gains of $357,000 and $126,000, respectively, from the sale of OREO. There were no gross gains in the year ended December 31, 2009, from the sale of OREO. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 the Company recorded gross losses of $135,000, $216,000 and $7,000, respectively, from the sale of OREO. The balance of OREO is included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
 
102

 
5. Debt and Equity Securities

The Company’s investments in equity securities that have readily determinable fair values and all investments in debt securities are classified in one of the following three categories and accounted for accordingly: (1) trading securities, (2) securities available for sale and (3) securities held-to-maturity.
 
The Company did not hold any trading securities or securities held-to-maturity during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value.
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s portfolio of securities available for sale at December 31, 2011:
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
U.S. government agencies
  $ 1,980     $ 2,039     $ 59     $ -  
Other
    26,557       21,242       9       5,324  
Corporate
    20,777       20,592       -       185  
Mutual funds
    21,369       21,369       -       -  
Total other securities
    70,683       65,242       68       5,509  
REMIC and CMO
    460,824       473,639       22,796       9,981  
GNMA
    62,040       67,632       5,592       -  
FNMA
    175,627       182,630       7,003       -  
FHLMC
    22,556       23,387       831       -  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    721,047       747,288       36,222       9,981  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 791,730     $ 812,530     $ 36,290     $ 15,490  
 
Mortgage-backed securities shown in the table above include two private issue collateralized mortgage obligation (“CMO”) that are collateralized by commercial real estate mortgages with an amortized cost and market value of $19.0 million and $19.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011. The remaining private issue mortgage-backed securities are backed by one-to-four family residential mortgage loans.

The following table shows the Company’s available for sale securities with gross unrealized losses and their fair value, aggregated by category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2011.
 
   
Total
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
 
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
Other
  $ 6,238     $ 5,324     $ 1,997     $ 2     $ 4,241     $ 5,322  
Corporate
    17,980       185       17,980       185       -       -  
Total other securities
    24,218       5,509       19,977       187       4,241       5,322  
REMIC and CMO
    38,684       9,981       12,560       124       26,124       9,857  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 62,902     $ 15,490     $ 32,537     $ 311     $ 30,365     $ 15,179  
 
Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses on impaired securities must be fully recognized in earnings if an investor has the intent to sell the debt security or if it is more likely than not that the investor will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost. However, even if an investor does not expect to sell a debt security, the investor must evaluate the expected cash flows to be received and determine if a credit loss has occurred. In the event that a credit loss has occurred, only the amount of impairment associated with the credit loss is recognized in earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Amounts relating to factors other than credit losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) within Stockholders’ Equity. Additional disclosures regarding the calculation of credit losses as well as factors considered by the investor in reaching a conclusion that an investment is not other-than-temporarily impaired are required.
 
103

 
The Company reviewed each investment that had an unrealized loss at December 31, 2011. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an investment is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses on available for sale securities, that are deemed to be temporary, are recorded in AOCI, net of tax. Unrealized losses that are considered to be other-than-temporary are split between credit related and noncredit related impairments, with the credit related impairment being recorded as a charge against earnings and the noncredit related impairment being recorded in AOCI, net of tax.
 
The Company evaluates its pooled trust preferred securities, included in the table above in the row labeled “Other”, using an impairment model through an independent third party, which includes evaluating the financial condition of each counterparty. For single issuer trust preferred securities, the Company evaluates the issuer’s financial condition. The Company evaluates its mortgage-backed securities by reviewing the characteristics of the securities, including delinquency and foreclosure levels, projected losses at various loss severity levels and credit enhancement and coverage. In addition, private issue CMOs are evaluated using an impairment model through an independent third party. When an OTTI is identified, the portion of the impairment that is credit related is determined by management by using the following methods: (1) for trust preferred securities, the credit related impairment is determined by using a discounted cash flow model from an independent third party, with the difference between the present value of the projected cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the security recorded as a credit related loss against earnings; (2) for mortgage-backed securities, credit related impairment is determined for each security by estimating losses based on a set of assumptions, which includes delinquency and foreclosure levels, projected losses at various loss severity levels, credit enhancement and coverage and (3) for private issue CMOs, through an impairment model from an independent third party and then recording those estimated losses as a credit related loss against earnings.
 
Other Securities:
The unrealized losses in Other securities at December 31, 2011, consist of losses on two municipal securities, one single issuer trust preferred security and two pooled trust preferred securities.
 
The unrealized losses on the two municipal securities were caused by movements in interest rates. It is not anticipated that these securities would be settled at a price that is less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities is performing according to its terms, and, in the opinion of management, will continue to perform according to its terms. The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is more likely than not the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of the securities amortized cost basis. This conclusion is based upon considering the Company’s cash and working capital requirements, and contractual and regulatory obligations, none of which the Company believes would cause the sale of the securities. Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011.
 
The unrealized losses on the single issuer trust preferred securities and two pooled trust preferred securities were caused by market interest volatility, a significant widening of credit spreads across markets for these securities, and illiquidity and uncertainty in the financial markets. These securities are currently rated below investment grade. The pooled trust preferred securities do not have collateral that is subordinate to the classes we own. The Company evaluates these securities using an impairment model, through an independent third party, that is applied to debt securities. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, (2) the current interest rate environment, (3) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, if applicable, and (4) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Additionally, management reviews the financial condition of each individual issuer within the pooled trust preferred securities. All of the issuers of the underlying collateral of the pooled trust preferred securities we reviewed are banks.
 
For each bank, our review included the following performance items of the banks:
 
Ratio of tangible equity to assets
Tier 1 Risk Weighted Capital
Net interest margin
Efficiency ratio for most recent two quarters
Return on average assets for most recent two quarters
Texas Ratio (ratio of non-performing assets plus assets past due over 90 days divided by tangible equity plus the reserve for loan losses)
Credit ratings (where applicable)
Capital issuances within the past year (where applicable)
Ability to complete Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) assisted acquisitions (where applicable)
 
104

 
Based on the review of the above factors, we concluded that:
 
All of the performing issuers in our pools are well capitalized banks, and do not appear likely to be closed by their regulators.
All of the performing issuers in our pools will continue as a going concern and will not default on their securities.
 
In order to estimate potential future defaults and deferrals, we segregated the performing underlying issuers by their Texas Ratio. We then reviewed performing issuers with Texas Ratios in excess of 50.00%. The Texas Ratio is a key indicator of the health of the institution and the likelihood of failure. This ratio compares the problem assets of the institution to the institution’s available capital and reserves to absorb losses that are likely to occur in these assets. There was one issuer with a Texas Ratios in excess of 50% for which we concluded there would not be a default, primarily due to their current operating results and demonstrated ability to raise additional capital.
 
There were no remaining issuers in our pooled trust preferred securities which had a Texas Ratio in excess of 75.00%. For the remaining issuers with a Texas Ratio between 50.00% and 74.99%, we estimated 25% of the related cash flows of the issuer would not be realized. We concluded that issuers with a Texas Ratio below 50.00% are considered healthy, and there was a minimal risk of default. We assigned a zero default rate to these issuers. Our analysis also assumed that issuers currently deferring would default with no recovery, and issuers that have defaulted will have no recovery.
 
We had an independent third party prepare a discounted cash flow analysis for each of these pooled trust preferred securities based on the assumptions discussed above. Other significant assumptions were (1) no issuers will prepay, (2) senior classes will not call the debt on their portions, and (3) use of the forward LIBOR curve. The cash flows were discounted at the effective rate for each security. For each issuer that we assumed a 25% shortfall in the cash flows, the cash flow analysis eliminates 25% of the cash flow for each issuer effective immediately.
 
One of the pooled trust preferred securities is over 90 days past due and the Company has stopped accruing interest. The remaining pooled trust preferred securities as well as the single issuer trust preferred security are performing according to their terms. Based on these reviews, a credit related OTTI charge was not recorded on the single issuer trust preferred securities or the two pooled trust preferred during the year ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recorded $1.0 million in credit related OTTI charges on one of the pooled trust preferred security. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company recorded $2.8 million in credit related OTTI charges on two pooled trust preferred securities.
 
The Company also owns a pooled trust preferred security that is carried under the fair value option, where the unrealized losses are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income. This security is over 90 days past due and the Company has stopped accruing interest.
 
It is not anticipated at this time that the one single issuer trust preferred security and the two pooled trust preferred securities, would be settled at a price that is less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities is performing according to its terms; except for the pooled trust preferred securities for which the Company has stopped accruing interest as discussed above, and, in the opinion of management based on the review performed at December 31, 2011, will continue to perform according to its terms. The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is more likely than not the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of the securities amortized cost basis. This conclusion is based upon considering the Company’s cash and working capital requirements, and contractual and regulatory obligations, none of which the Company believes would cause the sale of the securities. Therefore, the Company did not consider one single issuer trust preferred securities and the two pooled trust preferred securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011.
 
At December 31, 2011, the Company held six trust preferred issues which had a current credit rating of at least one rating below investment grade. Two of those issues are carried under the fair value option and therefore, changes in fair value are included in the Consolidated Statement of Income – Net gain (loss) from fair value adjustments.
 
105

 
The following table details the remaining four trust preferred issues that were evaluated to determine if they were other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011. The class the Company owns in pooled trust preferred securities does not have any excess subordination.
 
                                 
Deferrals/Defaults
       
Issuer
Type
 
Class
   
Performing
Banks
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
   
Cumulative
Credit Related
OTTI
   
Actual as a
Percentage
of Original
Security
   
Expected
Percentage
of Performing
Collateral
   
Current
Lowest
Rating
 
                (Dollars in thousands)                    
                                                 
Single issuer
  n/a     1       300       261       -    
None
   
None
   
BB+
 
Single issuer
  n/a     1       500       509       -    
None
   
None
   
BB-
 
Pooled issuer
  B1     19       5,617       2,280       2,196     28.2%     0.9%     C  
Pooled issuer
  C1     19       3,645       1,700       1,542     25.6%     1.0%     C  
Total
                  $ 10,062     $ 4,750     $ 3,738                          
 
Corporate:
The unrealized losses in corporate securities at December 31, 2011 consist of two private issues. The unrealized losses were caused by movements in interest rates. It is not anticipated that these securities would be settled at a price that is less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities is performing according to its terms, and, in the opinion of management, will continue to perform according to its terms. The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is more likely than not the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of the securities amortized cost basis. This conclusion is based upon considering the Company’s cash and working capital requirements, and contractual and regulatory obligations, none of which the Company believes would cause the sale of the securities. Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011.
 
REMIC and CMO:
The unrealized losses in Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (“REMIC”) and CMO securities at December 31, 2011 consist of two issues from the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), two issues from the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and ten private issues.
 
The unrealized losses on the REMIC and CMO securities issued by FHLMC and FNMA were caused by movements in interest rates. It is not anticipated that these securities would be settled at a price that is less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities is performing according to its terms, and, in the opinion of management, will continue to perform according to its terms. The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is more likely than not the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of the securities amortized cost basis. This conclusion is based upon considering the Company’s cash and working capital requirements, and contractual and regulatory obligations, none of which the Company believes would cause the sale of the securities. Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011.
 
The unrealized losses at December 31, 2011 on REMIC and CMO securities issued by private issuers were caused by movements in interest rates, a significant widening of credit spreads across markets for these securities, and illiquidity and uncertainty in the financial markets. Each of these securities has some level of credit enhancements, and none are collateralized by sub-prime loans. Currently, six of these securities are performing according to their terms, with four securities remitting less than the full principal amount due. The principal loss for these four securities totaled $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. These losses were anticipated in the cumulative OTTI charges recorded for these four securities.
 
Credit related impairment for mortgage-backed securities are determined for each security by estimating losses based on the following set of assumptions, (1) delinquency and foreclosure levels, (2) projected losses at various loss severity levels and, (3) credit enhancement and coverage. Based on these reviews, an OTTI charge was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2011, on four private issue CMOs of $9.4 million before tax, of which $1.6 million was charged against earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Income and $7.8 million before tax ($4.4 million after-tax) was recorded in AOCI. The Company recorded credit related OTTI charges totaling $1.1 million and $3.1 million on four private issue CMOs during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
The portion of the above mentioned OTTI, recorded during the year ended December 31, 2011, that was related to credit losses was calculated using the following significant assumptions: (1) delinquency and foreclosure levels of 21%, (2) projected loss severity of 50%, (3) assumed default rates of 10% for the first 12 months, 8% for the next 12 months, 6% for the next 12 months and 2% thereafter, and prepayment speeds of 10%.
 
106

 
It is not anticipated at this time that the six private issue securities for which an OTTI charge during the year ended December 31, 2011 was not recorded, would be settled at a price that is less than the current amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities is performing according to its terms and in the opinion of management, will continue to perform according to their terms. The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and it is more likely than not the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of the securities amortized cost basis. This conclusion is based upon considering the Company’s cash and working capital requirements, and contractual and regulatory obligations, none of which the Company believes would cause the sale of the securities. Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011.
 
