10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

OR

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

For the transition period from                   to                  

Commission File No.:  0-28312

First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Texas	71-0785261
(State or other jurisdiction	(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization)	Identification Number)

1401 Highway 62-65 North
Harrison, Arkansas	72601
(Address)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (870) 741-7641

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock (par value $.01 per share)	The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(Title of Class)	(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 o No x

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

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

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

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

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

As of June 30, 2009, the aggregate value of the 4,037,386 shares of Common Stock of the Registrant issued and outstanding on such date, which excludes 809,399 shares held by directors and officers of the Registrant as a group, was approximately $15.9 million.  This figure is based on the last sales price of $3.93 per share of the Registrant’s Common Stock on June 30, 2009.

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of April 7, 2010:  4,846,785

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

List hereunder the following documents incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K into which the document is incorporated.

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated into Part III, Items 10 through 14 of this Form 10-K.

First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc.

Form 10-K

For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

PART I.
Item 1.	Business	1
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	32
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	38
Item 2.	Properties	38
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	38
Item 4.	Removed and Reserved
PART II.
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	39
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	40
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	42
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	56
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	59
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	92
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	92
Item 9B.	Other Information	94
PART III.
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	94
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	94
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	94
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	94
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	94
PART IV.
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	95

PART I.

Item 1.  Business

GENERAL

First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc.  First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Texas corporation organized in January 1996 by First Federal Bank (“First Federal” or the “Bank”) for the purpose of becoming a unitary holding company of the Bank.  The significant asset of the Company is the capital stock of the Bank.  The business and management of the Company consists of the business and management of the Bank.  The Company does not presently own or lease any property, but instead uses the premises, equipment and furniture of the Bank.  At the present time, the Company does not employ any persons other than officers of the Bank, and the Company utilizes the support staff of the Bank from time to time.  Additional employees will be hired as appropriate to the extent the Company expands or changes its business in the future.  At December 31, 2009, the Company had $731.1 million in total assets, $687.8 million in total liabilities and $43.3 million in stockholders’ equity.

The Company’s executive office is located at the home office of the Bank at 1401 Highway 62-65 North, Harrison, Arkansas 72601, and its telephone number is (870) 741-7641.

First Federal Bank.  The Bank is a federally chartered stock savings and loan association formed in 1934.  First Federal conducts business from its main office and nineteen full service branch offices, all of which are located in a six county area in Northcentral and Northwest Arkansas comprised of Benton, Marion, Washington, Carroll, Baxter and Boone counties.  First Federal’s deposits are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”), which is administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), to the maximum extent permitted by law.

The Bank is a community-oriented financial institution offering a wide range of retail and business deposit accounts, including noninterest bearing and interest bearing checking, savings and money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts.  Loan products offered by the Bank include residential real estate, consumer, construction, lines of credit, commercial real estate and commercial non-real estate.  However, the Bank’s lending activities are currently restricted by recent regulatory orders.  See “Regulation — Regulatory Enforcement Actions.”  Other financial services include investment products offered through First Federal Investment Services, Inc.; automated teller machines; 24-hour telephone banking; internet banking, including account access, bill payment, e-statements and online loan applications; Bounce ProtectionTM overdraft service; debit cards; and safe deposit boxes.

The Bank is subject to examination and comprehensive regulation by the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”), which is the Bank’s chartering authority and primary regulator.  The Bank is also regulated by the FDIC, the administrator of the DIF.  The Bank is also subject to certain reserve requirements established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”) and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Dallas, which is one of the 12 regional banks comprising the FHLB System.

This Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management.  In addition, in those and other portions of this document, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “should” and similar expressions, or the negative thereof, as they relate to the Company or the Company’s management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future looking events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or intended.  We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.  We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.  These risks could cause our actual results for the remainder of 2010 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us and could negatively affect the Company’s operating and stock performance.

Employees

The Bank had 236 full-time employees and 38 part-time employees at December 31, 2009, compared to 268 full-time employees and 44 part-time employees at December 31, 2008.   None of these employees is represented by a collective bargaining agent, and the Bank believes that it enjoys good relations with its personnel.

Available Information

The Company makes available free of charge its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to such reports filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably practicable on or through its website located at www.ffbh.com after filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

1

Competition

The Bank faces strong competition both in attracting deposits and making loans.  Its most direct competition for deposits has historically come from other savings associations, community banks, credit unions and commercial banks, including many large financial institutions that have greater financial and marketing resources available to them.  In addition, the Bank has faced additional significant competition for investors’ funds from short-term money market securities, mutual funds and other corporate and government securities.  The ability of the Bank to attract and retain savings and certificates of deposit depends on its ability to generally provide a rate of return, liquidity and risk comparable to that offered by competing investment opportunities.  The Bank’s ability to increase checking deposits depends on offering competitive checking accounts and promoting these products through effective channels.  Additionally, the Bank offers convenient hours, locations and online services to maintain and attract customers.

The Bank experiences strong competition for loans principally from savings associations, community banks, commercial banks and mortgage companies.  The Bank competes for loans principally through the interest rates and loan fees it charges and the efficiency and quality of services it provides borrowers.

The Bank has twenty offices located in twelve cities and towns in Northwest and Northcentral Arkansas. In our combined market area of Washington, Marion, Carroll, Boone, Benton, and Baxter Counties, we had 6.53% of the deposit market share at June 30, 2009 compared to 6.87% at June 30, 2008. Of the thirteen banks in this market area, we are the third largest in our combined market area.

Corporate Overview and Strategic Initiatives

Overview.  As a community-oriented financial institution serving the borrowing and deposit needs of its primary market area of Northcentral and Northwest Arkansas, the Bank’s loan portfolio grew as a reflection of the economic strength and expansion of its primary market area.  Between December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2005, the Bank’s loan portfolio grew from $507.0 million to $790.6 million, primarily as a result of increased construction, commercial real estate, and land lending. However, beginning in late 2005, the Bank began to note an oversupply of homes and lots in the Northwest Arkansas market and limited its construction loan activity.  Construction loan originations dropped from $195.8 million in 2005 to $93.6 million in 2006, $39.0 million in 2007, $15.1 million in 2008, and $12.5 million in 2009.  This oversupply and, beginning in 2007, the current recession, resulted in an increase in nonperforming assets, which amounted to $78.0 million or 10.67% of total assets at December 31, 2009.  The costs associated with the Bank’s nonperforming assets, including the provision for loan losses and real estate owned expenses, were the primary factors in the Company’s net loss of $45.5 million for 2009.  As discussed further below, management has taken various actions to address its operational issues and will continue to devote substantial resources toward the resolution of all delinquent and nonperforming assets.

Regulatory Enforcement Actions. The OTS is the primary federal regulator of the Bank.  As a result of the loss in 2009 and the increase in nonperforming assets and based on a regulatory examination of the Company and the Bank in the fall of 2009, on April 12, 2010, the Company and the Bank each consented to the terms of Cease and Desist Orders issued by the OTS (the “Bank Order” and the “Company Order” and, together, the “Orders”).  The Orders impose certain operations restrictions on the Company and, to a greater extent, the Bank, including lending and dividend restrictions.  The Orders also require the Company and the Bank to take certain actions, including the submission to the OTS of capital plans and business plans to, among other things, preserve and enhance the capital of the Company and the Bank and strengthen and improve the consolidated Company’s operations, earnings and profitability.  The Bank Order specifically requires the Bank to achieve and maintain, by December 31, 2010, a tier 1 (core) capital ratio of at least 8% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 12%.  The Orders are described in greater detail herein under “Regulation — Regulatory Enforcement Matters.”  In addition, copies of the stipulations and the Orders are included as Exhibits 10.7 to 10.10 and are incorporated herein by reference.  The descriptions of the Orders set forth herein do not purport to be complete, and are qualified by reference to the full text of the Orders.

Any material failure by the Company and the Bank to comply with the provisions of the Orders could result in further enforcement actions by the OTS. While the Company and the Bank intend to take such actions as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of the Orders, there can be no assurance that the Company or the Bank will be able to comply fully with the Orders, or that efforts to comply with the Orders will not have adverse effects on the operations and financial condition of the Company or the Bank.  See “Risk Factors.”

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2009 contained an explanatory paragraph as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern primarily due to the Company’s loss of $45.5 million in 2009, the Bank’s significant level of criticized assets and the decline in the Bank’s capital position.  See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 herein.

2

Strategic Initiatives.  In response to the operational issues which have arisen as a result of the level of the Bank’s nonperforming assets and the difficult economic and banking environment, management has taken a number of cost saving actions, implemented various strategic initiatives and aggressively addressed the nature and level of its nonperforming assets.

During 2009, the Company reviewed all aspects of its cost structure and implemented the following cost saving measures:

·Reductions in compensation and benefits through

·decreased executive and senior management salaries,

·reduced director fees,

·reduced staffing levels,

·eliminated Company’s 401(k) match,

·suspended pay increases and bonuses;

·Reductions in discretionary expenses such as travel and entertainment, professional education and contributions;

·Reductions in advertising and public relations costs; and

·Reductions in third-party contract provider costs.

In order to complement the cost saving of the actions described above and to provide the Company with greater operational flexibility, the Company took the following actions:

·Significantly reduced lending, particularly construction and land loans;

·Increased liquidity;

·Suspended cash dividends on common and preferred stock;

·Maintained the level of its interest rate spread and net interest margin; and

·Recently hired an experienced former bank regulator as the Bank’s Credit Risk and Loan Review Manager.

The Company continues to work through the credit problems presented by the oversupply of homes and lots in the Company’s Northwest Arkansas market area, the housing market downturn and current market conditions.  In order to address the Company’s nonperforming assets, the Company has taken the following steps:

·Provided $44.4 million to its allowance for loan losses;

·Charged off $18.8 million of loans;

·Transferred over $24 million of loans to real estate owned;

·Recently hired an independent third party contractor to conduct a thorough review and analysis of its loan portfolio, including a review of collateral valuations; and

·Obtained updated appraisals or valuations on approximately 90% of the Company’s nonperforming assets.

During 2010, the Company intends to continue to proactively address the challenges presented by the economy.  The Company will focus on the following primary objectives during 2010:

·Addressing and resolving problem assets;

·Further reducing costs to achieve greater efficiency;

·Addressing and complying with all terms and conditions of the Orders; and

·Raising capital.

The Orders require the Company and the Bank to, among other things, submit a capital plan to the OTS to preserve and enhance the capital of the Company and the Bank.  In addition, the Bank Order requires the Bank to achieve and maintain a tier one core capital ratio and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8% and 12%, respectively, by December 31, 2010.  While the Company will consider all strategic alternatives available to it, including the reduction of assets, the Company currently intends to raise capital in the third or fourth quarter of 2010.

Lending Activities

General.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank’s portfolio of net loans receivable amounted to $481.5 million or 65.9% of the Company’s total assets.  The Bank has traditionally concentrated its lending activities on loans collateralized by real estate.  Consistent with such approach, $486.3 million or 93.8% of the Bank’s total portfolio of loans receivable (“total loan portfolio”) consisted of loans collateralized by real estate at December 31, 2009.  The Bank is currently subject to various lending restrictions as a result of the provisions of the Bank Order.  See “Regulation-Regulatory Enforcement Actions.”

3

Loan Composition.  The following table sets forth certain data relating to the composition of the Bank’s loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated.

	December 31,
	2009					2008					2007					2006					2005
	Amount			Percentage of Loans		Amount			Percentage of Loans		Amount			Percentage of Loans		Amount			Percentage of Loans		Amount			Percentage of Loans
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Mortgage loans:
One-to four-family residences	$	235,990		45.49	%	$	241,735		41.38	%	$	227,173		35.49	%	$	256,768		34.96	%	$	278,259		35.31	%
Home equity and second mortgage	27,022			5.21		31,712			5.43		34,315			5.36		35,192			4.79		29,210			3.71
Multifamily residential	27,987			5.40		24,147			4.13		15,616			2.44		12,203			1.66		12,900			1.64
Commercial real estate	104,618			20.17		115,935			19.85		117,548			18.36		134,647			18.33		131,181			16.65
Land loans	41,405			7.98		50,510			8.65		42,843			6.69		47,590			6.48		47,585			6.04
Total permanent loans	437,022			84.25		464,039			79.44		437,495			68.34		486,400			66.22		499,135			63.35
Construction loans
One- to four-family residences	7,102			1.37		8,450			1.45		20,815			3.25		32,146			4.38		51,579			6.55
Speculative one- to four-family residences	8,849			1.71		17,096			2.93		40,893			6.39		80,311			10.93		104,001			13.20
Multifamily residential	14,178			2.73		15,016			2.56		18,632			2.91		14,120			1.92		20,919			2.65
Commercial real estate	9,717			1.87		18,297			3.13		31,239			4.88		21,896			2.98		22,331			2.83
Land development	9,449			1.82		18,457			3.16		42,145			6.58		47,439			6.46		40,232			5.11
Total construction loans	49,295			9.50		77,316			13.23		153,724			24.01		195,912			26.67		239,062			30.34
Total mortgage loans	486,317			93.75		541,355			92.67		591,219			92.35		682,312			92.89		738,197			93.69
Commercial loans	14,575			2.81		21,922			3.75		24,846			3.88		26,281			3.58		20,835			2.64
Consumer loans:
Automobile	6,810			1.31		8,631			1.48		9,531			1.49		12,086			1.65		15,748			2.00
Other consumer	11,052			2.13		12,291			2.10		14,537			2.28		13,815			1.88		13,149			1.67
Total consumer loans	17,862			3.44		20,922			3.58		24,068			3.77		25,901			3.53		28,897			3.67
Total loans receivable	518,754			100.00	%	584,199			100.00	%	640,133			100.00	%	734,494			100.00	%	787,929			100.00	%
Less:
Undisbursed loan funds	(4,327		)			(11,750		)			(36,868		)			(40,069		)			(69,086		)
Unearned discounts and netdeferred loan costs (fees)	23					529					321					143					(156		)
Allowance for losses	(32,908		)			(6,441		)			(5,162		)			(2,572		)			(2,114		)
Total loans receivable, net	$	481,542				$	566,537				$	598,424				$	691,996				$	716,573

4

Loan Maturity and Interest Rates.  The following table sets forth certain information at December 31, 2009, regarding the dollar amount of loans maturing in the Bank’s loan portfolio based on their contractual terms to maturity.  Demand loans and loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity are reported as due in one year or less. All other loans are included in the period in which the final contractual repayment is due.

	WithinOne Year		One Year Through Five Years		After Five Years		Total
	(In Thousands)
Mortgage loans:
One- to four-family residential	$	10,970	$	20,483	$	204,537	$	235,990
Home equity and second mortgage	12,109		12,835		2,078		27,022
Multifamily residential	7,929		18,978		1,080		27,987
Commercial real estate	31,449		65,504		7,665		104,618
Land loans	23,068		16,820		1,517		41,405
Construction	42,197		7,098		—		49,295
Commercial loans	6,584		6,364		1,627		14,575
Consumer loans	3,855		12,924		1,083		17,862
Total(1)	$	138,161	$	161,006	$	219,587	$	518,754

(1)Gross of undisbursed loan funds, unearned discounts and net deferred loan fees, and the allowance for loan losses.

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of the Bank’s loans at December 31, 2009, due after one year from such date which have fixed interest rates or which have floating or adjustable interest rates.

	Fixed Rates		Floating or Adjustable Rates		Total
	(In Thousands)
Mortgage loans:
One- to four-family residential	$	48,959	$	176,061	$	225,020
Home equity and second mortgage	9,330		5,583		14,913
Multifamily residential	18,836		1,222		20,058
Commercial real estate	69,034		4,135		73,169
Land loans	16,782		1,555		18,337
Construction	1,600		5,498		7,098
Commercial loans	7,259		732		7,991
Consumer loans	11,690		2,317		14,007
Total	$	183,490	$	197,103	$	380,593

Scheduled contractual maturities of loans do not necessarily reflect the actual term of the Bank’s loan portfolio. The average life of mortgage loans is substantially less than their average contractual terms because of loan prepayments and refinancing.  The average life of mortgage loans tends to increase, however, when current mortgage loan rates substantially exceed rates on existing mortgage loans and, conversely, decrease when rates on existing mortgage loans substantially exceed current mortgage loan rates.

Origination, Purchase and Sale of Loans.The lending activities of the Bank are subject to the written, non-discriminatory underwriting standards and policies established by the Bank’s board of directors and management.  Loan originations are obtained from a variety of sources, including realtor referrals, walk-in customers to the Bank’s branch locations, solicitation by loan officers, radio, television and newspaper advertising and the Bank’s Internet website.  The Bank continually emphasizes its community ties and its practice of quick and efficient underwriting and loan approval processes, made possible in part through the use of automation and through residential automated underwriting software provided by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.  The Bank believes it provides exceptional personalized service to its customers.  The Bank requires hazard insurance, title insurance, and, to the extent applicable, flood insurance on all secured real property.

Applications are initially received by loan officers or from the Bank’s secure website.   Applications received over the Bank’s website are forwarded to loan officers.  All loans exceeding an individual officer’s approval authority are subject to review by members of the appropriate loan committee. The Bank has three loan committees (Senior Loan Committee, Executive Loan Committee, and Director Loan Committee) that review and make a decision based upon type, size, and classification of the credit.

5

During 2009, the Bank purchased a participation in one single family residential loan totaling $100,000.  During 2008, the Bank purchased a participation in one commercial mortgage loan totaling $2.3 million.  During 2007, the Bank purchased participations in four commercial construction loans with a total commitment amount of $18.7 million as well as a $1.6 million participation in a commercial loan.

To minimize interest rate risk, fixed rate loans with terms of fifteen years or greater are typically sold to specific investors in the secondary mortgage market.  The rights to service such loans are typically sold with the loans. This allows the Bank to provide its customers competitive long-term fixed rate mortgage products, which have been the predominant mortgage financial product for residential home buyers recently due to the low rate environment, while not exposing the Bank to undue interest rate risk.  These loans are originated subject to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the specific investor’s underwriting guidelines.  The Secondary Market Department of the Bank typically locks and confirms the purchase price of the loan on the day of the loan application, which protects the Bank from market price movements and ensures that the Bank will receive a fair and reasonable price on the sale of the respective loan.  In 2009, the Bank used third party contract underwriting services with the Bank assuming all risk associated with underwriting loans including material error(s), fraud, early payoff, and early payment default.  No loans were required to be repurchased during 2009.  However, the Bank was unable to sell six loans during 2009, five due to the collapse of Taylor Bean and Whitaker.  The Bank had loans in process of being funded when this firm collapsed but the Bank was able to recover its credits and did not experience any loss associated with these loans.  In 2009, 2008, and 2007, the Bank’s secondary market loan sales amounted to $44.5 million, $25.0 million, and $58.1 million, respectively.  The Bank is not involved in loan hedging or other speculative mortgage loan origination activities.

In addition to sales of loans on the secondary market, the Bank periodically sells larger commercial loans or participations in such loans in order to comply with the Bank’s loans to one borrower limit or for credit concentration purposes.  In such situations, the loans are typically sold with servicing retained.  During 2009, no such loans were sold.  During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, such loans sold amounted to approximately $4.0 million and $7.2 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, the balances of loans sold with servicing retained were approximately $11.8 million, $28.5 million, and $27.8 million, respectively.   Loan servicing fee income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, was approximately $91,000, $117,000, and $110,000, respectively.

The following table shows the Bank’s originations, sales, purchases, and repayments of loans during the periods indicated.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2009			2008			2007
	(In Thousands)
Loans receivable at beginning of period	$	584,199		$	640,133		$	734,494
Loan originations:
Mortgage loans:
One- to four-family residential	37,508			68,121			27,001
Home equity and second mortgage loans	7,464			15,214			20,914
Multifamily residential	584			6,769			6,427
Commercial real estate	16,297			23,869			18,356
Land loans	5,510			23,264			5,880
Construction	12,541			15,060			39,016
Commercial loans	4,803			14,277			12,395
Consumer:
Automobile	3,531			5,589			5,916
Other	6,866			9,060			13,347
Total loan originations(2)	95,104			181,223			149,252
Loan purchases	100			2,333			20,365
Repayments	(119,418		)	(206,781		)	(242,230		)
Loan sales	—			(4,045		)	(7,207		)
Transfers to real estate owned	(41,231		)	(28,664		)	(13,037		)
Other	—			—			(1,504		)
Net loan activity	(65,445		)	(55,934		)	(94,361		)
Loans receivable at end of period(1)	$	518,754		$	584,199		$	640,133

(1)Gross of undisbursed loan funds, unearned discounts and net loan fees and the allowance for loan losses.

(2)Includes loans with the Bank which were refinanced with the Bank of $18.9 million, $38.0 million, and $18.4 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

6

Loans to One Borrower.  A savings institution generally may not make loans to one borrower and related entities in an amount which exceeds 15% of its unimpaired capital and surplus, although loans in an amount equal to an additional 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus may be made to a borrower if the loans are fully secured by readily marketable securities.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank’s limit on loans to one borrower was approximately $7.3 million compared to $11.1 million at December 31, 2008.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank’s largest loan or group of loans to one borrower, including persons or entities related to the borrower, amounted to $10.8 million, including undisbursed loan funds.  Since these loans were within the Bank’s regulatory limit at the time the loans were made, they are not considered a violation of the loans to one borrower regulation.  However, they are considered non-conforming loans.  The Bank is in the process of reducing its exposure on borrower relationships that exceeded the loans to one borrower limit at December 31, 2009.   The Bank’s ten largest loans or groups of loans to one borrower, including persons or entities related to the borrower, including unfunded commitments, totaled $77.2 million at December 31, 2009.  Of the $77.2 million, twelve loans totaling $16.1 million related to three borrowers are on nonaccrual status at December 31, 2009.  See “Asset Quality.”

One- to Four-Family Residential Real Estate Loans.  At December 31, 2009, $236.0 million or 45.5% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio consisted of one- to four-family residential real estate loans.   Of the $236.0 million of such loans at December 31, 2009, $176.1 million or 74.6% had adjustable rates of interest (including $23.1 million of seven-year adjustable rate loans) and $59.9 million or 25.4% had fixed rates of interest. At December 31, 2009, the Bank had $11.9 million of nonaccrual one- to four-family residential loans and $2.8 million of one- to four-family residential loans 30-89 days delinquent.  See “Asset Quality.”

The Bank currently originates both fixed rate and adjustable rate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans.  The Bank’s fixed rate loans to be held in portfolio are typically originated with maximum terms of fifteen years and are typically fully amortizing with monthly payments sufficient to repay the total amount of the loan with interest by the end of the loan term.  The Bank generally does offer fixed rate loans with terms exceeding fifteen years and such loans are typically sold in the secondary market.  From time to time, the Bank does offer special 30 year fixed rate financing program for its portfolio.  These are approved by the Bank’s Executive Committee, follow traditional underwriting guidelines, and are limited in nature due to the interest rate risk involved.  The Bank’s one- to four-family loans are typically originated under terms, conditions and documentation that permit them to be sold to U.S. Government-sponsored agencies such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. However, as stated above, such loans with terms of less than fifteen years are generally originated for retention in the Bank’s portfolio while substantially all of such loans with terms of fifteen years or longer are sold in the secondary market.  The Bank’s residential loans typically include “due on sale” clauses.

The Bank’s adjustable rate mortgage loans that are held in the portfolio typically provide for an interest rate which adjusts every one, three, five or seven years in accordance with a designated index plus a margin.  Such loans are typically based on a 15-, 20-, 25- or 30-year amortization schedule.  The Bank generally does not offer below market rates, and the amount of any increase or decrease in the interest rate per one- or three-year period is generally limited to 2%, with a limit of 6% over the life of the loan.  The Bank’s five-year adjustable rate loans provide that any increase or decrease in the interest rate per period is limited to 3%, with a limit of 6% over the life of the loan.  The Bank’s seven-year adjustable rate loans provide that any increase or decrease in the interest rate per period is limited to 5%, with a limit of 5% over the life of the loan.  The Bank’s adjustable rate loans are assumable (generally without release of the initial borrower), do not contain prepayment penalties and do not provide for negative amortization and typically contain “due on sale” clauses. The Bank generally underwrites its one- and three-year adjustable rate loans on the basis of the borrowers’ ability to pay at the rate after the first interest rate adjustment.  Adjustable rate loans decrease the risks associated with changes in interest rates but involve other risks, primarily because as interest rates rise, the payment by the borrower rises to the extent permitted by the terms of the loan, thereby increasing the potential for default. At the same time, the marketability of the underlying property may be adversely affected by higher interest rates.

The Bank’s residential mortgage loans generally do not exceed 80% of the lesser of purchase price or appraised value of the secured property. However, pursuant to the underwriting guidelines adopted by the board of directors, the Bank may lend up to 100% of the value of the property securing a one- to four-family residential loan with private mortgage insurance to protect the portion of the loan that exceeds 80% of the value.  The Bank may, on occasion, extend a loan up to 90% of the value of the secured property without private mortgage insurance coverage.  However, these exceptions are minimal and are only approved on loans with exceptional credit scores, sizeable asset reserves, or other compensating factors.

Home Equity and Second Mortgage Loans.   At December 31, 2009, $27.0 million or 5.2% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio consisted of home equity and second mortgage loans.  At December 31, 2009, the unused portion of home equity lines of credit was $8.7 million.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had nonaccrual home equity and second mortgage loans totaling $1.2 million.  See “Asset Quality.”

The Bank’s home equity and second mortgage loans are fixed rate loans with fully amortized terms of up to fifteen years, variable rate interest-only loans with terms up to three years, or home equity lines of credit.  The variable rate loans are typically tied to Wall Street Journal Prime, plus a margin commensurate with the risk as determined by the borrower’s

7

credit score.  Longer-term amortizing loans typically have a balloon feature in five, seven, or ten years.  The home equity lines of credit are typically either fixed rate for a term of no longer than one year or variable rate with terms typically up to three years.  The Bank generally limits the total loan-to-value on these mortgages to 90% of the value of the secured property.

Multifamily Residential Real Estate Loans.  The Bank Order currently prohibits the Bank from making, purchasing or committing to purchase commercial real estate loans, including multifamily loans, except with the prior written non-objection of the OTS.  At December 31, 2009, $28.0 million or 5.4% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio consisted of loans collateralized by existing multifamily residential real estate properties.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had $1.4 million of nonaccrual multifamily real estate loans.  See “Asset Quality.”

The Bank has originated both fixed rate and adjustable rate multifamily loans.  Fixed rate loans are generally originated with amortization periods not to exceed 30 years, and typically have balloon periods of three, five or seven years.  Adjustable rate loans are typically amortized over terms up to 30 years, with interest rate adjustments every three to seven years.  Loan-to-value ratios on the Bank’s multifamily real estate loans are currently limited to 80%.  It is also the Bank’s general policy to obtain corporate or personal guarantees, as applicable, on its multifamily residential real estate loans from the principals of the borrower.

Multifamily real estate lending entails significant additional risks as compared with one- to four-family residential property lending.  Such loans typically involve large loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers.  The payment experience on such loans is typically dependent on the successful operation of the real estate project.  The success of such projects is sensitive to changes in supply and demand conditions in the market for multifamily real estate as well as regional and economic conditions generally.

Commercial Real Estate Loans.  The Bank Order currently prohibits the Bank from making, purchasing or committing to purchase commercial real estate loans, except with the prior written non-objection of the OTS.  At December 31, 2009, $104.6 million or 20.2% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio consisted of loans collateralized by existing commercial real estate properties.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had $6.8 million of nonaccrual commercial real estate loans. See “Asset Quality.”

Many of the Bank’s commercial real estate loans are collateralized by properties such as office buildings, convenience stores, service stations, mini-storage facilities, motels, churches, small shopping malls, and strip centers.  The Bank  underwrites commercial real estate loans specifically in relation to the type of property being collateralized.  Cash flows and occupancy rates are primary considerations when underwriting loans collateralized by office buildings, mini-storage facilities and motels.  Loans with borrowers that are corporations, limited liability companies, trusts, or other such legal entities are also typically personally guaranteed by the principals of the respective entity.  The financial strength of the individuals who are personally guaranteeing the loan is also a primary underwriting factor.

The Bank’s policy requires real estate appraisals of properties securing commercial real estate loans by licensed real estate appraisers pursuant to state licensing requirements and federal regulations.  The Bank considers the quality and location of the real estate, the creditworthiness of the borrower, the cash flow of the project, and the quality of management involved with the property.  The Bank’s commercial real estate loans are generally originated with amortization periods not to exceed 25 years.  Generally, the Bank has structured these on three-, five-, or seven-year balloon terms. Recently and to the extent possible, the Bank is restructuring any loan renewal on these credits to variable rate loans priced with a margin tied to Wall Street Journal Prime, minimum floor rate and pricing commensurate with the risk of the credit.  The Bank is generally keeping maturities of these credits shorter in order to enable the Bank to better manage its interest rate sensitivity during this low rate environment.  As part of the criteria for underwriting multifamily and commercial real estate loans, the Bank prepares a cash flow analysis that includes a vacancy rate projection, expenses for taxes, insurance, maintenance and repair reserves as well as debt coverage ratios.  This information is also included in commercial real estate appraisals.

Commercial real estate lending entails additional risks as compared to the Bank’s one- to four-family residential property loans. Commercial real estate loans generally involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers.  The payment experience on such loans is typically dependent on the successful operation of the real estate project. The success of such projects is sensitive to changes in supply and demand conditions in the market for commercial real estate, and largely on regional and economic conditions.  Within the last several years, reports have ranked the Northwest Arkansas as one of the top performing economic areas in the country.   During these periods of economic expansion the Bank focused on commercial real estate activities within the market in order to take advantage of growth. More recently, this economic expansion resulted in an oversupply of residential lots and residential housing and recently all market areas of the Bank have been affected by the downturn in the national economy.  The Northwest Arkansas market region is currently in a correction mode but the Bank believes this region is still an economically viable area for the future.  This region is the home of the world’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart; as well as the nation’s largest meat company, Tyson Foods; the trucking firm J. B. Hunt; and the University of Arkansas.

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Land Loans.  Land loans include loans for the acquisition or refinancing of land for consumer or commercial purposes.  This segment of the portfolio totaled $41.4 million, or 8.0% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio, as of December 31, 2009, and included $24.8 million of raw land, $14.6 million of developed residential lots, and $2.0 million of developed commercial property.  Generally, these loans are collateralized by properties in the Bank’s market areas.  The Bank Order currently prohibits the Bank from extending credit for the purpose of land acquisition, except with the prior written non-objection of the OTS.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had nonaccrual land loans totaling $13.7 million.  See “Asset Quality.”

Land Development Loans.  The Bank has also offered loans for the acquisition and development of land into residential subdivisions. At December 31, 2009, $9.4 million or 1.8% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio consisted of land development loans.  However, no new land development loans have been originated since the fourth quarter of 2006 due to local real estate market conditions.  In addition, the Bank Order currently prohibits the Bank from extending credit for the purpose of land acquisition and development, except with the prior written non-objection of the OTS.  This segment of the market in Northwest Arkansas has been heavily impacted by the housing market slowdown.  As a result of slowing lot sales, borrowers have been unable to rely on lot sales to repay their loans and have had to rely on secondary sources of repayment.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had nonaccrual land development loans totaling $6.1 million.  See “Asset Quality.”

Construction Loans.  The Bank Order currently prohibits the Bank from extending credit for construction lending without the prior non-objection of the OTS, except for construction of an owner occupied one- to four-family dwelling with at least 20 percent down payment or that is subject to a firm pre-sold commitment.  At December 31, 2009, construction loans, including land development loans, amounted to $49.3 million or 9.5% of the Bank’s total loan portfolio. Our market areas of Benton and Washington counties previously experienced tremendous growth and provided the Bank with increased lending opportunities.  However, beginning in late 2005, the Bank began to note an oversupply of homes and lots in the Northwest Arkansas market and limited its construction loan origination activity accordingly.  Construction loan originations dropped from $93.6 million in 2006 to $39.0 million in 2007, $15.1 million in 2008 and $12.5 million in 2009.

The Bank’s construction loans generally have fixed interest rates or variable rates that float with Wall Street Journal Prime and have typically been issued for terms of six to eighteen months. However, the Bank has originated construction loans with terms up to two years.  This practice has generally been limited to larger projects that could not be completed in the typical six- to eighteen-month period.  Construction loans were typically made with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80% on an as-completed basis.

The Bank originated construction loans to individual homeowners and local builders and developers for the purpose of constructing one- to four-family residences.  The Bank typically required that permanent financing with the Bank or some other lender be in place prior to closing any non-speculative construction loan.  Interest on construction/permanent loans is due upon completion of the construction phase of the loan.  At such time, the loan will convert to a permanent loan at the interest rate established at the initial closing of the construction/permanent loan.

The Bank has made construction loans to local builders for the purpose of construction of speculative (or unsold) residential properties, and for the construction of pre-sold one- to four-family homes.  These loans were subject to credit review, analysis of personal and, if applicable, corporate financial statements, and an appraisal of the property to be constructed. The Bank also reviewed and inspected the project prior to the disbursement of funds (draws) during the construction term.  Loan proceeds were disbursed after a satisfactory inspection of the project has been made based upon percentage of completion.  Interest on these construction loans is due upon maturity.  The Bank may extend the term of a construction loan upon payment of interest accrued if the property has not been sold by the maturity date.  During 2006, the Bank began to experience an increase in the incidence of builders who were unable to pay their interest at maturity due to a softening of the housing market in Northwest Arkansas.  Market data indicates an overall decrease in the number of home sales in Benton and Washington counties in 2009 compared to 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Construction lending is generally considered to involve a higher level of risk as compared to one- to four-family residential loans.  This is due, in part, to the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, and the effects of general economic conditions on developers and builders.  In addition, construction loans to a builder for construction of homes that are not pre-sold possess a greater potential risk to the Bank than construction loans to individuals on their personal residences or on houses that are pre-sold prior to the inception of the loan.  The Bank analyzed each borrower involved in speculative building and limited the principal amount and number of unsold speculative homes at any one time with such borrower.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank’s portfolio of speculative single-family loans consisted of 41 loans with an average balance of approximately $223,000.  Seventy-four percent of the Bank’s $8.8 million in speculative single-family loans was concentrated with five borrowers who had 25 loans totaling $6.7 million.  One of these borrowers had four loans totaling $830,000 on nonaccrual status at December 31, 2009.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had nonaccrual speculative one- to four-family construction loans totaling $1.1 million.  See “Asset Quality.”

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Commercial Loans.  The Bank also offers commercial loans, which primarily consist of equipment and inventory loans that are typically cross-collateralized by commercial real estate.  At December 31, 2009, such loans amounted to $14.6 million or 2.8% of the total loan portfolio.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had nonaccrual commercial loans totaling $463,000.  See “Asset Quality.”

The Bank’s commercial loans are typically originated with fixed interest rates and call provisions between one and five years.  These loans are typically based on a maximum fifteen-year amortization schedule.  The Bank also originates interest-only commercial loans and variable rate commercial loans.  The Bank’s commercial loans do not provide for negative amortization.

Consumer Loans.  The Bank offers consumer loans in order to provide a full range of financial services to its customers while increasing the yield on its overall loan portfolio and decreasing its interest rate risk due to the relatively shorter-term nature of consumer loans. The consumer loans offered by the Bank primarily include automobile loans, deposit account secured loans, and unsecured loans.  Consumer loans amounted to $17.9 million or 3.4% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2009, of which $6.8 million and $11.1 million consisted of automobile loans and other consumer loans, respectively.  The Bank intends to continue its emphasis on consumer loans in furtherance of its role as a community-oriented financial institution.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had $129,000 of nonaccrual consumer loans.  See “Asset Quality.”

The Bank’s automobile loans are typically originated for the purchase of new and used cars and trucks.  Such loans are generally originated with a maximum term of five years.  The Bank does offer extended terms on automobile loans to some customers based upon their creditworthiness.

Other consumer loans consist primarily of deposit account loans and unsecured loans.  Loans secured by deposit accounts are originated for up to 95% of the deposit account balance, with a hold placed on the account restricting the withdrawal of the deposit account balance.

Consumer loans entail greater risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciating assets such as automobiles.  In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation.  In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy.  Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.

Asset Quality

Generally, when a borrower fails to make a loan payment before the expiration of the loan’s assigned grace period, a late charge is assessed and a late charge notice is mailed. Collection personnel review all delinquent accounts and attempt to cure the delinquency by contacting the borrower.  The Bank’s policies and procedures provide for frequent contact with the borrower until the delinquency is cured or until an acceptable repayment plan has been agreed upon.  Contact, by phone and mail, with delinquent borrowers begins immediately after the expiration of the loan’s assigned grace days.  The Bank’s collectors also have weekly phone conferences with loan officers to review the respective officer’s delinquent lists. Generally, when a consumer loan is 60 days past due and the borrower has not indicated a willingness to work with the Bank to bring the account current within a reasonable period of time, the collector will mail a letter giving the borrower 10 days to bring the account current or make acceptable arrangements.  If they fail to cure the default, the collateral will be foreclosed or repossessed, as applicable.  We attempt to work with troubled borrowers to return their loans to performing status where possible.  The decision on when to proceed with foreclosure/repossession is made on a case-by- case basis.  The Bank recognizes that this will cause the delinquency rate on the mortgage portfolio to be elevated for an extended period of time.

Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when, in the judgment of management, the probability of collection of interest is deemed to be insufficient to warrant further accrual.  When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued but unpaid interest is deducted from interest income.  The Bank generally does not accrue interest on loans past due 90 days or more.  Loans may be reinstated to accrual status when payments are made to bring the loan less than 90 days past due and, in the opinion of management, collection of the remaining balance can be reasonably expected.  The Bank may continue to accrue interest on certain loans that are 90 days past due or more if such loans are in the process of collection and collection is reasonably assured.

Real estate properties acquired through foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs.   Fair value is typically determined based on the lower of appraised value or the anticipated listing price of the property. Valuations of real estate owned are performed at least semi-annually.  Real estate is carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

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Delinquent Loans.  The following table sets forth information concerning loans past due 30-89 days not on nonaccrual status at December 31, 2009 and 2008, in dollar amounts and as a percentage of the Bank’s total loan portfolio.  The amounts presented represent the total outstanding principal balances of the related loans, rather than the actual payment amounts that are past due.  Past due loans not on nonaccrual status are up since December 31, 2008 in categories of land, commercial real estate and commercial loans.  We believe the negative trend in these categories is due to economic conditions and we have increased our General Valuation Allowances (“GVA”) in these categories accordingly.

	December 31, 2009			December 31, 2008
One- to four-family residential	$	2,759		$	4,003
Home equity and second mortgage	201			558
Speculative one- to four-family construction	—			649
Land	1,156			326
Commercial real estate	974			465
Commercial loans	1,668			114
Consumer loans	118			194
	$	6,876		$	6,309
Percentage of Portfolio	1.33		%	1.08		%

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The following table sets forth the amounts and categories of the Bank’s nonperforming assets, net of specific valuation allowance, at the dates indicated.

	December 31, 2009				December 31, 2008				December 31, 2007				December 31, 2006				December 31, 2005
	Net		% Assets		Net		% Assets		Net		% Assets		Net		% Assets		Net		% Assets
Nonaccrual Loans:
One- to four-family residential	$	11,941	1.63	%	$	8,322	1.05	%	$	6,778	0.86	%	$	3,634	0.43	%	$	2,617	0.31	%
Home equity and second mortgage	1,174		0.16	%	897		0.11	%	1,176		0.15	%	891		0.10	%	267		0.03	%
Speculative one- to four-family construction	1,081		0.15	%	1,461		0.18	%	4,902		0.62	%	5,287		0.62	%	1,140		0.13	%
Multifamily residential	1,431		0.20	%	441		0.06	%	—		—		—		—		—		—
Land development	6,144		0.84	%	1,520		0.19	%	9,092		1.15	%	5,324		0.62	%	—		—
Land	13,709		1.88	%	2,117		0.27	%	1,310		0.16	%	1,352		0.16	%	—		—
Commercial real estate	6,795		0.93	%	6,542		0.82	%	6,135		0.77	%	738		0.09	%	707		0.08	%
Commercial loans	463		0.06	%	1,164		0.15	%	895		0.11	%	1,049		0.12	%	181		0.02	%
Consumer loans	129		0.01	%	39		0.00	%	146		0.02	%	134		0.02	%	211		0.03	%
Total nonaccrual loans	42,867		5.86	%	22,503		2.83	%	30,434		3.84	%	18,409		2.16	%	5,123		0.60	%
Accruing loans 90 days or more past due	—		—		8,961		1.13	%	2,412		0.30	%	668		0.08	%	1,600		0.19	%
Real estate owned	35,155		4.81	%	22,385		2.81	%	8,120		1.03	%	3,858		0.45	%	892		0.10	%
Total nonperforming assets	78,022		10.67	%	53,849		6.77	%	40,966		5.17	%	22,935		2.69	%	7,615		0.89	%
Performing restructured loans	4,609		0.63	%	1,893		0.24	%	1,394		0.18	%	1,972		0.23	%	6,673		0.78	%
Total nonperforming assets and performing restructured loans	$	82,631	11.30	%	$	55,742	7.01	%	$	42,360	5.35	%	$	24,907	2.92	%	$	14,288	1.67	%

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The increase in net nonaccrual loans from $22.5 million at December 31, 2008 to $42.9 million at December 31, 2009 was primarily related to increases in nonaccrual land development loans, nonaccrual land loans and nonaccrual single family loans.  The increase in nonaccrual land and land development loans was primarily due to the nonaccrual loans disclosed in the table below.  All nonaccrual land and land development loans with a loan balance in excess of $1.0 million at December 31, 2009 are listed in the table below (in thousands).