At December 31, 2011, the Company held 16 private issue CMOs which had a current credit rating of at least one rating below investment grade. Six of those issues are carried under the fair value option and therefore, changes in fair value are included in the Consolidated Statement of Income – Net gain (loss) from fair value adjustments.
 
The following table details the remaining 10 private issue CMOs that were evaluated to determine if they were other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2011:

    Amortized     Fair     Outstanding    
Cumulative
OTTI
Charges
    Year of      
Current
Lowest
   
Collateral Located in:
 
Average
FICO
 
Security
 
Cost
   
Value
   
Principal
   
Recorded
   
Issuance
 
Maturity
 
Rating
   
CA
   
FL
   
VA
   
NY
   
NJ
 
MD
 
Score
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
                                                     
                                                                             
1
  $ 11,864     $ 8,418     $ 13,184     $ 3,279       2006  
05/25/36
  D       45 %                 15 %             722  
2
    5,290       3,648       5,605       447       2006  
08/19/36
  D       54 %                                 736  
3
    5,287       3,655       5,794       954       2006  
08/25/36
  D       37 %     14 %                           714  
4
    4,040       3,452       4,596       657       2006  
08/25/36
  D       37 %     12 %           12 %             725  
5
    3,280       2,857       3,563       221       2006  
03/25/36
 
CC
      36 %                                   728  
6
    2,106       2,102       2,120       -       2005  
12/25/35
  B2       39 %                                   736  
7
    4,910       2,849       5,186       222       2006  
05/25/36
 
CC
      27 %             18 %     10 %     11 %       714  
8
    1,091       1,088       1,101       -       2006  
08/25/36
 
CCC
      29 %                                       737  
9
    1,476       1,467       1,498       -       2005  
11/25/35
  B       40 %             17 %                 13 %   730  
10
    1,309       1,246       1,311       -       2005  
11/25/35
 
CC
      46 %     10 %                               739  
Total
  $ 40,653     $ 30,782     $ 43,958     $ 5,780                                                                    
 
The following table details gross unrealized losses recorded in AOCI and the ending credit loss amount on debt securities, as of December 31, 2011, for which the Company has recorded a credit related OTTI charge in the Consolidated Statements of Income:

(in thousands)
 
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Gross Unrealized
Losses Recorded
In AOCI
   
Ending Credit
Loss Amount
 
                         
Private issued CMO's (1)
  $ 34,672     $ 24,878     $ 9,794     $ 3,184  
Trust preferred securities (1)
    9,262       3,980       5,282       3,738  
Total
  $ 43,934     $ 28,858     $ 15,076     $ 6,922  
 
(1)
The Company has recorded OTTI charges in the Consolidated Statements of Income on six private issue CMOs and two pooled trust preferred securities for which a portion of the OTTI is currently recorded in AOCI.
 
107

 
The following table represents the activity related to the credit loss component recognized in earnings on debt securities held by the Company for which a portion of OTTI was recognized in AOCI for the period indicated:
 
(in thousands)
 
For the
year ended
December 31, 2011
 
Beginning balance
  $ 7,011  
         
Recognition of actual losses
    (1,667 )
OTTI charges due to credit loss recorded in earnings
    1,578  
Securities sold during the period
    -  
Securities where there is an intent to sell or requirement to sell
    -  
         
Ending balance
  $ 6,922  
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of the Company’s securities, classified as available for sale at December 31, 2011, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
             
Due in one year or less
  $ 33,515     $ 33,513  
Due after one year through five years
    11,057       10,998  
Due after five years through ten years
    9,088       9,021  
Due after ten years
    17,023       11,710  
                 
Total other securities
    70,683       65,242  
Mortgage-backed securities
    721,047       747,288  
                 
Total securities available for sale
  $ 791,730     $ 812,530  

There were $0.5 million and $1.4 million in gross gains realized from the sale of securities available for sale for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. There were $0.5 million in gross losses realized from the sale of securities available for sale for the year ended December 31, 2010. There were no gross gains realized on sales of securities available for sale for the year ended December 31, 2011. There were no gross losses realized on sales of securities available for sale for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2009.
 
108

 
The amortized cost and fair value of the Company’s securities, classified as available for sale at December 31, 2010 are as follows:
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value
   
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
   
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
U.S. government agencies
  $ 10,556     $ 10,459     $ 111     $ 208  
Other
    28,725       26,330       6       2,401  
Corporate
    2,698       2,698       -       -  
Mutual funds
    10,625       10,625       -       -  
Total other securities
    52,604       50,112       117       2,609  
REMIC and CMO
    456,210       453,465       10,039       12,784  
GNMA
    81,439       85,955       4,580       64  
FNMA
    192,750       194,540       3,813       2,023  
FHLMC
    19,561       20,117       556       -  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    749,960       754,077       18,988       14,871  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 802,564     $ 804,189     $ 19,105     $ 17,480  
 
Mortgage-backed securities shown in the table above include one private issue CMO that is collateralized by commercial real estate mortgages with an amortized cost and market value of $13.9 million and $14.6 million, respectively at December 31, 2010. The remaining mortgage-backed securities are backed by one-to-four family residential mortgage loans.

The following table shows the Company’s available for sale securities with gross unrealized losses and their fair value, aggregated by category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2010.

   
Total
   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
 
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
(In thousands)
U.S. government agencies
  $ 7,792     $ 208     $ 7,792     $ 208     $ -     $ -  
Other
    9,161       2,401       2,000       1       7,161       2,400  
Total other securities
    16,953       2,609       9,792       209       7,161       2,400  
REMIC and CMO
    209,682       12,784       169,356       5,783       40,326       7,001  
GNMA
    16,214       64       16,214       64       -       -  
FNMA
    97,255       2,023       97,255       2,023       -       -  
Total mortgage-backed securities
    323,151       14,871       282,825       7,870       40,326       7,001  
Total securities available for sale
  $ 340,104     $ 17,480     $ 292,617     $ 8,079     $ 47,487     $ 9,401  
 
U.S. Government Agencies:
The unrealized losses on the U.S. government agencies were caused by movements in interest rates. It was not anticipated that these securities would be settled at a price that was less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities was performing according to its terms, and, in the opinion of management, would continue to perform according to its terms. The Company did not have the intent to sell these securities and it was more likely than not the Company would not be required to sell the securities before recovery of the securities amortized cost basis. This conclusion was based upon considering the Company’s cash and working capital requirements, and contractual and regulatory obligations, none of which the Company believes would cause the sale of the securities. Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2010.
 
109

 
Other Securities:
The unrealized losses in Other securities at December 31, 2010, consisted of losses on two municipal securities, one single issuer trust preferred security and two pooled trust preferred securities.
 
The unrealized losses on the two municipal securities were caused by movements in interest rates. It was not anticipated that these securities would be settled at a price that was less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities was performing according to its terms, and, in the opinion of management, would continue to perform according to its terms. The Company did not have the intent to sell these securities and it was more likely than not the Company would not be required to sell the securities before recovery of the securities amortized cost basis. This conclusion was based upon considering the Company’s cash and working capital requirements, and contractual and regulatory obligations, none of which the Company believes would cause the sale of the securities. Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2010.
 
The unrealized losses on the single issuer trust preferred securities and two pooled trust preferred securities were caused by market interest volatility, a significant widening of credit spreads across markets for these securities, and illiquidity and uncertainty in the financial markets. These securities were rated below investment grade. The pooled trust preferred securities do not have collateral that is subordinate to the classes we own. The Company evaluated these securities using an impairment model, through an independent third party, that was applied to debt securities. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considered (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value had been less than amortized cost, (2) the interest rate environment, (3) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, if applicable, and (4) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Additionally, management reviewed the financial condition of each individual issuer within the pooled trust preferred securities. All of the issuers of the underlying collateral of the pooled trust preferred securities we reviewed are banks. For each bank, our review included the following performance items of the banks:
 
Ratio of tangible equity to assets
Tier 1 Risk Weighted Capital
Net interest margin
Efficiency ratio for most recent two quarters
Return on average assets for most recent two quarters
Texas Ratio (ratio of non-performing assets plus assets past due over 90 days divided by tangible equity plus the reserve for loan losses)
Credit ratings (where applicable)
Capital issuances within the past year (where applicable)
Ability to complete FDIC assisted acquisitions (where applicable)
 
Based on the review of the above factors, we concluded that:
 
All of the performing issuers in our pools are well capitalized banks, and do not appear likely to be closed by their regulators.
All of the performing issuers in our pools will continue as a going concern and will not default on their securities.
 
REMIC and CMO:
The unrealized losses in Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (“REMIC”) and CMO securities at December 31, 2010 consisted of six issues from the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), six issues from the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), seven issues from the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) and eight private issues.
 
The unrealized losses on the REMIC and CMO securities issued by FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA were caused by movements in interest rates. It was not anticipated that these securities would be settled at a price that was less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities was performing according to its terms, and, in the opinion of management, would continue to perform according to its terms. The Company did not have the intent to sell these securities and it was more likely than not the Company would not be required to sell the securities before recovery of the securities amortized cost basis. This conclusion was based upon considering the Company’s cash and working capital requirements, and contractual and regulatory obligations, none of which the Company believes would cause the sale of the securities. Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2010.
 
110

 
The unrealized losses at December 31, 2010 on REMIC and CMO securities issued by private issuers were caused by movements in interest rates, a significant widening of credit spreads across markets for these securities, and illiquidity and uncertainty in the financial markets. Each of these securities had some level of credit enhancements, and none were collateralized by sub-prime loans. Six of these securities were performing according to their terms, with two securities remitting less than the full principal amount due. The principal loss for these two securities totaled $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. These losses were anticipated in the cumulative OTTI charges recorded for these two securities.
 
Credit related impairment for mortgage-backed securities were determined for each security by estimating losses based on the following set of assumptions, (1) delinquency and foreclosure levels, (2) projected losses at various loss severity levels and, (3) credit enhancement and coverage. Based on these reviews, an OTTI charge was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2010, on four private issue CMOs of $4.6 million before tax, of which $1.1 million was charged against earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Income and $3.5 million before tax ($2.0 million after-tax) was recorded in AOCI. The Company recorded credit related OTTI charges totaling $3.1 million on four private issue CMOs during the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
The portion of the above mentioned OTTI, recorded during the year ended December 31, 2010, that was related to credit losses was calculated using the following significant assumptions: (1) delinquency and foreclosure levels of 10%-20%, (2) projected loss severity of 30%- 50%, (3) assumed default rates of 5%-12% for the first 12 months, 2%-10% for the next 12 months, 2%-8% for the next six months, 2%-4% for the next six months and 2% thereafter, and prepayment speeds of 10%-30%.
 
It was not anticipated at that the four private issue securities for which an OTTI charge during the year ended December 31, 2010 was not recorded, would be settled at a price that was less than the current amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities was performing according to its terms and in the opinion of management, will continue to perform according to their terms. The Company did not have the intent to sell these securities and it was more likely than not the Company would not be required to sell the securities before recovery of the securities amortized cost basis. This conclusion was based upon considering the Company’s cash and working capital requirements, and contractual and regulatory obligations, none of which the Company believes would cause the sale of the securities. Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2010.
 
GNMA:
The unrealized losses on the securities issued by GNMA were caused by movements in interest rates. It was not anticipated that these securities would be settled at a price that was less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities was performing according to its terms, and, in the opinion of management, would continue to perform according to its terms. The Company did not have the intent to sell these securities and it was more likely than not the Company would not be required to sell the securities before recovery of the securities amortized cost basis. This conclusion was based upon considering the Company’s cash and working capital requirements, and contractual and regulatory obligations, none of which the Company believes would cause the sale of the securities. Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2010.
 
FNMA:
The unrealized losses on the securities issued by FNMA were caused by movements in interest rates. It was not anticipated that these securities would be settled at a price that was less than the amortized cost of the Company’s investment. Each of these securities was performing according to its terms, and, in the opinion of management, would continue to perform according to its terms. The Company did not have the intent to sell these securities and it was more likely than not the Company would not be required to sell the securities before recovery of the securities amortized cost basis. This conclusion was based upon considering the Company’s cash and working capital requirements, and contractual and regulatory obligations, none of which the Company believes would cause the sale of the securities. Therefore, the Company did not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2010.
 
111

 
6. Bank Premises and Equipment, Net
 
Bank premises and equipment are as follows at December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
Land
  $ 3,551     $ 3,551  
Building and leasehold improvements
    21,964       20,133  
Equipment and furniture
    23,128       21,578  
Total
    48,643       45,262  
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    24,226       22,221  
Bank premises and equipment, net
  $ 24,417     $ 23,041  
 
7. Deposits
 
Total deposits at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the weighted average rate on deposits at December 31, 2011, are as follows:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
Weighted
Average
Rate
2011
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-bearing deposits:
                 
Certificate of deposit accounts
  $ 1,529,110     $ 1,520,572       2.31 %
Savings accounts
    349,630       388,512       0.32  
Money market accounts
    200,183       371,998       0.33  
NOW accounts
    919,029       786,015       0.67  
Total interest-bearing deposits
    2,997,952       3,067,097          
Non-interest bearing demand deposits
    118,507       96,198          
Total due to depositors
    3,116,459       3,163,295          
Mortgagors' escrow deposits
    29,786       27,315       0.21  
Total deposits
  $ 3,146,245     $ 3,190,610          
 
The aggregate amount of time deposits with denominations of $100,000 or more (excluding brokered deposits) was $565.7 million and $474.9 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The aggregate amount of brokered deposits was $444.8 million and $513.6 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
All of FCB deposits are collateralized by securities or letters of credit issued by FHLB-NY. The letters of credit are collateralized by mortgage loans pledged by the Savings Bank on behalf of FCB, thorough an agreement among the Savings Bank, FCB and the FHLB-NY.
 
At December 31, 2011, there were $358.0 million in securities and $392.3 million of letters of credit pledged as collateral for $591.0 million in deposits at FCB. At December 31, 2010, there were $397.7 million in securities and $254.6 million of letters of credit pledged as collateral for $570.5 million in deposits at FCB.
 
Interest expense on deposits is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
Certificate of deposit accounts
  $ 38,372     $ 39,044     $ 49,987  
Savings accounts
    2,091       3,334       5,529  
Money market accounts
    1,309       3,713       5,290  
NOW accounts
    6,610       7,511       5,906  
Total due to depositors
    48,382       53,602       66,712  
Mortgagors' escrow deposits
    49       53       66  
Total interest expense on deposits
  $ 48,431     $ 53,655     $ 66,778  
 
112

 
Scheduled remaining maturities of certificate of deposit accounts are summarized as follows for the years ended December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
Within 12 months
  $ 662,610     $ 362,392  
More than 12 months to 24 months
    249,324       466,352  
More than 24 months to 36 months
    262,904       207,840  
More than 36 months to 48 months
    219,864       241,982  
More than 48 months to 60 months
    91,678       199,651  
More than 60 months
    42,730       42,355  
Total certificate of deposit accounts
  $ 1,529,110     $ 1,520,572  

8. Borrowed Funds and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
 
Borrowed funds and securities sold under agreements to repurchase are summarized as follows at December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Average
Rate
   
Amount
   
Weighted
Average
Rate
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
                         
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate:
                       
Due in 2011
  $ -       -     $ 10,000       4.87  
Due in 2012
    18,000       4.71       18,000       4.71  
Due in 2013
    30,000       2.92       50,000       3.78  
Due in 2014
    9,300       1.27       -       -  
Due in 2016
    70,000       3.89       30,000       4.98  
Due in 2017
    58,000       4.19       58,000       4.32  
                                 
Total repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    185,300       3.77       166,000       4.35  
                                 
FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate:
                               
Due in 2011
    -       -       141,550       4.48  
Due in 2012
    62,000       3.59       136,000       4.37  
Due in 2013
    10,000       1.30       42,526       2.99  
Due in 2014
    79,911       3.02       79,911       3.02  
Due in 2015
    115,964       1.45       12,376       1.74  
Due in 2016
    96,919       1.99       18,094       1.95  
Due in 2017
    108,734       3.93       80,000       4.41  
Total FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate
    473,528       2.67       510,457       3.93  
                                 
Junior subordinated debentures - adjustable rate Due in 2037
    26,311       16.96       32,226       13.89  
                                 
Total borrowings
  $ 685,139       3.51 %   $ 708,683       4.47 %
 
113

 
Borrowings which have call provisions are summarized as follows at December 31, 2011:
 
   
Amount
   
Rate
   
Maturity Date
   
Call Date
   
(Dollars in thousands)
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
  $ 18,000       4.28    
10/18/2017
   
1/18/2012
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    18,000       4.71    
4/19/2012
   
1/19/2012
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    10,000       3.99    
7/27/2016
   
1/27/2012
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    10,000       4.89    
7/28/2016
   
1/30/2012
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    20,000       5.02    
7/28/2016
   
1/30/2012
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    10,000       2.81    
5/7/2013
   
2/7/2012
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    10,000       2.91    
8/7/2013
   
2/7/2012
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    20,000       4.05    
9/19/2017
   
3/19/2012
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    20,000       4.26    
9/21/2017
   
3/21/2012
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    10,000       3.88    
6/27/2016
   
3/27/2012
Repurchase agreements - fixed rate
    20,000       2.20    
7/12/2016
   
7/14/2014
FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate
    20,000       4.43    
10/10/2017
   
1/9/2012
FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate
    10,000       4.13    
9/18/2017
   
3/19/2012
FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate
    10,000       4.32    
9/18/2017
   
3/19/2012
FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate
    10,000       4.15    
9/18/2017
   
3/19/2012
FHLB-NY advances - fixed rate
    30,000       4.60    
10/10/2017
   
10/9/2012
 
As part of the Company’s strategy to finance investment opportunities and manage its cost of funds, the Company enters into repurchase agreements with broker-dealers and the FHLB-NY. These agreements are recorded as financing transactions and the obligations to repurchase are reflected as a liability in the consolidated financial statements. The securities underlying the agreements were delivered to the broker-dealers or the FHLB-NY who arranged the transaction. The securities remain registered in the name of the Company and are returned upon the maturity of the agreement. The Company retains the right of substitution of collateral throughout the terms of the agreements. All the repurchase agreements are collateralized by mortgage-backed securities. Information relating to these agreements at or for the years ended December 31 is as follows:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Book value of collateral
  $ 236,446     $ 209,561  
Estimated fair value of collateral
    236,446       209,561  
Average balance of outstanding agreements during the year
    171,092       174,750  
Maximum balance of outstanding agreements at a month end during the year
    185,300       186,900  
Average interest rate of outstanding agreements during the year
    4.07 %     4.30 %

Pursuant to a blanket collateral agreement with the FHLB-NY, advances are secured by all of the Savings Bank’s stock in the FHLB-NY and certain qualifying mortgage loans in an amount at least equal to 110% of the advances outstanding. The Savings Bank may also pledge mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities, and other securities not otherwise pledged.
 
The Holding Company has three trusts formed under the laws of the State of Delaware for the purpose of issuing capital and common securities, and investing the proceeds thereof in junior subordinated debentures of the Holding Company. Each of these trusts issued $20.6 million of securities with a fixed-rate for the first five years, after which they will reset quarterly based on a spread over 3-month LIBOR. The securities are first callable at par after five years, and pay cumulative dividends. The Holding Company has guaranteed the payment of these trusts’ obligations under their capital securities. The terms of the junior subordinated debentures are the same as those of the capital securities issued by the trusts. The junior subordinated debentures issued by the Holding Company are carried at fair value in the consolidated financial statements.
 
114

 
The table below shows the terms of the securities issued by the trusts.
 
   
Flushing Financial
Capital Trust II
Flushing Financial
Capital Trust III
Flushing Financial
Capital Trust IV
Issue Date
 
June 20, 2007
June 21, 2007
July 3, 2007
Initial Rate
 
7.14%
6.89%
6.85%
First Reset Date
 
September 1, 2012
June 15, 2012
July 30,2012
Spread over 3-month LIBOR
 
1.41%
1.44%
1.42%
Maturity Date
 
September 1, 2037
September 15, 2037
July 30, 2037
 
The consolidated financial statements do not include the securities issued by the trusts, but rather include the junior subordinated debentures of the Holding Company.
 
9. Income Taxes
 
Flushing Financial Corporation files consolidated Federal and combined New York State and New York City income tax returns with its subsidiaries, with the exception of the trusts, which file separate Federal income tax returns as trusts, and FPFC, which files a separate Federal and New York State income tax return as a real estate investment trust. The Company remains subject to examination for its Federal income tax returns for the years ending on or after December 31, 2008, and for its New York State income tax returns for years ending on or after December 31, 2010. The Company recently underwent an examination of its New York City income tax returns for 2009 and 2010 for which it is waiting for a final determination. During the three years ended December 31, 2011, the Company did not recognize any material amounts of interest or penalties on income taxes.
 
The Company’s annual tax liability for New York State and New York City was the greater of a tax based on “entire net income,” “alternative entire net income,” “taxable assets” or a minimum tax. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company’s state and city tax were based on “entire net income.” For the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company’s state and city tax was based on “alternative entire net income.”
 
In September 2010, the New York State legislature passed a significant change to New York State and City tax law for thrifts, such as the Savings Bank, by eliminating the long-standing "percentage of taxable income" as a method for determining bad debt deductions. The change in the tax law also eliminated the requirement to recapture tax bad debt reserves if a thrift failed to meet the definition of a thrift institution under New York State and City tax law.
 
The Savings Bank had historically reported in its New York State and City income tax returns a deduction for bad debts based on the amount allowed under the percentage of taxable income method. This amount has historically exceeded actual bad debts incurred by the Savings Bank. Since the Savings Bank has consistently stated its intention to convert to a more “commercial-like” bank, which would have previously required the Savings Bank to recapture this excess bad debt reserve if it failed to meet the definition of a thrift under the New York State and City tax law, the Savings Bank has, in prior periods, recorded the tax liability related to the possible recapture of the excess tax bad debt reserve. As a result of the legislation passed by the New York State legislature, this tax liability will no longer be required to be recaptured. As a result, the Savings Bank reversed approximately $5.5 million of net tax liabilities through income, during the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Income tax provisions are summarized as follows for the years ended December 31:

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
Federal:
                 
Current
  $ 17,314     $ 18,205     $ 6,767  
Deferred
    435       1,138       5,420  
Total federal tax provision
    17,749       19,343       12,187  
State and Local:
                       
Current
    5,470       5,777       1,131  
Deferred
    250       (9,179 )     2,453  
Total state and local tax provision
    5,720       (3,402 )     3,584  
Total income tax provision
  $ 23,469     $ 15,941     $ 15,771  
 
115

 
The income tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Income has been provided at effective rates of 39.9%, 29.1% and 38.2% for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The effective rates differ from the statutory federal income tax rate as follows for the years ended December 31:
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
2009
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Taxes at federal statutory rate
  $ 20,586       35.0 %   $ 19,172       35.0 %   $ 14,466       35.0 %
Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from:
                                               
State and local income tax, net of Federal income tax benefit
    3,718       6.3       (2,211 )     (4.0 )     2,330       5.6  
Other
    (835 )     (1.4 )     (1,020 )     (1.9 )     (1,025 )     (2.4 )
Taxes at effective rate
  $ 23,469       39.9 %   $ 15,941       29.1 %   $ 15,771       38.2 %
 
The components of the income taxes attributable to income from operations and changes in equity are as follows for the years ended December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
Income from operations
  $ 23,469     $ 15,941     $ 15,771  
Equity:
                       
Change in fair value of securities available for sale
    8,398       2,714       10,225  
Current year actuarial losses of postretirement plans
    (1,932 )     (513 )     (690 )
Amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service credits
    223       120       156  
Effect of change in measurement date of postretirement plans
    -       -       -  
Compensation expense for tax purposes in (excess) or less than that recognized for financial reporting purposes
    (292 )     (12 )     184  
Total income taxes
  $ 29,866     $ 18,250     $ 25,646  
 
116

 
The components of the net deferred tax asset are as follows at December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
Deferred tax asset:
           
Postretirement benefits
  $ 3,658     $ 4,024  
Allowance for loan losses
    13,305       12,189  
Stock based compensation
    1,942       2,010  
Depreciation
    1,041       772  
Fair value adjustment on financial assets carried at fair value
    4,024       3,082  
Other-than-temporary impairment charges
    3,035       3,085  
Adjustment required to recognize funded status of postretirement pension plans
    5,362       3,653  
Other
    1,871       1,951  
Deferred tax asset
    34,238       30,766  
                 
Deferred tax liability:
               
Core deposit intangibles
    411       618  
Valuation differences resulting from acquired assets and liabilities
    2,898       2,949  
Fair value adjustment on financial liabilities carried at fair value
    15,776       13,230  
Unrealized gains on securities available for sale
    9,120       722  
Other
    1,993       1,840  
Deferred tax liability
    30,198       19,359  
                 
Net deferred tax asset included in other assets
  $ 4,040     $ 11,407  
 
The Company has recorded a deferred tax asset of $34.2 million. This represents the anticipated net federal, state and local tax benefits expected to be realized in future years upon the utilization of the underlying tax attributes comprising this balance. The Company has reported taxable income for federal, state, and local tax purposes in each of the past three years. In management’s opinion, in view of the Company’s previous, current and projected future earnings trend, the probability that some of the Company’s $30.2 million deferred tax liability can be used to offset a portion of the deferred tax asset, as well as certain tax planning strategies, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be fully realized. Accordingly, no valuation allowance was deemed necessary for the deferred tax asset at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
The Company does not have uncertain tax positions that are deemed material. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties on income taxes in operating expenses. During the three years ended December 31, 2011, the Company did not recognize any material amounts of interest or penalties on income taxes.
 