	Location	Date to Nonaccrual	Comments	Loan Balance		Specific Valuation Allowance		Net of SVA		Valuation Date	Source
Land Development
42 developed single family lots	Cave Springs, AR	3Q2007	A	$	1,040	$	—	$	1,040	11/10/2009	F
52 single family lots and 25 acres of undeveloped land	Fayetteville, AR	1Q2009	B	3,720		—		3,720		11/10/2009	F, G
40 acres, proposed residential subdivision	Farmington, AR	3Q2009	C	1,060		—		1,060		10/27/2009	F
Other - two loans				394		70		324
				$	6,214	$	70	$	6,144
Land
80 acres for future residential development	Fayetteville, AR	1Q2009	D	$	2,223	$	—	$	2,223	10/27/2009	G
29 acres for future commercial development	Springdale, AR	1Q2009	D	2,029		—		2,029		10/26/2009	G
24 acres, commercial zoned	Lowell, AR	1Q2009	D	1,947		—		1,947		10/26/2009	G
96 developed single family lots	Fayetteville, AR	1Q2009	E	2,735		310		2,425		1/8/2010	F
60 acres, residential zoned	Fayetteville, AR	1Q2009	B	2,005		777		1,228		1/15/2010	G
35 acres, proposed residential subdivision	Fayetteville, AR	3Q2009	C	3,447		2,308		1,139		1/9/2010	G
Other - 24 loans under $1 million each				3,247		529		2,718
				$	17,633	$	3,924	$	13,709

A —	This loan has been nonperforming for an extended period while the Bank exercised forbearance with the borrowers to allow them to market and maintain the property. The Bank is currently foreclosing on the property.
B —	These two loans are related to the same borrower. The loans matured in January 2010 and are now in foreclosure.
C —	These two loans are related to the same borrower group. These loans have been sent to legal counsel for collection/foreclosure.
D —	These loans are all related to the same borrower and all are in foreclosure.
E —	This loan is in foreclosure. This property is also the subject of litigation related to bonds that were sold without satisfying the first mortgage with the Bank.
F —	This valuation is based on discounted cash flow analysis.
G —	This valuation is based on comparable sales.

We expect a significant amount of the nonaccrual real estate loans to eventually migrate to real estate owned as $22.8 million of the nonaccrual real estate loans, net of specific valuation allowances of $436,000, are in bankruptcy or some stage of the foreclosure process as of December 31, 2009.  Therefore, we expect real estate owned and associated expenses to continue to remain at elevated levels in future periods as such loans migrate from loans to real estate owned.

The following table sets forth the amounts and categories of the Bank’s real estate owned at the dates indicated.

	December 31,2009		December 31, 2008		Increase(Decrease)			Percentage Change
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Real estate owned
One- to four-family residential	$	10,420	$	3,436	$	6,984		203.3	%
Speculative one- to four-family construction(1)	2,970		4,310		(1,340		)	(31.1	)
Multifamily	545		—		545			—
Land(2)	13,808		13,314		494			3.7
Commercial real estate	7,412		1,325		6,087			459.4
Total real estate owned	$	35,155	$	22,385	$	12,770		57.0	%

(1)At December 31, 2009, $1.8 million of these properties were 100% complete.  The remainder range from 73% to 93% complete.

(2)At December 31, 2009, $8.4 million of the land balance represented 288 developed subdivision lots and $2.6 million represented four unimproved commercial lots. The remaining $2.8 million consisted of raw land.

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The land component of real estate owned is made up of the following at December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

	Location	Date to real estate owned	Balance		Valuation Date	Source
Land
35 developed single family lots	Pea Ridge, AR	12/30/2008	$	385	1/14/2010	1
48 developed single family lots	Elm Springs, AR	10/21/2008	1,260		1/27/2010	1
110 developed single family lots	Springdale, AR	4/17/2008	3,534		1/14/2010	1
61 developed single family lots	Lowell, AR	5/30/2008	1,701		1/15/2010	1
30.7 acres for future residential development	Lowell, AR	5/30/2008	1,257		10/26/2009	2
63.3 acres for future residential development	Elm Springs, AR	10/21/2008	888		1/27/2010	2
10 developed single family lots	Farmington, AR	7/2/2009	564		12/30/2009	2
1 unimproved commercial lot	Rogers, AR	10/29/2009	1,879		1/27/2010	2
3 unimproved commercial lots	Springdale, AR	11/19/2009	734		10/27/2009	1
Other - 30 properties			1,606
			$	13,808

1 — This valuation is based on discounted cash flow.

2 — This valuation is based on comparable sales.

The Bank is diligently working to dispose of its REO and has several team members dedicated to this effort, including an experienced special assets officer who is working full-time to liquidate the Bank’s properties in the Northwest Arkansas market. Each property is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine the best course of action with respect to liquidation.  Properties are marketed directly by the Bank or listed with local real estate agents utilizing appraisals, market information from realtors, market research reports, and our own market evaluations to make pricing and selling decisions.  The Bank’s Chief Lending Officer, loan officers, credit manager, special assets officer, and team members in the collections department all work together in this endeavor.  The Bank’s goal is to liquidate these properties in an orderly and efficient manner without incurring extraordinary losses due to quick sale pricing.

Classified Assets.  Federal regulations require that each insured savings association classify its assets on a regular basis.  In addition, in connection with examinations of insured institutions, federal examiners have authority to identify problem assets and, if appropriate, classify them.  There are three classifications for problem assets: “substandard,” “doubtful” and “loss.”  Substandard assets have one or more defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the insured institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Doubtful assets have the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values questionable, and there is a high possibility of loss.  An asset classified loss is considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as an asset of the institution is not warranted.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had $125.5 million of classified assets, all of which were classified as substandard, including $42.9 million of nonaccrual loans and $35.2 million of real estate owned.  Substandard loans include $47.4 million of loans not included in the nonperforming assets table.  Such loans have been reviewed and determined not to be impaired or if impaired, were estimated to have no loss.  As a result, such loans remained on accrual status at December 31, 2009.

In addition, at December 31, 2009, the Bank had $41.4 million of assets designated as special mention. Special mention assets have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention.  If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or the institution’s credit position at some future date.

Potential Problem Loans.Based on the oversupply of lots in Northwest Arkansas, our land development portfolio poses a higher risk of default.  These loans are typically structured with interest due at maturity and lot sales as the source of repayment.  Since lot sales in the Northwest Arkansas market are significantly slower than when these loans were originated, our borrowers typically must rely on a secondary source of funds to pay the interest as it becomes due.  Due to the relatively large balances of these types of loans, the interest due at maturity is usually significant.  At December 31, 2009, gross land development loans totaled $9.4 million.  Of this total, $6.2 million is on nonaccrual status with $1.4 million in nonaccrual interest, and $3.2 million with $15,000 in accrued interest is classified as substandard and remains on accrual.

Allowance for Loan Losses.   The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings.  Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes it is likely that a loan balance is uncollectible.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

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The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of incurred credit losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date.  The estimation of the allowance is based on a variety of factors, including past loan loss experience, the current credit profile of the Company’s borrowers, adverse situations that have occurred that may affect the borrowers’ ability to repay, the estimated value of underlying collateral, and general economic conditions, including unemployment, bankruptcy trends, vacancy rates and home sales.  Losses are recognized when available information indicates that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or conditions change.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the short fall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  Multifamily residential, commercial real estate, land and land development, and commercial loans that are delinquent or where the borrower’s total loan relationship exceeds $1 million are evaluated on a loan-by-loan basis at least annually.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Bank does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures.  Homogeneous loans are those that are considered to have common characteristics that provide for evaluation on an aggregate or pool basis. The Bank considers the characteristics of (1) one- to four-family residential mortgage loans; (2) unsecured consumer loans; and (3) collateralized consumer loans to permit consideration of the appropriateness of the allowance for losses of each group of loans on a pool basis. The primary methodology used to determine the appropriateness of the allowance for losses includes segregating certain specific, poorly performing loans based on their performance characteristics from the pools of loans as to type, valuing these loans, and then applying a loss factor to the remaining pool balance based on several factors including past loss experience, inherent risks, and economic conditions in the primary market areas.

In estimating the amount of credit losses inherent in our loan portfolio, various judgments and assumptions are made.  For example, when assessing the condition of the overall economic environment, assumptions are made regarding market conditions and their impact on the loan portfolio.  For impaired loans that are collateral dependent, the estimated fair value of the collateral may deviate significantly from the proceeds received when the collateral is sold in the event that the Bank has to foreclose or repossess the collateral.

Although we consider the allowance for loan losses of approximately $32.9 million, which consists of a general valuation allowance of $25.4 million and a specific valuation allowance of $7.5 million, adequate to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio at December 31, 2009, no assurance can be given that we will not sustain loan losses that are significantly different from the amount recorded, or that subsequent evaluations of the loan portfolio, in light of factors then prevailing, would not result in a significant change in the allowance for loan losses.  Either of these occurrences could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

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The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for loan losses and other selected statistics for the periods indicated.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2009			2008			2007			2006			2005
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Total loans outstanding at end of period	$	518,754		$	584,199		$	640,133		$	734,494		$	787,929
Average loans outstanding	$	549,215		$	583,063		$	649,062		$	726,642		$	687,373
Allowance at beginning of period	$	6,441		$	5,162		$	2,572		$	2,114		$	1,846
Charge-offs:
One- to four-family residential	(1,218		)	(63		)	(75		)	(25		)	(74		)
Home equity and second mortgage	(657		)	(392		)	(175		)	(2		)	(49		)
Multifamily residential	(601		)	—			—			—			—
Commercial real estate	(1,835		)	(316		)	(18		)	—			—
Land	(6,312		)	(32		)	(20		)	—			—
Land development	(4,453		)	(2,396		)	—			—			—
Construction	(630		)	(236		)	(401		)	(239		)	(77		)
Commercial	(2,352		)	(827		)	(132		)	(234		)	(41		)
Consumer (1)	(706		)	(652		)	(798		)	(695		)	(715		)
Total charge-offs	(18,764		)	(4,914		)	(1,619		)	(1,195		)	(956		)
Recoveries:
One- to four-family residential	7			—			5			—			—
Home equity and second mortgage	5			5			—			—			2
Multifamily residential	9			—			—			—			—
Commercial real estate	14			88			—			—			1
Land	2			2			—			—			—
Land development	650			—			—			—			—
Construction	9			231			5			7			—
Commercial	2			2			—			—			—
Consumer (1)	168			155			171			164			120
Total recoveries	866			483			181			171			123
Net charge-offs	(17,898		)	(4,431		)	(1,438		)	(1,024		)	(833		)
Total provisions for losses	44,365			5,710			4,028			1,482			1,101
Allowance at end of period	$	32,908		$	6,441		$	5,162		$	2,572		$	2,114
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans outstanding at end of period	6.34		%	1.11		%	0.81		%	0.35		%	0.27		%
Net loans charged-off as a percentage of average loans outstanding	3.26		%	0.76		%	0.22		%	0.14		%	0.12		%

(1)Consumer loan charge-offs include overdraft charge-offs of $375,000, $480,000, $575,000, $600,000, and $522,000, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.  Consumer loan recoveries include recoveries of overdraft charge-offs of $142,000, $140,000, $162,000, $151,000, and $114,000, for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

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The following table presents the allocation of the Bank’s allowance for loan losses by the type of loan at each of the dates indicated.

	December 31,
	2009				2008				2007				2006				2005
	Amount		Percentage of Loans		Amount		Percentage of Loans		Amount		Percentage of Loans		Amount		Percentage of Loans		Amount		Percentage of Loans
	(Dollars in Thousands)
One-to-four family residences	$	4,292	45.49	%	$	490	41.38	%	$	221	35.49	%	$	204	34.96		$	173	35.31	%
Home equity and second mortgage	1,688		5.21		350		5.43		160		5.36		222		4.79		136		3.71
Speculative one- to four-familyconstruction	884		1.71		153		2.93		405		6.39		589		10.93		295		13.20
Multifamily residential	2,671		5.40		29		4.13		19		2.44		15		1.66		16		1.64
Commercial real estate	8,554		20.17		448		19.85		309		18.36		413		18.33		372		16.65
Land	8,589		7.98		869		8.65		105		6.69		48		6.48		—		6.04
Land development	1,181		1.82		1,583		3.16		2,658		6.58		211		6.46		101		5.11
Construction	1,911		5.97		79		7.14		118		11.04		92		9.28		113		12.03
Commercial	2,578		2.81		2,020		3.75		628		3.88		452		3.58		371		2.64
Consumer	560		3.44		420		3.58		539		3.77		326		3.53		437		3.67
Unallocated	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		100		—
Total	$	32,908	100.00	%	$	6,441	100.00	%	$	5,162	100.00	%	$	2,572	100.00	%	$	2,114	100.00	%

The increases in the periods presented are primarily related to increases in loss factors applied to the various allowance categories offset by decreases in certain of the related loan balances.  See “Allowance for Loan Losses” in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

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Investment Activities

Investment Securities.  The investment policy of the Bank, as established by the board of directors, is designed primarily to provide and maintain liquidity, to provide collateral for pledging requirements, to complement the Bank’s interest rate risk strategy and to generate a favorable return on investments.  The Bank’s investment policy is currently implemented by the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer within the parameters set by the asset/liability management committee and the board of directors.  The Bank is authorized to invest in obligations issued or fully guaranteed by the U.S. Government, certain federal agency obligations, certain time deposits, negotiable certificates of deposit issued by commercial banks and other insured financial institutions, municipal securities, and other specified investments.

Investment securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and are reported at amortized cost.  Investment securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported net of tax in other comprehensive income.  At December 31, 2009, all of the Bank’s investment securities were classified as held to maturity.  At December 31, 2009, approximately $59.5 million of the Bank’s investment securities were pledged as collateral for certain deposits in excess of $250,000 as well as for advances from FHLB of Dallas.  At December 31, 2009, investments in the debt and/or equity securities of any one issuer, other than those issued by U.S. Government agencies, did not exceed more than 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity.

The following table sets forth the amount of investment securities held to maturity that contractually mature during each of the periods indicated and the weighted average yields for each range of maturities at December 31, 2009.  Weighted average yields for municipal obligations have not been adjusted to a tax-equivalent basis.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay the obligation without prepayment penalties.

	Less than One Year				One to FiveYears				Five to TenYears				After TenYears				Total
	Amount		Yield		Amount		Yield		Amount		Yield		Amount		Yield		Amount		Yield
Municipal securities	$	200	3.55	%	$	2,100	4.54	%	$	7,147	4.22	%	$	16,033	4.40	%	$	25,480	4.36	%
U. S. Government and agency obligations	—		—	%	—		—	%	2,000		4.56	%	108,051		5.02	%	110,051		5.01	%
Total	$	200	3.55	%	$	2,100	4.54	%	$	9,147	4.30	%	$	124,084	4.94	%	$	135,531	4.89	%

As of December 31, 2009, there were approximately $127.6 million of investment securities at an average interest rate of 4.87% with issuer call options, of which approximately $99.2 million at an average interest rate of 4.97% are callable within one year.

The following table sets forth the carrying value of the Company’s investment securities classified as held to maturity.  The Company held no investment securities as available for sale at the dates indicated.

	December 31,
	2009		2008		2007
	(In Thousands)
Investment securities held to maturity:
Municipal securities	$	25,480	$	19,565	$	17,089
U.S. Government and agency obligations	110,051		116,847		78,501
Total	$	135,531	$	136,412	$	95,590

As a member of the FHLB of Dallas, the Bank is required to maintain an investment in FHLB stock.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank’s investment in FHLB stock amounted to $3.1 million.  No ready market exists for such stock and it has no quoted market value.

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Sources of Funds

General.  Deposits are the primary source of the Bank’s funds for lending and other investment purposes.  In addition to deposits, the Bank derives funds from loan principal repayments and prepayments and interest payments, maturities and calls of investment securities, and advances from the FHLB of Dallas.  Loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows are significantly influenced by general interest rates and money market conditions.  Borrowings are used when funds from loan and deposit sources are insufficient to meet funding needs.  FHLB advances are the primary source of borrowings.

Deposits.  The Bank’s deposit products include a broad selection of deposit instruments, including checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts and term certificate accounts.  Deposit account terms vary, with the principal differences being the minimum balance required, the time period the funds must remain on deposit, early withdrawal penalties and the interest rate.

The Bank considers its primary market area to be Northcentral and Northwest Arkansas.  The Bank utilizes traditional marketing methods to attract new customers and savings deposits.  The Bank does not advertise for retail deposits outside of its primary market area and management believes that non-residents of Arkansas held an insignificant number of deposit accounts at December 31, 2009.  Services of deposit brokers have been used on a limited basis with less than 2% of deposits at December 31, 2009, obtained through a broker. As of November 19, 2009 and in accordance with the directive from the OTS, the Bank may no longer accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits without the written non-objection of the OTS.  In addition, the Bank plans to use non-brokered institutional internet certificates of deposit as an additional source of funds to augment the retail CD market.

The Bank has been competitive in the types of accounts and in interest rates it has offered on its deposit products but does not necessarily seek to match the highest rates paid by competing institutions.  Although market demand generally dictates which deposit maturities and rates will be accepted by the public, the Bank intends to continue to offer longer-term deposits to the extent possible and consistent with its asset and liability management goals.

The following table shows the distribution of, and certain other information relating to, the Bank’s deposits by type of deposit, as of the dates indicated.

	December 31,
	2009				2008				2007
	Amount		%		Amount		%		Amount		%
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Certificate accounts:
Less than 3.00%	$	261,933	41.9	%	$	92,625	15.0	%	$	2,063	0.3	%
3.00% - 3.99%	58,385		9.4		213,847		34.6		66,897		10.6
4.00% - 5.99%	59,019		9.4		77,587		12.5		353,534		56.1
6.00% - 7.99%	—		—		2,435		0.4		3,917		0.6
Total certificate accounts	379,337		60.7		386,494		62.5		426,411		67.6
Transaction accounts:
Savings	24,983		4.0		23,019		3.7		25,088		4.0
Money market accounts	53,597		8.6		45,022		7.3		51,424		8.2
Checking accounts	166,707		26.7		163,468		26.5		127,491		20.2
Total transaction accounts	245,287		39.3		231,509		37.5		204,003		32.4
Total deposits	$	624,624	100.0	%	$	618,003	100.0	%	$	630,414	100.0	%

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The following table presents the average balance of each type of deposit and the average rate paid on each type of deposit and/or total deposits for the periods indicated.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2009				2008				2007
	AverageBalance		AverageRatePaid		AverageBalance		AverageRatePaid		AverageBalance		AverageRatePaid
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Savings accounts	$	25,212	0.10	%	$	24,665	0.12	%	$	26,512	0.57	%
Money market accounts	47,598		0.90		48,974		1.84		51,484		2.89
Checking accounts with interest	138,852		0.89		127,627		1.36		102,406		1.83
Checking accounts - noninterest	28,044		—		29,286		—		33,298		—
Certificates of deposit	385,226		3.02		399,256		4.00		425,024		4.81
Total deposits	$	624,932	2.12	%	$	629,808	2.95	%	$	638,724	3.74	%

The following table presents, by various interest rate categories, certificates of deposit at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the amounts at December 31, 2009, which mature during the periods indicated.

	December 31,				Amounts at December 31, 2009Maturing in the 12 Months Ending December 31,
	2009		2008		2010		2011		2012		Thereafter
	(In Thousands)
Certificate accounts:
Less than 3.00%	$	261,933	$	92,625	$	197,816	$	47,726	$	13,468	$	2,923
3.00% - 3.99%	58,385		213,847		35,490		13,627		5,300		3,968
4.00% - 5.99%	59,019		77,587		19,701		16,509		10,914		11,895
6.00% - 7.99%	—		2,435		—		—		—		—
Total certificate accounts	$	379,337	$	386,494	$	253,007	$	77,862	$	29,682	$	18,786

The following table sets forth maturities of the Bank’s certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2009 by time remaining to maturity.

	Amount
	(In Thousands)
Period Ending:
March 31, 2010	$	33,005
June 30, 2010	27,894
September 30, 2010	9,866
December 31, 2010	19,089
After December 31, 2010	43,849
Total certificates of deposit withbalances of $100,000 or more	$	133,703

Borrowed funds.  The Bank utilizes FHLB advances in its normal operating and investing activities.  The Bank pledges as collateral for FHLB advances certain qualifying one- to four-family mortgage loans and certain qualifying investment securities.  Pledged collateral is held in the custody of the FHLB.  Currently, based on the Bank’s restricted status with FHLB, the Bank may borrow only short-term FHLB advances with maturities up to thirty days.

At December 31, 2009, the Bank’s additional borrowing capacity with the FHLB was $37.1 million, comprised of qualifying loans collateralized by first-lien one- to four-family residences with a collateral value of $67.5 million and qualifying investment securities with a collateral value of $29.1 million less outstanding advances at December 31, 2009 of $59.5 million.

In April 2008, based on the FHLB rating criteria, the Bank was notified of the replacement of our FHLB blanket lien with a restricted custody collateral arrangement, whereby the FHLB has custody and endorsement of the loans that collateralize our outstanding borrowings with the FHLB.  Qualifying loans (i) must not be 90 days or more past due; (ii) must not have been in default with the most recent twelve-month period, unless such default has been cured in a manner acceptable to the FHLB; (iii) must relate to real property that is covered by fire and hazard insurance in an amount at least sufficient to discharge the mortgage loan in case of loss and as to which all real estate taxes are current; (iv) must not have been classified as substandard, doubtful, or loss by the Bank’s regulating authority or the Bank; and (v) must not secure the

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indebtedness to any director, officer, employee, attorney, or agent of the Bank or of any FHLB.  The FHLB currently allows an aggregate collateral value on the qualifying loans of approximately 75% of the outstanding balance of the loans pledged to the FHLB. The collateral value of the investment securities is based on the market value of the securities with a discount of approximately 2%.

Borrowings from the FHLB at December 31, 2009, have maturity dates and weighted average rates as follows:

Year EndingDecember 31,	WeightedAverage Rate		Amount
			(Dollars in Thousands)
2010	1.46	%	$	41,353
2011	3.14		11,514
2012	2.23		3,570
2013	0.66		2,168
2014	4.16		114
Thereafter	4.35		827
Total	1.85	%	$	59,546

The following table sets forth information with respect to the Company’s borrowings at and during the periods indicated.

	At or For the Year Ended December 31,
	2009			2008			2007
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Maximum balance	$	82,182		$	104,100		$	120,305
Average balance	67,793			92,544			94,481
Year end balance	59,546			92,212			82,087
Weighted average interest rate:
At end of year	1.85		%	3.05		%	4.53		%
During the year	2.93		%	3.84		%	4.56		%

Subsidiaries

The Bank is permitted to invest up to 2% of its assets in the capital stock of, or secured or unsecured loans to, subsidiary corporations, with an additional investment of 1% of assets when such additional investment is utilized primarily for community development purposes.  Under the terms of the Bank Order, the Bank shall not engage in any transaction with an affiliate unless the Bank has complied with the notice requirements of 12 CFR 563.41(c)(4), including providing written notice to the OTS at least 30 days before entering into a transaction with an affiliate or a subsidiary. The written notice must include a full description of the transaction. If the OTS does not object during the 30-day period, the savings association may proceed with the proposed transaction.  The Bank’s only subsidiary, First Harrison Service Corporation (the “Service Corporation”), was formed in 1971.  At December 31, 2009, the Service Corporation was inactive.

REGULATION

Set forth below is a brief description of those laws and regulations which, together with the descriptions of laws and regulations contained elsewhere herein, are deemed material to an investor’s understanding of the extent to which the Company and the Bank are regulated.  The description of the laws and regulations hereunder, as well as descriptions of laws and regulations contained elsewhere herein, does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to applicable laws and regulations.

The Company

General.  The Company, as a savings and loan holding company within the meaning of the Home Owners’ Loan Act (“HOLA”), has registered with the OTS and is subject to OTS regulations, examinations, supervision and reporting requirements.  As a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company, the Bank is subject to certain restrictions in its dealings with the Company and affiliates thereof.

Holding Company Acquisitions.  Federal law generally prohibits a savings and loan holding company, without prior OTS approval, from acquiring the ownership or control of any other savings institution or savings and loan holding company, or all, or substantially all, of the assets or more than 5% of the voting shares thereof which is not a subsidiary.  These provisions also prohibit, among other things, any director or officer of a savings and loan holding company, or any individual who owns or controls more than 25% of the voting shares of such holding company, from acquiring control of any savings institution not a subsidiary of such savings and loan holding company, unless the acquisition is approved by the OTS.

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Holding Company Activities.  There are generally no restrictions on the activities of a savings and loan holding company, such as the Company, which controlled only one subsidiary savings association on or before May 4, 1999 (a “grandfathered holding company”).  However, if the Director of the OTS determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that the continuation by a savings and loan holding company of an activity constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of its subsidiary savings association, the Director may impose such restrictions as it deems necessary to address such risk, including limiting (i) payment of dividends by the savings association; (ii) transactions between the savings association and its affiliates; and (iii) any activities of the savings association that might create a serious risk that the liabilities of the holding company and its affiliates may be imposed on the savings association.  Notwithstanding the above rules as to permissible business activities of unitary savings and loan holding companies, if the savings association subsidiary of such a holding company fails to meet the qualified thrift lender (“QTL”) test, then such unitary holding company also shall become subject to the activities restrictions applicable to multiple savings and loan holding companies and, unless the savings association requalifies as a QTL within one year thereafter, shall register as, and become subject to the restrictions applicable to, a bank holding company.

If a savings and loan holding company acquires control of a second savings association and holds it as a separate institution, the holding company becomes a multiple savings and loan holding company.  As a general rule, multiple savings and loan holding companies are subject to restrictions on their activities that are not imposed on a grandfathered holding company.  They are restricted to activities traditionally permitted to multiple savings and loan holding companies and to financial holding companies under provisions of the Bank Holding Company Act.  Multiple savings and loan holding companies may:

·furnish or perform management services for a savings association subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company;

·hold, manage or liquidate assets owned or acquired from a savings association subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company;

·hold or manage properties used or occupied by a savings association subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company;

·engage in activities determined by the Federal Reserve to be closely related to banking and a proper incident thereto; and

·engage in services and activities previously determined by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board by regulation to be permissible for a multiple savings and loan holding company as of March 5, 1987.

The activities financial holding companies may engage in include:

·lending, exchanging, transferring or investing for others, or safeguarding money or securities;

·insuring, guaranteeing or indemnifying others, issuing annuities, and acting as principal, agent or broker for purposes of the foregoing;

·providing financial, investment or economic advisory services, including advising an investment company;

·issuing or selling interests in pooled assets that a bank could hold directly;

·underwriting, dealing in or making a market in securities; and

·merchant banking activities.

Every savings institution subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company is required to give the OTS at least 30 days’ advance notice of any proposed dividends to be made on its guaranteed, permanent or other non-withdrawable stock, or else such dividend will be invalid.

Restrictions on Transactions with Affiliates.   Transactions between a savings institution and its “affiliates” are subject to quantitative and qualitative restrictions under Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and OTS regulations.  Affiliates of a savings institution generally include, among other entities, the savings institution’s holding company and companies that are controlled by or under common control with the savings institution.  Generally, Section 23A (i) limits the extent to which the savings association or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of such association’s capital stock and surplus, and contain an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus.  Section 23B applies to “covered transactions” as well as certain other transactions and requires that all transactions be on terms substantially the same, or at least favorable, to the association or subsidiary as those provided to a non-affiliate.  The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans to, purchase of assets from, issuance of a guarantee to an affiliate and similar transactions.  Section 23B transactions also apply to the provision of services and the sale of assets by a savings association to an affiliate.  In addition to the restrictions imposed by Sections 23A and 23B, Section 11 of the HOLA prohibits a savings association from (i) making a loan or other extension of credit to an affiliate, except for any affiliate which engages only in certain activities which are permissible for bank holding companies, or (ii) purchasing or investing in any stocks, bonds, debentures, notes or similar obligations of any affiliate, except for affiliates which are subsidiaries of the savings association.

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In addition, Sections 22(g) and (h) of the Federal Reserve Act place restrictions on loans to executive officers, directors and principal stockholders.  Under Section 22(h), loans to a director, an executive officer and to a greater than 10% stockholder of a savings institution (“a principal stockholder”), and certain affiliated interests of either, may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such person and affiliated interests, the savings institution’s loans to one borrower limit (generally equal to 15% of the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus).  Section 22(h) also requires that loans to directors, executive officers and principal stockholders be made on terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other persons unless the loans are made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that (i) is widely available to employees of the institution and (ii) does not give preference to any director, executive officer or principal stockholder, or certain affiliated interests of either, over other employees of the savings institution.  Section 22(h) also requires prior board approval for certain loans.  In addition, the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by a savings institution to all insiders cannot exceed the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus.  Furthermore, Section 22(g) places additional restrictions on loans to executive officers.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank was in compliance with the above restrictions.  The Company Order prohibits the Company from engaging in transactions with the Bank except exempt transactions under 12 CFR 223 and intercompany cost-sharing transactions and tax sharing transactions without the prior written non-objection of the OTS.

Federal Securities Law.The common stock of the Company is registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements of the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Company stock held by persons who are affiliates of the Company may not be resold without registration unless sold in accordance with certain resale restrictions. Affiliates are generally considered to be officers, directors and principal stockholders. If the Company meets specified current public information requirements, each affiliate of the Company will be able to sell in the public market, without registration, a limited number of shares in any three-month period.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”), which was signed into law in July 2002, impacts all companies with securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including the Company. Sarbanes-Oxley created new requirements in the areas of corporate governance and financial disclosure including, among other things:

·increased responsibility for Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers with respect to the content of filings with the SEC;

·enhanced requirements for audit committees, including independence and disclosure of expertise;

·enhanced requirements for auditor independence and the types of non-audit services that auditors can provide;

·enhanced requirements for controls and procedures;

·accelerated filing requirements for SEC reports;

·disclosure of a code of ethics; and

·increased disclosure and reporting obligations for companies, their directors and their executive officers.

Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer as required by Sarbanes-Oxley and the resulting SEC rules can be found in the “Exhibits” section of this Form 10-K.

The Bank

General.The OTS has extensive authority over the operations of federally chartered savings institutions.  As part of this authority, savings institutions are required to file periodic reports with the OTS and are subject to periodic examinations by the OTS and the FDIC.  The last regulatory examination of the Bank by the OTS was completed in December 2009.  Federal laws and regulations prescribe the investment and lending authority of savings institutions, and such institutions are prohibited from engaging in any activities not permitted by such laws and regulations.

The OTS’ enforcement authority over all savings institutions and their holding companies includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease and desist or removal orders and to initiate injunctive actions.  In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices.  Other actions or inactions may provide the basis for enforcement action, including misleading or untimely reports filed with the OTS.

Insurance of Accounts.Substantially all of the deposits of the Bank are insured up to applicable limits by the DIF of the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. The FDIC utilizes a risk-based assessment system that imposes insurance premiums based upon a risk matrix that takes into account a bank’s capital level and supervisory rating (“CAMELS rating”).

FDIC insurance expense totaled $1.7 million, $374,000, and $76,000 in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. FDIC insurance expense includes deposit insurance assessments and Financing Corporation (“FICO”) assessments related to outstanding FICO bonds. The FICO is a mixed-ownership government corporation established by the Competitive Equality

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Banking Act of 1987 whose sole purpose was to function as a financing vehicle for the now defunct Federal Savings & Loan Insurance Corporation. Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005, which became law in 2006, the Bank received a one-time assessment credit of $592,000 to be applied against future deposit insurance assessments, subject to certain limitations. This credit was utilized to offset $452,000 of deposit insurance assessments during 2007 and $140,000 of assessments during 2008. The assessment credits were mostly utilized for assessments through June 30, 2008.

The deposits of the Bank are insured to the maximum extent permitted by the DIF, which is administered by the FDIC, and are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.  As insurer, the FDIC is authorized to conduct examinations of, and to require reporting by, FDIC-insured institutions.  It also may prohibit any FDIC-insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a serious threat to the FDIC.  The FDIC also has the authority to initiate enforcement actions against savings institutions, after giving the OTS an opportunity to take such action.

The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured depository institution, including the Bank, if it determines after a hearing that the institution has engaged or is engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, order or any condition imposed by an agreement with the FDIC.  It also may suspend deposit insurance temporarily during the hearing process for the permanent termination of insurance, if the institution has no tangible capital.  If insurance of accounts is terminated, the accounts at the institution at the time of the termination, less subsequent withdrawals, shall continue to be insured for a period of six months to two years, as determined by the FDIC.  Management is aware of no existing circumstances that would result in termination of the Bank’s deposit insurance.

On December 16, 2008, the FDIC approved the final rule to raise the risk-based deposit insurance assessment rates uniformly by seven basis points for the first quarter of 2009 assessment period beginning on January 1, 2009.  On February 26, 2009, the FDIC approved the final rule to raise the assessment rates for the assessment period beginning on April 1, 2009 and subsequent assessment periods.  The new assessment scheme differentiates between risk profiles and requires riskier institutions to pay higher assessment rates based on classification into one of four risk categories.  Initial base assessment rates increase to between 12 and 45 basis points, depending on the risk category.  Such initial base assessment rates are subject to adjustment such that the total assessment rate could range from 7 to 77.5 basis points on an annual basis.

On May 22, 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule levying a five basis point special assessment on each insured depository institution’s assets minus Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009. We recorded an expense of approximately $350,000 during the quarter ended June 30, 2009, to reflect the special assessment. In addition, the FDIC increased the general assessment rate and, therefore, our FDIC general insurance premium expense will increase compared to prior periods.

On November 12, 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule pursuant to which insured depository institutions will be required to prepay their estimated assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012. This pre-payment was due on December 30, 2009. Under the rule, the assessment rate for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for 2010 is based on each institution’s total base assessment rate for the third quarter of 2009, modified to assume that the assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009 had been in effect for the entire third quarter, and the assessment rate for 2011 and 2012 would be equal to the modified third quarter assessment rate plus an additional 3 basis points. In addition, each institution’s base assessment rate for each period is calculated using its third quarter assessment base, adjusted quarterly for an estimated 5% annual growth rate in the assessment base through the end of 2012. The Bank received an exemption from this prepayment requirement due to its potential impact on the Bank’s liquidity position.

Recent insured institution failures, as well as deterioration in banking and economic conditions, have significantly increased the loss provisions of the FDIC, resulting in a decline in the designated reserve ratio to historical lows. The FDIC expects a higher rate of insured institution failures in the next few years compared to recent years. Therefore, the reserve ratio may continue to decline. These developments have caused the premiums assessed on us by the FDIC to increase and materially increase FDIC insurance expense. We are unable to predict the effect on the Bank and the Company in future periods if the FDIC materially increases the premium charged.

Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program.  On November 21, 2008, the Board of Directors of the FDIC adopted a final rule relating to the Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLG Program”). The TLG Program was announced by the FDIC on October 14, 2008, preceded by the determination of systemic risk by the Secretary of the Department of Treasury (after consultation with the President), as an initiative to counter the system-wide crisis in the nation’s financial sector. Under the TLG Program the FDIC will (i) guarantee, through the earlier of maturity or June 30, 2012, certain newly issued senior unsecured debt issued by participating institutions on or after October 14, 2008, and before June 30, 2009 and (ii) provide full FDIC deposit insurance coverage for non-interest bearing transaction deposit accounts, Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (“NOW”) accounts paying less than 0.5% interest per annum and Interest on Lawyers Trust  Accounts held at participating FDIC- insured institutions through December 31, 2009 (the Transaction Account Guarantee Program, or “TAG” Program). On December 5, 2008, the Company elected to participate in both the debt guarantee and TAG programs. Coverage under the TLG Program was available for the first 30 days without charge. The fee assessment for coverage of senior unsecured debt ranges from 50 basis points to 100 basis points per annum, depending on the initial maturity of the debt. The fee assessment for deposit insurance coverage is 10 basis points annualized collected quarterly on amounts in covered accounts exceeding $250,000.

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The TAG program, originally set to expire on December 31, 2009, was extended through June 30, 2010 and modified such that assessments beginning on January 1, 2010 were increased to range from 15 to 25 basis points based on an insured depository institution’s risk profile.  In April 2010, the FDIC adopted an interim rule to extend and amend the TAG Program. The TAG Program was extended to December 31, 2010 with the possibility of an additional 12 month extension through December 31, 2011 without further rulemaking upon a determination that continuing economic difficulties warrant such an extension.  This most recent extension of the TAG Program also requires assessment based on average daily account balances and reduces the maximum rate for qualifying NOW accounts to no higher than .25%, as well as providing an irrevocable, one-time opportunity for insured depository institutions to opt out of the program, effective July 1, 2010.  The Bank does not intend to opt out of the TAG Program.

Regulatory Capital Requirements.  Federally insured savings institutions are required to maintain minimum levels of regulatory capital.  The OTS has established capital standards applicable to all savings institutions.  These standards generally must be as stringent as the comparable capital requirements imposed on national banks.  The OTS also is authorized to impose capital requirements in excess of these standards on individual institutions on a case-by-case basis.

Current OTS capital standards require savings institutions to satisfy three different capital requirements.  Under these standards, savings institutions must maintain “tangible” capital equal to at least 1.5% of adjusted total assets, “core” capital equal to at least 4.0% of adjusted total assets and “total” capital (a combination of core and “supplementary” capital) equal to at least 8.0% of “risk-weighted” assets.  For purposes of the regulation, core capital generally consists of common stockholders’ equity (including retained earnings), noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus, minority interests in the equity accounts of fully consolidated subsidiaries, certain nonwithdrawable accounts and pledged deposits and “qualifying supervisory goodwill.”  Tangible capital is given the same definition as core capital but does not include qualifying supervisory goodwill and is reduced by the amount of all the savings institution’s intangible assets, with only a limited exception for purchased mortgage servicing rights.  Both core and tangible capital are further reduced by an amount equal to a savings institution’s debt and equity investments in subsidiaries engaged in activities not permissible to national banks (other than subsidiaries engaged in activities undertaken as agent for customers or in mortgage banking activities and subsidiary depository institutions or their holding companies).  These adjustments do not materially affect the Bank’s regulatory capital.

In determining compliance with the risk-based capital requirement, a savings institution is allowed to include both core capital and supplementary capital in its total capital, provided that the amount of supplementary capital included does not exceed the savings institution’s core capital.  Supplementary capital generally consists of hybrid capital instruments; perpetual preferred stock, which is not eligible to be included as core capital; subordinated debt and intermediate-term preferred stock; and general allowances for loan losses up to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets.  In determining the required amount of risk-based capital, 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 OTS for principal categories of assets are (i) 0% for cash and securities issued by the U.S. Government or unconditionally backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government; (ii) 20% for securities (other than equity securities) issued by U.S. 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; (iii) 50% for prudently underwritten permanent one- to four-family first lien mortgage loans not more than 90 days delinquent and having a loan-to-value ratio of not more than 90% at origination unless insured to such ratio by an insurer approved by the FNMA or the FHLMC, qualifying residential bridge loans made directly for the construction of one- to four-family residences and qualifying multifamily residential loans; and (iv) 100% for all other loans and investments, including consumer loans, commercial loans, and one- to four-family residential real estate loans more than 90 days delinquent, and for repossessed assets.