10. Stock Based Compensation
 
For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 the Company’s net income, as reported, includes $2.7 million, $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation costs and $1.1 million, $0.9 million and $0.8 million of income tax benefits related to the stock-based compensations plans.
 
The Company estimates the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes valuation model that uses the assumptions noted in the table below. Key assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options include the exercise price of the award, the expected option term, the expected volatility of the Company’s stock price, the risk-free interest rate over the options’ expected term and the annual dividend yield. The Company uses the fair value of the common stock on the date of award to measure compensation cost for restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the vesting period of the award, using the straight line method. There were no stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. There were 118,100 stock options granted for the year ended December 31, 2009. There were 214,095, 169,820 and 143,987 restricted stock units granted for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
117

 
The following are the significant weighted assumptions relating to the valuation of the Company’s stock options granted for the year ended December 31:
 
 
2009
   
Dividend yield
6.16%
Expected volatility
34.99%
Risk-free interest rate
2.27%
Expected option life (years)
7 years
 
The 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (“Omnibus Plan”) authorizes the Compensation Committee to grant a variety of equity compensation awards as well as long-term and annual cash incentive awards, all of which can be structured so as to comply with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company has applied the shares previously authorized by stockholders under the 1996 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan and the 1996 Stock Option Incentive Plan for use as full value awards and non-full value awards, respectively, for future awards under the Omnibus Plan. On May 17, 2011, stockholders approved an amendment to the Omnibus Plan authorizing an additional 625,000 shares available for use for full value awards. As of December 31, 2011, there are 725,997 shares available for full value awards and 1,380 shares available for non-full value awards. To satisfy stock option exercises or fund restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, shares are issued from treasury stock, if available, otherwise new shares are issued. Grants and awards under the 1996 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan and the 1996 Stock Option Incentive Plan prior to the effective date of the Omnibus Plan remained outstanding as issued. The Company will maintain separate pools of available shares for full value as opposed to non-full value awards, except that shares can be moved from the non-full value pool to the full value pool on a 3-for-1 basis. During the year ended December 31, 2010, 301,333 shares were transferred from the non-full value pool to the full value pool, which increased the full value pool by 100,444 shares. The exercise price per share of a stock option grant may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock of the Company, as defined in the Omnibus Plan, on the date of grant, and may not be repriced without the approval of the Company’s stockholders. Options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock based awards granted under the Omnibus Plan are generally subject to a minimum vesting period of three years with stock options having a 10-year contractual term. Other awards do not have a contractual term of expiration. Restricted stock unit awards include participants who have reached or are close to reaching retirement eligibility, at which time such awards fully vest. These amounts are included in stock-based compensation expense.
 
Full Value Awards: The first pool is available for full value awards, such as restricted stock unit awards. The pool will be decreased by the number of shares granted as full value awards. The pool will be increased from time to time by the number of shares that are returned to or retained by the Company as a result of the cancellation, expiration, forfeiture or other termination of a full value award (under the Omnibus Plan or the 1996 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan); the settlement of such an award in cash; the delivery to the award holder of fewer shares than the number underlying the award, including shares which are withheld from full value awards; or the surrender of shares by an award holder in payment of the exercise price or taxes with respect to a full value award. The Omnibus Plan will allow the Company to transfer shares from the non-full value pool to the full value pool on a 3-for-1 basis, but does not allow the transfer of shares from the full value pool to the non-full value pool.
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s full value awards at or for the year ended December 31, 2011:

Full Value Awards  
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 
             
Non-vested at December 31, 2010
    287,004     $ 13.02  
Granted
    214,095       14.52  
Vested
    (129,182 )     14.06  
Forfeited
    (8,328 )     13.86  
Non-vested at December 31, 2011
    363,589     $ 13.52  
                 
Vested but unissued at December 31, 2011
    87,904     $ 12.92  
 
118

 
As of December 31, 2011, there was $3.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested full value awards granted under the Omnibus Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.9 years. The total fair value of awards vested for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $1.8 million, $1.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The vested but unissued full value awards consist of awards made to employees and directors who are eligible for retirement. According to the terms of the Omnibus Plan, these employees and directors have no risk of forfeiture. These shares will be issued at the original contractual vesting dates.
 
Non-Full Value Awards: The second pool is available for non-full value awards, such as stock options. The pool will be increased from time to time by the number of shares that are returned to or retained by the Company as a result of the cancellation, expiration, forfeiture or other termination of a non-full value award (under the Omnibus Plan or the 1996 Stock Option Incentive Plan). The second pool will not be replenished by shares withheld or surrendered in payment of the exercise price or taxes, retained by the Company as a result of the delivery to the award hold of fewer shares than the number underlying the award, or the settlement of the award in cash.
 
The following table summarizes certain information regarding the non-full value awards, all of which have been granted as stock options, at or for the year ended December 31, 2011:
 
Non-Full Value Awards  
Shares
   
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
   
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
($000)*
 
                         
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
    1,247,888     $ 14.51              
Granted
    -       -              
Exercised
    (178,310 )     11.75              
Forfeited
    (93,938 )     12.98              
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
    975,640     $ 15.16    
3.4 years
  $ 473  
Exercisable shares at December 31, 2011
    856,500     $ 15.51    
3.0 years
  $ 189  
Vested but unexercisable shares at December 31, 2011
    3,600     $ 14.58    
6.3 years
  $ 5  
 
* The intrinsic value of a stock option is the difference between the market value of the underlying stock and the exercise price of the option.
 
As of December 31, 2011, there was $0.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested non-full value awards granted under the Omnibus Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years. The vested but unexercisable non-full value awards were made to employees who are eligible for retirement. According to the terms of the Omnibus Plan, these employees and directors have no risk of forfeiture. These shares will be exercisable at the original contractual vesting dates.
 
Cash proceeds, fair value received, tax benefits, and intrinsic value related to stock options exercised, and the weighted average grant date fair value for options granted, during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 are provided in the following table:
 
(In thousands, except grant date fair value)
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Proceeds from stock options exercised
  $ 2,040     $ 458     $ 627  
Fair value of shares received upon exercise of stock options
    54       370       251  
Tax benefit related to stock options exercised
    184       19       39  
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised
    427       182       177  
                         
Weighted average fair value on grant date
    n/a       n/a       1.26  
 
Phantom Stock Plan: The Company maintains a non-qualified phantom stock plan as a supplement to its profit sharing plan for officers who have achieved the level of Senior Vice President and above and completed one year of service. However, officers who had achieved at least the level of Vice President and completed one year of service prior to January 1, 2009 remain eligible to participate in the phantom stock plan. Awards are made under this plan on certain compensation not eligible for awards made under the profit sharing plan, due to the terms of the profit sharing plan and the Internal Revenue Code. Employees receive awards under this plan proportionate to the amount they would have received under the profit sharing plan, but for limits imposed by the profit sharing plan and the Internal Revenue Code. The awards are made as cash awards, and then converted to common stock equivalents (phantom shares) at the then current market value of the Company’s common stock. Dividends are credited to each employee’s account in the form of additional phantom shares each time the Company pays a dividend on its common stock. In the event of a change of control (as defined in this plan), an employee’s interest is converted to a fixed dollar amount and deemed to be invested in the same manner as his interest in the Savings Bank’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Employees vest under this plan 20% per year for 5 years. Employees also become 100% vested upon a change of control. Employees receive their vested interest in this plan in the form of a cash lump sum payment or installments, as elected by the employee, after termination of employment. The Company adjusts its liability under this plan to the fair value of the shares at the end of each period.
 
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The following table summarizes the Company’s Phantom Stock Plan at or for the year ended December 31, 2011:

Phantom Stock Plan
 
Shares
   
Fair Value
 
             
Outstanding at December 31, 2010
    30,970     $ 14.00  
Granted
    8,510       13.96  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Distributions
    (225 )     13.28  
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
    39,255     $ 12.63  
Vested at December 31, 2011
    39,000     $ 12.63  
 
The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense (benefit) for the phantom stock plan of $(34,000), $95,000 and $27,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The total fair value of distributions from the phantom stock plan were $3,000, $5,000 and $6,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
11. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
The Company sponsors a qualified pension, 401(k), and profit sharing plan for its employees. The Company also sponsors postretirement health care and life insurance benefits plans for its employees, a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for officers who have achieved the level of at least senior vice president, and a non-qualified pension plan for its outside directors. Effective January 1, 2010, life insurance benefits were no longer available for future retirees. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Atlantic Liberty Retirement Plan was merged into the Employee Retirement Plan.
 
The Company recognizes the funded status of a benefit plan – measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation – in the statement of financial condition, with the unrecognized credits and charges recognized, net of taxes, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. These credits or charges arose as a result of gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arose during prior periods but were not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. The amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, on a pre-tax basis, consist of the following, as of December 31:

   
Net Actuarial
loss (gain)
   
Prior Service
cost (credit)
   
Total
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
Employee Retirement Plan
  $ 12,223     $ 9,148     $ 8,042     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 12,223     $ 9,148     $ 8,042  
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
    1,028       342       491       (879 )     (964 )     (1,049 )     149       (622 )     (558 )
Atlantic Liberty Retirement Plan
    -       -       78       -       -       -       -       -       78  
Outside Directors Plan
    (394 )     (515 )     (549 )     250       290       330       (144 )     (225 )     (219 )
Total
  $ 12,857     $ 8,975     $ 8,062     $ (629 )   $ (674 )   $ (719 )   $ 12,228     $ 8,301     $ 7,343  
 
 
120

 
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income to be recognized as components of net periodic expense for these plans in 2012 are as follows:
 
   
Net Actuarial
loss (gain)
   
Prior Service
cost (credit)
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Employee Retirement Plan
  $ 1,050     $ -     $ 1,050  
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
    40       (85 )     (45 )
Outside Directors Plan
    (29 )     40       11  
    $ 1,061     $ (45 )   $ 1,016  
 
Employee Retirement Plan:
The Savings Bank has a funded noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan covering substantially all of its salaried employees who were hired before September 1, 2005 (the “Retirement Plan”). The benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s compensation during the three consecutive years out of the final ten years of service, which was completed prior to September 30, 2006, the date the Retirement Plan was frozen, that produces the highest average. The Savings Bank’s funding policy is to contribute annually the amount recommended by the Retirement Plan’s actuary. The Savings Bank’s Retirement Plan invests in diversified equity and fixed-income funds, which are independently managed by a third party. The Company contributed $2.7 million to the Retirement Plan during the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company did not make a contribution to the Retirement Plan during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009. The Company used a December 31 measurement date for the Retirement Plan.

The following table sets forth, for the Retirement Plan, the change in benefit obligation and assets, and for the Company, the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
           
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 17,972     $ 15,970  
Service cost
    -       63  
Interest cost
    919       892  
Actuarial loss
    3,101       1,477  
Merger of Atlantic Liberty pension plan
    -       489  
Benefits paid
    (891 )     (919 )
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
    21,101       17,972  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Market value of assets at beginning of year
    13,027       12,252  
Actual return on plan assets
    551       1,256  
Merger of Atlantic Liberty pension plan
    -       400  
Employer contributions
    2,734       38  
Benefits paid
    (891 )     (919 )
Market value of plan assets at end of year
    15,421       13,027  
                 
Accrued pension cost included in other liabilities
  $ (5,680 )   $ (4,945 )

Assumptions used to determine the Retirement Plan’s benefit obligations are as follows at December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Weighted average discount rate
    4.25 %     5.25 %
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
    n/a       n/a  
Expected long-term rate of return on assets
    8.00 %     8.50 %
 
121

 
The accumulated benefit obligation for the Retirement Plan was $21.1 million and $18.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
The components of the net pension expense for the Retirement Plan are as follows for the years ended December 31:

   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
Service cost
  $ -     $ 63     $ -  
Interest cost
    919       892       911  
Amortization of unrecognized loss
    639       362       318  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,164 )     (1,247 )     (1,282 )
Net pension expense (benefit)
    394       70       (53 )
                         
Current year actuarial (gain) loss
    3,714       1,468       (740 )
Amortization of actuarial loss
    (639 )     (362 )     (318 )
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
    3,075       1,106       (1,058 )
Total recognized in net pension cost (benefit) and other comprehensive income
  $ 3,469     $ 1,176     $ (1,111 )
 
Assumptions used to develop periodic pension benefit for the Retirement Plan for the years ended December 31 were:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Weighted average discount rate
    5.25 %     5.75 %     5.75 %
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
    n/a       n/a       n/a  
Expected long-term rate of return on assets
    8.00 %     8.50 %     8.50 %

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid by the Retirement Plan:
 
For the years ending December 31:
 
Future
Benefit
Payments
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2012
  $ 963  
2013
    1,007  
2014
    1,025  
2015
    1,080  
2016
    1,125  
2017 – 2021
    5,740  

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

The Retirement Plan’s weighted average asset allocations at December 31, by asset category, were:
   
2011
   
2010
 
Equity securities
    64 %     67 %
Debt securities
    36 %     33 %
 
122

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

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

The Savings Bank expects to make a contribution of $479,000 to the Retirement Plan in 2012.
 