At December 31, 2009, the Bank’s tangible, core and risk-based capital ratios were 5.75%, 5.75% and 9.97%, respectively, which exceeded the applicable capital requirements of 1.5%, 4.0% and 8.0% by 4.25%, 1.75% and 1.97%, respectively.  Effective May 2009, the Bank agreed with its primary regulator, the OTS, to maintain a core capital ratio of at least five percent and a risk-based capital ratio of at least ten percent.  The Bank’s risk-based capital was not in compliance with this requirement as of December 31, 2009.

As a result of the Bank Order, the Bank is required to raise its tier 1 core capital and total risk-based capital ratios to 8% and 12%, respectively, by December 31, 2010.  At December 31, 2009, we did not meet these requirements and would have needed approximately $16.5 million in additional capital based on our assets at such date to meet these requirements. Currently, the Company intends to raise capital in the third or fourth quarter of 2010 to raise the necessary capital to comply with the requirements of the Orders.

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Prompt Corrective Action.  The OTS is required to take certain supervisory actions against undercapitalized savings associations, the severity of which depends upon the institutions degree of undercapitalization.  The following table shows the amount of capital associated with the different capital categories set forth in the prompt corrective action regulations.

	TotalRisk-BasedCapital	Tier 1Risk-BasedCapital	Tier 1LeverageCapital
Well capitalized	10% or more	6% or more	5% or more
Adequately capitalized	8% or more	4% or more	4% or more
Undercapitalized	Less than 8%	Less than 4%	Less than 4%
Significantly undercapitalized	Less than 6%	Less than 3%	Less than 3%

Subject to a narrow exception, the OTS is required to appoint a receiver or conservator for a savings institution that is “critically undercapitalized.”  Critically undercapitalized institutions have a ratio of tangible equity to total assets (as defined) of 2% or less, or otherwise fails to meet the critical capital levels (as defined). OTS regulations also require that a capital restoration plan be filed with the OTS within 45 days of the date a savings institution receives notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” The capital plan must include a guarantee by the institution’s holding company, capped at the lesser of 5.0% of the institution’s assets when it was on notice that it was undercapitalized, or the amount necessary to restore it to adequately capitalized status when it initially fails to comply with its capital restoration plan. In addition, numerous mandatory supervisory actions become immediately applicable to an undercapitalized institution, including, but not limited to, increased monitoring by regulators and restrictions on growth, capital distributions and expansion.  “Significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to more extensive mandatory regulatory actions.  Under various circumstances, the OTS also can take one or more of a number of further supervisory actions against an institution that is not at least adequately capitalized, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.

At December 31, 2009, the Bank had total risk-based, tier 1 risk-based, and tier 1 leverage ratios of 9.97%, 8.67% and 5.75% which would have satisfied the “adequately capitalized” criteria set forth in the table above.  The OTS may reclassify an institution to a lower capital category based on various supervisory criteria.  An “adequately capitalized” institution is subject to restrictions on deposit rates under the FDIC’s brokered deposit rule which covers, in some circumstances, deposits solicited directly by the institution.

Qualified Thrift Lender Test.  All savings institutions are required to meet a QTL test to avoid certain restrictions on their operations.  A savings institution that does not meet the QTL test must either convert to a bank charter or comply with the following restrictions on its operations: (i) the institution may not engage in any new activity or make any new investment, directly or indirectly, unless such activity or investment is permissible for a national bank; (ii) the branching powers of the institution shall be restricted to those of a national bank; and (iii) payment of dividends by the institution shall be subject to the rules regarding payment of dividends by a national bank.  Upon the expiration of three years from the date the savings institution ceases to be a QTL, it must cease any activity and not retain any investment not permissible for a national bank.

Currently, the QTL test requires either (i) that a savings association qualifies as a domestic building and loan association as defined in Section 7701 (a)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (“Code”) or (ii) that 65% of an institution’s “portfolio assets” (as defined) consist of certain housing and consumer-related assets on a monthly average basis in nine out of every 12 months.  Assets that qualify without limit for inclusion as part of the 65% requirement are loans made to purchase, refinance, construct, improve or repair domestic residential housing and manufactured housing; home equity loans; educational loans; small business loans; loans made through credit cards or credit card accounts; mortgage-backed securities (where the mortgages are secured by domestic residential housing or manufactured housing); stock issued by the FHLB of Dallas; and direct or indirect obligations of the FDIC.  In addition, the following assets, among others, may be included in meeting the test subject to an overall limit of 20% of the savings institution’s portfolio assets: 50% of residential mortgage loans originated and sold within 90 days of origination; investments in a service corporation that derives at least 80% of its gross revenues from activities related to domestic or manufactured residential housing; 200% of the amount of loans and investments in “starter homes”; 200% of the amount of certain loans in “credit-needy” areas; loans for the purchase, construction, development, or improvements of “community service facilities” not in credit-needy areas; loans for personal, family, or household purchases (other than those in the includable without limit category); and stock issued by the FHLMC or the FNMA.  Portfolio assets consist of total assets minus the sum of (i) goodwill and other intangible assets, (ii) property used by the savings institution to conduct its business, and (iii) liquid assets up to 20% of the institution’s total assets.  At December 31, 2009, the qualified thrift investments of the Bank were approximately 76.3% of its portfolio assets.

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Federal Home Loan Bank System.  The Bank is a member of the FHLB of Dallas, which is one of 12 regional FHLBs that administers the home financing credit function of savings institutions.  Each FHLB serves as a reserve or central bank 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 the board of directors of the FHLB.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had $59.5 million of outstanding FHLB advances.

As a member, the Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in the FHLB of Dallas in an amount equal to the sum of 0.06% of total assets as of the previous December 31 and 4.10% of outstanding advances.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had $3.1 million in FHLB stock, which was in compliance with this requirement.  No ready market exists for such stock and it has no quoted market value.

The FHLBs are required to provide funds for the resolution of troubled savings institutions and to contribute to affordable housing programs through direct loans or interest subsidies on advances targeted for community investment and low- and moderate-income housing projects.  These contributions have adversely affected the level of FHLB dividends paid in the past and could continue to do so in the future.  These contributions also could have an adverse effect on the value of FHLB stock in the future.

Federal Reserve System.  The FRB requires all depository institutions to maintain reserves against their transaction accounts and non-personal time deposits.  As of December 31, 2009, no reserves were required to be maintained on the first $10.7 million of transaction accounts, reserves of 3% were required to be maintained against the next $44.5 million of net transaction accounts (with such dollar amounts subject to adjustment by the FRB), and a reserve of 10% against all remaining net transaction accounts.  Because required reserves must be maintained in the form of vault cash or a noninterest bearing account at a Federal Reserve Bank, the effect of this reserve requirement is to reduce an institution’s earning assets.

Regulatory Enforcement Actions

On April 12, 2010, the Company and the Bank each consented to a Cease and Desist Order issued by the OTS. The Orders became effective on April 14, 2010.

The Company Order, among other things, provides that:

·By June 30, 2010, the Company shall submit to the OTS a written capital plan to preserve and enhance the capital of the Company and the Bank to ensure that the Bank complies with the capital requirements imposed by the Bank Order.  At a minimum, the plan shall: (i) address the requirements and restrictions imposed by the Orders; (ii) detail the Company’s capital preservation and enhancement strategies; (iii) identify specific sources of additional capital and the timeframes and methods by which additional capital will be raised; (iv) establish an alternative strategy, which includes, but is not limited to, seeking a merger or acquisition partner for the Company and/or the Bank to be implemented if the primary strategy to raise additional capital is unsuccessful; and (v) require management to submit monthly reports to the Board regarding the Company and the Bank’s compliance with their respective capital plans.

·By June 30, 2010, the Company shall submit to the OTS a business plan for the remainder of the calendar year 2010 and calendar years 2011 and 2012 that is acceptable to the OTS Regional Director.  At a minimum, the plan shall include: (i) actions to address the requirements contained in the Order issued to the Company and the comments contained within the Company’s most recent examination by the OTS; (ii) strategies for capital enhancement with the capital maintenance requirements of the foregoing capital plan; (iii) plans and strategies to strengthen and improve the consolidated Company’s operations, earnings and profitability; (iv) a detailed discussion of the Company’s current financial position and resources; (v) quarterly pro forma financial projections; (vi) identification of all relevant assumptions and documentation; (v) a contingency plan that addresses, under different, progressively stressed economic environments: projected short and long-term sources of liquidity and cash flow; the payment of the Company’s operating expenses; and the payment of dividends on preferred stock without reliance on capital distributions or any other payments from the Bank.

·Effective immediately, the Company shall not declare or pay any cash dividends or capital distributions on the Company’s stock or repurchase such shares without the prior written non-objection of the OTS.

·Effective immediately, the Company shall not issue a new class of stock or change the terms of any existing classes of stock, or convert any class of stock into another class of stock without the prior written non-objection of the OTS.

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·Effective immediately, the Company shall not incur, renew or increase any debt without the prior written non-objection of the OTS.

·Effective immediately, the Company shall not enter into, renew, extend or revise any contractual arrangements related to compensation or benefits with any director or senior executive officer of the Company without first providing OTS prior written notice.

·Effective immediately, the Company shall not make any “golden parachute payment” or any prohibited indemnification payment unless the Company complies with 12 C.F.R. Part 359.

·Effective immediately, the Company shall comply with the OTS prior notification requirements for changes in directors and senior executive officers set forth in 12 C.F.R. Part 563, Subpart H.

·Effective immediately, the Company shall not engage in any new transactions with the Bank except exempt transactions under 12 C.F.R. 223 and intercompany cost-sharing transactions and tax sharing transactions without the prior written non-objection of the OTS.

The Company Order will remain in effect until terminated, modified or suspended by the OTS.

Among other things, the Bank Order provides that:

·No later than December 31, 2010, the Bank shall achieve and maintain a Tier 1 (Core) Capital Ratio of at least 8.0% and a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of at least 12.0%.

·By June 30, 2010, the Bank shall submit to the OTS a written capital plan to achieve and maintain the foregoing capital levels.  At a minimum, the plan shall address: (i) the amount of additional capital that will be necessary to meet the foregoing capital levels under different, progressively stressed economic environments; (ii) the requirements and restrictions imposed by the Order and the Bank’s most recent examination; (iii) the Bank’s level of classified assets, allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”), earnings, asset concentrations, liquidity needs, and trends in these areas;  (iv) current and projected trends in real estate market conditions; (v) the Bank’s capital preservation and enhancement strategies; and (vi) identify specific sources of additional capital and the timeframes and methods by which additional capital will be raised.

·In the event the Bank fails to meet the capital requirements of the Order, fails to comply with the capital plan or at the request of the OTS, the Bank shall prepare and submit a contingency plan to the OTS within 30 days of such event. The contingency plan shall detail actions to be taken to achieve either a merger or acquisition of the Bank by another depository institution or a voluntary liquidation of the Bank.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall not without the prior written non-objection of the OTS increase its total assets during any quarter in excess of an amount equal to net interest credited on deposit liabilities during the prior quarter.

·By June 30, 2010, the Bank shall submit to the OTS a new business plan and budget for the remainder of the calendar year 2010 and calendar years 2011 and 2012 that is acceptable to the OTS Regional Director.  At a minimum, the plan shall include: (i) plans and strategies to restructure the Bank’s operations, improve earnings, reduce expenses and achieve positive core income; (ii) strategies for ensuring the Bank has the financial and personnel resources necessary to implement and adhere to the plan; (iii) quarterly pro forma financial projections; and (iv) identification of all relevant assumptions made in formulating the plan.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall not accept, renew or roll over any brokered deposit without a specific waiver from the OTS and the FDIC.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall develop an internal system to monitor the interest rates offered on all interest bearing accounts to ensure compliance with 12 C.F.R. 337.6(b).

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall review its liquidity position and prepare a daily liquidity report setting forth the uses and sources of funds for the Bank’s operations and cash flow projections for a 180 day period.   The liquidity report is required to be submitted daily to the OTS Regional Director and the Bank’s Asset/Liability Committee.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall not declare or pay dividends or make any other capital distributions without the prior written approval of the OTS.

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·Effective immediately, the Bank shall not make, purchase, or commit to make or purchase a commercial real estate (CRE) loan or an extension of credit for the purpose of land acquisition, development, and/or construction without the prior written non-objection of the OTS, except for construction of an owner occupied one-to-four family dwelling with at least a 20 percent down payment or that is subject to a binding pre-sold commitment.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall not make, purchase, or refinance or commit to make, purchase, or refinance an extension of credit if any of the proceeds of the loan will be used for the payment of interest on any loan or will be used for the establishment of an interest carry reserve on a loan without the prior written non-objection of the OTS.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall not make or purchase, or commit to make or purchase an extension of credit that is in excess of the supervisory loan-to-value limits set forth in the Appendix to 12 C.F.R. 560.101 without the prior written non-objection of the OTS.

·Within twenty-five (25) days after the end of each quarter, beginning with the quarter ended March 31, 2010, the Bank shall submit a written report to the Bank’s Board of Directors setting forth the ALLL analysis for the Bank’s assets and all assumptions used to determine the adequacy of the ALLL, given current economic conditions and the Bank’s risk profile.  The written report is required to be submitted to the OTS Regional Director within thirty (30) days after the end of each quarter.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall evaluate and classify its assets and establish ALLL and specific valuation allowances in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall implement and maintain an internal asset review program independent of the loan underwriting and approval functions to identify and grade loans with potential credit weaknesses in accordance with applicable regulations and regulatory guidance regarding internal asset reviews.

·By April 1, 2010, the Bank shall engage a qualified independent consultant to perform an on-site internal asset review and analyses of the assets on the Bank’s books as of December 31, 2009, including: (i) all non-owner occupied mortgage loans exceeding two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000); (ii) all other nonhomogeneous loans exceeding five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000); and (iii) all homogeneous loans designated as special mention or watch exceeding five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000). The review shall be completed by May 31, 2010 and the Bank shall submit the consultant’s report to the OTS by June 30, 2010.  The Bank has already engaged a qualified independent consultant to meet this requirement.

·By June 30, 2010, the Bank shall submit a comprehensive classified asset reduction plan to reduce classified assets that is acceptable to the OTS Regional Director. At a minimum, such plan shall include: (i) targets for the level of classified assets as a percentage of Tier 1 (Core) capital and ALLL and the timeframe for each such target; (ii) a description of the manner of, and methods for, reducing the Bank’s level of classified assets to the targets set forth therein; and (iii) all relevant assumptions and projections based on different scenarios, and documentation supporting such assumptions and projections.

·By June 30, 2010, the Bank shall submit a Loan-to-Value Plan to reduce the aggregate amount of all loans in excess of the supervisory loan-to-value limits set forth in the Appendix to 12 C.F.R. 560.101.  At a minimum, the plan shall include: (i) targets for the aggregate amount of all loans in excess of such supervisory loan-to-value limits; (ii) targets for the aggregate amount of all commercial loans, agricultural loans, multifamily loans, or loans secured by properties other than owner occupied one-to-four family residential properties in excess of such supervisory loan-to-value limits; (iii) a description of the manner of, and methods for, reducing the Bank’s level of loans in excess of such supervisory loan-to-value limits to the targets set forth therein; and (iv) all relevant assumptions and projections based on a best-case scenario, a worst-case scenario, and a most probable case scenario, and documentation supporting such assumptions and projections.

·By May 31, 2010, the Bank will submit to the OTS a certified written report regarding the transactions that do not comply with the requirements of 12 U.S.C. 1464 and 12 C.F.R. 560.30, specifically related to all real estate transactions and real estate transfer transactions conducted from January 1, 2008 through January 31, 2010.

·By June 30, 2010, the Bank shall submit a plan to divest of any impermissible asset that is acceptable to the OTS Regional Director.

·By June 30, 2010, the Bank shall submit a commercial real estate concentration plan to the OTS, subject to OTS Regional Director acceptance, that, at a minimum, addresses: (i) the reduction of the amount of the Bank’s existing CRE loans to two hundred percent (200%) or less of Tier 1 (Core) capital and ALLL; (ii) the reduction of each category of assets within the CRE portfolio to one hundred percent (100%) or less of Tier 1 (Core) capital

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and ALLL; (iii) the time frames for reaching each such target; and (iv) the assessment, monitoring, and control of the risks associated with the Bank’s CRE portfolio in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall not engage in any new transaction with an affiliate unless the Bank has complied with certain regulatory requirements.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall not enter into any arrangement or contract with a third party service provider that is significant to the overall operation or financial condition of the Bank or outside the Bank’s normal course of business without obtaining written non-objection from the OTS.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall not enter into, renew, extend or revise any contractual arrangement relating to compensation or benefits for any senior executive officer or director unless prior written notice is provided to the OTS.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall not increase any salaries, bonuses or director’s fees or make any other similar payments to directors or senior executive officers without prior written non-objection from the OTS.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall not make any “golden parachute payments” or prohibited indemnification payment unless the Bank has complied with 12 C.F.R. Part 359 and 12 C.F.R. Section 545.121.

·Effective immediately, the Bank shall comply with the prior notification requirements for changes in directors and senior executive officers set forth in 12 C.F.R. Part 563, Subpart H.

·By April 30, 2010, the Bank shall retain an independent third party consultant acceptable to the OTS Regional Director to conduct a review of supervision of the Bank’s lending operations by the Board and management. At a minimum, the Management Study shall include: (i) the identification of present and future staffing requirements for the Bank’s lending operations; (ii) an evaluation of the performance of management with respect to the Bank’s lending operations, including an assessment of whether compensation is commensurate with job performance and responsibilities in compliance with 12 C.F.R. § 563.161(b); (iii) the establishment of standards by which management’s effectiveness in the Bank’s lending operations will be measured; (iv) an assessment of the adequacy of communication regarding the Bank’s lending operations between management and the Board and the quality and timeliness of reporting to the Board; and (v) recommendations on whether to expand the scope, frequency, and sufficiency of information regarding the Bank’s lending operations provided to the Board by management. By July 30, 2010, the Board shall adopt a written plan to address any identified weaknesses or deficiencies noted in such study. The Bank shall provide such plan to the OTS within fifteen (15) days after the board meeting.

The Bank Order will remain in effect until terminated, modified or suspended by the OTS.

TAXATION

Federal Taxation

General.  The Company and the Bank are subject to the generally applicable corporate tax provisions of the Code, and the Bank is subject to certain additional provisions of the Code that apply to thrift and other types of financial institutions. The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize certain pertinent federal income tax matters material to the taxation of the Company and the Bank and is not a comprehensive discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Company and Bank.

Year.  The Bank files a federal income tax return on the basis of a fiscal year ending on December 31.  The Company filed a consolidated federal income tax return with both the Bank and the Service Corporation.

Bad Debt Reserves.  Prior to the enactment of the Small Business Jobs Protection Act (the “Act”), which was signed into law on August 21, 1996, certain thrift institutions, such as the Bank, were allowed deductions for bad debts under methods more favorable than those granted to other taxpayers.  Qualified thrift institutions could compute deductions for bad debts using either the specific charge-off method of Section 166 of the Code or the reserve method of Section 593 of the Code.   As a result of the 1996 Act, the Bank was required to use the specific charge off method in computing its bad debt deduction beginning with its 1996 federal tax return. Savings institutions were required to recapture any excess reserves over those established as of December 31, 1987 (base year reserve).

The balance of the pre-1988 reserves is subject to the provisions of Section 593(e), as modified by the Act, which requires recapture in the case of certain excessive distributions to shareholders.  The pre-1988 reserves may not be utilized for payment of cash dividends or other distributions to a shareholder (including distributions in dissolution or liquidation) or for any other purpose (except to absorb bad debt losses).  Distribution of a cash dividend by a thrift institution to a

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shareholder is treated as made:  first, out of the institution’s post-1951 accumulated earnings and profits; second, out of the pre-1988 reserves; and third, out of such other accounts as may be proper.  To the extent a distribution by the Bank to the Company is deemed paid out of its pre-1988 reserves under these rules, the pre-1988 reserves would be reduced and the Bank’s gross income for tax purposes would be increased by the amount which, when reduced by the income tax, if any, attributable to the inclusion of such amount in its gross income, equals the amount deemed paid out of the pre-1988 reserves.  As of December 31, 2009, the Bank’s pre-1988 reserves for tax purposes totaled approximately $4.2 million.

Minimum Tax.  The Code imposes an alternative minimum tax at a rate of 20%.  The alternative minimum tax generally applies to a base of regular taxable income plus certain tax preferences (“alternative minimum taxable income” or “AMTI”) and is payable to the extent such AMTI is in excess of an exemption amount.  Items of tax preference that constitute AMTI include (a) tax-exempt interest on newly issued (generally, issued on or after August 8, 1986) private activity bonds other than certain qualified bonds and (b) 75% of the excess (if any) of (i) adjusted current earnings as defined in the Code, over (ii) AMTI (determined without regard to this preference and prior to reduction by net operating losses).

Net Operating Loss Carryovers.  A financial institution may, for federal income tax purposes, carry back net operating losses (“NOLs”) to the preceding two taxable years and forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years.  This provision applies to losses incurred in taxable years beginning after 1997.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had a $16.7 million NOL for federal income tax purposes, $5.6 million of which will be carried back to the 2007 and 2008 tax years.  The remaining $11.1 million will be carried forward.

Capital Gains and Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction.  Corporate net capital gains are taxed at a maximum rate of 35%.  The corporate dividends-received deduction is 80% in the case of dividends received from a “20-percent-owned corporation”, i.e., a corporation having at least twenty percent (but generally less than 80 percent) of its stock owned by the recipient corporation and corporations which own less than 20% of the stock of a corporation distributing a dividend may deduct only 70% of dividends received or accrued on their behalf.  However, a corporation may deduct 100% of dividends from a member of the same affiliated group of corporations.

Deferred Taxes.  A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences in the recognition of revenue and expense, and unrealized gains and losses, for financial and tax reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company conducted an analysis to assess the need for a valuation allowance at December 31, 2009. As part of this assessment, all available evidence, including both positive and negative, was considered to determine whether based on the weight of such evidence, a valuation allowance on the Company’s deferred tax assets was needed. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, a valuation allowance is deemed to be needed when, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The future realization of the deferred tax asset depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carryback and carryforward periods.

As part of its analysis, the Company considered the following positive evidence:

·The Company has a long history of earnings profitability.

·The Company is projecting future taxable income sufficient to utilize all net operating loss carryforwards prior to expiration.

·Future reversals of certain deferred tax liabilities.

·The FRB has indicated that the economy has exited the recession.

As part of its analysis, the Company considered the following negative evidence:

·The Company recorded a large net loss in 2009.

·The Company did not meet its financial goals in 2009.

·The Company may not meet its projections concerning future taxable income.

Since December 31, 2008, the Company’s deferred tax asset has increased significantly, primarily due to additions to the allowance for loan losses and an increase in the net operating loss carryover.  The 2009 federal NOL is expected to be carried back to the 2007 and 2008 tax years resulting in a refund receivable of approximately $1.9 million.  At December 31, 2009, we determined that a valuation allowance relating to both the federal and state portion of our deferred tax asset was necessary. This determination for the state deferred tax asset was based largely on the negative evidence represented by the level of state tax exempt interest income which reduces state taxable income to a level that makes it unlikely the Company will realize its state deferred tax asset. Therefore, valuation allowances of $14.7 million and $3.4 million at December 31, 2009 were recorded for a portion of the federal deferred tax asset and all of the state deferred tax asset, respectively.

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Other Matters.  Federal legislation is introduced from time to time that would limit the ability of individuals to deduct interest paid on mortgage loans.  Individuals are currently not permitted to deduct interest on consumer loans.  Significant increases in tax rates or further restrictions on the deductibility of mortgage interest could adversely affect the Bank.  The Bank’s federal income tax returns for the tax years ended December 31, 2006 forward are open under the statute of limitations and are subject to review by the IRS.  The Company’s 2007 federal income tax return was subject to a limited scope examination by the Internal Revenue Service during the first quarter of 2009.  As a result of the examination, the Company was assessed approximately $45,000, including interest for the 2007 tax year.

State Taxation

The Bank is subject to the Arkansas corporation income tax, which is a progressive rate up to a maximum of 6.5% of all taxable earnings.

The Company is incorporated under Texas law and, accordingly, is subject to the New Texas Franchise Tax.  The New Texas Franchise Tax is based on taxable margin apportioned to Texas pursuant to its gross receipts based upon where the Company conducts business.  The Company currently has no Texas Gross Receipts.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as other information in this Form 10-K and the information contained in our other filings with the SEC.  You should carefully consider the following risks in light of our current operating environment and regulatory status. The occurrence of any of the events described below could materially adversely affect our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to continue as a going concern. Additional risks not presently known by us or that we currently deem immaterial may also have a material adverse impact.

The current economic environment poses significant challenges for the Company and could continue to adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.

The Company is operating in a challenging and uncertain economic environment, including generally uncertain national and local conditions.  Financial institutions continue to be affected by sharp declines in the real estate market and constrained financial markets.  Dramatic declines in the housing market over the past year, with falling home prices and increasing foreclosures and unemployment, have resulted in significant write-downs of asset values by the Bank and other financial institutions.  Continued declines in real estate values, home sales volumes, and financial stress on borrowers as a result of the uncertain economic environment could continue to have an adverse effect on the Bank’s borrowers or their customers, which could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.  A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects on the Company and others in the financial services industry.  For example, further deterioration in local economic conditions in the Company’s markets could drive losses beyond that which is provided for in its allowance for loan losses.  The Company may also face the following risks in connection with these events:

·Economic conditions that negatively affect housing prices and the job market have resulted, and may continue to result, in deterioration in credit quality of the Bank’s loan portfolio, and such deterioration in credit quality has had, and could continue to have, a negative impact on the Company’s business and financial condition.

·Market developments may affect consumer confidence levels and may cause adverse changes in payment patterns, causing increases in delinquencies and default rates on loans and other credit facilities.

·The processes the Company uses to estimate the allowance for loan losses may no longer be reliable because they rely on complex judgments, including forecasts of economic conditions, which may no longer be capable of accurate estimation.

·The Bank’s ability to assess the creditworthiness of its customers may be impaired if the processes and approaches it uses to select, manage, and underwrite its customers become less predictive of future charge-offs.

·The Company expects to face increased regulation of its industry, and compliance with such regulation may increase its costs, limit its ability to pursue business opportunities, and increase compliance challenges.

As these conditions or similar ones continue to exist or worsen, the Company could experience continuing or increased adverse effects on its financial condition and results of operations.

Our failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements and regulatory enforcement actions could result in further restrictions and enforcement actions.

The Bank is subject to supervision and regulation by the OTS.  As a federally chartered stock savings and loan association, the Bank’s good standing with its regulators is of fundamental importance to the continuation of its business.  As more fully described in Item 1 — “Business — Regulation - Regulatory Enforcement Actions,” on April 12, 2010, the

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Company and the Bank both consented to the Orders issued by the OTS.  The Orders require the Company and the Bank to, among other things, file with the OTS an updated business plan and capital plan and submit to the OTS, on a quarterly basis with respect to the business plan and monthly with respect to the capital plan, variance reports related to the plans.  The Order issued to the Bank also substantially restricts the Bank’s lending activities.  We have incurred and expect to continue to incur significant additional regulatory compliance expense in connection with the Orders, and we will incur ongoing expenses attributable to compliance with the terms of the Orders.  In addition, the OTS must approve any deviation from our business plan, which could limit our ability to make any changes to our business, which could negatively impact the scope and flexibility of our business activities.  We cannot predict the further impact of the Orders upon our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Any material failure by the Company and the Bank to comply with the provisions of the Orders could result in further enforcement actions by the OTS. While the Company and the Bank intend to take such actions as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of the Orders, there can be no assurance that the Company or the Bank will be able to comply fully with the Orders, or that efforts to comply with the Orders will not have adverse effects on the operations and financial condition of the Company or the Bank.

For a further discussion of the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory enforcement actions, see “Business — Regulation - Regulatory Enforcement Actions” beginning on page 1 herein.

Our capital levels currently are not sufficient to achieve compliance with the higher capital requirements we must meet by December 31, 2010.

The Bank Order directs the Bank to raise its tier 1 core capital and total risk-based capital ratios to 8% and 12%, respectively, by December 31, 2010.  At December 31, 2009, we did not meet these requirements and would have needed approximately $16.5 million in additional capital based on assets at such date to meet these requirements.  The Company currently does not have any capital available to invest in the Bank.  We are considering various strategies to help us achieve these capital levels by December 31, 2010, but there is no assurance that any capital raising strategy can be completed successfully by that date.  Moreover, any further increases to our allowance for loan losses and operating losses would negatively impact our capital levels and make it more difficult to achieve the capital levels directed by the OTS.  If we fail to meet the required capital levels by December 31, 2010, the OTS could take additional enforcement action against us, including the imposition of further operating restrictions.  The OTS also could direct us to seek a merger partner or to liquidate the Bank.

The decline in the Bank’s capital, in addition to the Company’s loss in 2009 and the significant level of the Bank’s criticized assets, were noted by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm as primary factors in including an explanatory paragraph in their report as to the uncertainty about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.  See Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We have a high percentage of nonperforming loans and classified assets relative to our total assets.  If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover our actual loan losses, our results of operations will be adversely affected.

At December 31, 2009, our nonperforming loans totaled $42.9 million, representing 8.3% of total loans and 5.9% of total assets.  Further, loans which management has classified as substandard totaled $125.5 million, representing 24.6% of total loans and 17.2% of total assets.  At December 31, 2009, our allowance for loan losses was $32.9 million, consisting of $25.4 million of general loan loss allowances and $7.5 million of specific valuation allowances.  The general valuation allowance represents 59.3% of nonperforming loans.  In the event our loan customers do not repay their loans according to their terms and the collateral securing the payment of these loans is insufficient to pay any remaining loan balance, we may experience significant loan losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

Management maintains an allowance for loan losses based upon, among other things:

· historical experience;

· repayment capacity of borrowers;

· an evaluation of local, regional and national economic conditions;

· regular reviews of delinquencies and loan portfolio quality;

· collateral evaluations;

· current trends regarding the volume and severity of problem loans;

· the existence and effect of concentrations of credit; and

· results of regulatory examinations.

Based on those factors, management makes various assumptions and judgments about the ultimate collectibility of the respective loan portfolios.  The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires management to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. In addition, our board of directors and the OTS periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for possible loan losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs. The OTS’ judgments may differ from those of our management. The amount of future loan losses is susceptible to changes in economic, operating and other conditions, which may be beyond our control, including

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changes in interest rates, and these losses may exceed current estimates. Federal regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, review our loans and allowance for loan losses. The most recent OTS examination was completed in December 2009. While we believe that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover current losses, we cannot provide assurances that we will not need to increase our allowance for loan losses or that regulators will not require an increase in our allowance. Either of these occurrences could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Liquidity needs could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The Bank’s primary sources of funds are deposits, maturing or called securities, and loan repayments. While scheduled loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, they are subject to the ability of borrowers to repay the loans. The ability of borrowers to repay loans can be adversely affected by a number of factors outside of our control, including changes in economic conditions, adverse trends or events affecting business industry groups, reductions in real estate values or markets, business closings or lay-offs, inclement weather, natural disasters and international instability. Additionally, deposit levels may be affected by a number of factors, including rates paid by competitors, general interest rate levels, returns available to customers on alternative investments, financial condition or regulatory status of the Bank, actions by the OTS and general economic conditions. Accordingly, we may be required from time to time to rely on secondary sources of liquidity to meet withdrawal demands or otherwise fund operations. Those sources may include Federal Home Loan Bank advances, repurchase agreements and the Federal Reserve discount window.  Currently, however, the Bank may only borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank on a short-term basis.

Our financial flexibility will be constrained if we continue to incur losses and are unable to maintain our access to funding or if adequate financing is not available at acceptable interest rates. We may seek additional debt in the future. Additional borrowings, if sought, may not be available to us or, if available, may not be available on reasonable terms. If additional financing sources are unavailable, or are not available on reasonable terms, our financial condition, results of operations and future prospects could be materially adversely affected. Finally, if we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources to support future growth, our revenues may not increase proportionately to cover our costs. In addition, we may be required to slow or discontinue capital expenditures or make other investments or liquidate assets should those sources not be adequate.

There are increased risks involved with commercial real estate, construction, commercial business and consumer lending activities.

Our loan portfolio includes loans secured by existing commercial real estate.  In addition, our portfolio includes loans for the construction of single-family residential real estate and land development loans.  Commercial real estate and construction lending generally is considered to involve a higher degree of risk than single-family residential lending due to a variety of factors, including generally larger loan balances, the dependency on successful completion or operation of the project for repayment, the difficulties in estimating construction costs and loan terms which often do not require full amortization of the loan over its term and, instead, provide for a balloon payment at stated maturity.  Our loan portfolio also includes commercial business loans to small- to medium-sized businesses, which generally are secured by various equipment, machinery and other corporate assets, and a variety of consumer loans, including automobile loans, deposit account secured loans and unsecured loans.  Although commercial business loans and consumer loans generally have shorter terms and higher interest rates than mortgage loans, they generally involve more risk than mortgage loans because of the nature of, or in certain cases the absence of, the collateral which secures such loans.  The Bank’s lending activities are currently restricted as a result of the Orders.  For a further discussion of the Orders, see “Business — Regulation - Regulatory Enforcement Actions.”

We may experience an ownership change which would result in a limitation of the use of our net operating losses.

In general, under Section 382 of the Code, a corporation that undergoes an “ownership change” is subject to limitations on its ability to utilize its pre-change net operating losses (“NOLs”) to offset future taxable income.  If we undergo an ownership change in the future as a result of issuances of our common stock or otherwise, our ability to utilize NOLs could be further limited by Section 382 of the Code.  In the event of an ownership change, Section 382 imposes an annual

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limitation on the amount of post-ownership change taxable income a corporation may offset with pre-ownership change NOL carryforwards and certain recognized built-in losses.

We may issue additional shares of our common stock in the future, which would dilute your ownership if you did not, or were not permitted to, invest in the additional issuances.

The Bank has been directed by the OTS to raise its tier 1 core capital and total risk-based capital ratios to 8% and 12%, respectively, by December 31, 2010.  Had the Bank been required to meet these capital requirements at December 31, 2009, it would have needed additional capital of approximately $16.5 million.  To meet these capital requirements and for other purposes, we expect to seek to raise capital during the third or fourth quarter of 2010.  Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control, and on our financial condition and performance.  Accordingly, we cannot make assurances that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all.  If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, the OTS could take additional enforcement action against us, including the imposition of further operating restrictions.  The OTS also could direct us to seek a merger partner or to liquidate the Bank.  Our certificate of incorporation makes available additional authorized shares of common stock and preferred stock for issuance from time to time at the discretion of our board of directors, without further action by the shareholders, except where shareholder approval is required by law or the Nasdaq Capital Market requirements.  The issuance of any additional shares of common stock, preferred stock, or convertible securities could be substantially dilutive to shareholders of our common stock.  Holders of our shares of common stock have no preemptive rights that entitle them to purchase their pro rata share of any offering of shares of any class or series and, therefore, our shareholders may not be permitted to invest in future issuances of our common stock and as a result will be diluted.

Future FDIC insurance premiums or special assessments may adversely impact our earnings.

On May 22, 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule levying a five basis point special assessment on each insured depository institution’s assets minus Tier 1 capital as of June 30, 2009. We recorded an expense of approximately $350,000 during the quarter ended June 30, 2009, to reflect the special assessment. The final rule permitted the FDIC to levy up to two additional special assessments of up to five basis points each during 2009 if the FDIC estimated that the Deposit Insurance Fund reserve ratio will fall to a level that the FDIC believes would adversely affect public confidence or to a level that will be close to or below zero. No additional levies were assessed in 2009.  In addition, the FDIC increased the general assessment rate and, therefore, our FDIC general insurance premium expense will increase compared to prior periods.

On November 12, 2009, the FDIC adopted a final rule pursuant to which insured depository institutions will be required to prepay their estimated assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for all of 2010, 2011 and 2012. This pre-payment was due on December 30, 2009. Under the rule, the assessment rate for the fourth quarter of 2009 and for 2010 is based on each institution’s total base assessment rate for the third quarter of 2009, modified to assume that the assessment rate in effect on September 30, 2009 had been in effect for the entire third quarter, and the assessment rate for 2011 and 2012 would be equal to the modified third quarter assessment rate plus an additional 3 basis points. In addition, each institution’s base assessment rate for each period is calculated using its third quarter assessment base, adjusted quarterly for an estimated 5% annual growth rate in the assessment base through the end of 2012.  The Bank received an exemption from this prepayment requirement but will pay each quarterly assessment as it becomes due.  The Bank received an exemption from this prepayment requirement due to its potential impact on the Bank’s liquidity position.

Recent insured institution failures, as well as deterioration in banking and economic conditions, have significantly increased the loss provisions of the FDIC, resulting in a decline in the designated reserve ratio to historical lows. The FDIC expects a higher rate of insured institution failures in the next few years compared to recent years. Therefore, the reserve ratio may continue to decline. These developments have caused the premiums assessed on us by the FDIC to increase and materially increase FDIC insurance expense. We are unable to predict the effect in future periods if the economic crisis continues.

We are heavily regulated, and that regulation could limit or restrict our activities and adversely affect our earnings.

We operate in a highly regulated industry and are subject to examination, supervision, and comprehensive regulation by various federal and state agencies, including the OTS and the FDIC.  Our compliance with these regulations is costly and may restrict some of our activities, including payment of dividends, mergers and acquisitions, investments, loans and interest rates and locations of offices.

In light of current conditions in the global financial markets and the global economy, regulators have increased their focus on the regulation of the financial services industry. Over the past year and a half, the U.S. financial regulators responding

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to directives of the Obama Administration and Congress have intervened on an unprecedented scale. New legislative proposals continue to be introduced in the U.S. Congress that could further substantially increase regulation of the financial services industry and impose restrictions on the operations and general ability of firms within the industry to conduct business consistent with historical practices, including with respect to compensation, interest rates and the effect of bankruptcy proceedings on consumer real property mortgages. Further, federal and state regulatory agencies may adopt changes to their regulations and/or change the manner in which existing regulations are applied. We cannot predict the substance or effect of pending or future legislation or regulation or the application of laws and regulation to us. Compliance with current and potential regulation and scrutiny may significantly increase our costs, impede the efficiency of our internal business processes, require us to increase our regulatory capital and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities in an efficient manner by requiring us to expend significant time, effort and resources to ensure compliance. Additionally, evolving regulations concerning executive compensation may impose limitations on us that affect our ability to compete successfully for executive and management talent.

In addition, given the current economic and financial environment, our regulators may elect to alter standards or the interpretation of the standards used to measure regulatory compliance or to determine the adequacy of liquidity, certain risk management or other operational practices for financial services companies in a manner that impacts our ability to implement our strategy and could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, the regulatory agencies have extremely broad discretion in their interpretation of the regulations and laws and their interpretation of the quality of our loan portfolio, securities portfolio and other assets. If any regulatory agency’s assessment of the quality of our assets differs from our assessment, we may be required to take additional charges that would have the effect of materially reducing our earnings, capital ratios and stock price.

In November 2009, the Federal Reserve Board issued a final rule that, effective July 1, 2010, prohibits financial institutions from charging consumers fees for paying overdrafts on automated teller machine and one-time debit card transactions, unless a consumer consents, or opts in, to the overdraft service for those types of transactions.  Consumers must be provided a notice that explains the financial institution’s overdraft services, including the fees associated with the service, and the consumer’s choices.  Because the Company’s customers must provide advance consent to the overdraft service for automated teller machine and one-time debit card transactions, the Company cannot provide any assurance as to the ultimate impact of this rule on the amount of overdraft/insufficient funds charges reported in future periods.

Changes in interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

The operations of financial institutions such as the Bank are dependent to a large extent on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on interest earning assets such as loans and investment securities and the interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowings.  Changes in the general level of interest rates can affect our net interest income by affecting the difference between the weighted average yield earned on our interest earning assets and the weighted average rate paid on our interest bearing liabilities, or interest rate spread, and the average life of our interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities.  Changes in interest rates also can affect our ability to originate loans; the value of our interest earning assets; our ability to obtain and retain deposits in competition with other available investment alternatives; and the ability of our borrowers to repay adjustable or variable rate loans.  Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors beyond our control.  There can be no assurance that our results of operations would not be adversely affected during any period of changes in interest rates due to a number of factors which can have a material impact on the Bank’s interest rate risk position.  Such factors include among other items, call features and interest rate caps and floors on various assets and liabilities, prepayments, the current interest rates on assets and liabilities to be repriced in each period, and the relative changes in interest rates on different types of assets and liabilities.

The Company is subject to restrictions on its ability to declare or pay dividends and repurchase its shares as a result of its participation in the Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program Capital Purchase Program.  The Company and the Bank are prohibited from paying dividends or repurchasing common stock.

On March 6, 2009, the Company issued to the Treasury for aggregate consideration of $16.5 million (i) 16,500 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and (ii) a Warrant to purchase 321,847 shares of the Company’s Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement.  Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company’s ability to declare or pay dividends on any of its shares is restricted.  Specifically, the Company may not declare dividend payments on common, junior preferred or pari passu preferred shares if it is in arrears on the dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock.  In addition, the Company may not increase the dividends on its Common Stock above the amount of the last quarter cash dividend per share declared prior to October 14, 2008, which was $0.16 per share, without the Treasury’s approval until the third anniversary of the investment unless all of the Series A Preferred Stock has been redeemed or transferred.  The Company is currently restricted from making or declaring any payments on its outstanding securities, including the

36

dividends payable on the Series A Preferred Stock, without prior written non-objection from the OTS.  The Company deferred payment of the dividend on the Series A Preferred Stock in the first quarter of 2010.

The Company’s ability to repurchase its shares is also restricted under the terms of the Purchase Agreement.  The Treasury’s consent generally is required for the Company to make any stock repurchases until the third anniversary of the investment by the Treasury unless all of the Series A Preferred Stock has been redeemed or transferred.  Further, common, junior preferred or pari passu preferred shares may not be repurchased if the Company is in arrears on the Series A Preferred Stock dividends.  Under the Company Order, the Company may not repurchase shares of its common stock without the prior written non-objection of the OTS.

We are subject to restrictions on executive compensation as a result of our participation in the CPP.

Under the terms of the CPP, the U.S. Treasury has imposed specified standards for executive compensation and corporate governance for the period during which the U.S. Treasury holds any equity or warrants issued pursuant to the CPP. These standards generally apply to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer, chief operating officer, and the two next most highly compensated senior executive officers. The standards include:

·ensuring that incentive compensation for senior executives does not encourage unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten our value;

·required clawback of any bonus or incentive compensation paid to a senior executive based on statements of earnings, gains or other criteria that are later proven to be materially inaccurate;

·prohibition on making golden parachute payments to senior executives; and

·agreement not to deduct for tax purposes executive compensation in excess of $500,000 for each senior executive.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “ARRA”), further compensation restrictions, including significant limitations on incentive compensation, have been imposed on our senior executive officers and most highly compensated employees. Those restrictions, and any future restrictions on executive compensation that may be adopted, could adversely affect our ability to hire and retain senior executive officers.

We may incur increased employee benefit costs.

Our pension benefits are dependent upon multiple factors resulting from actual plan experience and assumptions of future experience. Fluctuations in market performance and changes in interest rates may result in increased or decreased pension costs in future periods. Changes in assumptions regarding expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, changes in our discount rate or expected compensation levels could also increase or decrease pension costs. Future pension funding requirements, and the timing of funding payments, may be subject to changes in legislation.

We face strong competition that may adversely affect our profitability.

We are subject to vigorous competition in all aspects and areas of our business from banks and other financial institutions, including savings and loan associations, savings banks, finance companies, credit unions and other providers of financial services, such as money market mutual funds, brokerage firms, consumer finance companies and insurance companies.  We also compete with non-financial institutions, including retail stores that maintain their own credit programs and governmental agencies that make available low cost or guaranteed loans to certain borrowers.  Certain of our competitors are larger financial institutions with substantially greater resources, lending limits, larger branch systems and a wider array of banking services.  Competition from both bank and non-bank organizations will continue.

Our ability to successfully compete may be reduced if we are unable to make technological advances.

The banking industry is experiencing rapid changes in technology.  In addition to improving customer services, effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs.  As a result, our future success will depend in part on our ability to address our customers’ needs by using technology.  We cannot assure that we will be able to effectively develop new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products to our customers.  Many of our competitors have far greater resources than we have to invest in technology.

We are subject to security and operational risks relating to our use of technology that could damage our reputation and our business.

Security breaches in our internet banking activities could expose us to possible liability and damage our reputation. Any compromise of our security also could deter customers from using our internet banking services that involve the transmission of confidential information. We rely on standard internet security systems to provide the security and authentication necessary to effect secure transmission of data. These precautions may not protect our systems from

37

compromises or breaches of our security measures that could result in damage to our reputation and our business. Additionally, we outsource our data processing to a third party. If our third party provider encounters difficulties or if we have difficulty in communicating with such third party, it could significantly affect our ability to adequately process and account for customer transactions, which could significantly affect our business operations.  The Bank has never incurred a material security breach nor encountered any significant down time with our outsourced partners.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None

Item 2.  Properties.

At December 31, 2009, the Bank conducted its business from its executive office in Harrison, Arkansas, and nineteen full service offices, all of which are located in Northcentral and Northwest Arkansas.

The following table sets forth information with respect to the offices and other properties of the Bank at December 31, 2009.

Description/Address	Leased/Owned
1401 Highway 62/65 NorthHarrison, AR 72601	Owned
200 West StephensonHarrison, AR 72601	Owned
Corner Central & WillowHarrison, AR 72601	Owned
324 Hwy. 62/65 BypassHarrison, AR 72601	Owned
210 South MainBerryville, AR 72616	Owned
668 Highway 62 EastMountain Home, AR 72653	Owned
1337 Highway 62 SWMountain Home, AR 72653	Owned
301 Highway 62 WestYellville, AR 72687	Owned
307 North Walton Blvd.Bentonville, AR 72712	Owned
3300 West SunsetSpringdale, AR 72762	Owned
2000 Promenade BoulevardRogers, AR 72758	Leased (3)
2501 E. Central Ave., Suite 2Bentonville, AR 72712	Leased(1)
3460 North CollegeFayetteville, AR 72703	Owned
1303 Hudson RoadRogers, AR 72756	Owned
201 East Henri De Tonti Blvd.Tontitown, AR 72764	Owned
2025 North Crossover RoadFayetteville, AR 72703	Owned
191 West Main StreetFarmington, AR 72730	Owned
2030 West ElmRogers, AR 72756	Owned
1023 East Millsap RoadFayetteville, AR 72703	Owned
3027 Highway 62 EastMountain Home, AR 72653	Owned
1190 East Centerton BoulevardCenterton, AR 72719	Leased (2)
225 N. Bloomington Street, Ste. HLowell, AR 72745	Owned

(1)Such property is subject to a five-year lease expiring August 1, 2013, with two five-year renewal options.

(2)Such property is subject to a five-year lease expiring November 1, 2010, with three five-year renewal options.

(3)Such property is subject to a ten-year lease expiring March 1, 2018, with five five-year renewal options.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.

On June 22, 2009, a lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of Benton County, Arkansas, Civil Division, Docket No. CIV2009-1936-3 styled Pinnacle Hills Hotel Group, LLC, Landside Acquisitions, LLC, Basic Construction, Inc., and Gary Combs vs. First Federal Bank of Harrison.  The limited liability plaintiffs are direct or indirect affiliates of Gary Combs, a commercial and residential developer who is a resident of Washington County, Arkansas.  According to the complaint, the plaintiffs are borrowers and/or guarantors of certain loans made to the various borrowers and secured by a mortgage on property in Washington County, Arkansas and a mortgage secured by property in Benton County, Arkansas.  The

38

complaint alleges that the Bank has breached its agreement with Combs to provide financing, wrongfully shared details of a project with a third party, disseminated proprietary information, among other allegations.  The plaintiffs seek damages under the complaint in the amount of $16 million.

On October 15, 2009, a settlement agreement was executed by all parties to the above described lawsuit. In conjunction with this settlement an order of dismissal with prejudice was entered by the court pursuant to the settlement agreement.  The settlement resulted in the Bank obtaining lien free ownership of its collateral.

Neither the Company nor the Bank is involved in any pending legal proceedings other than nonmaterial legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business and the matters discussed above.

PART II.

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

Shares of the Company’s common stock are traded under the symbol “FFBH” on the Nasdaq Global Market.  At April 12, 2010, the Company had 4,846,785 shares of common stock outstanding and had approximately 1,913 beneficial holders of common stock.

The following table sets forth the dividends declared and the reported high and low end of day closing prices of a share of the Company’s common stock as reported by Nasdaq for the periods indicated.

	Year EndedDecember 31, 2009						Year EndedDecember 31, 2008
Quarter Ended	High		Low		Dividend		High		Low		Dividend
March 31	$	8.25	$	3.40	$	0.01	$	15.49	$	11.79	$	0.16
June 30	$	4.95	$	3.77	$	0.01	$	13.95	$	8.65	$	0.16
September 30	$	4.69	$	3.16	$	0.01	$	9.95	$	7.07	$	0.16
December 31	$	4.10	$	2.17	—		$	9.89	$	7.00	$	0.16

Pursuant to the Company Order, the Company may not declare or pay any dividends or capital distributions on its common stock or repurchase such shares without the prior written non-objection of the OTS.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company did not repurchase any securities during the fourth quarter of 2009.  The Company is in its nineteenth announced repurchase program that was approved by the board of directors on July 25, 2006, and publicly announced on November 8, 2006. Total shares approved to be purchased in this program are 245,197, of which 214,587 had been purchased as of December 31, 2009.  All treasury stock purchases are made under publicly announced repurchase programs.  The repurchase program is currently suspended.  The Company Order prohibits the Company from repurchasing shares of its common stock without the prior written non-objection of the OTS.

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Item 6.  Selected Financial Data.

The selected consolidated financial and other data of the Company set forth below and on the following page is not complete and should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the more detailed information, including the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes, appearing elsewhere herein.

	At or For theYear Ended December 31,
	2009			2008			2007		2006		2005
	(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
Selected Financial Condition Data:
Total assets	$	731,070		$	795,172		$	791,978	$	852,475	$	852,411
Cash and cash equivalents	22,149			9,367			27,387		35,518		21,109
Investment securities	135,531			136,412			95,590		60,746		56,695
Loans receivable, net	481,542			568,123			601,256		693,095		719,214
Allowance for loan losses	32,908			6,441			5,162		2,572		2,114
Real estate owned, net	35,155			22,385			8,120		3,858		892
Deposits	624,624			618,003			630,414		652,265		611,667
Other borrowings	59,546			92,212			82,087		120,305		158,240
Stockholders’ equity	43,300			73,117			73,663		75,573		77,842
Selected Operating Data:
Interest income	$	36,043		$	43,947		$	50,426	$	54,119	$	46,085
Interest expense	15,255			22,102			28,184		27,576		19,604
Net interest income	20,788			21,845			22,242		26,543		26,481
Provision for loan losses	44,365			5,710			4,028		1,482		1,101
Net interest income (loss) afterprovision for loan losses	(23,577		)	16,135			18,214		25,061		25,380
Noninterest income	8,117			9,417			7,769		8,222		6,936
Noninterest expense	29,890			23,468			22,995		22,521		20,743
Income (loss) before income taxes	(45,350		)	2,084			2,988		10,762		11,573
Income tax provision (benefit)	148			(423		)	345		3,379		3,723
Net income (loss)	$	(45,498	)	$	2,507		$	2,643	$	7,383	$	7,850
Earnings (loss) per Common Share:
Basic	$	(9.54	)	$	0.52		$	0.54	$	1.48	$	1.57
Diluted	(9.54		)	$	0.52		$	0.54	$	1.44	$	1.50
Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share	$	0.03		$	0.64		$	0.64	$	0.58	$	0.50

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	At or For the Year Ended December 31,
	2009		2008		2007		2006		2005
Selected Operating Ratios(1):
Return on average assets	(5.84	)%	0.31	%	0.32	%	0.85	%	0.97	%
Return on average equity	(57.33	)	3.38		3.52		9.40		10.27
Average equity to average assets	10.19		9.24		9.21		9.04		9.46
Interest rate spread(2)	2.98		2.99		2.92		3.19		3.41
Net interest margin(2)	2.99		3.01		2.98		3.29		3.51
Net interest income after provision forloan losses to noninterest expense	(78.88	)	68.75		79.21		111.28		122.35
Noninterest expense to average assets	3.84		2.92		2.82		2.59		2.57
Average interest earning assets toaverage interest bearing liabilities	100.40		100.49		101.68		102.92		103.80
Operating efficiency(3)	103.41		75.07		76.62		64.78		62.07
Asset Quality Ratios(4):
Nonaccrual loans to total assets	5.86		2.83		3.84		2.16		0.60
Nonperforming assets to total assets(5)	10.67		6.77		5.17		2.69		0.89
General allowance for loan losses toclassified loans	28.17		12.12		7.45		9.42		14.88
General allowance for loan lossesto total loans	4.97		0.61		0.35		0.27		0.24
Capital Ratios(6):
Tangible capital to adjusted total assets	5.75		8.89		9.22		8.76		8.78
Core capital to adjusted total assets	5.75		8.89		9.22		8.76		8.78
Risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets	9.97		13.35		13.20		11.94		12.06
Other Data:
Dividend payout ratio(7)	Note	(8)	123.74	%	117.71	%	39.26	%	32.19	%
Full service offices at end of period	20		20		18		18		16

(1)Ratios are based on average daily balances.

(2)Interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on average interest earning assets and the weighted average cost of average interest bearing liabilities, and net interest margin represents net interest income as a percent of average interest earning assets.

(3)Noninterest expense to net interest income plus noninterest income.

(4)Asset quality ratios are end of period ratios.

(5)Nonperforming assets consist of nonperforming loans, net of specific valuation allowances, and real estate owned (“REO”).  Nonperforming loans consist of nonaccrual loans, net of specific valuation allowances, accruing loans 90 days or more past due and restructured loans.

(6)Capital ratios are end of period ratios for First Federal Bank.

(7)Dividend payout ratio is the total common stock dividends declared divided by net income available to common shareholders.

(8)Dividend payout ratio is not meaningful for 2009 due to the Company’s net loss.

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

GENERAL

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to assist a reader inunderstanding the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented.  The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and the other sections contained herein.

The Bank is a federally chartered stock savings and loan association that was formed in 1934.  First Federal conducts business from its main office and nineteen full-service branch offices, all of which are located in a six county area in Northcentral and Northwest Arkansas comprised of Benton, Marion, Washington, Carroll, Baxter and Boone counties. The Bank’s focus will continue in this six county area.    The Bank is a community-oriented financial institution offering a wide range of retail and commercial deposit accounts, including noninterest bearing and interest bearing checking, savings and money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts.  Loan products offered by the Bank include residential real estate, consumer, construction, lines of credit, commercial real estate and commercial business loans. However, the Bank is currently subject to comprehensive lending restrictions as a result of the provisions of the Bank Order.  For a further description of the Orders, see Item 1. “Business — Regulation — Regulatory Enforcement Matters.”  Other financial services include investment products offered through First Federal Investment Services, Inc.; automated teller machines; 24-hour telephone banking; internet banking, including account access, e-statements, bill payment and online loan applications; Bounce ProtectionTM overdraft service; debit cards; and safe deposit boxes.

First Federal’s lending focus has traditionally been on permanent residential real estate.  However, between 2003 and 2005, an increased emphasis was placed on commercial real estate lending and construction lending based on opportunities in Washington and Benton counties.  Beginning in late 2005, we reduced our focus on construction lending due to an oversupply of homes and lots in Northwest Arkansas.  While oversupply continues to be a significant issue, the market in Northwest Arkansas continues to outperform the national and state economies with lower unemployment and continued population growth. Washington and Benton County are the headquarters of the state’s two largest employers, Wal-Mart and Tyson Foods.  These employers attract suppliers who establish offices in the area and create jobs, which fosters demand for housing and office space.  As of December 2009, unemployment in the Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers metro area was 5.7% (not seasonally adjusted), compared to the Arkansas rate of 7.6% and the U.S. rate of 10.0%, both seasonally adjusted.

Certificates of deposit continue to comprise the majority of our deposit accounts.  However, in recent years, increased emphasis has been placed on growth in checking accounts.   The Bank focused its marketing efforts to increase checking accounts by offering a checking product which has a higher interest rate than the Bank’s other checking account products. To earn the maximum rate under the new product, customers must qualify based on usage of electronic banking services such as debit card transactions, e-statements, and direct deposits or automatic payments. The Bank will continue to promote checking accounts as they are an attractive source of funds for the Bank as they offer overall low-interest deposits, fee income potential, and the opportunity to cross-sell other financial services.

The Company’s results of operations depend primarily on its net interest income, which is the difference between interest income on interest earning assets, such as loans and investments, and interest expense on interest bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.  Net interest income is affected by the level of nonperforming assets as they provide no interest earnings to the Bank.  The Company’s results of operations are also affected by the provision for loan losses, the level of its noninterest income and expenses, and income tax expense.

Noninterest income is generated primarily through deposit account fee income, profit on sale of loans, loan fee income, and earnings on life insurance policies.

Noninterest expense consists primarily of employee compensation and benefits, office occupancy expense, data processing expense, real estate owned expense, net, and other operating expense.

Like many banks, First Federal Bank’s greatest challenge in this economic environment is reducing the level of nonperforming assets and managing both interest rate risk and asset quality.  We strive to maintain the asset quality of our loan portfolio at acceptable levels through sound underwriting procedures, including the use of credit scoring; a thorough loan review function; active collection procedures for delinquent loans; and, in the event of repossession, prompt and efficient liquidation of real estate, automobiles and other forms of collateral.   We have experienced a significant increase in nonperforming assets, primarily due to the housing market oversupply issue in Northwest Arkansas as well as the downturn in the general economy.  We attempt to work with troubled borrowers to return their loans to performing status where possible. However, given current market conditions, the trend of increasing nonperforming assets may

42

continue for the foreseeable future.  Both the board of directors and senior management place a high priority on reducing our nonperforming assets and managing asset quality.

In addition, management is also challenged with managing interest rate risk.  The Bank’s current interest rate risk position as measured by our regulator, the OTS, is at a minimal level as defined by Thrift Bulletin 13a.  The movement of interest rates impacts the level of interest rate risk and the timing and magnitude of assets repricing compared to liabilities repricing.  The Bank attempts to reduce the impact of changes in interest rates on its net interest income by managing the repricing gap as described in the “Asset and Liability Management” section.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Various elements of our accounting policies, by their nature, are inherently subject to estimation techniques, valuation assumptions and other subjective assessments.  In particular, valuation of real estate owned and the methodology for the determination of our allowance for loan losses, due to the judgments, estimates and assumptions inherent in those policies, are critical to preparation of our financial statements.  These policies and the judgments, estimates and assumptions are described in greater detail in subsequent sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis and in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.  In particular, Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements — “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” describes generally our accounting policies.  We believe that the judgments, estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements are appropriate given the factual circumstances at the time.  However, given the sensitivity of our Consolidated Financial Statements to this critical accounting policy, the use of other judgments, estimates and assumptions could result in material differences in our results of operations or financial condition.

In estimating the amount of credit losses inherent in our loan portfolio, various judgments and assumptions are made.  For example, when assessing the condition of the overall economic environment, assumptions are made regarding market conditions and their impact on the loan portfolio.  In the event the economy were to sustain a prolonged downturn, the loss factors applied to our portfolios may need to be revised, which may significantly impact the measurement of the allowance for loan losses.  For impaired loans that are collateral dependent and for real estate owned, the estimated fair value of the collateral may deviate significantly from the proceeds received when the collateral is sold.  During 2009, these factors significantly impacted our allowance for loan losses and real estate owned.

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences related to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and for tax credits. We evaluate our deferred tax assets for recoverability using a consistent approach that considers the relative impact of negative and positive evidence, including our historical profitability and projections of future taxable income. We are required to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if we determine, based on available evidence at the time the determination is made, that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, we estimate future taxable income based on management-approved business plans and ongoing tax planning strategies. This process involves significant management judgment about assumptions that are subject to change from period to period based on changes in tax laws or variances between our projected operating performance, our actual results and other factors. Accordingly, we have included the assessment of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance as a critical accounting policy.

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CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

Changes in financial condition between December 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands).  Material changes between periods are discussed in the sections that follow the table.

	December 31,			December 31,			Increase			Percentage
	2009			2008			(Decrease)			Change
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	22,149		$	9,367		$	12,782		136.5	%
Investment securities held to maturity	135,531			136,412			(881		)	(0.7	)
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	3,125			4,825			(1,700		)	(35.2	)
Loans receivable, net	481,542			566,537			(84,995		)	(15.0	)
Loans held for sale	1,012			1,586			(574		)	(36.2	)
Accrued interest receivable	4,229			6,701			(2,472		)	(36.9	)
Real estate owned, net	35,155			22,385			12,770			57.1
Office properties and equipment, net	23,567			24,694			(1,127		)	(4.6	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	24,760			22,665			2,095			9.2
TOTAL	$	731,070		$	795,172		$	(64,102	)	(8.1	)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES:
Deposits	$	624,624		$	618,003		$	6,621		1.1
Other borrowings	59,546			92,212			(32,666		)	(35.4	)
Other liabilities	3,600			11,840			(8,240		)	(69.6	)
Total liabilities	687,770			722,055			(34,285		)	(4.8	)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	43,300			73,117			(29,817		)	(40.8	)
TOTAL	$	731,070		$	795,172		$	(64,102	)	(8.1	)%
BOOK VALUE PER COMMON SHARE	$	5.59		$	15.09
COMMON EQUITY TO ASSETS	3.7		%	9.2		%
TOTAL EQUITY TO ASSETS	5.9		%	9.2		%

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Loans Receivable.  Changes in loan composition between December 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands).

	December 31,						Increase
	2009			2008			(Decrease)			% Change
One- to four-family residences	$	235,990		$	241,735		$	(5,745	)	(2.4	)%
Home equity and second mortgage	27,022			31,712			(4,690		)	(14.8	)
Multifamily	27,987			24,147			3,840			15.9
Commercial real estate	104,618			115,935			(11,317		)	(9.8	)
Land	41,405			50,510			(9,105		)	(18.0	)
Construction:
One- to four-family residences	7,102			8,450			(1,348		)	(16.0	)
Speculative one- to four-family residences	8,849			17,096			(8,247		)	(48.2	)
Multifamily	14,178			15,016			(838		)	(5.6	)
Commercial real estate	9,717			18,297			(8,580		)	(46.9	)
Land development	9,449			18,457			(9,008		)	(48.8	)
Total mortgage loans	486,317			541,355			(55,038		)	(10.2	)
Commercial	14,575			21,922			(7,347		)	(33.5	)
Automobile	6,810			8,631			(1,821		)	(21.1	)
Other	11,052			12,291			(1,239		)	(10.1	)
Total consumer	17,862			20,922			(3,060		)	(14.6	)
Total loans receivable	518,754			584,199			(65,445		)	(11.2	)
Undisbursed loan funds	(4,327		)	(11,750		)	7,423			(63.2	)
Unearned discounts and net deferredloan costs	23			529			(506		)	(95.7	)
Allowance for loan losses (1)	(32,908		)	(6,441		)	(26,467		)	410.9
Loans receivable, net	$	481,542		$	566,537		$	(84,995	)	(15.0	)%

(1)The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, is comprised of specific valuation allowances of $7.5 million and $2.9 million, respectively, and general valuation allowances of $25.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively.

The decrease in the Bank’s loan portfolio was primarily due to a decrease in loan originations as a result of continued softening of the housing market in the Bank’s market area and transfers of nonperforming loans to REO, net of loans to facilitate sales of REO, as well as additional allowance for loan loss provision during the year. Market data indicates an overall decrease in home sales in Benton and Washington counties in 2009, 2008 and 2007.  Although the Northwest Arkansas region’s economy continues to experience population growth and a relatively good job market, the supply of new residential lots and new speculative homes for sale continues to outpace demand.  We expect this trend to continue for the foreseeable future given the level of oversupply in the market.

Allowance for Loan Losses.  The composition of the allowance for loan losses by component and category as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 is presented below (in thousands):

	December 31, 2009						December 31, 2008
	Specific Valuation Allowance		General Valuation Allowance		GVA % of Portfolio		Specific Valuation Allowance		General Valuation Allowance		GVA % of Portfolio
One- to four-family residential	$	405	$	4,031	1.66	%	$	149	$	353	0.14	%
Home equity and second mortgage	305		1,384		5.18		30		320		1.01
Speculative one- to four-family construction	120		764		8.75		5		148		0.87
Multifamily residential	547		3,368		8.09		—		48		0.12
Land development	70		1,110		11.83		1,057		526		3.02
Land	3,923		4,665		12.45		420		449		0.90
Commercial real estate	1,708		7,368		6.54		160		336		0.25
Commercial loans	291		2,286		16.00		964		1,056		5.04
Consumer loans	107		456		2.57		131		289		1.39
	$	7,476	$	25,432	4.97	%	$	2,916	$	3,525	0.61	%

45

Changes in the composition of the allowance for loan losses between December 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented in the following table (in thousands).

	December 31,
	2009		2008		Increase
General	$	25,432	$	3,525	$	21,907
Specific	7,476		2,916		4,560
Total	$	32,908	$	6,441	$	26,467

The general component of the allowance for loan losses increased primarily due to increases in the loss factors applied to the various allowance categories partially offset by decreases in certain of the related loan balances.  These loss factors were increased due to the recent loss history on these types of loans as well as delinquency trends, the level of classified assets and economic factors such as unemployment, bankruptcy trends and home sale data.  The specific component of the allowance for loan losses increased primarily due to allowances established since December 31, 2008 on land loans and commercial real estate loans.  See “Asset Quality.”

Investment Securities.  Changes in the composition of investment securities held to maturity between December 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented in the following table (in thousands).

	December 31,				Increase
	2009		2008		(Decrease)
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	110,051	$	116,847	$	(6,796	)
Municipal securities	25,480		19,565		5,915
Total	$	135,531	$	136,412	$	(881	)

During 2009, investment securities totaling approximately $121.4 million with a weighted average tax equivalent yield of 5.15% were purchased and $122.3 million with a weighted average tax equivalent yield of 5.56% matured or were called.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock.  FHLB stock decreased by approximately $1.7 million due to decreased balance requirements related to the FHLB advances.

Accrued Interest Receivable.  The decrease in accrued interest receivable was primarily due to the decrease in loans receivable balance as well as a decrease in the loan yield and the number of days accrued at December 31, 2009 compared to December 31, 2008.

Real Estate Owned, net.Changes in the composition of real estate owned between December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands).

	December 31, 2008		Additions		Fair Value Adjustments			Net Sales Proceeds(1)			Gain (Loss)			December 31,2009
One- to four-family residential	$	3,436	$	8,987	$	(1,064	)	$	(802	)	$	(137	)	$	10,420
Speculative one- to four-family	4,310		2,931		(454		)	(3,505		)	(312		)	2,970
Multifamily	—		881		(113		)	(174		)	(49		)	545
Land	13,314		4,773		(3,792		)	(488		)	1			13,808
Commercial real estate	1,325		6,956		(801		)	(24		)	(44		)	7,412
Total	$	22,385	$	24,528	$	(6,224	)	$	(4,993	)	$	(541	)	$	35,155

(1)Net sales proceeds include $2.0 million of loans made by the Bank to facilitate the sale of real estate owned.

46

Deposits.  Changes in the composition of deposits between December 31, 2009 and 2008 are presented in the following table (dollars in thousands).

	December 31,				Increase
	2009		2008		(Decrease)			% Change
Checking accounts	$	166,707	$	163,468	$	3,239		2.0	%
Money market accounts	53,597		45,022		8,575			19.1
Savings accounts	24,983		23,019		1,964			8.5
Certificates of deposit	379,337		386,494		(7,157		)	(1.9	)
Total deposits	$	624,624	$	618,003	$	6,621		1.1	%

Deposits increased in the comparison period, primarily due to an increase in checking and money market accounts offset by a decrease in certificates of deposit. The Bank focused its marketing efforts to increase checking accounts by offering a checking product which has a higher interest rate than the Bank’s other checking account products.  To earn the maximum rate under the new product, customers must qualify based on usage of electronic banking services such as debit card transactions, e-statements, and direct deposits or automatic payments. The Bank will continue to promote checking accounts as they are an attractive source of funds for the Bank as they offer overall low-interest deposits, fee income potential, and the opportunity to cross-sell other financial services.

Other Borrowings.  The Bank experienced a $32.7 million or 35.4% decrease in FHLB of Dallas and Federal Reserve Bank borrowings during the year. The balance of FHLB of Dallas advances at December 31, 2009 of $59.5 million consisted of $47.5 million of fixed rate advances with an average cost of 2.20% and $12.0 million of floating rate advances with an average cost of 0.37%.  The Bank did not have any Federal Reserve Bank overnight borrowings at December 31, 2009.

Other Liabilities.  Other liabilities decreased primarily due to a decrease in investment security purchases which settled after period end of $9.0 million at December 31, 2008 and none at December 31, 2009.

Stockholders’ Equity.  Stockholders’ equity decreased approximately $29.8 million from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009.  The decrease in stockholders’ equity was primarily due to a net loss of $45.5 million during 2009 offset by the issuance of 16,500 shares of preferred stock totaling $16.5 million.  In addition, dividends on common shares of approximately $145,000 and preferred dividends of approximately $675,000 were paid or accrued.  See the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 contained herein for more detail.

47

Average Balance Sheets

The following table sets forth certain information relating to the Company’s average balance sheets and reflects the average yield on assets and average cost of liabilities for the periods indicated.  Such yields and costs are derived by dividing interest income or interest expense by the average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented.  Average balances are based on daily balances during the periods.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2009						2008						2007
	AverageBalance		Interest		AverageYield/Cost		AverageBalance		Interest		AverageYield/Cost		AverageBalance		Interest		AverageYield/Cost
	(Dollars in Thousands)
Interest earning assets:
Loans receivable(1)	$	549,211	$	29,491	5.37	%	$	583,063	$	36,799	6.31	%	$	649,062	$	45,473	7.01	%
Investment securities(2)	136,447		6,532		4.79		127,100		6,760		5.32		78,831		4,071		5.16
Other interest earning assets	9,866		20		0.20		15,708		388		2.47		17,630		882		5.00
Total interest earning assets	695,524		36,043		5.18		725,871		43,947		6.05		745,523		50,426		6.76
Noninterest earning assets	83,337						76,875						68,478
Total assets	$	778,861					$	802,746					$	814,001
Interest bearing liabilities:
Deposits	$	624,932	13,272		2.12		$	629,808	18,549		2.95		$	638,724	23,873		3.74
Other borrowings	67,793		1,983		2.93		92,544		3,553		3.84		94,481		4,311		4.56
Total interest bearing liabilities	692,725		15,255		2.20		722,352		22,102		3.06		733,205		28,184		3.84
Noninterest bearing liabilities	6,780						6,201						5,787
Total liabilities	699,505						728,553						738,992
Stockholders’ equity	79,356						74,193						75,009
Total liabilities andstockholders’ equity	$	778,861					$	802,746					$	814,001
Net interest income			$	20,788					$	21,845					$	22,242
Net earning assets	$	2,799					$	3,519					$	12,318
Interest rate spread					2.98	%					2.99	%					2.92	%
Net interest margin					2.99	%					3.01	%					2.98	%
Ratio of interest earning assets tointerest bearing liabilities					100.40	%					100.49	%					101.68	%

(1)  Includes nonaccrual loans.

(2)  Includes FHLB of Dallas stock.

48

Rate/Volume Analysis

The table below sets forth certain information regarding changes in interest income and interest expense of the Company for the periods indicated.  For each category of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (i) changes in volume (changes in average volume multiplied by prior rate); (ii) changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by prior average volume); (iii) changes in rate-volume (changes in rate multiplied by the change in average volume); and (iv) the net change.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2009 vs. 2008
	Increase (Decrease)Due to									Total
	Volume			Rate			Rate/Volume			Increase(Decrease)
	(In Thousands)
Interest income:
Loans receivable	$	(2,136	)	$	(5,490	)	$	318		$	(7,308	)
Investment securities	497			(675		)	(50		)	(228		)
Other interest earning assets	(144		)	(356		)	132			(368		)
Total interest earning assets	(1,783		)	(6,521		)	400			(7,904		)
Interest expense:
Deposits	(144		)	(5,173		)	40			(5,277		)
Other borrowings	(950		)	(846		)	226			(1,570		)
Total interest bearing liabilities	(1,094		)	(6,019		)	266			(6,847		)
Net change in net interest income	$	(689	)	$	(502	)	$	134		$	(1,057	)
	Year Ended December 31,
	2008 vs. 2007
	Increase (Decrease)Due to									Total
	Volume			Rate			Rate/Volume			Increase(Decrease)
	(In Thousands)
Interest income:
Loans receivable	$	(4,624	)	$	(4,508	)	$	458		$	(8,674	)
Investment securities	2,493			122			74			2,689
Other interest earning assets	(96		)	(447		)	49			(494		)
Total interest earning assets	(2,227		)	(4,833		)	581			$	(6,479	)
Interest expense:
Deposits	(333		)	(5,062		)	71			(5,324		)
Other borrowings	(88		)	(684		)	14			(758		)
Total interest bearing liabilities	(421		)	(5,746		)	85			(6,082		)
Net change in net interest income	$	(1,806	)	$	913		$	496		$	(397	)

49

CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The table below presents a comparison of results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 (dollars in thousands).  Specific changes in captions are discussed following the table.

	Year Ended December 31,									Dollar Change						Percentage Change
	2009			2008			2007			2009 vs 2008			2008 vs 2007			2009 vs 2008		2008 vs 2007
Interest income:
Loans receivable	$	29,491		$	36,799		$	45,473		$	(7,308	)	$	(8,674	)	(19.9	)%	(19.1	)%
Investment securities	6,532			6,760			4,071			(228		)	2,689			(3.4	)	66.1
Other	20			388			882			(368		)	(494		)	(94.9	)	(56.0	)
Total interest income	36,043			43,947			50,426			(7,904		)	(6,479		)	(18.0	)	(12.9	)
Interest expense:
Deposits	13,272			18,549			23,873			(5,277		)	(5,324		)	(28.5	)	(22.3	)
Other borrowings	1,983			3,553			4,311			(1,570		)	(758		)	(44.2	)	(17.6	)
Total interest expense	15,255			22,102			28,184			(6,847		)	(6,082		)	(31.0	)	(21.6	)
Net interest income before provision for loan losses	20,788			21,845			22,242			(1,057		)	(397		)	(4.8	)	(1.8	)
Provision for loan losses	44,365			5,710			4,028			38,655			1,682			677.0		41.8
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses	(23,577		)	16,135			18,214			(39,712		)	(2,079		)	(246.1	)	(11.4	)
Noninterest income:
Deposit fee income	5,293			5,413			4,989			(120		)	424			(2.2	)	8.5
Gain on sale of loans	597			354			823			243			(469		)	68.6		(57.0	)
Other	2,227			3,650			1,957			(1,423		)	1,693			(38.9	)	86.5
Total noninterest income	8,117			9,417			7,769			(1,300		)	1,648			(13.8	)	21.2
Noninterest expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits	11,495			12,770			13,231			(1,275		)	(461		)	(10.0	)	(3.5	)
Real estate owned, net	8,367			1,946			1,162			6,421			784			330.0		67.5
FDIC insurance premium	1,690			374			76			1,316			298			351.9		392.1
Professional fees	968			504			513			464			(9		)	92.1		(1.8	)
Advertising and public relations	385			900			1,145			(515		)	(245		)	(57.2	)	(21.4	)
Other	6,985			6,974			6,868			11			106			0.1		1.5
Total noninterest expenses	29,890			23,468			22,995			6,422			473			27.4		2.1
Income (loss) before provision forincome taxes	(45,350		)	2,084			2,988			(47,434		)	(904		)	(2,276.1	)	(30.3	)
Income tax provision (benefit)	148			(423		)	345			571			(768		)	(135.0	)	(222.6	)
Net income (loss)	$	(45,498	)	$	2,507		$	2,643		(48,005		)	$	(136	)	(1,914.8	)	(5.2	)
Preferred stock dividends andaccretion of preferred stockdiscount	728			—			—			728			—			—		—
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	(46,226	)	$	2,507		$	2,643		$	(48,733	)	$	(136	)	(1,943.9	)%	(5.2	)%
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(9.54	)	$	0.52		$	0.54		$	(10.06	)	$	(0.02	)	(1,934.6	)%	(3.7	)%
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(9.54	)	$	0.52		$	0.54		$	(10.06	)	$	(0.02	)	(1,934.6	)%	(3.7	)%
Interest rate spread	2.98		%	2.99		%	2.92		%
Net interest margin	2.99		%	3.01		%	2.98		%
Average full-time equivalents	277			301			303
Full service offices	20			20			18

50

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income is determined by the Company’s interest rate spread (i.e., the difference between the yields earned on its interest earning assets and the rates paid on its interest bearing liabilities) and the relative amounts of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities.

Interest Income and Interest Expense

Dollar and percentage changes in interest income and interest expense for the comparison periods are presented in the rate/volume analysis table that appears on a previous page.

Interest Income.  The decrease in interest income in the 2009 vs. 2008 comparative period was primarily due to a decrease in the average yield earned on loans receivable, as well as a decrease in the average balance of loans receivable.  The decrease in the average yield earned on loans receivable was due to decreases in market interest rates and an increase in the level of nonaccrual loans.  The level of nonaccrual loans and other nonperforming assets will continue to negatively impact interest income, interest rate spread, and net interest margin.  The average balance of loans receivable decreased due to repayments, maturities, charge-offs and transfers to real estate owned, as well as a decrease in loan originations.

The decrease in interest income in the 2008 vs. 2007 period was primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of and average yield earned on loans receivable offset by an increase in the average balance of investment securities.  The decrease in the average yield earned on loans receivable was due to decreases in market interest rates.  The average balance of loans receivable decreased due to repayments, maturities, charge-offs and transfers to real estate owned.

Interest Expense.   The decrease in interest expense in the 2009 vs. 2008 comparative periods was primarily due to a decrease in the average rates paid on deposits and other borrowings and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in the related average balances.  The decrease in the average rates paid on deposit accounts and other borrowings reflects decreases in market interest rates and a shift in deposits from higher rate certificates of deposit to lower rate checking and money market accounts.

The decrease in interest expense in the 2008 vs. 2007 period was primarily due to a decrease in the rates paid on deposits and borrowings.  The decreases in the average rates paid on deposit accounts and borrowings reflect decreases in market interest rates and a shift in deposits from higher rate certificates of deposit to lower rate checking and money market accounts.

Provision for Loan Losses.  The provision for loan losses includes charges to maintain an allowance for loan losses adequate to cover probable credit losses related to specifically identified loans as well as probable credit losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio that have been incurred as of the balance sheet date.  Such provision and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is evaluated quarterly by management of the Bank based on the Bank’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral and current economic conditions, including unemployment, bankruptcy trends, vacancy rates, and home sales.

The provision for loan losses increased $38.7 million to $44.4 million in 2009 compared to $5.7 million for 2008.  The increase in the provision for loan losses was primarily due to increases in total nonaccrual loans, the loss factors used in certain allowance categories and an increase in specific loan loss allowances recorded during the year ended December 31, 2009, in each respect due to deteriorating economic conditions.  The increase in the specific allowance was related to an increase in valuation allowances on land loans and commercial real estate loans due to a decrease in the market value of some of the Bank’s nonperforming assets.

The increase in the provision for loan losses in the 2008 vs. 2007 period was primarily due to an increase in loss experience on commercial and land loans, offset by a decrease in losses on land development loans.

Noninterest Income.  The decrease in noninterest income for the 2009 vs. 2008 period was primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in earnings on life insurance policies due to a death benefit claim recorded during the first quarter in 2008 that was not present in the 2009 period.

The increase in deposit fee income in 2008 vs. 2007 was primarily related to an increase in debit card usage and insufficient funds fees due to our new checking product which offers a higher interest rate than the Bank’s other checking account products.  One of the qualifications to earn the higher rate is use of the debit card no less than a specified number of times each month.  The Bank introduced this product in January 2008.  The Bank believes this product will expand its customer base and provide cost savings and fee income due to the electronic requirements.