The following table sets forth the employee pension plan’s assets that are carried at fair value, and the method that was used to determine their fair value, at December 31, 2011:
 
         
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   
Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Mutual Funds - Equity
                       
U.S. large-cap growth (a)
  $ 3,363     $ 3,363     $ -     $ -  
U.S. large-cap value (b)
    3,340       3,340       -       -  
U.S. small-cap blend (c)
    1,700       1,700       -       -  
International blend (d)
    1,422       1,422       -       -  
                                 
Fixed Income Securities
                               
PIMCO bond fund (e)
    5,096       -       5,096       -  
                                 
Other
                               
Prudential short term (f)
    500       -       500       -  
                                 
Total
  $ 15,421     $ 9,825     $ 5,596     $ -  
 
(a)
Comprised of large-cap stocks seeking to outperform, over the long term, the Russell 1000 Growth Index. The portfolio will typically hold between 55 and 70 stocks.
(b)
Comprised of large-cap stocks seeking to outperform the Russell 1000® Value benchmark over the rolling three and five year periods, or a full market cycle, whichever is longer.
(c)
Comprised of stocks with market capitalization of between $100 million and the market capitalization of the largest stock in the Russell 2000 index at the time of purchase. The portfolio will typically hold between 40 and 100 stocks.
(d)
Comprised of non-U.S. domiciled stocks. The portfolio will typically hold between 80 and 90 stocks.
(e)
Comprised of a portfolio of fixed income securities including U.S agency mortgage-backed securities and investment grade bonds.
(f)
Comprised of money market instruments with an emphasis on safety and liquidity.

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans:
The Company sponsors two unfunded postretirement benefit plans (the “Postretirement Plans”) that cover all retirees who were full-time permanent employees with at least five years of service, and their spouses. Effective January 1, 2011, the Postretirement Plans are no longer available for new hires. One plan provides medical benefits through a 50% cost sharing arrangement. Effective January 1, 2000, the spouses of future retirees were required to pay 100% of the premiums for their coverage. The other plan provides life insurance benefits and is noncontributory. Effective January 1, 2010, life insurance benefits are not be available for future retirees. Under these programs, eligible retirees receive lifetime medical and life insurance coverage for themselves and lifetime medical coverage for their spouses. The Company reserves the right to amend or terminate these plans at its discretion.
 
123

 
Comprehensive medical plan benefits equal the lesser of the normal plan benefit or the total amount not paid by Medicare. Life insurance benefits for retirees are based on annual compensation and age at retirement. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has not funded these plans. The Company used a December 31 measurement date for these plans.
 
The following table sets forth, for the Postretirement Plans, the change in benefit obligation and assets, and for the Company, the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
           
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 4,013     $ 3,727  
Service cost
    313       271  
Interest cost
    207       210  
Actuarial loss (gain)
    686       (141 )
Benefits paid
    (53 )     (54 )
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
    5,166       4,013  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Market value of assets at beginning of year
    -       -  
Employer contributions
    53       54  
Benefits paid
    (53 )     (54 )
Market value of plan assets at end of year
    -       -  
                 
Accrued pension cost included in other liabilities
  $ (5,166 )   $ (4,013 )
 
The accumulated benefit obligation for the Postretirement Plans was $5.2 million and $4.0 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Assumptions used in determining the actuarial present value of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations at December 31 are as follows:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Rate of return on plan assets
    n/a       n/a  
Discount rate
    4.25 %     5.25 %
Rate of increase in health care costs
               
Initial     10.50 %     11.50 %
Ultimate (year 2017)     5.50 %     5.50 %
Annual rate of salary increase for life insurance
    n/a       n/a  
 
124

 
The resulting net periodic postretirement expense consisted of the following components for the years ended December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
Service cost
  $ 313     $ 271     $ 219  
Interest cost
    207       210       228  
Amortization of unrecognized (gain) loss
    -       8       -  
Amortization of past service (credit) liability
    (85 )     (85 )     8  
Net postretirement benefit expense
    435       404       455  
                         
Current year actuarial (gain) loss
    686       (141 )     571  
Current year prior service credit
    -       -       (1,153 )
Amortization of actuarial gain
    -       (8 )     -  
Amortization of prior service credit (liability)
    85       85       (8 )
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
    771       (64 )     (590 )
Total recognized in net postretirement expense and other comprehensive income
  $ 1,206     $ 340     $ (135 )
 
Assumptions used to develop periodic postretirement expense for the Postretirement Plans for the years ended December 31 were:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Rate of return on plan assets
    n/a       n/a       n/a  
Discount rate
    5.75 %     5.75 %     5.75 %
Rate of increase in health care costs
                       
Initial     11.50 %     12.00 %     12.00 %
Ultimate (year 2017)     5.50 %     5.00 %     5.00 %
Annual rate of salary increase for life insurance
    n/a       n/a       n/a  
 
The health care cost trend rate assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. A one percentage point change in assumed health care trend rates would have the following effects:
 
   
Increase
   
Decrease
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
  $ 828     $ (643 )
Effect on total service and interest cost
    142       (108 )

The Company expects to pay benefits of $153,000 under its Postretirement Plans in 2012.
 
The following benefit payments under the Postretirement Plan, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid
 
For the years ending December 31:
 
Future Benefit
Payments
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2012
  $ 153  
2013
    163  
2014
    177  
2015
    200  
2016
    217  
2017 - 2021
    1,416  
 
125

 
Defined Contribution Plans:
The Company maintains a tax qualified 401(k) plan which covers substantially all salaried employees who have completed one year of service. Currently, annual matching contributions under the Savings Bank’s 401(k) plan equal 50% of the employee’s contributions, up to a maximum of 3% of the employee’s compensation. In addition, the 401(k) plan includes the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan (“DCRP”), under which the Savings Bank contributes an amount equal to 4% of an employee’s eligible compensation as defined in the plan, and the Profit Sharing Plan (“PSP”), under which at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors a contribution is made. Contributions for the DCRP and PSP are made in the form of Company common stock at or after the end of each year. Annual contributions under these plans are subject to the limits imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions by the Company into the 401(k) plan vest 20% per year over the employee's first five years of service. Contributions to these plans also 100% vest upon a change of control (as defined in the applicable plan). Compensation expense recorded by the Company for these plans amounted to $2.3 million, $2.2 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
The Savings Bank provides a non-qualified deferred compensation plan as an incentive for officers who have achieved the level of at least Senior Vice President and have at least one year of service. However, officers who had achieved at least the level of Vice President and completed one year of service prior to January 1, 2009 remain eligible to participate in the plan. In addition to the amounts deferred by the officers, the Savings Bank matches 50% of their contributions, generally up to a maximum of 5% of the officers’ salary. Matching contributions under this plan vest 20% per year for five years. They also become 100% vested upon a change of control (as defined in the plan). Compensation expense recorded by the Company for these plans amounted to $0.3 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.
 
Employee Benefit Trust:
An Employee Benefit Trust (“EBT”) has been established to assist the Company in funding its benefit plan obligations. In connection with the Savings Bank’s conversion to a federal stock savings bank in 1995, the EBT borrowed $7,928,000 from the Company and used $7,000 of cash received from the Savings Bank to purchase 2,328,750 shares of the common stock of the Company. The loan was repaid from the Company’s discretionary contributions to the EBT and dividend payments received on common stock held by the EBT. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the loan was fully repaid. Dividend payments received subsequent to the loan being repaid are used to purchase additional shares of common stock. Shares purchased with the loan proceeds are held in a suspense account for contribution to specified benefit plans. Shares released from the suspense account are used solely for funding matching contributions under the Savings Bank’s 401(k) plan, contributions to the 401(k) plan for the DCRP, and contributions to the PSP. Since annual contributions are discretionary with the Company or dependent upon employee contributions, compensation payable under the EBT cannot be estimated. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company funded $2.0 million, $1.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of employer contributions to the 401(k) and profit sharing plans from the EBT.
 
Upon a change of control (as defined in the EBT), the EBT will terminate and any trust assets remaining after repayment of the Company’s loan to the EBT and certain benefit plan contributions will be distributed to all full-time employees of the Company with at least one year of service, in proportion to their compensation over the four most recently completed calendar years plus the portion of the current year prior to the termination of the EBT.
 
As shares are released from the suspense account, the Company reports compensation expense equal to the current market price of the shares, and the shares become outstanding for earnings per share computations. The EBT shares are as follows at December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
             
Shares owned by Employee Benefit Trust, beginning balance
    1,248,575       1,382,699  
Shares purchased
    43,069       -  
Shares released and allocated
    (144,312 )     (134,124 )
Shares owned by Employee Benefit Trust, ending balance
    1,147,332       1,248,575  
                 
Market value of unallocated shares.
  $ 14,490,803     $ 17,480,050  
 
126

 
Outside Director Retirement Plan:
The Savings Bank has an unfunded noncontributory defined benefit Outside Director Retirement Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”), which provides benefits to each non-employee director who became a non-employee director before January 1, 2004, who has at least five years of service as a non-employee director and whose years of service as a non-employee director plus age equals or exceeds 55. Benefits are also payable to a non-employee director who became a non-employee director before January 1, 2004 and whose status as a non-employee director terminates because of death or disability or who is a non-employee director upon a change of control (as defined in the Directors’ Plan). Any person who became a non-employee director after January 1, 2004 is not eligible to participate in the Directors’ Plan. An eligible director who terminates after November 22, 2005 will be paid an annual retirement benefit equal to $48,000. Such benefit will be paid in equal monthly installments for the lesser of the number of months such director served as a non-employee director or 120 months. In the event of a termination of Board service due to a change of control, a non-employee director who has completed at least two years of service as a non-employee director will receive a cash lump sum payment equal to 120 months of benefit, and a non-employee director with less than two years of service will receive a cash lump sum payment equal to a number of months of benefit equal to the number of months of his service as a non-employee director. In the event of the director’s death, the surviving spouse will receive the equivalent benefit. No benefits will be payable to a director who is removed for cause. The Holding Company has guaranteed the payment of benefits under the Directors’ Plan. Upon adopting the Directors’ Plan, the Savings Bank elected to immediately recognize the effect of adopting the Directors’ Plan. Subsequent plan amendments are amortized as a past service liability. The Savings Bank used a December 31 measurement date for the Directors’ Plan.
 
The following table sets forth, for the Directors’ Plan, the change in benefit obligation and assets, and for the Company, the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
Change in benefit obligation:
           
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 2,473     $ 2,387  
Service cost
    70       66  
Interest cost
    124       130  
Actuarial (loss) gain
    67       (23 )
Benefits paid
    (87 )     (87 )
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
    2,647       2,473  
                 
Change in plan assets:
               
Market value of assets at beginning of year
    -       -  
Employer contributions
    87       87  
Benefits paid
    (87 )     (87 )
Market value of plan assets at end of year
    -       -  
                 
Accrued pension cost included in other liabilities
  $ (2,647 )   $ (2,473 )
 
The accumulated benefit obligation for the Directors’ Plan was $2.6 million and $2.5 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
127

 
The components of the net pension expense for the Directors’ Plan are as follows for the years ended December 31:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
Service cost
  $ 70     $ 66     $ 80  
Interest cost
    124       130       138  
Amortization of unrecognized gain
    (54 )     (58 )     (21 )
Amortization of past service liability
    40       40       40  
Net pension expense
    180       178       237  
                         
Current actuarial loss (gain)
    67       (23 )     (199 )
Amortization of actuarial gain
    54       58       21  
Amortization of prior service cost
    (40 )     (40 )     (40 )
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
    81       (5 )     (218 )
Total recognized in net pension expense and other comprehensive income
  $ 261     $ 173     $ 19  
 
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and periodic pension expense for the Directors’ Plan for the years ended December 31 were:
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Weighted average discount rate for the benefit obligation
    4.25 %     5.25 %     5.75 %
Weighted average discount rate for periodic pension benefit expense
    5.25 %     5.75 %     5.75 %
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
    n/a       n/a       n/a  
 
The following benefit payments under the Directors’ Plan, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid:
 
For the years ending December 31:
 
Future Benefit
Payments
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2012
  $ 231  
2013
    256  
2014
    260  
2015
    288  
2016
    288  
2017 – 2021
    987  
 
The Savings Bank expects to make payments of $231,000 under its Directors’ Plan in 2012.
 