However, in November 2009, the Federal Reserve Board issued a final rule that, effective July 1, 2010, prohibits financial institutions from charging consumers fees for paying overdrafts on automated teller machine and one-time debit card

51

transactions, unless a consumer consents, or opts in, to the overdraft service for those types of transactions.  Consumers must be provided a notice that explains the financial institution’s overdraft services, including the fees associated with the service, and the consumer’s choices.  Because the Company’s customers must provide advance consent to the overdraft service for automated teller machine and one-time debit card transactions, the Company cannot provide any assurance as to the ultimate impact of this rule on the amount of overdraft/insufficient funds charges reported in future periods.

Gain on sale of loans changed in relation to increases or decreases in originations of loans for sale during the comparison periods.  The activity in loans held for sale is summarized below (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2009			2008			2007
Loans held for sale, beginning of period	$	1,586		$	2,832		$	1,099
Originations of loans held for sale	43,971			23,788			59,813
Sales	(44,545		)	(25,034		)	(58,080		)
Loans held for sale, end of period	$	1,012		$	1,586		$	2,832
Gain on sale of loans	$	597		$	354		$	823

Noninterest Expense

Salaries and Employee Benefits.  The changes in the composition of this line item are presented below (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,						Change
	2009		2008		2007		2009 vs 2008			2008 vs 2007
Salaries	$	9,577	$	10,267	$	10,419	$	(690	)	$	(152	)
Payroll taxes	782		844		868		(62		)	(24		)
Insurance	610		673		673		(63		)	—
401(k) (1)	38		303		309		(265		)	(6		)
Defined benefit plan contribution	343		518		761		(175		)	(243		)
Other	145		165		201		(20		)	(36		)
Total	$	11,495	$	12,770	$	13,231	$	(1,275	)	$	(461	)

(1)Represents Company matching contributions on the 401(k) Plan.  Effective February 16, 2009, the Company discontinued its matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan.

2009 vs. 2008

The decrease in salaries and employee benefits was primarily due to a reduction in full time equivalent employees as well as cessation of the Company’s 401(k) matching contribution in February 2009.

2008 vs. 2007

The decrease in salaries and employee benefits was primarily due to a reduction in overtime and incentive compensation. The decrease in the defined benefit plan contribution was due to a change in the benefit formula during 2008.

Real estate owned, net.  The changes in the composition of this line item are presented below (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31,						Change
	2009		2008		2007		2009 vs 2008		2008 vs 2007
Loss provisions	$	6,224	$	1,042	$	494	$	5,182	$	548
Net loss on sales	960		184		188		776		(4		)
Taxes and insurance	635		401		201		234		200
Other	548		319		279		229		40
Total	$	8,367	$	1,946	$	1,162	$	6,421	$	784

During 2009, the Bank took steps to reduce real estate owned by reducing the list prices of certain assets.  As a result, the Bank recorded $6.2 million in write downs during the year, $3.8 million of which were related to land and land development loans.

Expenses associated with real estate owned have increased due to the increase in real estate owned balances as discussed in “Asset Quality.”   Real estate owned is expected to continue to increase in the foreseeable future and real

52

estate owned expenses associated with maintaining the properties are expected to increase accordingly.  Future levels of loss provisions and net gains or losses on sales of real estate owned will be dependent on market conditions.

FDIC Insurance Premium.  FDIC insurance increased during the 2009 period due to assessment credits which were available to partially offset FDIC premium expense in the first quarter of 2008 and all of 2007 as well as due to an increase in the premium rate for 2009.  Further, in the second quarter of 2009, the FDIC imposed a five basis point special assessment, which resulted in additional expense of $350,000 in that period.  FDIC premium expense is expected to continue to increase due to a change in the Bank’s risk category and further depletions to the DIF.

Professional Fees.  Professional fees increased during 2009 primarily due to legal fees related to the issuance of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock to the U. S. Treasury as well as legal fees associated with the resolution of nonaccrual loans.

Advertising and Public Relations.  The decrease in 2009 was primarily related to a decrease in direct mail, print media, and broadcast media advertising as well as a decrease in expenses related to the “Thank You” gift program that was discontinued in September 2008.  The decrease in advertising for the 2008 vs. 2007 period was primarily due to a decrease in direct mail advertising.

Income Taxes.

2009 vs. 2008

The income tax provision increased primarily due to the establishment of a valuation allowance related to the deferred tax asset during the year ended December 31, 2009.

2008 vs. 2007

The income tax benefit increased during the period primarily due to an increase in nontaxable life insurance earnings.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

We are contractually obligated to make future minimum payments as follows (in thousands):

	Less Than						More Than
	1 Year		1-3 Years		3 - 5 Years		5 Years		Total
Certificates of deposit maturities	$	253,007	$	107,544	$	12,983	$	5,803	$	379,337
Other borrowings	$	41,353	$	15,084	$	2,282	$	827	$	59,546
Lease obligations	$	198	$	360	$	332	$	507	$	1,397

We are contractually obligated to fund future obligations at maturity as follows (in thousands):

	Less Than						More Than
	1 Year		1-3 Years		3 - 5 Years		5 Years		Total
Unused lines of credit	$	9,795	$	5,228	$	84	$	139	$	15,246
Unadvanced portion of construction loans	3,615		711		—		—		4,326
Standby letters of credit	472		3,278		—		—		3,750
Loan origination commitments	2,123		—		—		—		2,123

The Company’s primary off-balance sheet commitments are unfunded loan commitments, including unused lines of credit, the unadvanced portion of construction loans, and commercial and standby letters of credit, which have maturity dates rather than payment due dates. These commitments are not required to be recorded on the Company’s balance sheet. Since commitments associated with letters of credit and lending and financing arrangements may expire unused, the amounts shown do not necessarily reflect the actual future cash funding requirements. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on these arrangements.

For discussion of regulatory capital requirements, see Note 21, “Regulatory Matters” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8.

53

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business management. The Bank’s liquidity, represented by cash and cash equivalents and eligible investment securities, is a product of its operating, investing and financing activities.  The Bank’s primary sources of funds are deposits, borrowings, payments on outstanding loans, maturities and calls of investment securities and other short-term investments and funds provided from operations.  While scheduled loan amortization and maturing investment securities and short-term investments are relatively predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. Calls of investment securities are determined by the issuer and are generally influenced by the level of market interest rates at the bond’s call date compared to the coupon rate of the bond.  The Bank manages the pricing of its deposits to maintain deposit balances at levels commensurate with the operating, investing and financing activities of the Bank.  In addition, the Bank invests excess funds in overnight deposits and other short-term interest-earning assets that provide liquidity to meet lending requirements and pay deposit withdrawals. When funds from the retail deposit market are inadequate for the liquidity needs of the Bank or the pricing of deposits is not as favorable as other sources, the Bank has borrowed from the FHLB of Dallas.  Borrowings from the FRB discount window may currently be used only when other sources of liquidity are not available to the Bank.

In April 2008, based on the FHLB rating criteria, the Bank was notified of the replacement of its FHLB blanket lien with a restricted custody collateral arrangement, whereby the FHLB has custody and endorsement of the loans that collateralize the Bank’s outstanding borrowings with the FHLB.  Qualifying loans (i) must not be 90 days or more past due; (ii) must not have been in default within the most recent twelve-month period, unless such default has been cured in a manner acceptable to the FHLB; (iii) must relate to real property that is covered by fire and hazard insurance in an amount at least sufficient to discharge the mortgage loan in case of loss and as to which all real estate taxes are current; (iv) must not have been classified as substandard, doubtful, or loss by the Bank’s regulatory authority or the Bank; and (v) must not secure the indebtedness to any director, officer, employee, attorney, or agent of the Bank or of any FHLB.  The FHLB currently allows an aggregate collateral or lendable value on the qualifying loans of approximately 75% of the outstanding balance of the loans pledged to the FHLB.

During 2009, the use of FHLB borrowings decreased by $22.6 million or 27.5%. At December 31, 2009, the Bank’s additional borrowing capacity with FHLB was $37.1 million, comprised of qualifying loans collateralized by first-lien one- to four-family mortgages with a collateral value of $67.5 million and qualifying investment securities with a collateral value of $29.1 million less outstanding advances at December 31, 2009 of $59.5 million.  The Bank may transfer additional eligible collateral to the FHLB to provide additional borrowing capacity if needed.  Due to the Bank’s restricted status at the FHLB, the Bank may only borrow short-term FHLB advances with maturities up to thirty days

The Bank was notified in December 2009 by the FRB of various restrictions and collateral requirements.  The Bank is required to pledge collateral with a value of $16 million to secure account transaction settlements.  This collateral is also available to access the secondary discount window if unencumbered for transaction settlement and when other sources of funding are not available to the Bank. In addition, the Bank is required to maintain an account balance at the FRB to cover charges to the Bank’s transaction account to avoid any daylight overdrafts.

The Bank uses qualifying investment securities and qualifying commercial real estate loans as collateral for the discount window and to secure transactions settlements. In September 2008, a subordination agreement was secured with the FHLB based on its blanket lien of commercial real estate loans.  This agreement provides the Bank the ability to pledge commercial real estate loans to the FRB discount window and to secure transaction settlements.  The loan collateral was held by the Bank through the FRB’s Borrower in Custody of Collateral Program until December 2009, when the FRB notified the Bank that custody must be transferred to the FRB.

The FRB will not accept loans that: (i) are 30 days or more past due; (ii) are classified as substandard, doubtful, or loss by the Bank’s regulating authority or the Bank; (iii) are illegal investments for the Bank; (iv) secure the indebtedness to any director, officer, employee, attorney, affiliate or agent of the Bank; or that (v) exhibit collateral and credit documentation deficiencies.  The lendable value of commercial real estate of approximately $16 million at December 31, 2009 was 57% of the fair market value of the loans as determined by the FRB taking into consideration the rate and duration of the loans pledged.

At December 31, 2009, the Bank had short-term funds availability of approximately $115.9 million or 15.9% of assets consisting of borrowing capacity at the FHLB and the FRB, unpledged investment securities, and overnight funds including the balances maintained at the FRB.  The Bank anticipates it will continue to rely primarily on deposits, loan repayments, repayments of its investment securities and funds provided from operations to provide liquidity.  As necessary, the sources of borrowed funds described above will be used to augment the Bank’s funding sources.

The Bank uses its sources of funds primarily to meet its ongoing commitments, to pay maturing savings certificates and savings withdrawals, to repay maturing borrowings, to fund loan commitments, and to purchase investment securities. As

54

of December 31, 2009, the Bank had outstanding commitments to originate loans of $2.1 million, including $1.3 million of loans committed to sell; unadvanced portion of construction loans of $4.3 million; and commitments to extend funds to, or on behalf of, customers pursuant to lines and letters of credit of $19.0 million.  Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit for the Bank during the twelve months following December 31, 2009 amounted to $253.0 million.  Based on historical experience, management believes that a significant portion of maturing deposits will remain with the Bank.  Management anticipates the Bank will continue to have sufficient funds, through loan repayments, deposits, and borrowings, to meet our current commitments.  This expectation assumes that the FHLB will continue to extend credit based on our borrowing capacity and that core deposits do not experience a substantial decline.

The Bank emphasizes deposit growth and retention throughout our retail branch network to enhance our liquidity position. Effective with the Bank Order in April 2010, the Bank must comply with federal restrictions on the interest rates we may offer to our depositors.  Under these restrictions, we may pay up to 75 basis points over the national average rates set by the FDIC for each deposit product.  Although we do not believe these rate restrictions will have a significant impact on the level of new and existing deposits, we cannot predict the impact on our liquidity.  We have historically paid rates the middle of the market for regular term certificates of deposit and paid above average rates locally for certificates of deposit with special terms.

The Bank is participating in the FDIC’s Transaction Account Guarantee Program (“TAGP”) which fully insures noninterest bearing deposit accounts, regardless of dollar amount. This program, originally set to expire on December 31, 2009 was extended to December 31, 2010.  An annualized 10 basis point assessment on balances in noninterest-bearing transaction accounts that exceed the existing deposit insurance limit of $250,000 will be assessed on a quarterly basis.    We opted into the extension which took effect on January 1, 2010.  During the extension period, an annualized assessment rate between 15 and 25 basis points on balances in noninterest-bearing transaction accounts that exceed the existing deposit insurance limit of $250,000 will be assessed depending on the institution’s risk category.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had approximately $4.1 million total deposits included in the TAGP with $1.6 million in excess of $250,000 normal insurance coverage.

As of November 19, 2009 and in accordance with the directive from the OTS, the Bank may no longer accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits without the written non-objection of the regional director of the OTS. The Bank has not relied on brokered deposits as a primary source of funding.  As of December 31, 2009 the Bank had $10.6 million or 1.6% of deposits in brokered deposits.  Approximately $5.0 million of the brokered accounts mature in 2010.  Based on the current minimal level of brokered deposits, management does not anticipate that the restrictions imposed by the OTS on brokered deposits will have a significant impact on the Bank’s liquidity position.

Since December 31, 2009, management has taken additional steps to strengthen the Bank’s liquidity position including the transfer of additional collateral in the form of qualifying one- to four-family loans to the FHLB of Dallas, a decrease in the Bank’s loan portfolio, establishment of a repurchase agreement to utilize our investment portfolio for liquidity, and membership in an internet service in order to bid for non-brokered certificates of deposit as another source of liquidity.

The Bank’s liquidity risk management program assesses our current and projected funding needs to ensure that sufficient funds or access to funds exist to meet those needs.  The program also includes effective methods to achieve and maintain sufficient liquidity and to measure and monitor liquidity risk, including the preparation and submission of liquidity reports on a regular basis to the board of directors and to the OTS.  The program also contains a Contingency Funding Plan that forecasts funding needs and funding sources under different stress scenarios.  The Contingency Funding Plan approved by the board of directors is designed to respond to an overall decline in the economic environment, the banking industry or a problem specific to our Bank.  A number of different contingency funding conditions may arise which may result in strains or expectation of strains in the Bank’s normal funding activities including customer reaction to negative news of the banking industry, in general, or us, specifically.  As a result of negative news, some depositors may reduce the amount of deposits held at the Bank if concerns persist, which could affect the level and composition of the Bank’s deposit portfolio and thereby directly impact the Bank’s liquidity, funding costs and net interest margin. The Bank’s funding costs may also be adversely affected in the event that activities of the Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Department of the Treasury to provide liquidity for the banking system and improvement in capital markets are curtailed or are unsuccessful. Such events could reduce liquidity in the markets, thereby increasing funding costs to the Bank or reducing the availability of funds to the Bank to finance its existing operations and thereby adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, future prospects, profitability, and stock price.

For 2009 and 2008, the Company declared dividends of $0.03 and $0.64 per share, respectively.  Future dividend payments are subject to restrictions.  See Part 1. Item 1 “Business — Regulation - Regulatory Enforcement Actions” for further information regarding dividend restrictions.

Since the Company is a holding company and does not conduct operations, its primary source of liquidity is dividends from the Bank. The Company has no borrowings from outside sources.  The Company and the Bank are currently not allowed to declare or pay dividends or make any other capital distributions without the prior written approval of the OTS. 

55

The Company suspended its common stock dividend in the fourth quarter of 2009 and deferred the payment of the dividend for the quarter ending March 31, 2010 on its Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A issued to the Treasury on March 6, 2009 as part of the Capital Purchase Program.  The Company funds its expenses from cash deposits maintained in the Bank and from repayments on the loan to the Bank subsidiary. The deposits in the Bank and the loan to the Bank amounted to $1.3 million at December 31, 2009.   Management believes the Company has sufficient resources to fund expenses throughout 2010.

At December 31, 2009, the Bank’s tangible, core and risk-based capital ratios amounted to 5.75 %, 5.75% and 9.97%, respectively, compared to OTS capital adequacy standards of 1.5%, 4% and 8%.  Effective May 2009, the Bank agreed with its primary regulator, the OTS, to maintain a core capital ratio of at least five percent and a risk-based capital ratio of at least ten percent.  The Bank’s risk-based capital was not in compliance with this requirement as of December 31, 2009. Further, the Bank Order requires the Bank to achieve and maintain a tier 1 core capital ratio and total risk-based capital ratio of 8% and 12%, respectively, by December 31, 2010.

IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES

The financial statements and related financial data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in relative purchasing power over time due to inflation.

Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the Bank’s assets and liabilities are monetary in nature.  As a result, interest rates generally have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than does the effect of inflation.

IMPACT OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

ASSET AND LIABILITY MANAGEMENT

The ability to maximize net interest income is largely dependent upon the achievement of a positive interest rate spread that can be sustained during fluctuations in prevailing interest rates.  Interest rate sensitivity is a measure of the difference between amounts of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities that either reprice or mature within a given period of time.  The difference, or the interest rate repricing “gap”, provides an indication of the extent to which an institution’s interest rate spread will be affected by changes in interest rates.  A gap is considered positive when the amount of interest rate-sensitive assets exceeds the amount of interest rate-sensitive liabilities, and is considered negative when the amount of interest rate-sensitive liabilities exceeds the amount of interest rate-sensitive assets.  Generally, during a period of rising interest rates, a negative gap within shorter maturities would adversely affect net interest income, while a positive gap within shorter maturities would result in an increase in net interest income, and during a period of falling interest rates, a negative gap within shorter maturities would result in an increase in net interest income while a positive gap within shorter maturities would have the opposite effect.  As of December 31, 2009, the Bank estimates that the ratio of its one-year gap to total assets was a negative 33% and its ratio of interest earning assets to interest bearing liabilities maturing or repricing within one year was 46%.  Due to inherent limitations in any static gap analysis and since conditions change on a daily basis, these measurements may not reflect future results.  A static gap analysis does not include such factors as loan prepayments, interest rate floors and caps on various assets and liabilities, the current interest rates on assets and liabilities to be repriced in each period, and the relative changes in interest rates on different types of assets and liabilities.

The Bank focuses its residential lending activities for loans held in portfolio on the origination of one-, three-, five- and seven-year adjustable rate residential mortgage loans (“ARMs”).  Although adjustable rate loans involve certain risks, including increased payments and the potential for default in an increasing interest rate environment, such loans decrease the risks associated with changes in interest rates.  As of December 31, 2009, $176.1 million or 74.6% of the Bank’s portfolio of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans consisted of ARMs, including $23.1 million in seven-year ARMs. ARMs subject to contractual repricing within one year totaled $33.1 million at an average interest rate of 6.29% at December 31, 2009.

At December 31, 2009, the Bank’s portfolio of variable rate loans tied primarily to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate (“Prime Rate”) amounted to $45.4 million with an average interest rate of 4.65%.  The interest rate on these loans adjusts at any time the Prime Rate adjusts, subject to interest rate caps or floors on the loans.  Of the $45.4 million, approximately 79% have interest rate floors below 6.0%.  The Prime Rate at December 31, 2009, was 3.25%.

At December 31, 2009, the Bank had approximately $45.0 million of fixed rate commercial, commercial real estate and land loans at an average rate of 6.48% subject to renewal in 2010.  To the extent possible, the Bank is restructuring these

56

renewals to variable rate loans priced with a margin tied to the Prime Rate with minimum floor rate and with pricing commensurate to the risk of the credit.    The Bank is generally keeping maturities of these credits shorter as well.  This enables the Bank to better manage its interest rate sensitivity during this low rate environment.

The Company’s investment portfolio, all of which is classified as held to maturity, amounted to $135.5 million or 18.0% of the Company’s total assets at December 31, 2009.  Of such amount, $200,000 or 0.1% is contractually due within one year and $2.1 million or 1.5% is contractually due from one year to five years.  However, actual maturities can be shorter than contractual maturities due to the ability of borrowers to call or prepay such obligations without call or prepayment penalties.  As of December 31, 2009, there was approximately $127.6 million of investment securities at an average interest rate of 4.87% with call options held by the issuer, of which approximately $99.2 million, at an average interest rate of 4.97% are callable within one year.  In the current interest rate environment, it is projected that approximately 19% of the $99.2 million in investment securities callable within one year will actually be called within one year.

Deposits are the Bank’s primary funding source and the Bank prices its deposit accounts based upon competitive factors and the availability of prudent lending and investment opportunities.  The Bank seeks to lengthen the maturities of its deposits by offering longer-term certificates of deposit when market conditions have created opportunities to attract such deposits. However, the Bank does not solicit high rate jumbo certificates of deposit and does not pursue an aggressive growth strategy that would force the Bank to focus exclusively on competitors’ rates rather than deposit affordability.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had $379.3 million in certificates of deposit of which $253.0 million at an average interest rate of 2.18% mature in one year or less.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank had approximately $53.6 million of money market deposit accounts at an average rate of 0.73%.  Additionally, the Bank had approximately $43.1 million of checking accounts at an average rate of 2.76% where the customer must qualify for the higher rate on the account based on the number of debit card transactions and other electronic requirements. These money market and checking accounts are subject to repricing at the discretion of the Bank.  In a rising rate environment, the increase in the rates on these accounts will typically lag the increase in market rates and will typically not increase in the same magnitude or in proportion to the increase in market rates.

At December 31, 2009, the Bank had $59.5 million of FHLB advances, of which $12.0 million at an average interest rate of 0.37% are variable with the interest rate floating either monthly or quarterly based on movements in the London Interbank Offering Rate (“LIBOR”).  Fixed rate advances of $47.5 million at an average interest rate of 2.20% are due in one year or less. Due to restrictions placed on the Bank by the FHLB of Dallas, the term of new advances may be no more than thirty days.  To the extent the Bank relies on advances for its funding, the short-term advances could subject the Bank to a greater degree of interest rate risk exposure in a rising rate environment.  To the extent possible, the Bank plans to decrease its reliance on borrowed funds in the future to control its exposure to rising rates with the short-term advances. The Bank did not have overnight FRB borrowings at December 31, 2009.

Net Portfolio Value

The value of the Bank’s loan and investment portfolio will change as interest rates change.  As a result of the Bank’s negative interest rate repricing gap, rising interest rates will generally decrease the Bank’s net portfolio value (“NPV”), while falling interest rates will generally increase the value of that portfolio.  NPV is the difference between incoming and outgoing discounted cash flows from assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet contracts.  The following tables set forth, quantitatively, as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the OTS estimate of the projected changes in NPV in the event of a 100, 200 and 300 basis point instantaneous and permanent increase in market interest rates and a 100 basis point instantaneous and permanent decrease in market interest rates as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

2009

Change in Interest Rates (basis points)	Estimated NPV		Estimated NPV as a Percentage ofPresent Valueof Assets		Amountof Change				Percentof Change
(Dollars in Thousands)
+300	$	43,398	5.94	%		$	(22,571	)	(34	)%
+200	53,488		7.19			(12,481		)	(19	)
+100	60,223		7.99			(5,746		)	(9	)
0	65,969		8.64			—			—
-100	67,784		8.81			1,815			3

57

2008

Change in Interest Rates (basis points)	Estimated NPV		Estimated NPV as a Percentage ofPresent Valueof Assets		Amountof Change			Percentof Change
(Dollars in Thousands)
+300	$	55,809	7.11	%	$	(24,839	)	(31	)%
+200	64,084		8.05		(16,564		)	(21	)
+100	72,264		8.94		(8,384		)	(10	)
0	80,648		9.83		—			—
-100	81,642		9.90		993			1

Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are calculated by the OTS from data provided by the Bank and are based on numerous assumptions, including relative levels of market interest rates, loan repayments, and deposit runoffs, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results.  Further, the computations do not contemplate any actions the Bank may undertake in response to changes in interest rates.

Management cannot predict future interest rates or their effect on the Bank’s NPV.  Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the computation of NPV.  For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in differing degrees to changes in market interest rates.  Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable rate loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates during the initial term and over the remaining life of the asset.  In addition, the proportion of adjustable rate loans in the Bank’s portfolio could decrease in future periods due to refinancing activity if market rates decrease.  Further, in the event of a change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels could deviate significantly from those assumed in the table.  Finally, the ability of many borrowers to service their adjustable rate debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase.

58

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc.

Harrison, AR

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s significant operating losses in 2009, significant levels of criticized assets, and decline in capital levels raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.  The Company has entered into a written agreement with the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) which requires the Company to meet certain minimum capital requirements by December 31, 2010.  The Company plans to file a capital plan with the OTS by the agreed upon deadline of June 30, 2010.  Failure to meet the capital requirements included in the capital plan would expose the Company to regulatory sanctions that may include further restrictions on operations and growth, mandatory asset dispositions and liquidation.  Management’s plans concerning these matters are also discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 15, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Little Rock, AR

April 15, 2010

59

FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008

(In thousands, except share data)

	2009			2008
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and collection items	$	9,735		$	9,359
Interest bearing deposits with banks	12,414			8
Total cash and cash equivalents	22,149			9,367
Investment securities—
Held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value at December 31, 2009 and 2008, of $132,509 and $136,055, respectively)	135,531			136,412
Federal Home Loan Bank stock—at cost	3,125			4,825
Loans receivable, net of allowance at December 31, 2009and 2008, of $32,908 and $6,441, respectively	481,542			566,537
Loans held for sale	1,012			1,586
Accrued interest receivable	4,229			6,701
Real estate owned - net	35,155			22,385
Office properties and equipment - net	23,567			24,694
Cash surrender value of life insurance	21,226			20,412
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,534			2,253
TOTAL	$	731,070		$	795,172
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES:
Deposits:
Interest bearing	$	598,968		$	590,465
Noninterest bearing	25,656			27,538
Total deposits	624,624			618,003
Other borrowings	59,546			92,212
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance	695			810
Other liabilities	2,905			11,030
Total liabilities	$	687,770		$	722,055
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Preferred stock, no par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; Series A fixed rate cumulative perpetual; liquidation preference of $1,000 per share; 16,500 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009 and none outstanding at December 31, 2008	$	16,195		—
Common stock, $.01 par value—20,000,000 shares authorized; 10,307,502 shares issued; 4,846,785 shares outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 2008	103			103
Additional paid-in capital	56,986			56,627
Retained earnings—substantially restricted	40,634			87,005
	113,918			143,735
Treasury stock—at cost; 5,460,717 shares at December 31, 2009 and 2008	(70,618		)	(70,618		)
Total stockholders’ equity	43,300			73,117
TOTAL	$	731,070		$	795,172

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

60

FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008, AND 2007

(In thousands, except earnings per share)

	2009			2008			2007
INTEREST INCOME:
Loans receivable	$	29,491		$	36,799		$	45,473
Investment securities:
Taxable	5,542			5,966			3,350
Nontaxable	990			794			721
Other	20			388			882
Total interest income	36,043			43,947			50,426
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Deposits	13,272			18,549			23,873
Other borrowings	1,983			3,553			4,311
Total interest expense	15,255			22,102			28,184
NET INTEREST INCOME	20,788			21,845			22,242
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES	44,365			5,710			4,028
NET INTEREST INCOME (LOSS) AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES	(23,577		)	16,135			18,214
NONINTEREST INCOME:
Deposit fee income	5,293			5,413			4,989
Earnings on life insurance policies	814			1,962			763
Gain on sale of loans	597			354			823
Other	1,413			1,688			1,194
Total noninterest income	8,117			9,417			7,769
NONINTEREST EXPENSES:
Salaries and employee benefits	11,495			12,770			13,231
Net occupancy expense	2,722			2,657			2,325
Real estate owned, net	8,367			1,946			1,162
FDIC insurance	1,690			374			76
Data processing	1,466			1,431			1,513
Professional fees	968			504			513
Advertising and public relations	385			900			1,145
Postage and supplies	713			804			857
Other	2,084			2,082			2,173
Total noninterest expenses	29,890			23,468			22,995
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES	(45,350		)	2,084			2,988
INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)	148			(423		)	345
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	(45,498	)	$	2,507		$	2,643
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS AND ACCRETION OF PREFERRED STOCK DISCOUNT	728			—			—
NET INCOME (LOSS) AVAILABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS	$	(46,226	)	$	2,507		$	2,643
EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic	$	(9.54	)	$	0.52		$	0.54
Diluted	$	(9.54	)	$	0.52		$	0.54

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

61

FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008, AND 2007

(In thousands, except share data)

	Issued			Issued			Additional			Employee Stock											Total
	Preferred Stock			Common Stock			Paid-In			Benefit			Retained			Treasury Stock					Stockholders’
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Capital			Plans			Earnings			Shares		Amount			Equity
BALANCE – January 1, 2007	—	$	—	10,307,502	$	103	$	56,617		$	(72	)	$	88,068		5,468,540		$	(69,143	)	$	75,573
Net income	—	—		—	—		—			—			2,643			—		—			2,643
Stock compensation expense	—	—		—	—		9			30			—			—		—			39
Tax effect of stock compensation plans	—	—		—	—		481			—			—			—		—			481
Purchase of treasury stock – at cost	—	—		—	—		—			—			—			101,542		(2,312		)	(2,312		)
Treasury shares reissued	—	—		—	—		(454		)	—			—			(106,965	)	804			350
Dividends paid ($0.58 per share)	—	—		—	—		—			—			(3,111		)	—		—			(3,111		)
BALANCE – December 31, 2007	—	—		10,307,502	103		56,653			(42		)	87,600			5,463,117		(70,651		)	73,663
Net income	—	—		—	—		—			—			2,507			—		—			2,507
Stock compensation expense	—	—		—	—		(18		)	42			—			1,600		(19		)	5
Tax effect of stock compensation plans	—	—		—	—		(2		)	—			—			—		—			(2		)
Treasury shares reissued	—	—		—	—		(6		)	—			—			(4,000	)	52			46
Dividends paid ($0.64 per share)	—	—		—	—		—			—			(3,102		)	—		—			(3,102		)
BALANCE – December 31, 2008	—	—		10,307,502	103		56,627			—			87,005			5,460,717		(70,618		)	73,117
Net loss	—	—		—	—		—			—			(45,498		)	—		—			(45,498		)
Issuance of 16,500 shares of preferred stock and a warrant to purchase 321,847 shares of common stock	16,500	16,142		—	—		358			—			—			—		—			16,500
Preferred stock dividends	—	—		—	—		—			—			(675		)	—		—			(675		)
Accretion of preferred stock discount	—	53		—	—		—			—			(53		)	—		—			—
Stock compensation expense	—	—		—	—		1			—			—			—		—			1
Dividends paid ($0.03 per common share)	—	—		—	—		—			—			(145		)	—		—			(145		)
BALANCE – December 31, 2009	16,500	$	16,195	10,307,502	$	103	$	56,986		$	—		$	40,634		5,460,717		$	(70,618	)	$	43,300

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

62

FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007

(In thousands)

	2009			2008			2007
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	(45,498	)	$	2,507		$	2,643
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses	44,365			5,710			4,028
Provision for real estate losses	6,224			1,042			494
Deferred tax benefit	(16,545		)	(657		)	(1,585		)
Deferred tax valuation allowance	18,124			—			—
Accretion of discounts on investment securities, net	(96		)	(60		)	(16		)
Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends	(11		)	(131		)	(303		)
Gain on disposition of fixed assets, net	(2		)	(18		)	(3		)
Loss on sale of repossessed assets, net	957			184			188
Originations of loans held for sale	(43,971		)	(23,788		)	(59,813		)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale	45,142			25,388			58,903
Gain on sale of loans originated to sell	(597		)	(354		)	(823		)
Depreciation	1,484			1,484			1,399
Amortization of deferred loan costs, net	388			366			435
Earnings on life insurance policies	(814		)	(782		)	(763		)
Stock compensation expense	1			5			39
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest receivable	2,472			2,341			957
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(2,301		)	620			699
Other liabilities	289			(12		)	437
Net cash provided by operating activities	9,611			13,845			6,916
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of investment securities, held to maturity	(130,367		)	(119,353		)	(41,488		)
Proceeds from maturities/calls of investment securities, held to maturity	122,349			84,396			9,850
Federal Home Loan Bank stock purchased	(556		)	(261		)	—
Federal Home Loan Bank stock redeemed	2,267			—			2,959
Loan originations, net of repayments	21,248			8,843			76,070
Loan participations purchased	(4,110		)	(4,880		)	(4,763		)
Loan participations sold	—			4,045			7,208
Proceeds from sales of real estate owned	3,046			3,073			3,740
Improvements to real estate owned	24			(724		)	(763		)
Proceeds from sales of office properties and equipment	2			30			10
Purchases of office properties and equipment	(357		)	(1,927		)	(2,637		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	13,546			(26,758		)	50,186

(Continued)

63

FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008 AND 2007

(In thousands)

	2009			2008			2007
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase (decrease) in deposits	$	6,621		$	(12,411	)	$	(21,851	)
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank	—			174,955			25,200
Repayment of advances from Federal Home Loan Bank	(46,636		)	(174,860		)	(63,418		)
Short-term FHLB advances, net	24,000			—			—
Net borrowings from Federal Reserve Bank	(10,030		)	10,030			—
Net increase (decrease) in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance	(115		)	235			(91		)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock and related common stock warrants	16,500			—			—
Purchase of treasury stock	—			—			(2,312		)
Preferred dividends paid	(570		)	—			—
Dividends paid, common shares	(145		)	(3,102		)	(3,111		)
Stock options exercised	—			46			350
Net cash used in financing activities	(10,375		)	(5,107		)	(65,233		)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	12,782			(18,020		)	(8,131		)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of year	9,367			27,387			35,518
End of year	$	22,149		$	9,367		$	27,387
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION—
Cash paid for:
Interest	$	15,690		$	22,501		$	28,483
Income taxes	$	1,044		$	—		$	1,157
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Real estate and other assets acquired in settlement of loans	$	24,710		$	24,708		$	12,283
Loans to facilitate sales of real estate owned	$	2,011		$	6,905		$	1,689
Investment securities purchased—not settled	$	—		$	8,995		$	3,190
Transfer of real estate owned to office properties and equipment	$	—		$	—		$	2,648
Preferred dividends accrued	$	105		$	—		$	—

(Concluded)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

64

FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008, AND 2007

1.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation—First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. (the “Company”) is a unitary holding company that owns all of the stock of First Federal Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank provides a broad line of financial products to individuals and small- to medium-sized businesses. The consolidated financial statements also include the accounts of the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiary, First Harrison Service Corporation (“FHSC”), which is inactive.  Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be significant. Valuation of real estate owned and the allowance for loan losses are material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—For the purpose of presentation in the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand and amounts due from depository institutions, which includes interest bearing amounts available upon demand.

Investment Securities—The Company classifies investment securities into one of two categories: held to maturity or available for sale. The Company does not engage in trading activities. Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and recorded at cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts.

Investment securities that the Company intends to hold for indefinite periods of time are classified as available for sale and are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported net of tax in other comprehensive income. Investment securities in the available for sale portfolio may be used as part of the Company’s asset and liability management practices and may be sold in response to changes in interest rate risk, prepayment risk, or other economic factors. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company did not own any investment securities classified as available for sale.

Premiums are amortized into interest income using the interest method to the earlier of maturity or call date. Discounts are accreted into interest income using the interest method over the period to maturity. The specific identification method of accounting is used to compute gains or losses on the sales of investment securities.

Declines in the fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other than temporary impairment losses, management considers independent price quotations and the financial condition of the issuer.

Loans Receivable—The Bank originates and maintains loans receivable that are substantially concentrated in its lending territory (primarily Northwest and Northcentral Arkansas). The majority of the Bank’s loans are residential mortgage loans and commercial real estate loans. The Bank’s policy calls for collateral or other forms of repayment assurance to be received from the borrower at the time of loan origination. Such collateral or other form of repayment assurance is subject to changes in economic value due to various factors beyond the control of the Bank.

Loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are stated at unpaid principal balances adjusted for any charge-offs, the allowance for loan losses, and any deferred loan fees or costs. Deferred loan fees or costs and discounts on first mortgage loans are amortized or accreted to income using the level-yield method over the remaining period to contractual maturity.

Mortgage loans originated and committed for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated market value in the aggregate. Such loans are generally carried at cost due to the short period of time between funding and sale, generally two to three weeks.

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The accrual of interest on loans is generally discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due or when the loan becomes 90 days past due, whichever occurs first. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash basis until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are generally returned to accrual status when payments are made to bring the loan less than 90 days past due and, in the opinion of management, collection of the remaining balance can be reasonably expected.  The Company may continue to accrue interest on certain loans that are 90 days past due or more if such loans are in the process of collection and collection is reasonably assured.

Allowance for Loan Losses—The allowance for loan losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes it is likely that a loan balance is uncollectible.  Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of incurred credit losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date.  The estimation of the allowance is based on a variety of factors, including past loan loss experience, the current credit profile of the Company’s borrowers, adverse situations that have occurred that may affect the borrowers’ ability to repay, the estimated value of underlying collateral, and general economic conditions, including unemployment, bankruptcy trends, vacancy rates, and home sales. Losses are recognized when available information indicates that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or conditions change.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the short fall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.  Multifamily residential, commercial real estate, land and land development, and commercial loans that are delinquent or where the borrower’s total loan relationship exceeds $1 million are evaluated on a loan-by-loan basis at least annually.

Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Bank does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures.  Homogeneous loans are those that are considered to have common characteristics that provide for evaluation on an aggregate or pool basis. The Bank considers the characteristics of (1) one- to four-family residential mortgage loans; (2) unsecured consumer loans; and (3) collateralized consumer loans to permit consideration of the appropriateness of the allowance for losses of each group of loans on a pool basis. The primary methodology used to determine the appropriateness of the allowance for losses includes segregating certain specific, poorly performing loans based on their performance characteristics from the pools of loans as to type, valuing these loans, and then applying a loss factor to the remaining pool balance based on several factors including past loss experience, inherent risks, and economic conditions in the primary market areas.

Rate Lock Commitments—The Bank enters into commitments to originate loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding (rate lock commitments). Rate lock commitments on mortgage loans that are intended to be sold are considered to be derivatives. Accordingly, such commitments, along with any related fees received from potential borrowers, are recorded at fair value in derivative assets or liabilities, with changes in fair value recorded in the net gain or loss on sale of mortgage loans. Fair value is based on fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, and for fixed rate commitments also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates.

Real Estate Owned, Net—Real estate owned represents foreclosed assets held for sale and is initially recorded at estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, management periodically performs valuations and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Adjustments for estimated losses are charged to operations when any decline reduces the fair value to less than the carrying value.  Costs and expenses related to major additions and improvements are capitalized while maintenance and repairs that do not extend the lives of the respective assets are expensed.

66

Office Properties and Equipment, Net—Land is carried at cost. Buildings and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The Company computes depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets, which range from 3 to 40 years.

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance—Cash surrender value of life insurance represents life insurance purchased by the Bank on a qualifying group of officers with the Bank designated as owner and beneficiary of the policies.  The yield on these policies is used to offset a portion of employment benefit costs.  The policies are recorded on the consolidated statements of financial condition at their cash surrender values with changes in cash surrender values reported in noninterest income.  Death benefits in excess of the cash surrender value are recorded in noninterest income at the time of death.

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 the book and tax bases of the various statement of financial condition assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws.

Interest Rate Risk—The Bank’s asset base is exposed to risk including the risk resulting from changes in interest rates and changes in the timing of cash flows. The Bank monitors the effect of such risks by considering the mismatch of the maturities of its assets and liabilities in the current interest rate environment and the sensitivity of assets and liabilities to changes in interest rates. The Bank’s management has considered the effect of significant increases and decreases in interest rates and believes such changes, if they occurred, would be manageable and would not affect the ability of the Bank to hold its assets as planned. However, the Bank is exposed to significant market risk in the event of significant and prolonged interest rate changes.

Earnings Per Common Share—Basic earnings per share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely to outstanding stock options and warrants, and are determined using the treasury stock method.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements— On June 29, 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC 105”) as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Statement is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, for most entities. On the effective date, all non-SEC accounting and reporting standards were superseded. The Company adopted this Statement beginning with the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009, as required, and such adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC 810, formerly SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51.  This Statement applies to all entities that prepare consolidated financial statements, except not-for-profit organizations, but will affect only those entities that have an outstanding noncontrolling interest in one or more subsidiaries or that deconsolidate a subsidiary.  This Statement was effective for fiscal years beginning after January 1, 2009.  The Company does not have any noncontrolling interests, therefore this Statement did not have an impact on us.

In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC 805-10, formerly SFAS No. 141R, Business Combinations. The objective of this Statement is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. To accomplish that, this Statement establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer:

a.Recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree

b.Recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase

c.Determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination.

This Statement applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. An entity may not apply it

67

before that date.  We adopted ASC 805-10 as of January 1, 2009.  The adoption of this Statement did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In March 2008, the FASB issued ASC 815-10, formerly SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The objective of this Statement is to provide enhanced disclosures about derivative instruments and related hedging items.  We adopted ASC 815-10 as of January 1, 2009.  The adoption of this Statement did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

We adopted ASC 855-10, formerly FASB Statement 165, Subsequent Events, effective for financial statements issued for periods ending after June 15, 2009.  This Statement addresses events that occur after the balance sheet date but before the issuance of the financial statements, distinguishes which subsequent events that should be recognized in the financial statements, which nonrecognized events require disclosure and requires the disclosure of the date through which subsequent events were evaluated.  See note 23 for disclosure.

On April 9, 2009, the FASB issued ASC 825-10, formerly FASB Staff Position FAS No. 107-1 and Accounting Principles Bulletin 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, which amended FASB No 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments and is effective for financial statements issued for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Statement was amended to require that the existing annual fair value disclosure requirements under Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments be expanded to interim periods.  This Statement was adopted in the second quarter of 2009.

On April 9, 2009, the FASB issued ASC 320-10, formerly FSP FAS No. 115-2 and FAS No. 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, effective for financial statements issued for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Statement was amended to make significant changes to the Other Than Temporary Impairment (“OTTI”) assertions made related to debt securities. The FSP also provided for additional interim disclosures related to OTTI on debt securities.  These Statements did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

On April 9, 2009, the FASB issued ASC 820-10, formerly FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP FAS 157-4), effective for financial statements issued for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The FSP provides additional guidance on determining fair value in inactive markets for financial assets under Fair Value Measurements.  This Statement did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In June 2009, the FASB issued two standards which change the way entities account for securitizations and special-purpose entities:  SFAS No. 166, Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, (ASC 860) and SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R), (ASC 810).  SFAS No. 166 is a revision to SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, and requires more information about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions, and where entities have continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets.  This Statement eliminates the concept of a “qualifying special-purpose entity,” changes the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and requires additional disclosures.  SFAS No. 167 is a revision to FASB Interpretation No. 46 (Revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, and changes how a reporting entity determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated.  The determination of whether a reporting entity is required to consolidate another entity is based on, among other things, the other entity’s purpose and design and the reporting entity’s ability to direct the activities of the other entity that most significantly impact the other entity’s economic performance.  These new standards require a number of new disclosures.  SFAS No. 167 requires a reporting entity to provide additional disclosures about its involvement with variable interest entities and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement.  A reporting entity will be required to disclose how its involvement with a variable interest entity affects the reporting entity’s financial statements.  SFAS No. 166 enhances information reported to users of financial statements by providing greater transparency about transfers of financial assets and an entity’s continuing involvement in transferred financial assets.  These Statements will be effective at the beginning of a reporting entity’s first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2009.  Early application is not permitted.  The Company adopted these Statements on January 1, 2010.  The adoption of these Statements did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

In August 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-05, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, (ASC 820) — Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value”.  This ASU provides amendments for fair value measurements of liabilities.  It provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or more techniques.  ASU 2009-05 also

68

clarifies that when estimating the fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to include a separate input or adjustment to other inputs relating to the existence of a restriction that prevents the transfer of the liability.  ASU 2009-05 is effective for the first reporting period (including interim periods) beginning after issuance or fourth quarter 2009.  The adoption of ASU 2009-05 on January 1, 2010 did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statement of the Company.

2.GOING CONCERN

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. However, the events and circumstances described below create an uncertainty about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.  The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustment that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

The Company recorded a net loss of $45.5 million in 2009, primarily due to the level of nonperforming assets, the provision for loan losses of $44.4 million, real estate owned expenses of $8.4 million, and FDIC insurance premiums of $1.7 million.  Our losses are largely a result of nonperforming loans and real estate owned. Our net loss also included the establishment of a valuation allowance against the realization of our deferred tax asset of $18.1 million.

At December 31, 2009, the Company was below the regulatory minimum for total capital to risk weighted assets and above the regulatory minimums for tangible, core, and tier 1 risk based capital.  On April 12, 2010, the Company and the Bank each consented to the terms of Cease and Desist Orders issued by the OTS (the “Bank Order” and the “Company Order” and, together, the “Orders”).  The Orders impose certain operations restrictions on the Company and, to a greater extent, the Bank, including lending and dividend restrictions.  The Orders also require the Company and the Bank to take certain actions, including the submission to the OTS of capital plans and business plans to, among other things, preserve and enhance the capital of the Company and the Bank and strengthen and improve the consolidated Company’s operations, earnings and profitability.  The Bank Order specifically requires the Bank to achieve and maintain, by December 31, 2010, a tier 1 (core) capital ratio of at least 8% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 12.0% and maintain these higher ratios for as long as the Bank Order is in effect.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank’s core and total risk-based capital ratios were 5.75% and 9.97%.  Had the Bank been required to meet these capital requirements at December 31, 2009, it would have needed additional capital of approximately $16.5 million.

Management has developed and will continue to refine capital and strategic plans which take into consideration available information in the development of future financial projections, which includes, but is not limited to, twelve months from the balance sheet date of December 31, 2009. The expected results of these plans, forecasts and strategic initiatives, which are based on multiple scenarios and stress tested cases, provide for the enhancement and preservation of capital. Management’s plans to preserve and enhance its capital levels depend on various factors, some of which are outside the control of management. These factors include improvement in the economy, the ability to raise capital, the ability to reduce nonperforming assets, and the ability to maintain the Company’s liquidity.

The Company is continuing to aggressively pursue various available alternatives to improve its capital ratios, including operating strategies designed to increase profitability, through, among others, a reduction of nonperforming assets and reduction of operating costs, shrinking the balance sheet, and raising capital.  There can be no assurance that the economic conditions that caused the deterioration in loan quality, profits and capital will improve, and should the Bank’s capital and related ratios continue to deteriorate, the OTS could impose more severe directives on the Bank. The projected results of operations in 2010 and balance sheet shrinkage will not be sufficient to comply with the Orders.  Currently, the Company intends to raise capital in the third or fourth quarter to comply with the requirements of the Orders.

The Company’s ability to raise additional capital will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside the Company’s control. Accordingly, the Company cannot be certain of its ability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms. The Company’s potential inability to raise capital and comply with the terms of the Order raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.

3.RESTRICTIONS ON CASH AND AMOUNTS DUE FROM BANKS

Based on the reserve requirements of the Federal Reserve Bank, the Bank is required to maintain average cash balances on hand or with the Federal Reserve Bank. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, these required reserves balances amounted to $636,000 and $575,000, respectively.

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4.INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Investment securities consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

	2009
			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
Held To Maturity
Municipal securities	$	25,480	$	247	$	(269	)	$	25,458
U.S. Government and Agency obligations	110,051		21		(3,021		)	107,051
Total	$	135,531	$	268	$	(3,290	)	$	132,509

	2008
			Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
Held To Maturity
Municipal securities	$	19,565	$	75	$	(599	)	$	19,041
U.S. Government and Agency obligations	116,847		233		(66		)	117,014
Total	$	136,412	$	308	$	(665	)	$	136,055

The following tables summarize the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired (in thousands), aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2009 and 2008:

	2009
	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
	Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
Municipal securities	$	5,156	$	92	$	2,453	$	177	$	7,609	$	269
U.S. Government and Agency obligations	100,142		2,908		2,888		113		103,030		3,021
	$	105,298	$	3,000	$	5,341	$	290	$	110,639	$	3,290

	2008
	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or More				Total
	Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized		Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Losses		Value		Losses		Value		Losses
Municipal securities	$	5,493	$	171	$	3,926	$	428	$	9,419	$	599
U.S. Government and Agency obligations	15,503		66		—		—		15,503		66
	$	20,996	$	237	$	3,926	$	428	$	24,922	$	665

On a quarterly basis, management conducts a formal review of securities for the presence of OTTI.  Management assesses whether an OTTI is present when the fair value of a security is less than its amortized cost basis at the balance sheet date.  For such securities, OTTI is considered to have occurred if the Company intends to sell the security, if it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis or if the present values of expected cash flows is not sufficient to recover the entire amortized cost.

The unrealized losses are primarily a result of increases in market yields from the time of purchase.  In general, as market yields rise, the fair value of securities will decrease; as market yields fall, the fair value of securities will

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increase. Management generally views changes in fair value caused by changes in interest rates as temporary; therefore, these securities have not been classified as other-than-temporarily impaired.  Additionally, the impairment is also considered temporary because scheduled coupon payments have been made, it is anticipated that the entire principal balance will be collected as scheduled, and management neither intends to sell the securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities before the recovery of the remaining amortized cost amount.

The Company has pledged investment securities held to maturity with carrying values of approximately $59.5  million and $54.5 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, as collateral for certain deposits in excess of $250,000.  In addition, the Company has pledged investment securities held to maturity with carrying values of approximately $22.0 million at December 31, 2008 for borrowings outstanding at the FHLB and FRB.  No securities were used as collateral for borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2009.

The scheduled maturities of debt securities at December 31, 2009, by contractual maturity are shown below (in thousands). Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

	2009
	Amortized		Fair
	Cost		Value
Within one year	$	200	$	204
Due from one year to five years	2,100		2,075
Due from five years to ten years	9,147		9,054
Due after ten years	124,084		121,176
Total	$	135,531	$	132,509

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, investments with carrying values of approximately $127.6 million and $135.8 million, respectively, have call options held by the issuer, of which approximately $99.2 million and $124.8 million, respectively, are or were callable within one year.

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5.LOANS RECEIVABLE

Loans receivable consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

	2009			2008
Mortgage loans:
One- to four-family residences	$	235,990		$	241,735
Home equity and second mortgage	27,022			31,712
Commercial real estate	104,618			115,935
Multifamily	27,987			24,147
Land	41,405			50,510
Construction	49,295			77,316
Total mortgage loans	486,317			541,355
Commercial loans	14,575			21,922
Consumer loans:
Automobile	6,810			8,631
Other	11,052			12,291
Total consumer loans	17,862			20,922
Undisbursed loan funds	(4,327		)	(11,750		)
Unearned discounts and net deferred loan costs	23			529
Allowance for loan losses	(32,908		)	(6,441		)
Loans receivable—net	$	481,542		$	566,537

Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition.  The unpaid principal balances of such loans at December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $11.8 million and $28.5 million, respectively.  Servicing loans for others generally consists of collecting mortgage payments, maintaining escrow accounts, disbursing payments to investors, and foreclosure processing.  Servicing income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $91,000, $117,000, and $110,000, respectively.

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, qualifying loans collateralized by first lien one- to four-family mortgages with balances totaling approximately $97.4 million and $91.3 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for FHLB advances.

In April 2008, based on the FHLB rating criteria, the Bank was notified of the replacement of our FHLB blanket lien with a restricted custody collateral arrangement, whereby the FHLB has custody and endorsement of the loans that collateralize our outstanding borrowings with the FHLB.  Qualifying loans (i) must not be 90 days or more past due; (ii) must not have been in default within the most recent twelve-month period, unless such default has been cured in a manner acceptable to the FHLB; (iii) must relate to real property that is covered by fire and hazard insurance in an amount at least sufficient to discharge the mortgage loan in case of loss and as to which all real estate taxes are current; (iv) must not have been classified as substandard, doubtful, or loss by the Bank’s regulatory authority or the Bank; and (v) must not secure the indebtedness to any director, officer, employee, attorney, or agent of the Bank or of any FHLB.  The FHLB currently allows an aggregate collateral or lendable value on the qualifying loans of approximately 75% of the outstanding balance of the loans pledged to the FHLB.

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, qualifying loans collateralized by commercial real estate with balances of $46.1 million and $37.5 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for the Federal Reserve Bank discount window.  In addition, at December 31, 2009, the loans may also be used to secure transaction settlements at the Federal Reserve Bank.  In September 2008, a subordination agreement was secured with the FHLB based on its blanket lien of such loans.  This agreement provides the Bank the ability to pledge commercial real estate loans to the Federal Reserve Bank discount window and to secure transaction settlements.  The collateral was held by the Bank through the Federal Reserve Bank’s Borrower in Custody of Collateral Program until December 2009, when the

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Federal Reserve Bank notified the Bank that custody of the collateral must be transferred to the Federal Reserve Bank.

The Federal Reserve Bank will not accept loans that: (i) are 30 days or more past due; (ii) are classified as substandard, doubtful, or loss by the Bank’s regulatory authority or the Bank; (iii) are illegal investments for the Bank; (iv) secure the indebtedness to any director, officer, employee, attorney, affiliate or agent of the Bank; or that (v) exhibit collateral and credit documentation deficiencies.  The lendable value at December 31, 2009 was 57% of the fair market value of the loans as determined by the Federal Reserve Bank taking into consideration the rate and duration of the loans pledged.

The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired and nonaccrual loans, net of specific valuation allowance (in thousands):

	December 31
	2009		2008
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance	$	22,152	$	4,815
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance	$	11,197	$	3,529
Total impaired loans	$	33,349	$	8,344
Total nonaccrual loans	$	42,867	$	22,503
Total loans past-due ninety days or more and still accruing	$	—	$	8,961

	Year Ended December 31
	2009		2008
Average investment in impaired loans	$	29,171	$	11,165
Interest income recognized on impaired loans	$	1,001	$	56
Interest income recognized on a cash basis on impaired loans	$	—	$	—

Interest income recorded during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 for nonaccrual loans was $1.1 million, $415,000, and $458,000, respectively.  Under the original terms, these loans would have reported approximately $3.7 million, $1.8 million, and $2.6 million, of interest income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

6.ACCRUED INTEREST RECEIVABLE

Accrued interest receivable consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

	2009		2008
Loans	$	2,562	$	4,734
Investment securities	1,667		1,967
Total	$	4,229	$	6,701

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7.ALLOWANCES FOR LOAN AND REAL ESTATE LOSSES

A summary of the activity in the allowances for loan and real estate losses is as follows for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):

	2009						2008						2007
	Loans			Real Estate			Loans			Real Estate			Loans			Real Estate
Balance—beginning of year	$	6,441		$	—		$	5,162		$	—		$	2,572		$	—
Provisions for estimated losses	44,365			6,224			5,710			1,042			4,028			494
Recoveries	866			—			483			—			181			—
Losses charged off	(18,764		)	(681		)	(4,914		)	(1,042		)	(1,619		)	(494		)
Balance—end of year(1)	$	32,908		$	5,543		$	6,441		$	—		$	5,162		$	—

(1)The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 is comprised of specific valuation allowances of $7.5 million, $2.9 million and $2.9 million, respectively, and general valuation allowances of $25.4 million, $3.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively.

8.OFFICE PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

Office properties and equipment consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

	2009			2008
Land and land improvements	$	5,937		$	5,937
Buildings and improvements	21,547			21,406
Furniture and equipment	7,240			7,073
Automobiles	472			484
Construction in progress	143			107
Total	35,339			35,007
Accumulated depreciation	(11,772		)	(10,313		)
Office properties and equipment—net	$	23,567		$	24,694

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, amounted to approximately $1.5 million, $1.5 million, and $1.4 million, respectively.

Pursuant to the terms of noncancelable lease agreements in effect at December 31, 2009, pertaining to banking premises and equipment, future minimum rent commitments (in thousands) under various operating leases are as follows:

Years Ending December 31
2010	$	198
2011	180
2012	180
2013	172
2014	160
2015 and thereafter	507
Total	$	1,397

The leases contain options to extend for periods from ten to twenty-five years.  The cost of such rentals is not included above.  Total rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 amounted to $254,000, $225,000, and $96,000, respectively.

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The Bank also leases certain of its banking premises to third parties under operating lease agreements.  The following is a schedule by years of minimum future rentals on noncancelable operating leases (in thousands):

Years Ending December 31
2010	$	63
2011	40
2012	39
2013	18
2014	3
2015 and thereafter	—
Total	$	163

The leases contain options to extend for periods from three to ten years.  Such rentals are not included above.  Total rental income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 amounted to $74,000, $35,000, and $23,000, respectively.

9.DEPOSITS

Deposits are summarized as follows at December 31 (in thousands):

	2009		2008
Checking accounts, including noninterest bearing deposits of $25,656 and $27,538 in 2009 and 2008, respectively	$	166,707	$	163,468
Money market accounts	53,597		45,022
Savings accounts	24,983		23,019
Certificates of deposit	379,337		386,494
Total	$	624,624	$	618,003

Overdrafts of checking accounts of $379,000 and $483,000 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, have been reclassified for financial reporting and are reflected in net loans receivable on the consolidated statements of financial condition.

The aggregate amount of time deposits in denominations of $100 thousand or more was approximately $133.7 million and $123.3 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

At December 31, 2009, scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31
2010	$	253,007
2011	77,862
2012	29,682
2013	9,757
2014	3,226
2015 and thereafter	5,803
Total	$	379,337

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Interest expense on deposits consisted of the following (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31
	2009			2008			2007
Interest bearing checking accounts	$	1,231		$	1,730		$	1,877
Money market accounts	427			900			1,486
Savings and certificate accounts	11,676			15,988			20,608
Early withdrawal penalties	(62		)	(69		)	(98		)
Total	$	13,272		$	18,549		$	23,873

Eligible deposits of the Bank are insured up to $250,000 by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC.

Full FDIC deposit insurance coverage is provided through the Transaction Account Guarantee Program for noninterest bearing transaction deposit accounts, negotiable order of withdrawal (“NOW”) accounts paying less than 0.5% interest per annum, and interest on lawyers trust accounts held at participating FDIC institutions.  This program was set to expire June 30, 2010, but was recently extended to December 31, 2010.  The extension applies to NOW accounts with a maximum interest rate of .25% effective July 1, 2010.

10.OTHER BORROWINGS

Federal Home Loan Bank.  The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. As a member of this system, it is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB in an amount equal to the sum of 0.06% of total assets as of the previous December 31 and 4.10% of outstanding advances. No ready market exists for such stock and it has no quoted market value. The carrying value of the stock is its cost.

The Bank pledges as collateral for FHLB advances certain qualifying one- to four-family mortgage loans and certain qualifying investment securities.  Pledged collateral is held in the custody of the FHLB.  Based on the Bank’s restricted status with the FHLB, the Bank may only borrow short-term advances with maturities up to thirty days.

Advances at December 31, 2009 and 2008 consisted of the following (in thousands):

	2009				2008
	Weighted				Weighted
	Average				Average
	Rate		Amount		Rate		Amount
Amounts Maturing in Year Ending December 31
2009	—	%	$	—	3.55	%	$	46,636
2010	1.46		41,353		3.37		17,353
2011	3.14		11,514		3.24		11,514
2012	2.23		3,570		2.36		3,570
2013	0.66		2,168		0.89		2,168
2014	4.16		114		4.16		114
Thereafter	4.35		827		4.35		827
Total	1.85	%	$	59,546	3.36	%	$	82,182

Federal Reserve Bank.  At December 31, 2008, the Bank had $10.0 million in overnight borrowings outstanding at a rate of 0.25% at the FRB.  At December 31, 2009, the Bank did not have any outstanding borrowings with the FRB.

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11.INCOME TAXES

The provisions (benefits) for income taxes are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31
	2009			2008			2007
Income tax provision (benefit):
Current:
Federal	$	(1,441	)	$	251		$	1,800
State	10			(17		)	130
Total current	(1,431		)	234			1,930
Deferred:
Federal	(13,548		)	(525		)	(1,328		)
State	(2,997		)	(132		)	(257		)
Valuation allowance	18,124			—			—
Total deferred	1,579			(657		)	(1,585		)
Total	$	148		$	(423	)	$	345

The reasons for the differences between the statutory federal income tax rates and the effective tax rates are summarized as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended December 31
	2009					2008					2007
Taxes at statutory rate	$	(15,419	)	34.0	%	$	709		34.0	%	$	1,016		34.0	%
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
State income tax—net	(1,946		)	4.3		(98		)	(4.7	)	(141		)	(4.7	)
Change in valuationallowance	18,124			(40.0	)	—			—		—			—
Earnings on life insurance policies	(277		)	0.6		(667		)	(32.0	)	(259		)	(8.7	)
Nontaxable investments	(317		)	0.7		(243		)	(11.7	)	(203		)	(6.8	)
Other—net	(17		)	—		(124		)	(6.0	)	(68		)	(2.3	)
Total	$	148		0.3	%	$	(423	)	(20.3	)%	$	345		11.5	%

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The Company’s net deferred tax asset account was comprised of the following at December 31 (in thousands):

	2009			2008
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses	$	11,054		$	2,466
Real estate owned	3,426			360
Net operating loss carryforward	4,432			12
Other	190			2
Total deferred tax assets	19,102			2,840
Valuation allowance	(18,124		)	—
Deferred tax asset, net of allowance	978			2,840
Deferred tax liabilities:
Office properties	(928		)	(919		)
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	(300		)	(559		)
Pension plan contribution	(94		)	(106		)
Prepaid expenses	(130		)	(151		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(1,452		)	(1,735		)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(474	)	$	1,105

A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences in the recognition of revenue and expense, and unrealized gains and losses, for financial and tax reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company conducted an analysis to assess the need for a valuation allowance at December 31, 2009. As part of this assessment, all available evidence, including both positive and negative, was considered to determine whether based on the weight of such evidence, a valuation allowance on the Company’s deferred tax assets was needed. In accordance with ASC Topic 740-10, Income Taxes (ASC 740), a valuation allowance is deemed to be needed when, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The future realization of the deferred tax asset depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income within the carryback and carryforward periods.

As part of its analysis, the Company considered the following positive evidence:

·The Company has a long history of earnings profitability.

·The Company is projecting future taxable income sufficient to utilize all net operating loss carryforwards prior to expiration.

·Future reversals of certain deferred tax liabilities.

·The Federal Reserve has indicated that the economy has exited the recession.

As part of its analysis, the Company considered the following negative evidence:

·The Company recorded a large net loss in 2009.

·The Company did not meet its financial goals in 2009.

·The Company may not meet its projections concerning future taxable income.

Since December 31, 2008, the Company’s deferred tax asset has increased significantly, primarily due to additions to the allowance for loan losses and an increase in the net operating loss carryover.  The 2009 federal NOL is expected to be carried back to the 2007 and 2008 tax years resulting in a refund receivable of approximately $1.9 million.  At December 31, 2009, we determined that a valuation allowance relating to both the federal and state portion of our deferred tax asset was necessary. This determination for the state deferred tax asset was based largely on the negative evidence represented by the level of state tax exempt interest income which reduces state taxable income to a level that makes it unlikely the Company will realize its state deferred tax asset. Therefore, valuation allowances of $14.7 million and $3.4 million at December 31, 2009 were recorded for a portion of the federal deferred tax asset and all of the state deferred tax asset, respectively.

Specifically exempted from deferred tax recognition requirements are bad debt reserves for tax purposes of U.S. savings and loans in the institution’s base year, as defined. Base year reserves totaled approximately $4.2 million.

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Consequently, a deferred tax liability of approximately $1.6 million related to such reserves was not provided for in the consolidated statements of financial condition at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008. Payment of dividends to shareholders out of retained earnings deemed to have been made out of earnings previously set aside as bad debt reserves may create taxable income to the Bank. No provision has been made for income tax on such a distribution as the Bank does not anticipate making such distributions.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and the state of Arkansas. The Company is subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for tax years ended December 31, 2006 and forward.  The Company’s 2007 federal income tax return was subject to a limited scope examination by the Internal Revenue Service during the first quarter of 2009.  As a result of the examination, the Company was assessed approximately $45,000, including interest, for the 2007 tax year.The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.

12.STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

Stock Option Plan—The Stock Option Plan provided for a committee of the Company’s Board of Directors to award incentive stock options, non-qualified or compensatory stock options and stock appreciation rights representing up to 1,030,750 shares of Company stock. One-fifth of the options granted vested immediately upon grant, with the balance vesting in equal amounts on the four subsequent anniversary dates of the grant. Options granted vest immediately in the event of retirement, disability, or death. Stock options granted expire in ten years unless grantee terminates employment, in which case the award expires five years after termination date or ten years after grant date, whichever comes first.  The SOP expired during 2007, so no further option grants will be made.  Compensation expense attributable to stock options during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 totaled approximately $1,000, $4,000, and $10,000, respectively.

Under the SOP, options have been granted to directors and key employees to purchase common stock of the Company. The exercise price in each case equals the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. Options granted are summarized as follows:

	Options OutstandingDecember 31, 2009			Options ExercisableDecember 31, 2009
Year Granted	Range of Exercise Prices	Number of Options Outstanding	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Number of Options Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
2000	$9.13	450	0.7 years	$	9.13	450	$	9.13
2001	9.34 – 11.35	7,600	1.5 years	10.66		7,600	10.66
2002	12.32	1,200	0.4 years	12.32		1,200	12.32
2003	12.93 – 16.11	1,712	3.4 years	15.41		1,712	15.41
2004	19.25 – 21.50	2,520	4.4 years	20.36		2,520	20.36
2005	24.81	1,000	5.9 years	24.81		1,000	24.81
2006	22.40 – 25.50	1,000	4.5 years	24.57		900	24.47
		15,482	2.6 years	$	14.66	15,382	$	14.59

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A summary of the status of the Company’s SOP as of December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, and changes during the years ending on those dates are presented below:

			Weighted
			Average
			Exercise
	Shares		Price
Outstanding—January 1, 2007
Exercised	(154,817	)	$	9.80
Granted	(1,200	)	8.53
Forfeited	(300	)	25.50
Outstanding—December 31, 2007	23,042		$	13.59
Exercised	(4,000	)	11.63
Expired	(1,600	)	9.31
Forfeited	(200	)	22.40
Outstanding—December 31, 2008	17,242		$	14.34
Expired	(1,760	)	$	11.48
Outstanding—December 31, 2009	15,482		$	14.66

Management Recognition and Retention Plan—The MRR Plan provided for a committee of the Company’s Board of Directors to award restricted stock to key officers as well as non-employee directors. The MRR Plan authorized the Company to grant up to 412,300 shares of the Company stock, of which 405,688 shares have been granted through December 31, 2009. The MRR Plan expired during 2007, so no further awards will be made.  Compensation expense has been recognized over the vesting period based on the fair market value of the shares on the grant date. Shares granted will be deemed vested in the event of disability or death. Approximately $2,000 and $29,000 in compensation expense was recognized during each of the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.  On October 31, 2008, 1,600 previously awarded yet unvested MRR Plan shares were canceled.  There were no expenses incurred related to the MRP plan during 2009.

13.EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

401(k) Plan — The Company has established a 401(k) Plan whereby substantially all employees participate in the Plan.  Employees may contribute up to 75% of their salary subject to certain limits based on federal tax laws.  The Company makes matching contributions equal to 100% of the first 3% plus 50% of contributions between 3% and 5% of an employee’s compensation contributed to the Plan.  Matching contributions vest immediately to the employee upon enrollment in the Plan.  During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, 401(k) Plan expense was approximately $38,000, $303,000, and $309,000, respectively.  Effective February 16, 2009, the Company suspended its matching contributions.

Other Postretirement Benefits—The Bank is a participant in a multi-employer retirement plan and therefore separate information is not available. The plan is noncontributory and covers substantially all employees. The plan provides a retirement benefit and a death benefit. Retirement benefits are payable in monthly installments for life and must begin not later than the first day of the month coincident with or the next month following the seventieth birthday or the participant may elect a lump-sum distribution. Death benefits are paid in a lump-sum distribution, the amount of which depends on years of service. Net pension expense was approximately $343,000, $518,000, and $761,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

14.PREFERRED STOCK

On March 6, 2009, as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) Capital Purchase Program, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with the United States Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”), pursuant to which the Company, for a purchase price of $16.5 million in cash, (i) sold 16,500 shares of the Company’s Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and (ii) issued a warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 321,847 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the “Common Stock”), at an exercise price of $7.69 per share.  The Series A Preferred Stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital and is entitled to cumulative dividends. The preferred stock dividend reduces earnings available to common shareholders and is computed at an annual rate of 5% per annum for the first five years, and 9% per annum thereafter. The Series A Preferred Stock is non-voting, other than class voting

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rights on certain matters that could adversely affect the Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed by the Company with regulatory approval and when such preferred shares are redeemed, the Treasury shall liquidate the Warrant associated with such preferred shares.  The Warrant has a 10-year term and was immediately exercisable upon its issuance, with an exercise price, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, equal to $7.69 per share of the Common Stock.   Treasury has agreed not to exercise voting power with respect to any shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise of the Warrant that it holds.

Upon receipt of the aggregate consideration from the Treasury on March 6, 2009, the Company allocated the $16.5 million proceeds on a pro rata basis to the Series A Preferred Stock and the Warrant based on relative fair values. In estimating the fair value of the Warrant, the Company utilized an option pricing model which includes assumptions regarding the Company’s common stock prices, stock price volatility, dividend yield, the risk free interest rate and the estimated life of the Warrant. The fair value of the Series A Preferred Stock was determined using a discounted cash flow methodology and a discount rate of 12%. As a result, the Company assigned $358,000 of the aggregate proceeds to the Warrant and $16.1 million to the Series A Preferred Stock. The value assigned to the Series A Preferred Stock will be accreted up to the $16.5 million liquidation value of such preferred stock, with the cost of such accretion being reported as additional preferred stock dividends. This results in a total dividend with a constant effective yield of 5.50% over a five-year period, which is the expected life of the Series A Preferred Stock. In addition, the Purchase Agreement (i) grants the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Warrant and the Warrant Common Stock certain registration rights, (ii) subjects the Company to certain of the executive compensation limitations included in the EESA (which are discussed below) and (iii) allows the Treasury to unilaterally amend any of the terms of the Purchase Agreement to the extent required to comply with any changes after March 6, 2009 in applicable federal statutes. On April 2, 2009, the Company filed a “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) for the purpose of registering the Warrant and the Warrant Common Stock in order to permit the sale of such securities by the U.S. Treasury at any time after effectiveness of the registration statement. On April 28, 2009, the Company was notified by the Commission that the “shelf” registration statement was deemed effective.

Immediately prior to the execution of the Purchase Agreement, the Company amended its compensation, bonus, incentive and other benefit plans, arrangements and agreements to the extent necessary to comply with the executive compensation and corporate governance requirements of Section 111(b) of the EESA and applicable guidance or regulations issued by the Treasury on or prior to March 6, 2009. The applicable executive compensation requirements apply to the compensation of the Company’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer and three other most highly compensated executive officers (collectively, the “senior executive officers”). In addition, in connection with the closing of the Treasury’s purchase of the Series A Preferred Stock each of the senior executive officers was required to execute a waiver of any claim against the United States or the Company for any changes to his or her compensation or benefits that are required in order to comply with the regulation issued by the Treasury as published in the Federal Register on October 20, 2008.

The Company’s ability to repurchase its shares is restricted. Consent of the Treasury generally is required for the Company to make any stock repurchase until the third anniversary of the investment by Treasury unless all of the Series A Preferred Stock has been redeemed or transferred to a third party. Further, common, junior preferred or pari passu preferred shares may not be repurchased if the Company is in arrears on the Series A Preferred Stock dividends. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company’s ability to declare or pay dividends on any of its shares is restricted.  Specifically, the Company may not declare dividend payments on common, junior preferred or pari passu preferred shares if it is in arrears on the dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock.  In addition, the Company may not increase the dividends on its Common Stock above the amount of the last quarter cash dividend per share declared prior to October 14, 2008, which was $0.16 per share, without the Treasury’s approval until the third anniversary of the investment unless all of the Series A Preferred Stock has been redeemed or transferred to a third party.

As discussed more fully in Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company and the Bank are subject to a regulatory order which prohibits the Company and the Bank from paying dividends on any of its stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, without prior written non-objection of the OTS.  As a result, the Company will not be paying its Series A Preferred Stock dividends beginning with the dividend payment due February 15, 2010.  However, the Company will continue to accrue these dividends and at December 31, 2009 dividends of approximately $105,000 were accrued in other liabilities on the consolidated statement of financial condition related to dividend payment due on February 15, 2010.

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15.EARNINGS PER SHARE

	Year Ended December 31, 2009
	Income (Loss)
	(In Thousands)			Shares	Per Share
	(Numerator)			(Denominator)	Amount
Basic EPS—Income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	(46,226	)	4,846,785	$	(9.54	)
Effect of dilutive securities	—			—
Diluted EPS—Income (loss) available to common stockholders and assumed conversions	$	(46,226	)	4,846,785	$	(9.54	)

The calculation of diluted earnings per share excludes 15,482 options outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2009, which were antidilutive. In addition, the calculation excludes the Warrant to purchase 321,847 shares of common stock outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2009, which was antidilutive.

	Year Ended December 31, 2008
	Income
	(In Thousands)		Shares	Per Share
	(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
Basic EPS—Income available to common stockholders	$	2,507	4,848,092	$	0.52
Effect of dilutive securities—Stock options	—		374
Diluted EPS—Income available to common stockholders and assumed conversions	$	2,507	4,848,466	$	0.52

The incremental shares for the assumed exercise of the outstanding options were determined by application of the treasury stock method. The calculation of diluted earnings per share excludes 14,192 options outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2008, which were antidilutive.

	Year Ended December 31, 2007
	Income
	(In Thousands)		Shares	Per Share
	(Numerator)		(Denominator)	Amount
Basic EPS—Income available to common stockholders	$	2,643	4,865,127	$	0.54
Effect of dilutive securities—Stock options	—		15,734
Diluted EPS—Income available to common stockholders and assumed conversions	$	2,643	4,880,861	$	0.54

The incremental shares for the assumed exercise of the outstanding options were determined by application of the treasury stock method. The calculation of diluted earnings per share excludes 2,700 options outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2007, which were antidilutive.

16.OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND COMMITMENTS

The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

The Bank does not use financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk as part of its asset/liability management program or for trading purposes. The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amounts of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

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Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. The Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Such collateral consists primarily of residential properties. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.

The funding period for construction loans is generally six to eighteen months and commitments to originate mortgage loans are generally outstanding for 60 days or less.

The Company, in the normal course of business, makes commitments to buy or sell assets or to incur or fund liabilities. Commitments include, but are not limited to:

·the origination, purchase or sale of loans;

·the fulfillment of commitments under letters of credit, extensions of credit on home equity lines of credit, construction loans, and under predetermined overdraft protection limits; and

·the commitment to fund withdrawals of certificates of deposit at maturity.

At December 31, 2009, the Bank’s off-balance sheet arrangements principally included lending commitments, which are described below. At December 31, 2009, the Company had no interests in non-consolidated special purpose entities.

At December 31, 2009, commitments included:

·total approved loan origination commitments outstanding amounting to $2.1 million, including approximately $1.3 of loans committed to sell;

·rate lock agreements with customers of $3.9 million, all of which have been locked with an investor;

·funded mortgage loans committed to sell of $1.0 million;

·unadvanced portion of construction loans of $4.3 million;

·unused lines of credit of $15.2 million;

·outstanding standby letters of credit of $3.8 million;

·total predetermined overdraft protection limits of $12.2 million; and

·certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less totaling $253.0 million.

Total unfunded commitments to originate loans for sale and the related commitments to sell of $3.9 million meet the definition of a derivative financial instrument. The related asset and liability are considered immaterial at December 31, 2009.

Historically, a very small percentage of predetermined overdraft limits have been used. At December 31, 2009, overdrafts of accounts with Bounce Protectionä represented usage of 3.11% of the limit.

Based on historical experience, management believes that a significant portion of maturing deposits will remain with the Bank. Management anticipates that the Bank will continue to have sufficient funds, through repayments, deposits and borrowings, to meet our current commitments.

17.FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value. ASC 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1Unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.

Level 2Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data at the measurement date for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. 

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Level 3Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.

The following is a description of valuation methodologies used for significant assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

Loans Receivable

Loans which meet certain criteria are evaluated individually for impairment. A loan is considered impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Substantially all of the Bank’s impaired loans at December 31, 2009 are secured by real estate.  These impaired loans are individually assessed to determine that the carrying value of the loan is not in excess of the fair value of the collateral, less estimated selling costs. Fair value is estimated through current appraisals, real estate brokers or listing prices.  Fair values may be adjusted by management to reflect current economic and market conditions and, as such, are classified as Level 3.  Impaired loans at December 31, 2009 were $33.3 million, net of specific valuation allowances of $5.7 million at December 31, 2009.

REO, net

REO represents real estate acquired as a result of foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure and is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs.  Fair value is estimated through current appraisals, real estate brokers or listing prices.  As these properties are actively marketed, estimated fair values may be adjusted by management to reflect current economic and market conditions and, as such, are classified as Level 3.  REO at December 31, 2009 was $35.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2009, charge-offs to the allowance for loan losses related to loans that were transferred to REO were $5.0 million on transfers to REO of $28.9 million.  Write downs related to REO that were charged to expense were $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.

The following table provides the level of valuation assumption used to determine the carrying value of the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2009:

	Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		SignificantOther Observable Inputs(Level 2)		SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3)
Impaired loans	$	33,349	$	—	$	—	$	33,349
REO, net (1)	36,285		—		—		36,285
	$	69,634	$	—	$	—	$	69,634

(1)The amounts listed reflect fair value measurements of the properties before deducting estimated costs to sell.

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18.FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. The estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows (in thousands):

	December 31, 2009				December 31, 2008
			Estimated				Estimated
	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
	Value		Value		Value		Value
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	22,149	$	22,149	$	9,367	$	9,367
Investment securities—held to maturity	135,531		132,509		136,412		136,055
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	3,125		3,125		4,825		4,825
Loans receivable—net	481,542		483,127		568,123		581,213
Loans held for sale	1,012		1,012		1,586		1,586
Cash surrender value of life insurance	21,226		21,226		20,412		20,412
Accrued interest receivable	4,229		4,229		6,701		6,701
LIABILITIES:
Deposits:
Checking, money market and savings accounts	245,287		245,287		231,509		231,509
Certificates of deposit	379,337		383,187		386,494		390,638
Other borrowings	59,546		60,203		92,212		94,114
Accrued interest payable	474		474		910		910
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance	695		695		810		810

For cash and cash equivalents, Federal Home Loan Bank stock, cash surrender value of life insurance and accrued interest receivable, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value, primarily because of the short-term nature of the instruments or, as to Federal Home Loan Bank stock, the ability to sell the stock back to the Federal Home Loan Bank at cost. The fair value of investment securities is based on quoted market prices, dealer quotes and prices obtained from independent pricing services. The fair value of variable rate loans is based on repricing dates. Fixed rate loans were valued using discounted cash flows. The discount rates used to determine the present value of these loans were based on interest rates currently being charged by the Bank on comparable loans as to credit risk and term.

The fair value of checking accounts, savings accounts and money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit and Federal Home Loan Bank advances is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar terms and advances of similar remaining maturities at the reporting date. For advance payments by borrowers, for taxes and insurance and for accrued interest payable the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value, primarily because of the short-term nature of the instruments.

The fair value estimates presented herein are based on pertinent information available to management as of December 31, 2009 and 2008. Although management is not aware of any factors that would significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these financial statements since the reporting date and, therefore, current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein.

19.CONTINGENCIES

The Company is a defendant in certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

20.RETAINED EARNINGS—SUBSTANTIALLY RESTRICTED

Upon conversion, the Company established a special liquidation account for the benefit of eligible account holders and the supplemental eligible account holders in an amount equal to the net worth of the Bank as of the date of its latest statement of financial condition contained in the final offering circular used in connection with the conversion. The liquidation account will be maintained for the benefit of eligible account holders and supplemental eligible account holders who continue to maintain their accounts in the Bank after conversion. In the event of a complete liquidation (and only in such event), each eligible and supplemental eligible account holder will be entitled to receive

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a liquidation distribution from the liquidation account in an amount proportionate to the current adjusted qualifying balances for accounts then held.

The Company may not declare or pay cash dividends on its shares of common stock if the effect thereof would cause the Company’s stockholders’ equity to be reduced below applicable regulatory capital maintenance requirements for insured institutions or below the special liquidation account referred to above.

21.REGULATORY MATTERS

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the OTS. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory—and possible additional discretionary—actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct and material effect on the Bank’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of tangible capital (as defined) to tangible assets (as defined) and core capital (as defined) to adjusted tangible assets (as defined), and of total risk-based capital (as defined) to risk-weighted assets (as defined).  Tier 1 (core) capital includes common stockholders’ equity and qualifying preferred stock less certain other deductions.  Total capital includes tier 1 capital plus the allowance for loan losses, subject to limitations.