12. Stockholders’ Equity
 
Preferred Stock and Dividend Restrictions on the Company:
On December 19, 2008, pursuant to a Purchase Agreement, under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”), the Company issued to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the “U.S. Treasury”) for aggregate consideration of $70.0 million (i) 70,000 shares of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), par value $0.01 per share and liquidation preference $1,000 per share, and (ii) a Warrant to purchase up to 751,611 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at an initial price of $13.97 per share. Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company’s ability to declare or pay dividends on any of its shares was limited. Specifically, the Company was unable to declare dividend payments on common, junior preferred or pari passu preferred shares if it was in arrears on the dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock. Further, the Company could not increase dividends on its common stock above the amount of the last quarterly cash dividend per share declared prior to October 14, 2008, or $0.13 per common share, without the U.S. Treasury’s approval until the third anniversary of the investment unless all of the Series B Preferred Stock has been redeemed or transferred. In addition, the Company’s ability to repurchase its common shares was restricted. U.S. Treasury consent generally was required for any stock repurchase until the third anniversary of the investment by the U.S. Treasury unless all of the Series B Preferred Stock has been redeemed or transferred. Further, common, junior preferred or pari passu preferred shares could not be repurchased if the Company was in arrears on the Series B Preferred Stock dividends.
 
128

 
The proceeds from issuance of these securities were allocated to the Series B Preferred Stock and to the Warrant based on their relative fair values, which resulted in an initial book value of $68.6 million for the Series B Preferred Stock and $1.4 million for the Warrant. The resulting discount for the Series B Preferred Stock was to be accreted over five years through retained earnings as a preferred stock dividend. The Warrant was to remain in additional paid-in-capital at its initial book value until it was exercised or expired.
 
The redemption of the Series B Preferred Stock on October 28, 2009 removed the restrictions on the Company’s ability to declare and pay dividends or repurchase its common stock. The unamortized discount related to the Series B Preferred Stock was charged to retained earnings on its redemption date.
 
Issuance of Common Stock:
On September 22, 2009, the Company completed a public offering for 8,317,400 shares of common stock at a price of $11.50 per share. On October 1, 2009, the underwriters exercised their over-allotment option to purchase an additional 1,012,610 common shares at $11.50 per share. The net proceeds of the offering after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses were $101.5 million.
 
Redemption of Preferred Stock
The common stock offering discussed above was a Qualified Equity Offering. As a result of this Qualified Equity Offering, the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the warrant issued to the U.S. Treasury was reduced by one-half. On October 28, 2009, the Company redeemed the Series B Preferred Stock for $70.0 million plus all accrued and unpaid dividends. On December 30, 2010, the Company repurchased the Warrant for $0.9 million.
 
Other Dividend Restrictions on the Savings Bank:
In connection with the Savings Bank’s conversion from mutual to stock form in November 1995, a special liquidation account was established at the time of conversion, in accordance with the requirements of our primary regulator, which was equal to its capital as of June 30, 1995. The liquidation account is reduced as and to the extent that eligible account holders have reduced their qualifying deposits. Subsequent increases in deposits do not restore an eligible account holder’s interest in the liquidation account. In the event of a complete liquidation of the Savings Bank, each eligible account holder will be entitled to receive a distribution from the liquidation account in an amount proportionate to the current adjusted qualifying balances for accounts then held. As of December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank’s liquidation account was $1.5 million, and was presented within retained earnings.
 
In addition to the restriction described above, Federal banking regulations place certain restrictions on dividends paid by the Savings Bank to the Holding Company. The total amount of dividends which may be paid at any date is generally limited to the net income of the Savings Bank for the current year and prior two years, less any dividends previously paid from those earnings. As of December 31, 2011, the Savings Bank had $73.0 million in retained earnings available to distribute to the Holding Company in the form of cash dividends.
 
In addition, dividends paid by the Savings Bank to the Holding Company would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Savings Bank’s capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements.
 
Stockholder Rights Plan:
The Holding Company has adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan under which each stockholder has one right to purchase from the Holding Company, for each share of common stock owned, one one-hundredth of a share of Series A junior participating preferred stock at a price of $65. The rights will become exercisable only if a person or group acquires 15% or more of the Holding Company’s common stock or commences a tender or exchange offer which, if consummated, would result in that person or group owning at least 15% of the Common Stock (the “acquiring person or group”). In such case, all stockholders other than the acquiring person or group will be entitled to purchase, by paying the $65 exercise price, Common Stock (or a common stock equivalent) with a value of twice the exercise price. In addition, at any time after such event, and prior to the acquisition by any person or group of 50% or more of the Common Stock, the Board of Directors may, at its option, require each outstanding right (other than rights held by the acquiring person or group) to be exchanged for one share of Common Stock (or one common stock equivalent). If a person or group becomes an acquiring person and the Holding Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination or sells more than 50% of its assets or earning power, each right will entitle all other holders to purchase, by payment of $65 exercise price, common stock of the acquiring company with a value of twice the exercise price. The rights plan expires on September 30, 2016.
 
129

 
Treasury Stock Transactions:
The Holding Company repurchased 624,088 common shares at an average cost of $11.72 during the year ended December 31, 2011. The Holding Company did not repurchase any common shares during the year ended December 31, 2010. At December 31, 2011, 737,962 shares remain to be repurchased under the current stock repurchase program. Stock will be purchased under the current stock repurchase program from time to time, in the open market or through private transactions, subject to market conditions. There is no expiration or maximum dollar amount under this authorization.
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the changes during the year ended December 31, 2011 are as follows:
 
   
December 31,
2011
   
Other
Comprehensive
Income
   
December 31,
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale
  $ 11,679     $ 10,776     $ 903  
Net actuarial loss on pension plans and other postretirement benefits
    (7,216 )     (2,194 )     (5,022 )
Prior service (cost) credit on pension plans and other postretirement benefits
    350       (25 )     375  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ 4,813     $ 8,557     $ (3,744 )
 
Shelf Registration Statement:
On November 26, 2008, the Company filed a shelf registration statement which allows the Company to periodically offer and sell, individually or in any combination, preferred stock, common stock, warrants to purchase preferred or common stock, and debt securities, up to a total of $170.0 million. The shelf registration was declared effective on January 8, 2009. The Company’s ability to issue debt or equity under this shelf registration is subject to market conditions and its capital needs. The common shares issued during 2009 were issued under this shelf registration statement. The preferred shares and warrants to purchase common stock the Company issued to the U.S. Treasury were registered under a separate shelf registration.
 
Following the issuance of common shares during 2009, the Company had the ability to periodically offer and sell, individually or in any combination, preferred stock, common stock, warrants to purchase preferred or common stock, and debt securities up to $62.7 million. On November 18, 2010, the Company filed a shelf registration statement to bring the amount to allow the Company to periodically offer and sell, individually or in any combination, preferred stock, common stock, warrants to purchase preferred or common stock, and debt securities, back up to a total of $170.0 million.
 
13. Regulatory Capital
 
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) imposes a number of mandatory supervisory measures on banks and thrift institutions. Among other matters, FDICIA established five capital zones or classifications (well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized). Such classifications are used by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and other bank regulatory agencies to determine matters ranging from each institution’s quarterly FDIC deposit insurance premium assessments, to approvals of applications authorizing institutions to grow their asset size or otherwise expand business activities. Under OCC capital regulations, the Savings Bank is required to comply with each of three separate capital adequacy standards. As of December 31, 2010, the Savings Bank continues to be categorized as “well-capitalized” by the OCC under the prompt corrective action regulations and continues to exceed all regulatory capital requirements.
 
130

 
Set forth below is a summary of the Savings Bank’s compliance with OCC capital standards.
 
   
December 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
Amount
   
Percent of
Assets
   
Amount
   
Percent of
Assets
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
                         
Tier I (leverage) capital:
                       
Capital level
  $ 410,356       9.63 %   $ 395,284       9.18 %
Requirement to be well capitalized
    213,156       5.00       215,379       5.00  
Excess
    197,200       4.63       179,905       4.18  
                                 
Tier I risk-based capital:
                               
Capital level
  $ 410,356       14.26 %   $ 395,284       13.07 %
Requirement to be well capitalized
    172,611       6.00       181,462       6.00  
Excess
    237,745       8.26       213,822       7.07  
                                 
Total risk-based capital:
                               
Capital level
  $ 440,700       15.32 %   $ 422,983       13.98 %
Requirement to be well capitalized
    287,684       10.00       302,476       10.00  
Excess
    153,016       5.32       120,507       3.98  

FCB is subject to identical capital standards. At December 31, 2011, FCB’s tangible, leverage and core, and risk-based capital ratios were 9.91%, 63.39%, and 63.39%, respectively. FCB was categorized “well-capitalized” under regulatory guidelines at December 31, 2011.
 
14. Commitments and Contingencies
 
Commitments:
The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and lines of credit. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and market risks in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
 
The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty to the financial instrument for loan commitments and lines of credit is represented by the contractual amounts of these instruments.
 
Commitments to extend credit (principally real estate mortgage loans) and lines of credit (principally home equity lines of credit) amounted to $43.2 million and $35.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011. Included in these commitments were $27.5 million of fixed-rate commitments at a weighted average rate of 4.94%, and $51.1 million of adjustable-rate commitments with a weighted average rate, as of December 31, 2011, of 2.71%. Since generally all of the loan commitments are expected to be drawn upon, the total loan commitments approximate future cash requirements, whereas the amounts of lines of credit may not be indicative of the Company’s future cash requirements. The loan commitments generally expire in 90 days, while construction loan lines of credit mature within eighteen months and home equity lines of credit mature within ten years. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.
 
Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and require payment of a fee. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. Collateral held consists primarily of real estate.
 
FCB collateralized a portion of their deposits with letters of credit issued by FHLB-NY. At December 31, 2011, there were $392.3 million of letters of credit outstanding. The letters of credit are collateralized by mortgage loans pledged by the Savings Bank on behalf of FCB, thorough an agreement among the Savings Bank, FCB and the FHLB-NY.
 
The Trusts issued capital securities in June and July 2007 with a par value of $61.9 million. The Holding Company has guaranteed the payment of the Trusts’ obligations under these capital securities.
 
131

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

   
Minimum Rental
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Years ended December 31:
     
2012
  $ 3,565  
2013
    3,606  
2014
    3,428  
2015
    2,968  
2016
    2,883  
Thereafter
    19,111  
Total minimum payments required
  $ 35,561  
 
The leases have escalation clauses for operating expenses and real estate taxes. Certain lease agreements provide for increases in rental payments based upon increases in the consumer price index. Rent expense under these leases for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was approximately $3.8 million, $3.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively.
 
Contingencies:
The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. Management of the Company, after consultation with outside legal counsel, believes that the resolution of these various matters will not result in any material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
15. Concentration of Credit Risk
 
The Company’s lending is concentrated in the metropolitan New York City metropolitan area. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis under the Company’s established underwriting policies. The collateral obtained by the Company generally consists of first liens on one-to-four family residential, multi-family residential, and commercial real estate. At December 31, 2011, the largest amount the Savings Bank could lend to one borrower was approximately $61.6 million, and at that date, the Savings Bank’s largest aggregate amount of loans to one borrower was $41.3 million, all of which were performing according to their terms.
 
16. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The Company carries certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments” and values those financial assets and financial liabilities in accordance with ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC topic 825 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. At December 31, 2011, the Company carried financial assets and financial liabilities under the fair value option with fair values of $68.7 million and $26.3 million, respectively. At December 31, 2010, the Company carried financial assets and financial liabilities under the fair value option with fair values of $73.0 million and $32.2 million, respectively. The Company elected to measure at fair value securities with a cost of $10.0 million that were purchased during the year ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company elected to measure at fair value securities with a cost of $5.0 million that were purchased during the year.
 
132

 
The following table presents the financial assets and financial liabilities reported at fair value under the fair value option, and the changes in fair value included in the Consolidated Statement of Income – Net gain (loss) from fair value adjustments, at or for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
 
   
Fair Value
   
Fair Value
   
Changes in Fair Values For Items Measured at Fair Value
   
Measurements
   
Measurements
   
Pursuant to Election of the Fair Value Option
   
at December 31,
   
at December 31,
   
For the year ended
   
For the year ended
   
For the year ended
 
Description
 
2011
   
2010
   
December 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
(Dollars in thousands)
                             
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ 37,787     $ 51,475     $ (665 )   $ 774     $ 3,933  
Other securities
    30,942       21,574       (1,138 )     618       659  
Borrowed funds
    26,311       32,226       5,916       3,549       1,523  
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
    -       -       -       -       485  
Net gain from fair value adjustments *
                  $ 4,113     $ 4,941     $ 6,600  
 
* The net gain from fair value adjustments presented in the above table does not include losses of $2.2 million, $4.9 million and $1.6 million from the change in the fair value of interest rate caps recorded during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Included in the fair value of the financial assets and financial liabilities selected for the fair value option is the accrued interest receivable or payable for the related instrument. One pooled trust preferred security is over 90 days past due and the Company has stopped accruing interest. The Company continues to accrue on the remaining financial instruments, and report as interest income or interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income, the interest receivable or payable on the financial instruments selected for the fair value option at their respective contractual rates.
 
The borrowed funds have a contractual principal amount of $61.9 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The fair value of borrowed funds includes accrued interest payable of $0.4 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
The Company generally holds its earning assets, other than securities available for sale, to maturity and settles its liabilities at maturity. However, fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time and are based on relevant market information. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular instrument. Accordingly, as assumptions change, such as interest rates and prepayments, fair value estimates change and these amounts may not necessarily be realized in an immediate sale.
 
Disclosure of fair value does not require fair value information for items that do not meet the definition of a financial instrument or certain other financial instruments specifically excluded from its requirements. These items include core deposit intangibles and other customer relationships, premises and equipment, leases, income taxes, foreclosed properties and equity.
 
Further, fair value disclosure does not attempt to value future income or business. These items may be material and accordingly, the fair value information presented does not purport to represent, nor should it be construed to represent, the underlying “market” or franchise value of the Company.
 
Financial assets and financial liabilities reported at fair value are required to be measured based on either: (1) quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments (level 1), (2) significant other observable inputs (level 2), or (3) significant unobservable inputs (level 3).
 
133

 
A description of the methods and significant assumptions utilized in estimating the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:
 
Level 1 – where quoted market prices are available in an active market. The Company did not value any of its assets or liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis as Level 1 at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
Level 2 – when quoted market prices are not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar financial instruments and adjusted for differences between the quoted instrument and the instrument being valued. Fair value can also be estimated by using pricing models, or discounted cash flows. Pricing models primarily use market-based or independently sourced market parameters as inputs, including, but not limited to, yield curves, interest rates, equity or debt prices, and credit spreads. In addition to observable market information, models also incorporate maturity and cash flow assumptions. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, Level 2 included mortgage related securities, mutual funds, corporate debt and interest rate caps.
 
Level 3 – when there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, financial instruments are classified as Level 3. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, Level 3 includes trust preferred securities owned by and junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company.
 
The methods described above may produce fair values that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with those of other market participants, the use of different methodologies, assumptions, and models to determine fair value of certain financial instruments could produce different estimates of fair value at the reporting date.
The following table sets forth the Company's assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis, classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy for the period indicated:
 
   
For the year ended
December 31, 2011
   
For the year ended
December 31, 2010
 
   
Trust preferred
securities
   
Junior subordinated
debentures
   
Trust preferred
securities
   
Junior subordinated
debentures
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                         
Beginning balance
  $ 10,144     $ 32,226     $ 10,153     $ 34,510  
Transfer into Level 3
    -       -       -       -  
Net loss from fair value adjustment of financial assets
    (1,577 )     -       (224 )     -  
Net gain from fair value adjustment of financial liabilities
    -       (5,915 )     -       (2,284 )
Increase in accrued interest
                    -       -  
Other-than-temporary impairment
    -       -       (988 )     -  
Change in unrealized gains(losses) included in other comprehensive income
    (2,935 )     -       1,203       -  
Ending balance
  $ 5,632     $ 26,311     $ 10,144     $ 32,226  
 
134

 
The following table sets forth the Company's assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis, and the method that was used to determine their fair value, at December 31:
 
   
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Other
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total carried at fair value
on a recurring basis
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                                                 
Assets:
                                               
Securities available for sale
                                               
Mortgage-backed Securities
  $ -     $ -     $ 747,288     $ 754,077     $ -     $ -     $ 747,288     $ 754,077  
Other securities
    -       -       59,610       39,968       5,632       10,144       65,242       50,112  
Interest rate caps
    -       -       356       2,509       -       -       356       2,509  
                                                                 
Total assets
  $ -     $ -     $ 807,254     $ 796,554     $ 5,632     $ 10,144     $ 812,886     $ 806,698  
                                                                 
                                                                 
Liabilities:
                                                               
Borrowings
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 26,311     $ 32,226     $ 26,311     $ 32,226  
                                                                 
Total liabilities
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 26,311     $ 32,226     $ 26,311     $ 32,226  
 
The following table sets forth the Company's assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a non-recurring basis, and the method that was used to determine their fair value, at December 31:
 
   
Quoted Prices
in Active Markets
for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Other
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   
Total carried at fair value
on a recurring basis
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
                                                 
Assets:
                                               
Impaired loans
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 48,555     $ 51,615     $ 48,555     $ 51,615  
Real estate owned
    -       -       -       -       3,179       1,588       3,179       1,588  
                                                                 
Total assets
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 51,734     $ 53,203     $ 51,734     $ 53,203  
 
The company did not have any liabilities that were carried at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
The estimated fair value of each material class of financial instruments at December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the related methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value are as follows:
 
Cash and Due From Banks, Overnight Interest-Earning Deposits and Federal Funds Sold, FHLB-NY Stock, Bank Owned Life Insurance, Interest and Dividends Receivable, Mortgagors’ Escrow Deposits and Other Liabilities:

The carrying amounts are a reasonable estimate of fair value.
 
Securities Available for Sale:
The estimated fair values of securities available for sale are contained in Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Fair value is based upon quoted market prices (Level 1 input), where available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities and adjusted for differences between the quoted instrument and the instrument being valued (Level 2 input). When there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, securities are valued using (Level 3 input).
 
135

 
Loans:
The estimated fair value of loans, with carrying amounts of $3,228.9 million and $3,276.3 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, was $3,407.5 million and $3,359.8 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Fair value is estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and remaining maturities (Level 2 input).
 
For impaired loans, fair value is estimated based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent (Level 3 input).
 
Due to Depositors:
The estimated fair value of Due to depositors, with carrying amounts of $3,116.5 million and $3,163.3 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, was $3,181.6 million and $3,212.6 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
The fair value of demand, passbook savings, NOW and money market deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting dates (i.e. their carrying value). The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposits are estimated by discounting the expected future cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities (Level 2 input).
 
Borrowings:
The estimated fair value of borrowings, with carrying amounts of $685.1 million and $708.7 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, was $728.1 million and $736.4 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
The fair value of borrowings is estimated by discounting the contractual cash flows using interest rates in effect for borrowings with similar maturities and collateral requirements (Level 2 input) or using a market-standard model (Level 3 input).
 
Interest Rate Caps:
The estimated fair value of interest rate caps was $0.4 million and $2.5 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company did not designate the interest rate cap agreements as hedges as defined under the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the FASB ASC. Interest rate caps are carried at fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements in Other assets and changes in their fair value are recorded through earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Income in Net gain (loss) from fair value adjustments. The Company purchased interest rate caps during 2009 with a notional amount of $100.0 million. The Company uses interest rate caps to manage its exposure to rising interest rates on its financial liabilities without stated maturities. Fair value for interest rate caps is based upon broker quotes (Level 2 input). The Company recorded losses of $2.2 million and $4.9 million from the changes in their fair value during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Other Real Estate Owned:
OREO are carried at fair value. The fair value is based on appraised value through a current appraisal, or at times through an internal review, additionally adjusted by the estimated costs to sell the property. (Level 3 input).

Other Financial Instruments:
The fair values of commitments to sell, lend or borrow are estimated using the fees currently charged or paid to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle with the counterparties at the reporting date. For fixed-rate loan commitments to sell, lend or borrow, fair values also consider the difference between current levels of interest rates and committed rates (where applicable).
 
At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the fair values of the above financial instruments approximate the recorded amounts of the related fees and were not considered to be material.
 
17. New Authoritative Accounting Pronouncements
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-06, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” The update requires the following additional disclosures. 1) Separately disclose the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. 2) Information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements need to be disclosed separately in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using Level 3. The update provides for amendments to existing disclosures as follows. 1) Fair value measurement disclosures are to be made for each class of assets and liabilities. 2) Disclosures about valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The update also includes conforming amendments to guidance on employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets. The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
136

 
In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 855 “Subsequent Events.” The update provides that an SEC filer is required to evaluate subsequent events through the date financial statements are issued. However, an SEC filer is not required to disclose the date through which subsequent events has been evaluated. The update was effective as of the date of issuance. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 310 “Receivables.” The purpose of this update is to provide financial statement users with greater transparency about an entity’s allowance for credit losses and the credit quality of its financing receivables. The update requires disclosures that facilitate financial statement users’ evaluation of the following: (1) the nature of credit risk inherent in the entity’s portfolio of financing receivables; (2) how that risk is analyzed and assessed in arriving at the allowance for credit losses; and (3) the changes and reasons for those changes in the allowance for credit losses. An entity is required to provide disclosures on a disaggregated basis by portfolio segment and class of financing receivables. This update requires the expansion of currently required disclosures about financing receivables as well as requiring additional disclosures about financing receivables. The disclosures as of the end of a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. The disclosures about activity that occurs during a reporting period are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements “Loans.”
 
In January 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-01, which temporarily delays the effective date of the required disclosures about troubled debt restructurings contained in ASU No. 2010-20. The delay is intended to allow the FASB additional time to deliberate what constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. All other amendments contained in ASU No. 2010-20 are effective as issued. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-02, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 310 “Receivables.” The update provides clarifying guidance as to what constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. The update provides clarifying guidance on a creditor’s evaluation of the following: (1) how a restructuring constitutes a concession and (2) if the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. The amendments in this update are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after June 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively to the beginning of the annual period of adoption. In addition, disclosures about troubled debt restructurings which were delayed by the issuance of ASU No. 2011-01, are effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after June 15, 2011. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements “Loans.”
 
In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 860 “Transfers and Servicing.” The amendments in this update remove from the assessment of effective control (1) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee and (2) the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The amendments in this update are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. Early adoption is not permitted. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 820 “Fair Value Measurement.” The amendments in this update clarify how to measure and disclose fair value under ASC Topic 820. The amendments in this update are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. Early adoption is not permitted. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
137

 
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 220 “Comprehensive Income.” The amendments eliminate the option to present components of other comprehensive income in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, the new guidance requires entities to present all nonowner changes in stockholders’ equity either as a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or as two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in this update are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011 and must be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, which amends the authoritative accounting guidance under ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” The amendments in the update permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in Topic 350. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. The amendments in this update are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed as of a date before September 15, 2011, if an entity’s financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued. Adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.
 
18. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)
Selected unaudited quarterly financial data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 is presented below:
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
4th
   
3rd
   
2nd
   
1st
   
4th
   
3rd
   
2nd
   
1st
 
   
(In thousands, except per share data)
Quarterly operating data:
                                               
Interest income
  $ 54,644     $ 56,329     $ 56,499     $ 57,026     $ 56,610     $ 58,271     $ 56,939     $ 57,808  
Interest expense
    17,920       19,228       19,704       19,871       21,555       22,410       23,499       24,303  
Net interest income
    36,724       37,101       36,795       37,155       35,055       35,861       33,440       33,505  
Provision for loan losses
    6,500       5,000       5,000       5,000       6,000       5,000       5,000       5,000  
Other operating income
    2,980       4,295       2,135       871       2,056       1,949       1,718       2,577  
Other operating expense
    19,369       19,490       18,865       20,015       17,183       17,656       17,610       17,936  
Income before income tax expense
    13,835       16,906       15,065       13,011       13,928       15,154       12,548       13,146  
Income tax expense
    5,664       6,756       5,991       5,058       5,379       526       4,875       5,161  
Net income
  $ 8,171     $ 10,150     $ 9,074     $ 7,953     $ 8,549     $ 14,628     $ 7,673     $ 7,985  
                                                                 
                                                                 
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 0.27     $ 0.33     $ 0.29     $ 0.26     $ 0.28     $ 0.48     $ 0.25     $ 0.26  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 0.27     $ 0.33     $ 0.29     $ 0.26     $ 0.28     $ 0.48     $ 0.25     $ 0.26  
Dividends per common share
  $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13     $ 0.13  
                                                                 
Average common shares outstanding for:
                                                               
Basic earnings per share
    30,371       30,679       30,823       30,620       30,373       30,359       30,352       30,257  
Diluted earnings per share
    30,387       30,693       30,864       30,686       30,415       30,378       30,399       30,286  

 
138

 
19. Parent Company Only Financial Information
 
Earnings of the Savings Bank are recognized by the Holding Company using the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, earnings of the Savings Bank are recorded as increases in the Holding Company’s investment, any dividends would reduce the Holding Company’s investment in the Bank, and any changes in the Savings Bank’s unrealized gain or loss on securities available for sale, net of taxes, would increase or decrease, respectively, the Holding Company’s investment in the Savings Bank. The condensed financial statements for the Holding Company are presented below:
 