As the following table indicates, at December 31, 2009, the Bank was below the regulatory minimum for total capital to risk weighted assets and above the regulatory adequacy minimums for tangible, core, and tier 1 risk-based capital.  The Bank has historically been categorized as well-capitalized in periods prior to December 31, 2009.

As discussed in Note 23, on April 12, 2010, the Company and the Bank each consented to a Cease and Desist Order (collectively, the “Orders”) issued by the OTS. The Orders became effective on April 14, 2010. The Bank’s Order states that no later than December 31, 2010, the Bank shall achieve and maintain a Tier 1 (Core) capital ratio of at least 8% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 12%.  The Bank had previously agreed with the OTS to maintain a core capital ratio of at least 5% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%.  These are the ratios that were in effect at December 31, 2009 and such ratios were in excess of the ratios required under the capital adequacy requirements.  The requirement to meet and maintain a specific capital level means that the Bank may not be deemed to be well-capitalized for the purposes of prompt corrective action.

The Order also states that by June 30, 2010, the Bank shall submit to the OTS a written capital plan to achieve and maintain the foregoing capital levels.  At a minimum, the plan shall address: (i) the amount of additional capital that will be necessary to meet the foregoing capital levels under different, progressively stressed economic environments; (ii) the requirements and restrictions imposed by the Order and the Bank’s most recent examination; (iii) the Bank’s level of classified assets, allowance for loan and lease losses, earnings, asset concentrations, liquidity needs, and trends in this area; (iv) current and projected trends in real estate market conditions; (v) the Bank’s capital preservation and enhancement strategies; and (vi) identify specific sources of additional capital and the timeframes and methods by which additional capital will be raised.

Under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank’s capital status may preclude the Bank from access to borrowings from the Federal Reserve System through the discount window. Also, as required by the framework, the Bank must submit to the OTS a written capital plan as described above.  The Bank believes it can attain these ratios by December 31, 2010 through improved operating results, shrinkage in asset size, potential branch sales, and raising capital in the third or fourth quarter of 2010.  Management’s plan is subject to economic conditions and assumes no significant deterioration of our loan portfolio.

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The Bank’s actual capital amounts (in thousands) and ratios are presented in the following table:

									To be Categorized
									as Adequately
									Capitalized Under
					For Capital				Prompt Corrective
	Actual				Adequacy Purposes				Action Provisions
	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
As of December 31, 2009:
Tangible Capital to Tangible Assets	$	42,042	5.75	%	$	10,965	1.50	%	N/A		N/A
Core Capital to Adjusted Tangible Assets	42,042		5.75	%	36,550		5.00	%	$	36,550	5.00	%
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	48,344		9.97	%	48,512		10.00	%	48,512		10.00	%
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	42,042		8.67	%	N/A		N/A		19,405		4.00	%

									To be Categorized
									as Well
									Capitalized Under
					For Capital				Prompt Corrective
	Actual				Adequacy Purposes				Action Provisions
	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
As of December 31, 2008:
Tangible Capital to Tangible Assets	$	70,703	8.89	%	$	11,925	1.50	%	N/A		N/A
Core Capital to Adjusted Tangible Assets	70,703		8.89	%	31,799		4.00	%	$	39,748	5.00	%
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	74,144		13.35	%	44,436		8.00	%	55,545		10.00	%
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	70,703		12.73	%	N/A		N/A		33,327		6.00	%

Dividend Restrictions.  The principal source of the Company’s revenues is dividends from the Bank.  The Company’s ability to pay dividends to our shareholders depends to a large extent upon the dividends we receive from the Bank.  On November 19, 2009, the OTS issued written directives to the Company and the Bank which require the Company and the Bank to obtain prior written non-objection of the OTS in order to make or declare any dividends or payments on their outstanding securities.

22.RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In the normal course of business, the Bank has made loans to its directors, officers, and their related business interests. In the opinion of management, related party loans are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated persons and do not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility. The aggregate dollar amount of loans outstanding to directors, officers, and their related business interests was approximately $1.1 million at both December 31, 2009 and 2008.

Deposits from related parties held by the Bank at December 31, 2009 and 2008 amounted to $4.2 million and $5.2 million, respectively.

23.SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On April 12, 2010, the Company and the Bank each consented to the terms of Cease and Desist Orders issued by the OTS (the “Bank Order” and the “Company Order” and, together, the “Orders”).  The Orders impose certain operations restrictions on the Company and, to a greater extent, the Bank, including lending and dividend restrictions.  The Orders also require the Company the Bank to take certain actions, including the submission to the OTS of capital plans and business plans to, among other things, preserve and enhance the capital of the Company and the Bank and strengthen and improve the consolidated Company’s operations, earnings and profitability.  The Bank Order specifically requires the Bank to achieve and maintain, by December 31, 2010, a tier 1 (core) capital ratio of at least 8% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 12.0%.

Any material failure by the Company and the Bank to comply with the provisions of the Orders could result in further enforcement actions by the OTS. While the Company and the Bank intend to take such actions as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of the Orders, there can be no assurance that the Company or the Bank

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will be able to comply fully with the Orders, or that efforts to comply with the Orders will not have adverse effects on the operations and financial condition of the Company or the Bank.

24.PARENT COMPANY ONLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following condensed statements of financial condition, as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and condensed statements of income and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, for First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes herein.

FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC.

(Parent Company Only)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008

(In thousands)

	2009		2008
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents (deposits in Bank)	$	99	$	97
Loan to Bank subsidiary	1,216		1,565
Investment in Bank	42,182		70,877
Other assets	475		673
TOTAL	$	43,972	$	73,212
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	672	$	95
Stockholders’ equity	43,300		73,117
TOTAL	$	43,972	$	73,212

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FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC.

(Parent Company Only)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008, AND 2007

(In thousands)

	2009			2008			2007
INCOME:
Dividends from the Bank	$	—		$	5,000		$	5,000
Interest income—loan to the Bank	1			39			50
Total income	1			5,039			5,050
EXPENSES:
Management fees	66			66			66
Other operating expenses	425			263			290
Total expenses	491			329			356
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXBENEFIT AND EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) OF BANK SUBSIDIARY	(490		)	4,710			4,694
INCOME TAX BENEFIT	187			111			118
INCOME BEFORE EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) OF BANK SUBSIDIARY	(303		)	4,821			4,812
EQUITY IN UNDISTRIBUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) OF BANK SUBSIDIARY	(45,195		)	(2,314		)	(2,169		)
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$	(45,498	)	$	2,507		$	2,643

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FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC.

(Parent Company Only)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009, 2008, AND 2007

(In thousands)

	2009			2008			2007
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$	(45,498	)	$	2,507		$	2,643
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash providedby operating activities:
Equity in undistributed net loss (earnings) of Bank	45,195			2,314			2,169
Stock compensation expense	1			5			39
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest receivable	—			3			4
Other assets	198			(386		)	307
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	472			(58		)	(156		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	368			4,385			5,006
INVESTING ACTIVITIES—
Investment in Bank	(16,500		)	—			—
Loan to Bank, net of repayments	349			(1,329		)	141
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(16,151		)	(1,329		)	141
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of preferred stock	16,500			—			—
Purchase of treasury stock	—			—			(2,312		)
Dividends paid, preferred shares	(570		)	—			—
Dividends paid, common shares	(145		)	(3,102		)	(3,111		)
Stock options exercised	—			46			350
Net cash used in financing activities	15,785			(3,056		)	(5,073		)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	2			—			74
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period	97			97			23
End of period	$	99		$	97		$	97

******

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SELECTED QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009	Fourth Quarter			Third Quarter			Second Quarter			First Quarter
Interest income	$	9,036		$	8,692		$	9,193		$	9,122
Interest expense	3,218			3,551			4,060			4,426
Net interest income	5,818			5,141			5,133			4,696
Provision for loan losses	8,203			30,196			2,445			3,521
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	(2,385		)	(25,055		)	2,688			1,175
Noninterest income	2,062			2,109			2,039			1,907
Noninterest expense	7,590			9,895			6,556			5,849
Income (loss) before income taxes	(7,913		)	(32,841		)	(1,829		)	(2,767		)
Income tax provision (benefit)	11,918			(9,614		)	(892		)	(1,264		)
Net income (loss)	(19,831		)	(23,227		)	(937		)	(1,503		)
Preferred stock dividend and discount accretion	222			222			222			62
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	(20,053	)	$	(23,449	)	$	(1,159	)	$	(1,565	)
Earnings per share(1):
Basic	$	(4.14	)	$	(4.84	)	$	(0.24	)	$	(0.32	)
Diluted	$	(4.14	)	$	(4.84	)	$	(0.24	)	$	(0.32	)
Selected Ratios (Annualized):
Net interest margin	3.49		%	2.94		%	2.86		%	2.65		%
Return on average assets	(10.56		)	(11.99		)	(0.47		)	(0.76		)
Return on average equity	(123.95		)	(106.70		)	(4.24		)	(7.70		)

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008	Fourth Quarter			Third Quarter			Second Quarter			First Quarter
Interest income	$	10,493		$	10,451		$	11,467		$	11,536
Interest expense	4,818			5,155			5,658			6,471
Net interest income	5,675			5,296			5,809			5,065
Provision for loan losses	1,600			1,611			971			1,528
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	4,075			3,685			4,838			3,537
Noninterest income	1,952			2,213			2,048			3,204
Noninterest expense	5,983			5,766			5,648			6,071
Income before income taxes	44			132			1,238			670
Income tax provision	(149		)	(86		)	229			(417		)
Net income	$	193		$	218		$	1,009		$	1,087
Earnings per share(1):
Basic	$	0.04		$	0.05		$	0.21		$	0.22
Diluted	$	0.04		$	0.05		$	0.21		$	0.22
Selected Ratios (Annualized):
Net interest margin	3.19		%	2.92		%	3.15		%	2.78		%
Return on average assets	0.10			0.11			0.49			0.54
Return on average equity	1.05			1.17			5.43			5.86

(1)  Basic and diluted shares outstanding are summarized below.

	Fourth Quarter	Third Quarter	Second Quarter	First Quarter
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009
Basic weighted - average shares	4,846,785	4,846,785	4,846,785	4,846,785
Effect of dilutive securities	—	—	—	—
Diluted weighted - average shares	4,846,785	4,846,785	4,846,785	4,846,785
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
Basic weighted - average shares	4,847,307	4,848,385	4,848,385	4,848,297
Effect of dilutive securities	—	—	1,091	2,338
Diluted weighted - average shares	4,847,307	4,848,385	4,849,476	4,850,635

91

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

Not Applicable.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures.

Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are operating effectively.

No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

MANAGEMENT REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL

The management of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. and its subsidiary, First Federal Bank, (collectively referred to as the “Company”) is responsible for the preparation, integrity, and fair presentation of its published financial statements and all other information presented in this annual report.  The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and, as such, include amounts based on informed judgments and estimates made by management.

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for financial presentations in conformity with GAAP. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, 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 GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that:

Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

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.

Management has evaluated the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting for financial presentations in conformity with GAAP as of December 31, 2009 based on the control criteria established in a report entitled Internal Control—Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on such evaluation, we have concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2009.

The independent registered public accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP, as auditors of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Larry J. Brandt	Sherri R. Billings
President and	Executive Vice President and
Chief Executive Officer	Chief Financial Officer

92

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc.

Harrison, AR

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  The Company’s 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 Report on Internal Control.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s 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 by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, 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.  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 the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the 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, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2009 of the Company and our report dated April 15, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Little Rock, AR

April 15, 2010

93

Item 9B.  Other Information.

Not Applicable.

PART III.

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

The information regarding directors and executive officers is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Information with Respect to Nominees for Director, Continuing Directors and Executive Officers” in our definitive Proxy Statement (“2010 Proxy Statement”) to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 26, 2009. The 2010 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

The information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” of our 2010 Proxy Statement.

The information regarding the audit committee and audit committee financial experts is incorporated by reference herein from the subsection entitled “Committees and Meetings of the Board of the Company and the Bank” in the section entitled “Information with Respect to Nominees for Director, Continuing Directors and Executive Officers” in our 2010 Proxy Statement.

The information regarding the code of ethics applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer is incorporated herein by reference from the subsection entitled—“Code of Ethics for Executive Officers and Financial Professionals” in the section entitled “Information with Respect to Nominee for Director, Continuing Directors and Executive Officers” in our 2010 Proxy Statement.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation.

Information regarding executive compensation is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Executive Compensation” in our 2010 Proxy Statement.

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

Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock By Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” and information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is incorporated herein by reference from the subsection entitled “Equity-Based Compensation Plans” in our 2010 Proxy Statement.

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

Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Transactions with Certain Related Persons” in our 2010 Proxy Statement.

Information regarding director independence is incorporated herein by reference from the subsection entitled “Election of Directors” in the section entitled “Information with Respect to Nominees for Director, Continuing Directors and Executive Officers” in our 2010 Proxy Statement.

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The information regarding principal auditor fees and services is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Relationship with Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in our 2010 Proxy Statement.

94

PART IV.

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)  Documents Filed as Part of this Report

(1) Financial statements have been included in Item 8.

(2) All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulation of the SEC are omitted because of the absence of conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in the financial statements and related notes thereto.

(b) Exhibit Index.

2.1*	Plan of Conversion
3.1*	Articles of Incorporation of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc.
3.2**	Amended and Restated Bylaws of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc.
3.3***	Statement of Designations for the Preferred Stock
4.0****	Stock Certificate of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc.
4.1***	Form of Certificate for the Preferred Stock
4.2***	Warrant for Purchase of Shares of Common Stock
10.1*****	Employment Agreement between the Company, the Bank and Larry J. Brandt as amended and restated
10.2*****	Employment Agreement between the Company, the Bank and Tommy W. Richardson as amended and restated
10.3*****	Employment Agreement between the Company, the Bank and Sherri R. Billings as amended and restated
10.4***	Letter Agreement, dated March 6, 2009, between First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. and the U.S. Department of the Treasury
10.5***	ARRA Letter Agreement, dated March 6, 2009, between First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. and the U.S. Department of the Treasury
10.6***	Form of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Employment Agreements among First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc., First Federal Bank and each of Larry J. Brandt, Tommy W. Richardson and Sherri R. Billings
10.7	Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist for Company
10.8	Company Cease and Desist Order
10.9	Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist for Bank
10.10	Bank Cease and Desist Order
21.0	Subsidiaries of the Registrant - Reference is made to “Item 1 Business - Subsidiaries” for the required information
23.0	Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1	Section 906 Certification of the CEO
32.2	Section 906 Certification of the CFO
99.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to TARP CPP
99.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to TARP CPP

(*)	Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-612) filed with the SEC.
(**)	Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed with the SEC.
(***)	Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 6, 2009.
(****)	Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC.
(*****)	Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 20, 2007.

95

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC.
	By:	/s/ Larry J. Brandt
		Larry J. Brandt
		President and Chief Executive Officer
		April 15, 2010

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

/s/ Larry J. Brandt	April 15, 2010
Larry J. Brandt
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ John P. Hammerschmidt	April 15, 2010
John P. Hammerschmidt
Chairman
/s/ Jeff Brandt	April 15, 2010
Jeff Brandt
Director
/s/ Kenneth C. Savells	April 15, 2010
Kenneth C. Savells
Director
/s/ Frank Conner	April 15, 2010
Frank Conner
Director
/s/ Sherri R. Billings	April 15, 2010
Sherri R. Billings
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial and Accounting Officer

96

EX-10.7

Exhibit 10.7

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Before the OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION In the Matter of Order No.: WN-10-14 FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC. Effective Date: April 14, 2010 Harrison, Arkansas OTS Docket No. H2658 STIPULATION AND CONSENT TO ISSUANCE OF ORDER TO CEASE AND DESIST WHEREAS, the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS), acting by and through its Regional Director for the Western Region (Regional Director), and based upon information derived from the exercise of its regulatory and supervisory responsibilities, has informed First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc., Harrison, Arkansas, OTS Docket No. H2658 (Holding Company), that the OTS is of the opinion that grounds exist to initiate an administrative proceeding against the Holding Company pursuant to 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b); WHEREAS, the Regional Director, pursuant to delegated authority, is authorized to issue Orders to Cease and Desist where a savings and loan holding company has consented to the issuance of an order; and WHEREAS, the Holding Company desires to cooperate with the OTS to avoid the time and expense of such administrative cease and desist proceeding by entering into this Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist (Stipulation) and, without admitting or First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist Page 1 of 6

denying that such grounds exist, but only admitting the statements and conclusions in Paragraphs 1 - 3 below concerning Jurisdiction, hereby stipulates and agrees to the following terms: Jurisdiction. 1. The Holding Company is a “savings and loan holding company” within the meaning of 12 U.S.C. § 1813(w)(3) and 12 U.S.C. § 1467a. Accordingly, the Holding Company is a “depository institution holding company” as that term is defined in 12 U.S.C. § 1813(w)(1). 2. Pursuant to 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b)(9), the “appropriate Federal banking agency” may initiate cease and desist proceedings against a savings and loan holding company in the same manner and to the same extent as a savings association for regulatory violations and unsafe or unsound acts or practices. 3. Pursuant to 12 U.S.C. § 1813(q), the Director of the OTS is the “appropriate Federal banking agency” with jurisdiction to maintain an administrative enforcement proceeding against a savings and loan holding company. Therefore, the Holding Company is subject to the authority of the OTS to initiate and maintain an administrative cease and desist proceeding against it pursuant to 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b). OTS Findings of Fact. 4. Based on its September 21, 2009 examination of the Holding Company, the OTS finds that the Holding Company has engaged in unsafe or unsound banking practices, including, but not limited to: (a) the Holding Company’s failure to identify, measure, monitor, and control specific risks to the Holding Company’s operations; (b) the operation of the Holding Company and its subsidiary insured depository institution, First Federal Bank, Harrison, Arkansas, OTS Docket No. 02721 First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist Page 2 of 6

(Association), with inadequate capital and earnings to support its risk profile; and (c) the operation of the Association with an inadequate level of capital protection for the volume, type, and quality of assets held by the Association. Consent. 5. The Holding Company consents to the issuance by the OTS of the accompanying Order to Cease and Desist (Order). The Holding Company further agrees to comply with the terms of the Order upon the Effective Date of the Order and stipulates that the Order complies with all requirements of law. Finality. 6. The Order is issued by the OTS under 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b). Upon the Effective Date, the Order shall be a final order, effective, and fully enforceable by the OTS under the provisions of 12 U.S.C. § 1818(i). Waivers. 7. The Holding Company waives the following: (a) the right to be served with a written notice of the OTS’s charges against it as provided by 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b) and 12 C.F.R. Part 509; (b) the right to an administrative hearing of the OTS’s charges as provided by 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b) and 12’ C.F.R. Part 509; (c) the right to seek judicial review of the Order, including, without limitation, any such right provided by 12 U.S.C. § 1818(h), or otherwise to challenge the validity of the Order; and (d) any and all claims against the OTS, including its employees and agents, and any other governmental entity for the award of fees, costs, or expenses related to this OTS First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist Page 3 of 6

enforcement matter and/or the Order, whether arising under common law, federal statutes, or otherwise. OTS Authority Not Affected. 8. Nothing in this Stipulation or accompanying Order shall inhibit, estop, bar, or otherwise prevent the OTS from taking any other action affecting the Holding Company if, at any time, the OTS deems it appropriate to do so to fulfill the responsibilities placed upon the OTS by law. Other Governmental Actions Not Affected. 9. The Holding Company acknowledges and agrees that its consent to the issuance of the Order is solely for the purpose of resolving the matters addressed herein, consistent with Paragraph 8 above, and does not otherwise release, discharge, compromise, settle, dismiss, resolve, or in any way affect any actions, charges against, or liability of the Holding Company that arise pursuant to this action or otherwise, and that may be or have been brought by any governmental entity other than the OTS. Miscellaneous. 10. The laws of the United States of America shall govern the construction and validity of this Stipulation and of the Order. 11. If any provision of this Stipulation and/or the Order is ruled to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by the decision of any Court of competent jurisdiction, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, unless the Regional Director in his or her sole discretion determines otherwise. 12. All references to the OTS in this Stipulation and the Order shall also mean any of the OTS’s predecessors, successors, and assigns. 13. The section and paragraph headings in this Stipulation and the Order are for convenience First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist Page 4 of 6

only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Stipulation or the Order. 14. The terms of this Stipulation and of the Order represent the final agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matters thereof, and constitute the sole agreement of the parties with respect to such subject matters. 15. The Stipulation and Order shall remain in effect until terminated, modified, or suspended in writing by the OTS, acting through its Regional Director or other authorized representative. Signature of Directors/Board Resolution. 16. Each Director signing this Stipulation attests that he or she voted in favor of a Board Resolution authorizing the consent of the Holding Company to the issuance of the Order and the execution of the Stipulation. This Stipulation may be executed in counterparts by the directors after approval of the execution of the Stipulation at a duly called board meeting. A copy of the Board Resolution authorizing the execution of this Stipulation shall be delivered to the OTS, along with the executed original(s) of this Stipulation. [Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank] First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist Page 5 of 6

WHEREFORE, the Holding Company, by its directors, executes this Stipulation. Accepted by: FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC. Harrison, Arkansas OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION By: John P. Hammerschmidt, Chairman By: C.K. Lee Regional Director, Western Region Larry J. Brandt, Director and Chief Executive Officer Date: See Effective Date on page 1 Jeffrey L. Brandt, Director Frank L. Conner, Director Kenneth C. Savells, Director First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist Page 6 of 6

EX-10.8

Exhibit 10.8

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Before the OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION In the Matter of Order No.: WN-10-14 FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF OF ARKANSAS, INC. Effective Date: April 14, 2010 Harrison, Arkansas OTS Docket No. H2658 ORDER TO CEASE AND DESIST WHEREAS, First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc., Harrison, Arkansas, OTS Docket No. H2658 (Holding Company), by and through its Board of Directors (Board), has executed a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of an Order to Cease and Desist (Stipulation); and WHEREAS, the Holding Company, by executing the Stipulation, has consented and agreed to the issuance of this Order to Cease and Desist (Order) by the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) pursuant to 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b); and WHEREAS, pursuant to delegated authority, the OTS Regional Director for the Western Region (Regional Director) is authorized to issue Orders to Cease and Desist where a savings and loan holding company has consented to the issuance of an order. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that: First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Order to Cease and Desist Page 1 of 11

Cease and Desist. 1. The Holding Company and its directors, officers, employees, and agents shall cease and desist from any action (alone or with another or others) for or toward causing, bringing about, participating in, counseling, or the aiding and abetting of unsafe or unsound practices that resulted in: (a) the Holding Company’s failure to identify, measure, monitor, and control specific risks to the Holding Company’s operations; (b) the operation of the Holding Company and its subsidiary insured depository institution, First Federal Bank, Harrison, Arkansas, OTS Docket No. 02721 (Association), with inadequate capital and earnings to support its risk profile; and (c) the operation of the Association with an inadequate level of capital protection for the volume, type, and quality of assets held by the Association. Capital Augmentation Plan. 2. By June 30, 2010, the Holding Company shall submit plan to preserve and enhance the capital of the Holding Company and the Association and to ensure that the Association complies with the capital requirements imposed by the Order to Cease and Desist issued by the OTS against the Association on April 14, 2010 (Capital Augmentation Plan). At a minimum, the Capital Augmentation Plan shall: (a) address the requirements and restrictions imposed by this Order and the Order to Cease and Desist issued by the OTS against the Association on April 14, 2010 (Association Order) relating to capital; (b) detail the Holding Company’s capital preservation and enhancement strategies with specific narrative goals; First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Order to Cease and Desist Page 2 of 11

(c) identify the specific sources of additional capital and the timeframes and methods by which additional capital will be raised, including specific target dates and capital levels; (d) establish an alternative strategy, including, but not limited to, seeking a merger or an acquisition partner for the Holding Company and/or the Association, to be implemented immediately if the Board’s primary strategy to raise additional capital is unsuccessful; and (e) require the Senior Executive Officers(1) (Management) Board to prepare and submit for the Board’s review, at each regular monthly meeting, a written report regarding the Holding Company’s compliance with the Capital Augmentation Plan and the Association’s compliance with its Capital Plan. 3. Upon receipt of written notification from the Regional Director that the Capital Augmentation Plan is acceptable, the Holding Company shall immediately implement the Capital Augmentation Plan. 4. The Holding Company shall notify the Regional Director regarding any material event adversely affecting or that may adversely affect the capital or capital projections of the Holding Company within two (2) days after such event. 5. Within thirty (30) days after: (a) the Association fails to meet the capital requirements imposed by Association Order; (b) the Holding Company fails to comply with the Capital Augmentation Plan prescribed in Paragraph 2 of this Order; or (c) a request from the Regional Director, the Holding Company shall submit a written Contingency Plan that is acceptable to the The term “Senior Executive Officer” is defined at 12 C.F.R. § 563.555. First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Order to Cease and Desist Page 3 of 11

Regional Director. The Contingency Plan shall detail the actions to be taken, with specific time frames, to achieve one of the following results by the later of the date of receipt of all required regulatory approvals or sixty (60) days after the implementation of the Contingency Plan: (i) a merger of the Holding Company or the Association with, or the acquisition of the Holding Company or the Association by, another federally insured depository institution or holding company thereof; or (ii) voluntary liquidation of the Association by filing an appropriate application with the OTS in conformity with federal laws and regulations. 6. Upon receipt of notification from the Regional Director to implement the Contingency Plan, the Holding Company shall implement the Contingency Plan immediately. By no later than the first (1st) and fifteenth (15th) of each month following implementation of the Contingency Plan, the Board shall provide the Regional Director with written status reports detailing the Holding Company’s progress in implementing the Contingency Plan. Business Plan. 7. By June 30, 2010, the Holding Company shall submit a written three-year business plan (Business Plan) for the remainder of calendar year 2010 and calendar years 2011 and 2012 that is acceptable to the Regional Director. Thereafter, the Holding Company shall submit a revised two-year Business Plan at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of each calendaryear. At a minimum, the Business Plan shall: (a) address the requirements contained within this Order and the comments contained within the OTS Report of Examination of the Holding Company, dated September 21, 2009; First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Order to Cease and Desist Page 4 of 11

(b) include defined strategies for capital enhancement with the capital maintenance requirements of the Capital Augmentation Plan adopted pursuant to Paragraph 2 of this Order; (c) include a detailed narrative of the Board’s plans and strategies to strengthen and improve the Holding Company’s, as well as the consolidated enterprise’s operations, earnings, and profitability; (d) include a detailed discussion of the Holding Company’s current financial position and resources and the Board’s strategies for preserving and enhancing the Holding Company’s financial resources to meet the needs of the consolidated enterprise under the Business Plan, adequately support the Association’s risk profile, maintain compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and this Order and satisfy the Association’s liquidity needs; (e) require quarterly pro forma financial projections (balance sheet, income statement, and budget) for each quarter covered by the Business Plan, beginning with the quarter ending March 31, 2010; (f) identify all relevant assumptions and documentation, including documentation supporting such assumptions and projections; and (g) a contingency plan that addresses under three (3) different scenarios involving progressively stressed economic environments: (i) projected short-term and long-term sources of liquidity and cash flow, both into and out of the Holding Company; (ii) the payment of the operating expenses of the Holding Company; and (iii) the payment of dividend on common stock, and the payment of dividends on preferred stock issued under First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Order to Cease and Desist Page 5 of 11

the Troubled Asset Relief Program’s Capital Purchase Program, without the reliance of capital distributions or any other payments from the Association. 8. Upon receipt of written notification from the Regional Director that the Business Plan is acceptable, the Holding Company shall implement and adhere to the Business Plan. The Holding Company shall retain all documentations supporting assumptions addressed in Paragraph 7(f) of this Order. 9. Any material modification(2) to the Business Plan must receive the prior written notice of non-objection of the Regional Director. The Holding Company shall submit any proposed material modifications to the Regional Director at least forty-five (45) days prior to implementation. 10. Within thirty (30) days after the end of each quarter, beginning with the quarter ending June 30, 2010, the Board shall review quarterly variance reports on the Holding Company’s compliance with the Business Plan (Quarterly Variance Reports). The Quarterly Variance Reports shall: (a) identify material variances in the Holding Company’s actual performance during the preceding quarter as compared to the projections set forth in the Business Plan; (b) contain an analysis and explanation of identified variances; and (c) discuss the specific measures taken to address identified variances. 11. The Board’s review of the Quarterly Variance Reports, assessment of the Holding Company’s compliance with the Business Plan, and any corrective actions taken or to be taken (2) A modification shall be considered material under this Paragraph of the Order if the Holding Company plans to: (a) engage in any activity that is inconsistent wit the Business Plan; or (b) exceed the level of any activity contemplated in the Business Plan or fail to meet target amounts established in the Business Plan by more than ten percent (10%), unless the activity involves assets risk-weighted fifty percent (50%) or less, in which case a variance of more than twenty-five percent (25%) shall be deemed to be a material modification. First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Order to Cease and Desist Page 6 of 11

by the Board shall be fully documented in the Board meeting minutes. A copy of the Quarterly Variance Reports and the Board meeting minutes detailing the Board’s review shall be provided to the Regional Director within fifteen (15) days after the Board meeting. Dividends. 12. Effective immediately, the Holding Company shall not declare, make, or pay any cash dividends or other capital distributions or purchase, repurchase or redeem or commit to purchase, repurchase, or redeem any Holding Company equity stock without the prior written non-objection of the Regional Director. The Holding Company shall submit its written request for non-objection to the Regional Director at least forty-five (45) days prior to the anticipated date of the proposed dividend, capital distribution, or stock transaction. The written request for such notice of non-objection shall: (a) contain current and pro forma projections regarding the Holding Company’s capital, asset quality, and earnings; and (b) address compliance with the Capital Plan required by Paragraph 2 of this Order. 13. Effective immediately, the Holding Company shall not issue a new class of stock or change the terms of any existing classes of stock, or convert any class of stock into another class of stock without the prior written notice of non-objection of the Regional Director. The Holding Company shall submit its written request for non-objection to the Regional Director at least forty-five (45) days prior to the anticipated date of the proposed transaction. Debt Restrictions. 14. Effective immediately, the Holding Company not, directly or indirectly, incur, issue, renew, or rollover any debt, or commit to so without the prior written non-objection of the Regional Director. The Holding Company shall submit its written request for non-objection to the Regional Director at least forty-five (45) days prior to the anticipated date of the proposed First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Order to Cease and Desist Page 7 of 11

debt transaction. The Holding Company’s written request for the Regional Director’s non-objection to engage in such debt transactions, at a minimum, shall: (a) describe the purpose of the proposed debt; (b) set forth and analyze the terms of the proposed debt and covenants; (c) analyze the Holding Company’s current cash flow resources available to satisfy such debt repayment; and (d) set forth the anticipated source(s) of repayment of the proposed debt. For purposes of this Paragraph of the Order, the term “debt” includes, but is not limited to, loans, bonds, cumulative preferred stock, hybrid capital instruments such as subordinated debt or trust preferred securities, and guarantees of debt. For purposes of this Paragraph of this Order, the term “debt” does not include liabilities that are incurred in the ordinary course of business to acquire goods and services and that are normally recorded as accounts payable under generally accepted accounting principles. Employment Contracts and Compensation Arrangements. 15. Effective immediately, the Holding Company shall not enter into, renew, extend, or revise any contractual arrangement related to compensation or benefits with any director or Senior Executive Officers of the Holding Company, unless it first provides the Regional Director with not less than sixty (60) days prior written notice of the proposed transaction. The notice to the Regional Director shall include a copy of the proposed employment contract or compensation arrangement, or a detailed written description of the compensation arrangement to be offered to such director or officer, including, but not limited to all benefits and perquisites. The Board shall ensure that any contract, agreement, or arrangement submitted to the Regional Director fully complies with the requirements of 12 C.F.R. Part 359 and 31 C.F.R. Part 30. First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Order to Cease and Desist Page 8 of 11

Severance and Indemnification Payments. 16. Effective immediately, the Holding Company shall not make any golden parachute payment(3) or any prohibited indemnification payment(4) unless, with respect to each such payment, the Holding Company has complied with the requirements of 12 C.F.R. Part 359. Effectively immediately, the Holding Company shall comply with 31 C.F.R. § 30.9. Directorate and Management Changes. 17. Effective immediately, the. Holding Company shall comply with the prior notification requirements for changes in directors and Senior Executive Officers set forth in 12 C.F.R. Part 563, Subpart H. Affiliate Transactions. 18. Effective immediately, the Holding Company shall not engage in transactions with the Association without the prior written non-objection of the Regional Director, except: (a) exempt transactions under 12 C.F.R. Part 223; and (b) intercompany cost-sharing transactions and tax sharing pursuant to an executed written agreements between the parties, provided that such transactions comply with 12 C.F.R. Part 223 and 12 C.F.R. § 563.41. The Holding Company shall provide thirty (30) days advance written notice to the Regional Director of any proposed affiliate transaction and shall include a full description of the transaction. Compliance with this Order. 19. Within thirty (30) days after the end of each month, beginning with the month ending March 31, 2010, the Board shall adopt a board resolution (Compliance Resolution) formally resolving that the Association has complied with each provision of this Order currently in effect (3) The term “golden parachute payment” is defined at 12 C.F.R. § 359.1(f).(4) The term “prohibited indemnification payment” is defined at 12 C.F.R. § 359.1(1). First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Order to Cease and Desist Page 9 of 11

during the immediately preceding month, except as otherwise stated. The Compliance Resolution shall: (a) specify in detail any instance of noncompliance; (b) set forth the corrective action initiated or taken in each instance of noncompliance; and (c) identity all notices of exemption or non-objection issued by the Regional Director. Within fifteen (15) days of the Board meeting at which the Compliance Resolution was adopted, the Association shall provide a copy of each Compliance Resolution to the Regional Director. Effective Date, Incorporation of Stipulation. 20. This Order is effective on the Effective Date as shown on the first page. The Stipulation is made a part hereof and is incorporated herein by this reference. Duration. 21. This Order shall remain in effect until terminated, modified, or suspended by written notice of such action by the OTS, acting by and through its authorized representatives. Time Calculations. 22. Calculation of time limitations for compliance with the terms of this Order run from the Effective Date and shall be based on calendar days, unless otherwise noted. 23. The Regional Director, or an OTS authorized representative, may extend any of the deadlines set forth in the provisions of this Order upon written request by the Holding Company that includes reasons in support for any such extension. Any OTS extension shall be made in writing. Submissions and Notices. 24. All submissions, including any reports, to the OTS that are required by or contemplated by this Order shall be submitted within the specified timeframes. First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Order to Cease and Desist Page 10 of 11

25. Except as otherwise provided herein, all submissions, requests, communications, consents, or other documents relating to this Order shall be in writing and sent by first class U.S. mail (or by reputable overnight carrier, electronic facsimile transmission, or hand delivery by messenger) addressed as follows: (a) To the OTS: C.K. Lee, Regional Director Attn Vivian Carlton, Assistant Director Office of Thrift Supervision 225 H. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 500 Irving, Texas 75062-2326 Fax No. (972)277-9501 (b) To the Holding Company: Larry J. Brandt, Chief Executive Officer First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. 1401 Highway 62-65 North Harrison. Arkansas 72601-4226 Fax No. (870)365-8355 No Violations Authorized. 26. Nothing in this Order or the Stipulation shall be construed as allowing the Holding Company, its Board, officers, or employees to violate any law, rule, or regulation. IT IS SO ORDERED. OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION By: C.K. Lee Regional Director, Western Region Date: See Effective Date on page 1 First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. Order to Cease and Desist Page 11 of 11

EX-10.9

Exhibit 10.9

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Before the OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION In the Matter of Order No.: WN-10-13 FIRST FEDERAL BANK Harrison, Arkansas OTS Docket No. 02721 Effective Date: April 14, 2010 STIPULATION AND CONSENT TO ISSUANCE OF ORDER TO CEASE AND DESIST WHEREAS, the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS), acting by and through its Regional Director for the Western Region (Regional Director), and based upon information derived from the exercise of its regulatory and supervisory responsibilities, has informed First Federal Bank, Harrison, Arkansas, OTS Docket No. 02721 (Association), that the OTS is of the opinion that grounds exist to initiate an administrative proceeding against the Association pursuant to 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b); WHEREAS, the Regional Director, pursuant to delegated authority, is authorized to issue Orders to Cease and Desist where a savings association has consented to the issuance of an order; and WHEREAS, the Association desires to cooperate with the OTS to avoid the time and expense of such administrative cease and desist proceeding by entering into this Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist (Stipulation) and, without admitting or First Federal Bank Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist Page 1 of 6

denying that such grounds exist, but only admitting the statements and conclusions in Paragraphs 1 and 2 below concerning Jurisdiction, hereby stipulates and agrees to the following terms: Jurisdiction. 1. The Association is a “savings association” within the meaning of 12 U.S.C. § 1813(b) and 12 U.S.C. § 1462(4). Accordingly, the Association is “an insured depository institution” as that term is defined in 12 U.S.C. § 1813(c). 2. Pursuant to 12 U.S.C. § 1813(q), the Director of the OTS is the “appropriate Federal banking agency” with jurisdiction to maintain an administrative enforcement proceeding against a savings association. Therefore, the Association is subject to the authority of the OTS to initiate and maintain an administrative cease and desist proceeding against it pursuant to 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b). OTS Findings of Fact. 3. (a) Based on its September 21, 2009 examination (2009 examination) of the Association, the OTS finds that the Association has engaged in unsafe or unsound banking practices, including: (i) operating the Association with an inadequate level of capital protection for the volume, type and quality of assets held by the Association; (ii) operating the Association with an inadequate allowance for loan and lease losses for the volume, type, and quality of loans held; (iii) creating concentrations of credit without adequate and effective risk management problems; and (iv) operating the Association with inadequate internal review policies or procedures with respect to loan assets. (b) Based on its 2009 examination of the Association, the OTS finds that the Association also violated the following regulations: First Federal Bank Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist Page 2 of 6

(i) 12 C.F.R. § 560.30 (Investment Limitations); (ii) 12 C.F.R. § 560.101 (Real Estate Lending Standards); and (iii) 12 C.F.R. Part 564 (Appraisal Requirements). Consent. 4. The Association consents to the issuance by the OTS of the accompanying Order to Cease and Desist (Order). The Association further agrees to comply with the terms of the Order upon the Effective Date of the Order and stipulates that the Order complies with all requirements of law. Finality. 5. The Order is issued by the OTS under 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b). Upon the Effective Date, the Order shall be a final order, effective, and fully enforceable by the OTS under the provisions of 12 U.S.C. § 1818(i). Waivers. 6. The Association waives the following: (a) the right to be served with a written notice of the OTS’s charges against it as provided by 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b) and 12 C.F.R. Part 509; (b) the right to an administrative hearing of the OTS’s charges as provided by 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b) and 12 C.F.R. Part 509; (c) the right to seek judicial review of the Order, including, without limitation, any such right provided by 12 U.S.C. § 1818(h), or otherwise to challenge the validity of the Order; and (d) any and all claims against the OTS, including its employees and agents, and any First Federal Bank Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist Page 3 of 6

other governmental entity for the award of fees, costs, or expenses related to this OTS enforcement matter and/or the Order, whether arising under common law, federal statutes, or otherwise. OTS Authority Not Affected. 7. Nothing in this Stipulation or accompanying Order shall inhibit, estop, bar, or otherwise prevent the OTS from taking any other action affecting the Association if at any time the OTS deems it appropriate to do so to fulfill the responsibilities placed upon the OTS by law. Other Governmental Actions Not Affected. 8. The Association acknowledges and agrees that its consent to the issuance of the Order is solely for the purpose of resolving the matters addressed herein, consistent with Paragraph 7 above, and does not otherwise release, discharge, compromise, settle, dismiss, resolve, or in any way affect any actions, charges against, or liability of the Association that arise pursuant to this action or otherwise, and that may be or have been brought by any governmental entity other than the OTS. Miscellaneous. 9. The laws of the United States of America shall govern the construction and validity of this Stipulation and of the Order. 10. If any provision of this Stipulation and/or the Order is ruled to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by the decision of any Court of competent jurisdiction, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, unless the Regional Director in his or her sole discretion determines otherwise. 11. All references to the OTS in this Stipulation and the Order shall also mean any of the First Federal Bank Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist Page 4 of 6