Condensed Statements of Financial Condition
 
December 31,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Assets:
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 18,798     $ 18,066  
Securities available for sale:
               
Other securities ($2,612 and $2,563 at fair value pursuant to the fair value option at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    3,180       3,314  
Interest receivable
    12       12  
Investment in subsidiaries
    429,353       405,988  
Goodwill
    2,185       2,185  
Other assets
    4,521       4,525  
Total assets
  $ 458,049     $ 434,090  
                 
Liabilities:
               
Borrowings (at fair value pursuant to the fair value option at December 31, 2011 and 2010)
  $ 26,311     $ 32,227  
Other liabilities
    14,827       11,818  
Total liabilities
    41,138       44,045  
                 
Stockholders' Equity:
               
Preferred stock
    -       -  
Common stock
    315       313  
Additional paid-in capital
    195,628       189,348  
Treasury stock, at average cost (626,418 shares and none at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively)
    (7,355 )     -  
Retained earnings
    223,510       204,128  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
    4,813       (3,744 )
Total equity
    416,911       390,045  
                 
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 458,049     $ 434,090  

   
For the years ended December 31,
 
Condensed Statements of Income
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
Dividends from the Savings Bank
  $ 20,000     $ 10,000     $ -  
Interest income
    753       750       1,175  
Interest expense
    (4,325 )     (4,324 )     (4,325 )
Gain on sale of securities
    -       -       7  
Net (loss) gain from fair value adjustments
    5,725       2,253       (1,415 )
Other operating expenses
    (746 )     (737 )     (829 )
Income before taxes and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary
    21,407       7,942       (5,387 )
Income tax (expense) benefit
    (585 )     972       2,397  
Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary
    20,822       8,914       (2,990 )
Equity in undistributed earnings of the Savings Bank
    14,526       29,921       28,551  
Net income
  $ 35,348     $ 38,835     $ 25,561  

 
139

 
   
For the years ended December 31,
 
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
Operating activities:
                 
Net income
  $ 35,348     $ 38,835     $ 25,561  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Equity in undistributed earnings of the Savings Bank
    (14,526 )     (29,921 )     (28,551 )
Net loss on sale of securities
    -       -       7  
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision
    3,003       972       (502 )
Fair value adjustments for financial assets and financial liabilities
    (5,726 )     (2,253 )     1,415  
Stock based compensation expense
    2,720       2,154       2,041  
Net change in operating assets and liabilities
    1,542       1,499       3,258  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    22,361       11,286       3,229  
                         
Investing activities:
                       
Purchases of securities available for sale
    (37 )     (62 )     (107 )
Proceeds from sales and calls of securities available for sale
    -       750       494  
Investment in subsidiary
    -       -       (23,500 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (37 )     688       (23,113 )
                         
Financing activities:
                       
Purchase of treasury stock
    (7,722 )     (347 )     (231 )
Cash dividends paid
    (15,910 )     (15,788 )     (14,989 )
Issuance of common stock
    -       -       101,537  
Redemption of preferred stock
    -       -       (70,900 )
Stock options exercised
    2,040       458       627  
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (21,592 )     (15,677 )     16,044  
                         
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    732       (3,703 )     (3,840 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    18,066       21,769       25,609  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 18,798     $ 18,066     $ 21,769  
 
140

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Flushing Financial Corporation
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Flushing Financial Corporation (a Delaware Corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Flushing Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Flushing Financial Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated March 15, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion.


/S/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
 
New York, New York
March 15, 2012
 
141

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Flushing Financial Corporation
 
We have audited Flushing Financial Corporation (a Delaware Corporation) and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Flushing Financial Corporation and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on Flushing Financial Corporation and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Flushing Financial Corporation and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statements of financial condition of Flushing Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011 and our report dated March 15, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion.


/S/ GRANT THORNTON LLP


New York, New York
March 15, 2012
 
142

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

None.
 
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company carried out, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2011, the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective. During the period covered by this Annual Report, there have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, and for performing an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
Management performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011 based upon criteria in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2011 based on those criteria issued by COSO.
 
Grant Thornton LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued a report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, as stated in its report which appears on page 142.
 
Item 9B. Other Information.
 
None.
 
143

 
PART III
 
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
 
Other than the disclosures below, information regarding the directors and executive officers of the Company appears in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 15, 2012 (“Proxy Statement”) under the captions “Board Nominees,” “Continuing Directors,” “Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors” and “Meeting and Committees of the Board of Directors – Audit Committee” and is incorporated herein by this reference. Information regarding Section 16(a) beneficial ownership appears in the Company’s Proxy Statement under the caption “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and is incorporated herein by this reference.

Code of Ethics. The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of its directors, officers and employees. This code is publicly available on the Company’s website at: https://www.snl.com/Cache/1500039036.PDF?D=&O=PDF&IID=102398&Y=&T=&FID=1500039036 Any substantive amendments to the code and any grant of a waiver from a provision of the code requiring disclosure under applicable SEC or NASDAQ rules will be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K.
 
Audit Committee Financial Expert. The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that Louis C. Grassi, the Chairman of the Audit Committee, is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K, and that he is independent as defined under applicable NASDAQ listing standards. Mr. Grassi is a certified public accountant and a certified fraud examiner.
 
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
 
Information regarding executive compensation appears in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Executive Compensation” and is incorporated herein by this reference.
 
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
 
Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners appears in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and is incorporated herein by this reference.
Information regarding security ownership of management appears in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Stock Ownership of Management” and is incorporated herein by this reference.
 
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
 
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and directors independence, appears in the Proxy Statement under the captions “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Related Party Transactions” and is incorporated herein by this reference.
 
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
 
Information regarding fees paid to the Company’s independent auditor appears in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Schedule of Fees to Independent Auditors” and is hereby incorporated by this reference.
 
144

 
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
 
(a)
1.
Financial Statements
 
The following financial statements are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report and are incorporated herein by this reference:
·    
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2011 and 2010
·    
Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011
·    
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011
·    
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011
·    
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
·    
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
Financial Statement Schedules
 
Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Annual Report and are incorporated herein by this reference.
 
145

 
 
 
Exhibits Required by Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K

Exhibit
Number
Description
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 20, 2005 by and between Flushing Financial Corporation and Atlantic Liberty Financial Corp. (10)
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of Flushing Financial Corporation (1)
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Flushing Financial Corporation (5)
3.3
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Flushing Financial Corporation
3.4
Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Flushing Financial Corporation (6)
3.5
Certificate of Increase of Shares Designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of Flushing Financial Corporation (13)
3.6
By-Laws of Flushing Financial Corporation (1)
3.7
Certificate of Designation relating to the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Series B (14)
4.1
Rights Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2006, between Flushing Financial Corporation and Computershare Trust Company N.A., as Rights Agent, which includes the form of Certificate of Increase of Shares Designated as Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock as Exhibit A, form of Right Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock as Exhibit C (12)
4.2
Flushing Financial Corporation has outstanding certain long-term debt. None of such debt exceeds ten percent of Flushing Financial Corporation’s total assets; therefore, copies of constituent instruments defining the rights of the holders of such debt are not included as exhibits. Copies of instruments with respect to such long-term debt will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
10.1*
Form of Amended and Restated Employment Agreements between Flushing Savings Bank, FSB and Certain Officers (15)
10.2*
Form of Amended and Restated Employment Agreements between Flushing Financial Corporation and Certain Officers (15)
10.3*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Flushing Financial Corporation and John R. Buran (15)
10.4*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Flushing Savings Bank, FSB and John R. Buran (15)
10.5*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Flushing Financial Corporation and Maria A. Grasso (15)
10.6*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Flushing Savings Bank, FSB and Maria A. Grasso (15)
10.7*
Flushing Savings Bank Specified Officer Change in Control Severance Policy (16)
10.8*
Amended and Restated Employee Severance Compensation Plan of Flushing Savings Bank, FSB (4)
10.9*
Amended and Restated Outside Director Retirement Plan (11)
10.10*
Amended and Restated Flushing Savings Bank, FSB Outside Director Deferred Compensation Plan (4)
10.11*
Amended and Restated Flushing Savings Bank, FSB Supplemental Savings Incentive Plan (15)
10.12
Form of Indemnity Agreement among Flushing Savings Bank, FSB, Flushing Financial Corporation, and each Director (2)
10.13
Form of Indemnity Agreement among Flushing Savings Bank, FSB, Flushing Financial Corporation, and Certain Officers (2)
10.14*
Employee Benefit Trust Agreement (1)
10.15*
Amendment to the Employee Benefit Trust Agreement (3)
10.16*
Loan Document for Employee Benefit Trust (1)
10.17*
Guarantee by Flushing Financial Corporation (1)
10.18*
Consulting Agreement between Flushing Savings Bank, FSB, Flushing Financial Corporation and Gerard P. Tully, Sr. (15)
10.19*
1996 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan of Flushing Financial Corporation (8)
10.20*
1996 Stock Option Incentive Plan of Flushing Financial Corporation (7)
10.21*
Description of Outside Director Fee Arrangements (15)
10.22*
Form of Outside Director Restricted Stock Award Letter (9)
10.23*
Form of Outside Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Letter
10.24*
Form of Outside Director Stock Option Grant Letter (9)
10.25*
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Award Letter (9)
10.26*
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Unit Award Letter
 
146

 
10.27*
Form of Employee Stock Option Award Letter (9)
10.28*
Amended and Restated Flushing Financial Corporation 2005 Omnibus Incentive Plan (17)
10.29*
Annual Incentive Plan for Executives and Senior Officers
21.1
Subsidiaries information incorporated herein by reference to Part I – Subsidiary Activities
23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith)
31.2
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith)
32.1
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C, Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith)
32.2
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C, Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith)
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document (furnished herewith)
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (furnished herewith)
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (furnished herewith)
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (furnished herewith)
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (furnished herewith)
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (furnished herewith)

*Indicates compensatory plan or arrangement.
______________
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed September 1, 1995, Registration No. 33-96488.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.
(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form S-8 filed May 31, 2002.
(6)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
(7)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit filed with Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
(8)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004.
(9)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.
(10)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit filed with Form 8-K filed December 23, 2005.
(11)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006.
(12)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit filed with Form 8-K filed September 11, 2006.
(13)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit filed with Form 8-K filed September 26, 2006.
(14)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 8-K filed December 23, 2008.
(15)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibits filed with Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
(16)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit filed with Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.
(17)
Incorporated by reference to Appendices filed with Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed April 7, 2011.
 
147

 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report, or amendment thereto, to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in New York, New York, on March 15, 2012.
 
  FLUSHING FINANCIAL CORPORATION
     
  By /S/JOHN R. BURAN
    John R. Buran
    President and CEO
 
POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
We, the undersigned directors and officers of Flushing Financial Corporation (the “Company”) hereby severally constitute and appoint John R. Buran and David W. Fry as our true and lawful attorneys and agents, each acting alone and with full power of substitution and re-substitution, to do any and all things in our names in the capacities indicated below which said John R. Buran or David W. Fry may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Company to comply with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with the report on Form 10-K, or amendment thereto, including specifically, but not limited to, power and authority to sign for us in our names in the capacities indicated below the report on Form 10-K, or amendment thereto; and we hereby approve, ratify and confirm all that said John R. Buran or David W. Fry shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report on Form 10-K, or amendment thereto, has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Signature
 
Title
Date
       
/S/JOHN R. BURAN
 
Director, President (Principal Executive Officer)
March 7, 2012
John R. Buran
     
       
/S/JOHN E. ROE, SR.
 
Director, Chairman
March 7, 2012
John E. Roe, Sr.
     
       
/S/DAVID W. FRY
 
Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
March 7, 2012
David W. Fry
     
       
   
Director
March 7, 2012
James D. Bennett
     
       
/S/STEVEN J. D'IORIO
 
Director
March 7, 2012
Steven J. D'Iorio
     
 
148

 
/S/LOUIS C. GRASSI
 
Director
March 7, 2012
Louis C. Grassi
     
       
/S/SAM S. HAN
 
Director
March 7, 2012
Sam S. Han
     
       
/S/MICHAEL J. HEGARTY
 
Director
March 7, 2012
Michael J. Hegarty
     
       
/S/JOHN J. MCCABE
 
Director
March 7, 2012
John J. McCabe
     
       
/S/VINCENT F. NICOLOSI
 
Director
March 7, 2012
Vincent F. Nicolosi
     
       
/S/DONNA M. O'BRIEN
 
Director
March 7, 2012
Donna M. O'Brien
     
       
/S/MICHAEL J. RUSSO
 
Director
March 7, 2012
Michael J. Russo
     
       
/S/GERARD P. TULLY, SR.
 
Director
March 7, 2012
Gerard P. Tully, Sr.
     
 
 
149