OTS’s predecessors, successors, and assigns. 12. The section and paragraph headings in this Stipulation and the Order are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Stipulation or the Order. 13. The terms of this Stipulation and of the Order represent the final agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matters thereof, and constitute the sole agreement of the parties with respect to such subject matters. 14. The Stipulation and Order shall remain in effect until terminated, modified, or suspended in writing by the OTS, acting through its Regional Director or other authorized representative. Signature of Directors/Board Resolution. 15. Each Director signing this Stipulation attests that he or she voted in favor of a Board Resolution authorizing the consent of the Association to the issuance of the Order and the execution of the Stipulation. This Stipulation may be executed in counterparts by the directors after approval of execution of the Stipulation at a duly called board meeting. A copy of the Board Resolution authorizing execution of this Stipulation shall be delivered to the OTS, along with the executed original(s) of this Stipulation. [Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank] First Federal Bank Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist Page 5 of 6

WHEREFORE, the Association, by its directors, executes this Stipulation. Accepted by: FIRST FEDERAL BANK OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION Harrison, Arkansas By: Larry J. Brandt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer By: C.K. Lee Regional Director, Western Region Date: See Effective Date on Page 1 John P. Hammerschmidt, Senior Chairman Jeffrey L. Brandt, Director and Executive Vice President Frank L. Conner, Director Kenneth C. Savells, Director First Federal Bank Stipulation and Consent to Issuance of Order to Cease and Desist Page 6 of 6

EX-10.10

Exhibit 10.10

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Before the OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION In the Matter of Order No.: WN-10-13 FIRST FEDERAL BANK Harrison, Arkansas OTS Docket No. 02721 Effective Date: April 14, 2010 ORDER TO CEASE AND DESIST WHEREAS, First Federal Bank, Harrison, Arkansas, OTS Docket No. 02721 (Association), by and through its Board of Directors (Board), has executed a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of an Order to Cease and Desist (Stipulation); and WHEREAS, the Association, by executing the Stipulation, has consented and agreed to the issuance of this Order to Cease and Desist (Order) by the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) pursuant to 12 U.S.C. § 1818(b); and WHEREAS, pursuant to delegated authority, the OTS Regional Director for the Western Region (Regional Director) is authorized to issue Orders to Cease and Desist where a savings association has consented to the issuance of an order. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that: Cease and Desist. 1. The Association and its directors, officers, employees, and agents shall cease and desist from any action (alone or with another or others) for or toward causing, bringing about, First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 1 of 23

participating in, counseling, or the aiding and abetting of unsafe or unsound banking practices that resulted in the Association: (a) operating the Association with an inadequate level of capital protection for the volume, type and quality of assets held by the Association; (b) operating the Association with an inadequate allowance for loan and lease losses (ALLL) for the volume, type, and quality of loans held; (c) creating concentrations of credit without adequate and effective risk management policies and procedures; and (d) operating the Association with inadequate internal review policies or procedures with respect to loan assets. 2. The Association and its directors, officers, employees, and agents shall also cease and desist from any action (alone or with another or others) for or toward causing, bringing about, participating in, counseling, or the aiding and abetting of violations of the following regulations: (a) 12 C.F.R. § 560.30 (Limitations on Investments in Real Estate); (b) 12 C.F.R. § 560.101 (Real Estate Lending Standards); and (c) 12 C.F.R. Part 564 (Appraisal Requirements). Capital. 3. (a) By December 31, 2010, the Association shall have and thereafter maintain a Tier 1 (Core) Capital Ratio equal to or greater than eight percent (8%) and a total risk-based capital ratio equal to or greater than twelve percent (12%). (b) The requirement in Paragraph 3(a) to meet and maintain a specific capital level means that the Association may not be deemed to be “well-capitalized” for purposes of 12 U.S.C. § 1831o and 12 C.F.R. § 565.4(b)(1)(iv). 4. By June 30, 2010, the Association shall submit a written plan to achieve and maintain First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 2 of 23

the Association’s capital at the levels prescribed in Paragraph 3 (Capital Plan) that is acceptable to the Regional Director. At a minimum, the Capital Plan shall: (a) address the amount of additional capital that will be necessary to meet the capital requirements of Paragraph 3 under a best-case scenario, a worst-case scenario, and a most probable case scenario involving progressively stressed economic environments; (b) address the requirements and restrictions imposed by this Order; (c) address the comments and incorporate all recommended corrective actions related to capital adequacy contained in the OTS’s September 21, 2009 Report of Examination (ROE); (d) address the Association’s level of classified assets, ALLL, earnings, asset concentrations, liquidity needs, and trends in these areas; (e) address current and projected trends in real estate market conditions; (f) detail the Association’s capital preservation and enhancement strategies with specific narrative goals; and (g) identify the specific sources of additional capital and the timeframes and methods by which additional capital will be raised, including specific target dates and capital levels. 5. Upon receipt of written notification from the Regional Director that the Capital Plan is acceptable, the Association shall immediately implement the Capital Plan. 6. Within thirty (30) days after the end of the month, beginning with the month ending June 30, 2010, the Board shall review a report regarding the Association’s compliance with the Capital Plan (Capital Plan Variance Report). The Board’s review, at a minimum, shall include: (a) a comparison of actual operating results to projected results; First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 3 of 23

(b) detailed explanations of any material deviations(l); and (c) a discussion of specific corrective actions or measures that have been or will be implemented to address each material deviation. The Board’s review of the Capital Plan Variance Report shall be fully documented in the Board meeting minutes. A copy of the meeting minutes detailing the Board’s review and a copy of the Capital Plan Variance Report shall be provided to the Regional Director within fifteen (15) days after the Board meeting. 7. The Association shall notify the Regional Director regarding any material event adversely affecting or that may affect adversely the capital or capital projections of the Association within two (2) days after such event. 8. Within thirty (30) days after: (a) the Association fails to meet the capital requirements prescribed in Paragraph 3 of this Order; (b) the Association fails to comply with the Capital Plan prescribed in Paragraph 4 of this Order; or (c) any request from the Regional Director, the Association shall submit a written Contingency Plan that is acceptable to the Regional Director. 9. The Contingency Plan shall detail the actions to be taken, with specific time frames, to achieve one of the following results by the later of the date of receipt of all required regulatory approvals or sixty (60) days after the implementation of the Contingency Plan: (a) merger with, or acquisition by another federally insured depository institution or holding company thereof; or (b) voluntary liquidation by filing an appropriate application with the OTS in conformity with federal laws and regulations. (1) A deviation shall be considered material under this Paragraph of the Order when the Association: (a) engages in any activity, line of business, or operation that is inconsistent with the Capital Plan; (b) exceeds the level of any activity or growth contemplated in the Capital Plan by more than ten percent (10%); or (c) falls below or fails to meet the target amounts established in the Capital Plan by more than ten percent (10%). First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 4 of 23

10. Upon receipt of written notification from the Regional Director to implement the Contingency Plan, the Association shall implement the Contingency Plan immediately. The Association shall provide the Regional Director with written status reports detailing the Association’s progress in implementing the Contingency Plan on the first (1st) and fifteenth (15th) of each month following the implementation of the Contingency Plan. Growth. 11. Effective immediately, the Association shall not increase its total assets during any quarter in excess of an amount equal to net interest credited on deposit liabilities during the prior quarter without the prior written notice of non-objection of the Regional Director. The growth restriction imposed by this Paragraph shall remain in effect until the Regional Director has notified the Association in writing that its Business Plan submitted pursuant to Paragraph 12 of this Order is acceptable. Business Plan. 12. By June 30, 2010, the Association shall submit a new business plan and budget for the remainder of the calendar year 2010 and calendar years 2011 and 2012 (Business Plan) that is acceptable to the Regional Director. Thereafter, the Association shall submit a revised two year Business Plan at least sixty (60) days prior to the end of each calendar year. At a minimum, the Business Plan shall include: (a) plans and strategies to restructure the Association’s operations, to improve the Association’s earnings, reduce expenses, and achieve positive core income; (b) strategies for ensuring that the Association has the financial and personnel resources necessary to implement and adhere to the Business Plan; First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 5 of 23

(c) quarterly pro forma financial projections (balance sheet, capital forecasts, and income statement); and (d) identification of all relevant assumptions made in formulating the Business Plan. 13. Upon receipt of written notification from the Regional Director that the Business Plan is acceptable, the Association shall implement and adhere to the Business Plan. The Association shall retain all documentation supporting assumptions addressed in Paragraph 12(d) of the Order. 14. Any material modification(2) to the Business Plan must receive the prior written notice of non-objection of the Regional Director. The Association shall submit any proposed material modifications to the Regional Director at least forty-five (45) days prior to implementation. 15. Within thirty (30) days after the end of each quarter, beginning with the quarter ending June 30, 2010, the Board shall review quarterly variance reports on the Association’s compliance with the Business Plan (Quarterly Variance Reports). The Quarterly Variance Reports shall: (a) identify material variances in the Association’s actual performance during the preceding quarter as compared to the projections set forth in the Business Plan; (b) contain and analysis and explanation of identified variances; and (c) discuss the specific measures taken or to be taken to address identified variances. 16. The Board’s review of the Quarterly Variance Reports, assessment of the Association’s compliance with the Business Plan, and any corrective actions taken or to be taken by the Board shall be fully documented in the Board meeting minutes. A copy of the Quarterly Variance (2) A modification shall be considered material under this Paragraph of the Order if the Association plans to: (a) engage in any activity that is inconsistent with the Business Plan; or (b) exceed the level of any activity contemplated in the Business Plan or fail to meet target amounts established in the Business Plan by more than ten percent (10%), unless the activity involves assets risk-weighted fifty percent (50%) or less, in which case a variance of more than twenty-five percent (25%) shall be deemed to be a material modification. First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 6 of 23

Reports and the Board meeting minutes detailing the Board’s review shall be provided to the Regional Director within fifteen (15) days after the Board meeting. Brokered Deposits. 17. Effective immediately, the Association shall comply with the requirements of 12 C.F.R. § 337.6(b). 18. Effective immediately, the Association shall develop an internal system to monitor the interest rates offered on all interest bearing accounts to ensure compliance with 12 C.F.R. § 337.6(b). Liquidity Management. 19. Effective immediately, the Association shall review its liquidity position and prepare a liquidity report each business day (Daily Liquidity Report) in a format acceptable to the Regional Director. The Daily Liquidity Report shall set forth the uses and sources of funds for the Association’s operations and cash flow projections for a one hundred and eighty (180) day period. The Association shall submit each Daily Liquidity Report to the Regional Director and the Association’s Asset/Liability Committee by the close of business on the next business day. 20. Effective immediately, at each Board meeting, the Board shall review a written summary of the Daily Liquidity Reports. The Board’s review and any corrective actions required by the Board shall be fully documented in the Board meeting minutes. Dividends. 21. Effective immediately, the Association shall not declare or pay dividends or make any other capital distributions, as that term is defined in 12 C.F.R. § 563.141, without receiving the prior written approval of the Regional Director. The Association’s written request for written First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 7 of 23

approval shall be submitted to the Regional Director at least forty-five (45) days prior to the anticipated date of the proposed declaration, dividend payment, or distribution of capital. Lending Restrictions. 22. Effective immediately, except with the prior written notice of non-objection of the Regional Director, the Association shall not make, purchase, or commit to make or purchase a new commercial real estate (CRE) loan or an extension of credit for the purpose of land acquisition, development, and/or construction, except for the construction of an owner-occupied one-to-four family dwelling with at least twenty percent (20%) down payment or that is subject to a binding pre-sold commitment. 23. Effective immediately, except with the prior written notice of non-objection of the Regional Director, the Association shall not make, purchase, or refinance or commit to make, purchase, or refinance an extension of credit if any of the proceeds of the loan will be used for the payment of interest on any loan or will be used for the establishment of an interest carry reserve on a loan. 24. Effective immediately, except with the prior written notice of non-objection of the Regional Director, the Association shall not make or purchase, or commit to make or purchase an extension of credit that is in excess of the supervisory loan-to-value limits set forth in the Appendix to 12 C.F.R. § 560.101. Asset Classification. 25. Effective immediately, the Association shall evaluate and classify its assets and establish ALLL and specific valuation allowances in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance. First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 8 of 23

26. Within twenty-five (25) days after the end of each quarter, beginning with the quarter ending March 31, 2010, Management(3) shall submit to the Board a written report setting forth the ALLL analysis for the Association’s assets and all assumptions used to determine the adequacy of the ALLL, given current economic conditions and the Association’s risk profile (Quarterly ALLL Analysis Report). Any deficiency in the ALLL shall be remedied by the Association in the quarter in which it was discovered and before the Association files its Thrift Financial Report with the OTS. The Board’s review of the Quarterly ALLL Analysis Report, including all qualitative factors considered in determining the adequacy of the Association’s ALLL, shall be fully documented in the Board meeting minutes. Within thirty (30) days after the end of each quarter, beginning with the quarter ending March 31, 2010, the Association shall submit to the Regional Director a copy of the Quarterly ALLL Analysis Report and the Board meeting minutes reflecting the review of the Quarterly ALLL Analysis Report. Internal Asset Review Program. 27. Effective immediately, the Association shall implement and maintain an internal asset review program independent of the loan underwriting and approval functions to: (a) identify and grade loans with potential credit weaknesses in accordance with applicable regulations and regulatory guidance regarding internal asset reviews, and (b) require monthly reviews by the Board that are documented in the Board meeting minutes. The internal asset review required by this Paragraph of the Order shall cover one hundred percent (100%) of criticized assets(4) and one hundred percent (100%) of all nonhomogeneous loans and borrower relationships exceeding five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in the portfolio during a calendar year. (3) For purposes of this Order, the term “Management” is defined as one or more Senior Executive Officers and the term “Senior Executive Officer” is defined at 12 C.F.R. § 563.555.(4) The term “criticized assets” shall include classified assets, assets designated special mention, all nonperforming assets, and all delinquent loans. First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 9 of 23

28. By April 1, 2010, the Board shall engage a qualified independent consultant (IAR Consultant) acceptable to the Regional Director to perform an on-site internal asset review and analyses of the following assets on the Association’s books as of December 31, 2009: (a) all non-owner occupied mortgage loans exceeding two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000); (b) all other nonhomogeneous loans exceeding five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000); and (c) all homogeneous loans designated as Special Mention or Watch exceeding five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000). 29. By May 31, 2010, the IAR Consultant shall prepare a report with respect to the analysis prescribed by Paragraph 27 (IAR Report) to submit to the Board. The IAR Report shall: (a) be based on analysis independent of the loan underwriting and approval functions; (b) identify and grade the loans in the categories set forth in Paragraph 28 with potential credit weaknesses; (c) assess the adequacy of, and adherence to internal loan policies; (d) conform to applicable regulations and regulatory guidance; and (e) shall include the following information for each such identified loan that is a criticized asset: (i) the loan number, the borrower’s name, date of the loan, and book balance; (ii) the date(s) of payments due, any last payment made, and the date(s) of any extension or modification; (iii) a description of the collateral and condition of security collateral; (iv) the most recent appraised or fair value of the collateral, the date of this valuation, the findings from any property inspections, and an analysis of the appraisal and collateral valuation for deficiencies under applicable regulations and First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 10 of 23

regulatory guidance; (v) an analysis of the borrower’s and/or guarantor’s current financial condition, including, but not limited to, the borrower’s ability to service the debt and other debts and, where applicable, the borrower’s ability to service all loans; (vi) the identification of any significant loan underwriting, documentation, or administration deficiencies under the Association’s loan policies and applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance; (vii) the current asset classification category and the rationale for the asset classification category and the date of the initial classification; (viii) the amount of specific valuation allowances, charge-offs, and the analysis of impairment of loans under generally accepted accounting principles; and (ix) the identification of troubled debt restructuring under the applicable regulations and regulatory guidance; and (f) shall include the following information for each such identified loan that is not a criticized asset: (i) the loan number, the borrower’s name, date of the loan, and book balance; (ii) a description of the collateral and condition of security collateral; (iii) the value of the collateral; (iv) an analysis of the borrower’s and/or guarantor’s current financial condition, including, but not limited to, the borrower’s ability to service the debt and other debts and, where applicable, the borrower’s ability to service all loans; (v) the identification of any significant loan underwriting, documentation, or administration deficiencies under the Association’s loan policies and applicable First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 11 of 23

laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance; (vi) the current asset classification category; (vii) the amount of specific valuation allowances, charge-offs, and the analysis of impairment of loans under generally accepted accounting principles; and (viii) the identification of troubled debt restructuring under the applicable regulations and regulatory guidance. 30. By June 30, 2010, the Board shall review the IAR Report and the Association shall submit a copy of the IAR Report and a certified copy of the Board meeting minutes reflecting its review of the IAR Report to the Regional Director. Reduction of Classified Assets. 31. By June 30, 2010, the Association shall submit a comprehensive Classified Asset Reduction Plan to reduce(5) classified assets that is acceptable to the Regional Director. The Classified Asset Reduction Plan, at a minimum, shall include: (a) targets for the level of classified assets as a percentage of Tier 1 (Core) capital and ALLL and the timeframe for each such target; (b) a description of the manner of, and methods for, reducing the Association’s level of classified assets to the targets set forth therein; and (c) all relevant assumptions and projections based on a best-case scenario, a worst-case scenario, and a most probable case scenario, and documentation supporting such assumptions and projections. (5) For purposes of this Paragraph, the term “reduce” means to collect, sell, charge off, or improve the quality of the asset sufficient to warrant its removal from adverse criticism or classification. First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 12 of 23

32. Within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notification from the Regional Director that the Classified Asset Reduction Plan is acceptable, the Association shall immediately implement the Classified Asset Reduction Plan. 33. Any material modification(6) to the Classified Asset Reduction Plan must receive the prior written notice of non-objection of the Regional Director. The Association shall submit proposed material modifications to the Classified Asset Reduction Plan to the Regional Director at least sixty (60) days prior to implementation. 34. Within thirty (30) days after the end of each month, beginning with the month ending July 31, 2010, Management shall submit to the Board a written status report regarding the implementation of the Classified Asset Reduction Plan (Monthly Classified Asset Reduction Report). Each Monthly Classified Asset Reduction Report shall: (a) set forth the Association’s efforts to reduce the Association’s level of classified assets during that month; and (b) report and explain in detail any variances of actual operating results from the targets set forth in the Classified Asset Reduction Plan. The Board’s review of the Monthly Classified Asset Reduction Report shall be fully documented in the Board meeting minutes, which also shall set forth the corrective actions and/or measures that have been implemented, proposed, or under consideration to correct any deviation to the Classified Asset Reduction Plan. Supervisory Loan-to-Value Limitations. 35. By June 30, 2010, the Association shall submit a plan to reduce the aggregate amount of all loans in excess of the supervisory loan-to-value limits set forth in the Appendix to 12 C.F.R. § (6) For purposes of this Paragraph of the Order, a modification shall be considered material if the Association failed to meet targets established in the Classified Asset Reduction Plan by more than ten percent (10%). First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 13 of 23

560.101 that is acceptable to the Regional Director (LTV Plan). The LTV Plan, at a minimum, shall include: (a) targets for the aggregate amount of all loans in excess of such supervisory loan-to-value limits; (b) targets for the aggregate amount of all commercial loans, agricultural loans, multifamily loans, or loans secured by properties other than owner occupied one-to-four family residential properties in excess of such supervisory loan-to-value limits; (c) a description of the manner of, and the methods for, reducing the Association’s level of loans in excess of such supervisory loan-to-value limits to the targets set forth therein; and (d) all relevant assumptions and projections based on a best-case scenario, a worst-case scenario, and a most probable scenario, and documentation supporting such assumptions and projections. 36. Within ten (10) days after receipt of written notification from the Regional Director that the LTV Plan is acceptable, the Association shall implement the LTV Plan. 37. Any material modification(7) to the LTV Plan must receive the prior written notice of non-objection of the Regional Director. The Association shall submit proposed material modifications to the LTV Plan to the Regional Director at least sixty (60) days prior to implementation. 38. Within thirty (30) days after the end of each month, beginning with the month ending July 31, 2010, Management shall submit to the Board a written status report regarding the implementation of the LTV Plan (Monthly LTV Report). Each Monthly LTV Report shall: (a) First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 14 of 23

set forth the Association’s efforts to reduce the Association’s level of loans in excess of supervisory loan-to-value limits during that month; and (b) report and explain in detail any variances of actual operating results from the targets set forth in the LTV Plan. The Board’s review of the Monthly LTV report shall be fully documented in the Board meeting minutes, which also shall set forth the corrective actions and /or measures that have been implemented, proposed, or under consideration to correct any deviation to the LTV Plan. Real Estate Investments. 39. By May 31, 2010, the Board shall submit to the Regional Director a certified written report regarding the real estate transactions and real estate transfer transactions conducted from the period from January 1, 2008 through January 31, 2010 that do not comply with the requirements of 12 U.S.C. § 1464 and 12 C.F.R. § 560.30 (Real Estate Investments Report). 40. By April 30, 2010, the Association shall ensure that all transactions conducted by the Association are permissible in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, 12 U.S.C. § 1464 and 12 C.F.R. § 560.30. 41. By June 30, 2010, the Association shall submit a plan to divest any asset listed in the Real Estate Investments Report that is acceptable to the Regional Director (Real Estate Divestiture Plan). 42. Within ten (10) days after receipt of written notification from the Regional Director that the Real Estate Divestiture Plan is acceptable, the Association shall implement the Real Estate Divestiture Plan. 43. Within thirty (30) days after the end of each month, beginning with the first month after implementation of the Real Estate Divestiture Plan, the Association shall submit a written report to the Regional Director regarding compliance with the Real Estate Divestiture Plan. First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 15 of 23

44. Any material modification to the Real Estate Divestiture Plan must receive the prior written notice of non-objection of the Regional Director. The Association shall submit proposed material modifications to the Real Estate Divestiture Plan to the Regional Director at least sixty (60) days prior to implementation. Commercial Real Estate Concentration Risk. 45. By June 30, 2010, the Association shall submit a Commercial Real Estate Concentration Plan (CRE Concentration Plan) that is acceptable to the Regional Director. The CRE Concentration Plan shall, at a minimum, address: (a) the reduction of the amount of Association’s existing CRE loans to two hundred percent (200%) or less of Tier 1 (Core) capital and ALLL within a timeframe satisfactory to the Regional Director; (b) the reduction of each category of assets within the CRE portfolio to one hundred percent (100%) or less of Tier 1 (Core) capital and ALLL; (c) the time frames for reaching each such target; and (d) the assessment, monitoring, and control of the risks associated with the Association’s CRE portfolio in accordance with applicable regulatory guidance. 46. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of written notification from the Regional Director that the CRE Concentration Plan is acceptable, the Association shall immediately implement the CRE Concentration Plan. 47. Any material modification(8) to the CRE Concentration Plan must receive the prior written notice of non-objection of the Regional Director. The Association shall submit proposed (8) For purposes of this Paragraph of the Order, a modification shall be considered material if the Association failed to meet targets established in the CRE Concentration Plan by more than ten percent (10%). First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 16 of 23

material modifications to the CRE Concentration Plan to the Regional Director at least sixty (60) days prior to implementation. 48. Within forty-five (45) days after the end of each quarter, beginning with the quarter ending June 30, 2010, Management shall provide to the Board a written report (Quarterly CRE Concentration Reduction Report) that: (a) sets forth the Association’s efforts to reduce the Association’s concentration in CRE loans during that quarter in accordance with the targets set forth in the CRE Concentration Plan; and (b) reports and explains in detail the variances of actual operating results from the targets set forth in the CRE Concentration Plan for the reduction of CRE loans. The Board’s review of each Quarterly CRE Concentration Reduction Plan and any corrective action adopted by the Board shall be fully documented in the Board meeting minutes. Transactions with Affiliates. 49. Effective immediately, the Association shall not engage in any transaction with an affiliate unless, with respect to each such transaction, the Association has complied with the notice requirements set forth in 12 C.F.R. § 563.41(c)(4), which shall include the information set forth in 12 C.F.R. § 563.41(c)(3). The Board shall ensure that any transaction with an affiliate for which notice is submitted pursuant to this Paragraph complies with the requirements of 12 C.F.R. § 563.41 and Regulation W, 12 C.F.R. Part 223. Third Party Contracts. 50. Effective immediately, the Association shall not enter into any arrangement or contract with a third party service provider that is significant to the overall operation or financial condition of the Association(9) or outside the Association’s normal course of business unless, with (9) A contract will be considered significant to the overall operation or financial condition of the Association where the annual contract amount equals or exceeds two percent (2%) of the Association’s total capital. First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 17 of 23

respect to each such contract, the Association has: (a) provided the Regional Director with a minimum of sixty (60) days prior written notice of such arrangement or contract; (b) determined that the arrangement or contract complies with the standards and guidelines set forth in OTS Thrift Bulletin 82a; and (c) received written notice of non-objection from the Regional Director. Employment Contracts and Compensation Arrangements. 51. Effective immediately, the Association shall not enter into, renew, extend, or revise any contractual arrangement relating to compensation or benefits for any Senior Executive Officer or director of the Association, unless it first provides the Regional Director with not less than sixty (60) days prior written notice of the proposed transaction. The notice to the Regional Director shall include a copy of the proposed employment contract or compensation arrangement or a detailed, written description of the compensation arrangement to be offered to such officer or director, including all benefits and perquisites. The Board shall ensure that any contract, agreement or arrangement submitted to the Regional Director fully complies with the requirements of 12 C.F.R. Part 359, 12 C.F.R. §§ 563.39 and 563.161(b), and 12 C.F.R. Part 570 — Appendix A. 52. Effective immediately, the Association shall not increase any salaries, bonuses, or director’s fees or make any similar payments, directly or indirectly, to the Association’s directors or Senior Executive Officers without prior written notice of non-objection from the Regional Director. First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 18 of 23

Severance and Indemnification Payments. 53. Effective immediately, the Association shall not make any golden parachute payment(10)° or any prohibited indemnification payment(11) unless, with respect to each such payment, the Association has complied with the requirements of 12 C.F.R. Part 359 and, as to indemnification payments, 12 C.F.R. § 545.121. Directorate and Management Changes. 54. Effective immediately, the Association shall comply with the prior notification requirements for changes in directors and Senior Executive Officers set forth in 12 C.F.R. Part 563, Subpart H. Management Study. 55. By April 30, 2010, the Association shall retain an independent third party consultant (Management Consultant) acceptable to the Regional Director to conduct a review of supervision of the Association’s lending operations by the Board and Management (Management Study). 56. The Management Study shall be completed within sixty (60) days after the Regional Director deems the third party consultant and the engagement acceptable. The Management Study shall, at a minimum, include: (a) the identification of present and future staffing requirements for the lending operations of the Association; (b) an evaluation of the performance of Management with respect to the Association’s lending operations, including an assessment of whether compensation is (10) The term “golden parachute payment” is defined at 12 C.F.R. § 359.1(f)(11) The term “prohibited indemnification payment” is defined at 12 C.F.R. § 359.1(1). First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 19 of 23

commensurate with job performance and responsibilities in compliance with 12 C.F.R. § 563.161(b); (c) the establishment of standards by which Management’s effectiveness in the Association’s lending operations will be measured; (d) an assessment of (i) the adequacy of communication regarding the Association’s lending operations between Management and the Board, and (ii) the quality and timeliness of reporting to the Board; and (e) recommendations on whether to expand the scope, frequency, and sufficiency of information regarding the Association’s lending operations provided to the Board by Management. 57. By July 30, 2010, the Board shall adopt a written plan to address any identified weaknesses or deficiencies noted in the Management Study (Management Plan). Within fifteen (15) days after Board meeting, the Association shall provide the Regional Director with a copy of the Management Plan and Board meeting minutes reflecting the Board’s review of, and actions taken with respect to the Management Study. Remediation of ROE Comments. 58. By June 30, 2010, the Association shall ensure that all Matters Requiring Board Attention and Corrective Actions noted in the ROE, which are not addressed by this Order, are adequately completed. The minutes of each Board meeting subsequent to April 30, 2010 shall document each specific action adopted, the completion of each corrective action, and the measures implemented to prevent recurrence of the violation of laws and regulations, unsafe or unsound practices, or deficiencies. First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 20 of 23

Compliance with Order. 59. Within thirty (30) days after the end of each month, beginning with the month ending March 31, 2010, the Board shall adopt a Board resolution (Compliance Resolution), formally resolving that the Association has complied with each provision of this Order currently in effect during the immediately preceding month, except as otherwise stated. The Compliance Resolution shall: (a) specify in detail any instance of noncompliance with the Order; (b) set forth the corrective action initiated or taken in each instance of noncompliance; and (c) identify all notices of exemption or non-objection issued by the Regional Director. Within fifteen (15) days of the Board meeting at which the Compliance Resolution was adopted, the Association shall provide a copy of each Compliance Resolution to the Regional Director. Effective Date, Incorporation of Stipulation. 60. This Order is effective on the Effective Date as shown on the first page. The Stipulation is made a part hereof and is incorporated herein by this reference. Duration. 61. This Order shall remain in effect until terminated, modified, or suspended by written notice of such action by the OTS, acting by and through its authorized representatives. Time Calculations. 62. Calculation of time limitations for compliance with the terms of this Order run from the Effective Date and shall be based on calendar days, unless otherwise noted. 63. The Regional Director, or an OTS authorized representative, may extend any of the deadlines set forth in the provisions of this Order upon written request by the Association that includes reasons in support for any such extension. Any OTS extension shall be made in writing. First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 21 of 23

Submissions and Notices. 64. All submissions, including any reports, to the OTS that are required by or contemplated by this Order shall be submitted within the specified timeframes. 65. Except as otherwise provided herein, all submissions, requests, communications, consents or other documents relating to this Order shall be in writing and sent by first class U.S. mail (or by reputable overnight carrier, electronic facsimile transmission or hand delivery by messenger) addressed as follows: (a) To the OTS: Regional Director C.K. Lee Attn: Vivian Carlton, Assistant Director 225 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 500 Irving, Texas 75062-2326 Fax No. (972) 277-9501 (b) To the Association: Larry J. Brandt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer First Federal Bank 1401 Highway 62-65 North Harrison, Arkansas 72601-4226 Fax No. (870) 365-8355 No Violations Authorized. 66. Nothing in this Order or the Stipulation shall be construed as allowing the Association, its Board, officers, or employees to violate any law, rule, or regulation. First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 22 of 23

IT IS SO ORDERED. OFFICE OF THRIFT SUPERVISION By: C.K. Lee Regional Director, Western Region Date: See Effective Date on page 1 First Federal Bank Order to Cease and Desist Page 23 of 23

EX-23

EXHIBIT 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 333-135402 on Form S-8 and Registration Statement No. 333-158376 on Form S-3 of our reports dated April 15, 2010, relating to the consolidated financial statements of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc., and the effectiveness of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2009.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Little Rock, AR

April 15, 2010

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14 AND 15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 AND SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Larry J. Brandt, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. (the “Registrant”);

2.Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which  such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.The Registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c)evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The Registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control  over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have  a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	April 15, 2010	/s/ Larry J. Brandt
		Larry J. Brandt
		Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14 AND 15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 AND SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Sherri R. Billings, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. (the “Registrant”);

2.Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which  such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.The Registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

a)designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;

b)designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;

c)evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and

d)disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The Registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control  over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have  a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	April 15, 2010	/s/ Sherri R. Billings
		Sherri R. Billings
		Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)

In connection with the Annual Report of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), the undersigned certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as added by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

a)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

b)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant as of and for the period covered by the Report.

Date:	April 15, 2010	/s/ Larry J. Brandt
		Larry J. Brandt
		Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. 1350)

In connection with the Annual Report of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), the undersigned certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as added by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

a)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

b)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant as of and for the period covered by the Report.

Date:	April 15, 2010	/s/ Sherri R. Billings
		Sherri R. Billings
		Chief Financial Officer

EX-99.1

EXHIBIT 99.1

FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC.

CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Larry J. Brandt, Chief Executive Officer of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, based on my knowledge, that:

(i)	The compensation committee of the Company has discussed, reviewed, and evaluated with senior risk officers at least every six months during the period beginning on September 14, 2009 and ending with the last day of the TARP recipient’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (the applicable period), the senior executive officer (“SEO”) compensation plans and the employee compensation plans and the risks these plans pose to the Company;
(ii)	The compensation committee of the Company has identified and limited during the applicable period any features of the SEO compensation plans that could lead SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that could threaten the value of the Company, and during that same applicable period has identified any features of the employee compensation plans that pose risks to the Company and has limited those features to ensure that the Company is not unnecessarily exposed to risks;
(iii)	The compensation committee has reviewed, at least every six months during the applicable period, the terms of each employee compensation plan and identified any features of the plan that could encourage the manipulation of reported earnings of the Company to enhance the compensation of an employee, and has limited any such features;
(iv)	The compensation committee of the Company will certify to the reviews of the SEO compensation plans and employee compensation plans required under (i) and (iii) above;
(v)	The compensation committee of the Company will provide a narrative description of how it limited during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that included a TARP period the features in
		(A)	SEO compensation plans that could lead SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that could threaten the value of the Company;
		(B)	Employee compensation plans that unnecessarily expose the Company to risks; and
		(C)	Employee compensation plans that could encourage the manipulation of reported earnings of the Company to enhance the compensation of an employee;
(vi)	The Company has required that bonus payments, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA (bonus payments), of the SEOs and twenty next most highly compensated employees be subject to a recovery or “clawback” provision during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period if the bonus payments were based on materially inaccurate financial statements or any other materially inaccurate performance metric criteria;
(vii)	The Company has prohibited any golden parachute payment, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, to a SEO or any of the next five most highly compensated employees during the period beginning on June 15, 2009 and ending with the last day of the TARP recipient’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009;
(viii)	The Company has limited bonus payments to its applicable employees in accordance with section 111 of EESA and the regulations and guidance established thereunder during the period beginning on June 15, 2009 and ending with the last day of the TARP recipient’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009;
(ix)	The board of directors of the Company has established an excessive or luxury expenditures policy, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, by the later of September 14, 2009, or ninety days after the closing date of the agreement between the TARP recipient and Treasury; this policy has been provided to Treasury and its primary regulatory agency; the Company and its employees have complied with this policy during the applicable period; and any expenses that, pursuant to this policy, required approval of

	the board of directors, a committee of the board of directors, an SEO, or an executive officer with a similar level of responsibility were properly approved;
(x)	The Company will permit a non-binding shareholder resolution in compliance with any applicable federal securities rules and regulations on the disclosures provided under the federal securities laws related to SEO compensation paid or accrued during the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009;
(xi)	The Company will disclose the amount, nature, and justification for the offering during the period beginning on June 15, 2009 and ending with the last day of the TARP recipient’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 of any perquisites, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, whose total value exceeds $25,000 for any employee who is subject to the bonus payment limitations identified in paragraph (viii);
(xii)	The Company will disclose whether the Company, the board of directors of the Company, or the compensation committee of the Company has engaged during the period beginning on June 15, 2009 and ending with the last day of the TARP recipient’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, a compensation consultant; and the services the compensation consultant or any affiliate of the compensation consultant provided during this period;
(xiii)	The Company has prohibited the payment of any gross-ups, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, to the SEOs and the next twenty most highly compensated employees during the period beginning on June 15, 2009 and ending with the last day of the TARP recipient’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009;
(xiv)	The Company has substantially complied with all other requirements related to employee compensation that are provided in the agreement between the Company and Treasury, including any amendments;
(xv)	The Company has submitted to Treasury a complete and accurate list of the SEOs and the twenty next most highly compensated employees for the current fiscal year and the most recently completed fiscal year, with the non-SEOs ranked in descending order of level of annual compensation, and with the name, title, and employer of each SEO and most highly compensated employee identified; and
(xvi)	I understand that a knowing and willful false or fraudulent statement made in connection with this certification may be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both. (See, for example, 18 USC 1001).

Date:	March 31, 2010	/s/ Larry J. Brandt
		Larry J. Brandt
		Chief Executive Officer

EX-99.2

EXHIBIT 99.2

FIRST FEDERAL BANCSHARES OF ARKANSAS, INC.

CERTIFICATION OF THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Sherri R. Billings, Chief Financial Officer of First Federal Bancshares of Arkansas, Inc. (the “Company”), certify, based on my knowledge, that:

(i)	The compensation committee of the Company has discussed, reviewed, and evaluated with senior risk officers at least every six months during the period beginning on September 14, 2009 and ending with the last day of the TARP recipient’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 (the applicable period), the senior executive officer (“SEO”) compensation plans and the employee compensation plans and the risks these plans pose to the Company;
(ii)	The compensation committee of the Company has identified and limited during the applicable period any features of the SEO compensation plans that could lead SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that could threaten the value of the Company, and during that same applicable period has identified any features of the employee compensation plans that pose risks to the Company and has limited those features to ensure that the Company is not unnecessarily exposed to risks;
(iii)	The compensation committee has reviewed, at least every six months during the applicable period, the terms of each employee compensation plan and identified any features of the plan that could encourage the manipulation of reported earnings of the Company to enhance the compensation of an employee, and has limited any such features;
(iv)	The compensation committee of the Company will certify to the reviews of the SEO compensation plans and employee compensation plans required under (i) and (iii) above;
(v)	The compensation committee of the Company will provide a narrative description of how it limited during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that included a TARP period the features in
		(A)	SEO compensation plans that could lead SEOs to take unnecessary and excessive risks that could threaten the value of the Company;
		(B)	Employee compensation plans that unnecessarily expose the Company to risks; and
		(C)	Employee compensation plans that could encourage the manipulation of reported earnings of the Company to enhance the compensation of an employee;
(vi)	The Company has required that bonus payments, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA (bonus payments), of the SEOs and twenty next most highly compensated employees be subject to a recovery or “clawback” provision during any part of the most recently completed fiscal year that was a TARP period if the bonus payments were based on materially inaccurate financial statements or any other materially inaccurate performance metric criteria;
(vii)	The Company has prohibited any golden parachute payment, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, to a SEO or any of the next five most highly compensated employees during the period beginning on June 15, 2009 and ending with the last day of the TARP recipient’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009;
(viii)	The Company has limited bonus payments to its applicable employees in accordance with section 111 of EESA and the regulations and guidance established thereunder during the period beginning on June 15, 2009 and ending with the last day of the TARP recipient’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009;
(ix)	The board of directors of the Company has established an excessive or luxury expenditures policy, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, by the later of September 14, 2009, or ninety days after the closing date of the agreement between the TARP recipient and Treasury; this policy has been provided to Treasury and its primary regulatory agency; the Company and its employees have complied with this policy during the applicable period; and any expenses that, pursuant to this policy, required approval of the board of directors, a committee of the board of directors, an SEO, or an executive officer with a similar level of responsibility were properly approved;

	(x)	The Company will permit a non-binding shareholder resolution in compliance with any applicable federal securities rules and regulations on the disclosures provided under the federal securities laws related to SEO compensation paid or accrued during the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009;
	(xi)	The Company will disclose the amount, nature, and justification for the offering during the period beginning on June 15, 2009 and ending with the last day of the TARP recipient’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 of any perquisites, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, whose total value exceeds $25,000 for any employee who is subject to the bonus payment limitations identified in paragraph (viii);
	(xii)	The Company will disclose whether the Company, the board of directors of the Company, or the compensation committee of the Company has engaged during the period beginning on June 15, 2009 and ending with the last day of the TARP recipient’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, a compensation consultant; and the services the compensation consultant or any affiliate of the compensation consultant provided during this period;
	(xiii)	The Company has prohibited the payment of any gross-ups, as defined in the regulations and guidance established under section 111 of EESA, to the SEOs and the next twenty most highly compensated employees during the period beginning on June 15, 2009 and ending with the last day of the TARP recipient’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2009;
	(xiv)	The Company has substantially complied with all other requirements related to employee compensation that are provided in the agreement between the Company and Treasury, including any amendments;
	(xv)	The Company has submitted to Treasury a complete and accurate list of the SEOs and the twenty next most highly compensated employees for the current fiscal year and the most recently completed fiscal year, with the non-SEOs ranked in descending order of level of annual compensation, and with the name, title, and employer of each SEO and most highly compensated employee identified; and
	(xvi)	I understand that a knowing and willful false or fraudulent statement made in connection with this certification may be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both. (See, for example, 18 USC 1001).
Date:		March 31, 2010	/s/ Sherri R. Billings
			Sherri R. Billings
			Chief Financial Officer